Today's Meditation: "For by the grace given to me, I say to everyone of you: Do not think more highly of yourself than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance to the faith God has given you..." Romans 12:3
After a very busy, fruitful, and fulfiling past few months of ministry, special events/outreach to the community, and travel, I am feeling a holy tug in my consciousness to simply be still, assess, and reflect. As I ponder all that my eyes have seen, all that my mind has absorbed, and all that my ears have heard, my heart now speaks to me on behalf of the Father: Are you remaining obedient to that which I have assigned and called YOU to do? Are the dreams and visions you have spoken over and prophesied to My people those which come from Me, or those which come from your fleshly intuition? Are you still passionate about My Word, or arrogantly passive concerning its power? Has your anointing been compromised by the self-manipulation of the gift that I gave you? With Whom are you dancing, and for Whom are you dancing when you "minister" to My people? Has the applause and accolades of man stifled your ability to hear My instruction?
These and many other thoughts have come to be valuable and necessary check points that I believe must be evaluated from time to time by anyone and everyone who serves in a ministry capacity. From Apostles to Bishops; Elders to Pastors; Clergy to Laity; Missionaries to Worship Leaders; Musicians to Psalmists...our approach to Kingdom ministry shouldn't become so externally driven that we develop a "keeping up with the kardashians" mentality. Nor should it be so internally centered on the greatness that lays within us, so that the achievements and successes of others cease to phase us even a little bit. My concern for myself, and largely for the Body of Christ, is that the "wonderment" of God is being replaced by "been there, done that", thus our egos have hindered us from encountering the miracles, signs, and glorious wonders that lay right at our feet! However, I must concede that whatever shift or shake-up that may need to occur, I can only be a catalyst for the revolution that begins inside of me.
For those of us in the ministry of the Word, as well as the Sacred Arts, we must admit that often times we have attempted (and succeeded) in manipulating the atmosphere of worship to be steered in the direction that our carnal minds and bodies desire it to go in--not always that which the Holy Spirit has prompted. From the preacher who begins to "whoop", not out of style, cultural tradition, nor the anointing--but rather, lack of material, preparation, and need of an emotional response from his/her audience; Manipulation...Or the musician/organist/keyboard player who decides that the sermon has gone on long enough--time to strike that "rap it up preacher" chord so that he/she may make it to Sunday Brunch before 2pm; Manipulation...and lastly of course, the Liturgical Dance Minister who even after 15 years in ministry still can't seem to make it through an entire piece without the claim that "the Holy Ghost just took over" and proceed to weep, wail, and gnash their teeth...Really? Still? How about your responsibility to completely deliver the prophetic movement message in its entirety to a people who needed a Word (through dance) from the Lord?
Healthy self-esteem is wonderful; let us who are servants of God not go over board! The key to an honest, accurate, assessment of who we are is knowing the basis of our self-worth: that is, our identity as a child of the Most High God. Apart from Him, if we allow ourselves to be judged by worldly standards we may have a measure of earthly success; the danger comes when we begin to think of our worth in the eyes of others, thus missing our true value in God. You and I are more than our gift, our talent, and our skill! Besides, none of that will matter when we are standing before Him on Judgement Day after living a life void of integrity and eternally bankrupt.
Open our eyes, oh God. Amen and Selah.
---Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
Monday, June 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
"Double Life: Secret Motives"
Today's Meditation: "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." James 1:8
Who are you really? When you're alone and nobody is there to observe, criticize, analyze, admire, or serve you? How do you really worship God? You know, when you are not at church, in the choir, in the pulpit, or ministering in dance on someones platform. When the spotlight is not on you, and you are simply at home with you--who are you really?
Our lifestyles represent our values, morals, and beliefs. For the professed Believer, these things should line up with how we govern ourselves, and the Word of God. But, beloved--how can we strive to live "above reproach" with God and humanity when we are caught in the web of living a double life? Ministers and ministry leaders: do you not know maintaining a double lifestyle will eventually cut, diminish, and destroy the flow of blessings and the anointing in your life? Try to deny it and justify it if you'd like--deep in our souls, we know when the glory has departed!
