I have a Thanksgiving challenge for you! Be thankful – continually – all day – only thankfulness. Last night at Life we enjoyed being thankful. It was meaningful and fun to do. Today – be thankful! Start with what you are thankful that God has done. Be thankful for His work in your life, what He brought to you with NO help from you. Then expand it to include His work in your life and include the things that you do partner with Him in. Then thank him for your surroundings, including but not limited to the material things. After this you may need a drink because you have probably gone on for close to an hour. Don’t just hit the big stuff, think small as well. Thank him for your body and all that you are able to experience in this life because of it. Thank him for the things you don’t experience because of where you live and the time in which you live. Finally, thank Him for the things that you know are coming. They are promises either in His Word or what He has spoken to you. Thanks is the language of faith – so speak some faith!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
November 24, 2011
Galatians 4:15 (NIV84) — 15 What has happened to all your joy?.....
When we start following rules and regulations, religious dogma that is based on keeping something, or the law itself, then we lose our joy. It shouldn’t be hard to understand why. It is precisely because we become a slave again and who doesn’t lose their joy when they are in slavery. It is so insidious, so slick, so controlling that we tend to be swooned away by what sounds good only to be enslaved into some behavior by rule. It is not the behavior that is necessarily wrong, it is our motivation, where our heart is, that establishes us under slavery of “DOING” again.
Galatians 4:30 (NIV84) — 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”
God wants us to “BE” and not “DO”! There are any number or reasons for this but I’ll give you a big one, because being will always end up doing something accordingly, while doing will never change who we are in Christ.
When we start following rules and regulations, religious dogma that is based on keeping something, or the law itself, then we lose our joy. It shouldn’t be hard to understand why. It is precisely because we become a slave again and who doesn’t lose their joy when they are in slavery. It is so insidious, so slick, so controlling that we tend to be swooned away by what sounds good only to be enslaved into some behavior by rule. It is not the behavior that is necessarily wrong, it is our motivation, where our heart is, that establishes us under slavery of “DOING” again.
Galatians 4:30 (NIV84) — 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”
God wants us to “BE” and not “DO”! There are any number or reasons for this but I’ll give you a big one, because being will always end up doing something accordingly, while doing will never change who we are in Christ.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
November 23
Galatians 3:16–17 (NIV84) — 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.
Galatians 3:26 (NIV84) — 26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,
Hidden in Christ really comes into play here doesn’t it? Being hidden or “in” Christ is vital! It is the very WAY we participate in the Abrahamic covenant. You may have thought that those promises were to Israel, but if you will examine verses 16 & 17 you will see that some of those promises in the covenant are made to us who are in Christ. We ought to search out and see what is included in the covenant that God has with us – don’t you think? You will have to make some distinctions between the “seed” and his bodily descendants, but I think you will find some wonderful promises to stand on, especially having the full rights as sons!
Galatians 3:26 (NIV84) — 26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,
Hidden in Christ really comes into play here doesn’t it? Being hidden or “in” Christ is vital! It is the very WAY we participate in the Abrahamic covenant. You may have thought that those promises were to Israel, but if you will examine verses 16 & 17 you will see that some of those promises in the covenant are made to us who are in Christ. We ought to search out and see what is included in the covenant that God has with us – don’t you think? You will have to make some distinctions between the “seed” and his bodily descendants, but I think you will find some wonderful promises to stand on, especially having the full rights as sons!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
November 22
Galatians 2:20 (NIV84) — 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
This is the point! We and all of our preconceived notions about how things should be done are dead. We aren’t living anymore without Christ, or more properly it is Christ who is living through us. We live a life of faith and not law.
Paul confronted Peter, which is interesting as to why the Holy Spirit included it in the scripture. What has happened is that people and ministries have now been built on the premise of open confrontation. Never mind what the rest of the Word says, (doing it in love, in person and so on), the practice of public vilification seems to be growing. Here is the issue, Paul confronted Peter because he was being legalistic, applying an old religion to the new life of the New Covenant, and shunning people publicly. That was the egregious thing that Peter did to deserve a write up. Are you getting this? Peter was acting as though he believed he was ABOVE those other people and thereby he shunned them publicly. Isn’t that what is happening today by the people who are publicly calling out others by name? We put rules on how people preach and minister and we can barely find anything wrong with their doctrine, and when we have a point of disagreement, they are called out and made to be akin to the devil.
