This is the last blog in the worship series. For now anyway.
I simply want to encourage you today to worship in real David style with all your might. Don't worry about what people think - they don't count. What counts is what God thinks of your worship. Focus on Him alone. Forget about the people around you. You are not there to put up a performance for them. You are there to worship God, because He is good, He is faithful, He loved us even when we were desperately lost. We have all the reason in the world to worship Him.
If you don't know how to really worship in abandonment, visit a black congregation. Trust me - you will see worship - David style. Without any concern for any other person. They worship for 12 hours long - easily - and they do it WITH ALL THEIR MIGHT!
Worship to the audience of One. He is your audience. Nobody else.
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Monday 26 September 2011
Worship (5)
When it
comes to worship, are you a participator or a
spectator?
If you know
what different people in the church do during worship, you are a spectator. If
you have no clue what other people do because you are busy worshiping God, you
are a participator.
Today I
want to speak to the spectators.
Be careful
what you think and say about the worshipers in the church. The lady that dances
in the passage, the man behind you whose vocal ability leaves nothing to be
desired, the person next to you who maybe claps his hands out of beat, the woman
who always start singing in tongues etc. These people are worshiping and you
are spectating. You are in a very dangerous
situation.
In 2 Samuel
6 we read about David who was bringing the Arc of the Covenant back. He was
worshiping while they bringing the arc back.
2 Samuel
6:5
David
and all Israel
They were
celebrating WITH ALL THEIR MIGHT! That must have been one noisy worship
session! Unfortunately, there was a spectator and her name was
Michal.
2 Samuel 6: 20 -
23
When David
returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet
him and said, “How the king of Israel
David said to
Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone
from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people
Israel
And Michal
daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.
Michal
criticized David's worship and the result was that she was barren for the rest
of her life. You see, what other people do when worshiping is none of your
business. They are busy with God. Be careful that you don't act like Michal
did. You might just become spiritually barren. If you are praying and it feels
as if your prayers bounce back from the ceiling, sit and think whether you have
been a Michal at some point. That person who worships in abandonment, in real
'David style', is pleasing to God.
John 4: 23 -
24
Yet a time is
coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the
Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father
seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers
must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
Is noisy worship
and the loud band a problem to you? Get used to it! Heaven is not going to be
quiet!!! In Revelation 19 you will read that worship in heaven with be like
thunder!
Repent today of
being a worship spectator. Become a worship participator.
Friday 23 September 2011
Worship (4)
I wonder how many times in my life I had to listen to people complaining about the songs sung in church. Some complain about too many old songs being sung. Some complain about too many new songs being sung. Some complain because the songs are sung repeatedly. Let's quickly look at these...
Old songs: Think for a moment about old hymns like 'Amazing Grace', 'It is well with my soul' and 'Guide me oh Thou great Jehovah'. Did you know that these songs are in 'public domain'? This means that there is no more copyright on the songs as the composer has been dead for 50 years or longer. What chance is there that any of the songs I composed will still be sung in only one church more than 50 years after my death - let alone being sung all over the world? Little chance if any. So what makes these songs so special? Obviously God likes these songs. There is anointing when these songs are sung. So the conclusion? There is still space for the old songs in church.
New songs: It's nice to learn new songs. I think the mistake made by worship leaders is to have too many new songs too fast. Worship is like dancing. You are not dancing as long as you are counting the steps. You are not worshiping as long as you have to concentrate on the melody and the words. So new songs tend to 'break' the worship atmosphere. For that reason, I recommend that a new song is introduced to the congregation as the first song. Tell them they are going to learn a new song. When the song is done, carry on with songs they know so that they can worship instead of just sing.
Songs sung repeatedly: We sing songs repeatedly so that people can stop 'counting the steps' and start 'dancing'. The more you sing it, the easier it gets to close your eyes and focus on God, instead of focusing on the words on the board. The more songs you know, the easier it is to worship!
And now a word to the people complaining:
You are missing one very important point! The worship team is not there to entertain you! They are there to help you worship God. It's all about God! It's not about you! No worship team will ever be able to satisfy all the needs and wants of the congregation and we are not meant to do it either. We are there to provide a vehicle with which you can get to the presence of God Almighty. It is your choice whether you are going to stand and criticize the vehicle, or whether you are going to get on board. It is your choice whether you are going to worship God whatever the song, or whether you are going to be left out of His presence while you are complaining about the songs.
Stop complaining! Start worshiping!
Thursday 22 September 2011
Worship (3)
Today I want so speak about the composition of the worship team. I already mentioned that people should be evaluated not only on their musical or singing ability, but on their calling and anointing.
Many churches have a lot of people who would like to take part in the worship team and often, there are more than one player for a particular instrument and a lot of vocals. This is nice since the worship team members also need a day off now and then so that they too can just stand in God's presence and soak up His goodness. Managing this is however not so easy. Here is what I have learned through experience.
