Worship (S.A.T.) Spirit and in Truth!!! - The Shofar
John 4:23-24
23 “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24 “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
God can solve the Identity Crisis
Naturally, a child wants to know where they came from and who they are. For Example, if a child is adopted or raised by family members other than their birth parents, there is just something in them to want to know the "unknown" about themselves.
It can be the same way when we accept the Lord Jesus as our Savior and as we become to know Him, there is this strong desire we have inside of us to know what our purpose is on this Earth and to fulfill it. I think it is beautiful how God has created us: He formed us when we where in our mothers' womb. Isnt that amazing? To know that God literally crafted us and designed us; everything about us in our mothers' womb! Now that's an amazing GOD!
The thing is, sometimes we become frustrated with the process of seeing our dreams realized and walking in the purpose that God has for us. Even if we have identified what our passions and gifts are; if we feel we are not able to use those gifts or passions as much as we would like, it can be discouraging. Then the devil tempts us to compare ourselves to others and even sometimes try to be like someone else. This is not God.
God's plan for our lives far exceeds what anyone else's plan for us (including ourselves) may be. He's not copy cat, only original and He wants the same for us! He has the blueprint for our lives and He knows how to go about the process of seeing it completed and fulfilled.
Nevertheless, Our identity is not in what we do, but we can only be completely fulfilled once we find our identity in Him. He's the one that created us! He is the one who makes us whole. Thank you Jesus!
So, let's make knowing Him our priority and trusting His leading and direction for us. And if you get discouraged, just know that He loves you SO much and His thoughts towards you are many! His love has made us whole!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
David inquired of the Lord…….
1 Samuel 30:8a “and David inquired of the Lord”.
Definition of inquire: to seek to learn by asking: to inquire a person's name. to seek information by questioning; ask.
So, we may know a few things about King David: He went from being a Sheppard boy to a King, defeated that ole Philistine Goliath, committed adultery with Bathsheba, danced before the Lord with all his might, and was a man after God’s own heart! He was an extravagant worshipper!
David had many victories, there is something else that David faithfully did that had to be one of the main reasons for His success; David inquired of the Lord! Whether he was about to go into Battle, someone was plotting to kill him, or needed direction on where to go, instead of taking matters into his own hands, David inquired of the Lord.
One thing that really encourages me about David, although he made mistakes and there were many tests that he had to go through in life, he was so successful at what he did. This encourages me because we don’t have to believe the lies of that sneaky devil when he tries to put condemnation on us because of our past mistakes or his lies that God has left us or is mad at us and we just have to ‘find our own way out”. Not so, David cried out to God and sought Him before He made any major decisions, God gave him direction and He obeyed. He trusted God.
I believe this is the same relationship the Lord wants with us, before we pick up the phone to call mama and them or go over to brotha’s house to see what we should do. We can inquire of the Lord when it’s just Him and us. This is not to say that we shouldn't seek godly counsel, the word makes it clear that it’s okay to do that. However, I know from my own experience sometimes we go to seek what others think we should do, before we even go to our God and that’s if we even seek Him about our situation.
Let's challenge ourselves and learn from David to inquire of the Lord, expect His direction, trust Him and obey. It may not always be easy to truly trust Him. However, He really does know far better than we do, what is best for us and the more we do it, the easier it will be to trust Him. Just like He did with David, He will never fail us. Thank you Jesus!!!
Definition of inquire: to seek to learn by asking: to inquire a person's name. to seek information by questioning; ask.
So, we may know a few things about King David: He went from being a Sheppard boy to a King, defeated that ole Philistine Goliath, committed adultery with Bathsheba, danced before the Lord with all his might, and was a man after God’s own heart! He was an extravagant worshipper!
David had many victories, there is something else that David faithfully did that had to be one of the main reasons for His success; David inquired of the Lord! Whether he was about to go into Battle, someone was plotting to kill him, or needed direction on where to go, instead of taking matters into his own hands, David inquired of the Lord.
One thing that really encourages me about David, although he made mistakes and there were many tests that he had to go through in life, he was so successful at what he did. This encourages me because we don’t have to believe the lies of that sneaky devil when he tries to put condemnation on us because of our past mistakes or his lies that God has left us or is mad at us and we just have to ‘find our own way out”. Not so, David cried out to God and sought Him before He made any major decisions, God gave him direction and He obeyed. He trusted God.
I believe this is the same relationship the Lord wants with us, before we pick up the phone to call mama and them or go over to brotha’s house to see what we should do. We can inquire of the Lord when it’s just Him and us. This is not to say that we shouldn't seek godly counsel, the word makes it clear that it’s okay to do that. However, I know from my own experience sometimes we go to seek what others think we should do, before we even go to our God and that’s if we even seek Him about our situation.
Let's challenge ourselves and learn from David to inquire of the Lord, expect His direction, trust Him and obey. It may not always be easy to truly trust Him. However, He really does know far better than we do, what is best for us and the more we do it, the easier it will be to trust Him. Just like He did with David, He will never fail us. Thank you Jesus!!!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
God has a plan!
I don't believe in coincidences anymore. I truly believe that everywhere we go, the people we meet, the things we witness are all a part of God's plan for our lives. Even when we were doing things that we were not supposed to do, He knew that we would do it before we even did it.
Something I LOVE to do is dance for Jesus! I feel that I could do it all day and night, it's such a blessing that GOD has given us the dance as one way to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth! However, there is a great lesson the Lord has taught me about gifts that He has given us and ministry that He has called us to: we cannot be complacent or get comfortable!
