Worship is central to who we are; to to who we are becoming! "A person will worship something, have no doubt about that.... That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives, and our character. Therefore....what we are worshipping we are becoming." (Emerson).
The identity of the church is determined by its worship. We must worship, stand in awe, lost in wonder, love and praise, aware of the holiness of God, this is our identity as the people of God, the church. Worship is the context and the catalyst for transformation. Robert Webber said, "Worship is the key to the renewal of the church...the way to the future runs through the past."
We are commanded "to remember," to remember the self-giving life of Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection is the very basis and the future of our life. Life unites with humanity in order to give itself away. "To remember" is to join this very life of Christ and to live with and for Him being joined to His Body. A Body that is united to worship the "one" who is the source of life.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Unite my Heart!
Teach me your way, O Lord;
.....unite my heart to fear your name.
Psalm 86:11NKJ
Have you ever felt like you had it all together, finally, and then forget where you put it?
The psalmist prays for wisdom to know how to take all the various areas of his life and weave them together into one single strand of unity and harmony. I have mediated upon this verse many times and it has helped me to find harmony within the Holy Spirit and with the entire body of Christ.
In Hebrew, the word translated “unite” is the word yachad. Most define it as “to join together, to become one.” A Christian is not a divided person or personality. Although we are comprised of different “parts,” we really are a “unified” being. Our tangible and intangible bodies are inextricably interwoven together with each other and with the Creator. A Christian truly is one with himself and with His God.
The Christian must also come to recognize that he or she is also one with his brothers and sisters in Christ. In such a fusion, there are no divisions, no separations, no barriers, no cross, no conflicts of interest.
When believers truly become one Body, with Christ as Head, instead of going off in hundreds of different directions, we will finally be able to give total concentration to the one thing we are all called to do: WORSHIP THE LORD AND BE WITNESSES TO HIM IN ALL THE WORLD.
I love this verse; “Unite my heart to fear Your Name!”
.....unite my heart to fear your name.
Psalm 86:11NKJ
Have you ever felt like you had it all together, finally, and then forget where you put it?
The psalmist prays for wisdom to know how to take all the various areas of his life and weave them together into one single strand of unity and harmony. I have mediated upon this verse many times and it has helped me to find harmony within the Holy Spirit and with the entire body of Christ.
In Hebrew, the word translated “unite” is the word yachad. Most define it as “to join together, to become one.” A Christian is not a divided person or personality. Although we are comprised of different “parts,” we really are a “unified” being. Our tangible and intangible bodies are inextricably interwoven together with each other and with the Creator. A Christian truly is one with himself and with His God.
The Christian must also come to recognize that he or she is also one with his brothers and sisters in Christ. In such a fusion, there are no divisions, no separations, no barriers, no cross, no conflicts of interest.
When believers truly become one Body, with Christ as Head, instead of going off in hundreds of different directions, we will finally be able to give total concentration to the one thing we are all called to do: WORSHIP THE LORD AND BE WITNESSES TO HIM IN ALL THE WORLD.
I love this verse; “Unite my heart to fear Your Name!”
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
HEAR THE BREEZE
And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day...
Genesis NKJ
The cool of the day was around four o'clock in the evening. It is the time when the evening breeze begins to stir. The Hebrew word translated cool in this verse is ruwach. Elsewhere in Scripture, this same word is translated breath, wind, breeze, spirit, and Holy Spirit.
God is a spirit. When the afternoon breeze began to stir in the Garden of Eden, God as a spirit came to Adam and Eve in the wind. Although it is not stated that this was a daily occurrence, most Bible scholars consulted seemed to feel that this was the case.
David Kimchi, a Jewish scholar living in Spain in the 12 century, wrote that Adam and Eve sinned around the four o’clock time. Satan’s strategy was to tempt Adam and Eve into disobedience, thereby creating a sin barrier between them and God.
Matthew-Henry, an 18th century scholar writes: “There is an evangelic not to this passage. God know they had sinned, but it did not keep Him from coming to meet them. Even though they had failed, miserably, He still came looking for them. He remained faithful to being “Good.” Our failures reveal His “Fail-fulness.” His compassion for them effected a reconciliation and the promise of the coming Messiah.
To this very day every human being still longs for the breeze, the wind, the Holy Presence of God to come to them. To those of us who believe in Christ we have received His eternal, never leaving presence into our lives and we know the comfort of His embrace.
As the breeze, wind blows around my deck this morning I am overwhelmed by the fact that He continues to come to me. In spite of human failure, His divine faithfulness covers me with His Present Grace.