Try to make separate teams rather than having one team with just individual people taking turns. The reason for this is not only spiritual, it's logic too. A team needs to bond. By playing and singing together as a team, they get to know each other's style of playing and singing. It makes it easier on the team and on the worship leader. They learn to read each other's body language and music. The learn to trust each other. That is very important. The worship leader must be able to trust each team member's ability to hear from the Lord. It's sometimes difficult to lead the team, focus on the congregation and still hear the Lord. Often times the worship leader just doesn't cope - often times it's a team member who gets a nudge from the Lord to move in another direction. If the hearts of the team members are knitted together, the worship leader will pick up on this and move with that member without feeling threatened by it. So if you have a large group of people, divide them into different teams and alternate the teams instead of the individual team members.
Worship leader: you need to disciple people too. Help members to grow. Pray about it and ask God who you should train to lead worship. Every team member is not meant to be a worship leader, but there will be someone that needs to grow. Don't feel threatened by it. You don't have to lead every single service. Give it over to someone so that when you alternate your worship teams, you have time off as well. You need it.
Worship team member: examine your heart. Why are you there? Are you there because God called you and you want to serve in His temple with a humble heart? Or are you there because you love showing off your talent? If it's the latter, your heart is wrong. Worship is not a concert. You are not there to be in the limelight and show off your talents - you are there to serve. If you stand there with pride in your heart, you are going to prevent the entire congregation of entering God's presence. God will resist your pride. Get out of the team. Sort yourself out spiritually before you go back.
If you are on duty on a Sunday and something is wrong in your life - step out for that service. If there are unresolved issues between your and somebody else, don't get on the stage. You will break the unit in the team, you will prevent Spirit filled worship. Getting up there is selfish. An open place on the stage with Spirit filled worship is far better than a full band and empty music.
That goes for the congregation too! If you are reading this and you are not part of a worship team, make sure your heart is right before you attempt to worship God and enter His throne room. You cannot go there with baggage of unresolved personal issues. If you had a fight with your spouse on the way to church, sort it out before the worship starts.
We must remember that God is holy, and that we can only enter His presence when our hearts and hands are clean.
Psalm 15
A psalm of David.
1 LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
Who may live on your holy mountain?
2 The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;
3 whose tongue utters no slander,
who does no wrong to a neighbor,
and casts no slur on others;
4 who despises a vile person
but honors those who fear the LORD;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind;
5 who lends money to the poor without interest;
who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things
will never be shaken.
Many churches have a lot of people who would like to take part in the worship team and often, there are more than one player for a particular instrument and a lot of vocals. This is nice since the worship team members also need a day off now and then so that they too can just stand in God's presence and soak up His goodness. Managing this is however not so easy. Here is what I have learned through experience.
Try to make separate teams rather than having one team with just individual people taking turns. The reason for this is not only spiritual, it's logic too. A team needs to bond. By playing and singing together as a team, they get to know each other's style of playing and singing. It makes it easier on the team and on the worship leader. They learn to read each other's body language and music. The learn to trust each other. That is very important. The worship leader must be able to trust each team member's ability to hear from the Lord. It's sometimes difficult to lead the team, focus on the congregation and still hear the Lord. Often times the worship leader just doesn't cope - often times it's a team member who gets a nudge from the Lord to move in another direction. If the hearts of the team members are knitted together, the worship leader will pick up on this and move with that member without feeling threatened by it. So if you have a large group of people, divide them into different teams and alternate the teams instead of the individual team members.
Worship leader: you need to disciple people too. Help members to grow. Pray about it and ask God who you should train to lead worship. Every team member is not meant to be a worship leader, but there will be someone that needs to grow. Don't feel threatened by it. You don't have to lead every single service. Give it over to someone so that when you alternate your worship teams, you have time off as well. You need it.
Worship team member: examine your heart. Why are you there? Are you there because God called you and you want to serve in His temple with a humble heart? Or are you there because you love showing off your talent? If it's the latter, your heart is wrong. Worship is not a concert. You are not there to be in the limelight and show off your talents - you are there to serve. If you stand there with pride in your heart, you are going to prevent the entire congregation of entering God's presence. God will resist your pride. Get out of the team. Sort yourself out spiritually before you go back.
If you are on duty on a Sunday and something is wrong in your life - step out for that service. If there are unresolved issues between your and somebody else, don't get on the stage. You will break the unit in the team, you will prevent Spirit filled worship. Getting up there is selfish. An open place on the stage with Spirit filled worship is far better than a full band and empty music.
That goes for the congregation too! If you are reading this and you are not part of a worship team, make sure your heart is right before you attempt to worship God and enter His throne room. You cannot go there with baggage of unresolved personal issues. If you had a fight with your spouse on the way to church, sort it out before the worship starts.
We must remember that God is holy, and that we can only enter His presence when our hearts and hands are clean.
Psalm 15
A psalm of David.
1 LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
Who may live on your holy mountain?
2 The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;
3 whose tongue utters no slander,
who does no wrong to a neighbor,
and casts no slur on others;
4 who despises a vile person
but honors those who fear the LORD;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind;
5 who lends money to the poor without interest;
who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things
will never be shaken.
Tuesday 20 September 2011
Worship (2)
Before you read this blog I want you to pray that God will open your heart. This blog is not meant to criticize anybody, it's meant to teach. If you read the blog and you feel offended, it's between you and God. I am only doing what God has instructed me to do.
If you haven't read the blog entry before this one, go and read that one first, as the blog will continue day by day until I have said all God wants me to say. You might miss something if you don't read them all.
