On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11, NVI)

What gift would you like to give God this year?

When I was a little girl, one of my favorite TV Christmas specials was “The Little Drummer Boy.” This is the sad, yet tender story about a young orphan who joins the Maggi in their search for the newborn King of Israel.

The Star of Bethlehem leads the caravan’s way onto a humble manger, where they find Baby Jesus with Mary and Joseph.

The young orphan soon realizes that this is a very special baby and marvels at the rich gifts the Magi present to Him: gold, frankincense and myrrh. The drummer boy wishes he had something to give as well, but he is poor and feels he has nothing to offer.

However, when Baby Jesus begins to cry, the little orphan does what comes naturally to him. With Mary’s consent he starts playing his drum. This sweet offering sooths the crying Baby and turns His tears into a smile.

Are there times when you feel like the boy in this story – poor and broken, with nothing good to give? Perhaps you compare your talents with those of people around you and feel yours come short.

And you wonder, “What good will my gifts do?” “What difference could they ever make?”

This Christmas Season I invite you to take a step of faith and bring your presents to the manger:

• Your service
• Your worship
• Your heart

No matter how lowly or simple your gift might seem, in God’s eyes it is a pleasing offering, one that will put a smile on the face of Jesus.

Merry Christmas!

Ana
http://anastinescorner.blogspot.com

I think of the times I’ve messed up in my Christian walk and it fascinates me that God delivered me over and over again. His kindness is so amazing. This passage jumped out at me last week:
“We have sinned, even as our fathers did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly. When our fathers were in Egypt, they gave no thought to Your miracles; they did not remember Your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. Yet He saved them for His name’s sake, to make His mighty power known.” (Psalm 106:6-8 NIV).  

All of Psalm 106 is like this.  The people kept sinning and He repeatedly delivered them because of His compassion and love for them.  (Of course, they did have trying times because of their sin.)  “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.”  (2 Timothy 2:13 NKJV).  I wonder how much more He would have opened His hand to them if they had been repeatedly faithful to Him.

James 1:17 (NKJV) says every good thing “…comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” His forgiveness and deliverance are abundantly good things. God’s kindness and favor should melt our hearts. He didn’t have to create us. He chose to do it. (James 1:18). He wants to be with us. How much more should we bow down to Him in every deed, every thought, and every word.

And despite knowing everything about us, He’s preparing our eternity with Him.  “…as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.’ “ (1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV). I always thought of this as meaning no human eye/ear/mind (and maybe that’s what it means). But it does say no eye/ear/mind. That makes me wonder if even all the angels and creatures in heaven haven’t seen what God has prepared for us. Some of those creatures have a multitude of eyes, so that would be pretty amazing if even they haven’t caught a glimpse of it! Revelation 4:6 says the apostle John saw four creatures around the throne of God who were “full of eyes in front and in back.”  (I’m thinking nothing gets past them. They don’t even sleep! Rev. 4:8)  Maybe the great unveiling of what God has prepared for us will be a first time viewing for all the eyes in heaven too. The Greek word apokalupsis means ‘revelation’ (as in the book of Revelation) or ‘unveiling’.

He has already unveiled His goodness to us in so many ways. First and foremost, Christ saved us (because HE LOVES US). Then He unceasingly walks with us, guides us, forgives us, delivers us, has mercy upon us, and even talks with us. We should gladly bow down to the God who is for us and with us.

All of this reminds me of Revelation Song, which is based on verses in Revelation, chapters 4 & 5. Click on the link below and sing to our Worthy Lamb who has shown us much mercy.

Shagufta

“Revelation Song“

Just Breathe!

 I distinctly remember one of the first times I really experienced worship in a profound way in a Vineyard small group.  I felt the presence of the Lord in such a strong way that the thought went through my mind….”I feel like I don’t even need to breathe.”  I felt like I was breathing really slowly and drinking in the Lord’s presence.  It was awesome.

 I hope for everyone to have times of worship like that…experiencing  God’s presence in a palpable way.

 Now, I know there are different seasons of life.  What I was talking about was kind of a honeymoon experience.  (But, there have also been “anniversaries” so to speak where I’ve felt God so strongly.) 

