Relevant Worship or Reverent Worship...which worship does the Father seek?

The church should not look like the world and the church should not act like the world, but because the church has and continues to engrave the world upon the horns of the altar in the form of relevance, thus "Relevant to the Culture" is engraved upon it. To be relevant in worship is to connect with the culture at hand, not the Holy God of scripture. To have social relevance is not Holy reverence. No where in the Word of God are we instructed to adapt the worship of God so that we can capture a generation. We can do nothing of ourselves…..The Word of God commands us to Worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness, the Word of God commands us to Praise Him from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the Word of God commands us to sing unto Him a new song...God forbid, the church turns the worship of the Almighty God into a socially acceptable performance to connect with people, or to keep people within the church. Exodus 25.…let them make me a Sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. The Lord gives Moses the pattern of the tabernacle. The instruction of the altar and the mercy seat. The ark holds the testimony, the commandments of God, the mercy seat is above the ark with a Cherubim on each end with their wings stretched on high covering the mercy seat, and their faces looking toward the mercy seat. And the LORD tells Moses in verse 22, “And there I will meet with you, and I will commune with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two Cherubim’s which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give you in commandment unto the children of Israel.” This place of communion with the Lord does not depict a worship that is relevant to culture, but a dwelling place of reverence before a Holy God. Only the Power and Presence of the LORD will draw people, His Word that is forever settled in heaven will set one free, and Jesus Himself prayed, And, now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to you, Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you have given me, that they may be one; as we are! Many believers will attend church services but few will enter into His Sanctuary and worship Him with holy reverence saying with a loud voice, “ Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessings.” In this place one beholds; “every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them saying, Blessing, and honor and glory, and power, be unto Him who sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” AMEN!

Sacred Gathering on Holy Ground

When God’s people gather together we gather on holy ground…..For God is holy and wherever He is…it is holy, (For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20.) We present ourselves before the LORD an offering of the highest praise which is our lives….a place of consecration and sanctification. A place of communion beneath the mercy seat of our Lord Jesus Christ. We enter within the torn veil through the blood of Christ into the Most Holy Place. In this place we seek the LORD and minister unto Him, a place of revelation, God revealing His truth and His purpose. The Most Holy Place where the high priest, if he had done just one thing wrong in the process of preparing himself before the LORD he would fall dead in the presence of God. Questions to ask ourselves….. Worship leaders: Should you really present yourselves, while entertaining the congregation with “strange fire” unto the Lord in His House? (Leviticus 10) Pastors: Should you really handle the “Word of God” deceitfully conforming to the wisdom and fashion of this world, and not to the Revelation knowledge of Christ? (Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 1:17-24 & 2 Corinthians 4:2) Church goers: Should you really sit in the cushioned chairs sipping on your Cappuccino’s and Latte’s with “itchy ears” embracing a socially excepted feel good gospel claiming you have no responsibility in your salvation? (Isaiah 30:9-12 & 2 Timothy 4:3-4) Non church going believers: should your excuses for not seeking God be blamed on those around you, and even those you do not know? (Acts 17:39) Question for all who say they believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and handle His Holy Word as if it’s just a book from a second hand store: Where is the fear of this God you say you believe in? (Hebrews 10:31 & Luke 11:35) Sacred Gathering on Holy Ground (Exodus 3:1-12, 14) We as God's people gather together for worship to present ourselves before a Holy God. It was and should still be a sacred gathering. When Moses encountered God at the burning bush scripture teaches us clearly how we are to approach God. 1. Moses looked…..God gets our attention. 2. Moses turned to see…..Repentance 3. When the LORD saw Moses turn and He then called unto Moses out of the midst of the bush, and said…..Moses turns, God sees then God speaks…. 4. Moses, Moses….Moses response; “Here I am” 5. God said, “ draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou stands is……Holy Ground” Consecration and sanctification…putting off the old/flesh to put on the new…righteousness of Christ. 6. God reveals Himself….I Am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. God the creator, God who made covenant and the God who has declared the end from the beginning. 6. Moses hides his face for he was afraid to look upon God…..Holy reverence. 7. The LORD sees, the LORD hears, the LORD knows, and He came…. A. I have seen thy affliction. B. I have heard their cry. C. I know their sorrows… D. I Am come down to deliver them… E. To bring them up out of that land (Egypt)…unto a good land flowing with milk And honey….. 8. Come now and I will send you…..Great Commission 9. To bring forth God’s people out of Egypt….(Bondage, slavery) turning their eyes from darkness to light, and from the power of satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among the saints which are sanctified by faith in Christ. (Acts 26:18) 10. When the people are out of Egypt, they shall serve God upon this mountain…. Serve as in worship, serve as in obedience, not with convenience, worship in Spirit and in truth. Three things God seeks..... 1. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.....Luke 19:10 2.The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong. 2 Chronicles 16:9; sought for a man among them that should make up the hedge and stand in the gap before me...Ezekiel 22:30 3. The hour comes and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him. god is a Spirit: and they that worship Him MUST worship Him in spirit and in truth.... John 4:23-24 The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth.....seeks the lost soul, seeks to show himself strong through us as we stand in the gap, and He seeks us to worship Him in spirit and in truth. If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ be a worshippers of the Living God, and fear before Him, knowing that He has the power to just kill our bodies, but to cast our souls into hell.....it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.....Jesus himself said, And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken; but on whosoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. (Matthew 21:44)   For thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabits eternity, whose name is HOLY; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones....Isaiah 57:15 Thus saith the LORD, the heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that you build unto me? And where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath my hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I LOOK….even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and TREMLETH at My WORD……Isaiah 66:1-2 O Lord God, God of my Fathers, The God of Abraham, the God Isaac, the God of Jacob…….hear my prayer that I pray unto You this day. You who inhabit eternity, inhabit the praises of Your people as we turn our hearts from our wicked ways, we turn our hearts in repentance unto you. With a humble and contrite heart we come seeking Your face, desiring to worship You in Spirit and in Truth. Seek us Lord as we worship You! Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. Let us lift up our hearts with our hands unto God in the heavens….Yeshua HaMashiach, let my prayer be set before Thee as incense, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. I pray for Thy people Israel, peace be within the walls of Jerusalem. I pray for revival in the land of Your people, and within the hearts and minds of all who say they believe on You Lord Jesus. Psalm 86:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