Double lifestyles are plaguing the Church Universal. With the advent of Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Youtube, texting, "sexting", IPhones, IMs, and more, we are able to create on-line personalities which sometimes, are completely contrary to the real us. Blatant disrespect, promiscuity, adultery, immorality, bullying, and mean-spiritedness is practiced openly--in and out of the church. Pastors, Elders, and ministry Leaders attempt to preach righteousness on Sunday morning while secretly engaging in physical, sexual, and emotional abuse behind close doors. Conferences and meetings have been used as private rendevous opportunities for brothers on the down-low, and sisters wanting to be seen AND heard...at last. But, is this a secret?
Who are you really? When you're alone and nobody is there to observe, criticize, analyze, admire, or serve you? How do you really worship God? You know, when you are not at church, in the choir, in the pulpit, or ministering in dance on someones platform. When the spotlight is not on you, and you are simply at home with you--who are you really?
Our lifestyles represent our values, morals, and beliefs. For the professed Believer, these things should line up with how we govern ourselves, and the Word of God. But, beloved--how can we strive to live "above reproach" with God and humanity when we are caught in the web of living a double life? Ministers and ministry leaders: do you not know maintaining a double lifestyle will eventually cut, diminish, and destroy the flow of blessings and the anointing in your life? Try to deny it and justify it if you'd like--deep in our souls, we know when the glory has departed!
Double lifestyles are plaguing the Church Universal. With the advent of Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Youtube, texting, "sexting", IPhones, IMs, and more, we are able to create on-line personalities which sometimes, are completely contrary to the real us. Blatant disrespect, promiscuity, adultery, immorality, bullying, and mean-spiritedness is practiced openly--in and out of the church. Pastors, Elders, and ministry Leaders attempt to preach righteousness on Sunday morning while secretly engaging in physical, sexual, and emotional abuse behind close doors. Conferences and meetings have been used as private rendevous opportunities for brothers on the down-low, and sisters wanting to be seen AND heard...at last. But, is this a secret?
The 5-fold ministry gifts are being perverted, watered-down, and hi-jacked by men and women seeking elevation through self-imposed titles; who travel the world producing charismatic worship productions, disguised as revelation knowledge and authentic ministry. Even some professed Christian organizations publicly endorse unity in the Body, while continuing to perpetuate subtle discrimination, supremacy, and racism.
When one's ministry appears to be thriving worldwide while their marriage is falling apart, it may be time to take a look at why I do what I do. If my call to minister to the nations REGULARLY supercedes my covenant to minister to my family (which God also gave me), I may just be out of balance. Today, God has placed the ministry of the Gospel, and the ministry of dance in the global arena--the World is watching; i.e. the secular world and the nations of the world. Success, prosperity, advancement, and position are all great--but only when it comes from living a life of integrity, peace of mind, joy, and transparency.
If we continue to present the facade of holiness and purity in public, while our true lifestyles are an abomination to God, there will be no true levitical remnant with clean hands and a pure heart left to carry the glorious legacy of Sacred Artistry and ministry into the next generation. As you begin to line-up your will with the Father's will, supernatural grace and courage will be upon you.
Let this be our Year of Exposure. Look deeply and shamelessly into your spiritual mirror, remembering that people with nothing to hide, hide nothing.
Amen and Selah.
Rev. Steph
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
"Hands-Free Faith"
Today's Meditation: When the commander of the guard found Jeremiah, he said to him, "The Lord your God decreed this disaster for this place. And know the Lord ha brought it about; he has done just as he said he would. All this happened because you people sinned against the Lord and did not obey him. But today, I am freeing you from the chains of your wrists." Jeremiah 40:2-4
In today's technologically advanced world, the term "hands-free" has been adopted and used to describe equipment that can be operated without the use of ones hands. While we commonly associate the ability to be "hands-free" with the possession of a Bluetooth device, or earpiece, the science of functioning in a hands-free capacity can also refer to a system governed via Voice Command. In essence, kings and high officials in the days of Jeremiah the Prophet ruled by way of Voice Command--whatever the King said, so shall it be.
