House on Fire...

I know what you have done, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. But since you are lukewarm and not hot or cold, I’m going to spit you out of my mouth.  You say, ‘I’m rich. I’m wealthy. I don’t need anything.’ Yet, you do not realize that you are miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.  I advise you: Buy gold purified in fire from me so that you may be rich. Buy white clothes from me. Wear them so that you may keep your shameful, naked body from showing. Buy ointment to put on your eyes so that you may see.  I correct and discipline everyone I love. Take this seriously, and change the way you think and act.  Look, I’m standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I’ll come in and we’ll eat together. ~ Rev. 3:15-20 (GW)

 a house is on fire
and its foundation is burning to the ground
its frame engulfed by flames...
like Ichabod the glory has departed from its inner chambers
and its honor is long gone
respect has been destroyed
its faith has fallen out of context with reality
souls are dying inside of well -dressed bodies on display
with camera ready smiles on cue
but who is watching TV when the TV is really watching you?
people are tired of the games, the show and fakery
money changing hands like dozens at the bakery
going through the routine with nothing ever changing
except for the scenery
God is judging his people
from the pulpit to the walls
His spirit is grieved for us
because we fail to recognize and follow His way
we make mockery of His words and use them for unjust gain
mega ministers backslidden and living in sin behind closed doors
trying to decide which side of the fence to play on
being blindly followed by those who only shout and say "Amen"
with no real respect for holy things or love for others
titles have taken the place for real power
the hungry are expected to feed themselves
and blamed for their own demise
spirituality is just a game we play to get by
while the children are lost and forgotten
you have been commanded to care for the sheep
and devour them instead
a house is on fire
it’s just a social institution
a meeting place
a breakfast with no prayer at a table with no meal
a gathering with no oil
no real word
and a place to wander in and out of freely with no purpose
but remember that time is running out and this world will pass away
eternity waits at the end…
and where will you be then?

selah

In The Vineyard...

The Sovereign Lord has taught me what to say, so that I can strengthen the weary. Every morning He makes me eager to hear what He is going to teach me. - Isaiah 50:4 (GNT)

      In the past few years, many churches have become increasingly "seeker sensitive" instead of Holy Spirit sensitive, and there is no real word from God. So, the seekers are going elsewhere to get their life questions answered. Some churches have become more interested in attracting large crowds and getting large offerings than speaking to people's concerns, and hurting people are coming into the church, hopeless, oppressed, discouraged, depressed, confused, and going out the same way. Why? Because the God is not allowed to be in charge of His own house. The Lord knows everyone by name, He knows exactly where they are in life, what they need, and how to speak to them. He has called us to be avaiable to communicate His Good News to them, speak life to them, show them love, and show them a better way to live through His Word.

