The Many Faces of Jerusalem

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Part one of a showcase of quilts called The Many Faces of Jerusalem from the International Quilt Festival at Houston this year. The quilts are from the Israeli Quilters Association.

Praise Him in the dance!

“But be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.  And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and joy in my people.”

Isaiah 65:18, 19

The word rejoice in this passage means “to violently dance” in Hebrew.  While in Israel three years ago our group gathered to share, pray, and worship in the evening.  In the above picture we are starting a Jewish dance that looked a little violent by the time we got going.  I have no doubt that it caused Jesus to rejoice with us in Jerusalem.

A Special Visitor

Little Chippy

 About five years ago we had a little chipmunk coming to eat seeds that dropped from our bird feeder. I wondered if I could get him to eat a walnut from my fingers. With a little coaxing and about 20 minutes of patience he was indeed running back and forth with my handouts to his hole in the ground.

 For two summers in a row this arrangement continued to my pleasure and the pleasure of all who visited and observed his trust toward me. He became so accustomed to me that he would climb up my leg and sit in my hand while nibbling on birdseed or chopped walnuts. He even allowed me to stroke his back as he stuffed his cheeks full, a definite indication of trust.

 Chippy was such a precious gift from God. I believe God wants to show us some of the little things He has created for our pleasure. Though some would think I am totally wrong, I also believe it pleases our Creator when we are pleased with even a tiny chipmunk climbing up to a person’s hand for his winter stash. This must have been how things were in Eden, and it makes me long for the time we will be able to hug a lion and scratch behind the ears of a baby elephant as comfortably as we do our house pets.

 What has this to do with worship arts? God is the ultimate artist. Appreciating His creation and caring for it is honoring to the Lord. For me Chippy was like going to a hands-on art museum, but better.  Chippy chose to let me cup his tiny body in my hand and to stroke his silky fur. I was able to observe close up what a marvelous tiny creature God had designed. How thankful I am for the honor.

 


Autumn near Lake Michigan

Eight of us from the worship arts ministry went to the People of the Presence conference in Romulus, MI, this past weekend. We learned much and were all touched greatly as God’s presence filled the ballroom at the Sheraton Hotel.

I have been going over my notes considering what was said. It was about what God is saying to His church and becoming a people who carry His presence.  This gathering with Chuck Pierce, Paul Keith Davis, Randy Clark and Barbara Yoder brought to mind what God has been speaking to me over the past months. 

God is inviting me to enter into His presence in a way many of us have been longing for.  Yes I know His presence, but this is different because the times we are living in are different. Several months ago I heard the Lord saying to me more than once, “Come up.”  The hunger for greater intimacy with Him still presses me forward.  His invitation draws me closer, ever closer each time I open my Bible, each time I sit at the piano and sing to Him, each time I talk with Him. When I walk away from these times, I want ever more and more of His presence going with me.

Because darkness is increasing all around us, we must be the carries of the light of Christ. Jesus said He only does what He sees the Father doing.  We must know Him and be able to discern what He is doing so we can align with His purposes.  I want my ministry to be relevant and my life to count for something. Seeing what lies ahead is sobering, yet God is on the move and desires for us to join Him in what He is doing.

So what has God been speaking to you?  How has He been equipping you for your future?  He is looking for those who are willing to give up their own lives to carry His presence, allowing Him to live through us.

He rejoices over us!

Exuberant Joy

Isaiah 65:18,19   “But be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.  And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and joy in my people.”

Rejoice here is the Hebrew word Giyl which means to dance with great exuberance, leaping and jumping for joy.

Zephaniah 3:17.  “He will rejoice over thee with joy…….He will joy over thee with singing. This is an expression of such joy that it reaches the point of dancing in a whirlwind, leaping and springing about.

Wow!  God gets that excited about you and me.  I am glad to say that there are people at Redeemer Fellowship Church who do display that king of joy when praising God.  Be encouraged by Isaiah’s prophecy that God created us so He could rejoice in us. He is a joy to us; we are a joy to Him!

The Double-Edged Sword

A symbol we use in our worship and intercession is the double-edged sword. Ephesians 6:17 calls this sword “the sword of the spirit” and lists it as part of God’s armor.  We are exhorted here to take up this sword to battle our spiritual enemy, Satan and his fallen angels. We see this sword used by Christ in Matthew 4:1-11.

