ARE YOU TOO BUSY?

God will get our attention one way or another. Here is a little story that I thought would be a great reminder for us to make time for God.

 

 

 

 

The Master called my name one day because He needed someone to do a special job.

I said "Lord, in my spare time, between school, spending time with my husband, working from 8 to 6, and trying to coordinate a program for my community to help our children do better, I will help you look. See, I know I can't go right now cause I have so much to do."

He said, "Well, where shall I find such a person? I thought I saw your name on my list of available people."

"Well Lord, that was the prayer that I prayed last year, but since then, things have changed."

He said, "Like what?"

"Well I'm working on my Ph.D. and I'm needed by so many people and my husband is always wanting something done, and on top of that my community EXPECTS me to help and give to them so..."

"Well, seeing that you're busy, I'll let you go, but we will talk again, if YOU have some time."

I went on through the days, and the weeks, and the months completing my task as always. One evening, while studying for my comp exams, I received a call from the hospital concerning my husband. He had been in a terrible accident and was in critical condition. I dropped everything and ran to the hospital where I found my husband hanging on for dear life.

I immediately begin to pray "Lord, don't take him now, I can't bare it."
But my prayer echoed off the wall and returned into mine own ear.
That next morning I left the hospital tired and weary, and walked in the door of my classroom just in time to begin my comps. As the professors begin asking me questions, I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

In my mind, I begin praying, praying hard, but my prayer echoed again and I found myself upset at God because he was no where to be found.
I could not explain to them what was happening.

After leaving from my exams, I called into work because I was so distraught at all that was going on. I explained to my supervisor what had happened and she demanded that I take some time off.

After visiting my husband in the hospital that evening, I went home and fell into a sunken state crying and despairing. Just then I heard someone calling my name.

"Lord, is that YOU?"

"Well yes it is. Do YOU have some time? I wanted to see if I could just talk ..... "

Instead of waiting to hear His questions, I lashed out in anger and resentment.
"How is it that when I needed You today, YOU couldn't be found and last night I cried and cried but all I heard were echoes from the walls. My husband is dying, I'm flunking out of school, I may not have a job and You can just sit and say YOU want to talk?"

The Lord interrupted me in my foolish speaking. "My child, I was busy, out looking for someone to go and tell others about me when you cried. By the time I came to answer, you had moved on to something else. So, I decided to let your husband rest, and keep you home for a few days. That way MAYBE you would get in touch with Me, if YOU had some time. For you see, before your husband, your school, or your job needs you, I NEED YOU. And if all these things take you away from Me, I have to almost take them away from YOU, in order to get a moment. "

I calmed down and began to cry. For I remembered my prayer of wanting to go and do for the Lord.

He said "I just wanted to recheck with you to see if you knew of ANYONE that I could send to be a witness for Me and tell others about Me. .. any one at all....?"

With tears in my eyes and feeling so unworthy I said "Lord, send me, I'll go."

 

 

God should never have to ask us if we have some time.
When He died on the cross He put aside everything to insure us eternal life.
We should be more than GRATEFUL to do service for the Lord, to witness, and to tell ANYONE we can about Jesus. Don't let your "things", WHATEVER they may be, get you so tied up that God has to become a meeting time in your yearly planner. He had more than enough time for us. The least we could do is have time for him.

THE 3 WISE MEN... AND THE FOURTH GIFT

We've all heard the popular story about the birth of Jesus.  The "Three Wise Men" brought three gifts. Well did you ever notice the FOURTH GIFT?



One of the most fascinating parts of the Christmas story is the coming of the Magi. When the Magi (or Wise Men) visited the baby Jesus they brought gifts to present to Him. It was customary that foreign emissaries and ambassadors would bring gifts to court the favor of royalty. This was especially true at the times of royal births.

The Magi came to Jerusalem seeking the newborn king of Israel and did not find Jesus there. The Magi were directed to Bethlehem to search for Jesus there. Once they located Jesus they presented Joseph and Mary gifts for the birth of the King. Each of the three gifts represented an aspect of who Jesus is and what His mission was to fulfill.

We are not given any indication of the amounts of each of the gifts or how many of the Magi were represented. The IMPORTANCE of the gifts was the message that each one conveyed about Jesus.
The Gold represented the fact that Jesus was royal.
The Frankincense supports the claim that Jesus is divine.
The Myrrh was for the importance of the mortality of Jesus.