When operating in the authority, priviledge, or position granted to us, we are not bound by our physical strength, abilities, --or lack thereof. All that is required of one in power is to only "speak the word", and his/her desires are carried out by those who follow. Leaders who speak both with authority, wisdom, and compassion have no need to "micro-manage" their people. That was exactly the case in regards to King Nebuchadnezzar and his then prisoner Jeremiah. Although captured and jailed by the Babylonians, the King had already declared that Jeremiah was to be looked after and not harmed; the King and his Babylonian Commanders were highly superstitious, and while they believed in the power of magic, they also respected the power of God. They had heard Jeremiah say repeatedly that his God would rescue him from trouble.
It is amazing to me that even today, many people recognize that God is real, has power to do miracles, yet they still refuse to personally accept him...
After Jeremiah's hands were set free, the Commander told him, "the whole country lies before you; go wherever you please". Jeremiah chose to return to his land of Judah. Had he stayed in Babylon, Jeremiah would have experienced comfort and protection; in Judah he would be poor and unwanted. Had he stayed in Babylon, he would be favored by the Babylonian rulers but hated by others who remained in exile.
Jeremiah's faith led him home. Judah in the Hebrew language means "praise". Don't let your haters keep you in exile! I believe that even when our hands appear to be tied; when it seems that all the forces of evil and darkness are rising up against our prophetic destiny in God; and when every attempt to achieve success with our own strength and limited intellectual capacity has failed; we must return to JUDAH! If my hands are bound, my feet are still free to dance and my mouth still has utterance--that is, if I know the Word of God.
Activate your body-temple as a supernatural "hands-free" device and see the Lord do just what he said he would do. He's Able!
Amen.
--Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
In today's technologically advanced world, the term "hands-free" has been adopted and used to describe equipment that can be operated without the use of ones hands. While we commonly associate the ability to be "hands-free" with the possession of a Bluetooth device, or earpiece, the science of functioning in a hands-free capacity can also refer to a system governed via Voice Command. In essence, kings and high officials in the days of Jeremiah the Prophet ruled by way of Voice Command--whatever the King said, so shall it be.
When operating in the authority, priviledge, or position granted to us, we are not bound by our physical strength, abilities, --or lack thereof. All that is required of one in power is to only "speak the word", and his/her desires are carried out by those who follow. Leaders who speak both with authority, wisdom, and compassion have no need to "micro-manage" their people. That was exactly the case in regards to King Nebuchadnezzar and his then prisoner Jeremiah. Although captured and jailed by the Babylonians, the King had already declared that Jeremiah was to be looked after and not harmed; the King and his Babylonian Commanders were highly superstitious, and while they believed in the power of magic, they also respected the power of God. They had heard Jeremiah say repeatedly that his God would rescue him from trouble.
It is amazing to me that even today, many people recognize that God is real, has power to do miracles, yet they still refuse to personally accept him...
After Jeremiah's hands were set free, the Commander told him, "the whole country lies before you; go wherever you please". Jeremiah chose to return to his land of Judah. Had he stayed in Babylon, Jeremiah would have experienced comfort and protection; in Judah he would be poor and unwanted. Had he stayed in Babylon, he would be favored by the Babylonian rulers but hated by others who remained in exile.
Jeremiah's faith led him home. Judah in the Hebrew language means "praise". Don't let your haters keep you in exile! I believe that even when our hands appear to be tied; when it seems that all the forces of evil and darkness are rising up against our prophetic destiny in God; and when every attempt to achieve success with our own strength and limited intellectual capacity has failed; we must return to JUDAH! If my hands are bound, my feet are still free to dance and my mouth still has utterance--that is, if I know the Word of God.
Activate your body-temple as a supernatural "hands-free" device and see the Lord do just what he said he would do. He's Able!
Amen.
--Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
Friday, January 14, 2011
"Dream Catchers, Dream Killers"
Today's Meditation: "Here comes that dreamer!" they said to each other. Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what becomes of his dreams." Genesis 37:19-20
Do you dream? Before you answer, consider that there are a few different ways that one may dream. There are the kinds of dreams that one experiences when in a deep slumber. They may reflect past events, present circumstances, or future possibilities. Dreams come in scenes; sometimes in color; sometimes in black and white. Sometimes dreams are marvelously wonderful--othertimes they are terrible and scary. When we rise, we are thankful to know that "Whew! it was only a dream." But there are also those dreams that one experiences when they are completely awake. These types of dreams are similar to visions--a grand plan, a strategy, a futuristic fulfillment of an idea or concept too great for one person alone to fulfill. In the life of the Believer, it is understood that great visions are implanted in our hearts and manifest through our prophetic imaginations. This could only be accomplished with the help of Almighty God. And, to the dreamer with the ability to see what lays ahead, the dream may even seem overwhelming--even impossible.
Being in the presence of a true dreamer will either inspire, intimidate, or irritate. Understand that dreamers are not in control of their optimism nor their confidence, for their faith lays not in their own ability, but in God's--they already know that they will be victorious! Dreamers can cause friction, jealousy, negativity, and envy to anyone in their midst who may themselves be too lazy, insecure, or "stuck" to dream their own dreams, yet become indignant when they realize that your dream is in fact, coming to pass...Miraculously, these same people become motivated--to kill your dream!
Joseph, like many dreamers, was hand-picked by God. He did not pre-plan his birth placement as the youngest of his siblings; he did not ask for the special coat of many colors; and he did not seek out the gift of dream interpretation. Maybe you are a Dreamer who has come through the challenges of hatred, hardship, rejection, and isolation. Like Joseph, we can learn from our mistakes, immaturity, and naivity. Dreams are birthed in our hearts, minds, and spirits; they must be nurtured...inwardly...before they are revealed outwardly. Catch the vision for your life that God has planted in you. Dare to dream boldly. Never allow fear, social, racial, economic, or educational challenges suppress what God has designed for your life.
You ARE a Dreamer. Now go forth and catch them all, to the glory of God! Amen.
--Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
Do you dream? Before you answer, consider that there are a few different ways that one may dream. There are the kinds of dreams that one experiences when in a deep slumber. They may reflect past events, present circumstances, or future possibilities. Dreams come in scenes; sometimes in color; sometimes in black and white. Sometimes dreams are marvelously wonderful--othertimes they are terrible and scary. When we rise, we are thankful to know that "Whew! it was only a dream." But there are also those dreams that one experiences when they are completely awake. These types of dreams are similar to visions--a grand plan, a strategy, a futuristic fulfillment of an idea or concept too great for one person alone to fulfill. In the life of the Believer, it is understood that great visions are implanted in our hearts and manifest through our prophetic imaginations. This could only be accomplished with the help of Almighty God. And, to the dreamer with the ability to see what lays ahead, the dream may even seem overwhelming--even impossible.
Being in the presence of a true dreamer will either inspire, intimidate, or irritate. Understand that dreamers are not in control of their optimism nor their confidence, for their faith lays not in their own ability, but in God's--they already know that they will be victorious! Dreamers can cause friction, jealousy, negativity, and envy to anyone in their midst who may themselves be too lazy, insecure, or "stuck" to dream their own dreams, yet become indignant when they realize that your dream is in fact, coming to pass...Miraculously, these same people become motivated--to kill your dream!
Joseph, like many dreamers, was hand-picked by God. He did not pre-plan his birth placement as the youngest of his siblings; he did not ask for the special coat of many colors; and he did not seek out the gift of dream interpretation. Maybe you are a Dreamer who has come through the challenges of hatred, hardship, rejection, and isolation. Like Joseph, we can learn from our mistakes, immaturity, and naivity. Dreams are birthed in our hearts, minds, and spirits; they must be nurtured...inwardly...before they are revealed outwardly. Catch the vision for your life that God has planted in you. Dare to dream boldly. Never allow fear, social, racial, economic, or educational challenges suppress what God has designed for your life.
You ARE a Dreamer. Now go forth and catch them all, to the glory of God! Amen.
--Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
New Year, New Rules
Today's Meditation: But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. (Romans 7:6)
As another New Year comes, our minds and hearts can become bombarded with a myriad of resolutions, declarations, promises, affirmations, goals, dreams, and timelines: all designed to create a New You in the New Year. While these things are admirable, if we are not careful in their prayerful execution, those very things we purposed to help us can end up leaving us worse off than we were before. How many of us have promised to strengthen our relationship with God by spending more quality time in prayer, reading the Word, attending worship services more regularly--only to discover that we had bound ourselves into a ritualistic pattern of "doing" spirituality instead of LIVING a spirit-filled life?
With each passing year, I believe that I die a little more. Although my symbolic "annual deaths" are not without a struggle, they do manifest various levels of freedom from bondage--whether real, imagined, or self-imposed. The ability to die to those things which once bound us comes with the realization that you are complete in Christ! Thus, no need to hold on to outward signs of so-called success if inwardly, your spirit is failing. Today, and throughout this year, let us die to:
--Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
As another New Year comes, our minds and hearts can become bombarded with a myriad of resolutions, declarations, promises, affirmations, goals, dreams, and timelines: all designed to create a New You in the New Year. While these things are admirable, if we are not careful in their prayerful execution, those very things we purposed to help us can end up leaving us worse off than we were before. How many of us have promised to strengthen our relationship with God by spending more quality time in prayer, reading the Word, attending worship services more regularly--only to discover that we had bound ourselves into a ritualistic pattern of "doing" spirituality instead of LIVING a spirit-filled life?
With each passing year, I believe that I die a little more. Although my symbolic "annual deaths" are not without a struggle, they do manifest various levels of freedom from bondage--whether real, imagined, or self-imposed. The ability to die to those things which once bound us comes with the realization that you are complete in Christ! Thus, no need to hold on to outward signs of so-called success if inwardly, your spirit is failing. Today, and throughout this year, let us die to:
- Undeserved Expectations of Others
- Negativity and Critical Spirits
- Unclean and Impure Thoughts
- Lack of Integrity
- Stunted Creativity
- Lack of Giving
- Unnecessary Conversation
- Unwillingness to Celebrate Success in Others
- Spiritual Arrogance
- Living Above Our Means
- Mediocrity
- Shadiness
- Over-extending and Over-obligating Ourselves
--Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
"FIRE & DESIRE"
Today's Meditation: "Delight thyself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:4-5
Fire
"Love them and leave them...that's what I used to do; use and abuse them...then I laid eyes on you; it was pain before pleasure..." No, this is not scripture. They are the lyrics to a very popular hit love song from the '80's by the late singer Rick James, and his protegee Teena Marie entitled "Fire & Desire". The ballad expressed the deep passion and love (and, probably lust) between a couple who, by all accounts had fallen so hard for one another until it hurt!
As a happily married newlywed, now more than ever, I can say that indeed--the promises of God are absolutely true! Not only are His promises true, but they are FILLED with fire and desire!
If I may, there are 3 types of fire I'd like to recognize. First, there is PHYSICAL FIRE. Physical fire is an actual, burning,hot glow which--once lit can be easily ignited by other flammable materials. Physical fire can burn wildly if its not contained.
Next, there is HOLY FIRE. Holy fire are those sacred, purifying flames that burn internally within us--on purpose. It is set ablaze by the power of the Holy Spirit, and if we allow it, Holy Fire can symbolically and literally burn away those thoughts,yearnings, and desires that--while pleasing to us, are not pleasing to God. Holy Fire is designed to destroy everything in us that is not like God.
