It is not enough that one or two dancers on a team is powerful. If we dance with a group, we must strive for everyone to be effective and move by the Spirit. It is good and pleasant for us to dwell together in unity! Being on one accord helps to combat pride and competition within ministry groups.
Granted, we are all at different places in our personal relationships with the Lord. When we minister as a group, we stand as one before Him. If just one of us is out of line, then the whole group is compromised. There is beauty in the holiness of worship. We are more effective as dancers when we rely on the Holy Spirit, and not our own abilities.
We only receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon us. Too many are operating in their own giftings. When the flesh is leading, we will struggle with disunity, strife, rebellion, ambitiousness, and mutiny. Our prayers for our movement ministries should include the unity of the brethren and that we walk as one. We cannot accomplish ths without the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:2-4 (NKJV)
With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling
Zephaniah 3:9 (NKJV)
For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, that they all may call on the name of the LORD, to serve Him with one accord.
Philippians 2:2 (NKJV)
Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
1 Corinthians 12:13 (NKJV)
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Write in the Palm of Your Hand
What we do with our hands is important. Our hands can be used to help, or they can be used to hinder. The same hands that worship can become weapons if we are not careful to place them properly. The washing of our hands is akin to purity and righteousness.
It is interesting to note that the Lord has writing on the palm of His hands. If the Lord has clean hands, then those who are inscribed there must be clean as well! Every thought, deed, and action must be done with sincerity of heart. Let us continue to lead lives of righteousness as we step out to minister in movement.
Because we dance and hold worship tools with our hands, we must also literally keep them clean. Unnoticed dirt or liquids can find their way onto our garments, flags, or billows if we are not careful. We must also train our children and congregations to be careful when touching items reserved for ministry. It is not the items themselves that are sacred, it is the God that they represent.
Isaiah 49:16 (NKJV)
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.
Job 17:9 (NKJV)
Yet the righteous will hold to his way, and he who has clean hands will be stronger and stronger.
Psalm 18:20 (NKJV)
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me.
James 4:8 (NKJV)
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
It is interesting to note that the Lord has writing on the palm of His hands. If the Lord has clean hands, then those who are inscribed there must be clean as well! Every thought, deed, and action must be done with sincerity of heart. Let us continue to lead lives of righteousness as we step out to minister in movement.
Because we dance and hold worship tools with our hands, we must also literally keep them clean. Unnoticed dirt or liquids can find their way onto our garments, flags, or billows if we are not careful. We must also train our children and congregations to be careful when touching items reserved for ministry. It is not the items themselves that are sacred, it is the God that they represent.
Isaiah 49:16 (NKJV)
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.
Job 17:9 (NKJV)
Yet the righteous will hold to his way, and he who has clean hands will be stronger and stronger.
Psalm 18:20 (NKJV)
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me.
James 4:8 (NKJV)
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Dare to be Different
We do not have to feel pressured to move like anyone else. Too many ministries base their identities on what has been seen by another group or dancer. When the Lord selects us to minister before Him and His people, He has designed us in such a way that we are all created with care.
If the Lord speaks to you in a way that may seem abstract, allow Him to have His perfect work in you. Do not think it strange or odd when the Lord reveals an idea that has not been witnessed before in our eyes. In turn, we must not immediately dismiss things that we see that are unlike what we do.
When dancers begin to celebrate the vastness of the Lord's creation, then we will be able to fully enjoy the beauty of worship through movement. Learning various styles of worship unto the Lord in movement will also give us more diversity in our pieces. If we cannot appreciate the differences that we have and celebrate them as well, then we will only endorse the things that look like our own. Even the flowers are not all the same. Let us rejoice that we are not all alike!
Romans 12:4 (NKJV)
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function
Romans 12:6 (NKJV)
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith
1 Corinthians 12:5 (NKJV)
There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
Please enjoy this video!
If the Lord speaks to you in a way that may seem abstract, allow Him to have His perfect work in you. Do not think it strange or odd when the Lord reveals an idea that has not been witnessed before in our eyes. In turn, we must not immediately dismiss things that we see that are unlike what we do.
When dancers begin to celebrate the vastness of the Lord's creation, then we will be able to fully enjoy the beauty of worship through movement. Learning various styles of worship unto the Lord in movement will also give us more diversity in our pieces. If we cannot appreciate the differences that we have and celebrate them as well, then we will only endorse the things that look like our own. Even the flowers are not all the same. Let us rejoice that we are not all alike!