I'll use myself as an example, I remember when God had made it clear to me that I was called to the dance ministry and this is what He wanted me to do. Well, I went full force with studying about it, doing it, learning and sharing with others on it! The I heard that still small voice say, "I want you to sing for me"! I thought, "sing, but I thought you wanted me to dance". He said, "yes, but I want you to sing as well".
One thing about GOD is that when He speaks, if we don't act right away it does not go away! He will send others confirming what He has told us! He did just that for me.
At first I was like, "what in the world! Sing, I only have a choir voice!" Then I had to kindly be reminded that it is not about me, and I just needed to get over myself. It's not about performing, getting hand claps and accolades (this is not to say it's bad to be recognized or honored), but we can't let this be our motive. And I thought since worshipping the Lord through song was something I did not do as well compared to others, that He would never ask me to do it in front of others. Boy was I wrong!
Don't allow yourself to get "stuck" or "limited" by what you do now by putting yourself in a special box. "I'm a preacher, I'm a prophet, I'm a dancer, I'm a Worship leader, etc.". I believe the Lord wants us to say, "Lord, I will be whoever you want me to be, whenever you want me to be". God maybe requiring more in your life. If He is, trust Him. He is the one that wrote out His plan for your life before you were even born and has given you grace to complete that purpose!
Something I LOVE to do is dance for Jesus! I feel that I could do it all day and night, it's such a blessing that GOD has given us the dance as one way to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth! However, there is a great lesson the Lord has taught me about gifts that He has given us and ministry that He has called us to: we cannot be complacent or get comfortable!
I'll use myself as an example, I remember when God had made it clear to me that I was called to the dance ministry and this is what He wanted me to do. Well, I went full force with studying about it, doing it, learning and sharing with others on it! The I heard that still small voice say, "I want you to sing for me"! I thought, "sing, but I thought you wanted me to dance". He said, "yes, but I want you to sing as well".
One thing about GOD is that when He speaks, if we don't act right away it does not go away! He will send others confirming what He has told us! He did just that for me.
At first I was like, "what in the world! Sing, I only have a choir voice!" Then I had to kindly be reminded that it is not about me, and I just needed to get over myself. It's not about performing, getting hand claps and accolades (this is not to say it's bad to be recognized or honored), but we can't let this be our motive. And I thought since worshipping the Lord through song was something I did not do as well compared to others, that He would never ask me to do it in front of others. Boy was I wrong!
Don't allow yourself to get "stuck" or "limited" by what you do now by putting yourself in a special box. "I'm a preacher, I'm a prophet, I'm a dancer, I'm a Worship leader, etc.". I believe the Lord wants us to say, "Lord, I will be whoever you want me to be, whenever you want me to be". God maybe requiring more in your life. If He is, trust Him. He is the one that wrote out His plan for your life before you were even born and has given you grace to complete that purpose!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
In the waiting room (P1)
Have you ever been at the doctor’s office or in a line for something or basically made an appointment and you had to sign in at the waiting room then sit down and wait for your name to be called? This is something I have experienced many times! Sometimes I get seen right away, sometimes I have to wait a little while then I get called, then there are other times where it seems to me like it’s taking far too long. In these moments, I normally start questioning if I maybe missed my name being called or if they forgot about me or I even go up to the front desk letting them know “I’m still here……waiting”! Don’t even get me started about when we start seeing other people get their names called and you think to yourself, “Now, I know I was here before they were”!!! Lol, it’s kinda funny how we can behave while waiting, but it is not easy or desired most of the time. However, the bible gives us some instruction on waiting and does not really make it seem like a bad thing to do. I mean, truth be told we all are waiting for something even if it’s for tomorrow to come.
Habakkuk 2:3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Lamentations 3:25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.
Psalm 52:9 I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.
Now, these scriptures have some precious promises from our Lord! However, what’s really most important is WHAT we are waiting on or WHO we are waiting for. When we wait on people or even things to happen we will become frustrated often. But when we wait in the Lord who is our peace, our joy, our provider, our King that’s when we are able to rest in waiting for Him.
Who knows anyway, your name may be the very next one to be called!
Habakkuk 2:3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Lamentations 3:25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.
Psalm 52:9 I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.
Now, these scriptures have some precious promises from our Lord! However, what’s really most important is WHAT we are waiting on or WHO we are waiting for. When we wait on people or even things to happen we will become frustrated often. But when we wait in the Lord who is our peace, our joy, our provider, our King that’s when we are able to rest in waiting for Him.
Who knows anyway, your name may be the very next one to be called!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
MORE...
Have you ever been in a place of wanting more of the presence of God? I mean a place where no song or dance could take you. I love worshiping the Lord through song and dance, but these are expressions of worship. Here I am in my room at almost midnight on Monday morning, yearning for the presence of God so much that I don't even know what to do or say. It's not that He's not here, it's just that I want more of Him.
What worked last month, won't work today, I need more. So what's my part Lord? What do I need to do to get that connection with you again? Sunday mornings is not enough, the mid-week service is not enough, the moments when I'm in desperate need of something is not enough. This used to be enough. But my heart wants more, of you. I know that you want more of me.
True worship, true relationship. Not just for form or fashion. Not just when others are around or when I need something from you. But a true love relationship with you! I need it Father, I can't make it without you!
What worked last month, won't work today, I need more. So what's my part Lord? What do I need to do to get that connection with you again? Sunday mornings is not enough, the mid-week service is not enough, the moments when I'm in desperate need of something is not enough. This used to be enough. But my heart wants more, of you. I know that you want more of me.
True worship, true relationship. Not just for form or fashion. Not just when others are around or when I need something from you. But a true love relationship with you! I need it Father, I can't make it without you!
Monday, May 9, 2011
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:
"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!
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