I grew up in the CRC, and am still here, along with my family. I'm married to Daryl, who has a construction business. I had a CPA license for 10 or so years, then I added EX to the front, and MOM to the back, so now I'm an EX CPA, MOM =). I am MOM to Duncan, Ian and Samantha. Our family also owns a raspberry farm, and in the summers we get to work out there.
how fitting for our holistic approach to worship... the following is from the link to a Dallas Willard article also on the network's art. 17 thread....
As the Living Word and the written Word occupy our minds we naturally—and supernaturally—come to love God more and more because we see, clearly and constantly, how lovely He is.
The wise Puritan, Thomas Watson, wrote:
The first fruit of love is the musing of the mind upon God. He who is in love, his thoughts are ever upon the object. He who loves God is ravished and transported with the contemplation of God. “When I awake, I am still with thee” (Ps. 139:18). The thoughts are as travelers in the mind. David's thoughts kept heaven-road. “I am still with Thee.” God is the treasure, and where the treasure is, there is the heart. By this we may test our love to God. What are our thoughts most upon? Can we say we are ravished with delight when we think on God? Have our thoughts got wings? Are they fled aloft? Do we contemplate Christ and glory? ... A sinner crowds God out of his thoughts. He never thinks of God, unless with horror, as the prisoner thinks of the judge.3
In this way we enter a life, not just times, of worship. The hymn of heaven will be a constant presence in our inner lives: “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and forever” (Rev. 5:13, NASB).
Worship will become the constant undertone of our lives. It is the single most powerful force in completing and sustaining restoration of our whole beings to God. Nothing can inform, guide, and sustain pervasive and radiant goodness in a person other than the true vision of God and the worship that spontaneously arises from it. Then the power of the indwelling Christ flows from us to others.
Remember, however, that we are not trying to worship. Worship is not another job we have to do. It is one aspect of the gift of “living water” that springs “up to eternal life” (John 4:14; 7:38, NASB). Our part is to turn our minds toward God and to attend to His graceful actions in our souls. This is the primary “care of the soul” we must exercise. Then love and worship, worship and love, flow in our lives as we walk constantly with God. By stepping with Him—in the flow of His grace—we live with spontaneity, love our neighbors, and minister the word and power gospel.
Praise the Lord, He gave us His Holy Spirit to help us, comfort us, counsel us, lead us, guide us, etc...
Blain, thanks for sharing your heart & a bit of your journey... each journey is beautiful & unique in its own way, even though there are times it can be very painful, it is also very personal & profound...
May the eyes of our hearts continue to be open with the Spirit of wisdom & revelation to know our Heavenly Father, our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ more and more by the power of the Holy Spirit in each of us as His saints/holy people in our journeys of faith & praise... there's a time for high praise, a time for solemn reverence & everything in between... \o/ \o/ \o/ PTL!
Since 2008, I've been praying into "God's economy", which i think will look a lot different than what we are seeing in our culture, even our "Church" culture. I encourage you all to pray asking Him to show you His ecomony. I think it would be amazing to share insights rec'd through the Holy Spirit and put the pieces together that He might give to different people in His body, for what He intended for His economy. I believe one of the scriptural insights is Malachi 3:10-12. Our family has experienced this many times over, where we have been gifted with far more than we need! We're not buying it! "stuff"/food just pours in from people/friends/family giving and we do not have enough room to hold it (which is another discussion).
An interesting "fast" that I had several years ago, was a buying fast, where for an extended time, i would only buy basics, food, gifts for others and 1 book/month that would feed the soul (now for some of us, the book realm might be where we need to fast =). Only my husband knew about the "fast" at the time.
Anyway, the second day of the fast, my sister brought me 2 bags of her clothes, that she didn't fit in. I'm still wearing them, even though some have holes now, so i call them my holy pants, because they represent a shift in our family's spending and giving.
Then a few days later, a sister in law brought 4 bags of kids clothes. I saw these "gifts" as confirmations of the fast. There were other confirmations as well, and i would have to go find my journal, because I don't remember them all.
