Showing posts with label Creative Movement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Creative Movement. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Let's Face It! Mime

Although the definition of mime is to mimic, Kingdom movement ministers must not get stuck in replication. We can utilize the technique of mime while remaining open to a Divine download of choreography, facial expressions, garments, music, and more. We cannot become so immersed in traditional movement that we miss what the Lord is trying to do through us.

Should all mimes wear the same faces/face paint?
Is face paint a requirement for mime?
Are gloves a requirement?
Must all mimes wear black and white?
Is there a standard for mime ministry?


We must be free in Christ! Understanding the Word concerning hand motions, pointing, facial expressions, and prophetic demonstration is a good place to start. Whether you have been a mime minister for years or are just beginning, you can discover the next step to take at DANCE MINISTRY DETOX July 16th-18th in Las Vegas, NV.

FACE THE MUSIC!
Or call (877) 420-4777 for more information.

"Let's Face It! Mime"
Instructor: Candice Lewis
Judah First Mime Ministries

Genesis 46:28
[Jacob Settles in Goshen] Then he sent Judah before him to Joseph, to point out before him the way to Goshen. And they came to the land of Goshen.

Job 9:27
If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face and wear a smile,’

Nahum 2:10
She is empty, desolate, and waste! The heart melts, and the knees shake; Much pain is in every side, And all their faces are drained of color.

Acts 17:28
For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Climb Every Mountain

When striving to correctly interpret a concept in movement ministry, we can reach a point of challenge. Although it may be simple to show some concepts through written words and literal symbols, it becomes a little more difficult to portray abstract ideas. It is in these instances that color, texture, and Divine inspiration can go a long way.

When we want to show the oceans or bodies of water, different shades of blue billows or flags can be used to show waves and fluid motion. The same ideas can be applied to the demonstration of fire. If we would like to be a little more diverse, we can also incorporate these visuals into our garments, or even by using multimedia including video projection or slides and graphics. Larger concepts like mountains, valleys, flying, and the passage of time can be shown with large props, fabrics, clocks, and other creative imaginings. The sky is no longer the limit!

If we are unable to create these concepts ourselves, consulting with a Spirit-filled master craftsman may provide the exact enhancement we need. Dance ministry does not have to solely rely on fabrics, choreography, or creative tailoring. When we yield to the Lord's leading, He will begin to show us Divine creativity like never before. Breaking out of the mold of doing what we have seen will allow us to walk by faith, not by sight.

Exodus 33:18 (NKJV)
And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.”

Deuteronomy 29:29 (NKJV)
“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Isaiah 40:5 (NKJV)
The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

1 Corinthians 2:9-11 (NKJV)
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Tell-a-Vision

Dance ministry can be used as a visual aid to highlight what the Lord has said and is saying. When we demonstrate what He has said in His Word, we embody the living nature of the Scriptures. Using movement to share what the Lord is saying for today or tomorrow can be used prophetically to edify the church. In order for words and movement to mesh and come to life, we have to pray for a keen understanding of both the Word and the nature of God so as not to minister under false pretenses. Whatever He reveals, we can also write down so that we can retain the message that He wants to show through us and demonstrate it accurately.

Whether or not we have technical training, the basis of true movement ministry requires that there be a clear agreement between the movement and the message. Beyond dance, every element of our presentation should be aligned with what we are trying to convey. This includes music, lyrics, garments, worship tools, and the use of color. Bringing all of these elements together will make the vision plain and understandable even to those who have not read the Word for themselves.

Although we do not seek the approval of men when we dance, it may be a good idea to survey some of the observers to discover if what was witnessed by the audience coincides with what we are trying to get across as ministers in motion. A great opportunity to do this arises when people approach us after ministry to encourage us or confirm that they have been blessed in some way. We can ask them what they think the Lord was speaking to them during the dance or ask which parts of the piece impacted them the most. We are always free to revise our dances as the Lord leads so that we may show the clearest picture possible.

Genesis 46:2 (NKJV)
Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob!”And he said, “Here I am.”

Numbers 24:4 (NKJV)
The utterance of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, who falls down, with eyes wide open:

Daniel 7:1 (NKJV)
In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts.

Daniel 8:16 (NKJV)
And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, who called, and said, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.”

2 Chronicles 26:5 (NKJV)
He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Basket Case

Transporting instruments for worship can be a challenge. Many dance ministry vendors today are providing unique flag bags for carrying a variety of large and small flags. When ministering in another location, these can be useful to conserve space and maintain the element of surprise. When stored correctly, flags transported in this manner can be used with ease, and then properly returned to the bag for later use.

A different approach may be used when transporting billow cloths and other worship fabrics. Delicate fabrics usually end up with creases or wrinkles that may be visible to the viewer when removed for use. There are a couple of options that we can try to ease the common challenges associated with these items. Fabrics should be prepared beforehand by using a fabric steamer or an iron on a very low setting with a barrier or protectant between the fabric and the iron. It is not a great idea to use an iron on painted or heavily decorated fabrics. If we must, we can carry a small hand steamer with us if we need to do any last minute maintenance on site.

After smoothing them out, we can gently fold them and place them over a hanger or inside a wide basket if we will travel by automobile. Fabrics placed on a triangluar hanger can be hung with minimal disturbance during the journey, whereas a large wicker basket can perform double duty and be used as a prop in the piece. A combination of the two elements can be used. A basket will also allow for a quick transition for placing the collected billows and flags inside after the piece is complete.

Baskets can also be used as symbolic worship elements in other ways. Wicker baskets come in many sizes and shapes and can be easily spray painted as needed. They are relatively light, and can serve in a multitude of ways. Baskets used in movement can convey giving, receiving, protection (Moses), provision, overflow, abundance, harvest (gathering), and so much more. When we explore the options to include dance, props, fabrics, flags, banners, and pageantry, we can continue to move with unlimited possibilities.

Deuteronomy 26:4 (NKJV)
“Then the priest shall take the basket out of your hand and set it down before the altar of the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 28:5 (NKJV)
Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

Matthew 16:9 (NKJV)
Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up?

Acts 9:25 (NKJV)
Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Doing the Wave

When we have longevity in movement ministry, creativity must be utilized to keep from becoming predictable. Some dance ministries are very formulaic and this is highlighted as similaries or recurring themes are seen by the same groups over the years. The Lord has blessed us with many options to remain relevant and creative. A greater understanding of the Word will allow us to receive increased awareness of Divine creavity.

The beauty of movement ministry is that we do not have to be literal in order to convey a thought. Using flags, banners, and billows is great when we want to show a message or establish a spiritual atmosphere. One creative way to use flags and billows can be used to show the symbolism of waves. Waves can be understood as something that is overwhelming (storms and winds) as well as something that can be conquered (calming of the sea).

We do not have to be limited to the use of blue hues to represent the waves. Using billow cloths of various colors can be used to highlight peace and beauty, but there is a time when they can also represent storms, trials, and triumphs. In order to be effective with using flags or fabrics, we must practice with them. There are some wonderful resources that will educate us on some patterns and shapes that we can make with flags and billows, including instruction as to popular lengths, styles, and the type of material that yields the desired results.

The key for us is to always remember that the Lord is in control of the waves, and can also reveal to us ways to use flags and billows that may not have been shown to us by someone else. Incorporated along with dance, we can set wonderful backdrops as we minister. Billows or large flags may not be as effective in outdoor environments (wind, rain, etc), or in indoor settings with a powerful air conditioner. In these instances, we may opt to make another selection, or plan in advance in case adjustments need to be made.

Job 9:8 (NKJV)
He alone spreads out the heavens, and treads on the waves of the sea

Psalm 42:7 (NKJV)
Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me.

Psalm 93:4 (NKJV)
The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea.

Psalm 107:25 (NKJV)
For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea.

Jeremiah 51:42 (NKJV)
The sea has come up over Babylon; She is covered with the multitude of its waves .

Sunday, October 26, 2008

The Elements of Dance

God is a creative God that made creative beings. When we become students of His Word, we are exposed to rich symbolism and mutliple instances of visual expression. Dance ministry will be boring if we present every movement and story in a literal manner. If every person that expresses the word "heart" points to the chest, then movement ministry will begin to matter little as it will all appear to be the same. All flowers do not look the same, and neither should all dance ministries.

We can express words by the emotion or way that one feels when experiencing love, instead of pointing to our hearts or making the heart symbol with our hands. Just as many point to a cross when expressing the name of Jesus, we can show Who He is by the many miracles and works that He has done. When we allow the Lord to direct creative choreography during our rehearsals, our ministries will take on new life and have a lasting impact beyond the limits of our own interpretation.

Many options are available to us when dealing with fire, rain, wind, sunshine, etc. Beyond flags and banners, we can use fabrics, artwork, dance garments, stage lighting, projection screens, and more to get the message across. When we only do what has been done, we find ourselves in danger of copying others instead of relying on the Lord. Though dance ministers share many things in common, we do not have to move according to the rhythm of the dancers next door. When we feast on the word of the Lord, He gives us visions and dreams that become reality when His Divine creativity is set in motion.

Isaiah 41:20 (NKJV)
That they may see and know, and consider and understand together, that the hand of the LORD has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it.

Hosea 12:10 (NKJV)
I have also spoken by the prophets, and have multiplied visions; I have given symbols through the witness of the prophets.”

Amos 4:13 (NKJV)
For behold, He who forms mountains, and creates the wind, Who declares to man what his thought is, and makes the morning darkness, Who treads the high places of the earth— The LORD God of hosts is His name.

Colossians 1:16 (NKJV)
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.


Please be inspired by the creativity of the Acrodramance Theater Company(TM):

Monday, September 8, 2008

Range of Motion

God is constantly giving new inspiration and vision to His people. Pioneers of new dance styles became noted for the unique and innovative ways in which they mastered movement. Although we study to understand the skeletal and muscular structures of the body to aid in movement mastery, we are not limited to the traditional movement and dances already known.

As witnessed in music videos and stage performances, choreography is ever-evolving and fresh dances are being invented on a daily basis. For those of us who demonstrate the gospel in motion, what can hinder us from moving as the Spirit leads? Too many ministry groups and soloists exhibit very similar styles, movements, facial expressions, attire, music selection, etc. If we pray and seek the Lord regarding creativity, He will give it to us.

We should not try to be different just for the sake of it. We must always be open to the wide range of motion that exists. When someone experiences limited range of motion, it usually indicates that there is a physical problem in the body. It renders impairment and causes limitations in the limbs. When we experience it in ministry, the problem is a spiritual one. The source of our motion should be Divinely inspired and not just copied from others. If we are experiencing limited range of motion choreographically or spiritually, the good news is that we can be healed from it today.

Job 39:8 (NKJV)
The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searches after every green thing.

John 13:24 (NKJV)
Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke.

Acts 13:16-17 (NKJV)
Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it.

Acts 19:33 (NKJV)
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Create in Me...

If we are bored in the dance ministry, then we must pray for fresh vision. The pulpit may become all-too-familiar to us once we have been dancing for years. Special programs, services, and dance concerts often are no longer innovative as copycat events seem to be the order of the day. Attending conferences and patronizing dance ministry vendors may grow old after we have purchased several garments, flags, billows, banners, crowns, tambourines...

We must allow the Lord to endow us with Divine creativity! When He shows us a revelation from His Spirit to ours, we will begin to see movement in a whole new way. The insides of churches, stages, and theaters no longer limit us. Parks, beaches, malls, parking lots, and sidewalks are full of people who may never venture inside of what may be viewed as religious "Country Clubs," also known as church buildings and organizations.

Although Jesus spent some time in the synagogue, He also preached and performed many miracles with the people in the streets. The church needs us. A dying world needs a Savior. Let us not let the conventions of familiarity hinder us from delivering the Good News. Let us walk by faith and trust that the Lord will show us His will for a fresh move of God to take place in us... step by step.

Isaiah 41:20 (NKJV)
That they may see and know, and consider and understand together, That the hand of the LORD has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it.

Amos 4:13 (NKJV)
For behold, He who forms mountains, and creates the wind, Who declares to man what his thought is, and makes the morning darkness, Who treads the high places of the earth— The LORD God of hosts is His name.

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Colossians 1:16 (NKJV)
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Please enjoy this creative video by Angels of Praise:

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

"Scept-acular!"

The Word is teeming with visual imagery and symbolism. Our creative God is neither boring nor mundane. Movement ministry should be as vivid and limitless as the Word. The more that we understand the power of visual symbolism recorded in the Bible, we become more effective when incorporating visual imagery in dance.

A crown is often used to denote Kingship or royalty in many dance and pageantry presentations. Another powerful visual tool that can be used in movement ministry is the scepter. A King's scepter denotes authority and sovereign rule. It is a personal item in that it is held in the King's hand and can be moved by pointing and upright placement (like a staff), even in matters of decision-making. In contrast, a crown is often placed on the head and is rarely moved or used once in place. In the book of Esther, the extension of the King's scepter meant the difference between life and death.

Scepters can be made by hand, purchased online, or obtained at costume and prop stores for use in worship. Gold and silver are popular colors, often richly decorated with or without jewels of various colors. These can be ornate, and long or short. Choreographic movements can highlight the Majesty of royal symbols.

We must take care to remember that the Kingship is to be at the forefront. Scepters that appear overly-feminine may give the impression that a queen is in power. There is no perfect scepter on earth that can capture what the Sovereign King would hold in the Heavenlies. When we seek and ask the Lord for Divine creativity, He will show us that it has already been revealed in His Word.

Genesis 49:10 (NKJV)
The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.

Numbers 24:17 (NKJV)
“I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and batter the brow of Moab, And destroy all the sons of tumult.

Esther 4:11 (NKJV)
“All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days.”

Hebrews 1:8 (NKJV)
But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Let's Face It...

The art of mime has increasingly gained popularity in the movement ministries. It is done by males and females, and is often accompanied by gloves and face paint. The garments worn are usually unisex robes or black and white clothing. The presence of mime ministries crosses racial barriers and denominational lines. The face of the mime may be covered in face paint for highlighted expression. There are other times when this is not the case.

Whether or not the mime minister chooses to stay within the traditional confines of mime protocol, there is a unique call on each person to move under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We are beyond the place where we have to model ourselves after other ministries. They key is not to become a "character" but a reflection of Christ as we minister before Him.

As we continue to learn more about the Lord, He will give renewed vision and birth Divinely creative ways to break through the walls of "church as usual." The genres that we are aware of now may change and grow over the next few years. If we remain open, the Lord can use us to usher in a new and creative dance artform. We do not have to be relegated to borrowing our technique from the dance world. We can change the face of movement ministry as we know it if we seek His face first.

Exodus 33:11 (NKJV)
So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle.

Deuteronomy 5:4 (NKJV)
The LORD talked with you face to face on the mountain from the midst of the fire.

1 Chronicles 16:11 (NKJV)
Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!

Psalm 17:15 (NKJV)
As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.


Here is a video by K & K Mime, dubbed the "Fathers of Gospel Mime."

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Global Positioning

Dance ministry influence has reached beyond what we can imagine or think. When we venture beyond our lines of familiarity, we discover through "going into all the world" that believers come in many shapes, forms, and faces, but it is the name of the Lord that must be common among us all. There is one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one God.

The Lord is preparing His Body of faithful servants for His return. As we discover the inter-connectedness of our many members the world over, we get a true vision of heavenly citizenship. The beauty of holy worship should be witnessed in every country, city, village, tribe, neighborhood, church, and family. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!

We rejoice as we see and hear the name of the Lord being up lifted all over the planet. As we continue to raise Him up, He will draw people from afar to worship at His footstool. His footstool is the earth! Let us expand our borders and celebrate the diversities and similarities in the body as all creation surrenders in worship. It is often said that dance is a univeral language. Let us all learn to speak it fluently.

Psalm 86:9 (NKJV)
All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name.

Isaiah 2:2 (NKJV)
Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it.

Matthew 24:14 (NKJV)
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Revelation 15:4 (NKJV)
Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested.”

Please witness the wonder of Body Worship Dance by "Father's Love"


Thursday, June 5, 2008

Looking Over Your Shoulder

Dance incorporates more than our hands and feet. Each part of the body is important to unify the whole. As we are all many members, but one body, our own bodies are a representation of how the Lord has a purpose for every part of us. Using our entire beings in movement allows us to experience the many joys of dancing for the Lord.

Using our shoulders in dance can be very symbolic. The shoulder in the Bible is a place where burdens were borne. It is also a place where things were carried or transported. This symbolizes strength and responsibility. We can include movement that highlights the shoulder in these ways. Our shoulders function in a greater capacity than the lifting of our arms. Let them demonstrate the strength that is in them.

When we study the Word in depth, we will discover more movement than we thought imaginable! We should not neglect any opportunity to glorify the Lord in our bodies. He created each joint to function together. Let us submit ourselves completely as members for His Divine use.

Psalm 81:6 (NKJV)
I removed his shoulder from the burden; His hands were freed from the baskets.

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 22:22 (NKJV)
The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; And he shall shut, and no one shall open.

Luke 15:4-5(NKJV)
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Seating Assignments

We have many options with visual symbolism in the worship arts. We must reconsider calling ministry visual enhancements "props" and let the Lord open us up to a whole new dimension of worship. Our ministry pieces can come alive and gain depth of understanding from the congregation's perspective when we are able to do more than just pretend to accomplish a thing in movement with imaginary items.

