Wednesday, May 30, 2007

"Worship: The Weapon of Our Warfare"

2 Corinthians 10:4
The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.

Do you ever think that what we have, as His children, the Worship of His Name, the Praise of our lips, for the One Who is Mighty in Power and Who is Holy, is a weapon of warfare? I am speaking that, Worship is a weapon of our warfare. His praise is a weapon of warfare. As the Scripture tells us "for PULLING down strongholds."

Let me ask you: Does praising the Lord as a line of defense seems to be real to you? Trust me, it is! The binds of bondage are broken completely through praise and worship.

I, again, am reminded of Psalm 144:1 "Praise be to God! Who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle." This passage is a verse we use in our "Guitar Seminars" that we conduct off and on throughout the year. Notice, war & battle, this tells me that our praise and our worship is warfare. But also tells me that HE has trained us! In that, I can see that His power is there to break these bondages and these binds!

On a 3x5 card, write encouraging words such as, "The weapon of His people is praise." Carry this card with you for a few days, taking it out and reading it frequently to refresh your memory. Then see how much impact this simple thought has on your life, your spirit, and even your mind! It will transform you completely!

We need to be caught up in the realm of spiritual truth, that we remain at our post of praise, even in times of difficult situations. That we remain focused in these times through worship and praise.

I will never forget a time while out ministering in a nursing home, that we met a lady, Emma.
Emma was up in age, very small and quiet. She loved to praise God. One day as we went in for a service, Emma was missing. When we asked about her, we were told that she was sick and couldnt come out. So a visit was in line to check in on her. As we came to where Emma was at, we heard her praying. Her prayer was more praise and worship. But when she addressed the devil in her prayer and let him know that God was her strongtower, that she was His child, that she trusted in Him. I recall this sound, almost like an audio feed, was as if we could hear in the spirit, if you will. Emma stated, "In the Name of Jesus, and by His Blood, devil, GO!" We heard this scream, it wasnt Emma. it wasnt anyone in the home. It was a spiritual scream that made one say like T.L Osborne would say, "poor devil." I will add, he doesnt have a chance when a child of God KNOWS who they are.

You have a weapon of warfare in worship and in praise! Use it! Go for God! Stand strong in Him!Being aggressive in worship, is being ready for warfare. But this readiness, is in His strength and in His might and power.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

"The Surrender of Worship"

Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, by the mercies of God, that you present yourself a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (worship) service

Worship is a sacrifice. It is our laying down our ways, ourselves, totally at the feet of God. Earlier I used it this way, it is when we forcefully throw oursleves at His feet, in full trust, knowing that He is completely in charge.

This sacrifice, is what we present unto God.

By the word "present" note the definition: it means to exhibit, to offer, to give. It is a military word, as in, "present your weapon." Which is when a soldier holds his rifle vertically in front of his body. Here, all the definitions hold the same, but also is added, we "surrender" all that is presented. We "LET GO" of everything. That is the sacrifice!

In a total surrender in worship there is some things we need to learn here. In a military surrender, a step down, if you will. The head is bowed in sign of surrender to the higher power. The hands are held up, showing that there is "NOTHING" in them. In worship, true surrender is, the hands held high, showing that we have nothing to hold on to, and the head bowed bowed low. It is not hands held high and the head held back. Instead, the head is bowed, showing surrender to the higher power.

Have you surrendered in worship? Have you sacrificed ALL that you have presented? Have you lifted those hands, revealing that all has been let go of? Then fall at His feet, bow at His feet, proclaim the worship due Him. Surrender to worship, surrender to His Lordship.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

"Aggressiveness in Worship" Continuing On

If you have been in and out, back and forth, reading these blogs concerning "Aggressiveness in Worship" you are seeing a series of teachings that is continual in growth. As we have stated, several times, God is putting forth a call to His body, to become more aggressive in our worship.
Several times we have seen where God is wanting to start moving in greater ways through "suddenlies." As I have been in prayer, God keeps adding and challenging me with this teaching. Challenges in areas of getting this message out to His body. Challenges with my own personal walk and life. As well as a challenge for you the reader.

Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore by the mercies of God, to offer yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable worship."

Take note: "which is your reasonable worship." Some translations say, "which is your reasonable service." But I am finding that with this word "aggressive" that it is an action word. As was mentioned in meeting recently, it means to "violently be active." The word means: ready to fight, ready to undertake direct action, militant, bold and active. So with that in mind, notice what happens when that word is used in this verse of Scripture.

I beseech you therefore by the mercies of God, to offer yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your aggressive worship.

Brings out a flavor here that needs to be given attention. Here is why. Initially, the passage used in this teaching was Psalm 149:5-6.

Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds. May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in the hands.

This double-edged sword is being called: "the Sword of Worship." But if you read on the rest of Psalm 149, you get the reason "WHY" this is aggressive worship. You see clearly what God is up too and what He is wanting to "SUDDENLY" do in and through and with His Body.

To inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them.. This is the GLORY of all His faithful people. Psalm 149:7-9

Listen close here. There are many who being held in bondage to sin. There are many in a prison that has no walls. The things, the spirits, that are holding these, need more more than ever to be aggressively attacked. Remember, Scripture tells us, "For we wrestle NOT against flesh and blood, BUT against principlaties" (Eph 6:12). The Bible calls them "authotities, powers of this dark world, spiritual forces in heavenly realms." These are the very ones that need this punishment, these are the ones whose "kings" need to be bound with fetters, shackles of iron. These are the ones who need this sentance carried out against. For these rulers, these spiritual forces, are attacking people all over, and with that God is asking His body: Who will stand up? Who will lift high the banner of freedom?

There are so many who under attack, the question here is: Will we let them die? Fend for themselves? Are we turning a blind eye to the ones whom He gave His life for? Are we asleep while Jesus is knocking at the door? God is preparing an army, "warriors of the Cross!" Those who are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, and those who will be aggressive in worship, swinging the Sword of Worship, intercessors for the many who need freedom from chains, those who will speak with prophectic utterance the truth of deliverance and salvation!

Where are you? Where are the warriors? Where are the intercessors? Where are the "TRUE" worshipers of God? Those who worship in SPIRIT and in TRUTH (John 4:24). The enemy is attacking. His attack, even on ministries, is to stop the anointing God has placed upon these callings. His attack is kill the people of God. His attack is to "keep us quiet!"

It is TIME! It is TIME!! It is TIME!!! People of God, to wake up! It is time for true worshipers to come forth! It is time to be busy about God's business! Again, where are you? Where are you? The people who are God's people of integrity, and accountability?

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Its In Your Mouth! Its In Your Heart!

Romans 10:8-10
The Word is near you, it is in your mouth and in your heart, that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

In continuing with the series on "Aggressive Worship," it is here that we have a key to the understanding of just what it is all about. The Word, the Word of God, is in your mouth. Do you proclaim His Word? In what ways, are you not afraid and not ashamed? Are you willing and able to shout it out from the rooftops? It is, as the Scripture states, "The Faith that We Proclaim."

We, the Body of Christ, need more than ever before to shout out aloud this wonderful message. We need to be "Sword of Worship Warriors" who, in no way, are ashamed of this Glorious Gospel. It tells me, that if I "declare" with my mouth, and "believe" in my heart this message, Jesus is Lord! and believe that God has raised Him from the dead, it tells me that I will be saved! That is something that is really worth praising Him about, and worshiping the One of Whom has given His all for all of us!

In aggressive worship, there has to be a loud voice proclaiming the wonders of the Lord. There has to be "Prophetic Utterance" declaring the Risen Savior! Declaring His soon return! Declaring the Glory of His Word, and putting it into action through the words of our mouths.

This Word, is it in your mouth? Do you throughout the day over and over often speak His Word over your life, your job, your family, your friends? Do you proclaim and declare the full promises of God, His blessings, upon each and every life? every situation? Is His Word in your mouth? Do you claim His promises? Do you claim His Blessings? Using the "Sword of Worship" in our proclamations, our standing on His Word, is the first and foremost step we need to take.
"Concerning this message of faith we proclaim!"