Ok, I'll share some ideas from an email we rec'd, encouraging us to think about how we can "invest" our $ a little more locally over this Christmas giving season, with tomorrow being support local, small business day.
Give gift certificates for: hair cuts, lawn mowing, house cleaning, vehicle detailing, or oil change, golfing, gym membership, locally owned restaurants or coffe shops, computer repairs, local theatre or bands, local high school sports, plays or other activities, locally grown flower baskets, local garden businesses and landscapers. these are just a few ideas that will support business right in our communities.
Add your own thoughts. I'm sure we could have some very creative Spirit led ideas. One suggestion I will share would be to hire a house cleaner for someone (maybe your wife =). I know a lot of moms, that this is the extra they make so they can keep their kids at Christian school. (i see this idea is mentioned in the email) and one more thought, support your grandkids with Christian school tuition =)... now that's investing.
I am not anti-walmart, God has giving me some beautiful insights/epiphanies there, so I'm not sure what that means about His economic view on Walmart ;), but He has had me in tears with thoughts He has shared while I was shopping there - and that's an entire discussion again.
I believe we (America - including Canada) are blessed so we can bless others. I think that was one of the concepts we had mostly missed prior to 2008. so with tithing/contributions at about an average of 2-3% of income, somewhere i read this was true for Christians as well, we have some work to do =). So I encourage us all to think about how we are investing our resources for Kingdom purposes.
This is reminding me also of the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan, and he challenges us/Americans to live the Acts 2:42-47 way. So what would that look like for us today? Is it possible? Is that part of God's economic plan for us still? =)
I encourage you all to share some stories/testimonies of how God has worked in your life when you did "economic"/financial things God's way, instead of leaning on our own understanding. I will share some more of ours, if you share some of yours!
Thanks for sharing that Doug! That is so encouraging and a beautiful picture of God's economy, using our blessings to bless others =) ! I love that you went against all the advice =) and stayed. I can just imagine the advice, as we've heard probably heard some of the same. We too live in what some consider one of the less "prestigious" areas of town, but God has used that to help us look at where we live and our neighbors from a different perspective, as well as to help out where we can. One of the scriptures the LORD put on my heart for our neighborhood was that we are to please our neighbors, not police them (Rom 15:2).
I totally agree, that as the neighbors see others putting effort into making their places nicer, that encourages/inspires them and others to put more effort into keeping their places nicer as well. This is one of the positve sides of "keeping up with the Jones". But it also sounds like you are building beautiful relationships with your neighbors.
I find it very interesting that it was July 2008 when you started... just curious, why then, and why you remember it to the day?
I'll share another fun story, but I want everyone else to share too! These are powerful testimonies.
Early this year, I started mentoring a gal I had connected with via the prayer center and the healing prayer ministry i pray with. In March, when she came over, she shared that the roommate situation where she was living wasn't healthy or safe. The roommates were messing with witchcraft. So we invited her to live with us and stay in our guest room... but in order to move her (& stuff) in, we needed to do something with the king size bed in the room. We thought about storing it, but then decided we would post it for free on Craig's list. It never made it on there! Another family from her church helped our friend move in, and for whatever reason, felt prompted to ask them if they needed a king size bed, and they responded, Yes, they did!. I remember thinking even as I was asking, what is the likelihood they would happen to need a king size bed? What a crazy question to ask! But they did, and it was a cool story of why they needed at that point in time =). So, I believe it was the Holy Spirit prompting me to ask, even as my rationale was not in sync with my mouth! It was also a fun confirmation that she was suppose to live with us.
So our friend still lives with us, became a part time intercessory missionary at the prayer center as well as works with disabled adults, and by staying with us, she doesn't have to raise near as much support for living expenses.
Hey Ken... good to see you back on here... thanks for pointing us back to the basics of loving God 1st, and then neighbors. Amen, Amen!
I loved Doug's comment that he was "richer" for staying, and obviously not referring to his portfolio value, but richer in relational love for his neighbors and richer in experience (I'm thinking in trusting God and His ways is part of that), and in being obedient to God's call for his family. That's God's economy. It's eternal treasure.