I love the Word of God, both written and living.  I have so often used this two-edged sword when worried, fearful, discouraged, etc.  I bring to mind words like: “God has not given us the spirit of fear…..” or “Be careful for nothing…..let your requests be made known unto God,” or “He will cover you with His feathers,”  and many others. These contain life for me, they give me hope, they silence my spiritual enemy.

I like what Hanna E. Farwell said in her book, The Sword and the Tambourine. In beautiful prose she writes, “We carry a sword; it is the indwelling Holy Spirit who rises up within to evoke eternal change and to advance the Kingdom and the rule of the King of Kings – Jesus. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end  (see Isa. 9:7).  We advance with Him, with His praise in our mouths and a double-edged sword in our hands – the word of His authority.  We are aware of enemies around us and a world in need, but we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, our Commander.  He makes all things possible!  He will train our hands for war!

Character Development

God wants us to be more than simply messengers of the gospel through our words, but as living, breathing words.  Our greatest testimony can be the message we live in our homes, ministry, work, neighborhoods, etc.

 I am a living picture of who Christ is, but I am not always the best image possible. Thankfully, God is working on that as only He can, through character development.  Character development isn’t usually much fun, but at least I have learned to recognize the signs of this engagement.

 Lately I have been feeling like an exposed earthworm thrashing about, trying to get back to my safe, comfortable abode. God is bringing me out into the light to see myself the way I really am, not so great but loved so much that He won’t allow me to stay underground. He has a plan for me, but I need some character quality upgrades. Uncomfortable though it is, I welcome my unearthing.

It is necessary for those ministering in worship arts to be transparent so our message is clear.  Humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God and allowing the Holy Spirit to cleanse us is key. In so doing we take on His character, and we find God is able to do things through us in greater measure. He can shine through us.

Attitude

I was thinking about how my attitude can affect my emotional and spiritual life. I have been reading in Hebrews, today I read “and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” I am very grateful to Jesus for that.

Then I thought about how many times I may have offended someone without even realizing it, and how many times I have been forgiven by a person. How many times have I forgiven someone without requiring them to apologize? Walking in an attitude of forgiveness is freeing to everyone involved.

I think of pride as putting one’s own interests above another’s, and thinking better of oneself than another. This requires a huge attitude adjustment, not to mention a heart adjustment. Humility, on the other hand, looks to lift someone else up. That does not mean that I put myself down, but I elevate another.

Here is how I think this attitude of forgiveness and humility works: I lift someone up. Along comes someone who lifts me up. I continue to lift, others continue to lift. On and on it goes. We are all lifted much higher by working together. Our synergy gets the job done much better than by each individual trying to “climb the ladder of success” by stepping on others.

We all win the race with this attitude. What are we all racing toward?  We race for “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (see Philippians 3:14)  Just like athletes, our attitudes can make a huge difference in whether we make it to the finish line or not. I am determined to gain that prize. If you are reading this, I’m supposing you are too.  It's always a good day to ask God if we have any attitude adjustments to be made.

Life

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
II Peter 1:3

 This is one of my favorite verses. There is nothing we lack to have life, not just being alive as in “not dead.”  No, this means real life that goes beyond circumstances or income or position in your job or community. The word “life” here comes from the Greek word “zoe” and means, of the absolute fullness of life, both essential and ethical.  This is real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ. 

 So Jesus Christ has given us absolutely everything we need to live a life that is full and godly.  Yes, even godly.  We have everything we need to grow more and more like Christ.  So what is the key to having this life?  Does it just happen because we have chosen to trust the redemptive work of the cross?

It is “through our knowledge of him.”  This isn’t about being able to quote scripture or being a very good person.  This is about really knowing him like your best friend, because he is your best friend.  You can’t get this abundant life on your own.  You live it by spending time with him, reading and studying the scriptures with him, walking with him, talking with him, listening to him, laughing and crying with him, and being silent with him.

 

Where Have All the People Gone?

Looking at a Lake Michigan beach in the fall

Last night in our “Kingdom of God” class, a question arose. What happened to the people who walked around in Jerusalem after Jesus resurrection?

Take a look at Matthew 27:50-53.

“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.” NIV

Several possibilities were suggested, and more questions came to our minds. Where do you think these “holy people” went? Why do you think what you do?

 

“You have set up a banner for those who fear and worshipfully revere you, a standard displayed because of the truth.”  

Psalm 60:4

    ·        Banners are a rallying point for troops during a battle.

             

·        Banners show who you represent.

       

·        Banners herald an event.

