Latest Update from Pastor Michael in Haiti
Here is the newest blog post from Pastor Michael in Haiti:
http://michaelkyker.com/2010/02/25/the-low-down/
Kevin
Afraid of Worship?
I have had the privilige of leading worship for Journey Church (www.journeychurchnow.com) for the past few months. It has been an incredible experience so far. It had been a very, very long time since I had done so, but when we are obedient to God He equips and qualifies us for what He has called us to do. I never cease to be amazed at how He uses the weak things of this world to glorify Himself and make His name great!
When I made a decision that I was going to serve God, I had a really hard time worshipping God. I think I need to define that for everyone. I used to love singing fast, loud, songs about His goodness, His power to save, how He set me free and so on. There were songs that were great talking ABOUT Jesus but when it came to singing songs TO Him, it felt kinda weird and uncomfortable.
Some of this is because of the songs we sing. I have heard some songs that would still make me feel uncomfortable. We are not taking Jesus on a date, ok? Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother, and God is our Father, but I am not putting on a dress and kissing Him like I’m going on a prom date. When you are looking at a song, sometimes you need to see who wrote it. God is many things to many people. People who write songs write from their perception of God. If the song is written by a woman, they may see Jesus as a father, husband, or mysterious love interest. Men can tend to see Him as a father, king, or a mighty warrior. Perception can fuel our views of how see Him.
The problem is when our perceptions have been tainted or twisted by past hurts, abusive parents, betrayal, or a perceived “lack of interest” on God’s part to intervene in certain times of our lives when we feel like He should have.
In the next few posts, I would like to address some of these perceptions and give some practical things you can do to break through these perceptions and gain some freedom in your worship. Things may not change overnight for you, freedom from a lifetime of mispreceptions of God can be, but are not always conquered in a day. We will also look at some other things to help you in your worship experience as well. So stay tuned!
Kevin
Body of Christ
I found some interesting facts today that I wanted to share with you:
-The kidneys can only survive outside the body for 48-72 hours.
-The pancreas can survive outside the body for 12-24 hours.
-The heart and lungs, the suppliers of nutrients and oxygen to the body, can only survive 4-6 hours outside the body!
A question for you:
How can people who claim to be followers of Christ, flourish spiritually, outside a local body of believers?
The answer is you can’t. To believe you can is folly. I have never known, and this includes myself, ANYONE who has been able to grow and flourish spiritually, or make an impact for the kingdom of God, while not being connected to a local church body.
1 Corinthians 12:
21)The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22)On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23)and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24)which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25)that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26)If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
27)Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28)And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29)Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30)Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31)But earnestly desire the higher gifts.
If you are not pulgged into a local church and claim to be a child of God, I strongly encourage you to find a local church and become a part of it, not just an attender. You will find yourself growing in your relationship with God and you will form meaningful relationships that will last for a lifetime.
It’s like Pastor Michael always says: “Your best friend could be sitting in this room”.
Kevin
