Tag Archives: Worship

Sons Of Disobedience

15 Aug

lake of fire

2. wherein ye once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the powers of the air, of the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience; 3. among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest:– 4. but God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Ephesians 2:2-4 (ASV)

Many years ago I attended a large church in Phoenix.  I was a member of the choir and church staff.  Sunday mornings were delightful.  We would begin choir practice at 8am and the anointing would always fall over the sanctuary.  By the time service started there was such a thick and powerful anointing that people often said they could feel it when they walked through the doors of the foyer.  The ministry teams would often be in the sanctuary as the choir practiced, to drink in the anointing before the congregation began arriving.

One Sunday, in particular, will forever stay in my memory.  It was that Sunday that a young warlock priest was sent to the church to kill the worship leader.  We were unaware of it during the service.  We weren’t actually made aware until the following Wednesday night choir practice.  What we were aware of was that many people made their way to the altar and left the elements they were bound by on the steps to the platform.  It was a common thing to see every Sunday.  We often saw cigarettes, drugs, needles, guns and knives, left by people in deep prayer, crying out to God to cleanse them of their addictions or behaviors.  That Sunday a dagger was left at the platform and a young man laid at the platform sobbing for a very long time.

On Wednesday the young man told us that he had been sent there by his coven to kill our worship leader.  When the call came to attend the altar for prayer, he walked swiftly to the altar, dagger in hand, fully intending to run up the steps to the platform and complete his assignment, but by the time he had reached the steps, God had broken his heart.  God took away his desire to kill the worship leader and his desire to be a part of the coven any longer.  God stopped his feet from going forward, he said it was like there was an invisible wall at the bottom of the steps that he could not push through.  He dropped the dagger to the floor, fell to his knees, and began sobbing and crying out to God.

That young man began attending church every Sunday, and Bible Studies during the week.  He and the worship leader became close as the worship leader mentored him.  I won’t say it was an easy transition for this young man, the coven he had come from was very angry and went out of their way to bring him, and his family, great harm.  Eventually he had to move away to protect his family and get the fresh faith start that he needed.

This young man was sent to destroy a church and the powerful anointing that filled it – “but God, being rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4) turned his heart and set a hedge of protection around the people in the service.  God gave this young man another chance at true eternal life, in Heavenly places, taking away an eternity in the Lake of Fire.  God, in His Mercy, changed the course of many of our lives, by the testimony that came forward, showing us that not only can God change an evil man to a godly man, but He can protect His servants from any evil that attempts to bring them harm, “for his great love wherewith He loved us” (Eph 2:4).  What more could we possibly ask for.

Thank you, Lord, for not letting me forget your mercies and your love, spread out over the saint and sinner alike.  Thank you for loving me when I was unloveable, and bringing me up to a level where I can share that love with others.  Hallelujah!

** A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 2, Part 2

Written by Linda J. Humes

11-16-2014

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When the Storms Rage . . . Turn Up The Worship Music!

16 Mar

Dust Storm - turn up the worship music

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.    Psalms 95:6 (KJV)

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We make occasional trips between our home in Chino Valley and Snowflake, a city we are going to relocate to on the exact opposite side of the state.  To get there we have to travel several hours along a highway with barren land on both sides.  On one of our trips we left Chino Valley with light breezes, not realizing that light breezes on our side of the state meant heavy winds along that stretch of the highway (now we understand why there isn’t any growth along the road).

Half way into the trip, as we drove along side other cars and big rigs, we saw heavy dust crossing the road.  Drivers’ heads turned from side to side and the dust disappeared.  Looked like a single incident; no big deal.  All of the sudden the big rig to my right started to rock and sway; the cars ahead of us were hit with a wall of dust and they had a hard time staying in their lanes.  We were in the left lane, following other vehicles, watching carefully the line of big rigs in the right lane.

Everyone slowed; no one dared to stop.  While watching for taillights and misdirected vehicles, stress levels built, prayers were loudly spoke; we could barely see the front of our car at times.

My son anxiously shouted, “What are we going to do, Mom?”

Holding the steering wheel tightly with both hands I shouted back, “Turn up the worship music!”

