"When she saw King David leaping and dancing before
the LORD, she was filled with contempt." 2 Samuel 6:16b
My Take Awaysthe LORD, she was filled with contempt." 2 Samuel 6:16b
Something Old:
Don't judge those who worship differently than me.
Something New:
1 Chronicles 16:28-30
Oh that our nations would do this.
O nations of the world, recognize the LORD,
recognize that the LORD glorious, and strong.
Give to the LORD the glory He deserves!
Bring your offering and come into His presence.
Worship the LORD In all His splendor.
Let all the earth tremble before Him.
The world stand firm and can not be shaken.
Something to Do:
In corporate worship, pray that I and those around me would have a right heart with God so we may experience worship in spirit and truth
24 Comments:
Today's reading was certainly exciting. My heart started dancing and my body wanted too as well.
It was so exciting to see the ark finally being taken to Jerusalem (the City of David 2 Samuel 6:12).
David admitted to his mistake of failing to ask God how to move the ark properly. However, it almost sounded like he was putting some of the blame on the Levites.
"Because you Levites did not carry the Ark the first time, the anger of the Lord our God burst out against us. We failed to ask God how to move it properly." (1 Chronicles 15:13)
This taught me to seek God before making any decisions. We (I) need to listen to the instruction of God regarding a matter. I've also had had to learn to do what God says to do. Many times at work, when I was working, I would have to make a decision about something, like should I call my boss to give her a message or write it down for her. Just about every time my first thought would be the right one which I'd find out after second guessing myself. One day it occurred to me that I was not second guessing myself, like so many people say, but I was second guessing God. My first thought wasn't mine but it was the Holy Spirit telling me what to do. We do have to make sure it is God because Satan will talk to us as well.
David finally got it right when he commanded, "No one except the Levites may carry the Ark of God. The Lord has chosen them to carry the Ark of the Lord and to serve him forever." (1 Chronicles 15:2)
God blessed Israel and David danced before the Lord. My church praises God like David did. We clap our hands and shout. When my church is in a worship mode I lift my hands and close my eyes. Sometimes tears start to fall. When I first got saved being in this type of church made me feel uncomfortable. There are still times when I just sit through the praise and worship but I'm now trying to make myself participate every time because I end up feeling so much better when I worship God.
Good morning all,
Happy Friday! It was uplifting today to read the songs of praise. I love how David introduced praise music as a regular part of worship! We, on this blog talk about the importance of music in our worship and daily time with God and to see how David incorporated it corporally did my heart good.
In 1 Chronicles 15 we see how David, a true leader and a man after God's own heart, involved the people so that bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem was an act of all of Israel. He appointed people to positions based on their skill, ability, and heritage. In verse 22 Kenaniah is appointed the choir leader because of his skill. This is what Matthew Henry says about this:
"And one was appointed for song (v. 22), for he was skilful in it, could sing well himself and instruct others. Note, As every man has received the gift, so he ought to minister the same, 1 Pt. 4:10. And those that excel in any endowment should not only use it for the common good themselves, but teach others also, and not grudge to make others as wise as themselves."
David also wore a linen robe and "a priestly garment" (verse 27), or a linen ephod. I at first thought this was odd since David was not a Levite and therefore, not a priest. David Guzik says this about David's clothing:
" David also wore a linen ephod: It is a mistake to think that David was immodest. As were all the Levites indicates that David was dressed just like all the other priests and Levites in this procession.
From our knowledge of ancient and modern culture we can surmise that David’s dance wasn’t a solo performance. The context clearly puts him together with the other priests and Levits, and he probably danced with simple rhythmic steps together with other men in the way one might see Orthodox Jewish men today dance. In this context, David’s linen ephod means he set aside his royal robes and dressed just like everyone else in the procession.
It should also be observed that David’s dancing was appropriate in the context. This was a parade with a marching band, a grand procession. David’s dancing fit right in. If David did this as the nation gathered on the Day of Atonement it would be out of context and wrong."
My new today was that Obed-edom was appointed a gatekeeper of the ark. Since he kept it so well before, this was a fitting way of rewarding him for his faithful stewardship.
My to do: Involve the community in serving God. Participate in ministry using the skills, abilities and heritage that I have been given by God. This is a model for the Church too. If ministry teams are formed capitalizing on the corporate strength of the congregation, ministry leaders won't tire so easily or burn out.
