Celebrate the Lord through the dance!

2 Timothy 2:15

"Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth"


This weekend I visited a church in Baltimore for a youth event they were having. Apparently, they newly started a dance ministry for the youth and young adults. The young ladies really did a beautiful piece about being renewed and redeemed by Jesus!

What stood out most about this is after they ministered, the pastor discerned that some did not approve of dance in the church or understand it. He took about 5 minutes to explain the biblical significance of dance. He talked particularly about how dance was very important in the bible and the feasts of tabernacle. This is Israel's Thanksgiving feast in which they acknowledge the fall harvest and God' provision. It is a happy celebration and a time of joy and rejoicing (including dance).

I really was glad that the pastor did that and even though everyone may not have received it, I'm sure that others had a better understanding of praise and worship dance and it only took Him 5 minutes! This also made me begin to think, as dance ministers it is our responsibility for us to:

• Know why we praise and worship through dance


• What the word of God (Bible) says about the dance


• Educate the body of Christ on the biblical significance of dance (not a performance).

Amen,Amen, Amen! It is such a joy to dance for Jesus and when we study before we do it, it makes an even greater difference in our worship! Just like pastors, teachers, evangelists, psalmists study before they minister, we must to!

True Worship or True Wanderer...

Worship- A feeling of profound love and admiration. (word net web). Turning our lives toward the One whom we believe to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life (ayneumc.org). Living our lives individually and corporately as living sacrifices to the glory of a person or thing. (theresurgence.com).

Wander- to deviate in conduct, belief, to go astray: to move, pass, or turn idly. to stray from a path, to ramble without a definite purpose or objective.

True- real; genuine; authentic; honest; conforming to or consistent with a standard, pattern, or the like. (dictionary.com).

Happy New Year Everyone!!! So after reading these three definitions, what is your first reaction/thoughts? Lately, I have really been thirsty for a greater understanding of what true worship is and to live a lifestyle of it. You know the worship that Jesus talks about in John 4:23 - 24. I have learned that there have been times when I thought I was worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth (SAT) and indeed, I was not!

The reason why I gave the definition for wandering is because the times that I was not worshipping God in SAT, was because I had strayed from the true purpose and act of worship. We do this often believe it or not. Let me give you a few examples of mistakes we make that cause us to be "true wanderers" instead of "true worshippers":

• Not knowing what worship is and how to worship.
• Not dealing with things in our heart that need to be removed (not repenting).
• To stray from the true purpose and meaning of our existence.
• Putting others or things before God.
• Mastering what looks like worship to others (lifting of hands, dancing, shouting praises), without our hearts even being genuine.
• Thinking that Worship is only limited to songs and emotions.

It is so easy for us to shift our focus from God and onto something else, that's why we must ask Him to help us to fully surrender. Holy Spirit will actually show us those areas that God wants to refine, it's up to us to respond! When we think about it, it truly is an honor for God to desire our worship. Let me repeat that: God in all His greatness and all that He has so freely given us, desires us to worship Him. So, instead of offering up a half-hearted praise or worshipping other things instead of God, lets worship HIM in Spirit and in Truth!

Let me ask you this question: Are you a true worshipper or a true wanderer?