This morning in the shower I asked God how to start this series. We will start with the musicians found in church bands.
Most churches are very proud of the qualified musicians they have in their worship teams. Many of them have B.Musicology degrees. They are qualified musicians. The question I have for you is this: Should only qualified musicians be allowed in a worship team? Most times when I ask the question I get a yes, followed by a 'God deserves only the best'. True, God deserves the best. But there is a difference between a qualified musician and a skilled musician. Let me explain.
God called the Levites to serve in His temple. In those days there was no sheet music, no music theory, nothing. Songs were handed down from one generation to the next. And if you look in the Old Testament, you will see that the most skilled musicians were called for service in the temple. There are many qualified musicians today, who are not skilled enough to play in a church. Yes they can play the most awesome compositions written by the great masters such as Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, but they cannot worship. They cannot play by ear. I know a woman like that - you can put any piece of sheet music in front of her and she will play it beautifully, but if you ask her to play something by ear, she battles. I know another woman with three degrees in music, but yet, if she sits behind a piano to worship, God's presence fills the room and people start crying. What is the difference between the two? One is skilled and called to be a Levite, the other is qualified and that is where it ends.
We tend to fill our worship teams with qualified people instead of skilled and called people. Every person capable of playing an instrument is not called for worship service. Those called are Levites and when they start playing, you can FEEL the presence of God. It overwhelms you! And it's not always extremely skilled people either. This weekend I witnessed a little boy of about 7 or 8 years old, who played basic chords on a piano and when his mother started singing, I just broke down. God's presence overwhelmed me. Why? He is a Levite and so is his mother.
We audition potential worship team members by evaluating their musical ability instead of evaluating their anointing. We evaluate their credentials instead of evaluating whether they are skilled enough to follow Holy Spirit and play what God wants us to play instead of what we planned to play. Worship teams need people who are skilled enough to play whatever song, in whatever key, without having to scramble for a piece of paper every time. We limit God by choosing a few songs and sticking to a preset program. We limit Holy Spirit through qualified musicians.
If you are in a worship team - ask yourself whether you know that you know that you are called to be a Levite. Fast and pray until you get an answer if you have to.
If you are a musician in a worship team - when last did you practice your skills to play whatever whenever just to please God?
If you are a worship team leader - ask yourself whether the people in your team are qualified or skilled. Are they anointed? Are they called to serve as Levites? If you don't know, you have some homework to do. Evaluate your team's performance. I am not taking about musical performance. I am talking about worship performance. It's easy. Watch the congregation the next time you play. Are they singing along or are they worshiping? The difference is huge and so easy to see. If they are singing along, it's time for change.
We need Levites in our worship teams. Levites who are anointed. Levites who will walk to God's throne room with the congregation following.
If you haven't read the blog entry before this one, go and read that one first, as the blog will continue day by day until I have said all God wants me to say. You might miss something if you don't read them all.
This morning in the shower I asked God how to start this series. We will start with the musicians found in church bands.
Most churches are very proud of the qualified musicians they have in their worship teams. Many of them have B.Musicology degrees. They are qualified musicians. The question I have for you is this: Should only qualified musicians be allowed in a worship team? Most times when I ask the question I get a yes, followed by a 'God deserves only the best'. True, God deserves the best. But there is a difference between a qualified musician and a skilled musician. Let me explain.
God called the Levites to serve in His temple. In those days there was no sheet music, no music theory, nothing. Songs were handed down from one generation to the next. And if you look in the Old Testament, you will see that the most skilled musicians were called for service in the temple. There are many qualified musicians today, who are not skilled enough to play in a church. Yes they can play the most awesome compositions written by the great masters such as Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, but they cannot worship. They cannot play by ear. I know a woman like that - you can put any piece of sheet music in front of her and she will play it beautifully, but if you ask her to play something by ear, she battles. I know another woman with three degrees in music, but yet, if she sits behind a piano to worship, God's presence fills the room and people start crying. What is the difference between the two? One is skilled and called to be a Levite, the other is qualified and that is where it ends.
We tend to fill our worship teams with qualified people instead of skilled and called people. Every person capable of playing an instrument is not called for worship service. Those called are Levites and when they start playing, you can FEEL the presence of God. It overwhelms you! And it's not always extremely skilled people either. This weekend I witnessed a little boy of about 7 or 8 years old, who played basic chords on a piano and when his mother started singing, I just broke down. God's presence overwhelmed me. Why? He is a Levite and so is his mother.
We audition potential worship team members by evaluating their musical ability instead of evaluating their anointing. We evaluate their credentials instead of evaluating whether they are skilled enough to follow Holy Spirit and play what God wants us to play instead of what we planned to play. Worship teams need people who are skilled enough to play whatever song, in whatever key, without having to scramble for a piece of paper every time. We limit God by choosing a few songs and sticking to a preset program. We limit Holy Spirit through qualified musicians.
If you are in a worship team - ask yourself whether you know that you know that you are called to be a Levite. Fast and pray until you get an answer if you have to.
If you are a musician in a worship team - when last did you practice your skills to play whatever whenever just to please God?