This Word, the belief of its truth, is it in your heart? Do you realize what it is that you believe in? Do you realize the power of this belief? The freedom, the salvation that result from this belief, do you realize it? Have you been one who has found through this belief the Healing, the Deliverance, the full Freedom of Salvation it brings? Then take the stand as you believe it in your heart, and proclaim it with your mouth! Time has come to stand up for what we believe in! Time has come for us to be NOT afraid, and for us to NOT be ashamed of this Gospel!

God is calling His Warriors of Worship, who, are aggressive in worship, and who are willing to step out and NOT ONLY be seen, BUT BE heard, in this proclamation: JESUS IS LORD!!!!

The enemy wants and desires that we loose this freedom we have. The enemy wants and desires that we BE QUIET and NOT OFFEND anyone. He would rather instead that we be quiet and reserve Christians. Put in other words, the enemy wants more than anything, for us to NOT be a threat. In that, Time has come! Time for us to raise up the standard! Time to not be quiet! Time to be a threat to the enemy! And time to let it be known that if your gonna offend in His Name, then an OFFENDER I WILL BE!!!

Aggressive in Worship!!! Not ashamed!! But declaring with my mouth! Believing in my Heart!! That Jesus is indeed Lord of Lords, King of Kings... That He is RISEN!!! That He is ALIVE FOREVER MORE!!! That He reigns!!!

Friday, May 18, 2007

"Agressiveness in Worship" Part 2

If you are new to the site: read the first part, "Agressive in Worship" before reading here...
Just scroll down..

"May the praise of God be in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands."
Psalm 149:6

In part one of this series, it was mentioned, the "sword of worship." Personally, I have not heard much teaching on this "sword." But, within, in the heart of the Spirit, we need to understand more what this sword is, and how powerful it is.

We are told in Hebrews: "For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

This sword of worship, is the same sword!

It is a part of our armour: "Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." Ephesians 6:17

With this in mind, understand, that as you begin worshiping God, as you begin to praise Him, as you begin confessing His Word, as you stand, fully armed, this "sword" is deadly to the enemy of our souls. This "sword" cuts through all bondage, all restraints, all attacks and brings freedom as a result. My main question is simply, why are we not using our weapon?

Again, we are told in Scripture, "Faith comes by hearing, and by hearing the Word of God." We have great need to speak the Word, as we praise and worship, the Word Himself, Jesus Christ. Speak out His promises, praise and thank Him as you worship.

Do you have any idea, the power that is in your hands? In this time where warriors of the Word are greatly needed, do you have any idea of the "calling" on your life from God? Yes, sadly, we spent more time, polishing the weapns, rather than using the weapons. As a guitarist. there is an old statement, "Your axe sure has seen a few battles hasnt it?" My guitars, especially the ones that are greatly used on the road, in services, yes at one time were brand new, shined in a beautiful way, but now, show some wear and tear. Does your weapons have a bit of wear and tear? Has your weapon "seen a few battles?"

God is wanting warriors who will shout His praises, not only in the privacy of home, but in public. God is wanting to begin what we would call "SUDDENLY" ministry. Meaning, that He, by His Spirit, wills and wants to begin to fall in sudden manner, on services, prayer meetings, gatherings. I believe that we are staged and ready for many suddenlies. In that too, we will see greater need to use our "sword of worship." Think if you will, as you throw your hands up and begin worshiping Him, proclaiming His Word, of how that sword begins "swinging." Think of all the freedom that will result in this. And, as God begins to move in sudden manner, the deliverance that will come for many.

The "sword of worship" is more than a song! It is a lifestyle!

The "sword of worship" is prophetic! It will be used to proclaim the "MOVE" of the Holy Spirit in greater ways than we have ever known. Recall if you will, in the Old Testament, of how many times the praise and worshipers went out before the army. Those songs of worship and praise, I believe, stunned the enemy, that as the army moved in, totally victory was the result! Again, God is calling the warriors of worship, to go forth, before the army, begin the "song" and see the ushering of God's "SUDDEN" move.