 Time and Truth have a way of growing maturity in us.  God is “there” just the same even when I don’t have the feelings to accompany what God is doing in my spirit and heart. (I know this even though my emotions take some time to line up.) Worship is a part of all of our life and all seasons of our lives.   There are times when life is falling apart and worship is sacrifice.  There are times when things are going well and worship is a celebration.  There are times of trial when worship is a lifeline.  There are times of depression when worship is the lifter of my head.  There are the times of worship when I’ve seen my kids raising their hands imitating Brian and I and my heart wants to explode…in a good way.  God is there in every time and season.

 We have an awesome opportunity coming up with the “Burn Bright”   worship conference on Oct. 21-23.  I’m quite sure there will be women there with every range of emotions and God will be good through all of it.

 If you can come, I think it will be a wonderful time.  Eleanor Mumford is one of the speakers and if you were at our Women’s conference this year, you know what a treat that was.

 The Wednesday night before the conference is a free night of worship.   So come if you can and “just breath” it all in.  Let’s worship God together!

 Blessings,

Thora

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV)

It had been a rough, rotten week. And my attitude wasn’t any better.

I dug deep in search of some vestiges of hope, perhaps a little joy leftover from a while back, when things weren’t so depressing. But I got none. Not even an ounce.

When one’s been a believer for as long as I have, you know that if the well runs dry you go to the waters. And for me that usually means forcing tired hands to open up the Bible, often to the Book of Psalms, where I identify with the Psalmist’s desperate cries.

But at this particularly low time in my life, I was on the road, feelings as if God had forgotten me, willing myself to keep on driving. Just one more mile.

On sunnier days, I usually enjoy listening to music while commuting to work. My favorite Christian radio station plays uplifting songs I love singing along with. But on this miserable day I couldn’t make my hand push the “on” button.

Snap out of it, Girl! said a voice that sounded like me, when I’m mat at my kids. Paul and Silas worshiped the Lord when they were imprisoned for their faith; yet you have a couple of bad days and all of a sudden… Puff! All notion of worship “no matter what” goes out the window.

Gosh, that was kind of harsh. But it did the trick. Memories of sweet times spent singing to God, experiencing His comfort, flooded my weary mind. Hope floated, like a tiny vessel in the midst of raging waters.

I turned on the radio, but what I heard took me by surprise:

You are mine, you are loved,
You have always been thought of
When you hurt I feel it every time. 1

Wait a minute… I thought I would be the one doing the singing… The songs kept playing.

And I’ll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don’t fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you ²

Tears began to roll down my cheeks, and my heart felt a thousand times lighter. You mean, You still care, Lord?

When you feel like you’re alone in your sadness
It seems like no one else in this whole world cares
And you want to get away from the madness
You just call My name and I’ll be there ³

He did care! He always had and always would.

What a wonderful and unexpected miracle it was for me that morning, when I experienced God’s love anew as He sang over me.

Has God’s love ever turned your day around? Please tell us. We’d love to hear about it!

Ana
http://anastinescorner.blogspot.com/

1Worth It All, by FHH
²By Your Side, Tenth Avenue North
³Call My Name, Third Day

How does one “wait on the Lord”?

Isaiah 40:31 says that, those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (NKJV)

Years ago, I heard this woman over the radio share how she got up every morning, sat on her sofa, closed her eyes, quieted her heart, and – as she sat very still – she waited for God to speak to her.

She sounded to me like such a godly inspiration!  However, I had to be honest with myself and accept the fact that her morning experiences would never work for someone like me.  Really, comatose as I am every morning, sitting on a warm and cozy couch and closing my eyes would only make me snore.  As far as I recall, I have never successfully quieted my heart or mind by sitting down attempting to be still.

Even if I managed to stay awake, my mind would drift from the Lord and his goodness to my unfinished grocery list or the next project that needs tackling or whether or not my son’s appointment was this afternoon or the next.

Definitely not a very productive, quiet bonding time with Jesus.