Jesus and Paul strongly resisted the religious people of the day because of the death that religion causes through the pride of “being good”, and through the guilt of “being bad”. Let’s not use this instance as a pretext to call people out, but rather guard ourselves against drowning in guilt or thinking we are better than we ought.
This is the point! We and all of our preconceived notions about how things should be done are dead. We aren’t living anymore without Christ, or more properly it is Christ who is living through us. We live a life of faith and not law.
Paul confronted Peter, which is interesting as to why the Holy Spirit included it in the scripture. What has happened is that people and ministries have now been built on the premise of open confrontation. Never mind what the rest of the Word says, (doing it in love, in person and so on), the practice of public vilification seems to be growing. Here is the issue, Paul confronted Peter because he was being legalistic, applying an old religion to the new life of the New Covenant, and shunning people publicly. That was the egregious thing that Peter did to deserve a write up. Are you getting this? Peter was acting as though he believed he was ABOVE those other people and thereby he shunned them publicly. Isn’t that what is happening today by the people who are publicly calling out others by name? We put rules on how people preach and minister and we can barely find anything wrong with their doctrine, and when we have a point of disagreement, they are called out and made to be akin to the devil.
Jesus and Paul strongly resisted the religious people of the day because of the death that religion causes through the pride of “being good”, and through the guilt of “being bad”. Let’s not use this instance as a pretext to call people out, but rather guard ourselves against drowning in guilt or thinking we are better than we ought.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
November 16
Galatians 1:4 (NIV84) — 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
Jesus gave himself up for us! There are so many things that He did it for – so many benefits, but here Paul through the Holy Spirit gives us such an important one! Let me give you the literal translation of “present evil age”. “The time period which we are in which has a system of practices and STANDARDS that are morally bankrupt and evil.” Jesus gave Himself up so we would be “set free from the danger” that comes from the effect of sin. Our sin makes us open to the system of practices and standards of this world that are evil (by the way they all are evil – all the practices and standards of this world), and Jesus wanted to set us free so we were not taken in by them. Did you get that? We are not supposed to practice or shoot for the standards of this world! Whether or not we are talking about outright evil or falling short of the standard and practices of God, we have been set free from the draw that woos us into settling for anything less than what God has for us.
It is the will of God that we live way beyond the world’s standards and practices. God has so much for us, so much promise, so much blessing, so much favor – why settle for less? Since we have been set free, I think we should act like it and live in the full blessing of God!
Jesus gave himself up for us! There are so many things that He did it for – so many benefits, but here Paul through the Holy Spirit gives us such an important one! Let me give you the literal translation of “present evil age”. “The time period which we are in which has a system of practices and STANDARDS that are morally bankrupt and evil.” Jesus gave Himself up so we would be “set free from the danger” that comes from the effect of sin. Our sin makes us open to the system of practices and standards of this world that are evil (by the way they all are evil – all the practices and standards of this world), and Jesus wanted to set us free so we were not taken in by them. Did you get that? We are not supposed to practice or shoot for the standards of this world! Whether or not we are talking about outright evil or falling short of the standard and practices of God, we have been set free from the draw that woos us into settling for anything less than what God has for us.
It is the will of God that we live way beyond the world’s standards and practices. God has so much for us, so much promise, so much blessing, so much favor – why settle for less? Since we have been set free, I think we should act like it and live in the full blessing of God!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
November 10
How has your time been going? As always, mine has been tough to tame, especially after teaching on it. However, nothing has “gone off schedule” this week. Do you hear what I am saying? I think sometimes all goes as planned in our week and we still don’t “feel” like we have accomplished enough. What gives?
Wonder Woman had a cool invisible plane, but Superman didn’t need a plane. In fact, Superman could fly around the world so fast that he could turn time backward. I think my problem is I think I am Superman! I may not be flying around the world but I fill out my calendar according to my priorities from the Lord, stay that course and I am still unsatisfied – I am insatiable! Maybe you don’t even care if you get anything done – I would rather be me – except in the stress department. Would you join me in loving mercy and justice and walking humbly before our God? Isn’t that what He requires? I guess we could talk about all the things that God requires and many I am sure would be right. However, if we made a list of what the Bible says, I doubt very seriously that anything about fulfilling your weekly schedule perfectly, or even exceeding it would be on our list. I think loving Him would be at the top of the list. Loving Him……
Wonder Woman had a cool invisible plane, but Superman didn’t need a plane. In fact, Superman could fly around the world so fast that he could turn time backward. I think my problem is I think I am Superman! I may not be flying around the world but I fill out my calendar according to my priorities from the Lord, stay that course and I am still unsatisfied – I am insatiable! Maybe you don’t even care if you get anything done – I would rather be me – except in the stress department. Would you join me in loving mercy and justice and walking humbly before our God? Isn’t that what He requires? I guess we could talk about all the things that God requires and many I am sure would be right. However, if we made a list of what the Bible says, I doubt very seriously that anything about fulfilling your weekly schedule perfectly, or even exceeding it would be on our list. I think loving Him would be at the top of the list. Loving Him……
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
November 1
Are we really in November? Just thinking about the holidays gives me shivers. Thinking about that (that I have shivers) draws me to think about keeping my focus on Jesus Christ and His Kingdom and His righteousness.