Romans 12:4 (NKJV)
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function
Romans 12:6 (NKJV)
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith
1 Corinthians 12:5 (NKJV)
There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
Please enjoy this video!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Spin Control
If we are not careful, we can begin to operate in a way that is controlling to those around us. Many people attempt to do this even with manipulating the Word of God. Those who oppose dance ministry often use personal experience to sway people away from receiving the movement ministries. This can be what is termed "spin control."
Spin Control- Attempt to manipulate public: the attempt to evoke a desired public response by the presentation of biased or select information.
We cannot be guilty of presenting the ministry of dance in a deceptive way either. When we manipulate the Scriptures to fit our viewpoint, we are in violation of God's principles. Though dance ministry is a powerful tool for the Master's use, it is only one part of the Body. We need the spoken word, singers, musicians, supporters, garment makers, hairdressers, car manufacturers, airlines, and much more... to move in our callings.
Focus on what the Lord is saying. Obey what He gives as instructions. Only He is in control of our lives. We have liberty where the Spirit of the Lord is. Whether we spin, turn, leap, pirouette, or stand still in movement ministry, the Lord is the Director of it all.
Deuteronomy 4:2 (NKJV)
You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
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.
1 Chronicles 15:29 (NKJV)
And it happened, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the City of David, that Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David whirling and playing music; and she despised him in her heart.
Spin Control- Attempt to manipulate public: the attempt to evoke a desired public response by the presentation of biased or select information.
We cannot be guilty of presenting the ministry of dance in a deceptive way either. When we manipulate the Scriptures to fit our viewpoint, we are in violation of God's principles. Though dance ministry is a powerful tool for the Master's use, it is only one part of the Body. We need the spoken word, singers, musicians, supporters, garment makers, hairdressers, car manufacturers, airlines, and much more... to move in our callings.
Focus on what the Lord is saying. Obey what He gives as instructions. Only He is in control of our lives. We have liberty where the Spirit of the Lord is. Whether we spin, turn, leap, pirouette, or stand still in movement ministry, the Lord is the Director of it all.
Deuteronomy 4:2 (NKJV)
You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
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.
1 Chronicles 15:29 (NKJV)
And it happened, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the City of David, that Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David whirling and playing music; and she despised him in her heart.
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.
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, June 1, 2008
Ex-Spectation
Sitting back and waiting for "something" to happen is not the order of the day. The time for being passive in the church while the world is dying is without excuse. The Bible instructs us to be "doers" of the Word and not hearers only. It is time to act on what the Lord has been saying to us for far to long. Let us get up and move!
Inactivity and passivity in the church during praise and worship has often been labeled the "spectator spirit." Many who have been drawn to dance ministry may have once been sitting in the pew, watching the ministry of movement. At some point, many dancers has a life-changing experience that moved them from being a spectator to an expectant participant.
If we remain moldable concerning our expressions of adoration unto our Father, the corporate worship experience will receive the mandate to "do" the Word openly. As dancers, it is an awesome sight when the viewer moves from his or her seat, and is inspired to praise the Lord in the dance. If we study the Scriptures, the truth that we gain will become evident in our movement. As we continue to move in Him, He will continue to transplant the hearts of the people to draw them to Him.
Psalm 40:10 (NKJV)
I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great assembly.
Luke 8:47 (NKJV)
Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.
Acts 20:20-21(NKJV)
How I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
James 1:25 (NKJV)
But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
Inactivity and passivity in the church during praise and worship has often been labeled the "spectator spirit." Many who have been drawn to dance ministry may have once been sitting in the pew, watching the ministry of movement. At some point, many dancers has a life-changing experience that moved them from being a spectator to an expectant participant.
If we remain moldable concerning our expressions of adoration unto our Father, the corporate worship experience will receive the mandate to "do" the Word openly. As dancers, it is an awesome sight when the viewer moves from his or her seat, and is inspired to praise the Lord in the dance. If we study the Scriptures, the truth that we gain will become evident in our movement. As we continue to move in Him, He will continue to transplant the hearts of the people to draw them to Him.
Psalm 40:10 (NKJV)
I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great assembly.
Luke 8:47 (NKJV)
Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.
Acts 20:20-21(NKJV)
How I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
James 1:25 (NKJV)
But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
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