“The Lord’s Spirit has come to me, because he has chosen me to tell the Good News to the poor. The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to free everyone who suffers, and to say: 'This is the year the Lord has chosen'" ~ Luke 4:18-19 (CEV)

~~~~~

It shall come to pass in that day
That his burden will be taken away from your shoulder,
And his yoke from your neck,And the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil.~ Isaiah 10:27 (NKJV)

     What does that mean for us as worship leaders? That means that we have to take the time to find out what song or music God wants to speak through, and not just choose the song that will move the crowd because it's popular, or because it's our favorite. If we have a choice of music, then we must take time to ask God what the appropriate song will be to meet the needs of those who are present. That may mean that we may have to listen to several songs and do some research before making a decision, but true ministry is always about serving others, not ourselves. People come into churches with all kinds of spiritual, mental, and physical conditions that they can't share with anyone. God may reveal some things, but it is impossible for us to know what is going on with each individual. If we allow God to lead us, He will give us a message that will speak to the audience at large, in many different ways. That may mean that we won't be able to do our favorite choreography, jump, grand jete or freestyle move, if He wants to speak through a simple gesture that will destroy a yoke of bondage from somebody's life that will enable them to receive God's word in a way that they had never seen it before!

"[...art often bypasses the intellect and speaks to the heart rather then the head, leaving the viewer to discover their own meanings and interpretations." ~ Brian Giberson, Visual Artist*

     We have to be more concerned for what God wants than with our need to be seen, heard, recognized or applauded. Remember... we are not here for ourselves, we are here because God thought enough of us to invite us to work with Him, and He is in charge of His vineyard.

____________________________

Notes: *Art Philosophy, Brian Giberson: http://www.indigolights.com/art/artist-biography.html

The Ministry of Ministry

If we are to assume our position in the kingdom as sacred dancers, we must embrace the reality that we are called to bring healing, salvation, prophetic revelation and joy to the world through the sacred use of our bodies.~Author Unknown

 

     I was recently in a popular budget dancewear store, and overheard the following conversation between a young lady and an older woman who were rummaging through the piles of dance clothes:

YL: "...But I don't want to give her my skirt!"

OW: "You can't fit it anymore, and I already cut it so what are you going to do with it?"

YL: (no response, rolls her eyes, arms folded)

OW: "Well, if you aren't going to help me look, you need to go get back into the car. This is for you"

YL: "I don't want to!"

    You can probably see where this was going. Not wanting to get in the middle of their conflict, I waited to see if the Lord would lead me to say anything or to simply be quiet and keep looking for what I wanted. After a long period of silence and an increasingly growing pile of dance clothes, I asked the older woman if I could switch places with her and continue to look for my items. Then the Lord led me to speak to the young lady, and ask her where she danced, etc. and the older woman said that she was the choreographer at her church. I felt so sad for her, because she was so angry and wouldn't even look me in the eye or talk to me when I was speaking to her. The young lady was still standing there with her arms folded, and rolling her eyes at the older woman when I left.

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. ~ 2 Tim. 2:24-25 (NLT)

    Without knowing the back story of what was going on, it's not fair for me to make a judgement about the situation, but I came away from there with the understanding  that there is so much more to the dance ministry than just the dance. Everything that we do is connected to it, even those things that we feel are a waste of our time. From sorting through clothing, finding music, and to the ways in which we respond to other people around us, is all part of ministry. The truth is, we could find anyone from the street, teach them a dance, dress them up to present a piece somewhere and they would probably do a wonderful job, but unless God was in it, it wouldn't matter. We often spend so much time on externals, and our hearts are not right. We're so busy looking for just the right garments, the right song, and the right steps to move the crowd that we have forgotten about The One in whom we live, move, and have our existence. Some of us are rude, bitter, competitive, abusive, and jealous of anyone we think wants our position. Some of us operate in fear of man, and will think nothing of sacrificing those around us to keep or gain their approval. Many others are so determined to get recognition in the dance ministry circuit that we form all kinds of pseudo-alliances and run behind whomever is the most popular, saying "Amen" to their every social network post, just to say that we are friends with them, when they don't even know our names...really?

No one from the east or the west
or from the desert can exalt themselves.
 It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. ~ Psalms 75:6-7 (NIV)

     Worshipers, no matter how young or how old we are, there is no ministry if we only see what we do as an activity, a hobby, or a job. Just because we call something a ministry, doesn't mean that God says the same thing. Doing an activity in a church building does not qualify what we do as ministry. Anyone can dance, or even teach others to dance, but once we bring it into the sanctuary as an offering to God, everything changes. Let's start examining our lifestyles, our habits, and our attitudes. Do they agree with God's Word? Are we concerned about the children and teenagers enough to encourage them in the right ways, or do we just want to keep them busy in church? Are we showing them good examples of Godly behavior at all times, or do we act one way at the church, and another way when we leave? Children know, see, recall and imitate whatever is shown to them. And remember, that once we answer the call of the Lord, everything that we do is connected with our ministry, which is our service to Him and to humanity.

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. ~ Rev. 3: 7-8 (NIV)

     I don't know whatever happened with that young lady, but I often think of her and wonder how she is doing,  and pray that she and others will one day understand the true meaning of ministry.

Selah...

     *If anyone knows of author of that profound quotation, please comment so that they can be given the proper credit here.

Just Like David!

...When the men carrying the Ark of the Lord had walked six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fat calf. Then David danced with all his might before the Lord. He had on a holy linen vest. David and all the Israelites shouted with joy and blew the trumpets as they brought the Ark of the Lord to the city.~ 2 Samuel 6: 13-15 (NCV)

There are many Godly men dancing for Christ, as quiet as it's kept. Although we always see the women giving thanks and praise, the men aren't always noticed. But when we do see them, they dance with all their might, just like David did. Many churches who still only view dance as an activity and not a ministry of worship to God are not sure about allowing men to dance, because they still associate it with being feminine or frivolous. But if we read the Word, we see that David was a worshiper who rejoiced and gave praise to the Lord, because of the ark that carried the presence of the Lord was being brought into the city.  David didn't dance to entertain the people, he danced from a greatful heart and also gave burnt offerings to the Lord and blessed the people with food.