It seems the older I get the less I like the holidays. My question is who stole my joy! The holidays are fun and enjoyable! I see people I don’t see that often, I spend more time with my family, I intentionally bless people with gifts, I see people come to church who normally would not, and I get the shivers because…? If you are older like I am you can probably guess the answer. It means I have to shell out more time and money and I am a little short on both! What in the world are we talking about here? Could it be that 2 “gods” are ruining what THE God wants for my life? YES!! God wants me to enjoy today but I am think about tomorrow, and tomorrow’s tomorrow! In fact I am thinking all the way to Christmas! There is no doubt that we have to plan and think forward, but instead of strategy, we tend to project stress and projected stress always stresses us out today!
Matthew 6:33–34 (NIV84) — 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Each day has trouble. So what? With effort go after the Kingdom of God! Think about your righteousness – the one God has put on you because of Christ! The battle for the holiday joy is in the mind – you CAN win it. Focus on the Kingdom!
It seems the older I get the less I like the holidays. My question is who stole my joy! The holidays are fun and enjoyable! I see people I don’t see that often, I spend more time with my family, I intentionally bless people with gifts, I see people come to church who normally would not, and I get the shivers because…? If you are older like I am you can probably guess the answer. It means I have to shell out more time and money and I am a little short on both! What in the world are we talking about here? Could it be that 2 “gods” are ruining what THE God wants for my life? YES!! God wants me to enjoy today but I am think about tomorrow, and tomorrow’s tomorrow! In fact I am thinking all the way to Christmas! There is no doubt that we have to plan and think forward, but instead of strategy, we tend to project stress and projected stress always stresses us out today!
Matthew 6:33–34 (NIV84) — 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Each day has trouble. So what? With effort go after the Kingdom of God! Think about your righteousness – the one God has put on you because of Christ! The battle for the holiday joy is in the mind – you CAN win it. Focus on the Kingdom!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
October 29
When you read big chunks of Isaiah, you begin to get a feel for what God is saying and the great promises found in the chapters of the 50’s. What great promises! There are so many things that the Lord wants to give us including an everlasting joy, but it was Isaiah 55 that hit me. It is where we are as a church.
Isaiah 55:1 (NIV84) — 1 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
How in the world are we going to buy without money? Who will provide for us? Look at the first line, “come, all you who are thirsty”. Are you thirsty? That is the key! Do you thirst for God? When you do you realize you have nothing to trade for His supply, for His goodness, for His forgiveness!
Isaiah 55:2 (NIV84) — 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
We chase after things that satisfy us and we don’t find them! God wants to give us what is good! Our souls will delight in the richest of fare! Up until this point there has been a lot of judgment and Assyria has taken God’s people captive, but after the redeemer comes, there will be no more captivity except that which we ourselves enter into. God tells us to come out – He wants to satisfy us. Did you get that? He wants to satisfy you! Tell Him you are thirsty for that, and then tell Him what will satisfy you. You may think about money or beauty or material things or correcting circumstances, but if your soul is satisfied, you will live on a level of satisfaction that no outside circumstances can shake.
Cory Asbury’s song: “My soul sings, my soul sings, my soul sings, how I love you.”
Isaiah 55:1 (NIV84) — 1 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
How in the world are we going to buy without money? Who will provide for us? Look at the first line, “come, all you who are thirsty”. Are you thirsty? That is the key! Do you thirst for God? When you do you realize you have nothing to trade for His supply, for His goodness, for His forgiveness!
Isaiah 55:2 (NIV84) — 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
We chase after things that satisfy us and we don’t find them! God wants to give us what is good! Our souls will delight in the richest of fare! Up until this point there has been a lot of judgment and Assyria has taken God’s people captive, but after the redeemer comes, there will be no more captivity except that which we ourselves enter into. God tells us to come out – He wants to satisfy us. Did you get that? He wants to satisfy you! Tell Him you are thirsty for that, and then tell Him what will satisfy you. You may think about money or beauty or material things or correcting circumstances, but if your soul is satisfied, you will live on a level of satisfaction that no outside circumstances can shake.