I think what Doug shared is one way Acts 2:42-47 looks in today's culture.
I also had to think about going against everyone's advice some more. I got a kick out of it because it is going against conventional "wisdom", and it made sense in a higher than the heavens God way (Is.55). But it was also interesting and unusual because generally (but not always) the Holy Spirit will confirm significant decisions like that through other (generally Spirit led, but not always the case) people. So as I'm studying guidance by the Holy Spirit, and His ways of confirmation, I will admit that that is unusual, and I'm glad you felt compelled enough to follow through. I am curious about the process of your decision 10 years ago as well. that fascinates me! That helps me understand how the Holy Spirit "prompts"/guides us in many different ways. I know what I've experienced, but i enjoy hearing and learn from listening to the "process" others went through as well. Again, the 2008 timing is very interesting to me as well!
I know each of these specific testimonies are not what everyone or even many are called to, but I hope that by sharing them, it will inspire other believers to take that step of faith, whatever it might look like in their life that the Spirit is putting on their heart at this time, and these stories and God's goodness through them, will encourage whomever it might be, to possibly be a little more (do i dare say) "radical" about their faith and lifestyle. =). To go beyond human wisdom, man's understanding (Prov. 3:5-6) and walk in step with His Spirit, to follow that prompting that you are pretty sure is from the LORD!
Hi Adriel, so sorry I missed your response from last June... Thank you so much for sharing a bit of your experiences and insight here! I love that you have been helping the Coit congregation grow in understanding of the rich spectrum of worship and praise. I love the Hebrew praise words that give us permission to physically express how we love our heavenly Father with all our heart, soul, mind AND STRENGTH! so good!
Blessings to you on your journey, would love an update on how God is working in your life as you serve His Kingdom!
Worship is primarily about God, but because He's a generous and loving God, He makes it about us too. He longs to bless us when we spend time with Him. He ministers to our hearts through music, sermons, prayers, people... I have found when I've gone into worship with no agenda of my own, other than to praise Him and be open to what's on His heart, He will bless my heart many times over.
I do look forward to worship with Him, because He often will give insight or confirmation or encouragement, but that's not the primary purpose. It's primarily for His glory, but because He's God, it will also be for our good, that's His promise and we can bank on it! I love 2 Chron 20. The people starting praising God, and He responded by orchestrating an ambush between the enemy, and the enemy killed each other instead of the people of Judah. Yep, He often/always will bless His people when we worship Him. Will we always realize it? that's another question =) I do often joke that sometimes at church I'm praising Him with one hand and "threatening" my kids with the other =).
I don't know if I've said it here on the network, but God can use any song, any style to minister to us if He wants, it can be 1000 years old or just minutes old, it can be spiritual or secular. I remember in 2006, i was at a women of faith conference and had a "bad" attitude about the concert that was suppose to be at the end. God didn't let me keep that attitude for very long and would not let me worship Him with it, because it wasn't even one minute into the concert (so no emotional manipulation through music) and He melted me, I was undone! and basically what the "lesson" was, is "don't limit Me, I can use anything, anytime to minister to you". That encounter was so deep and powerful, that up to a year later, whenever I heard the songs that were played there, on the radio, tears would immediately begin.
and one other "side effect" of worship, is it's a weapon that brings down the enemy and his strongholds (Ps. 149:6-7; Ps. 8:2, 2 Cor. 10:4) again, not a primary reason we worship and praise, but encouraging to know!
I know many believers and congregations that start each year with a fast. It is amazing the difference this "discipline" can make in "listening" to God and being sensitive to His leading throughout the year. I would encourage anyone who might be sensing the LORD putting this on their heart or who desire a deeper relationship with Him to look into it further. I will simply say after the LORD put fasting on my heart a few years ago, it has now become a lifestyle.
hmmm... great thoughts... Spirit's a stirring and making us think about what's eternal/important, and what's not.
