God is seeking worshipers, not singers, dancers, musicians, etc. but worshipers who worship with their lives - daily & consistently thru prayer, fellowship, studying and obeying God's Word - worshiping in the "valley" and difficult experiences of life, as well as on the "mountaintop" (when all is going well). Often, we do not know if we are a true worshiper until our faith has been tested, and we pass the test by still choosing to worship God irregardless of our circumstances. Real worshipers desire for you to worship God with them, but they will still worship God even if no one else is worshiping with them. Worship is not emotionalism either (even though we can experience God's presence touching our emotions and worship does evoke outward expressions -- from being still, bowing down, to shedding a tear, to lifting your hands, singing, dancing, etc.)! Real worship in spirit and truth - is based in really knowing The Truth - knowing Jesus intimately thru His Word. Real worship in spirit is the opposite of "in the flesh" or just for show or for performance for others; instead, it is birthed out of walking in the spirit, through a close, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
John 4:23-24
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. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
Showing posts with label RESTORATION ARTS DANCE (RAD) WEEKLY NOTES. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RESTORATION ARTS DANCE (RAD) WEEKLY NOTES. Show all posts
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Are you prepared for "such a time as this"?
Here is the way God always works - we prepare first and then He opens the doors - not the other way around. We are to prepare and be ready even when we do not see any door yet open! That is called faith in what God has purposed in your heart and called you to do and be about! In the world, often it is the opposite from the way things operate in the kingdom of God. As dancers and artists and performers, sometimes, we are used to having people ask us to prepare in advance for a certain event or "performance" and so we are eager to commit. If God is truly calling you to worship Him with your gifts, your talents, your dance, your art, there will always be a sacrificial time of preparation, and, often, you will not know what God has in mind or how He desires to use you, but you answer "the call" by faith (this may involve setting some other things in your life aside even for just a season?). We know we have all already been blessed just by our gathering together as a group of "Restoration Artists" to worship, to pray, to grow, to encourage each other, to be stretched to move spontaneously, etc. God is pleased when we are content with just being in His presence - for that purpose alone - playing at His feet, dancing, loving and worshiping Him (just as little children do in the presence of God - we have to become as a little child & keep that in mind)! God is our audience of One. I believe He desires to be the "first place" audience (if you will) before He allows us to have any other audience (especially in the area of praise and worship) - because it cannot be a show for others - it must be worship unto Him! Be reminded that God knows the times and seasons of our lives and He planted you at this place and time in history for "such a time as this". You might just be the one, even as a youth, that God desires to move through to inspire another to answer "the call" to use their gifts solely for God's glory. Sometimes, we think - "I am waiting on God to open up a door", but, perhaps(?), God is waiting on you, so He can open up His divine door at the right time.
Romans 12:1-2 (NLT) - And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
This passage tells us to present our bodies - our whole selves unto God - which is just considered what is our "reasonable act of service" (NKJV) or "spiritual worship" and then, we will know what is God's perfect and pleasing will. We are not told that God will tell or show us completely and specifically all He has planned or prepared or desires us to experience or walk in, or reveal His sovereign will for our lives first, and then we can present ourselves to Him - but, instead, we are told to present ourselves or "offer" ourselves to Him first and then some things will become known or revealed (some doors might begin to open as He leads, etc.). This goes beyond meaning just our hearts, our devotion, our worship, etc., but it truly means all of who we are, and that includes our gifts and abilities that all come from Him!
Keep moving in Him - In Him, we live and move and have our being... Acts 17:28
Jennifer
"All things are from Him and through Him and to Him, to Him be the glory forever! Amen." Romans 11:36
Romans 12:1-2 (NLT) - And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
This passage tells us to present our bodies - our whole selves unto God - which is just considered what is our "reasonable act of service" (NKJV) or "spiritual worship" and then, we will know what is God's perfect and pleasing will. We are not told that God will tell or show us completely and specifically all He has planned or prepared or desires us to experience or walk in, or reveal His sovereign will for our lives first, and then we can present ourselves to Him - but, instead, we are told to present ourselves or "offer" ourselves to Him first and then some things will become known or revealed (some doors might begin to open as He leads, etc.). This goes beyond meaning just our hearts, our devotion, our worship, etc., but it truly means all of who we are, and that includes our gifts and abilities that all come from Him!
Keep moving in Him - In Him, we live and move and have our being... Acts 17:28
Jennifer
"All things are from Him and through Him and to Him, to Him be the glory forever! Amen." Romans 11:36
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
WORSHIP IS WARFARE!
March 4, 2010
Worship is Warfare (not worry, doubt and fear).
Worship is our battle position!