Genesis NKJ
The cool of the day was around four o'clock in the evening. It is the time when the evening breeze begins to stir. The Hebrew word translated cool in this verse is ruwach. Elsewhere in Scripture, this same word is translated breath, wind, breeze, spirit, and Holy Spirit.
God is a spirit. When the afternoon breeze began to stir in the Garden of Eden, God as a spirit came to Adam and Eve in the wind. Although it is not stated that this was a daily occurrence, most Bible scholars consulted seemed to feel that this was the case.
David Kimchi, a Jewish scholar living in Spain in the 12 century, wrote that Adam and Eve sinned around the four o’clock time. Satan’s strategy was to tempt Adam and Eve into disobedience, thereby creating a sin barrier between them and God.
Matthew-Henry, an 18th century scholar writes: “There is an evangelic not to this passage. God know they had sinned, but it did not keep Him from coming to meet them. Even though they had failed, miserably, He still came looking for them. He remained faithful to being “Good.” Our failures reveal His “Fail-fulness.” His compassion for them effected a reconciliation and the promise of the coming Messiah.
To this very day every human being still longs for the breeze, the wind, the Holy Presence of God to come to them. To those of us who believe in Christ we have received His eternal, never leaving presence into our lives and we know the comfort of His embrace.
As the breeze, wind blows around my deck this morning I am overwhelmed by the fact that He continues to come to me. In spite of human failure, His divine faithfulness covers me with His Present Grace.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Update on Haiti!!
“...And who is my neighbor? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.” (Luke 10:29-30).
Located only some six hundred miles from the shores of Florida, Haiti is laying beside the road! Haiti is our neighbor!
Haiti is an entire nation who has fallen, been stripped, wounded and left half-dead. This country of nine million people, of which eighty percent are living in total poverty was devastated by an earthquake that took at least six hundred thousand lives.
Living on the edge of humanity this country was thrown into complete despair by the earthquake. There are numerous sights that took my breath away and nearly brought me to my knees, but it was the emptiness in the eyes of the children that has affected my soul.
Everyone has suffered loss! Grievous loss! Death has robbed each of them of, father, mother, children, brother.... I listened as a young mother speaking in a low monotone voice clutching her four year old daughter, spoke of the loss of her twin children and her husband. Looking blankly into the distance as if somewhere over my shoulder she would see them, tearlessly she replayed the nightmare of that day. A day that would alter not only her life but everyone around her.
There was and is no one to comfort her, because everyone is grieving. Death and destruction has touched the entire nation. They sit in the midst of rubble starring off into nothingness!
The Haitian government was and still is unprepared to assist it’s people. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled Port Au Prince for the surrounding foothills. Makeshift huts, some of wood and some of tent or tarp like materials fill the base of the mountains. As the rains come the conditions only worsen. The people have watched as their huts have slowing been eroded by the water as it has overtaken home after home. Standing, and stagnant water of the rainy season has made the conditions even more ripe for typhoid, malaria and all other diseases.
This past week as I walked among these people I am convinced that we must be the neighbor that Christ spoke of in Luke’s Gospel.
I realize that we cannot do everything but we can do something.
With your help we can assist in the feeding, education and rebuilding of the lives of the children of Haiti. I have partnered with “People To People” so that we can touch the lives of the Haitian people, particularly the children.
We are working on several strategies to partner with this existing ministry to restore the lives of the people of Haiti. I know that the Lord spoke to me about being present in Haiti after the initial response. We are to make long term commitments to these people.
And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. (Luke 10:34-35).
The challenges for Haiti are long standing and require long term compassion. We can make a difference in their lives if we are willing to remain steady in our efforts. I want to thank each of you for your support and encourage you to make a monthly pledge to assist these children.
You can visit the website www.fathershouse.net/Haiti....and make your donation. There you will find several pictures and I will keep you posted as to the upcoming plans and projects.
Located only some six hundred miles from the shores of Florida, Haiti is laying beside the road! Haiti is our neighbor!
Haiti is an entire nation who has fallen, been stripped, wounded and left half-dead. This country of nine million people, of which eighty percent are living in total poverty was devastated by an earthquake that took at least six hundred thousand lives.
Living on the edge of humanity this country was thrown into complete despair by the earthquake. There are numerous sights that took my breath away and nearly brought me to my knees, but it was the emptiness in the eyes of the children that has affected my soul.