Cory Asbury’s song: “My soul sings, my soul sings, my soul sings, how I love you.”
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
October 25
President Clinton instituted a policy that in the White House, people were allowed to "dress down". Dressing down for the White House was basically that men didn't have to wear ties. People still looked sharp, but not so formal. He was trying to change the culture of the White House. He tried to change the culture, by changing the atmosphere which would change the climate of things. Once he had climate change, then the culture would follow. Boy did he take some flack! He was rocked over it and probably decided that it wasn't worth the trouble. The ties and jackets eventually became a fixture – again, but there was a change that trickled down into some of corporate America. Casual Fridays are still happening across this land. Even though He didn’t completely change things, there was an effect that has lasted.
God wants to change the culture of His church. He is pouring out His Spirit in ways that changes the atmosphere. The question is whether or not we will respond and give way to what He is doing. Unlike casual Fridays or being able to eat in the White House Cafeteria with the President, we are talking about the Kingdom of God, and God is trying to show us He wants more of its effect on the earth! He wants us to live supernaturally! In fact, He wants supernatural living to become natural for His people! So when you notice a difference in the atmosphere, a different climate, like a different season is coming, then become a part of the culture shift. Don’t fight it like a young man fighting the fall temperatures by maintaining his short and flip flops attire, but enjoy the move of God and become raptured in it.
God wants to change the culture of His church. He is pouring out His Spirit in ways that changes the atmosphere. The question is whether or not we will respond and give way to what He is doing. Unlike casual Fridays or being able to eat in the White House Cafeteria with the President, we are talking about the Kingdom of God, and God is trying to show us He wants more of its effect on the earth! He wants us to live supernaturally! In fact, He wants supernatural living to become natural for His people! So when you notice a difference in the atmosphere, a different climate, like a different season is coming, then become a part of the culture shift. Don’t fight it like a young man fighting the fall temperatures by maintaining his short and flip flops attire, but enjoy the move of God and become raptured in it.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
October 22
I read this today - I thought you might enjoy it!
The word of God was never meant just to be remembered, but also to be experienced and assimilated until it becomes flesh and walks among us as it did in the days of Jesus. If knowing the Bible were synonymous with knowing God, the Pharisees and Scribes would have rocked!
Oh that we would allow it to take over us - that when we speak it, lifeless things would come alive and cloudless skies would rain!
The word of God was never meant just to be remembered, but also to be experienced and assimilated until it becomes flesh and walks among us as it did in the days of Jesus. If knowing the Bible were synonymous with knowing God, the Pharisees and Scribes would have rocked!
Oh that we would allow it to take over us - that when we speak it, lifeless things would come alive and cloudless skies would rain!
Friday, October 21, 2011
October 21
1 Corinthians 14:1 (NIV84) — 1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
How have we forgotten this? Honestly! Prophecy is fun, exhilarating and a wonderful chance to partner with Almighty God! How great is our God?! How have we forgotten this exhortation?
1 Corinthians 14:39 (NIV84) — 39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
I can only start a fire – which is by the Holy Spirit. You have to continue it. The culture cannot be changed by one man, although one man can begin the change. I am leading a change, creating an atmosphere, but you have to be a part of the culture shift. Leaving the fire to itself is saying that you want it to go out. In other words, not becoming a part of the shift, or in this case obedience to the Word of God, is the same as saying I don’t want it to happen. The Word is telling us to especially desire prophecy and to be eager to prophecy. That is the culture that we want at Hope OC.
When I was a child I remember when my mom would take me to Disneyland. We usually went every other year. In the days leading up to going, I would be so eager to be there. I wanted to ride the rides and experience all Disneyland had to offer. I was VERY desirous of Disneyland! Maybe you can relate to that, or maybe it was something else for you. Church, that “I want to go” or “I can’t wait to go” feeling inside of me (us) is so similar to what God wants us to have for the gift of prophecy. Ask Him for a Word – be eager to get one and then give it away! Partnering with God is like hitting the jackpot!
How have we forgotten this? Honestly! Prophecy is fun, exhilarating and a wonderful chance to partner with Almighty God! How great is our God?! How have we forgotten this exhortation?