1.) Gold: The gift of gold was often reserved for royalty. The Magi told King Herod that they had come to see the one born King of the Jews. It is clear that they recognized Jesus as being royal but the question is why? The issue is the star of Bethlehem. The Magi had seen the star and they recognized the importance of the star in the sky as a sign of a spectacular birth. The Magi brought gold in some form, whether it was jewelry, coins, or just pieces, we are not told. The importance of the gift was that it represented the fact that Jesus was royal.

2.) Frankincense: The gift of frankincense is somewhat unusual. Frankincense was a highly valued commodity and somewhat rare. The Jewish people had a common use for frankincense that was directly connected to the worship of God. In the Temple, the Jews prayed before the Altar of Incense which was always kept burning. The substance burned on that altar was frankincense. When frankincense is burned it gives off a sweet smelling white smoke. The smoke rising from the altar of incense represented the prayers of the people rising to God in heaven. The only use of frankincense for Jews was at this altar and it was reserved for the worship of God. The Magi presenting this gift to Jesus represents the fact that He was indeed divine.

3.) Myrrh: The gift of myrrh seems the most odd of the gifts. Myrrh was extremely valuable and had a number of uses. The most common use was a perfume. Sometimes myrrh might be used in the homes of the wealthy to create a pleasant fragrance but was normally reserved for special instances. The major use of myrrh was for burials. Myrrh was placed on the cloths used to wrap bodies for burial to help prevent the smell of decay following death. The Magi presented this gift to Jesus as a representation that He would one day die. The gift almost seems to convey the fact that Jesus was born to die.

Though there are still many questions about the Magi that may be left unanswered, we can determine that they brought a fourth gift that is often forgotten by many. After they laid their treasures down before Mary and Joseph, they WORSHIPPED Jesus.
These wise men from afar came not just to court favor but to proclaim that they believed Him to be the King of kings.
The greatest gift that we can offer to Jesus this Christmas is our praise and worship.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

 ^"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)


Have you ever wondered, "What on Earth was I created to do?"  God created each one of us for a specific purpose.  You were put here to make a contribution, not just to consume resources.  There is something special in you that the world needs!  Today's scripture reminds us that our good works were already prepared of us by God...in advance!  Isn't it great to know that our roadmap is already designed?  It's up to us to follow it!

Whenever you serve others in any way, you are serving God and fulfilling one of your purposes. (Colossians 3:23-24, Matthew 25:34-45, and Ephesians 6:7).  The Lord says in Jeremiah 1:5, that before He made you in your mother's womb, He chose you! You were born set apart for a special work.

This special work isn't necessarily a pulpit ministry, pastor, or evangelist.  Once we are born again, our job is to serve others.  Your gift from birth is the key to your form of service for His glory.  You may have a talent for teaching, comforting others, giving, creating, or any of millions of talents!  Use your talent for the glory of God, that's why it was given to you!

As we go into Thanksgiving, let's remember to use what God gave us to be service to someone else.  Show Him how thankful you are for your gift - use it for Him!



Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, today I thank you for the talent I was born to use for Your glory.  Show me where I may be of service according to Your will.  Use me in a special way to draw others to you. In Jesus name, Amen.


Service is a gift! 

THE POTTER AND THE CLAY

But LORD, you are our father. We are like clay, and you are the potter; your hands made us all (Isaiah 64:8, NCV).



When it comes to spiritual matters – God is the Potter, the Creator, and we are the clay. The world says we should never give up our rights because if we do, we will lose everything. God says that if we surrender to Him, we will gain everything that is important.

In order for God to make us into what He wants us to be, we have to become pliable and willing – like clay. We must come to Him, placing ourselves in His hands, the Potter’s hands. Total surrender demands that we come with no agenda, no pre-set conditions – giving Him permission to bend us, break us and change us.
We sometimes come to God, with a hardened heart and brittle spirit. Life has broken and damaged us and the wrong hands have molded us. Remember, how we come to Him is not nearly as important as the fact that we come. As we give up control to Him, like a Master Craftsman, He begins to work patiently and lovingly, with a specific plan and one-of-a-kind design in mind.

He works through circumstances as well as people, through joy and pain, victory and defeat. He filters every part of life through His plan for us and uses it to create a life of worth and meaning.
Oh, we have tried to live life with our own agenda and plan and have experienced discontentment and frustration. Our soul longs for more and our heart cries out, “Is this all there is?” The truth is that nothing and no one but God can bring us the peace and joy for which we are searching. Are you ready to become the clay, surrendering your broken life to the Potter’s loving and purpose-filled hands? Today is the day!


Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am tired of trying to live life in my own power. Right now, I give up and surrender my life completely to You. I choose Your plan over mine. I give You permission to mold me and make me what You want me to be.  I will wait before You and seek Your direction.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

WHO'S YOUR DADDY?

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (Luke 6:35)


All children want to have "features" like their father. Their smile, their eyes, or some great feature that they can identify by saying "That's my daddy." 

Since God is our Father, we should not only want to look like we belong to Him, but we should want to have His heart! God is not only rich in goods and power, he is also rich in mercy, kindness, and grace. He asks us to be the same, and our Father even promises to help us have the power to love in this way through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). So let's be open to being generous, gracious, and merciful! If we are, we'll have our Father's heart.



Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being everything to me.  I want to be more like you from day to day.  Teach me to have a heart like yours- forgiving, gracious, generous, and merciful.  Forgive me for the things I could have done, but didn't. My desire is to make You happy.  Give me the courage and strength I need to do that.  In Jesus name, Amen.

KNOW YOUR WORTH

You know that in the past you were living in a worthless way, a way passed down from the people who lived before you. But you were saved from that useless life. You were bought, not with something that ruins like gold or silver, but with the precious blood of Christ, who was like a pure and perfect lamb.

—1 Peter 1:18-19 (NCV)

 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors,  but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (NIV)



Have you ever read about people and their "net worth" in magazines?  I'm sure you've seen it on television...the "net worth" of Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey, or other multi-millionaires.  Do you know your net worth?  Not financially, but do you know how much your life is worth?  I'm sure you know people, hopefully it's not you, who try to prove themselves to others by possessing expensive clothes, cars, or homes.  These people often struggle on a daily basis to feel like they are "somebody".

There's nothing at all wrong with being blessed!!  But dedicating your life to chasing fame and fortune just to flaunt it to others in not a lifestyle you should desire to have.
Living like this is just like chasing the wind! 
The bible even mentions it in Ecclesiastes 6:9 (NLT) we read, “Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind.”
The desperate pursuit of earthly value leads to a dead-end.

Do you really want to know how much you're worth?  I'll tell you.  YOU are worth the LIFE, the BLOOD, the DEATH, and the RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ!  If you live your life with this awareness, it will change everything about your life. 

Often in our lives we are mistreated, stepped on, looked over, pushed aside, underestimated, unappreciated, and left to feel unworthy.  But I'm here today to tell you that you are priceless to God. No matter what has happened in your life, you will never lose value in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.  The value in life is not measured by WHO you are, but WHOSE you are!


Let's give our lives back to the Lord today, our disappointments, our suffering, our feelings of worthlessness. He is the God of healing. He has made us clean and worthy of our calling in Him! And there's so much work to be done!!  Your life is meant to inspire others to come to Jesus.  That's how He gets a good return on His investment!! Praise God!! (I'm preaching!)



Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for adding value to my life through Jesus Christ.  I repent for thinking that I am nobody special.  I am your child, so that makes me the best of the best!  Thank you for loving me in my brokenness.  I accept Jesus into my life today. I thank you for the price of life, blood, death, and resurrection that was paid on my behalf.  Strengthen me daily to walk in your will so that I may bring forth a great return on your investment in me. I love you Lord.  In Jesus name, Amen!



KNOW YOUR WORTH!

 

THE BIBLICAL HISTORY OF MUSIC MINISTRY

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the ... instruments of music, ... that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God."   II Chronicles 5:13, 14

As we quickly approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season, we'll hear so much beautiful music playing everywhere we go.  But the holiday season isn't the only time Christians enjoy it.  Music is a ministry that goes back to the beginning of time!  It's one of the most beautiful ways to worship God.  Did you know the Ministry of Music ushers in the presence of God?  It can set the atmosphere for healing and deliverance as well.  Here is a little lesson on the history of Music Ministry. 


I.   The history of musical instruments can be traced throughout the Bible.

     A.  The earliest instruments of music (Hebrew, kinnor, translated "harp" in Genesis 4:21) were invented by a man named Jubal.

             B.   Other instruments were later made by David (I Chronicles 23:5; II Chronicles 7:6; 29:26) and Solomon (II Chronicles 9:11).

             C.   Some were made of silver (Numbers 10:1, 2), some of brass (I Chronicles 15:19), and some of fir wood (II Samuel 6:5).

             D.  The use of musical instruments in worship can be seen both in the Old (I Chronicles 13:8; II Chronicles 5:12,13; Nehemiah 12:35-41; etc.) and in the New Testaments (Revelation 5:8, 9; 14:2, 3; 15:20; 18:22).

             E.   However, instruments were used on occasions other than the worship of God.

                    1.   The timbrel (tambourine) was popular in use with dance to celebrate military victories.
                          Exodus 15:1-21
                          Judges 11:34
                          I Samuel 18:6, 7

                    2.   The trumpet had multiple uses.
                   a.   To proclaim feast days.
                                    Leviticus 23:23-25; 25:9
                   b.   To gather an assembly.
                                    Numbers 10:1-8
                   c.   To sound an alarm for battle against the enemy.
                                    Numbers 10:9
                                    Nehemiah 4:18, 20
                                    Joel 2:1
                                    Amos 3:6
                                    Jeremiah 4:19
                                    I Corinthians 14:8
                   d.   To herald the arrival of a new king.
                                    I Kings 1:34-41

                     3.   The harp and oboe were used during joyous secular festivities.
                                    Isaiah 5:12
                                    Amos 5:23; 6:4-6

                     4.   The oboe was also played during funeral ceremonies.
                                    Matthew 9:23

                     5.   Solomon listened to music for his own personal enjoyment.
                                    Ecclesiastes 2:1, 8

                     6.   Many instruments came to be used in the worship of pagan gods.
                                    Daniel 3:4-7, etc.

II.   The musical inventions of Jubal (Genesis 4:21) eventually led to the development of many varied instruments.

        A.   Stringed instruments.
                       Psalms 33:2; 150:4
                       Isaiah 38:20

                        1.   Viols.
                               Isaiah 14:11; Amos 5:23; 6:5

                        2.   Psaltery, harp and lyre.
                               Genesis 4:21; 31:26, 27; I Samuel 10:5
                               II Samuel 6:5
                               I Kings 10:12
                               I Chronicles 13:8; 15:16, 28; 16:5, 42; 25:1, 6
                               II Chronicles 5:12, 13; 9:11; 20:28; 29:25
                               Nehemiah 12:27; Job 21:12; 30:31
                               Psalms 33:2; 71:22; 92:3; 108:2; 137:4; 144:9; 149:3; 150:3
                               Isaiah 5:12; 30:32; Ezekiel 26:13
                               Daniel 3:5, 7, 10, 15
                               I Corinthians 14:7; Revelation 5:8; 14:2; 15:2

                          3.   Dulcimer.
                               Daniel 3:5, 10, 15

                   B.   Wind instruments.

                          1.   Trumpet, horn and cornet.
                               Leviticus 25:9; Numbers 10:1-10
                               Joshua 6:5, 20; Judges 7:16-22
                               I Kings 1:34, 41
                               I Chronicles 13:8; 15:28; 16:42; 25:5
                               II Chronicles 5:12, 13; 15:14; 29:26-29; Ezra 3:10
                               Nehemiah 12:35, 41; Psalms 98:6; 150:3
                               Daniel 3:5, 7, 10, 15
                               Hosea 5:8; Zechariah 9:14, 15

                          2.   Flute (sometimes translated "pipe" or "organ").
                               Genesis 4:21; I Samuel 10:5; I Kings 1:40
                               Job 21:12; 30:31
                               Psalms 150:4; Isaiah 5:12; 30:29; Jeremiah 48:36
                               Daniel 3:5, 7, 10, 15; Luke 7:32

                          3.   Sackbut (trombone).
                               Daniel 3:5, 7, 10, 15

               C.  Percussion instruments.

                          1.   Cymbals.
                               II Samuel 6:5
                               I Chronicles 13:8; 15:16, 19, 28; 16:5, 42; 25:1, 6
                               II Chronicles 5:12, 13; 29:25
                               Ezra 3:10
                               Nehemiah 12:27
                               Psalms 150:5
                               I Corinthians 13:1

                          2.   Tambourine (timbrel; or tabret, pl.).
                               Genesis 31:27; Exodus 15:20; Judges 11:34
                               I Samuel 10:5; 18:6
                               II Samuel 6:5; I Chronicles 13:8; Job 21:12
                               Psalms 68:25; 81:2; 149:3; 150:4; Jeremiah 31:4

                          3.   Bells.
                               Exodus 28:33-35

                          4.   Sistra or rattle (Hebrew "mnaamin" = cornets).
                               II Samuel 6:5

                          5.   Triangle ("shalishim," here translated "instruments of music").
                               I Samuel 18:6

III.   What place does human training or natural talent have in the ministry of music?

         A.   Some skill (human training) is involved in ministering through music.
                          I Samuel 15:22  "And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
                          I Samuel 16:17  "And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me."
                          Psalms 33:3  "Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise."
                          I Chronicles 15:22  "And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skillful."
                          I Chronicles 25:7  "So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight."

                 B.   In the Old Testament there were instructors of music.
                          I Chronicles 15:22
                          I Chronicles 25:7, 8
                          II Chronicles 23:12

                 C.   However, skill is not enough. It is the anointing that breaks the yoke (I Samuel 16:18). There is a realm of prophetic music.