The Purpose of the Pulpit and the Order of Worship

The Book of Nehemiah chapter 8 & 9 reveals the purpose of the pulpit and the order of worship. Ezra stood upon a pulpit of wood which they had made for this purpose. 1. Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 2. Ezra blessed the Lord, the Great God. All the people answered, Amen, Amen, lifting up their hands, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 3. They read from the book of the Law of God and caused the people to understand the reading. 4. Israel separated themselves from strangers and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquity of their fathers. 5. They stood up and read from the book of the law of the Lord their God one forth of the day, and another forth of the day they confessed and worshipped the Lord their God….. God communes with His people through worship. It is not a three ring circus for the self indulgence of your flesh, pastors; nor is it for the entertainment of your eyes, church. Acts 3:19...repent, be converted and the times of refreshing will come from the presence of the Lord. If the world could be saved by worldly means then Christ death is in vain. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins! Today, many pastors and leaders that stand behind a pulpit trust within themselves and their own righteousness. It is written in the Word of God that there is none righteous, no not one. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son.“ He did not say, For God so loved the world that He became like the world….Jesus said, “the Son of man came into the world not to condemn it, but to save it“…The Son of man came into the world to save us, not for us to continue be like the world, but He made the way for us to come out and be separate. Today, the American church does not look like the Blood Bought Church of the Bible. A people called out to be a light in a darkened world. A people who declare His truth to all generations in a world that embraces lies. A people who overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of their testimony. A people unashamed of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ…..for they know that Christ is the power and wisdom of God. The Bible speaks for itself and it stands set apart from all other books that have or ever will be written…Forever O LORD Thy Word is settled in heaven, let it be established within our hearts. From the pulpit to the pews, from the cooperate office to the lonely streets…Hear the Word of the LORD and LIVE!!! Psalm 51 A Prayer of Repentance Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise. Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem. Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, With burnt offering and whole burnt offering; Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar. John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will you also go away? Then Simon Peter answered Him, "LORD, to whom shall we go? thou has the Words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God!" John 6:67-69

Amazing Night of Ministry at Friendship Park!