During my prayer time this morning, prompted by Karl W's thoughts on spiritual discernment at ecclesiastical assemblies in the classis discussion forum, I was thinking about the many board and committee meetings I've been at, that are 95% business/corporate like focus with Robert and his rules governing the structure (do I dare say, maybe sometimes in place of the Holy Spirit?? and makes me wonder if we are much more comfortable with Robert than the Holy Spirit), bookended by prayers. and the thought was, we're in a rut. I've often thought we're kind of stuck as a denomination for whatever reason, but had never had the word rut connected to it. as Melissa stated, stuck in a routine, which confirms the thought I had this morning.
I really think the LORD is working on converting us from "Miss Marthas" to Miss Marys", by us spending more time in His Presence, seeking His leading and guiding and then carrying out whatever it is He puts on our hearts during that time. I have found, that when I am in this "rhythm" with Him, that when I do have to get the "Miss Martha" work done, it is far more effective and flows much smoother, with unbelievable statistical probabilities of timing that can only be Divine. and it is far more enjoyable =), a delight, not a duty, always a bonus when doing Kingdom work =) !
Someone just shared the book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, with me... haven't read it yet, but looking forward to it =) !!
Yep, our culture (& the dutch do too) values a hard working, driven, dynamic person, that gets the job done. The ones who keep their homes (& cars) immaculate, bring the best dishes to potlucks, as well as sing in the choir, play 5 instruments and can shoot a pretty mean hoop as well ( and probably run marathons too)! Of course, I'm being a bit snarky! But our time/relationship with Jesus is sometimes/often viewed as "wasting" time and not valued.
anyway, the Rob bell quote reminded me of this scripture...
Gal. 1:10 (NKJV) For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
I hope that we are able to do more than just talk about some changes, and we will be able to move forward with a fresh vitality. As Clarence Vos stated at the end of his article in the Nov. Banner (p38) boq It would seem the need of the hour is prayer, openness to the Spirit's leading, and an expectation that in the end our Christian faith will be more vital than ever! eoq
Posted in: What Exactly is High Praise?
Thanks for sharing this Blain... listening to it now!
(317) Phillips, Craig & Dean - My Praise - YouTube
Posted in: Where Does the Life Come From?
how fitting for our holistic approach to worship... the following is from the link to a Dallas Willard article also on the network's art. 17 thread....
http://www.dwillard.org/articles/artview.asp?artID=106
Love and Worship
As the Living Word and the written Word occupy our minds we naturally—and supernaturally—come to love God more and more because we see, clearly and constantly, how lovely He is.
The wise Puritan, Thomas Watson, wrote:
In this way we enter a life, not just times, of worship. The hymn of heaven will be a constant presence in our inner lives: “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and forever” (Rev. 5:13, NASB).
Worship will become the constant undertone of our lives. It is the single most powerful force in completing and sustaining restoration of our whole beings to God. Nothing can inform, guide, and sustain pervasive and radiant goodness in a person other than the true vision of God and the worship that spontaneously arises from it. Then the power of the indwelling Christ flows from us to others.
Remember, however, that we are not trying to worship. Worship is not another job we have to do. It is one aspect of the gift of “living water” that springs “up to eternal life” (John 4:14; 7:38, NASB). Our part is to turn our minds toward God and to attend to His graceful actions in our souls. This is the primary “care of the soul” we must exercise. Then love and worship, worship and love, flow in our lives as we walk constantly with God. By stepping with Him—in the flow of His grace—we live with spontaneity, love our neighbors, and minister the word and power gospel.
Posted in: What Exactly is High Praise?
Praise the Lord, He gave us His Holy Spirit to help us, comfort us, counsel us, lead us, guide us, etc...
Blain, thanks for sharing your heart & a bit of your journey... each journey is beautiful & unique in its own way, even though there are times it can be very painful, it is also very personal & profound...
May the eyes of our hearts continue to be open with the Spirit of wisdom & revelation to know our Heavenly Father, our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ more and more by the power of the Holy Spirit in each of us as His saints/holy people in our journeys of faith & praise... there's a time for high praise, a time for solemn reverence & everything in between... \o/ \o/ \o/ PTL!
Posted in: What Exactly is High Praise?