1 Corinthians 14:39 (NIV84) — 39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
I can only start a fire – which is by the Holy Spirit. You have to continue it. The culture cannot be changed by one man, although one man can begin the change. I am leading a change, creating an atmosphere, but you have to be a part of the culture shift. Leaving the fire to itself is saying that you want it to go out. In other words, not becoming a part of the shift, or in this case obedience to the Word of God, is the same as saying I don’t want it to happen. The Word is telling us to especially desire prophecy and to be eager to prophecy. That is the culture that we want at Hope OC.
When I was a child I remember when my mom would take me to Disneyland. We usually went every other year. In the days leading up to going, I would be so eager to be there. I wanted to ride the rides and experience all Disneyland had to offer. I was VERY desirous of Disneyland! Maybe you can relate to that, or maybe it was something else for you. Church, that “I want to go” or “I can’t wait to go” feeling inside of me (us) is so similar to what God wants us to have for the gift of prophecy. Ask Him for a Word – be eager to get one and then give it away! Partnering with God is like hitting the jackpot!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
October 20
Watching the prophetic moving last night at Life was awesome! Many, even most had words and visions for one another! How great is our God! I am so proud to pastor such responsive people! It truly was wonderful!
We often teach things in the church and then go on to the next subject. The heart of God is for us, when we gather, to build up, encourage and edify one another. Of course that is my job as well, but it is not ONLY my job/ministry. I don’t mean that I have other things to do, but YOU are gifted to be involved in the supernatural ministry of the prophetic. It is amazing to be the one to speak into people’s lives via a Word from the heart of God. That is what we can do! If we will continue in doing it, it will become common place and even expected. Imagine that, expecting God to do something that He told us to be zealous to do! He will do it! Seek Him and pursue prophetic words from heaven – He will give them – He committed Himself to do just that. “Every one of you has a prophetic word”. Imagine a church where you are excited to go to because you are sure to get a Word from God. How awesome would that be?
We often teach things in the church and then go on to the next subject. The heart of God is for us, when we gather, to build up, encourage and edify one another. Of course that is my job as well, but it is not ONLY my job/ministry. I don’t mean that I have other things to do, but YOU are gifted to be involved in the supernatural ministry of the prophetic. It is amazing to be the one to speak into people’s lives via a Word from the heart of God. That is what we can do! If we will continue in doing it, it will become common place and even expected. Imagine that, expecting God to do something that He told us to be zealous to do! He will do it! Seek Him and pursue prophetic words from heaven – He will give them – He committed Himself to do just that. “Every one of you has a prophetic word”. Imagine a church where you are excited to go to because you are sure to get a Word from God. How awesome would that be?
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
October 19
It has been quite some time since I have entered a blog post. It seems that the new groove that God has asked of me isn’t as easy as one might think. It takes so much more effort to change what you have been doing compared to the amount of effort that it takes to continue in a certain direction. Honestly, it was great to have the blog subject picked for me every day by the scripture I read. The Holy Spirit did need to quicken me to the portion of scripture or subject matter within the scripture to write on, but it was much less effort than asking God what the next post is to be.
I do feel bad for those of you who do look to the blog for encouragement. My apologies go out to you. I have found that this new order of things is very difficult and takes way more effort than before.
Just yesterday I was talking to the Lord about this and feeling like I have failed Him. I want to go back to the old way of doing things because it was, well…. Easier. He isn’t too concerned with how easy it is for me, He has a plan that He wants me to carry out. That plan includes difficulty and that difficulty is going to stretch me and build into me what I need for the future.
I can’t help but ask you if you are supposed to be attaining your next level by changing what you have been doing. Maybe not, but if you stop and listen, maybe God is asking you to go to the next level of difficulty, the one that requires more depth and more sacrifice. Why not go for it? If you fail at it at first, just keep going! His grace is enough!
I do feel bad for those of you who do look to the blog for encouragement. My apologies go out to you. I have found that this new order of things is very difficult and takes way more effort than before.
Just yesterday I was talking to the Lord about this and feeling like I have failed Him. I want to go back to the old way of doing things because it was, well…. Easier. He isn’t too concerned with how easy it is for me, He has a plan that He wants me to carry out. That plan includes difficulty and that difficulty is going to stretch me and build into me what I need for the future.