I have friends I greatly admire, who can sit through an hour-long meeting without moving a muscle.  They appear calm and relaxed and focused.  When I find myself wondering what would that be like, I cringe remembering I need to be paying attention to what’s being said instead of gaping at people.  It’s very sad.

So what did the Psalmist mean by being “still before the LORD and wait[ing] patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7, NIV)?  Does that mean that un-still, extremely impatient gals like me are basically doomed?

Fear not my fellow ADHD-ers!

As I shared with you before, I do get up every morning and I do eventually manage to slow down the ol’ mind and sit on my comfy recliner to spend quality time with God.  Sometimes I even close my eyes without drifting into beautiful places where George Clooney or a much younger Paul Newman tell me I am the one, and I flutter my long and dense eye lashes and tell them, “Oh, stop it!”  And you say, in you dreams, girl!  And I say, exactly.  So… where was I?

Oh, yes!  How do I wait?  To me, the simple act of honoring the Lord by prioritizing my devotional is an act of waiting.  I’d much rather jump out of bed and dive directly into my to-do list (those are figures of speech, it’d be more precise to say, “drag myself out of bed” and after a shower and a cup of coffee or two” engage in my daily chores” but I’m still dreaming.)

One of the many things I love about Christianity is that it is so practical.  I can do practical.  I can get up in the mornings to take the time to pray and read my Bible.  I can force myself to do this before doing anything else.  And, for me, that is as still and as patient as it’s going to get.  But God knows that in my heart I am seeking to honor Him.

And that, my friends, is how I wait. 

How do you wait on the Lord?  I’m dying to hear.

Curious,

Ana

           Singing in the worship band gives me a unique viewpoint of our church on Sundays.   On my assigned weeks, I stand on stage waiting for the service to begin.   People are still filing in as the taped music stops and the worship leader steps up to the microphone to welcome the congregation.  The lights dim as the tap of the drumsticks signal the band to begin.

            Soon the swell of the music and a chorus of voices – young and old – fill the room.  By the second song, the house lights are completely off and the only lights shining in the room are on us.  Except for the back door.  Which is where I face. 

            Each time the door opens to let in latecomers, outside light shines brightly for a brief moment.  From where I stand, it’s like a spot light.  It’s so bright, and so far away, that I can’t see the faces of those who come in late. But every once in awhile I dream … sort of one of those awakening dreams.  But this one feels real.  I dream that Jesus walks in. 

            In my mind, I see Him walking up the aisle.  No one notices Him because their eyes are focused on the words on the screen, or they are closed in worship.  He slowly looks left then right.  He keeps on walking toward the front.  Finally, He reaches the steps below me and slowly ascends them.  When He gets to the top of the stage, He turns to receive the worship that is being offered Him.

            I wonder what Jesus feels as He looks out over the flock of people.  Is He pleased?  Is He frustrated that so many thoughts are on lunch?  Does He want to reach out and grab the hands that are raised in worship and surrender?

            Sometimes I long to see Jesus walk in my church so desperately, I can feel my heart pound.  Can you imagine what would happen?  Can you imagine how people would grab their friends with diseases and go running toward Him?  Can you imagine parents carrying their hurting children to Him?   The press of people would be intense.  Those with addictions, emotional hurts and illnesses would stretch out their hands just to touch Him.  People would drop to their knees in adoration.

            Before I “awake” and realize it was only a dream, I remember the words of Jesus: “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).  And I realized that Jesus has come to my church. He is there to receive my worship.  He is there to touch the hands of the broken hearted.  He longs to heal those who are hurting.

            Unfortunately, many times I’m simply hoping that God will “show up.”  As if He might be too busy to stop by my church that day. Yet by Jesus’ very own words, He is already there.  My waking dream is a reality.  Maybe Jesus doesn’t stand next to me, but He’s in the room.  I need that truth to soak into my heart every time I gather with other believers. 

            The same Jesus who healed the blind man and raised the dead, has come to our church this week. 

In His Love,

Glynnis

P.S.  I’ll be giving away the book “Setting Up Stones:  A Parent’s Guide to Making Your Home a Place of Worship.”   To enter the drawing, please leave a comment and share your favorite worship song.  I’ll select a winner at random on Sunday, May 17th at 5 p.m.  Make sure to include your email address so we can contact you!