Lastly, sing praises to my God. As you said Wendy, even in our valleys He is most worthy of Praise! Let's all go out and confuse the enemy! :)
Be blessed today!
Karen, Basel
What a celebration! Wish I could have heard that heavenly musical merriment accompanying the Ark!
I certainly identified with Wendy's use of the word "spectator" and thought about the times I don't fully participate. Sometimes just performing certain actions can get you in the mood to really feeling it. If you "pretend" to be smiling and happy, soon you actually are. Maybe this is the same with worship.
If I just go ahead and sing and participate, even if I am not in the mood, perhaps I can break through that barrier, and actually start to be in the moment. I am a pretty reserved person, and I can feel awkward in certain church groups that are more spontaneous. Like David, am I willing to look foolish or humiliated in the name of praising the Lord, sharing my joy with those around me?
Have a great weekend-- today is my husband's 60th birthday, so I want to make him feel special. Our oldest son just bought his first house, so we will help him move in, and we will be babysitting for 4 days as my daughter and son-in-law travel to Chicago for a medical consult. I ask for prayers as they prepare for the uncertainties.
You are all in my prayers every day.
Blessings,
Jacque
Good morning ladies. I like to write my comments before I watch Wendy or read what is on your hearts. I don't want to be influenced by the great things you have to say...first I need to know what the Holy Spirit is saying to me! I find it neat when He speaks similar truths to us all at the same time. So, this may sound familiar:
Somthing old: "so I celebrate before the Lord. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes!"
David danced as he brought the ark home. What I realize now is that the King was so possessed by joy that he seemingly made "a fool of himself"
Something new: Do I have so much joy in the Lord that I'm willing to "make a fool" of myself for Him?
Something to do: I care too much about what I look like when I worship my savior. I need to let the Spirit take me in full worship. As long as I am lifting my hands in praise of Jesus (and not purposely drawing attention to myself) I shouldn't care how "foolish" I may look.
Have a good God day!
Jill
in Freetown, MA
Today's reading made me want to get up and dance along with the Isrealites! That is who I am. The Spirit leaps around in me and I would love to be able to attend a church that was more gregarious in their praise!
Old: David got it right this time; and I loved how he was restored to God when he obeyed. Gives me reassurance of my restoration when I screw up.
New: Michal remained childless throughout her entire life. I wondered if it was because God made her barren; or because David was so disgusted with her that he never had relations with her again?
Nugget: God's faithful love endures forever. Amen sistas!
He loves us forever. Hallelujah!
Happy Friday to all
Morgen
Friday, Yikes, where did this week go dear friends?
My Old: Today we are reminded just how important it is to know God’s Word.
“No one except the Levites may carry the Ark of God” (2 Sam. 6:2). Yesterday, we read how they carried the Ark, while today, we find out what happens when they did not carry it correctly “the anger of the LORD our God burst out against us” (13).
My New: I saw Christ revealed today: They brought the Ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the special tent” (II Sam. 6:17). The Ark contained God’s Word – given to Moses, (Deut. 10:1-5). Christ is the Living Word (John 1:1)…Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27).
My To Do:
To keep David’s Song of Praise, close by!
Can you hear the “shouts of joy, blowing of rams’ horns and trumpets, the crashing of cymbals, and loud playing on harps and lyres?” (28) What a time to finally celebrate -God’s Temple was home, finally! What an inspiring psalm for us today! Doesn’t it just lift your spirit’s, ladies, as you read through the lines? A perfect way for us to begin our weekend! It is no surprise to me that David was a man after God’s own heart.
Yes, the LORD reigns.
He is still Sovereign!
Remember the wonders he has performed (12).
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does (24).
Great is the LORD! (25)
His faithfulness endures forever. (34)
Wendy, you opened up more to me re: David’s wife. I noticed her behavior and felt a bit of jealousy coming from her heart. I believe she was envious of the fact that her husband was having fun, and she chose to listen to her “thoughts” – (from the enemy) and place judgment on David, rather than LOVE him for the pure joy that he was experiencing at the time. Judging thoughts come from Satan; it’s his way to get us to sin. I’m sure the enemy does his best to rob Believer’s during Corporate Worship Time. After all, when we are singing praises, the enemy is confused and has to flee! Let’s don’t forget that, Ladies!