Lastly, there is "STRANGE FIRE". Now this is the kind we want to avoid at all costs! Strange fire is that which I'll describe as unknown,unauthorized, unsanctioned and tainted by the lust of the flesh, and oftentimes, our carnal nature. Biblically, God called out the 'strange fire' which was offered up to him by two brothers, Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-3. This offering was deemed as "strange" by the Lord because it was compromised by the fact that these men were in a drunken stupor as they attempted to execute it. God responded by sending forth His own fire--which devoured and killed them both!
Promises
There is much discussion these days about the promises of God. PROMISES of God are so very different than the promises of man! As our relationship grows deeper and more intimate with God over time, we come to realize that a life committed to the Lord MUST yield a harvest of His promises!
When the scriptures advise, "delight thyself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart", God is letting us know that when we are all about Him, He will be all about us. Being delighted in God is being IN LOVE with God. Being in love with God is the adoring, joyful, "sweetness" that comes with knowing that "I am thine, and He is mine"-- In God's sight, that's hot!
While promises unfulfilled by man have the ability to break our hearts, a true promise of God will never go unfulfilled---no matter how long it may seem to take! Instead of being a heart-breaker, God is a heart-maker...Therefore, the creator of our heart knows exactly what it is made up of--fire, desire, and ALL!
God's desire for you and me is that we tap into the revelation of the Heart/Mind Connection--meaning that we align our inward desire, passion, and purpose for our lives as the beloved of Jesus Christ, with the eternal desires, passions, and divine purposes that our Creator has for our lives!
When we truly do this, just see how truly DELIGHTED God becomes in US. Amen
---
Rev. Steph
Fire
"Love them and leave them...that's what I used to do; use and abuse them...then I laid eyes on you; it was pain before pleasure..." No, this is not scripture. They are the lyrics to a very popular hit love song from the '80's by the late singer Rick James, and his protegee Teena Marie entitled "Fire & Desire". The ballad expressed the deep passion and love (and, probably lust) between a couple who, by all accounts had fallen so hard for one another until it hurt!
As a happily married newlywed, now more than ever, I can say that indeed--the promises of God are absolutely true! Not only are His promises true, but they are FILLED with fire and desire!
If I may, there are 3 types of fire I'd like to recognize. First, there is PHYSICAL FIRE. Physical fire is an actual, burning,hot glow which--once lit can be easily ignited by other flammable materials. Physical fire can burn wildly if its not contained.
Next, there is HOLY FIRE. Holy fire are those sacred, purifying flames that burn internally within us--on purpose. It is set ablaze by the power of the Holy Spirit, and if we allow it, Holy Fire can symbolically and literally burn away those thoughts,yearnings, and desires that--while pleasing to us, are not pleasing to God. Holy Fire is designed to destroy everything in us that is not like God.
Lastly, there is "STRANGE FIRE". Now this is the kind we want to avoid at all costs! Strange fire is that which I'll describe as unknown,unauthorized, unsanctioned and tainted by the lust of the flesh, and oftentimes, our carnal nature. Biblically, God called out the 'strange fire' which was offered up to him by two brothers, Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-3. This offering was deemed as "strange" by the Lord because it was compromised by the fact that these men were in a drunken stupor as they attempted to execute it. God responded by sending forth His own fire--which devoured and killed them both!
Promises
There is much discussion these days about the promises of God. PROMISES of God are so very different than the promises of man! As our relationship grows deeper and more intimate with God over time, we come to realize that a life committed to the Lord MUST yield a harvest of His promises!
When the scriptures advise, "delight thyself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart", God is letting us know that when we are all about Him, He will be all about us. Being delighted in God is being IN LOVE with God. Being in love with God is the adoring, joyful, "sweetness" that comes with knowing that "I am thine, and He is mine"-- In God's sight, that's hot!