The "sword of worship" will proclaim the awesomeness of our King of kings, and Lord of lords!
It will usher in a flowing of the Spirit in the last days, like never seen or known before. This "sword" will be used not only by music ministry, but by intercessors at the Altar of God. Recently, it was prophesied, that intercession will once again become for many, a "full time job." I believe the openings are for many to apply. Are you called?

The opening are many for those who will be the warriors of worship and praise, brandishing the "sword of worship." Are you called?

I challenge you to seek His face, seek His heart, and ask about your position in this army. You are greatly needed. Please keep checking back with this site, as more will be added concerning this subject.

Remember: "Stand strong, dont budge!"

Thursday, May 17, 2007

"Agressiveness in Worship"

Psalm 149:5-6
Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand."

An interesting thing to note here: "In calling us to worship, God is up to far more than cultivating a band of humble worshipers; He is building an army of triumphant warriors."
I escpecially like this thought. The reason being, that as a worshiper, I am also a warrior.
I am triumphant because the One Whom I worship is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
You have to see and know, we are dealing here not with weapons of carnal warfare, but with putting our words into action, by "ACTING" on the promises of the God we praise.

What is your reaction when bad news comes? How do you respond? Your told of an enemy of sickness that had invaded your life, an enemy that may even be life threatening, what is your comeback? What can be done in such moments? We need at these moments to take up the "sword of worship." You see, worship is far more than just coming to church and singing the latest praise song. Worship is far more than being in attendance every Sunday morning. Worship is also a "warfare." I have often seen, if you will, in the Spirit, while singing and playing music at a service. or even as I have been teaching God's Word, that as we enter fully into worship, there is a spiritual warfare going on that is most incredible. That warfare is a victorious battle against our enemy, the devil! I have seen many times, as the notes of music come off of the guitar, that huge swords bombarde the enemies camp.

"Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle."
Psalm 144:1

The Four Action Steps of Worship

FASTING
Is fasting foreign to your experience? Dont let it be. Fasting is an agressive way to affirm the promised power of the spirit over the flesh. It reinforces the priority of prayer, and helps us seek God throughout everyday. We just have a need to "DENY" the flesh as a sign that we "trust not" in human energy, but rather, in the power of the Spirit.

PURE PRAYER
Pure prayer, is coming before the Lord and making a confession. A confession of pureness before the Lord. A confession of "I have no power." It is not a "poor me" prayer! It is a prayer that ascribes to God the power and authority over the enemy. It is our confession that our banner is the Lord. It affirms the power of God over our lives. It is allowing Him complete control. Too many times, we try to do things "on our own." We need His guidance, His power. Our victory is in Christ!

REMEMBRANCE OF GOD'S WORK
What has He done before? In the past, what are the things that God has done in bringing victory into our lives? Our paths? Recall all the Bible stories of the things that God had done for His children. Are you anything less? No!

Remembering is a mighty source of confidence that God is able and will again deliver and save.

PROPHETIC UTTERANCE
Open the Holy Word of God. Meditate on His Word. He will and still assures us, "The battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chron 20:15).

These are steps to agressive worship. But also steps to victory in sight of attack. When we take up the two-edged sword, the sword of worship, and we agressively "TRUST" God, when we "FORCEFULLY" throw ourselves at His feet in worship. It is when we "BOLDLY" use our spiritual weapons that we find that doubt, fear and anxiety will be put to flight!

This is our boldest stand against the threats of the enemy. Plant your feet, refuse to budge!
Be agressive in worship!

