Category: Spiritual Formation

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A Gathering of Worship Artists

gath·er·ing n. [ gáəring ]

  1. assembly: a meeting or crowd of people
  2. cluster of things: a collection of objects
  3. collecting of something: the collecting of people or objects into a group

Saturday, I attended The Gathering of Worship Artists hosted by All Things Artistic Ministries, Inc. in Ypsilanti, Michigan.   This organization was founded to glorify God through the arts.  Its founder, Rev. Dr. Debby Mitchell shared the underlying theme of nourishing God’s people, and encouraging others to move beyond the fear of rejection to give their creative souls back to God.  He called us to worship Him in the beauty of His Holiness.  1 Thessalonians 2:4, “We are not trying to please men but God, who test our hearts.” [The Message]  We are to love God with everything – our bodies, mind and souls. Worship is a full-bodied activity.  Since we were made to worship God, so why not use those creative abilities, which He gave us, to do just that.  He gave us creative abilities, made us in His image, and yet our hearts shudder, and tremble at the very thought of using our creative abilities. Why?  For some it is fear that stops them, or lack of knowledge, encouragement or support, as well as lack of trust in the one who created us.  For others, the need to be seen and to please the call of man is the overriding factor. These mere smoke screens diminish those extraordinary opportunities, and moments which belong to Him.  We serve God, not a piece of flesh or metal.  When we fail to creatively express ourselves, we throw dirt in the face of God.

Deep within us is the need to create and show the beauty of life, and of our God.  We want to capture it, tell our story, and show how God touched us through our families, through nature, or through a life experience.    Worship through the creative arts, in all its various forms is to an audience of One.

At this event participants shared, and expressed their love for and to God through song, dance, artistic expression and in personal testimony.  It became a powerful re-affirmation to support and encourage each one another.

You may not be able to sing or dance, but there is something inside that is seeking a way to express love and appreciation to God for what He has done, and is doing in and through your life.  I encourage to find  the artistic way to thank God, and tell your story.

 

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The Grey

I recently watched a movie,” The Grey” depicting a story of survival.  The storyline was about a group of men survived an airplane crash in Alaska, but were pursued by a pack of big grey wolves.  One by one the wolves encountered and killed members of the group, except those who succumbed to the elements, until only the skilled hunter was left.  The final scene showed the hunter played by Liam Neeson surrounded by the pack.  As he prepared for the final battle, you saw him remembering his wife, father, and words from a poem his father wrote..”Live and die each day.”  He recited the words as he looked at his main pursuer, a huge grey wolf. Each staring at each other the hunter took a breath, weapons in his hands then the scene went black leaving the audience to draw their own conclusion to the end of the story.   I thought the enemy uses similar tactics on us.  The pack attacked in large and small hunting parties.  Sometimes the attacks were in the daylight, sometimes at night.  The enemy does the same.  Sometimes there are sneak attacks.  The  calm before the storm, then he strikes.  Sometimes the enemy stares you in the face taunting you, as if to say you aren’t going to win this fight.   But it is not true.  Jesus left us an inheritance…His last will and testament written with his precious blood.  He left us His all-consuming power, and glory.  He left us His peace that passes all understanding.  The enemy is powerless AGAINST JESUS.  He does pursue, and uses every weapon in his arsenal.  But he has already been defeated by our risen Savior who sits on the right hand in glory.  No weapon formed against us can prosper.  Each and every day we are to put on the whole armor of God to stand and look the enemy squarely in the eye and say take your best shot.  And he will take the shot, and fall down in defeat.  You will stand as the victor.  You win because of Jesus.   

Jesus defeated death and everything that will come against us.  It may be grey in your life today, but take hope and strength in your rightful inheritance, and in the knowledge that Jesus won, which means we have the victory.   “Be strong and very courageous”…Joshua 1:8-9

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Faith Note

This quote from E. Stanley Jones about faith and worry had to be shared. 

“I am inwardly fashioned for faith, not for fear. Fear is not my native land; faith is. I am so made that worry and anxiety are sand in the machinery of life; faith is the oil”.

Faith is the soil and substance of our belief.  Without it, it is impossible to do anything that pleases God.  Faith means we can and will do it.  We take the leap and move from yesterday into tomorrow.  Faith means we go beyond the surface, beyond the chaos, beyond our fears into the glory of God.   Faith shines brightest in those dark moments when all our human efforts have failed. 

Remember today, that faith is your native land.  Pack your bags and leave the land of Fear-False Evidence Appearing Real, and go home to Faith.

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Pursue Unity

No wars, no fighting, no bombs, or guns, military or the need for borders to be protected.  No court systems, or prisons or jails, think of it…a world without the chaos, turmoil devoid of conflict, strife.  A place where people live in harmony working out their differences in ways which respects the inherent value of the other person.  A tall order!  A world where peace reign supreme.  What’s happening in your world today?  Are you pursuing unity?  How about that family member, or co-worker who got on your nerve yesterday or even this morning?  Are you pursuing unity or your position?  Think about the disagreement, or grudge you’ve held for the past days, or months, or years…has it been resolved?  Is the relationship with the other person been restored?  Or are you carrying weight from years of pursuing pain, bitterness, disagreements, fighting?