If you are a worship team leader - ask yourself whether the people in your team are qualified or skilled. Are they anointed? Are they called to serve as Levites? If you don't know, you have some homework to do. Evaluate your team's performance. I am not taking about musical performance. I am talking about worship performance. It's easy. Watch the congregation the next time you play. Are they singing along or are they worshiping? The difference is huge and so easy to see. If they are singing along, it's time for change.
We need Levites in our worship teams. Levites who are anointed. Levites who will walk to God's throne room with the congregation following.
Sunday 18 September 2011
Worship
I am frustrated with the type of worship present in most churches today. And I am not disrespectful when I say that. There is a huge difference between Spirit filled worship and religious entertainment. In most churches, there is only religious entertainment to be found. It's sad.
The reasons for this phenomenon are many and I will discuss it over the next few days. Don't get me wrong, I don't claim to know it all, but God has blessed me with a talent for worship and He has anointed me in that ministry. I have walked a long, long road in this ministry - I was in grade 3 when I started playing organ for the congregation. I want to teach the things I have learned to other people. I believe the church must be taught how to worship in order to really experience God's presence and God's favour.
I was once a religious entertainer too. Then I became a worshiper through the grace of God. I know the difference between the two. I have seen both sides of the coin.
Over the next few days, I want to teach you some principles of worship. If you have questions about worship, I will address them too (42757231@mylife.unisa.ac.za).
Watch this space. I might just change your life!
Thursday 15 September 2011
This is my God (2)
I wrote a song several years ago - if I remember correctly it was in 1998. Actually I didn't write the song, I just listened to what God gave me.
He prompted me to go sit at the piano and as I started playing, the melody came out smooth from finish to end. I was scared I was going to forget it, so I scrambled for a paper and pencil to pen the melody down. Then I asked God for the words and He sent me to the last few chapters of Job. As I scanned the text, certain phrases jumped out at me. It was as if it suddenly became a 'bold' font in front of my eyes. I just wrote and wrote and wrote.
When I sat down at the piano again - the words fitted the melody perfectly.
Why am I telling you this? On the previous blog the awesome greatness of God is proclaimed. Today I want to encourage you by telling you that this awesome God, knows you by name.
Herewith the words to the song:
I come to sing a new song to You
I come to bring You praise
I came to bow in worship my Lord
For You are holy
You laid the earth's foundation
You set the stars in place
You fill the clouds with rain
And yet You know my name
The storms howl out Your greatness
The lightning writes Your name
You set a limit for the sea
And yet You know me
You are holy, holy
Holy is the Lord Most High
You are worthy, worthy
Worthy is the Lord Most High
Come let's sing a new song to Him
Come let's give Him praise
Lift your voices high
For He is holy
copyright: Hilda Steyn
Lift your voice today and worship our awesome God, for He knows you by your name. He knows how many hair you have on your head. He knows what you are going through, what you are feeling and what you need. Just let go and let God!
He prompted me to go sit at the piano and as I started playing, the melody came out smooth from finish to end. I was scared I was going to forget it, so I scrambled for a paper and pencil to pen the melody down. Then I asked God for the words and He sent me to the last few chapters of Job. As I scanned the text, certain phrases jumped out at me. It was as if it suddenly became a 'bold' font in front of my eyes. I just wrote and wrote and wrote.
When I sat down at the piano again - the words fitted the melody perfectly.
Why am I telling you this? On the previous blog the awesome greatness of God is proclaimed. Today I want to encourage you by telling you that this awesome God, knows you by name.
Herewith the words to the song:
I come to sing a new song to You
I come to bring You praise
I came to bow in worship my Lord
For You are holy
You laid the earth's foundation
You set the stars in place
You fill the clouds with rain
And yet You know my name
The storms howl out Your greatness
The lightning writes Your name
You set a limit for the sea
And yet You know me
You are holy, holy
Holy is the Lord Most High
You are worthy, worthy
Worthy is the Lord Most High
Come let's sing a new song to Him
Come let's give Him praise
Lift your voices high
For He is holy
copyright: Hilda Steyn
Lift your voice today and worship our awesome God, for He knows you by your name. He knows how many hair you have on your head. He knows what you are going through, what you are feeling and what you need. Just let go and let God!
Tuesday 13 September 2011
This is My God
|
He is the First and Last, the
Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all! He is the Architect of the universe and The Manager of all times. He always was, He always is, and He always will be... Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone! He was bruised and brought healing! He was pierced and eased pain! He was persecuted and brought freedom! He was dead and brought life! He is risen and brings power! He reigns and brings Peace! The world can't understand Him, The armies can't defeat Him, The schools can't explain Him, The leaders can't ignore Him. Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and The people couldn't hold Him! Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him, The New Age can't replace Him, and Donahue can't explain Him away! He is light, love, longevity, and Lord. He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God. He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure. His ways are right, His word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me. He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior, He is my guide, and He is my peace! He is my Joy, He is my comfort, He is my Lord, and He rules my life! I serve Him because His bond is love, His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life. I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise, The power of the powerful, The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, The leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and The sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come. And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size. His goal is a relationship with ME! He will never leave me, Never forsake me, Never mislead me, Never forget me, Never overlook me, and Never cancel my appointment in His appointment book! When I fall, He lifts me up! When I fail, He forgives! When I am weak, He is strong! When I am lost, He is the way! When I am afraid, He is my courage! When I stumble, He steadies me! When I am hurt, He heals me! When I am broken, He mends me! When I am blind, He leads me! When I am hungry, He feeds me! When I face trials, He is with me! When I face persecution, He shields me! When I face problems, He comforts me! When I face loss, He provides for me! When I face Death, He carries me Home! He is everything for everybody, everywhere, Every time, and every way. He is God, He is faithful. I am His, and He is mine! My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world. So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this... He said it and that settles it. God is in control, I am on His side, and That means all is well with my soul. Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is! AMEN!