Thank you for sharing these worship songs David... I just subscribed to your channel & hit "play all"... listening as I respond :) \o/ \o/ \o/ PTL!
Ephesians 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, (biblehub.com)
Very confirming of one of the 59 "one another" commands that I love to share!!!
The “One Another” Passages (mmlearn.org)
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Posted in: An Anthem for Black Friday
Since 2008, I've been praying into "God's economy", which i think will look a lot different than what we are seeing in our culture, even our "Church" culture. I encourage you all to pray asking Him to show you His ecomony. I think it would be amazing to share insights rec'd through the Holy Spirit and put the pieces together that He might give to different people in His body, for what He intended for His economy. I believe one of the scriptural insights is Malachi 3:10-12. Our family has experienced this many times over, where we have been gifted with far more than we need! We're not buying it! "stuff"/food just pours in from people/friends/family giving and we do not have enough room to hold it (which is another discussion).
An interesting "fast" that I had several years ago, was a buying fast, where for an extended time, i would only buy basics, food, gifts for others and 1 book/month that would feed the soul (now for some of us, the book realm might be where we need to fast =). Only my husband knew about the "fast" at the time.
Anyway, the second day of the fast, my sister brought me 2 bags of her clothes, that she didn't fit in. I'm still wearing them, even though some have holes now, so i call them my holy pants, because they represent a shift in our family's spending and giving.
Then a few days later, a sister in law brought 4 bags of kids clothes. I saw these "gifts" as confirmations of the fast. There were other confirmations as well, and i would have to go find my journal, because I don't remember them all.
Ok, I'll share some ideas from an email we rec'd, encouraging us to think about how we can "invest" our $ a little more locally over this Christmas giving season, with tomorrow being support local, small business day.
Give gift certificates for: hair cuts, lawn mowing, house cleaning, vehicle detailing, or oil change, golfing, gym membership, locally owned restaurants or coffe shops, computer repairs, local theatre or bands, local high school sports, plays or other activities, locally grown flower baskets, local garden businesses and landscapers. these are just a few ideas that will support business right in our communities.
Add your own thoughts. I'm sure we could have some very creative Spirit led ideas. One suggestion I will share would be to hire a house cleaner for someone (maybe your wife =). I know a lot of moms, that this is the extra they make so they can keep their kids at Christian school. (i see this idea is mentioned in the email) and one more thought, support your grandkids with Christian school tuition =)... now that's investing.
I am not anti-walmart, God has giving me some beautiful insights/epiphanies there, so I'm not sure what that means about His economic view on Walmart ;), but He has had me in tears with thoughts He has shared while I was shopping there - and that's an entire discussion again.
I believe we (America - including Canada) are blessed so we can bless others. I think that was one of the concepts we had mostly missed prior to 2008. so with tithing/contributions at about an average of 2-3% of income, somewhere i read this was true for Christians as well, we have some work to do =). So I encourage us all to think about how we are investing our resources for Kingdom purposes.
This is reminding me also of the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan, and he challenges us/Americans to live the Acts 2:42-47 way. So what would that look like for us today? Is it possible? Is that part of God's economic plan for us still? =)
I encourage you all to share some stories/testimonies of how God has worked in your life when you did "economic"/financial things God's way, instead of leaning on our own understanding. I will share some more of ours, if you share some of yours!
Posted in: What Exactly is High Praise?
Ahhh.. you are appreciated David!
Couldn't copy one pic so here's a whole bunch ; )
53,029 Worshipping God Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images
Posted in: An Anthem for Black Friday
Thanks for sharing that Doug! That is so encouraging and a beautiful picture of God's economy, using our blessings to bless others =) ! I love that you went against all the advice =) and stayed. I can just imagine the advice, as we've heard probably heard some of the same. We too live in what some consider one of the less "prestigious" areas of town, but God has used that to help us look at where we live and our neighbors from a different perspective, as well as to help out where we can. One of the scriptures the LORD put on my heart for our neighborhood was that we are to please our neighbors, not police them (Rom 15:2).