Praise the Lord, Lori
Lori, my thoughts about Michal were similar to yours. It seems at this point as if she hasn't been back with David for very long. Did she feel unwanted? Was she angry at being taken away from her other man and feeling resentful of the joy that David was obviously feeling as he danced for the Lord? Was she embarrassed at being married to that 'dancing fool?' It doesn't sound as if she's going to be defending him any time soon ....
I loved all the ways that music was incorporated into the worship today. From a variety of instruments to dancing and singing, these people were all out on fire for God, and like someone else said, this is an experience I wish I could have more often. The church we've been visiting sings a praise song each week, and they are very sincere - but I would love to be in a place where everyone was so excited to know God that they couldn't help but get up and show Him. That's one of the reasons that I love getting to go to women's conferences - there are always other excitable people and great music there!
My parents are coming today to spend the weekend for Luke's birthday, and we've got lots of cleaning up to do. Maybe the kids and I will turn up KLOVE and dance while we clean!
Good morning, GIG's,
Wendy, thanks for the tip to "praise God and confuse the enemy." I know that praising God makes me happy, and now it will make be even happier!
My nugget: I, too, chose 2 Samuel 6:16 "When [Michal] saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him." But my "take" on this was not about David's form of worship, but rather, about a wife's lack of respect for her husband. I am ashamed to say that I have sometimes been less than respectful to my husband over the silliest things (eg. what he watches on TV in the little relaxing time my hard-working spouse allows himself.) Ouch! Convicted. But one of the many blessings I have received from being in The Word is a desire to treat my husband more respectfully. And it feels great!
My To Do: Do all I can to create a peaceful, respectful, supportive home life for my husband, children and myself. And confuse the heck out of Satan with lots of praise and worship!!
Dear Lord, thank you for creating this beautiful patchwork quilt of believers who meet here each day to learn your word, to praise you and to support each other. Fill us today with your spirit, protect us from physical and spiritual harm, and guide our actions and our words as we seek to do your work. Amen.
Jacque, Happy Birthday to your husband, congratulations to your new-homeowner son, and may God protect your daughter and son-in-law! May he give you and your husband all the "strength" you need to help with the move, and to babysit. You go, Grandma!!!! (So how many children do you have? I keep losing track!)
Jennifer Renee, travel mercies to you, and may you have a blessed visit with your Dad.
Morgen- I had the same thoughts about Michal's barren state!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Good morning all,
I had to start playing my cd, "Contagious Joy", which I bought at the Women of Faith conference. Come, now is the time to worship, as one song says.
David definitely had joy-he had the ARK, which symbolized God with them. David admitted they/he had sinned. It resulted in joy. A clean heart does that doesn't it?
Now the ARK of the Covenant rested in Jerusalem.
After the procession, they ate. Fellowship is sweet when we have a clean heart.
I Chronicles 16:34 tells us to "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good!His faithful love endures forever."
David's victories were political, militarial, and spiritual. He ruled as king of Judah, then all of Israel. He established the tabernacle and worship before the ARK. Later, he defeats the Ammonites.
Have a wonderful weekend! I'm going Sat. to a simulcast of Beth Moore and expect a word from the Lord.
Blessings to all,
Linda from Ark.
Praising Friday & Singing Songs All….
You ALL are such a blessing!! Would love to tell each one of you separately ….the pleasant thoughts of each. Just know always your appreciated.
Jennifer Renee....So happy for you.. enjoy your weekend ...let your body enjoy what you have taken in. Praise Him. Keep Praising Him...confuse your enemy. We believe in You Special Sister.
Lori... I enjoyed your Hi RHONDA….Thank you sweet sister. You did get a soft smile back. and so..so..so much more you left me through out this week.