I can’t help but ask you if you are supposed to be attaining your next level by changing what you have been doing. Maybe not, but if you stop and listen, maybe God is asking you to go to the next level of difficulty, the one that requires more depth and more sacrifice. Why not go for it? If you fail at it at first, just keep going! His grace is enough!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
October 6
Worship #4
The very word used for worship in the Greek is a verb (proskuneo) which means to come toward, to bow down, to kiss, to adore, to worship… It is a verb first and foremost. Remember that song by DC Talk, “Love is a Verb”, well let’s write a new one, “Worship is a verb”. It is something you do, something that others can see you are doing. As we discussed before, it is not an act of singing (although it could be), but it is a way of living. It is a constant in our lives that is too often segmented to church and singing. However you look at it though, you and others should be able to see it and tell me what it looks like.
You might say that John 4 says that Jesus said we should worship in spirit. How do you see that? Glad you asked. There is no disconnect between your spirit and your body (or for that fact any other part of you). Jesus said, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Who you are inside is what shows on the outside because they are one and the same person. You can’t be “worshiping” God in your spirit and be a cranky critical person. The two are juxtaposed to one another. It’s is like saying I have faith that God will supply and having a nervous breakdown with worry that you won’t make your mortgage.
All of this is to say this: The spiritual shows up in the physical. In other words, what is going on spiritually with you, will manifest (show – be brought to light – revealed) in the physical realm for all to see. When we sing in worship and you sit with your legs crossed looking around wondering when the music is going to stop – you are NOT worshipping! You might say do I have to act like a wild Pentecostal to be worshipping? No, you have to act like what your spirit is doing! The acts of raising hands, dancing, kneeling, laying prostrate, clapping, shouting, singing, praying, waving and the like are done to express the inward function of your spirit and your now engaged mind, will and emotions! They in turn engage the body so what is going on in your spirit is SEEN. You may weep, you may laugh or everything in between, but you will DO something if you are worshipping the Lord. Some may say that you don’t have to do those things. I would so strongly disagree because of what the scripture has to say about it. We are so tied up with worldliness and our own ideas that we are held back from a full submission of our TOTAL personhood in worship in the context of a church (type) worship time. Let go people of God! Get recklessly abandoned to the One who deserves more than you can give or do!
There is a bleed over of course. What bleeds over to what, I don’t know. But if people can’t worship at church fully engaging all of themselves, they usually can’t live a life of worship. Maybe it is vise-versa, but either way the principle is true. What is happening in the spirit of a man, manifests in the physical. In fact what is happening in the spirit realm is manifested in the physical realm.
The very word used for worship in the Greek is a verb (proskuneo) which means to come toward, to bow down, to kiss, to adore, to worship… It is a verb first and foremost. Remember that song by DC Talk, “Love is a Verb”, well let’s write a new one, “Worship is a verb”. It is something you do, something that others can see you are doing. As we discussed before, it is not an act of singing (although it could be), but it is a way of living. It is a constant in our lives that is too often segmented to church and singing. However you look at it though, you and others should be able to see it and tell me what it looks like.
You might say that John 4 says that Jesus said we should worship in spirit. How do you see that? Glad you asked. There is no disconnect between your spirit and your body (or for that fact any other part of you). Jesus said, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Who you are inside is what shows on the outside because they are one and the same person. You can’t be “worshiping” God in your spirit and be a cranky critical person. The two are juxtaposed to one another. It’s is like saying I have faith that God will supply and having a nervous breakdown with worry that you won’t make your mortgage.
All of this is to say this: The spiritual shows up in the physical. In other words, what is going on spiritually with you, will manifest (show – be brought to light – revealed) in the physical realm for all to see. When we sing in worship and you sit with your legs crossed looking around wondering when the music is going to stop – you are NOT worshipping! You might say do I have to act like a wild Pentecostal to be worshipping? No, you have to act like what your spirit is doing! The acts of raising hands, dancing, kneeling, laying prostrate, clapping, shouting, singing, praying, waving and the like are done to express the inward function of your spirit and your now engaged mind, will and emotions! They in turn engage the body so what is going on in your spirit is SEEN. You may weep, you may laugh or everything in between, but you will DO something if you are worshipping the Lord. Some may say that you don’t have to do those things. I would so strongly disagree because of what the scripture has to say about it. We are so tied up with worldliness and our own ideas that we are held back from a full submission of our TOTAL personhood in worship in the context of a church (type) worship time. Let go people of God! Get recklessly abandoned to the One who deserves more than you can give or do!
There is a bleed over of course. What bleeds over to what, I don’t know. But if people can’t worship at church fully engaging all of themselves, they usually can’t live a life of worship. Maybe it is vise-versa, but either way the principle is true. What is happening in the spirit of a man, manifests in the physical. In fact what is happening in the spirit realm is manifested in the physical realm.
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