     

·        Banners unify and direct worship to the glory of God and the defeat of our spiritual enemies.

·        Banners proclaim victories.

Under the banner of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah we can be confident and fearless. We have been given the Lord’s armor so we can overcome anything the enemy can throw at us.

The picture above illustrates a spiritual reality. Though natural eyes don’t see it, the Lion is always watching over us. Nothing gets past Him without His notice, and whatever happens in our lives He will work it out so it is of benefit to us. In that we cannot lose. He is Yahweh Nissi, the Lord our Banner. (Ex 17:8-16)

We are fearless because we know who He is and who we are in Him. We do not fear man but realize an awesome reverence for the most powerful El Shadday, God Almighty. (Gen 17:1-2)

So, put on God’s own armor; it is designed to fit every believer. Be fearless, for you are so loved that Jesus died to save you before you were even born. Know that His banner flies over you and identifies you as His very own.

Selah!

Love Like Christ

Ephesians 5:1 states, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love.”

 

Some LOVE keys from Ephesians:

 

·        The source of love is Jesus.

·        If Christ truly reigns supreme in my life, I will have no desire to satisfy the flesh and His standard for love will prevail.

·        Gratefulness is like a song of love.

·        Putting the welfare of others first is a demonstration of love and reverence for Christ.

·        Serving out of love is related to submission to the will of Christ. All is done out of a motive to love as Christ loves and to bring Him glory and honor.

 



His love so great!

 

     Today I was reading from a past journal. In the entry for March 6, 2008, I was expressing my apprehension about taking on a very challenging assignment. The Lord encouraged me to be unafraid to press beyond what I thought I was able. When I run out of what I already have is when He steps in to provide what is needed.

      I considered the widow’s small amount of oil and flour in I Kings 17:12. Elijah asked her to make him something to eat. “As surely as the LORD your God lives,” she replied, “I don't have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”

      So when did the miracle take place? When did the flour and oil begin to multiply to provide food for many days? When the widow did her part first and obeyed the word of the Lord. The same principle is illustrated in Mark 6 when thousands were fed with five loaves of bread and two fish. That miracle also started with a young man first giving what he already had.

      It turned out that this challenging assignment the Lord had for me was indeed successful. I could not have done it without Him. He would not have been able to provide through me if I had not been obedient to start with what I already had.

 
     Do you feel overwhelmed with an upcoming project? Remember this: if God has called you to an assignment, don’t be afraid to step out with what you already have. He will take the little you already have and turn it into a miracle, and you will have the fun of being in partnership with Him for its success.

Covered With Love

Looking up while driving over the Mighty Mac to cross the Straits of Mackinac.



 

Proverbs 10:12 tells us that “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers over all sins.” NIV  

One of the things I love about our worship arts team is the absence of strife. When someone is wrong we are not afraid to admit it, because it is a safe environment for us to make mistakes in. Offences are extremely rare, because we consider the other people in the group before self.

According to I Corinthians 3:3, it is our own carnality that causes strife. I Corinthians 13 shows us a better way to live by the love and grace of God. By surrendering our lives daily to Christ we find love at work in our lives.  We are patient with each other and ourselves.  We are kind to each other. We do not envy each other, but seek the best for each other. We do not keep a list of mistakes or weaknesses of each other.  We defend each other and are glad when another is honored.

We are not perfect and sometimes we fall short, but it seems God is maturing each of us through His love.  As we grow in knowing personally the one who is love, we also grow in loving others. Sin can show up in any one of us from time to time, but love seems to cover the sin so that we can see the other person or even ourselves in a clearer light – the light of Christ and through the eyes of love.



Living Water



John 4:10 and 7:38

When speaking with the Samaritan woman Jesus said, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." (4:10)

When speaking of those who choose to follow Him Jesus said, "He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." (7:38)

Jan and Debbie have made some beautiful banners that hang from time to time in our sanctuary. This three dimensional Living Water banner is just one that the Holy Spirit has given them vision to complete.  As the Spirit directs, they create displays in several areas of the sanctuary that represent a particular message. These prophetic displays give us a picture of what the Lord is doing or saying to us. We are so grateful to the Lord for the many giftings within our worship arts team, as well as our congregation at large.

God's Love

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:38-39  NRSV

I love these verses because it means that God is always there for me, even when I mess things up. Unconditional love means I don’t have to live up to even His standards. How incredible is that?  It also means I can’t hide anything from Him either, though some people do try.  Wherever I am, whatever I do He is always there with love because He is Love.