Nothing brings peace faster than worship music.  The storm didn’t stop, people were still having trouble controlling their vehicles against the wind, the dust still obscured the road ahead, but the music calmed us.  That was the longest 45 minutes in my life; but it didn’t overtake me.  We were able to thank Jesus for our safety with a peaceful heart.

There are many times when tests and trials come; some small, some overwhelming.  Every time I feel the storms rising I turn on the worship music and fall into prayer.  Worship – prayer, two aspects of the same entity, communicating with God; what a delight.

Father, never let me forget to worship you, even in the rage of a storm.

Written by Linda J. Humes

Written on 4-19-2010

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MARCH FORTH

18 May

By Tim Farmer

 “Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for He is aroused from His holy habitation!”  Zechariah 2:13

                        March 4th?                  March 4th!!                  March Forth???

I sat down in my usual spot on the sofa in the light of the morning sunrise thanking God for another glorious day. I was sitting still, pausing to let the sunlight warm my face before opening my daily devotional.  I remembered that Mario Murillo sent out an online invitation to the pastors of California to attend a lunch he was hosting in Manteca, California on March 4th. Today. The event was to pray, heal and encourage the pastors to reopen all of the churches in the state. The response to his invitation was amazing. Instead of a hundred or so, as Mario had anticipated, over a thousand pastors had responded.  I prayed that God would provide all that they would need to make the lunch a success. I thought about how interesting it was that the event was happening on March 4th.  Was that intentional?   There are no accidents.

Many of us have been praying, in hopeful expectation, that today would be a day of a great event in Washington, DC involving our Presidential leaders.  We shall see.  I finished my prayer for the pastors lunch and sat in silence again in the bright sunlight.  This is my daily quiet time with God. Silence. Today’s date was repeated in my mind.  Once. “March 4th.” Silence. I waited. I am learning patience. Then the thought struck me, it wasn’t the date I was hearing, that still small voice was saying “March forth.”

Recently I have been wrestling with my being a disciple. How could I best share my faith and help others to know Jesus?  It was easier 30 years ago when Janet and I were newlyweds and active members of the local Presbyterian Church.  Still energetic in our early 40’s we were involved with several popular ministries at the church.  Janet’s servant heart and smile could light up a room. She was my great encourager, advocate and nudger. She quickly taught me to be courageous with my faith.  

Janet was fearless.  Everyone loved her.  Sadly, Janet went home to be with Jesus early in 2018.  The last few years of Janet’s life were very difficult. Chronic pain in many areas of her body made it difficult to sit in church.  She stopped attending.  After a while I attended less as her condition became worse, then I became a “sometimer.” To say I miss her is an understatement. Now, I believe she shines brighter in Heaven than she did on earth.  

While making plans for her memorial with our senior pastor,  I made a promise to return to Sunday worship.  Even though I aimed the promise at my pastor, it was really to my Lord and Savior. 

Fast forward to 2020 and Covid-19.  Just before the quarantine began, I had started weekly sessions with a Christian counselor in Pasadena to help me in coping with depression and Janet’s  passing.  Before the second session the quarantine went into effect, so our sessions were on Zoom.  Attending church and bible study were also conducted on Zoom.  Better than nothing, however the fellowship is not the same. 

The tender greetings and the hugs of encouragement were gone.  But God found a way.   Not being able to go to work actually became a blessing. A huge blessing. This alone time gave me the desire to be in the Word, study the Bible, connect with old friends on social media, and fellowship with Believers.

My mid-week Bible study was helping boost my confidence, as was my alone time with the Lord in the mornings. During the days I couldn’t get motivated.  Tired and frustrated with myself I became lazy and watched too much TV. 

November of last year I turned 70.  I have had a very active lifestyle during my adult years but being static during the lockdown has added to new physical issues. My motor skills were declining. What had been easy was now difficult. Alone, without Janet, I have become less confident in my actions. I am too worried about making mistakes.  I feel ill equipped for the many tasks that used to be second nature to me. The idea and responsibility of discipleship seems daunting, overwhelming, and unreachable.  It has been hard enough trying to get through each day. I needed motivation, accountability, a task, a project to build, something! Then a friend called.  She needed a special box built, something small that could hold a Laptop, and a way for it to adjust to different heights.