Read 2 Chronicles 20:14-25. Jehoshaphat took his battle position of worship (bowing down). When they obeyed God's battle plan to praise and worship, their enemies were defeated and destroyed. Often, when we face trials, difficulties, opposition, etc. our response is to become burdened, fearful, worried, and just want to give up, but, especially in the battles that are really not ours to fight, we are to keep our focus on our Mighty God and to continue to praise and worship Him in the midst of the battle and no matter what our circumstances look like (we are to live and walk by faith and not by sight - 2 Corinthians 5:7).
When we begin to feel overwhelmed or depressed from a situation, Isaiah 61:3 tells us to "put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness..."
Worship is Warfare (not worry, doubt and fear).
Worship is our battle position!
Read 2 Chronicles 20:14-25. Jehoshaphat took his battle position of worship (bowing down). When they obeyed God's battle plan to praise and worship, their enemies were defeated and destroyed. Often, when we face trials, difficulties, opposition, etc. our response is to become burdened, fearful, worried, and just want to give up, but, especially in the battles that are really not ours to fight, we are to keep our focus on our Mighty God and to continue to praise and worship Him in the midst of the battle and no matter what our circumstances look like (we are to live and walk by faith and not by sight - 2 Corinthians 5:7).
When we begin to feel overwhelmed or depressed from a situation, Isaiah 61:3 tells us to "put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness..."
FREEDOM IS THE WORD FOR THIS TIME!
February 25, 2010
RAD WEEKLY NOTES: FREEDOM
Freedom - the quality or state of being free; liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another
Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. NIV
Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. The Message
John 8:31-32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 14:6
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
Know Truth - Know Freedom
No Truth - No Freedom
Make sure you are not enslaved in some areas you might not have thought about - especially as an artist - are you enslaved to perfectionism or to performance (performing for others)?, what others think of your dance, your artwork, etc. or are you satisfied with what you have created by the enabling of God’s gifting in and through you?
2 Peter 2:19
They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
There are a lot of “freedom” promises in our culture through advertisements, etc., but, most often, through enticements which are self-focused, they lead to further bondage or entrapment to some thing or desire.
Freedom costs - Shake off what others think - be more concerned about pleasing God than others.
Fight for freedom - There is often a battle - Jesus paid the price for our freedom, but the enemy does not want you to get free or stay free - the opposite of truth is a lie (the enemy is the Father of lies (John 8:44) & he will speak lies to you to hinder your freedom).
Press into freedom through getting in the presence of God.
A few freedom killers:
1) Comparison - In looks, gifts, abilities, financial status, etc. etc. (desiring to be like someone else more than being confident in who you are in Christ)
2) Compromise - not fully surrendering every part of yourself to God - is your heart’s affection divided or is Jesus truly the first love in your life (Romans 12:1-2; Mark 12:30)
3) Fear of Man more than fear/reverence for God and desire to honor and obey Him. (Proverbs 29:25 - Fear of man is a snare or a trap. Acts 5:29 - We should obey God rather than men.)
2 Corinthians 3:17
Where the Spirit of the Lord is - there is FREEDOM!
Jesus said in Luke 4:18-19:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”
When you walk in freedom, you can then be used to help others be free.
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
Ephesians 3:12
In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
YOU ARE FREE TO BE WHO GOD CREATED YOU TO BE - HIS ONE OF A KIND MASTERPIECE!
“For we are God’s masterpiece…“ Ephesians 2:10 NLT
{What makes a piece of art a masterpiece or a collector’s item - it is an individual and unique creation of the artist - it is not like any other piece of art the artist has created - it is special and beautiful to behold - you are the unique work of art created by the Master Artist/Creator of the Universe.}
YOU ARE FREE TO RUN, FREE TO DANCE and FREE TO LIVE FOR GOD!
RAD WEEKLY NOTES: FREEDOM
Freedom - the quality or state of being free; liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another
Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. NIV
Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. The Message
John 8:31-32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 14:6
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
Know Truth - Know Freedom
No Truth - No Freedom
Make sure you are not enslaved in some areas you might not have thought about - especially as an artist - are you enslaved to perfectionism or to performance (performing for others)?, what others think of your dance, your artwork, etc. or are you satisfied with what you have created by the enabling of God’s gifting in and through you?
2 Peter 2:19
They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
There are a lot of “freedom” promises in our culture through advertisements, etc., but, most often, through enticements which are self-focused, they lead to further bondage or entrapment to some thing or desire.
Freedom costs - Shake off what others think - be more concerned about pleasing God than others.
Fight for freedom - There is often a battle - Jesus paid the price for our freedom, but the enemy does not want you to get free or stay free - the opposite of truth is a lie (the enemy is the Father of lies (John 8:44) & he will speak lies to you to hinder your freedom).
Press into freedom through getting in the presence of God.