Everyone has suffered loss! Grievous loss! Death has robbed each of them of, father, mother, children, brother.... I listened as a young mother speaking in a low monotone voice clutching her four year old daughter, spoke of the loss of her twin children and her husband. Looking blankly into the distance as if somewhere over my shoulder she would see them, tearlessly she replayed the nightmare of that day. A day that would alter not only her life but everyone around her.
There was and is no one to comfort her, because everyone is grieving. Death and destruction has touched the entire nation. They sit in the midst of rubble starring off into nothingness!
The Haitian government was and still is unprepared to assist it’s people. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled Port Au Prince for the surrounding foothills. Makeshift huts, some of wood and some of tent or tarp like materials fill the base of the mountains. As the rains come the conditions only worsen. The people have watched as their huts have slowing been eroded by the water as it has overtaken home after home. Standing, and stagnant water of the rainy season has made the conditions even more ripe for typhoid, malaria and all other diseases.
This past week as I walked among these people I am convinced that we must be the neighbor that Christ spoke of in Luke’s Gospel.
I realize that we cannot do everything but we can do something.
With your help we can assist in the feeding, education and rebuilding of the lives of the children of Haiti. I have partnered with “People To People” so that we can touch the lives of the Haitian people, particularly the children.
We are working on several strategies to partner with this existing ministry to restore the lives of the people of Haiti. I know that the Lord spoke to me about being present in Haiti after the initial response. We are to make long term commitments to these people.
And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. (Luke 10:34-35).
The challenges for Haiti are long standing and require long term compassion. We can make a difference in their lives if we are willing to remain steady in our efforts. I want to thank each of you for your support and encourage you to make a monthly pledge to assist these children.
You can visit the website www.fathershouse.net/Haiti....and make your donation. There you will find several pictures and I will keep you posted as to the upcoming plans and projects.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Hungry For God
Hunger for God is one of the greatest signs of life a believer can have. It reveals that inner awareness of God. This desire is in itself testimony that there is more, and the fact that we possess that hunger to seek God should encourage us to pursue encounters with Him.
I crave time with my children and grandcildren. That craving, that cry would destroy me if it were not possible for that reality to exist. “He who loves Me.... I will love him and manifest Myself to him. (John 14:21). This is more than a heavenly promise. We are not only to receive the Holy Spirit but we are to see Jesus over and over again. He will be found by those who love and seek Him.
God told Samuel that He did not look at the outward but instead he looked on the heart. It was from that perspective that David was chosen. David’s heart of passion of hunger for God is what attracted God’s attention.
David’s passion for God was seen on the other side of the mountain as he cared for sheep. David worshiped without anyone else around for many years before he gave insight to Israel and their worship. David’s heart and passion for God is known through not only Christianity but nearly every faith.
This worshipping King hungered for the very presence of God, above all else. David endeared himself to God as a man of great passion -- for God and for life.
I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. (Acts 13:22)
I repeat hunger, passion for God is one of the greatest signs of life a believer can have. That passion pulls the believer into worship and draws others to worship together. l
There is a sound emerging from within our culture that has affected the Kingdom. It is no more or no less than the idea that we as believers are called to merely perform social or civic duties. It would reduce us to being chaplains of society. Thus the church losses focus on here highest calling.
I serve from Him, not merely for Him. This may seem overly simple but it is the key to ministry. This was the model that Jesus gave to us. He only did what He saw His Father do and said what He heard the Father say.
The greatest example of this is the story of Mary and Martha. Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus while Martha chose to work in the kitchen. Mary sought to please Jesus by being with Him while Martha sought to please Him through service. “Mary has chosen the better part.” was His reply.
As I write this I realize that some will take this to mean that they can stop doing anything and just sit.... However, that is not the meaning of this little letter nor the story of David, Mary or Martha. The point is that without sitting in His Presence any attempt of ministry is futile. All ministry must flow out of His Presence. Presence Centered worship will lead to Presence Driven ministry.
Martha respond to a need that was not even expressed, because she did not understand her own favor. Thus out of her own insecurity she was fixing a lunch that was never ordered. And all the while “living bread” was being offered. Only after we’ve eaten from His Table can we feed others.
David’s passion, Mary’s attention we must come to realize that what the world is in real hunger for is His Presence.... In His Presence there is “fullness.”
I crave time with my children and grandcildren. That craving, that cry would destroy me if it were not possible for that reality to exist. “He who loves Me.... I will love him and manifest Myself to him. (John 14:21). This is more than a heavenly promise. We are not only to receive the Holy Spirit but we are to see Jesus over and over again. He will be found by those who love and seek Him.