G&P…Did I stay up and wait for my son to get home from his prom? I have to say No….He did check in when got home at 12:15….For some reason this is not something I worry about. In His younger years…We did not have Him doing…doing…doing with which all his buddies were doing….We had Him home trying our best to lay down a solid foundation….for what we believed was right. when growing up we explained things so much to them…and now We feel we laid a good foundation….and are starting to give Him His Wings! I am pretty proud of Him today. He is a son whom has taught Me so much….God has blessed me richly through Him. He purchased His own car over spring break….A 2008 mustang. Has been working at a job ever since He was 14 years old. He saved every paycheck…did without a lot of “things” his friends had. He tried Sports….in his younger years…(He was a tiny boy when younger….had asthma and was sick a lot. He delt with a few bad coaches…turned his heart so much….cold towards sports….Don’t get me wrong he enjoys watching them and has accepted they are just not for Him…. He does play soccer….and is really good at it. I am always proud of Him he will even encourage His younger brother whom is very gifted in this area to do His best…. God has other plans for Him….it just isn’t sports. I would strongly encourage parents out there whom if your son or daughter are not excelling in sports. Really look into what they are gifted at….and be very encouraging of those gifts. I believe today His Dad…..whom he always looks up to….played a great role in whom he is today. He believed in HIM. His Dad… is an over the road truck driver. This young man yes can handle a 18-wheeler very well…Dad can send Him out to change the oil in his truck…our cars…and yes he is the one whom changed my flat tire the other day. Breaks my heart today when I hear parents take there kids to sports….just to give them something to do….without looking at whom is really teaching them. We are to be there #1 teachers I strongly believe. His job….for right now working on my brothers (the family farm)…where I grew up. His future plans….driving a 18-wheeler someday.
Wow…..I’m getting carried away here. I will post the rest cause I know this is getting lengthy.
Sisters thanks so much. Like I said would just love to say something to you each. Just know you really are a blessing to me.
Jacque our precious Mother Teresa is so right “Love begins at home…thanks for making me feel so much better about my decision. Your words of wisdom are just the way deep down how my heart feels. Give hubby a Big Happy 60th birthday!!!wish from all of us. Congradulations to your sons first home. Love news like this.
Michelle…your explanation you give about your sons application….using a wide range of skills and abilities….Thank You for this great example. That was totally Awesome….made me feel good about my decision also.
Ladies thanks …I will try my best to check in once in a while…this is truly something I feel I need to do.
Reading posted in next one.
((((((((((((((((((Group Hug)))))))))))))))))
Rhonda
Just Me back again to post todays reading.
Enjoyed today’s reading until I reached the last paragraph and read the last sentences. “So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.” Broke my heart. Childless.
Michal’s contempt for David…..Could I say I would be the same?? Truthfully yes. He took her away from her husband. Samuel 3:13, “All right,” David replied, “but I will not negotiate with you unless you bring back my wife Michal, Saul’s daughter , when you come….. Did she want this? Was she still bitter? She loved him (David) once…but was he a different man back then? Did she have a choice? Was this her role in life? Why was she left childless? All his children he had with so many women? Did he have relations with her? Is this why she looked at him with contempt….when dancing in front of the servant girls?
Lead me to look up his Family Tree
2 Samuel 2-5
David’s son born in hebron:
The oldest as Amnon, whos mother was Ahinoam from Jezeel.
The second was Daniel, whose mother was Abigail, the widow of Nabal from carmel.
The third was Absalom, whose mother was Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur.
The fourth was Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith.
The fifth was Shephatiah, whose mother was Abital.
The sixth was Ithream, whose mother was Eglah, David’s wife.
These sons were all born to David in Hebron.
Then he reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem, where the following were born to him: Shimea, Shabab, Nathan, Solomon….four by Bathsheba, the daughter of Ammiel; Ibhar, Elisha, Eliphelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and clipsheet…nine. All these were sons of David, in addition to other sons by concubines; and Tamar was their sister.
6 + 4 + 9 =19 + in addition to other sons by concubines; and Tamar was their sister.
God forgive this jealous woman’s heart …I know we were told to go forth and multiply the earth….and I did come from a big family….and wouldn’t change it for anything. I am
so glad today. We are to only have “1” husband. I will admit I am a jealous wife if my husband would even think about another women. Forgive me of my negative thoughts. Your way Lord is Always the better way. We are only human and cannot comprehend it all. Trust…and Faith in you to get us through. Thank you Lord for putting up with Me. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
To do:stick in his word....even when I cannot comprehend it.
Keep singing praises to confuse my enemy.
Blessings All....have a great weekend.
Rhonda
Happy Friday!