I totally agree, that as the neighbors see others putting effort into making their places nicer, that encourages/inspires them and others to put more effort into keeping their places nicer as well. This is one of the positve sides of "keeping up with the Jones". But it also sounds like you are building beautiful relationships with your neighbors.
I find it very interesting that it was July 2008 when you started... just curious, why then, and why you remember it to the day?
I'll share another fun story, but I want everyone else to share too! These are powerful testimonies.
Early this year, I started mentoring a gal I had connected with via the prayer center and the healing prayer ministry i pray with. In March, when she came over, she shared that the roommate situation where she was living wasn't healthy or safe. The roommates were messing with witchcraft. So we invited her to live with us and stay in our guest room... but in order to move her (& stuff) in, we needed to do something with the king size bed in the room. We thought about storing it, but then decided we would post it for free on Craig's list. It never made it on there! Another family from her church helped our friend move in, and for whatever reason, felt prompted to ask them if they needed a king size bed, and they responded, Yes, they did!. I remember thinking even as I was asking, what is the likelihood they would happen to need a king size bed? What a crazy question to ask! But they did, and it was a cool story of why they needed at that point in time =). So, I believe it was the Holy Spirit prompting me to ask, even as my rationale was not in sync with my mouth! It was also a fun confirmation that she was suppose to live with us.
So our friend still lives with us, became a part time intercessory missionary at the prayer center as well as works with disabled adults, and by staying with us, she doesn't have to raise near as much support for living expenses.
Posted in: An Anthem for Black Friday
Hey Ken... good to see you back on here... thanks for pointing us back to the basics of loving God 1st, and then neighbors. Amen, Amen!
I loved Doug's comment that he was "richer" for staying, and obviously not referring to his portfolio value, but richer in relational love for his neighbors and richer in experience (I'm thinking in trusting God and His ways is part of that), and in being obedient to God's call for his family. That's God's economy. It's eternal treasure.
I think what Doug shared is one way Acts 2:42-47 looks in today's culture.
I also had to think about going against everyone's advice some more. I got a kick out of it because it is going against conventional "wisdom", and it made sense in a higher than the heavens God way (Is.55). But it was also interesting and unusual because generally (but not always) the Holy Spirit will confirm significant decisions like that through other (generally Spirit led, but not always the case) people. So as I'm studying guidance by the Holy Spirit, and His ways of confirmation, I will admit that that is unusual, and I'm glad you felt compelled enough to follow through. I am curious about the process of your decision 10 years ago as well. that fascinates me! That helps me understand how the Holy Spirit "prompts"/guides us in many different ways. I know what I've experienced, but i enjoy hearing and learn from listening to the "process" others went through as well. Again, the 2008 timing is very interesting to me as well!
I know each of these specific testimonies are not what everyone or even many are called to, but I hope that by sharing them, it will inspire other believers to take that step of faith, whatever it might look like in their life that the Spirit is putting on their heart at this time, and these stories and God's goodness through them, will encourage whomever it might be, to possibly be a little more (do i dare say) "radical" about their faith and lifestyle. =). To go beyond human wisdom, man's understanding (Prov. 3:5-6) and walk in step with His Spirit, to follow that prompting that you are pretty sure is from the LORD!
Posted in: What Exactly is High Praise?
Hi Adriel, so sorry I missed your response from last June... Thank you so much for sharing a bit of your experiences and insight here! I love that you have been helping the Coit congregation grow in understanding of the rich spectrum of worship and praise. I love the Hebrew praise words that give us permission to physically express how we love our heavenly Father with all our heart, soul, mind AND STRENGTH! so good!
Blessings to you on your journey, would love an update on how God is working in your life as you serve His Kingdom!
HE is MIGHTY to save, HE DELIGHTS in you and REJOICES over you with LOUD, EXUBERANT SINGING! Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing." (biblehub.com)
Posted in: On the Potter’s Wheel
Worship is primarily about God, but because He's a generous and loving God, He makes it about us too. He longs to bless us when we spend time with Him. He ministers to our hearts through music, sermons, prayers, people... I have found when I've gone into worship with no agenda of my own, other than to praise Him and be open to what's on His heart, He will bless my heart many times over.