                                  I Samuel 16:14-23  "But the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me. Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him. Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep. And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer. And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight. And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him."

                                  II Kings 3:15  "But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him."

                                  I Chronicles 25:1, 3, 6, 7  "Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was: Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.... All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman. So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight."

                    D.   As a musician, David was famous for both the skill by which he played and the anointing under which he ministered.
                          I Samuel 16:16-23

                    E.   Truly anointed music has a powerful effect on its hearers.

                                  1.   Spiritual deliverance may be obtained.
                                       Samuel 16:14-23
                                       Psalms 149:5-9

                                  2.   "The priests could not stand to minister" because the Presence of the Lord was so real.
                                        II Chronicles 5:13, 14
                                        Psalms 149:5-9

                                  3.   It lifts the ministry about to come forth.
                                        II Kings 3:14-16

IV.   The scriptures repeatedly exhort us to "sing unto the Lord!"
                Exodus 15:21
                Psalms 33:3; 81:1; 149:1; etc.
                Ephesians 5:18, 19


                 A.   Singing was a very prominent part of worship in the Old Testament.
                         I Chronicles 16:9
                         Ezra 2:41
                         Nehemiah 7:6 7
                         Psalms 66:2, 4; 68:4, 25, 32; etc.

                          1.   Solomon's songs numbered 1,005.
                                 I Kings 4:32

                          2.   David had a choir of 288 voices.
                                 I Chronicles 25:7

                          3.   Worship in song marked many of the historical achievements of Israel.

                                  a.   Moses and the children of Israel, at the crossing of the Red Sea.
                                        Exodus 15:1, 2, 21

                                  b.   Deborah and Barak, at the defeat of Sisera.
                                        Judges 5

                                  c.   David and all Israel, at the bringing up of the ark of God.
                                        I Chronicles 15

                                  d.   The Levites, at the foundation of the house of the Lord.
                                        II Chronicles 5:12     Ezra 3:11

                                   e.   The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem.
                                        Nehemiah 12:27-29

                        4.   Those who were exceptionally skillful were appointed to be songleaders.

                                      I Chronicles 15:22, 27  "And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful.... and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers ... "
                              Nehemiah 12:46  "For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God."

                  B.   Jesus and His disciples sang when gathered together.
                              Matthew 26:30 (Mark 14:26)  "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives."

                  C.   The early church knew the power of praising God in song.
                              Acts 2:46, 47; 16:25, 26
                               I Corinthians 14:15, 26
                               Ephesians 5:19
                               Colossians 3:16
                               James 5:13

                  D.   The angels of God worship continually in song.
                              Isaiah 6:3
                               Luke 2:13, 14

                  E.   This is what we will be doing for all eternity.
                              Revelation 5:9; 14:3; 15:3

V.    There is a difference between singing prepared music, in which the words and tune are set (II Chronicles 29:28), and the spontaneous, unpremeditated melody of "singing in the spirit" (Colossians 3:16).


               A.  Spiritual worship is different from any type of natural singing.
                        I Corinthians 14:15

                B.   It is "a new song," never before heard.
                         Psalms 33:3; 149:1

                C.   It is acceptable in the assembly as well as in private prayer.
                         Acts 4:24 all with one accord
                         Ephesians 5:18, 19

VI.   Did dancing historically have any place among the people of God?

                 A.   Dancing commonly took place at the celebration of military victories.
                         I Samuel 18:6
                         I Samuel 21:11  "And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not  this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?"
                       I Samuel 30:16  "And when he had brought him down, behold, they were spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah."

                   B.   It was accompanied very early by the playing of musical instruments and singing.
                        Exodus 15:20, 21
                        Judges 11:34
                        I Samuel 18:6; 2:11
                        Job 21:11, 12

                    C.   Both men (I Samuel 6:14; 30:16; I Chronicles 15:29; Acts 3:6-8) and women (Exodus 15:20, 21; Judges 2:21; 11:34; I Samuel 18:6) took part in this means of expression.

                    D.   Although intended for the praise of God (Psalms 149:3; 150:4), dancing soon came to be a common practice in the worship of pagan gods as well (Exodus 32:6; 19; I Kings 18:26).

                    E.   As an expression of joy (Psalms 30:11; Lamentations 5:15), dancing is prophetically described by Jeremiah as present among God's people at the fulfillment of the promise of full restoration.
                      Jeremiah 31:4  "Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry."                        Jeremiah 31:13  "Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow."