Author Unknown
|
Monday 12 September 2011
In God's Arms
There is a song that keeps mulling around in my head the whole day. You know when start singing the same song over and over again and it just won't go away? Well today it is like that. I can't remember the words of the whole song, but the part that I keep singing is this:
Sometimes I just need to be still
Knowing You will, reveal Your heart to me
Sometime I just need to lay back
Knowing You'll take me back
To lean against You again
And sometimes I just need to go hide
In Your bosom so wide
Take me to the place where I'll find true love
Father let me hold on to you
Let me hold on to you
(written by Miri van Wyk)
Beautiful words. Make it your own today. Lean against God and let Him reveal His heart to you. Just be still and listen. Praying is not a one way conversation. Sometimes we need to be still so that we can hear God's whisper.
Sometimes I just need to be still
Knowing You will, reveal Your heart to me
Sometime I just need to lay back
Knowing You'll take me back
To lean against You again
And sometimes I just need to go hide
In Your bosom so wide
Take me to the place where I'll find true love
Father let me hold on to you
Let me hold on to you
(written by Miri van Wyk)
Beautiful words. Make it your own today. Lean against God and let Him reveal His heart to you. Just be still and listen. Praying is not a one way conversation. Sometimes we need to be still so that we can hear God's whisper.
Friday 9 September 2011
Lift your head
Have you ever noticed that people who are downhearted walk with their heads hanging? So do people with difficult decisions to make. In fact, any person who is not happy, walk with a view towards the ground. They seldom look up.
Is your head hanging today?
Psalms 3:3 (The Message)
But you, God, shield me on all sides;
You ground my feet, you lift my head high;
With all my might I shout up to God,His answers thunder from the holy mountain.
Let God lift your head for you!
Is your head hanging today?
Psalms 3:3 (The Message)
But you, God, shield me on all sides;
You ground my feet, you lift my head high;
With all my might I shout up to God,His answers thunder from the holy mountain.
Let God lift your head for you!
Thursday 8 September 2011
A Note from God
I am once again amazed at God's timing.
This morning I got an email that read:
This is God. Today I will be handling ALL of your problems for you. I do not need your help. So have a nice day. I love you. And remember, if life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it yourself. Kindly put it in the "Something for God to do" box. I will get to it in MY time. All situations will be resolved, but in MY time, not yours. Once is the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.
Soon after that, God closed the door on the potential new job. That is what I asked Him to do. If it wasn't in His perfect will, the door must close. And it did.
Am I sad? No. Downhearted? No. Depressed? No.
God will move me in HIS time, not mine. God will take me out of the wilderness in HIS time.
God will make a way, where there seems to be no way
He works in ways, we cannot see
God will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength, for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way
By a roadway in the wilderness, He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain
He will do something new today!
(Don Moen)
Wednesday 7 September 2011
Trust in the Lord
Today's blog follows on yesterday's. So if you haven't read the previous post, read that before you read this one.
The topic of discussion is asking God to steer us through difficult decisions. Instead of praying fervently for some specific outcome, we should rather pray to God that His will be done and ask that He will clearly show us what His will is. Sounds easy doesn't it? Often times it is not!
If you give something to God, leave it there. That's the difficult part. To relax in His peace and just let it be - that's not so easy. We as humans want to be in control of our own lives. We proclaim that God is in control, but is He really? Do we really allow Him to steer us? Do we really follow where He leads?
Proverbs 3:4-6 says:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. (NIV)
If you have asked God to show you the way, then follow the way. If you turn around and doubt, you are clearly saying to God that you actually don't trust His judgment and plans for your life. Can a person be so stupid? Oh yes! We all have done that at some time or another.
We have to trust with ALL our heart and forget about our own opinions. We have to submit in ALL our ways so that He can straighten the paths ahead of us. He sees the big picture, we see a tiny piece of reality.
Psalm 35:5-6 says:
God's love is meteoric,
His loyalty astronomic,
His purpose titanic,
His verdicts oceanic.
Yet in His largeness, nothing gets lost;
Not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks.
(The Message)
God is bigger than we can ever comprehend. David here tried to proclaim the greatness of God in a few words!
God will never steer us in the wrong direction. He will never let us slip through a crack! If we trust in Him with everything we have, and follow where He leads, we will always be in His will. We will always be blessed. We will always succeed.
"My Pa is die Koning van die heelal jy weet..."
The topic of discussion is asking God to steer us through difficult decisions. Instead of praying fervently for some specific outcome, we should rather pray to God that His will be done and ask that He will clearly show us what His will is. Sounds easy doesn't it? Often times it is not!