2 Corinthians 13:11 said  “Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”  Be of one mind, live in peace and God will be with you.   Think of it – God will be with you if you be of one mind-his mind and live in peace with others. We don’t have to spend our lives in constant conflict and turmoil. We don’t have to begin the day in dread and fear because of misunderstandings over some trivial matter or thing, or the important matter of the day.  Someone once asked the question, “Do your words and actions pursue a path of peace?” in a book I read.  I pondered how many times, and often  I personally pursued peace and unity.  When I did, I experienced the peace of God, and my world was filled with more love, joy, peace, happiness than turmoil, strife, and pain.  I also have realized that if I did not pursue unity then I experienced and carried the weight of the alternative.

God wants us to pursue unity with each other, and within ourselves.  Listen to God’s voice, pursue unity today, and experience peace.

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The Event

http://www.examiner.com/article/skywatchers-prepare-super-full-moon-to-rise-on-may-5-2012

It has been a couple of days since the appearance of what is being called the “Super Moon.” Some truly amazing pictures were taken from around the world. Professional and amateur photographers as well as NASA turned their attention toward the moon. After looking at several pictures, because I missed the event, I was struck by not only the images, but also on how many people commented on it. Then I asked myself how many missed “the event” because our attention was elsewhere.
Many have already missed “the event.” And many more will miss it. What event is this? The coming of Christ. Despite books, films, testimonies, and organizations proclaiming His first and foretelling his second coming many will miss it as well.

The moon’s beauty on the horizon was spectacular. But is seeing or participating in this or any other event worth missing the signs of the coming of Christ? For believers, we can stop to appreciate the beauty and majesty of God in nature, noting that the “real event” of Christ Jesus far outweighs anything in this world.

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The God Who Heals

“If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on your which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”  Exodus 15:26 NKJV

1. Diligently listen to God

2. Do what is right, not popular

3. Follow His commandments

4. Keep His word

Pay attention to God, and receive spiritual healing, and as He decrees, physical healing as well.   What a wonderful promise from our God.

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Making A Difference

Last evening I watched several clips from NBC’s Making A Difference segment.  Story after story about various individuals who step out of their comfort zones to help others.  From a town who gave a wounded soldier and his bride a fairy tale wedding ,to a group that holds monthly potluck dinners to send funds to women in developing nations. Amazing tales of sacrifices to make life a little better for those in need.

What struck me the most was each person said, “I had to do it”, as if their very life depended upon these acts of generosity. There were no regrets or thoughts about what if I can’t do it, or should I do it? It was just a solid resignation that it had to be done.  No matter what the cost, they felt compelled to act.  As a result, not only were the recipients changed, but the givers were also transformed.

Isn’t that how Jesus felt in the garden that fateful night when he said “not my will be done”?  Although he wrestled, and drops of blood fell upon his brow he gave up himself to give the ultimate gift to the world.  And because of it he made the biggest difference in our lives.

It was a pleasure watching each story.  I was moved, and deeply touched by the outpouring of love and generosity, even by those who faced major ordeals.  Be encouraged to make a difference in the lives of others. The benefits far outweight risks. You will be transformed, and so will those around you.

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A.C.T.S. of Gratitude

Gratitude and appreciation are elusive things.  The busyness of our lives creates barriers to them.  We rush from one activity to the next, from one person to the next, from one situation to the next. Even technology robs us from hitting the pause button with its endless tweets, dings, bells, whistles, ringtones.  Before we can complete a sentence, or a thought some new piece of information, or news flash breaks in our consciousness and leads us off down the road.   Or even worst, a memory of some mistake, sin, forgotten assignment, misplaced word or a gregarious act steals our peace, and before you know it you’re drifting away.   However, when we do pause from the tyranny of things, or the focus of what should not have happened, and turn our attention to those layers upon layers of blessings, gratitude comes in.  Our heartspace opens,  and joy drives up with peace, love, and the entire fruit of the Spirit. [Galatians 5:22-23].  It is a beautiful thing.

Clipper Creative Art Service

Gratitude makes us truly appreciate the:A=actions made by Our Lord, and others on behalf of us,

C=challenges of life with faith and blessed assurance that all things work together for those who are the called, according to His purposes,

T=triumphs of the journey because of Christ’s gift of salvation,

S=sacrifices Christ made on Calvary because of His great love for us.

Our A.C.T.S. of gratitude causes us to respond in a grateful manner which demonstrates our deep appreciation for this life, and for the life to come.

 

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The Beautiful Blogger Award

The Beautiful Blogger Award.

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Little Blessings

Thomas Kinkade in his book, Lightposts for Living, asked this question, What small things can I do today bring a blessing to someone else?  He talked about small, not huge, gigantic, or enormous things.  How often do we think in order to make a difference, it [the thing has to be large, or on a world-wide scale?  In the rush of the world we forget the power of the “small.”  A smile, laughter, a phone call, card, or your welcoming spirit can do much to transform the people and space around you.  Let’s commit ourselves to be a blessing to someone else by giving away lots and lots of small things.  Remember, both receiver and giver will be blessed.

Enjoy this small gift of beauty.

Photo credit: John Avery

 

 

J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain in Missouri’s Country Club Plaza district, sculpted in Paris in 1910 by the late Henri Greber.