Bloggin' Kristi

"For: The Institute Of Contemporary And Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen's University, Essentials Blue Online Worship Theology Course with Dan Wilt"

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - an inspiring quote by Marianne Williamson.

I love this quote because it expresses so much truth about what it means to be human. It challenges us to be fully who our creator intended us to be.

I don't believe we have given enough attention to us as humans when it comes to our worship. We are all image bearers of God, so in turn we need to be the expression of Him that is personal to all of us. In this way we can demonstrate God as a body in worship, pleasing him and moving as a whole rather than individuals.

Let the dancers dance, let the singers sing, let the musicians play, and the poets recite. Let the preachers preach and the teachers teach, let the prophets prophecy, and the healers pray for people, it's all worship if it glorifies Him. Worship is so much more than a set of songs on a Sunday morning. It is a lifestyle and how that is lived out is different for everyone, as we all carry a piece or a part of God that is unique. We need everyone to come to a saving knowlegde of Christ so that the body of Christ can be whole and complete. I want to see God in my neighbor who doesn't know Christ. I believe I will know more about Him when she comes know him and expresses Him in her unique way. I have come to know God more through my community of believers who demostrate him so wonderfully, and I am richer for it.

"For: The Institute Of Contemporary And Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen's University, Essentials Blue Online Worship Theology Course with Dan Wilt"

I just want to start by saying that I am really appreciating this course for all the deep truths that it presents. So much is witnessing with me and challenging the old, not so true theologies.

One of the theologies that was so prevalent when I first came into the 'charismatic church' scene was that corporate worship times were mainly an "adrenaline shot" as Eddie Gibbs put it so aptly. I heard a lot of comments about how Jesus was the best high. How getting drunk in the Holy Spirit was better than any drink that this world offered. As much as I agree with these statements, and enjoy being filled by Holy Spirit, that is not what worship is. Worship has nothing to do with us, but "True worship entails a dying to self." As Eddie Gibbs states in his article called 'Time in a Bottle'. Better yet, how Romans chapter 12 starts with,
"1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship."

That is why when we are depressed, or self-absorbed, we cannot enter into worship. Depression is a result of dethroning God, and in order to truely worship God, we must put him back on the throne. After all he is the King. I guess I bring up depression because I hear that word a lot these days. I believe it is one of the main tactics of the enemy to get our eyes on ourselves and off of God, in order to keep us from true worship. When we are able to place God in His place (on the throne) and consecrate our whole being, we are indeed dangerous to the kingdom of darkness.

As I plug away at this course, I am convicted at the responsiblity we have as community of worshippers, worship leaders and song writers. So many people today gather their theologies from the songs we sing rather than the word of God, or the preaching of the word. We definately 'play a vital role in the continuation of the faith of the church'. (quote: Berten Waggoner)

As much as that makes me cringe, it is a fact in today's church. Believers shy away from the study of the word, and I include myself in that statement. The 'charismatic church' definately has had a focus on the Spirit, whereas the 'traditional church' has had it's focus on the word. If we have one without the other, we are missing out, either on the life one brings, or the substance of the other. And in turn we misrepresent the Tri-une God. I suppose that is why we have so many denominations. But that is a whole other can of beans, not to be opened today.

This is Gideon in fine form. He likes to eat, eat, eat... this is just a bone he's chewing on, and chewing on it so cutely.

Here's my Sparrow boo. Small enough to fit into this tiny box. Small like a little birdy.

"For: The Institute Of Contemporary And Emerging Worship Studies,

St. Stephen's University, Essentials Blue Online Worship Theology Course with Dan Wilt"

In all my experience on worship teams, or leading, or being taught about worship, I have never asctually heard the words 'worship and theology' put together. I think because there are so many aspects to worship and what it is, there is an air of mystery about worship and it's definition. Not to mention so many different beliefs or theologies for that matter.

What I experienced while doing the required readings, and listening to the teachings, was that finally someone put into words what was placed in my heart about worship. What is unique about doing this course so far is how I've realized that the Holy Spirit is such a great teacher. I had an opportunity to go to a worship school that I regarded very highly, however, God spoke very clearly to me at that time that Holy Spirit was to be my teacher regarding worship. And as I reflect on the articles and teachings here, I am oddly amazed at this stuff has already been written on my heart.

The importance that is placed on the words we sing being 'theologically correct' (for whatever that is worth) is something that I have a passion for. Because he writes his laws on our hearts, and he himself is our witness to the truth, we can worship him in spirit and in truth. That said, I don't get the idea that God is completely shocked when we do get something wrong. Mostly I've learned that he is blessed when we offer to him a teachable heart. My passion lies in the revelation of who we are as his children, and who He is as our God. I desire that in leading people in worship that we, as a team, can demonstrate the truth of who God is, and in turn who we are in light of Him.

I have decided to continue this blog because it's needs to be ressurected in order to participate in a worship course that I decided to do. When?? Well, we'll figure that out day by day. Actually I've descovered that asking God to administrate my day before it starts really helps. So here we go.

Since I layed this thing down, I've had another kid! As you can see above, we had a boy. Gideon is actually turning a year old in a few weeks. Where have I been, well I blame a few things... laziness, being a mother of two, and of course facebook!

Anywho, I'm looking forward to this ressurection. Hoping too that I myself come alive with new passion for worship, and revelation.