God told Samuel that He did not look at the outward but instead he looked on the heart. It was from that perspective that David was chosen. David’s heart of passion of hunger for God is what attracted God’s attention.
David’s passion for God was seen on the other side of the mountain as he cared for sheep. David worshiped without anyone else around for many years before he gave insight to Israel and their worship. David’s heart and passion for God is known through not only Christianity but nearly every faith.
This worshipping King hungered for the very presence of God, above all else. David endeared himself to God as a man of great passion -- for God and for life.
I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. (Acts 13:22)
I repeat hunger, passion for God is one of the greatest signs of life a believer can have. That passion pulls the believer into worship and draws others to worship together. l
There is a sound emerging from within our culture that has affected the Kingdom. It is no more or no less than the idea that we as believers are called to merely perform social or civic duties. It would reduce us to being chaplains of society. Thus the church losses focus on here highest calling.
I serve from Him, not merely for Him. This may seem overly simple but it is the key to ministry. This was the model that Jesus gave to us. He only did what He saw His Father do and said what He heard the Father say.
The greatest example of this is the story of Mary and Martha. Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus while Martha chose to work in the kitchen. Mary sought to please Jesus by being with Him while Martha sought to please Him through service. “Mary has chosen the better part.” was His reply.
As I write this I realize that some will take this to mean that they can stop doing anything and just sit.... However, that is not the meaning of this little letter nor the story of David, Mary or Martha. The point is that without sitting in His Presence any attempt of ministry is futile. All ministry must flow out of His Presence. Presence Centered worship will lead to Presence Driven ministry.
Martha respond to a need that was not even expressed, because she did not understand her own favor. Thus out of her own insecurity she was fixing a lunch that was never ordered. And all the while “living bread” was being offered. Only after we’ve eaten from His Table can we feed others.
David’s passion, Mary’s attention we must come to realize that what the world is in real hunger for is His Presence.... In His Presence there is “fullness.”
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
AGREEMENT - THE MASTER KEY OF THE KINGDOM
Agreement --- the Master Key of the Kingdom!
Jesus came proclaiming the presence of the Kingdom and the Father’s pleasure to give us the Kingdom. He went as far as to say that He would bestow upon us the “keys to the Kingdom.”
It appears that the overarching theme of the New Testament is the announcement and the availability to live in the Kingdom of God. And yet we still live as though the Kingdom is some distant hope that is only realized after death.
Again Jesus, inspires us by saying that “the kingdom is within us.” He encourages us that “out of our inner-most being will flow rivers of living water.” Today perhaps like none other we need to take time to reflect on the way that we view the King and His Kingdom.
We all read the scriptures that tell us “He lives in us.” And we mentally understand that where He is there is the Kingdom. But I don’t think we have really come to terms with what that means.
“Repent, the Kingdom of God is at hand!”
This is an invitation, not a threat! We have been and are being invited to live within the domain of our Heavenly Father. To live under the protection, provision and polity of the One who Loves us and has given His life for us all.
To “abide under the shadow” of the Almighty that is our inheritance. This is our “secret place,” the very mystery of being in the world but not of the world. And to further grasp that He has given us the “keys” of this kingdom is even more exciting than ever.
Matt. 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
God lives between the two Cheribs who forever face each other above the Mercy Seat, and it is there that He promised to meet with Israel. Christ sent them out two by two. Two are better than one, one will put a thousand to flight but two ten thousand. When God desires to bless you he brings another into your life.
Ruth had one conversation with Naomi and she was introduced to Boaz. Elisha needed Elijah! David and Jonathan were friends. Andrew introduced Peter to the Lord, and Barnabas was helpful to Paul.
The power of two is scatter all the way through our Christian History. When Christ came he revealed the power of two as the “master Key” to the Kingdom. “If two of you agree.....”
Wow! Simple and yet profound. James told us where there is strife, evil and confusion prevail. Jesus through his own blood removed the condemnation, judgmental, and over all criticism of this world. In fact Jesus calls us to agree with our adversaries.
Agreement, harmony, unity is the very vehicle through which the very power of God is released in His Kingdom. To live under the shadow and in Agreement and to see the manifestation of the Kingdom of God is and should be our greatest desire.
Jonathan and his armor-bearer were able to defeat a huge army merely through agreement. (1 Samuel 14:6-15).
May we set our hearts to agree with God, and with each other.
Jesus came proclaiming the presence of the Kingdom and the Father’s pleasure to give us the Kingdom. He went as far as to say that He would bestow upon us the “keys to the Kingdom.”