David put up a tent for the Ark of the Lord, and then the Israelites put it in its place inside the tent. David offered whole burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the Lord. When David finished offering the whole burnt offerings and the fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord All-Powerful. David gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins to every Israelite, both men and women.  Then all the people went home.~ 2 Samuel 6: 17-19 (NCV)

There is something very powerful about seeing a man dance for God! It has nothing to do with him experimenting with his feminine side, but has everything to do with him being free to praise the Lord with his entire being. So...let the men dance, just like David did!

Enjoy the dance ministry from the men of Caanan Baptist Church of Christ, in NY:

Don't Give Up!

"...Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!”

~ 1 Kings 19:18 (NLT)

Have you ever felt like giving up, or walking away and never looking back from the worship arts ministry due to all of the competition, compromise, and other ungodly behavior that you have witnessed?  Do you feel that participating in dance, drama or music ministries is just not worth it anymore because of being mistreated, taken for granted, disrespected, or intimidated?  What about being:

• persecuted
• ostracized
• criticized
• exploited
• lied on
• talked about
• excluded
• humiliated
• threatened
• etc...

Guess what...you're in good company! Elijah the prophet was on a mission from God. He challenged the prophets of Baal to see who the true and Living God was, and destroyed them and their altars. When Ahab's wife, Queen Jezebel learned of this, she threatened him with death...and Elijah went on the run. Queen Jezebel's goal was to overthrow the worship of God, and would destroy anyone who got in her way:

When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal.  So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.”

 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there.  Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” 1 Kings 19: 1-4 (NLT)

Imagine for a moment, what Elisha must have been feeling. He had done everything that God commanded, and was now running from Jezebel's threats. He knew that she was very capable of making good on them, and went to find shelter in a cave. But look at God's response:

[...And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

 He replied again, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”

 Then the Lord told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram.  Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet.  Anyone who escapes from Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will be killed by Elisha!  Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!"~ 1 Kings 19: 13-18 (NLT)

Stand for Something!

Therefore, pick up the full armor of God so that you can stand your ground on the evil day and after you have done everything possible to still stand.
~ Eph. 6:13 (CEB)

"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything".  How many times did we hear that statement, growing up? We first had to learn what we believed was right, and then stick by it when we faced the pull of gravity from peer pressure, cultural mores, personal dilemmas and even religious standards. Sometimes, we were able to resist, sometimes we gave in. So, how do we now stand?

Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands.~ Proverbs 7:1 (NLT)

We are living in a time when values are being tested on a daily basis, many times having to choose between standing up for our beliefs, and holding onto something that we have worked hard to achieve. We often say: "I'll never do that..." but reality always checks us when whenever we are faced with a situation that requires us to either speak up or speak out from our heart with no one to support us, even if they are standing by, witnessing the attack that has been waged against us. It is then that we learn not only what we really believe, but who our real comrades in the faith are.

...Jesus asked them, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me?  Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there among you teaching every day. But these things are happening to fulfill what the Scriptures say about me.”  Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away.

~ Mark 14: 48-50 (NLT)

When you stand up for what you believe is right, you may not get what you want. In fact, you may lose everything, and be left standing alone. It's why wars have been fought, lives have been lost, nations have been formed and destroyed, and laws have been changed or abolished. Standing up for your beliefs takes courage, because the outcome may be uncertain. But whatever the cost, it's worth having principles strong enough to stand on.  So...Stand!

Do You Have His Attention? Pt. 2

You are of purer eyes than to behold evil,
And cannot look on wickedness.
Why do You look on those who deal treacherously,
And hold Your tongue when the wicked devours a person more righteous than he? ~ Hab. 1:13 (NKJV)

     In Part 1 of our discussion, we talked about Cain's offering and why it was unacceptable to God, because of the condition of his heart. We also learned that just as it was with Cain, it's possible for God to hate what we do for Him, if we have sin in our hearts. In these times when worship arts sometimes become more focused on the presentation than the message, how do we stay focused on the Lord, and keep His attention on us? How do stay out of the many traps and snares that the enemy has planned for us?

     The first and most important way to stay free from the enemy's traps is through prayer. Prayer is our first line of communication line with God, and without a prayer life, we have no ministry. Through prayer, we can find out what the enemy's next move is, and get His guidance on how to handle, stop, or navigate around it. Another way is to be mindful of what we say. Sometimes, we casually say things that can be misunderstood, or we speak to the wrong people about things that are going on. Also be careful of competition, and trying to outdo others. God is not judging whose praise is the best, He receives all praise that comes from pure hearts! If the band changes the music or switches songs, keep it moving and don't complain about how "they messed us up".  Speak kindly to others in your group, respect them at all times. Remember, what you have to say is never more important than the person you are speaking to; that goes for members as well as leaders. Don't look down on those who are less skilled than you are, instead, look for ways to befriend them, and offer to share your knowledge. If others have more abilities than you, introduce yourself and find out how you can learn from them.

...But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't look at how handsome Eliab is or how tall he is, because I have not chosen him. God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart"~I Samuel 16:7 (NCV)

     This is God's work, and we're all on the same team! There is no place for striving in the Kingdom. If we are worshiping and sharing the Good News of Christ through our gifts and talents, we can all have God's attention, at the same time.

Please enjoy this group of dancers from different ministries who worked together to present a beautiful worship piece: