Don't Give Up (1 Corinthians 15:58)

I love this verse from 1Corinthians 15:58. Paul is calling us to consider the power of the resurrection over sin and death. Because of Christ's victory, he is able to say:

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be steadfast, immovable, always abounding 

in the work of the Lord, 

knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

There are three things that we can do because Jesus has won such a powerful victory:

 - we can remain steadfast - this Greek word (hedraios) is founded on the concept of sitting down and being firm in our position of faith - forever settled. It is also a military term, meaning there is no gap in the ranks, a solid foundation of strength.

- we can remain immovable - this word (ametakinētos) is only used in one other place in the Bible (Acts 27:41). It basically means exactly what is says - immovable. Because Of Christ, nothing can shake our faith - nothing can shake us from the path He has set for us or the destiny He has called us to.

- we can always abound in the work of the Lord - to "abound" means to exceed a fixed number or overflow with affluence, or to be excellent. This word is used to describe a flower that goes from a bud to full bloom.

I love this picture. So many people are struggling these days. Many are discouraged and suffering in so many ways. This verse reminds us to stand firm with the certainty that He is in control and He will cause us to come to maturity like a beautiful flower. Keep going - serve the Lord with all your heart and remain in the work He has called you to. But, we don't just hang on - we

Wait for the Lord. be strong

and let your heart take courage

Ps. 27:14

Most Unsettling

If you are like me, and seem to need all your ducks in a row

...then these pictures can be quite disturbing:

Found here: http://imgur.com/a/9fJLP

Worship Arts Training

Our school, The Worship Arts Conservatory begins a new class Monday October 1st:

The Theology Of Worship

Anyone is welcome - come and check us out. 

• We have been serving and equipping the worship  community for 13 years

• A new class begins each month

• There are 3 lessons per month

• After 18 months you will earn your Associate of Worship Arts degree - issued by the State of Washington

• Students are able to log in from anywhere in the world

• You don't have to leave your home, work, ministry etc. Just complete you work in your own time.

• We give personal prayer and assistance to every student

• Anyone who loves worship will enjoy this course - you don't have to be on a worship team to participate.

Contact us here: Worship Arts Conservatory

7 Things - Seven Layers Of Help From The Lord

I love this Psalm – Just read it for yourself today and hide in these 7 layers of help. All we are called to do throughout these verses is to lift up our eyes. The whole psalm focuses on the Lord – our most excellent refuge. The psalm begins with us lifting our eyes to the Lord and it ends with Him taking care of us FOREVER:

Psalm 121

 1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—

         From whence comes my help?

 2 My help comes from the LORD,

         Who made heaven and earth.

       

 3 He will not allow your foot to be moved;

         He who keeps you will not slumber.

 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel

         Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

       

 5 The LORD is your keeper;

         The LORD is your shade at your right hand.

 6 The sun shall not strike you by day,

         Nor the moon by night.

       

 7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;

         He shall preserve your soul.

 8 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in

         From this time forth, and even forevermore.

7 Layers of Help from Psalm 121

Ps. 121:1-2 He helps us

Ps. 121:3 He steadies us

Ps. 121:4 He watches us

Ps. 121:5-6 He keeps us

Ps. 121:5 He shades us

Ps. 121:7 He preserves us

Ps. 121:8 He protects us

5 Secrets That Will Help You See God

The Lord is beautiful - He is beyond compare. We are called to be those who gaze at God. So much of worship concerns looking at His glory (2 Cor. 3:18), but we have made worship about the songs and music. Take time this week to open the eyes of your heart and look at God - this is the focus of worship.

He is beautiful in his creation

Psalm 27:4


One thing I have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple.

He is beautiful among His people    

• "One thing have I desired" - bring your desire for God into focus. Reduce it to the most important thing. The word "desire" does not simply mean "to ask" but it means to make a careful request - even to "beg," or desire with great sincerity.

• "That will I seek" - this word means to "seek until you find," or to demand. Don't give up until you find the face of God.

• "That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life" - it takes time to create a dwelling, or to make a place into your home. Make His presence Your home, and become comfortable with His house. Claim it as your own. This word "dwell" means to "sit down, abide or stay."

             He is beautiful in his courts

• "To behold the beauty of the Lord" - means "to see with your whole being." Look with spiritual eyes, but also look with your understanding. Take time to look at the Lord carefully. He wants us to see Him (John 17:24), and every part of Him is desirable. He transcends all other created and beautiful things. He is beyond compare.

• "...And to inquire in His temple." - This word means to cling to the thing you are looking at. There is a sense in this word that we are expecting a response from the Lord. We are asking Him for a response to our looking.