To quote Billy Graham, “Life with Christ is endless love; without Him it is a loveless end.”

I AM, the Lord of the Dance

My husband and I enjoy dancing so much that we use to belong to a dance club which rented a hall regularly for dances. Our DJ was a very nice Christian man, and one night he played “Amazing Grace” arranged with a waltz tempo. My husband asked me if I would like to dance. I hesitated because I thought it wouldn’t be appropriate for us to dance to this, especially in a secular setting.  My husband said, “Do you want to dance or not?”

As soon as we began to flow together to this wonderful message of God’s incredible grace, I realized we were acting out a picture of the Bridegroom and His Bride. Who better should dance this song of grace than two very different people who are joined together by love and a commitment to the grace-giver Himself.  There is no sacred and secular even in dancing, I thought. All my moves are for Christ. Everything I do and say are centered in Him.

Though you may have two left feet and would never dance in public, your life is still a dance with Jesus. He leads, you follow. He chooses the dance, the song, the place, and the tempo.

There is a song that has been around for many years titled, The Lord of the Dance. A line in the chorus reads, “’Dance then wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the dance,’ said He.”  So enjoy the dance He invites you to join Him in. You just might find out something about yourself you didn’t realize was there.

God's Glory Declared

"The heavens declare the glory of  God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard."  Psalm 19:1-3 

Remembering Lisa

Lisa on her third trip to Israel

Two years ago this month, Lisa went to be with the Lord. She was part of worship arts even before we organized officially as a ministry. For a season she was our ministry leader. I could write of many things Lisa did in serving Christ, His family, and those who did not know Him. But for us she was a very special friend and sister in Christ. We miss her, love her, and forever hold her in our hearts.

Debbie in Israel

One of our WAM leaders in Israel, November 2010




 

In 2010 five of our worship arts team members flew to Israel with a group organized through Shepherds Gate Lutheran Church in Shelby Twp.  Of course we packed several small flags to use during worship and during intercession for this nation which gave us Jesus, the Messiah.  While there, God brought us to encounter other followers of Christ who were interested in our flags.  One of our flags was given to a woman from France, and one was given to a young woman from China.

 

We had many great experiences during this trip, visiting the ramparts for intercession, spending time with survivors of the Holocaust, ministering at an elementary school, as well as viewing many sites that were significant locations recorded in scripture.

 

Note that from the angle the picture was taken, Debbie's flag is intersecting with the landing pad at the United Nations peacekeeping compound. Though unintentionally done, a cross is formed.  The message I see in this is that real peace comes only through reconcilliation to God through Jesus the Christ, Savior to Jew and gentile alike

 

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

 



 

 

Give Praise and Thanks to the Lord

From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the Lord's name is to be praised.
Psalm 113:3

I Chronicles 16:8 states, "Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people."

Psalm 50:23 states, Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me." God desires this because it glorifies Him.

The words "thanks" and "praise" here are both  yadah in Hebrew. It means "to use the hand to revere or worship with extended hands, wringing the hands, confess, graceful gestures; to throw, to cast, to profess, to confess, to show or point out, to give thanks, to praise, celebrate."

Note that it says in our definition "to show or point out." With our hands we can demonstrate a message to others as we worship the Lord. In fact, in I Chronicles 16:4 they appointed Levites to do this. "And he [David] appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the Ark of the Lord, and to record, and to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel."

Try it. Try using your hands to show or point out what you are singing about during your worship time. It only takes a small place for one person, and it is a great way for a group to move in unity with each other. We, as the redeemed ones, have much "to show or point out" much to "celebrate" don't we?

Music and Worship Arts

Our Worship Team Practicing Before the Service

August 25, 2013

As introduced previously, music and worship arts can be closely linked together. I have often started to sing and “stroll” around my house as I was praising the Lord. It’s like I am declaring to the walls as well as the spirit world the greatness or goodness of God. I love going out on my deck early in the morning to praise God. I do, however, try to be courteous to my neighbors and not sing at the top of my lungs. In the summer I feel like I am welcoming the day with praise along with the birds and the rest of creation. In the winter I sense nature at rest, and it can be so beautiful when the sun begins to rise from behind our pine trees. I am inspired to praise Him even more!