It appears that the overarching theme of the New Testament is the announcement and the availability to live in the Kingdom of God. And yet we still live as though the Kingdom is some distant hope that is only realized after death.
Again Jesus, inspires us by saying that “the kingdom is within us.” He encourages us that “out of our inner-most being will flow rivers of living water.” Today perhaps like none other we need to take time to reflect on the way that we view the King and His Kingdom.
We all read the scriptures that tell us “He lives in us.” And we mentally understand that where He is there is the Kingdom. But I don’t think we have really come to terms with what that means.
“Repent, the Kingdom of God is at hand!”
This is an invitation, not a threat! We have been and are being invited to live within the domain of our Heavenly Father. To live under the protection, provision and polity of the One who Loves us and has given His life for us all.
To “abide under the shadow” of the Almighty that is our inheritance. This is our “secret place,” the very mystery of being in the world but not of the world. And to further grasp that He has given us the “keys” of this kingdom is even more exciting than ever.
Matt. 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
God lives between the two Cheribs who forever face each other above the Mercy Seat, and it is there that He promised to meet with Israel. Christ sent them out two by two. Two are better than one, one will put a thousand to flight but two ten thousand. When God desires to bless you he brings another into your life.
Ruth had one conversation with Naomi and she was introduced to Boaz. Elisha needed Elijah! David and Jonathan were friends. Andrew introduced Peter to the Lord, and Barnabas was helpful to Paul.
The power of two is scatter all the way through our Christian History. When Christ came he revealed the power of two as the “master Key” to the Kingdom. “If two of you agree.....”
Wow! Simple and yet profound. James told us where there is strife, evil and confusion prevail. Jesus through his own blood removed the condemnation, judgmental, and over all criticism of this world. In fact Jesus calls us to agree with our adversaries.
Agreement, harmony, unity is the very vehicle through which the very power of God is released in His Kingdom. To live under the shadow and in Agreement and to see the manifestation of the Kingdom of God is and should be our greatest desire.
Jonathan and his armor-bearer were able to defeat a huge army merely through agreement. (1 Samuel 14:6-15).
May we set our hearts to agree with God, and with each other.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Sweet Peace...
Sweet is the peace and serenity of the early morning before before anything makes a harsh sound or shakes the morning dew; two deer feed along the woodland path, and a brown leaf or two floats down from the trees. Though it is early, Autumn seems to begin and the cool quiet morning mists soothe the spirit.
Human spirits need a lift now and then. But it is not the things outside a person that turn on the light or heal the soul. Only the heart can do that. The heart is the core, a place where words, beliefs, and images are stored. Life springs from this place and rejects the darkness, no matter how many times it presents itself.
Be like the flower that opens to the light and closes when touched by darkness. The choice is yours -- the darkest night cannot touch the bloom that will not open to it.
Human spirits need a lift now and then. But it is not the things outside a person that turn on the light or heal the soul. Only the heart can do that. The heart is the core, a place where words, beliefs, and images are stored. Life springs from this place and rejects the darkness, no matter how many times it presents itself.
Be like the flower that opens to the light and closes when touched by darkness. The choice is yours -- the darkest night cannot touch the bloom that will not open to it.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
As Pure as Gold!!!
I realize that blogs, facebook, twitter is probably not meant for prophetic word stuff... However I felt this was maybe useful to more than just me....
A WORD FOR THE LORD:
I know the way that you take, and when you come forth, you shall come forth as gold, yes as pure gold, having been tried by the fire. My eye is upon you in loving watchfulness, and My ear is open to your cry.
Be not over-charged with anxiety. I am thy burden-bearer. Be not anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow I shall be your supply. Praise Me NOW, and let your confidence in Me be seen and manifest. So shall the faith of others be encouraged, for your life is a witness to many.
I AM your portion: I will keep you in perfect peace. Because you have made the Most High your dwelling place, I shall deliver you from all trouble. I shall bless you and reward you, and reveal to you the greatness of My Salvation.
A WORD FOR THE LORD:
I know the way that you take, and when you come forth, you shall come forth as gold, yes as pure gold, having been tried by the fire. My eye is upon you in loving watchfulness, and My ear is open to your cry.
Be not over-charged with anxiety. I am thy burden-bearer. Be not anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow I shall be your supply. Praise Me NOW, and let your confidence in Me be seen and manifest. So shall the faith of others be encouraged, for your life is a witness to many.
I AM your portion: I will keep you in perfect peace. Because you have made the Most High your dwelling place, I shall deliver you from all trouble. I shall bless you and reward you, and reveal to you the greatness of My Salvation.
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