A visual tool that is often used in movement is the chair. Folding chairs are transportable and lightweight, and can be embellished with chair covers or decor for a more regal appearance. Chairs or stools can be used for sitting, offering a seat to someone else, or for diversity in levels of the dance. In pageantry, the use of a throne or ornate chair can inspire a sense of awe and worship unto the Lord. These furnishings are often less mobile and more challenging to move from place to place.

Furniture can be used creatively as choreographic partners in ministry. It is important to exercise saftey, practice often, and get a good grasp of the Biblical foundation for the use of the seat in motion. Simply using visual ministry enhancements for the sake of using them is not worship in truth. Let us continue to get an understanding concerning all that we do so that we are precise messengers of the Word.

Job 36:7 (NKJV)
He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous; But they are on the throne with kings, for He has seated them forever, and they are exalted.

Psalm 47:8 (NKJV)
God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.

Psalm 139:2 (NKJV)
You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.

Daniel 7:9 (NKJV)
[Vision of the Ancient of Days] “I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire;

2 Corinthians 5:10 (NKJV)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

From Sea to Shining Sea

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. When we allow the Lord to reveal to us the vastness of His presence, then we will be at liberty to dance whenever he unctions us to move our feet. The church platform should not be the coveted spot to dance. When we can dance in marketplaces, public locations, and wide-open spaces, then we are walking in true authority.

If we are truly "ministers of dance," then we will walk in our calling whenever the Lord has need of us. This will mean that we must always be prepared to minister. While we may not wear praise garments each and every time we gather for worship, the clothing that we wear should be suitable to dance in if needed. Being ready in and out of season will always mean that we stand prepared for our assignments.

Though we may be peculiar people, I am not advocating that we appear as crazed lunatics in public. We must never limit the possibilities of the workings of God. Jesus performed miracles in the streets and public places. He likened himself to living water. When we find ourselves visiting dry places, because He lives in us, that refreshing can affect those who witness us in motion. If we are truly His followers, then we should do as He did.

Deuteronomy 11:24 (NKJV)
Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the River Euphrates, even to the Western Sea, shall be your territory.

Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV)
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Ezekiel 47:9 (NKJV)
And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes.

Matthew 14:29 (NKJV)
So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

Be inspired by this video that demonstrate the liberty to dance wherever we find our feet.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Unleash the Whirlwind

When we have a firm grasp on Biblical content, the Lord will be able to speak to us in a way beyond human comprehension. Although we may not all be "scripture scholars," the more we study the Word, the more we will be familiar with the voice of the Lord. As we read, we will discover that the Word is full of visual imagery. As we continue functioning as "doers of the Word," we can use some creative tools to demonstrate the Scriptures through movement.

Let's take a look at the whirlwind, for instance. In the Bible, a whirlwind can signify the presence of the Lord, the fury of the Lord, and also serve as heavenly transportation. David the dancer was seen whirling and leaping before the Lord, accompanying what was symbolic of the Presence of the Lord. How can we demonstrate this concept through movement?

Through the use of fabrics and creativity, combined with Divine instruction, we can construct flags or overlays to wear that would symbolize a type of whirwind. Depending upon the color used, we could show deep meaning concerning the move of God in Scripture. As dancers, we can whirl with our own bodies to celebrate the great procession of our Lord. With fabrics or flags, we can show the spectacular ascension heavenward using white or iridescent colors.

A whirlwind used in dance can also represent the voice of the Lord. When we present warfare pieces, rich reds and awesome metallics can be used to signify the destruction of the enemy as the Lord tramples His foes under His feet! We are not limited to the lists of colors that we may have seen in books or on the internet. We must let the Lord lead. When we do, it will always line up with His Word. Oh that we would hide the Word of the Lord in our hearts! As movement ministers continue to get an understanding of what we do, His creative and awesome power will manifest on earth through us.

2 Samuel 6:16 (NKJV)
Now as the ark of the LORD came into the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

2 Kings 2:11 (NKJV)
Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Psalm 77:18 (NKJV)
The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; The lightnings lit up the world; The earth trembled and shook.

Jeremiah 30:23 (NKJV)
Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD Goes forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind; It will fall violently on the head of the wicked

Nahum 1:3 (NKJV)
The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. The LORD has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.

Zechariah 9:14 (NKJV)
Then the LORD will be seen over them, and His arrow will go forth like lightning. The Lord GOD will blow the trumpet, and go with whirlwinds from the south.