After the call ended I thought it would be a fun little project. I knew the materials I needed were at work.  All I had to do was start; and I did. Less than a week went by, still incomplete but usable. I took it to my friend’s apartment, so that she could try it out and see if there were any improvements that I might need to add. She ended up keeping the box for two weeks, it was working great! I went over to pick it up and brought it back to the shop.  All I had to do was add some handles and put a clear finish on it, then return it.  She was very happy.  So was I.    

Those few hours working on that little box gave me a purpose. I prayed about that purpose for days. Several other projects popped up that I was able to complete. The old juices were flowing.  My  friend Ken would say, “Tim, you’re in the flow.”  But I recognized something different about this; Jesus was in it.  He was always there but my eyes were now open to see it.  And, this morning my ears had opened to hear Him again -“March forth.”

My devotional book belonged to Janet. I use it every morning and treasure the little notes that she had written along the edges of the pages. Today’s devotion had two scripture references, the first was Luke 12:25-26.  In my rush to get to the passage in my bible I started reading at Luke 11:5, then realizing my mistake I decided to read both chapters in sequence.  The teaching of Jesus in these chapters had greater significance for me than ever before.  After reading it again I believe that “March forth” was my special encouragement from God. It was for me to step out in faith; to stop being fearful of making a mistake or looking the fool.  It might even be a trumpet call to the masses.  I don’t know for sure, but I am certain it is mine.  

Perhaps I am to join with those better equipped than I as they “March forth.”  There may never be a more important time in history to do exactly that. It is time for me to step up, join the battle line and become a soldier for Christ.

I treasure the time Janet and I spent together.  Our meeting was a miracle unto itself,  but that is another story.  I know we will be together again. Love lasts forever. Today I will March Forth for both of us.

MARCH FORTH and ALL GLORY BE TO GOD.

March Forth!  How Great Thou Art Lord!

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MAJESTY

12 Apr

…

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.   Psalm 91:1-4

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In the shadows of your wings,

We humbly come before Your throne.

Letting praise and worship ring,

Our words of love to You alone.

…

Majesty, Majesty.

…

Gentle whispers draw our prayers,

In loving arms He holds us near.

Precious moments linger there,

A refuge, safe, above all fear.

…

Majesty, Majesty.

…

As the gentle spirit flows,

He pulls away the tempered walls.

The new tender heart He shows,

The world in splendor as He calls.

…

Majesty, Majesty.

..

Written 1992 as a song

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DANCE

7 Oct

Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.   Psalm 149:3

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Dance, Baby, Dance

Reach to the Sky,

Eyes set on Heaven,

Let your Fears fly.

—

Drop down the grave clothes,

Shed them – break free,

New Joy – New Laughter,

Dance now for Me.

—

Dance, Baby, Dance

Reach to the Sky,

Eyes set on Heaven,

Let your Soul fly.

—

All chains are Broken,

Past debts are gone,

Your tears are bottled,

You’re never alone.

—

Dance, Baby, Dance

Reach to the Sky,

Eyes set on Heaven,

Let your Heart fly.

—

Clothed in New Garments,

Love leads your way,

God Kissed – My Daughter,

Hear what I say.

—

Dance, Baby, Dance

Reach to the Sky,

Eyes set on Heaven,

Know that You’re MINE.

—

 

Written 2-4-09

 

 

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COME YE

7 Oct

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And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.   1 Corinthians 12:28 (KJV)

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Sun glistens through the flowing golden honey,

Slowly – deliberately – gracefully,

It edges downward toward the earth.

The secret of the hive is revealed,

The source of perfect sweetness at the hand of God.

—

There it glistens – calling to a tender heart,

“taste and see” – “taste and see”

“the incomparable savor of God.

Come ye born to Apostle.

Come ye born to Teach.

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Reach forth ye Shepherds and collect enough to satisfy your flock.

Help him to carry – those called as Servants.

Come ye – those called to pray the gift of Healing into this treasure.

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Multiply the pots – those called to Miracles.

Prepare the way – those called to chart the Path.

Speak the Word of deliverance – in the tongues of angels,

That no soul will go untouched.

Raise up your voice in harmonious worship,

Preparing the Heavenlies.