                   F.   "David danced before the Lord with all his might" at the bringing up of the ark of God.
                      II Samuel 6:5, 14 (I Chronicles 13:8)  NOTE: The same word literally translated "danced" in verse 14 is in verse 5 mistranslated "played."

                    G.   Although evil when used to appeal to the carnal nature of man (Matthew 14:6; Mark 6:22), dancing is appropriate in its place (Ecclesiastes 3:4) and is not to be despised (I Chronicles 15:29). The scriptures exhort us to praise God in dance (Psalms 149:3; 150:4).

VII.   Individual heart attitudes and entire group participation are both very important, for the Spirit to move in a worship service.
          A.   The importance of unity.
                      II Chronicles 5:13, 14  " ... the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice (singular) ... then the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud ... so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God."                        Acts 2:1-4  "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place, and suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues ... and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues... "
            B.   "With gladness" and joy.
                       I Chronicles 15:16
                       II Chronicles 29:28, 30
                       Nehemiah 12:27
            C.   "With all their might."
                       I Chronicles 13:8
            D.   "In your heart" (not routinely) and "to the Lord" (not to each other or to an audience).
                       Colossians 3:16
                       Ephesians 5:19

VIII.   Whether by the use of instruments, song, or dance, music is a very scriptural means of expression towards God.
            A.   Hundreds of scripture verses describe or make reference to the purest form of music – the spiritual worship that will fill all eternity.
                             Psalms 150; etc.
                             Revelation 5:8-14; 7:15; etc.
             B.   This liberty of expression is a delight to God (Psalms 149:3, 4). It is the very purpose for which man was created (Revelation 4:11).


Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the Ministry of Music.  There is such a peace in my soul when I surround myself with worship songs and I pray that your presence will be manifested today as I praise you in a musical atmosphere.  Break every chain of bondage that would hinder me today.  Deliver me from anything that is not like you.  I lift up my hands in praise and I honor your presence. In Jesus name, Amen.


Sing unto the Lord!

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)



During this season of Thanksgiving, it's not all roses for some people.  We live in catastrophic times.  There are shootings, fires, job loss, severe illnesses, and so many more devastating things taking place in the lives of many people.  So as followers of Christ, does that mean we just put on a plastic smile like these things don't bother us?  Of course not! 

Through loss and disappointments, we often are so heart broken that we lose sight of our God.  We even feel alone at times.  This is human nature.  But we must remember that " You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4).  As long as you can keep your mind on the Father instead of dwelling on everything that is going wrong in your life, you can come out on top!  "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." (Isaiah 26:3)

God does not expect you to think that in some magical way everything is really fine when it isn't. Rather, we are to say "Thank You Lord" knowing that God will somehow bring good ultimately, though we may not know how all the pieces fit together. 
Hard times really are hard times.  It's during these times that we turn to God instead of revolting against Him. 

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Whatever you are going through today, trust and believe that God will turn it all around for you in due season.  Be patient and allow Him to give you a testimony!  When you make it through this storm, you'll know that only Almighty God did it for you!!



Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for never leaving me in the midst of my storm.  It gets really hard for me, but I know that I am not alone.  Today I cast my cares upon You, because your word says in Psalms 55:22 that you will sustain me, and never let me be shaken. And in 1 Peter 5:7 you said that I could cast my cares upon you because you care for me.  Thank you Lord for caring enough for me to see me through this hard time in my life.  I am so glad that when I have no one to turn to, you are always there for me.  I never have to try to find an answer because You are all I need.  Take this little mustard seed of faith of mine and show your glory in my situation.  I thank you in advance! I have great expectations in YOU!!  In Jesus' name, Amen.


Watch God do it!!!

LESSONS OF THANKSGIVIG: A SIMPLE THANK YOU

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (1 Chronicles 16:34)


Finding ways to show God how grateful you are for His unconditional love should be something we do on a daily basis.  Praising Him in the midst of any circumstance shows that we love and have faith in Him.  But the simplest way of showing gratitude is simply "Thank you!" 

We wake up every morning, we have a place to lay our heads, a table to eat from, and so much more.  Believe it or not, these simple blessings are sometimes taken for granted.  We can easily find ourselves getting so comfortable with our everyday living, that we forget to thank Him for those little things.  The sun shining, the birds singing, our sight and ears to see and hear them.  He loves us forever, and continues to show His love in multiple ways.  Take some time today to tell Him THANK YOU.



Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, today I don't want to ask you for anything.  I just want to thank you for all you've already done!  Thank you for my life, health, and strength.  Thank you for my family and friends.  Thank you for being the source for everything I need.  Thank you for each heartbeat and every breath I take.  Today I thank you Lord.  In Jesus' name, Amen.  