So, I must admit. I was hoping for rain tonight. Rain meant Tom and I could stay home. I could work on my message for Worship Service tomorrow. Jesus House has made a commitment to show movies at Friendship Park on Saturday nights. 80% chance of rain turned into just a few drops. 7:00pm came and so did the clear skies. Tom and I load the van. Movie screen, projector, Sound system, blender and all the slushy fixing’s….etc. There are a few kids gathered in the park. As we unload three kids asked if they could help. I could feel the love and acceptance of God’s presence for these kids. After unloading, one boy helps set up for slushy’s with great joy asking if he could help serve the slushy’s and he did. Three other boys play with the microphones. Singing, rapping and having a fun time. We open the night with prayer asking God’s blessings upon our evening. We need water for the slushy’s. I’m walking back to Jesus House to get the 5 gallon cooler for water, and a young girl, maybe 8 and her little brother, might be 6 ask if they can walk with me. I said they would need to ask their mom. Well, mom was home sleeping, but big brother who’s like 11 says it’s ok. We walk and as we come to the intersection of Washington and Allen, Mac, my daughter’s dog is looking out of the upstairs window barking. I call his name and he stops. The young girl says to me, “you live here” and I said yes. I live upstairs. The younger brother says, “you live with Jesus!” My reply, yes I do. I live with Jesus. As we came inside Jesus House they are both amazed. They said, Jesus has a nice house…..lol The little boy asked me, “why do you get to live in Jesus House?”….Well I said, because He has asked me to help Him take care of His people.” Well, they thought that was just the coolest thing. We are now walking back to the park and the two kids are amazed that I live with Jesus. So, I said to them, ‘You can live with Jesus too” they asked how? My answer, “When you believe in Jesus He comes and lives within your heart.” The little boy says, Jesus died for us, right, I said yes, He did. I asked, is Jesus still dead, and they said no, He is alive…GLORY!!! And the young girl said, “Jesus, is the Son of God!” (Luke 18:16&17) But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. As the movie is playing and children are eating slushy’s and running around the park. I notice two men walking down the side walk with a look that said, “what is happening in the park?” I approach them. We have a small dialog about the movie. I ask them a few questions about themselves. They are new to town, both from Chicago staying at the shelter. I invite them to come to Jesus House tomorrow. And one gentlemen asked if I would pray for him. I am not one of those people who say ok I will pray for you, and then walk away. If you ask for prayer we are going to pray. I join hands with him and pray for him. Another GLORY!!! We are well into the movie. What once appeared to be tough gangster are now sitting watching “Journey 2” and the peace of God fills Friendship Park as the children play! Slushy’s come to an end. Tom takes the slushy and etc….to the van. I felt the need to walk over to him. Knowing that both of us were tired and really wanted to stay home, but knew in our hearts we must be faithful to that which God has given to us. I see the smile in his eyes. He had such a wonderful time making slushy’s with the kids. A man walks across the street coming toward us. We exchange hellos. I ask him how he’s doing. He say’s better, but it’s been a bad day. I ask if we can pray for him. He say’s yes. I ask if there was anything specific? He say’s with a desperation in his voice, “ I need Salvation!” Again, GLORY!!! Tom and I lay our hands upon him and pray. You would think it’s over. The van is loaded. We have three kids that we are taking home because it’s 10pm and they do not live close to the park. We pull in the drive to drop off two of the kids, and the mom comes out of the house, and then the 18 year old sister comes out of the house. Walking toward the van. Then the dad comes out as well. The window is down in the van as we are talking with them. The 18 year old lays her head on the door of the van and ask for prayer. She has a kidney infection from her drug addiction. She is physically sick, and knows she has screwed up and needs God to help her. Tom and I along with her mom, dad and siblings lay hands on her and pray in Jesus name! Wow! Can you say GLORY!!! You and I…. Ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ, He has given us the ministry of Reconciliation. He has commissioned us to GO. Preach the Gospel, lay hands on the sick, cast out demons. In John 4:6 Jesus was weary from His journey and He sat down by Jacobs well and you know the rest of the story, right? We must look past our weariness and throw ourselves out there in the midst of this fallen world to see the power of God’s love at work. (2 Chronicles 16:9) For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. (1 Corinthians 15:58) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the LORD. My many experiences with the LORD over the last 26 years I have learned obedience even when I’m tired and have a list of things to do, and wish it would rain so I could have a break. My LORD always gives me strength to do HIS WILL, not mine. And my Jesus, never ceases to amaze me. GLORY! Thank you Lord Jesus for being with us at Friendship Park tonight! You truly are Immanuel, God with us!!!