If you give something to God, leave it there. That's the difficult part. To relax in His peace and just let it be - that's not so easy. We as humans want to be in control of our own lives. We proclaim that God is in control, but is He really? Do we really allow Him to steer us? Do we really follow where He leads?
Proverbs 3:4-6 says:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. (NIV)
If you have asked God to show you the way, then follow the way. If you turn around and doubt, you are clearly saying to God that you actually don't trust His judgment and plans for your life. Can a person be so stupid? Oh yes! We all have done that at some time or another.
We have to trust with ALL our heart and forget about our own opinions. We have to submit in ALL our ways so that He can straighten the paths ahead of us. He sees the big picture, we see a tiny piece of reality.
Psalm 35:5-6 says:
God's love is meteoric,
His loyalty astronomic,
His purpose titanic,
His verdicts oceanic.
Yet in His largeness, nothing gets lost;
Not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks.
(The Message)
God is bigger than we can ever comprehend. David here tried to proclaim the greatness of God in a few words!
God will never steer us in the wrong direction. He will never let us slip through a crack! If we trust in Him with everything we have, and follow where He leads, we will always be in His will. We will always be blessed. We will always succeed.
"My Pa is die Koning van die heelal jy weet..."
Tuesday 6 September 2011
Peace
I want to share a personal experience with you today, but before I do, read Psalm 29.
I was approached by a recruitment agency to apply for a job, which I agreed to. But from the beginning, my husband and I prayed that God's will be done. If God wants me in that job, He must open the door for me. If He doesn't want me there, He must close the door for me. All we want is to be in His will. If we live in His will, we live in His blessing. Outside His will, it's an uphill battle all the time. So with honest hearts, we gave the matter to God. I still don't know whether I will get the job or not and quite frankly I don't care. If I get the job, I know God will help me make a success of it. If I don't get the job, I will thank God for protecting me. I cannot describe to you in words the peace I have in my heart about this.
In this Psalm above, the greatness and the awesomeness of our God is proclaimed. And in the last verse David says God makes us strong, He gives us peace.
I cannot believe I got to this age before really understanding God's peace. Never again will I sit with a tug of war in my heart about a decision. I will simply ask God to take over the steering wheel and take me where He wants me.
Do you have a tough decision today? Are you struggling in your heart with a tug of war? Give it to God. He will give you peace. A peace that is indescribable in words.
Psalm 29
A David Psalm
1-2 Bravo, God, bravo! Gods and all angels shout, "Encore!"
In awe before the glory,
in awe before God's visible power.
Stand at attention!
Dress your best to honor him!
3 God thunders across the waters,
Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness—
God, across the flood waters.
4 God's thunder tympanic,
God's thunder symphonic.
5 God's thunder smashes cedars,
God topples the northern cedars.
6 The mountain ranges skip like spring colts,
The high ridges jump like wild kid goats.
7-8 God's thunder spits fire.
God thunders, the wilderness quakes;
He makes the desert of Kadesh shake.
9 God's thunder sets the oak trees dancing
A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches.
We fall to our knees—we call out, "Glory!"
10 Above the flood waters is God's throne
from which his power flows,
from which he rules the world.
11 God makes his people strong.
God gives his people peace.
In awe before the glory,
in awe before God's visible power.
Stand at attention!
Dress your best to honor him!
3 God thunders across the waters,
Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness—
God, across the flood waters.
4 God's thunder tympanic,
God's thunder symphonic.
5 God's thunder smashes cedars,
God topples the northern cedars.
6 The mountain ranges skip like spring colts,
The high ridges jump like wild kid goats.
7-8 God's thunder spits fire.
God thunders, the wilderness quakes;
He makes the desert of Kadesh shake.
9 God's thunder sets the oak trees dancing
A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches.
We fall to our knees—we call out, "Glory!"
10 Above the flood waters is God's throne
from which his power flows,
from which he rules the world.
11 God makes his people strong.
God gives his people peace.
I was approached by a recruitment agency to apply for a job, which I agreed to. But from the beginning, my husband and I prayed that God's will be done. If God wants me in that job, He must open the door for me. If He doesn't want me there, He must close the door for me. All we want is to be in His will. If we live in His will, we live in His blessing. Outside His will, it's an uphill battle all the time. So with honest hearts, we gave the matter to God. I still don't know whether I will get the job or not and quite frankly I don't care. If I get the job, I know God will help me make a success of it. If I don't get the job, I will thank God for protecting me. I cannot describe to you in words the peace I have in my heart about this.
In this Psalm above, the greatness and the awesomeness of our God is proclaimed. And in the last verse David says God makes us strong, He gives us peace.
I cannot believe I got to this age before really understanding God's peace. Never again will I sit with a tug of war in my heart about a decision. I will simply ask God to take over the steering wheel and take me where He wants me.
Do you have a tough decision today? Are you struggling in your heart with a tug of war? Give it to God. He will give you peace. A peace that is indescribable in words.
Monday 5 September 2011
The Coat Hanger
I just want to share this beautiful story with you. I got it on an email this morning. The message I want to add to the story is this - if one door closes, God will open another one. God might not give you right now what you want, but He will give you something better later.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
A woman was at work when she received a phone call that her small daughter was very sick with a fever.