Praise and Worship- I foresee alot of that going on all over the place tomorrow as women are set free from insecurity watching Beth's Simulcast and worshiping with Travis Cottrell! Did I tell you ladies I CAN NOT WAIT :) It is going to be great. We are suppose to have sever thunderstorms in our area tomorrow so I am praying that it does not affect our electricity where we might not get to see all that is going on. I anticipate lots of Davids tomorrow.
My nugget today was 1 Chronicles 15:12 where the Levites were told to purify themselves to carry the ark. I thought about our challenge and how we were/are purifying ourselves for God's presence and work in our lives as well.
To-Do: Keep myself purified through confession and obedience so that His presence will fill me daily and to celebrate Him. 1 Chron. 16:29 says to bring your offering and come into His presence. Lord, I bring the offering of myself and my life as I come into Your presence each day.
Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Might be Monday before I chat with you again with being gone all day tomorrow.
Have a good one!
Brandee
God Morning & Happy Friday to All,
Sometimes in life I see people & how they act & I judge them. However I don't know the journeys they have been on. Some people become bitter & unhappy, Michal. Some dance before the LORD, David. We have a choice when our journey is hard, disappointing, fearful,sad or whatever, to choose to dance before God or to be barren & unhappy.
Michal's journey;
1Samuel 18:20 says she had fallen in love with David.
1Sam 18:27-28 Saul gave Michal to David to marriage.
1 Sam 25:44 Saul give Michal to Palti I wonder how many years they were together? Did she fall in love with Palti? Did she still love David?
2Sam 3:13-16, Ishbosheth give Michal back to David. David's wife Michal was taken from Palti who wept when she was taken from him. How sad for him he must of loved her. Was she sad too?
2Samuel 6:16, 1Chronicles 15:29 Michal sees David joyfully dancing before the Lord & has contempt for him. Maybe she is so unhappy being taken from Palti that she is angry with any & all things David does.
In 2 Samuel 6:20 she is disgusted with David's behavior. vs 23 she remained childless I wonder if David never 'visited' her because of how she acted & spoke?
We as women do have a choice even if it looks like we have none. We can praise our might God with song, praise, & dance with joy before Him. Or we can be barren, unhappy & make others in our life unhappy.
Praise God in ALL things!
Phil 4:4 be full of joy
Phil 4:8 think about all you can praise God for & be glad about!
Choose to have happy, pure, joyful thoughts & dance like no one is watching but our might God!
Blessings & Peace, Mary
Ladies, We’re having some work done here, I’m stuck at the home front for a bit…a treat to able to spend some “more” time with you all!
Grace & Peace, I meant to ask you yesterday, does your church have a web that shows the sermons live, by any chance? I know many do this now-a-days. I love what you wrote; our pastor is doing that now through the book of Eph. I have some people in mind (my earthly father for one) that I would so love to share this with.
Jacque, praying for the medical team to speak God’s wisdom in Chicago. May God show you ways to bless your husband as he turns 60.
Morgen, you just need to visit church with me, as you’d fit right in, sweetie!
Amy-I, too love all the music being incorporated into Worship. All the instruments, all the songs…peaceful ones and joyous ones. . .at times I just close my eyes and take it all in. You brought back many memories yesterday when you spoke of picnics and hikes! Happy belated bday, to your little Luke.
Aahh, Linda & Brandee ---enjoy Beth tomorrow!
Michelle, Your To Do, is my To Do, too! I love what you said about the “beautiful patchwork quilt of believers who meet here each day to learn your word.” As I was walking this morning, I just felt overwhelmed with joy, as I thanked God for our Bible Study, on-line, group. Daily, I learn from each of you. Each one of us is different and brings good things to the table. Just like a body with different parts, but each part being necessary for life. I’ve learned that reading the Bible, day-by-day, and surrounding myself with Believer’s, I’m much more likely to stay on the straight and narrow path.
Rhonda! A treat for sure to “see” you bright and early this morning! Glad it worked out for you to pop in. I love what you wrote about! You are a great momma, and I so love the wisdom you bring to us! I, too have two very different sons. I’ve learned much from my husband, as I’ve watched him over the years love on our boy’s for the talents they possess. And, just like you, I, too want to “talk to each person!” smile…
Oh, one more thing, Karen, I didn’t “see” your new today, till you mentioned it! Thanks!