Have an attitude of gratitude!

LESSONS OF THANKSGIVING: PRAISE

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."   (Hebrews 13:15)



November is the month we have set aside for Thanksgiving.  As children of God, we should celebrate and give thanks all the time.  This should be as natural as taking your next breath.  God has done so much for us and continually blesses us with His love.  The phrase "thank you" is just not enough for us to offer in return.  Praise is one of the best ways to express our thanks to Him.  David said in Psalm 34:1, "...His praise shall continually be in my mouth." He also said, "At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments." (Psalm 119:62)
How many of us can say that we praise God in the midnight hour?  Later in that same chapter of Psalms, David says "Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments." (verse 164).  Do we even stop more than once a day to praise Him? 

No matter what our circumstances are -  whether things are going great or we're going through the fire - we must always remember to give Him the praise!  There is so much power and many benefits in praising God! 

1. His Presence: When you praise and worship God, you are bringing down His presence, because he inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 100:4).
2. His Power: When you praise and worship God, He manifests his power (Acts 16:30-31). His power saves, heals, and delivers.
3. His Glory: When you praise and worship God, the Glory of God comes down (1 Kings 8:10-11).
4. His anointing: When you praise and worship God, the anointing of God descends upon His servants. Because of this they are able to minister more effectively. (II Kings 3:15-16).
5. His deliverance: When you praise and worship God, the deliverance power of God comes into play (II Chron 20:1-20). God comes down to deliver His people as they praise and worship Him.

We serve an Almighty God, and we have so much to be thankful for.  Here are a few reasons to praise Him...continually.



P - Because He is POWERFUL!

      "Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand."
Nehemiah 1:10

"Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict."
Job 27:23


R - Because of His RIGHTEOUSNESS!

      Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast."   Psalm 36:6
"...for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth..."  Daniel 9:14



A - Because He is ABLE!

       "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."   Ephesians 3:20

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."   2 Corinthians 9:8




I - Because He is INFINITE!

     "'O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath
been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."
Romans 11:33-36




S - Because of His STRENGTH!

      "God is my strength and power: And he maketh my way perfect."   2 Samuel 22:33

"The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved."   Psalm 93:1




E - Because He is EVERLASTING!

      "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding."   Isaiah 40:28

"...and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."   Isaiah 9:6


Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,  I thank you for all that you are. There is none like you!  You are my source, my supply, my way-maker, my comforter, my peace, my strength, and everything I ever need.  Today I offer true praise as a form of my thankfulness to you.  Every breath I take reminds me of your love for me.  Today, fill me with more of you, and take away less of me.  In Jesus name, Amen.


Praise Him in every circumstance!!

YOU'RE NOT AN ORPHAN, YOU'RE AN HEIR!!

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."  (Romans 8:17)


Your perception of how God sees you has a lot to do with your happiness.  You may have been taught that you are unworthy of forgiveness, or told by others that you would never be worth anything.  Let me tell you right now, that just is not true! If you want to know how God feels about you, then go to Him...go to His word.  You will be utterly amazed to find out how God sees you.

If you have accepted Jesus into your life, then you are a child of God.  You are not an orphan or a stranger to Him!  God actually sees you as one of His children.  2 Corinthians 6:17-18 tell us this:
 "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

And look at this: "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.^"      "   (1 John 3:1)

I can remember as a little girl, how comforting it was to go to my natural father for love and protection.  Well, having our Heavenly Father to run to is no different.  He wants to lavish us with all His love and have a close relationship with us.  But that's not all.  Did you know that once you became a child of god, you also became joint heirs with JESUS?!  "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."  (Romans 8:17)

You don't ever have to worry about not being good enough or holy enough because God is a forgiver of your sins.  Jesus was perfectly holy when He went to the cross for your sins...God sees you as forgiven!  "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Acts 2:21)

"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
If you have asked God to forgive your sins, then you are forgiven.  You just turn away from sin and continue to walk in your authority!

Finally God sees you as hopeful.  Yes there is hope for you!  If you are a child of God, then know that He has plans for your life.  "For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

So today and everyday, look into the mirror and see yourself as God sees you.  Stand up tall and know that you are not an orphan...you are an Heir to the Kingdom!  Walk in the authority that God has given you and claim your rightful place.  Let the world know that your Father is King of Kings!!


Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for saving my soul and claiming me as Your child.  I am so happy to be part of the Royal Family of Jesus Christ.  Sometimes in my lowest moments, I felt so alone and abandoned. But I now know that I am not alone. Thank you for sending a Comforter named Jesus!  I am honored to be loved and welcomed into your holy family.  Show me your will for my life and give me the wisdom to walk in the path you've set before me.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Walk in authority!