A few freedom killers:
1) Comparison - In looks, gifts, abilities, financial status, etc. etc. (desiring to be like someone else more than being confident in who you are in Christ)
2) Compromise - not fully surrendering every part of yourself to God - is your heart’s affection divided or is Jesus truly the first love in your life (Romans 12:1-2; Mark 12:30)
3) Fear of Man more than fear/reverence for God and desire to honor and obey Him. (Proverbs 29:25 - Fear of man is a snare or a trap. Acts 5:29 - We should obey God rather than men.)
2 Corinthians 3:17
Where the Spirit of the Lord is - there is FREEDOM!
Jesus said in Luke 4:18-19:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”
When you walk in freedom, you can then be used to help others be free.
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
Ephesians 3:12
In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
YOU ARE FREE TO BE WHO GOD CREATED YOU TO BE - HIS ONE OF A KIND MASTERPIECE!
“For we are God’s masterpiece…“ Ephesians 2:10 NLT
{What makes a piece of art a masterpiece or a collector’s item - it is an individual and unique creation of the artist - it is not like any other piece of art the artist has created - it is special and beautiful to behold - you are the unique work of art created by the Master Artist/Creator of the Universe.}
YOU ARE FREE TO RUN, FREE TO DANCE and FREE TO LIVE FOR GOD!
RESTORATION & RADICAL WORSHIP
February 4, 2010
Restoration Arts Dance
(RAD) - RADICAL WORSHIP THRU dance!
Romans 11:36 - For From Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen
Revelation 4:11 - Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.
God created you to bring Him glory - every part of you. Every gift He gave you, etc.
God alone restores us - He restores my soul - Psalm 23:3 (He will guide us in the paths of righteousness for His names’ sake - it’s all for His glory.)
Restoration - definition
1) the act of restoring; renewal, revival, or reestablishment.
2) the state or fact of being restored.
3) a return of something to a former, original, normal, or unimpaired condition.
4) restitution of something taken away or lost.
5) something that is restored, as by renovating.
6) a reconstruction or reproduction of an ancient building, extinct animal, or the like, showing it in its original state.
7) a putting back into a former position, dignity, etc.
Radical - definition
1) of or going to the root or origin; fundamental: a radical difference
2) Thoroughgoing or extreme, esp. as regards change from accepted or traditional forms
Most of the arts, a lot of dance, etc. is typically for the purpose of entertainment, being enjoyable to participate in and observe, pleasing to the eye, bringing glory to the artist (for their talent and training, etc.) - it is radical to think of worshiping God thru dance (this is opposite from the way our culture thinks, but we are not called to be like the world - Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:9).
We can receive restoration in God’s presence through worship! (Psalm 16:11; Psalm 22:3)
God wants to restore us to bring Him glory in everything and to restore freedom and worship in His house (first in us individually and within the whole body of Christ). We (the church) can then be used to reveal God’s glory and light to the lost people around us who need salvation and restoration.
Acts 15:16-17 (and Amos 9:11)
AFTER THESE THINGS I WILL RETURN, AND I WILL REBUILD THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID WHICH HAS FALLEN, AND I WILL REBUILD ITS RUINS,AND I WILL RESTORE IT, SO THAT THE REST OF MANKIND MAY SEEK THE LORD,AND ALL THE GENTILES WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME.
Much of the arts, dance, etc. does not bring honor and glory to God, nor is much of it used to bring people to God - our focus will first be to offer ourselves fully to God in worship and, as a result, then bring glory and honor to the God who created everything for His purpose and His glory alone.
God is seeking worshipers (not just dancers, musicians, artists, etc.)
John 4:23-24 (CEV) - But a time is coming, and it is already here! Even now the true worshipers are being led by the Spirit to worship the Father according to the truth. These are the ones the Father is seeking to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship God must be led by the Spirit to worship Him according to the truth.
What does it mean to worship in spirit and in truth? We must know the Truth (Jesus) and be following and obeying the truth of His Word in our everyday lives. Jesus and His Word are one in the same (He is the word made flesh - John 1). In other words, we cannot be following the ways of the world (and culture) and be worshiping in spirit and in truth. We will not worship something or someone we do not love, and we cannot love someone whom we do not know (true worship is born out of knowing God through consistent fellowship with Him, and loving God with all our heart, soul, mind & strength (Mark 12:30). True worship comes from the heart, from the inside out, not just going through the motions (singing songs, dancing, etc.) (Mark 7:6 - “…..These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8; Matthew 23:27)
Worshipers vs. Performers:
Performers are typically self-confident (this is the world’s way) and are usually mostly interested in pleasing their audience and receiving all the praise. Worshipers are confident in God and in the power of His Holy Spirit to work through them and are focused on pleasing God (not man) - God is the true worshiper‘s audience). True worshipers desire that others join with them in praise and worship, but will still worship God boldly even if no one else joins them. True God worshipers know Who they are worshiping and knowing “The Truth” brings freedom (from what others think, etc.). “True worshipers” worship from the heart, and are not just going through the motions.