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Let the song of the Lord flow forth,

Golden – Sweet – Pure

As God’s rich nectar.

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Fear not the gifts God has birthed inside you.

Fear not the power of the Anointing as it flows through you.

Be not concerned at the doubting words of man,

they understand not.

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Speak the Word with a tongue touched with honey,

Pure – untainted – deliberate.

Be the untouched – untouchable Gospel,

To The WORLD.

Amen!

—

Written 6-16-07

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BREATH OF GOD

7 Aug

“Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.”   Ezekiel 37:9

While training to become a foster parent we were required to take CPR training. We learned the ABC’s of CPR, the step-by-step procedures of saving a life. The first step was to tip the head back, chin up, and make sure that the Airway isn’t obstructed. Second was to Breathe into the unconscious person, watching for the rise and fall of the chest. Third was the Compressions, encouraging the heart to begin beating, pushing the blood to the brain and extremities. A.B.C. Clear airway, breathe (count), breath (count), compress, compress, compress, compress. Correct timing and accurate movement can be the critical elements of sustaining life until the ambulance arrives and takes over.

While in worship one day it occurred to me that God has designed a Spiritual CPR for His children to follow. Divine steps that bring us into the throne-room of God.

Similar to clearing the airway, we tilt our face upward toward God, speaking our prayers and singing our worship. We clear our thoughts from the trials and temptations of daily life and focus completely on Him. Abba, Father, we cry out; Holy and Anointed One. We give You praise.

Then comes the breath of life; the Holy Spirit breathing the precious anointing into our lives. Like waves of the ocean, as we stand in worship, He breathes over us, refreshing, renewing, healing, preparing, speaking; wave after precious wave. Closer and closer we draw to the throne-room of God. Filled with the cleansing breath of truth. Filled with the cleansing breath of wisdom. Breathing in, breathing out, the life of God within us.

Then the foundation; the Word of God, pumping into us the strength of life with the flow of faith brought by the Blood of Christ, covering our past, our daily frailties, our mistakes of tomorrow. Challenging us with parables, psalms and proverbs. Building, pumping, encouraging, pumping, feeding, pumping. The very truths we base our lives upon.

Clear – breathe – breathe – compress – compress – compress – live.

Prayer – worship – indwelling of the Spirit – the Word of God – life.

Prayer – worship – indwelling of the Spirit – the Word of God – stronger life.

What if we choose to walk away when someone needs immediate CPR? What if we wait for another to come along and do the life-saving steps that are needed? The longer the person remains unhelped, the greater the risk of death, multiplying in risk by the second.

Unlike physical CPR, the Christian must take the steps toward Spiritual CPR themselves. Steps that will give them a confident, joy-filled, eternal life in Christ. No one else can take the steps for you. No one else can breathe in the anointing for you.

What if we walk away when God calls us to relationship with Him? What if we don’t cry out to Him in prayer and worship? What if we quench the Spirit, discouraging His life-filling breath? What if we refuse to fill our heart, our mind, our soul, with His Word? What if?

Dear God, remind me daily of the eternal death that awaits those who walk away from you. Help me to help them to take the steps toward life – forever.

 

 

Written 6-24-04

 

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DREAMS

11 Nov

“And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.”    Numbers 12:6

I’m standing in my dining room window and I realize that my plants have all gone dry.  I have been so focused on keeping the fireplace burning and the house warm, that I hadn’t thought about the other life around me that needs attention, and water, to survive.

I wonder if I have forgotten about my own life and the desires I once held so dear.  I have found myself going through the motions of life to survive.  I am living in the memories of a lost yesterday, a wonderful time gone by, of clear direction and extravagant dreams.  I often find myself so absorbed in the memories of yesterday that I forget about the reality of today.  We were created to flourish, not simply survive.  Why do we stop dreaming about tomorrow?  Why have we allowed circumstances to dictate the end of a vision that God has placed deep in our hearts and souls?  Am I the only one?

Illness may steal our energy, but it should never steal our joy.  An unwanted job may bring tremendous stress and pressure, but it cannot steal our dream of the work God has put inside of us, it is merely a stepping stone soaked with valuable lessons and information that God is teaching us for the next part of our journey.