Thursday, May 10, 2007

The Song of the Heart Part 2


In praise and worship, how do you "own" a song? By that, I am saying, causing the song to become so much a part of you, that as you sing, as you bring forth the music, that the ministry is deeper, richer, and the anointing stronger.
Several times, off and on, during the year, we conduct "Guitar Seminars" and in that a mix of "Praise and Worship" workshops. These are always enjoyable, but rewarding, more in seeing others "grow" in the talents that God has given each and every one.
But one lesson recently that I came across, and plan to add to these seminars and workshops is the lesson of learning to "own" the song. Simple steps are taken in doing so.
Step One: Who are the characters in the song? For example: usually there are 2 characters. You and God. When God is speaking in the song, normally, it will be referring to Him as "I" am singing to "You."
Step Two: Write the lyrics down, maybe even better, on a Word Perfect program on your computer. Then over certain words, right click, and find the words "symonyms" in that you get an amplified definition of that word. Thus bringing in a greater meaning to the words of the song.
Step Three: Meditate in Prayer these amplified words, then apply them to your heart, then "Own" the song as you sing.
An example of this, using the lyrics of "Reign on Me" from our "Revive Us" CD.
"A dry wind..." A spiritual desolate wind, a wind that pulls all the life out of you, a wind that brings down your heart into troubled times.. "Blows across the desert sand..." The heart has become like a desert, without water to refresh, without spiritual life, dying.. "Leaving behind a parched and thirsty land.." Our lives.. our heart..dried up and in great need of attention.. "Longing for relief from this heat..." A longing for relief in the fire of tests, trials, the fire of trouble. The pressure being applied and "the pressure being on" as they say.. "Longing for the healing touch of Your hand..." This is the knowing that the only relief in this situation is the hand of God to touch and to heal, to restore our lives. "Crying reign on me." Take complete control, place your guiding hands on the stern of my life.. "Crying, Lord heal me..." Completely heal, restore my life back to where it needs to be in your Hands.
I know this may sound kind of weird, but in using these symonyms, maybe you already see how much deeper a song can become by these steps. Now, as a musician, with these deeper definitions, I will in turn bring forth the song with passion, conviction, and allow God to move because, if you will, I have done my homework in learning to "own" this song.
The psalmist throughout the Psalms, writes, "Songs" from the heart. And in that I am very sure that if he were to define his words, they too would go very deep. Because the message of the Psalm is the Song of the heart, and is "Owned" by us all.
Next time you hear a song you like, or one that deeply touches your soul, try these steps, and see that the deeper spiritual side of the song is wider that you might think, and the lessons are incredible to what God is desiring to say to each and everyone of us. Grow in your talents that God has given! Allow yourself to be free in these talents, and do some research for some depth and background. Its truly rewarding!!!
The picture above, is a sight that I find myself in front of many times as I begin to write or work over a new song, at the foot of the cross. His Heart is my song. I want my life to be a song that sings of His love, His forgiveness, His peace. Because, as a song, I am "owned" by Him. There fore its a desire to "Glorify" Him.

Thursday, May 3, 2007

A Letter From An Inmate



Recently, we recieved a wonderful letter from an inmate that blessed our souls. We felt that we would like to share with you what this inmate had said to us. Be Blessed!!

Dear Terry,
I hope and pray and know the Lord has brought healing and comfort to you and your wife. My mother went to be with the Lord 11 years ago next month. I miss her and look forward to seeing her in heaven. That is, thanks to your music ministry. I want you to know what a blessing you have been to me. The first time I saw you at the Prison Unit was in April of 2006. Your music set me free and in a following Sunday service I turned my whole life over to the Lord. I had been saved since I was 23, but I was a backslider for many years. When I did come back to the Lord I didn't give Him my whole life; thus, I ended up in here. Though I lost everything when I came to prison I am now totally free. I finally know for sure that I am forgiven and I will get to be with the Lord in heaven. You played a big part in that and I thank you!!!
In His Love,
Signed Inmate
Here at our ministry we recieve many letters from men and women incarcerated, like this letter, and find ourselves blessed each and every time. We are very blessed and grateful when we know that our supporters also share in this as well. At this time we want to thank each and everyone who stands with this ministry in prayer as well as support what we do.
God Richly Bless Everyone of You
Zoe Ministries Inc.,
Staff