 

 

JESUS: FROM COVER TO COVER

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."  (Revelation 1:8)


This world is filled with many great people.  Doctors, lawyers, scientists, architects, teachers, caregivers, mothers, fathers, etc.  We see these amazing people on a daily basis.  You are even a great person!  I'm sure you even know some people who care so much about others that they neglect to take care of themselves.  This may even be you.  Just remember that nobody can be everything to everybody.  Only God can do that! 

It's so easy to fall into the trap of being there for others to the point they don't even cry out to the Lord, instead they call on you.  If you ever find yourself in that situation, it's time to step back. God wants us to put our trust in Him.  It's always good to pray for your loved ones, but it's even better to pray WITH them.  This shows them that there is a Greater One who is all powerful that you have to turn to for help.  Teach them to cry out and call on the Father for salvation and direction.  He will answer and show His glory!

No matter what the problem is, God is the answer!  No matter what book in the Bible you turn to, God is there from cover to cover.  Use this guide as a reference:

In the Old Testament:

- In Genesis, He is the Creator God.
- In Exodus, He is the Redeemer.
- In Leviticus, He is your sanctification.
- In Numbers, He is your guide.
- In Deuteronomy, He is your teacher.
- In Joshua, He is the mighty conqueror.
- In Judges, He gives victory over enemies.
- In Ruth, He is your kinsman, your lover, your redeemer.
- In I Samuel, He is the root of Jesse.
- In 2 Samuel, He is the Son of David.
- In 1 Kings and 2 Kings, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
- In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is your intercessor and High Priest.
- In Ezra, He is your temple, your house of worship.
- In Nehemiah, He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies.
- In Esther, He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies.
- In Job, He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles, but has the power to do something about them.
- In Psalms, He is your song–and your reason to sing.
- In Proverbs, He is your wisdom, helping you make sense of life and live it successfully.
- In Ecclesiastes, He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity..
- In the Song of Solomon, He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon.
- In Isaiah, He is the mighty counselor, the prince of peace, the everlasting father, and more. He’s everything you need.
- In Jeremiah, He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sin-sick soul.
- In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful one upon whom you can depend.
- In Ezekiel, He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel–the one who assures that dry, dead bones will come alive again.
- In Daniel, He is the ancient of days, the ever- lasting God who never runs out of time.
- In Hosea, He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to come back–even when you have abandoned Him.
- In Joel, He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.
- In Amos, He is the husbandman, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.
- In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom.
- In Jonah, He is your salvation, bringing you back within His will.
- In Micah, He is judge of the nation.
- In Nahum, He is the jealous God.
- In Habakkuk, He is the Holy One.
- In Zephaniah, He is the witness.
- In Haggai, He overthrows the enemies.
- In Zechariah, He is Lord of Hosts.
- In Malachi, He is the messenger of the covenant.

In the New Testament:

- In Matthew, He is king of the Jews.
- In Mark, He is the servant.
- In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.
- In John, He is the Son of God.
- In Acts, He is Savior of the world.
- In Romans, He is the righteousness of God.
- In I Corinthians, He is the rock that followed Israel.
- In II Corinthians, He the triumphant one, giving victory.
- In Galatians, He is your liberty; He sets you free.
- In Ephesians, He is head of the Church.
- In Philippians, He is your joy.
- In Colossians, He is your completeness.
- In I Thessalonians, He is your hope.
- In II Thessalonians, He is your glory.
- In I Timothy, He is your faith.
- In II Timothy, He is your stability.
- In Titus He is your reason for serving.
- In Philemon, He is your benefactor.
- In Hebrews, He is your perfection.
- In James, He is the power behind your faith.
- In I Peter, He is your example.
- In II Peter, He is your purity.
- In I John, He is your life.
- In II John, He is your pattern.
- In III John, He is your motivation.
- In Jude, He is the foundation of your faith.
- In Revelation, He is your coming King.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, today I want to thank you for being everything I could ever need.  I praise you for who you are.  Lord there have been so many times that I've been burdened with the problems of others because I didn't lead them to you.  Please forgive me for trying to fill your shoes.  I realize that my job is not to be the problem-solver, but to be the vessel of light that leads others to you.  I cherish the light that you have planted in me, and I will use it to do your will.  I lift you up so that you can draw all men to you!  Thank you for this awakening in my spirit.  Lord, I ask that you order my steps as I point others in the right direction.  In Jesus' name, Amen.



Follow me as I follow Christ!!