Have a blessed day, Lori
Jacque, Happy 60th to your hubby! Cogratulations to your new homeowner, too. Travel mercies and peace to your other one.
Michelle, I had the same thought about Michal and the way she looked at David with contempt. I was also convicted that from time to time I do that to my own DH. :( I pray to God to keep a guard over my mouth and just keep my attitude in check. (Boy, this sanctificaiton process is hard!)
Rhonda, oh I love what you shared about your son! He sounds like a wonderful young man and some girl is going to be so blessed to have him for a husband. That just blesses a mother's heart. I agree with you - my DS2 is not into sports either mainly because he has asthma and is tiny. He is gifted in other things, though. Yesterday he placed 2nd in a Math competition at school. He is in 4th grade and he placed higher than the 8th, 6th and 5th grade kids. I took him to Berean to get him a little something and he picked up How To Study the Bible for Kids by Kay Arthur. Last night he was reading it and doing the inductive study by coloring the words in Titus! "I have no greater joy than to [see] my children walking in the truth" (variation of 3 John 1:4)
To those who are going to the Beth Moore simulcast - ENJOY! Sadly our chuch isn't doing this because of the Women's Retreat. I look forward to reading what God did for you!
I will post more on the readings later this afternoon. Running a little late today.
Have a blessed day everyone!
Lori, we were typing at the same time. Our church does have a webcast but only for the 3 services by our senior pastor. Sunday night is another pastor but there is no live webcast for it. Although we are thinking of asking them to do it as well because I love the way our Sunday night pastor preaches. He always has great life applications.
Can you send me an e-mail so I can send you the link in case you want to visit? :)
Paola, praying for you and your husband today. Between your job negotiations and his studying for tomorrow's exam there is surely a need for extra peace from our good Lord in your home today. Father, help this wonderful couple to complete the good work you have started in each of them. Thy will be done, Amen!
Happy Friday to each one of you!
Thank you Wendy for your teaching today! I always love your insights and the way you present them - and am blessed when I get the chance to sit and enjoy... Life is still too busy to stay up to date with your volg, and all the comments, but I am reading daily, and connect with the group when I can.
It is so seldom that I do comment, that I have forgotten my password!... so, hence me being "Anonymous" today!
I want to firstly thank each one for their concern and prayers with my daughter, Carla, and her second MRSA event. I tried to email "jbreen" but couldn't send an email as she offered some advice to eradicate the MRSA. She is getting better, slowly - and I am thankful!
I loved the Psalm-like quality of 1 Chronicles 16:8-36! I also was blessed with Wendy's comment "When we praise the Lord, we confuse the enemy". Good food for thought! There is nothing like going to an event, like Women of Faith (can't wait for October when they will be back in Seattle!) and praising the LORD with all your heart and soul. I know Heaven will be like that... and I long for that day...
Enjoy your weekend - praising our LORD as He moves us to...
Love
Marianne
Michelle,
Are you a quilter? I am and I loved your prayer. We are a patchwork quilt of believers!
Lori, you are great! Can I join you and Morgen at church? Linda, thank you for sharing. You are always so full of insight.
You all are great and I am always so blessed when I come back at the end of my day and read your comments. Keep on keeping on and push to the outer limits! (thanks Dixie)!
Karen
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Blessing and Honor to your name.
Good evening everyone. I always seem to be a late poster....
Jennifer Renee safe travels and have a great visit with your dad. I too alsways feel better when I worship :)
Jacque Happy B Day to your hubby, it is also my sister's B Day.
Rhonda thanks for the group ((HUG)) it hit the spot today.
Linda & Brandee and anyone else going to see Beth Moore on Saturday, ENJOY. We are having it at my church also, but my daughter has 2 soccer games at the same time. I will be sitting in the rain at soccer and enjoying it.
Marianne, glad your daughter Carla is doing better with the MRSA. I may have typed my email wrong. So sorry, here goes again. jwbreen@msn.com Email if you are still interested.
Just love love love the whole praise thing. I was created for HIS pleasure, oh that I may always praise HIM. Our ladies Bible study at church just finished doing a study of David. When we got to this part of David dancing before the ark, one of the leaders played a joyous praise song as we all broke out in dance and shouts. How freeing to enjoy our LORD this way. Oh what all the people going to VITA tax help must of thought as they walked by our room. We were having a good time. I pray that we caused them to think that they may want to join us, because of the fun we were having:) It is a joy to follow my LORD.