Psalm 5:3, In the morning, oh Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. (NIV)

Most days, I wake up around the same time.  Most days, I have a to-do list a mile long.  Most days, I battle the urge to jump out of bed and tackle this list, ASAP… but I know better.

A sweet voice whispers in my ear, nudging me out of bed, down the stairs and onto my living room recliner, for a meeting with my Creator.  The inclination to rush through my prayer requests so that I can move on with my day intensifies… but I know better.

On good days, I take deep breaths, pace the living room floor, and beg, “Lord, please calm down this crazy mind of mine!  I need You.  I know better than to start my day without Your touch.  Please teach me to wait on You.”

On the not-so-good ones, I just pace the living room floor and begin the sprint down my prayer list.  Mercifully, it doesn’t take long for the Holy Spirit to capture my heart and mind and to take me to a place where, enthralled by His love, I forget all about life’s rushes.

This act of obedience and submission is what I call “a tithe of my time.” When you tithe, you give back a small percentage of the total amount God blesses you with.  When you tithe your income, you trust Him to bless the remainder percentage so that is enough to fulfill your financial obligations.

In the same manner, when I have enough sense to start my day dedicating a small portion of it to spend it solely with God – what I call my devotional – I am trusting Him to bless the remainder hours of the day so that I can get done whatever needs to.

The beauty of this spiritual mini-battle I face every morning is two-fold.  On one hand, the more I experience God’s presence the easier it gets to overcome my selfish, hardheaded ways and my tendencies to skip my devotional.  On the other, the more I see the difference this investment of my time makes on the rest of my day –and on my attitude – the more I am compelled to “re-invest” the following morning.

Praying is not hard for someone like me, who’s enjoyed a relationship with God since her youth.  I pray all the time!  The deal with someone like me, a doer plagued by impatience and impulsiveness, is that it is very hard not to treat her morning devotionals like another item in her to-do list.

It is hard for girls like me to wait upon the Lord.  But girls like me, who understand the difference those early encounters make in their lives, know better.

Is it hard for you to slow down and wait?  If so, tell us about it!  We at Vineyard Women love to hear your insights.

Some of you might know that I’m a backup singer on the worship band.  I used to sing only at the 8:30 service, but you’ve probably noticed that the bands now rotate.  So you’ll see me every third Sunday (unless I’m on vacation or speaking somewhere)

Most singers don’t dream about doing backup vocals.  Neither did I.  As a child, I was the one pretending a hairbrush was a microphone, singing with my favorite band playing on the record album, and imaging the day they would call me on stage and introduce me as their new lead singer.   That was my dream.  Not doing backup harmonies.

It’s amazing how God redirected my life.  Now, I wouldn’t trade my place in the shadows of the stage for the promise of a record contract.  Why?  It’s in the role of a backup singer that I’ve learned spiritual lessons that have impacted my life far beyond a 20-minute worship segment on Sunday morning.

When we lead worship, I’m always listening to the leader’s voice, and then choosing the right note to create harmony.  Where the leader’s voice goes, mine follows.  On the occasion the leader ad-libs at the last minute, and deviates from the melody, my job is to stop singing until I can find the right harmony.  If I insisted on singing the notes I believe I “should” be singing, I’d create disharmony that would distract the congregation from their worship.

As a backup singer, I am not to draw attention to myself.  It’s not the time to try out a fancy new vocal move, or add some dramatic vibrato.  Harmony is not the lead, it’s the soft support that should enhance the leader’s voice, and allow those singing to follow the leader, not me.

That’s what God is calling me to do in my personal life too.  I’m to listen to the quiet voice of God speaking to me through the Scriptures and prayer, and then to choose to live my life in harmony to that voice.  I am not to live a life that draws attention to myself as someone worthy of following.  But instead to live so that others are drawn to Christ. 

I’ve learned a lot from being a backup singer.  Being alert to what God is doing in and around me, then choosing to bring harmony rather than discord, is a valuable lesson.

In His Love,

Glynnis

Visit my blog at www.GlynnisWhitwer.com