I do look forward to worship with Him, because He often will give insight or confirmation or encouragement, but that's not the primary purpose. It's primarily for His glory, but because He's God, it will also be for our good, that's His promise and we can bank on it! I love 2 Chron 20. The people starting praising God, and He responded by orchestrating an ambush between the enemy, and the enemy killed each other instead of the people of Judah. Yep, He often/always will bless His people when we worship Him. Will we always realize it? that's another question =) I do often joke that sometimes at church I'm praising Him with one hand and "threatening" my kids with the other =).
I don't know if I've said it here on the network, but God can use any song, any style to minister to us if He wants, it can be 1000 years old or just minutes old, it can be spiritual or secular. I remember in 2006, i was at a women of faith conference and had a "bad" attitude about the concert that was suppose to be at the end. God didn't let me keep that attitude for very long and would not let me worship Him with it, because it wasn't even one minute into the concert (so no emotional manipulation through music) and He melted me, I was undone! and basically what the "lesson" was, is "don't limit Me, I can use anything, anytime to minister to you". That encounter was so deep and powerful, that up to a year later, whenever I heard the songs that were played there, on the radio, tears would immediately begin.
and one other "side effect" of worship, is it's a weapon that brings down the enemy and his strongholds (Ps. 149:6-7; Ps. 8:2, 2 Cor. 10:4) again, not a primary reason we worship and praise, but encouraging to know!
Posted in: New Year's Resolution - Seek God's Face
I know many believers and congregations that start each year with a fast. It is amazing the difference this "discipline" can make in "listening" to God and being sensitive to His leading throughout the year. I would encourage anyone who might be sensing the LORD putting this on their heart or who desire a deeper relationship with Him to look into it further. I will simply say after the LORD put fasting on my heart a few years ago, it has now become a lifestyle.
http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/fasting/
Posted in: Over-Committed Seeks Sabbath
hmmm... great thoughts... Spirit's a stirring and making us think about what's eternal/important, and what's not.
During my prayer time this morning, prompted by Karl W's thoughts on spiritual discernment at ecclesiastical assemblies in the classis discussion forum, I was thinking about the many board and committee meetings I've been at, that are 95% business/corporate like focus with Robert and his rules governing the structure (do I dare say, maybe sometimes in place of the Holy Spirit?? and makes me wonder if we are much more comfortable with Robert than the Holy Spirit), bookended by prayers. and the thought was, we're in a rut. I've often thought we're kind of stuck as a denomination for whatever reason, but had never had the word rut connected to it. as Melissa stated, stuck in a routine, which confirms the thought I had this morning.
I really think the LORD is working on converting us from "Miss Marthas" to Miss Marys", by us spending more time in His Presence, seeking His leading and guiding and then carrying out whatever it is He puts on our hearts during that time. I have found, that when I am in this "rhythm" with Him, that when I do have to get the "Miss Martha" work done, it is far more effective and flows much smoother, with unbelievable statistical probabilities of timing that can only be Divine. and it is far more enjoyable =), a delight, not a duty, always a bonus when doing Kingdom work =) !
Someone just shared the book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, with me... haven't read it yet, but looking forward to it =) !!
Yep, our culture (& the dutch do too) values a hard working, driven, dynamic person, that gets the job done. The ones who keep their homes (& cars) immaculate, bring the best dishes to potlucks, as well as sing in the choir, play 5 instruments and can shoot a pretty mean hoop as well ( and probably run marathons too)! Of course, I'm being a bit snarky! But our time/relationship with Jesus is sometimes/often viewed as "wasting" time and not valued.
anyway, the Rob bell quote reminded me of this scripture...
Gal. 1:10 (NKJV) For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
I hope that we are able to do more than just talk about some changes, and we will be able to move forward with a fresh vitality. As Clarence Vos stated at the end of his article in the Nov. Banner (p38) boq It would seem the need of the hour is prayer, openness to the Spirit's leading, and an expectation that in the end our Christian faith will be more vital than ever! eoq
and to that I say AMEN!!
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