Praying for everyones needs and you all are such a blessing to me.
Linda in PA
Happy Friday Night to "this beautiful patchwork quilt of believers" as Michelle so sweetly called us in her prayer. (Precious!!!!!)
I learned from Wendy's thoughts about Michal... as I too considered her to be upset with David, perhaps jealous as several of you stated. Whatever her feelings, she MISSED OUT on the celebration, didn't she??? Wendy, I agree, I pray that the folks around me wherever I am, but esp. church, will feel the Spirit of the Lord. I have had the rare opportunity to really feel God's Presence in someone sitting close to me; thus, I am very aware of the one/ones who sit close to me, and I sense that their heart is hardened to letting go and letting God lead them in worshipping Him. I feel so sad that they cannot "feel" His Presence or "smell" His fragrant aroma or just let His Presence "breath" on them.
We once had a pastor who "taught" me how to worship in song. He played the piano and sang before preaching until He felt the Lord's Presence in His House. When he did this playing, my heart became prepared for worship if it wasen't already. However, MANY people left our church because of "his preparing with music." I see now that they were a lot of spectators. That pastor and his wife have since left and are now doing music ministry as God leads them from state to state. Oh, how I miss that time of worship, but it has never left my heart. Now, we have a pastor who thinks that if we aren't shouting as he preaches, then we are not very grateful, but I am not a shouter, and I believe that God knows my sense of gratefulness to Him. Don't get me wrong, I love this pastor; I grew up with him; he moved away for 20 yrs. and now is back...a changed man...a man of God and a good preacher,(the loudness and shouting doesn't bother me, but I don't think it will attract many young people or couples with children); and I pray that I'm not sounding judgemental. I just feel that each of us participates in our way of worship and that someone else cannot mold us into his/her way of worship. I don't ever want to make someone in our church feel uncomfortable because he/she isn't "worshipping" the way another person thinks he/she should. I believe His Spirit has to be present calling us to worship Him in which ever way is pleasing to Himat that particular time. There are many ways and times of worship...reading His Word, singing songs,listening to Christian music, meditating on His Word and His Glory, lifting hands, crying, praying as a group where each person just prays out, praying in our closets, shouting to the Lord, being silent....We are paricipating in worship when we read each other's comments and our heart is touched to the point of tears or we can rejoice one with another about something good that the Lord has done for us.
I pray that my rattling on has made sense as this matter of worshipping has been close to my heart. I decided a while back that I would do as He led, not as someone else tells me I should. Any feelings about this from ya'll?
My nugget: Be prayful not critical for those who need His guidance to be a participator and not a spectator.
Participating in His Worthiness,
Jeanne,NC
I love each of you and pray that you have a great week-end. I have 3 chapters left to read in B.Moore's Insecurity book. I can't wait to hear from gals going to the telecast.
Oh, GIGs! Oh, Wendy! The scripture, comments and vlog were so wonderful today. No bloodshed in the sTory! Just praise and worship. Woohoo!
I thought about our contemporary service at church--we have two traditional ones as well. I love and attend all three(at different times of course!) I could just imagine David singing and praising the name of the Lord! Loved this.Makes me want to crank up the praise music, but it's bedtime, and tomorrow is a big day at the Hood house. A new milestone will be reached...Prom has arrived! Please keep my son and his friends in your prayers! I would greatly appreciate it. And, for good weather. Brandee mentioned some severe weather...it's coming our way too later in the day. Pictures of the kids and thunderstorms don't quite mix. Thank you so much! Y'all are great.
Praising Him!
Susan
Hey, Jeanne, I totally understand what you're saying about worship. Nobody can tell your heart what to feel or how to praise God except Him! Anything else is being judgemental or critical - although it is important not to let your own worship interfere with somebody else's. I like to sign along with the music, and sometimes I just feel like I HAVE to, but that wasn't acceptable at our last church. I'm hoping that we find a new church home where I can sign again.
I was just folding some laundry and listening to my iPod when Casting Crowns' 'Life of Praise' came on. It seems to fit what we've all been talking about today as far as praise music is concerned, so here's a link to a music video with the lyrics if anyone's interested. :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lGDf4F37as
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