Back to scripture and the word Shuwr (See post of Aug 24). Miriam, Moses and Aaron’s prophetess sister, also had a song in Exodus 15:20. As she strolled along singing, the other women joined her with timbrels and dancing. They sang, “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea.” NRSV

Can’t you just see the picture of the entire group of refugees walking slowly away from the Red Sea. They had just seen an incredible miracle. When Miriam and the other women began to sing, I suspect this inspired song began to be sung by some of the others in the company. I can see them leading animals, carrying babies, pulling small carts, looking forward, following the cloud, and singing in unison just like we do today with short choruses during worship services. Perhaps the melody came to them many times throughout their journey toward their destined land. Perhaps there were times small groups of people spontaneously began to stroll along singing this song.

According to The Oxford Desk Dictionary, art is “human creative skill or its application; work showing this; branches of creative activity concerned with the projection of imaginative designs, sounds, or ideas; creative activity resulting in visual representation.” God had given Miriam a song. I believe the music and movement was beautiful in the sight of God. It wasn’t canvas that He was preparing for His vision. He had a dream in His heart, and the dream was just beginning to take shape.

So what did this movement represent? I believe it represented a moving forward. God had done something miraculous right before their eyes, a supernatural feat. Their enemy was defeated and they were now free, but they still had a ways to go. God was just beginning to mold them into a people that would carry God’s dream forward to its designated time.

Worship arts is often about painting a prophetic picture. This prophetic particular picture is still relevant for us today. God does a great miracle in our lives when we choose to follow Him as Israel did. The enemy is not pleased with this change, and wants us to stay in a place of bondage to him. Through the power of the cross our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus and the enemy is defeated, but the journey is just beginning for us. We must be trained in the ways of a new kingdom with a different sort of king. Along the way He gives us new songs and new revelations to carry on our journey to fulfill His dream of a bride for His son.

 Consider your journey and stroll through your day singing a new song of praise.

Just Strolling Along

God has provided us with some very specific moves for singers, dancers, and musicians in scripture. One that many of you may have seen in your own place of worship or when visiting other worship gatherings is known by the Hebrew word Shuwr. It meas to sing strolling minstrely, to turn, to travel about. In the church body that I grew up in, the choir would enter, walking slowly, at the beginning of our service as we all sang the first hymn. Here is another place you may have seen this move. If you ever watched the westerns from the 1960s you might recall Nat King Cole walking, singing, and playing a guitar as he sang a ballad about the lead character in the movie.

We see this movement in Exodus 15:1 when Moses and the Israelites sang to the Lord. (God was their lead character in the song. Pun intended.) They sang, "I will sing unto the Lord, for he is highly exalted ......... The Lord will reign for ever and ever." The word "sing" here is this word Shuwr. Some other places we see this action is in Psalm 9:11, Psalm 33:3, Psalm 137:3, and Jeremiah 20:13.

Though this indicates a group of singers, dancers, and musicians I believe it is just as appropriate for us as individuals to stroll through our own homes, or some other appropriate place as we sing praise to the lead character in our lives. Some of our worship arts leaders come early on Sunday when the singers and musicians are practicing. We sometimes pick up an appropriate flag and sing along with our worship team as we walk slowly throughout the sanctuary. A flag isn't always necessary, but the movement and singing brings the presence of God and prepares the sanctuary for the people to receive from the Lord. We move to prepare a place for the Lord to move in.

The Color of Love: Red

Some of our flags are simply unembellished red flags which symbolize the blood of Jesus. In scripture we recognize the color red to also mean atonement, sacrifice, redemption, and love. God has shown His love through His "only begotten son." In John 10:14-18 Jesus tells us that He willingly gave up his life for us. He says, "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord." Only love could have caused such a sacrifice. Only love would look on the mess humanity had made of itself and see the blood of Christ redeeming a future Bride without spot or wrinkle.  As the old hymn declares, "What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus."

Choices

Today I was reading about the choices we make concerning our relationship with God just as Abraham did. In Shechem (the place of choosing) he chose Yahweh as his God. At Bethel (house of God) he chose to enter into relationship as a son with Father God. The next place of decision came at Hebron (indicating an association or friendship) where he chose to accept the invitation of friendship with God. Through Jesus we find the Savior, Son of God, who brought us into all of these relationship categories if we choose to accept Him. To know Him as God is good and profitable. To know Him as Father is a place of comfort and blessing. To know Him as friend is a place of intimacy where now we have access to the dreams and heart of one who is always close, always listening, always speaking, laughing with us, and walking with us. This is the place that is not just about me; it's about us, because we are friends. So where are you with this?