While promises unfulfilled by man have the ability to break our hearts, a true promise of God will never go unfulfilled---no matter how long it may seem to take! Instead of being a heart-breaker, God is a heart-maker...Therefore, the creator of our heart knows exactly what it is made up of--fire, desire, and ALL!
God's desire for you and me is that we tap into the revelation of the Heart/Mind Connection--meaning that we align our inward desire, passion, and purpose for our lives as the beloved of Jesus Christ, with the eternal desires, passions, and divine purposes that our Creator has for our lives!
When we truly do this, just see how truly DELIGHTED God becomes in US. Amen
---
Rev. Steph
Monday, November 2, 2009
"Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Today's Meditation: 1Samuel 3:1-12; Focus--verse 9 "And Eli said to Samuel, Go lie down: and it shall be, if he shall call your name again, you shall say, Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth..."
"Said the night wind to the little lamb, "Do you hear what I hear?" These are the opening words to one of my favorite holiday songs. As a little girl in my elementary school Christmas play, I recall with great fondness having been selected to portray little Mary, the mother of Jesus--all the while, our tiny voices sang this wonderful account of Jesus' birth.
What was always most fascinating to me was the fact that in the song, the Wind could speak to an animal, who in turn delivered the message to a shepherd boy! It all seemed so magical and mysterious to me...Incredible? Impossible? or Miraculous?
That same sense of awe and wonderment I had as a 9 year-old girl remains with me today each time I hear the voice of my invisible God speaking to me today, so that I might deliver His message to the world. How must young Samuel have felt? He did not know God very well yet, but because he had been set apart, consecrated, and properly dedicated to the Lord by his parents, his ears were supernaturally opened to the voice of God.
Hearing from God requires that you be available (free & willing). Listening to God requires that you be obedient (disciplined). Listening is a call to action. Listening to God requires your soul to be in a place of clarity, calm, and purity. Hearing God requires a level of humility and a bowing down to every word that comes forth by His Spirit. Once the Lord knows and is fully confident that you have made yourself available to His voice, He opens the floodgates of revelation, instruction, wisdom, guidance, and simple communion with Him! So the question is:
When is the last time you really heard from God? I mean, really heard Him speak to you...
Today and always, let us continually keep ourselves open to the fresh Wind of God to reveal himself in whatever wonderful way He chooses to do so. Amen.
--Rev. Steph
"Said the night wind to the little lamb, "Do you hear what I hear?" These are the opening words to one of my favorite holiday songs. As a little girl in my elementary school Christmas play, I recall with great fondness having been selected to portray little Mary, the mother of Jesus--all the while, our tiny voices sang this wonderful account of Jesus' birth.
What was always most fascinating to me was the fact that in the song, the Wind could speak to an animal, who in turn delivered the message to a shepherd boy! It all seemed so magical and mysterious to me...Incredible? Impossible? or Miraculous?
That same sense of awe and wonderment I had as a 9 year-old girl remains with me today each time I hear the voice of my invisible God speaking to me today, so that I might deliver His message to the world. How must young Samuel have felt? He did not know God very well yet, but because he had been set apart, consecrated, and properly dedicated to the Lord by his parents, his ears were supernaturally opened to the voice of God.
Hearing from God requires that you be available (free & willing). Listening to God requires that you be obedient (disciplined). Listening is a call to action. Listening to God requires your soul to be in a place of clarity, calm, and purity. Hearing God requires a level of humility and a bowing down to every word that comes forth by His Spirit. Once the Lord knows and is fully confident that you have made yourself available to His voice, He opens the floodgates of revelation, instruction, wisdom, guidance, and simple communion with Him! So the question is:
When is the last time you really heard from God? I mean, really heard Him speak to you...
Today and always, let us continually keep ourselves open to the fresh Wind of God to reveal himself in whatever wonderful way He chooses to do so. Amen.
--Rev. Steph
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