Worship - Definition
Extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object (or person) of esteem
WORSHIP IS A LIFESTYLE
(Romans 12:1-2)
WORSHIP IS WARFARE
(2 Chronicles 20:15-30; Acts 16:25-26)
WORSHIP IS FREEDOM
(John 8:32; Galatians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 3:17)
(THE ANTEDOTE TO BONDAGE IS WORSHIP)
Restoration Arts Dance
(RAD) - RADICAL WORSHIP THRU dance!
Romans 11:36 - For From Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen
Revelation 4:11 - Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.
God created you to bring Him glory - every part of you. Every gift He gave you, etc.
God alone restores us - He restores my soul - Psalm 23:3 (He will guide us in the paths of righteousness for His names’ sake - it’s all for His glory.)
Restoration - definition
1) the act of restoring; renewal, revival, or reestablishment.
2) the state or fact of being restored.
3) a return of something to a former, original, normal, or unimpaired condition.
4) restitution of something taken away or lost.
5) something that is restored, as by renovating.
6) a reconstruction or reproduction of an ancient building, extinct animal, or the like, showing it in its original state.
7) a putting back into a former position, dignity, etc.
Radical - definition
1) of or going to the root or origin; fundamental: a radical difference
2) Thoroughgoing or extreme, esp. as regards change from accepted or traditional forms
Most of the arts, a lot of dance, etc. is typically for the purpose of entertainment, being enjoyable to participate in and observe, pleasing to the eye, bringing glory to the artist (for their talent and training, etc.) - it is radical to think of worshiping God thru dance (this is opposite from the way our culture thinks, but we are not called to be like the world - Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:9).
We can receive restoration in God’s presence through worship! (Psalm 16:11; Psalm 22:3)
God wants to restore us to bring Him glory in everything and to restore freedom and worship in His house (first in us individually and within the whole body of Christ). We (the church) can then be used to reveal God’s glory and light to the lost people around us who need salvation and restoration.
Acts 15:16-17 (and Amos 9:11)
AFTER THESE THINGS I WILL RETURN, AND I WILL REBUILD THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID WHICH HAS FALLEN, AND I WILL REBUILD ITS RUINS,AND I WILL RESTORE IT, SO THAT THE REST OF MANKIND MAY SEEK THE LORD,AND ALL THE GENTILES WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME.
Much of the arts, dance, etc. does not bring honor and glory to God, nor is much of it used to bring people to God - our focus will first be to offer ourselves fully to God in worship and, as a result, then bring glory and honor to the God who created everything for His purpose and His glory alone.
God is seeking worshipers (not just dancers, musicians, artists, etc.)
John 4:23-24 (CEV) - But a time is coming, and it is already here! Even now the true worshipers are being led by the Spirit to worship the Father according to the truth. These are the ones the Father is seeking to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship God must be led by the Spirit to worship Him according to the truth.
What does it mean to worship in spirit and in truth? We must know the Truth (Jesus) and be following and obeying the truth of His Word in our everyday lives. Jesus and His Word are one in the same (He is the word made flesh - John 1). In other words, we cannot be following the ways of the world (and culture) and be worshiping in spirit and in truth. We will not worship something or someone we do not love, and we cannot love someone whom we do not know (true worship is born out of knowing God through consistent fellowship with Him, and loving God with all our heart, soul, mind & strength (Mark 12:30). True worship comes from the heart, from the inside out, not just going through the motions (singing songs, dancing, etc.) (Mark 7:6 - “…..These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8; Matthew 23:27)
Worshipers vs. Performers:
Performers are typically self-confident (this is the world’s way) and are usually mostly interested in pleasing their audience and receiving all the praise. Worshipers are confident in God and in the power of His Holy Spirit to work through them and are focused on pleasing God (not man) - God is the true worshiper‘s audience). True worshipers desire that others join with them in praise and worship, but will still worship God boldly even if no one else joins them. True God worshipers know Who they are worshiping and knowing “The Truth” brings freedom (from what others think, etc.). “True worshipers” worship from the heart, and are not just going through the motions.
Worship - Definition
Extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object (or person) of esteem
WORSHIP IS A LIFESTYLE
(Romans 12:1-2)
WORSHIP IS WARFARE
(2 Chronicles 20:15-30; Acts 16:25-26)
WORSHIP IS FREEDOM
(John 8:32; Galatians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 3:17)
(THE ANTEDOTE TO BONDAGE IS WORSHIP)
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