She left her work and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication.
She got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys in the car.
She didn't know what to do, so she called home and told the baby sitter what had happened.
The baby sitter told her that the fever was getting worse. She said, "You might find a coat hanger and use that to open the door."
The woman looked around and found an old rusty coat hanger that had been left on the ground, possibly by someone else who at some time had locked their keys in their car.
She looked at the hanger and said, "I don't know how to use this."
She bowed her head and asked God to send her help.
Within five minutes a beat up old motor cycle pulled up, with a dirty, greasy, bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head.
The woman thought, "This is what you sent to help me?" But, she was desperate, so she was also very thankful. The man got off of his cycle and asked if he could help.
She said, "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication and I locked my keys in my car. I must get home to her.. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?"
He said, "Sure." He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was opened.
She hugged the man and through her tears she said, "Thank You So Much! You are a very nice man."
The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison today. I was in prison for car theft and have only been out for about an hour."
The woman hugged the man again and with sobbing tears cried out loud, "Oh, thank you God! You even sent me a Professional!!!"
Is - GOD GOOD - or what!!!???
He always sends His Very Best!
She left her work and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication.
She got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys in the car.
She didn't know what to do, so she called home and told the baby sitter what had happened.
The baby sitter told her that the fever was getting worse. She said, "You might find a coat hanger and use that to open the door."
The woman looked around and found an old rusty coat hanger that had been left on the ground, possibly by someone else who at some time had locked their keys in their car.
She looked at the hanger and said, "I don't know how to use this."
She bowed her head and asked God to send her help.
Within five minutes a beat up old motor cycle pulled up, with a dirty, greasy, bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head.
The woman thought, "This is what you sent to help me?" But, she was desperate, so she was also very thankful. The man got off of his cycle and asked if he could help.
She said, "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication and I locked my keys in my car. I must get home to her.. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?"
He said, "Sure." He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was opened.
She hugged the man and through her tears she said, "Thank You So Much! You are a very nice man."
The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison today. I was in prison for car theft and have only been out for about an hour."
The woman hugged the man again and with sobbing tears cried out loud, "Oh, thank you God! You even sent me a Professional!!!"
Is - GOD GOOD - or what!!!???
He always sends His Very Best!
Author Unknown
Friday 2 September 2011
The Mountain
I am always amazed at God's timing. The day when I really need encouragement, I get it somehow. The day I really need to hear something specific, God gets the message to me somehow. It was like that again last night.
My husband and I bought a book with a 1000 daily Bible study pieces in about two years ago. We are still busy with the book. There have been days that we missed but as the book is not date focused, it didn't matter, we just continued where we left off.
I have a mountain in front of me right now. One that is really making it hard for me to focus on the work I have to do. A mountain that has managed to somehow steal my hope and my joy. A mountain that had me in absolute desperation last night.
Last night, the message in the book was just for me. God knew, that I would skip some days. He knew when the mountain would stand in the front of me. The day we bought the book, God knew that last night, I would need to be at that specific message - it was right on time. Again.
The message is this: Stop looking at the mountain - look to the One who can move the mountain.
What is your mountain today?
Turn your eyes towards Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of this earthy will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Look to the one who can move your mountain today!
My husband and I bought a book with a 1000 daily Bible study pieces in about two years ago. We are still busy with the book. There have been days that we missed but as the book is not date focused, it didn't matter, we just continued where we left off.
I have a mountain in front of me right now. One that is really making it hard for me to focus on the work I have to do. A mountain that has managed to somehow steal my hope and my joy. A mountain that had me in absolute desperation last night.
Last night, the message in the book was just for me. God knew, that I would skip some days. He knew when the mountain would stand in the front of me. The day we bought the book, God knew that last night, I would need to be at that specific message - it was right on time. Again.
The message is this: Stop looking at the mountain - look to the One who can move the mountain.
What is your mountain today?
Turn your eyes towards Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of this earthy will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Look to the one who can move your mountain today!
Thursday 1 September 2011
Fasting
Over the last few weeks, quite a few people asked me for my opinion on fasting. Fasting is generally perceived to abstain from eating for some religious reason. Some of the people that spoke to me didn't know why one should fast. Some didn't think fasting is applicable at all today anymore.
Let's first look at some examples of fasting in the Old Testament of the Bible.
Fasting is a way of petitioning God:
Hanna, Samuel's mother, prayed and fasted before God as she could not conceive. The Bible says that God heard her prayer and gave her a son (1 Samuel 1).
Fasting is a way of mourning:
David mourned the death of Abner by fasting (2 Samuel 3).
Fasting is a way of seeking the favour of God:
King Jehosaphat called for a whole day of fasting by the entire nation when they were threatened by the Moabites and Ammonites. God instructed him to send the worshippers out before the soldiers and they enjoyed victory (2 Chronicles 20).
Now for the New Testament.
Fasting is a way to obtain divine knowledge and guidance:
Anna was a prophetess that fasted regularly and prayed in the temple everyday. She recognised Jesus as the Messiah when he was brought to the temple for circumcision (Luke 2).
What was the opinion of Jesus regarding fasting?