Immanuel

A few of us "Jesus Freaks" gathered for worship downtown on the square last night....as we sat with our instruments lifting our voice in worship unto the Most High God we were surrounded by a half dozen homeless people. As we worshipped, they listened and as they listened the peace of God fell upon them. It was a beautiful sight. To behold the peace and rest of my LORD settle their hearts, even if it was just for a moment.. Jesus came to them last night and sat with them. I was reminded of King Saul, who would have a tormenting spirit and he would call for David to come play his harp before him to chase away the evil spirits…..for two and half hours as we worshipped the Lord amongst the lost, the broken, ridden with not just addiction but hopelessness. I witnessed the power of the Lord’s Presence giving light to those who sit in darkness and bringing peace in the midst of torment. The Eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are His Everlasting Arms. Thank You Jesus!!! You are Immanuel, GOD WITH US!!!

My Story Written Within the Pages of His Story

Shalom and blessings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Throughout my walk with Christ many friends and fellow believers have encouraged me to "Write my Story." I have PONDERED the idea. Over the years I have written bits and pieces of my story, either through a song I've written or within messages I've shared at Jesus House or other speaking engagements. Over a period of almost two years now, I have MET with a local author and together we have dared to venture into the memories that were sketched into my darkened soul to write a creative memoir. I must say, I am beyond excited to declare the greatness of God’s love, His redemptive work through the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ, and the power of His presence that has always been before me, and now dwells within me. Coming soon…..My Story! Anyone want to guess what the title might be???????....and to those of you who know, shhh......be quET!

The Work of Our Hands

For the first time in my life I was left speechless....No words can describe tonight's emotions. Outside the Jesus House there are four gun shots, seconds later we are praying for a 19 year old boy who was shot in the face and shoulder, the neighborhood was in an uproar. Mothers wandering aimlessly looking for their children as fear tries to grip the heart of the residents. I will say this, in the midst of it all I saw the Lord Jesus Christ! I'm not sure what tomorrow looks like for West Bloomington, but I know there is a God in heaven and He has placed a remnant of people filled with His compassion and are not ashamed nor afraid of this darkened world. I am so proud of my Jesus House family, and the neighbors who came not only to the meeting tonight, but were not afraid to get involved. Tonight, I saw a community come together, and it was and is a beautiful sight. There is not a quick fix nor an easy solution to the problems that lie ahead of us, but there is a promise from my God; Every where are feet shall tread, He has given us the land, and He will bless the work of our hands....Jesus House will be present at Friendship Park! I challenge every Christian in Bloomington/Normal, I challenge every Pastor in West Bloomington to join us. It only took twelve men to turn the world upside down. God looks for a willing heart. Are you willing? Many signs and wonders were done through the hands of the disciples. What are you doing with your hands? The hands of my husband held the face of a young man who was just shot in the face. The world will never believe in your God if you do not get out side your comfort zone and do something with your hands. Get involved. Would you like to go on a mission trip? Jesus House welcomes you to join them in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, who went about doing good, healing all who were sick and oppressed of the devil. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. It's every day people. Every day these kids are dying not knowing Jesus. What will you say when you stand before God? Jesus said, when you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I Am He….and you attend church, you hear a good song, and say, “What a great sermon!”….and still do nothing. Jesus said, if you come close to Me, I will come close to you, and you attend Bible study, and talk about it….and still do nothing. Jesus said, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto myself; we hear of missionaries who risk their lives for the good of others sharing the gospel of Jesus, and we say, “O what a great work!”…and still we do nothing. Many sit, eat, and drink never giving attention to the rest of the world. Self absorb, thinking their ok when Jesus said, Search the scriptures and you think you have eternal life, yet, they speak of me….and still you do not know me. In the day of judgment when Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats He will not ask what church you attend, He will not ask if you’ve been baptized. He will say in that day, “What YOU have done unto the least of these YOU have done it unto me.” Quote from Doctor Reverend David Lee - Grace Home, Taipei, Taiwan.