A loss is only a loss if we allow it to be, or it can become a beautiful valuable lesson to guide our steps forward on the path that God has placed us on.

Do we get so caught up in daily survival that we forget to reach out to the God who gave us life. Do we forget about the dreams, the people in our lives to receive from, and the people that He wants us to pour into.  Do we get so caught up in trying to figure out how we are going to fulfill a need that we forget to take it to the Father in prayer, which is all He is waiting for to send resolution?  Are we so consumed by the fear of what might happen that we don’t step into the dreams of the wonderful things that could happen?

Reach out to the Father for the next step of the path that He placed in you at birth.  Reach deep inside for the faith and trust you nurture every day through the Word.  Reach back to help another find their path, encouraging them daily.  Reach up in praise and worship for the gifts of life bestowed upon you and the dreams birthed inside.

A dream isn’t a wish your heart makes; it is a call towards a life ministry, one moment at a time.   Nurture it.  Flourish.

 

Written 11-11-2018

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The Music of Life

7 Feb

 

music of nature

“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”      Isaiah 55:12 (KJV)

I recently watched a movie called August Rush.  It was a delightful story about a young boy, given up to an orphanage as a newborn, who grew up in the orphanage hoping and believing that one day he would find his parents.

The unique thing about this young boy was that he could hear the music of life.  Everywhere he was he heard music; the music of the tree leaves moving in the wind, the music of the grass in a breeze, the music of the water in a brook, the music of a fan turning, the sound of a bus starting and braking in traffic, the cars moving in rhythm to the traffic lights; music – everywhere.  I thought I was the only one!!

I have a difficult time keeping track of the time of day.  I surround myself with clocks to help me stay on task.  Each clock has its own unique tick and movement.  As I sit here writing, there is a beautiful clock above my monitor, pink roses surrounding the numbers, making a loud rhythmic sound.  I can hear music in my head that encompasses that beat and enhances that tick.  Not a song that I’ve heard before, or one that can be sung, but a tune to be hummed and explored.

Outside there is an explosion of music.  I live far out of town and the birds, each species, has their own distinct sound, pitch and rhythm when they call, fly or perch.  The insects have their own sound (especially the mosquitos).  Walking on the ground has its own sound.  The beat and tone of a gentle rain, and the loud and specific crash of heavy rain.  The sound and beat of the waves hitting the shore, some peaceful and gentle, while others loud and angry.  The crisp and shocking sound of thunder.  The light tapping of the hens pecking at their food and the smooth hum of a generator running in the distance.  It all has its own sound.  The wind, gentle or at gale force, has a specific and unique sound, rising and falling, rising and falling.  All of these sounds blend together into a wonderful symphony of musicians calling to God with their joy, exclaiming His glory!

God made everything to sing its own story to everyone and everything around.

Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.  They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.  The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.   Psalm 65:11-13

God used some of those songs to bring joy to us, His children.

The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.   Proverbs 18:4

God also uses these sounds and songs to warn His people of danger or when to wait for His signal before going forward.

And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.   2 Samuel 5:24

He made a complex and intricate rhythm to every aspect of earth and man, creating a beautiful and perfect harmon, if we would only spend time listening.  Listening, something we take so little time to do, especially if it doesn’t advance forward our day.  Listening, not just hearing, not just being present – Listening.

God gave us this amazing and miraculous life filled with music and beauty and wonderful other people.  He could force us to slow down and listen, but it would not hold the incredible enjoyment of experiencing it out of true worship.

Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together.   Psalm 98:8

I challenge you to turn off the noise and listen for the music.  Walk outside in the early morning or late night and listen to the birds and insects singing.  The trees will rustle in the cool breeze.  There will be a rhythm of the vehicles traveling nearby.  Footsteps on a walk will have a beat all of their own; unique.  Your own heartbeat and breathing pattern sings in unison with each other.  Can you hear it?  Even when we don’t listen, they sing.  They offer up their worship to God when they are being completely ignored by everyone on earth.  They sing, in their own special sound, their own special beat, their own special pitch; they sing.  It is time to join them.  Sing!

Thank you God for allowing us to hear the perfect music created by and dedicated to You.  Help us to hear this, Your wonderful and excellent gift.

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