In the teaching Jesus gave on the mountain, He identified the four foundations of the Christian Religion, namely: giving, prayer, fasting and faith (Matthew 6).
Jesus Himself fasted for forty days (Luke 4). After the fast, He returned to Galilee full of the Holy Spirit and news about Him spread fast.
Fasting precedes a new ministry or calling:
Paul's ministry started with fasting and praying (Acts 9).
Fast is part of the Christian faith:
The early church fasted regularly (Acts 13) and it was part of the teaching to new believers (Acts 14).
Why do we fast today?
If you are desperate for a breakthrough in some area of your life, consider fasting and praying. Fasting is a serious act petitioning God and it should not be taken lightly. In ideal circumstances, fasting should be done in isolation when you can meditate on the Word and pray continually, but that is not always possible. Don't use that as an excuse not to fast. You can still fast and continue with your daily business. Fasting makes you extremely sensitive to the voice of Holy Spirit. He will minister to you even while you are at work.
If you are desperate for a deeper relationship with God - fasting is the answer. Fasting is showing God that you are serious and desperate to seek His face.
How do we fast today?
In some of the Biblical examples above, fasting meant not eating anything. We do however have another example in Daniel 1:11. Daniel refused to eat anything but vegetables and only drank water. God honoured him too. For people with low blood sugar, this is a safe way to go. We call it a Daniel Fast. There are many other ways of a partial fast such as the Daniel Fast. What do you really love? Coffee? Give it up for a month while you are seeking the face of God. Do you have a sweet tooth? Do you like certain soda drinks? Whatever it is, show God that you love Him more than those items. What counts here is your heart. If you hope to lose weight, your motive is wrong. Make sure your heart it right before you start.
Fasting in my opinion, could also be done in other ways too. For example, fast from your TV for a certain period and spend the time you would have spent in front of the TV studying the Word and praying. Give up that game of golf for a time with the Lord for a few weeks in a row.
If you don't know what you should fast on or how you should fast - ask God to tell you. You will feel in your heart what you should give up to get more of Him. It's the same with how long you should fast. You will know when it's time to stop - Holy Spirit will tell you. Believe me, it's worth it.
How desperate are you?
Let's first look at some examples of fasting in the Old Testament of the Bible.
Fasting is a way of petitioning God:
Hanna, Samuel's mother, prayed and fasted before God as she could not conceive. The Bible says that God heard her prayer and gave her a son (1 Samuel 1).
Fasting is a way of mourning:
David mourned the death of Abner by fasting (2 Samuel 3).
Fasting is a way of seeking the favour of God:
King Jehosaphat called for a whole day of fasting by the entire nation when they were threatened by the Moabites and Ammonites. God instructed him to send the worshippers out before the soldiers and they enjoyed victory (2 Chronicles 20).
Now for the New Testament.
Fasting is a way to obtain divine knowledge and guidance:
Anna was a prophetess that fasted regularly and prayed in the temple everyday. She recognised Jesus as the Messiah when he was brought to the temple for circumcision (Luke 2).
What was the opinion of Jesus regarding fasting?
In the teaching Jesus gave on the mountain, He identified the four foundations of the Christian Religion, namely: giving, prayer, fasting and faith (Matthew 6).
Jesus Himself fasted for forty days (Luke 4). After the fast, He returned to Galilee full of the Holy Spirit and news about Him spread fast.
Fasting precedes a new ministry or calling:
Paul's ministry started with fasting and praying (Acts 9).
Fast is part of the Christian faith:
The early church fasted regularly (Acts 13) and it was part of the teaching to new believers (Acts 14).
Why do we fast today?
If you are desperate for a breakthrough in some area of your life, consider fasting and praying. Fasting is a serious act petitioning God and it should not be taken lightly. In ideal circumstances, fasting should be done in isolation when you can meditate on the Word and pray continually, but that is not always possible. Don't use that as an excuse not to fast. You can still fast and continue with your daily business. Fasting makes you extremely sensitive to the voice of Holy Spirit. He will minister to you even while you are at work.
If you are desperate for a deeper relationship with God - fasting is the answer. Fasting is showing God that you are serious and desperate to seek His face.
How do we fast today?
In some of the Biblical examples above, fasting meant not eating anything. We do however have another example in Daniel 1:11. Daniel refused to eat anything but vegetables and only drank water. God honoured him too. For people with low blood sugar, this is a safe way to go. We call it a Daniel Fast. There are many other ways of a partial fast such as the Daniel Fast. What do you really love? Coffee? Give it up for a month while you are seeking the face of God. Do you have a sweet tooth? Do you like certain soda drinks? Whatever it is, show God that you love Him more than those items. What counts here is your heart. If you hope to lose weight, your motive is wrong. Make sure your heart it right before you start.
Fasting in my opinion, could also be done in other ways too. For example, fast from your TV for a certain period and spend the time you would have spent in front of the TV studying the Word and praying. Give up that game of golf for a time with the Lord for a few weeks in a row.
If you don't know what you should fast on or how you should fast - ask God to tell you. You will feel in your heart what you should give up to get more of Him. It's the same with how long you should fast. You will know when it's time to stop - Holy Spirit will tell you. Believe me, it's worth it.
How desperate are you?
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