As many of you know, I have been blessed to publish my first book, Company Keepers: Dance Ministry Daily. This blog was the launching point for that book and many more to come. Obeying God is crucial! While writing daily on 365 different subjects, I was challenged, stretched, and strengthened. Out of that experience, I am blessed to assist others with the mandate to write the vision.
On Saturday, Novemeber 6th, I will be hosting a Book Writing and Publishing Seminar entitled, "Get Write, Church!" All aspiring, current, and established authors and publishers are encouraged to attend this intensive course. I will assist you in removing the frustration of figuring out what comes next and provide you with solid, current steps to get your book published professionally, while remaining financially viable. If you have been waiting to publish "that book" this is your opportunity to get it to the press!
Registration is now open! Early Registration is available until October 1st, and then the cost will increase. Space is limited to the first 35 registrants-- Don't delay, register today!
All sessions will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn- Las Vegas Strip South. Registration materials, reference manual, and lunch will be included! As a bonus, a panel of industry experts will be on hand to assist you and an optional Writer's Workshop will be conducted after the session for feedback on your current writing projects. If you are serious about becoming a published author, make plans to join us in Las Vegas!
REGISTER HERE: http://getwritechurch.eventbrite.com
See you in Fabulous Las Vegas Saturday, November 6th!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Rekesha Pittman's Radio Interview July 19th!
There is a growing trend of praise dance in the church and community as a viable expression of joy for people of all ages, sizes, and abilities. After dancing, teaching and training praise dancers for many years, I was inspired to write a book of practical application and guidance, Company Keepers: Dance Ministry Daily.
Join me when I’m interviewed by Flora Brown this Monday, July 19, 2010 at 11AM PST on www.blogtalkradio.com/florabrown on the topic “Color Your Life Happy: Dance on a Daily Basis!” I will share how this amazing form of worship has added happiness to many lives and organizations and discuss the highlights of my book.
To participate in the show live, call in at 11AM PST on Monday, July 19, 2010 to 347-539-5700 or sign in at www.blogtalkradio.com/florabrown where you will be able to ask questions, comment, or just enjoy the show.
All shows are recorded, so if you are unable to listen live, you may listen later or download the show at the show page, www.blogtalkradio.com/florabrown under On Demand Episodes.
I look forward to having you join us. You’ll be glad you did.
In Him,
Rekesha Pittman
Author, Company Keepers: Dance Ministry Daily
www.reignaissance.com
Join me when I’m interviewed by Flora Brown this Monday, July 19, 2010 at 11AM PST on www.blogtalkradio.com/florabrown on the topic “Color Your Life Happy: Dance on a Daily Basis!” I will share how this amazing form of worship has added happiness to many lives and organizations and discuss the highlights of my book.
To participate in the show live, call in at 11AM PST on Monday, July 19, 2010 to 347-539-5700 or sign in at www.blogtalkradio.com/florabrown where you will be able to ask questions, comment, or just enjoy the show.
All shows are recorded, so if you are unable to listen live, you may listen later or download the show at the show page, www.blogtalkradio.com/florabrown under On Demand Episodes.
I look forward to having you join us. You’ll be glad you did.
In Him,
Rekesha Pittman
Author, Company Keepers: Dance Ministry Daily
www.reignaissance.com
Friday, June 25, 2010
Also Known As...
We are fooling ourselves if we think that people are not observing our lives beyond the platform. Many dancers don glorious garments, display perfectly coiffed hairstyles, and have rehearsed the answers in advance in response to praise received from those who witness the dances ("Well, bless the Lord!" "No, don't thank me, thank God!" --While inwardly relishing in the comments made to them about anointing and skilled technical execution and repeating them to all who will listen...). Away from the spotlight, who are we, really?
There will always be critics. The Word declares that we are blessed when persecuted for the sake of righteousness. What if the things being said about us are true? Are we also known as money-hungry? Mean-spirited? Difficult to work with? Unfaithful? Argumentative? Controlling? Manipulative? Divisive? Selfish? While none of us may want to confess to these areas of weakness, if we keep hearing people say the same things about our character over and over again, we need an emergency appointment with God so that he is able to give us a much needed transplant.
Our good works should be known by those we work with, as well as to our surrounding friends, families, and communities. We cannot be consumed with defending ourselves against those who persecute us without cause. Any character flaw that is not submitted to the Lord's correction will affect our ministries in the long run. As much as it is possible, we should seek to have a good name as a byproduct of living lives submitted to the Lord. A well-crafted advertising campaign is not what makes a great name. Let's aim to serve the Lord both in word and deed.
(New King James Bible Version)
Proverbs 22:1
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.
Ecclesiastes 7:1
[The Value of Practical Wisdom] A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one’s birth
Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Titus 1:16
They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.
There will always be critics. The Word declares that we are blessed when persecuted for the sake of righteousness. What if the things being said about us are true? Are we also known as money-hungry? Mean-spirited? Difficult to work with? Unfaithful? Argumentative? Controlling? Manipulative? Divisive? Selfish? While none of us may want to confess to these areas of weakness, if we keep hearing people say the same things about our character over and over again, we need an emergency appointment with God so that he is able to give us a much needed transplant.
Our good works should be known by those we work with, as well as to our surrounding friends, families, and communities. We cannot be consumed with defending ourselves against those who persecute us without cause. Any character flaw that is not submitted to the Lord's correction will affect our ministries in the long run. As much as it is possible, we should seek to have a good name as a byproduct of living lives submitted to the Lord. A well-crafted advertising campaign is not what makes a great name. Let's aim to serve the Lord both in word and deed.
(New King James Bible Version)
Proverbs 22:1
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.
Ecclesiastes 7:1
[The Value of Practical Wisdom] A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one’s birth
Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Titus 1:16
They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
GPS: God's Positioning System
Today, most modern cell phones and vehicles are equipped with GPS. The idea is that you will never be lost because you have step-by-step instructions on how to get to your destination. We can choose not to follow the prescribed instructions with the possibility of losing our way. GPS systems are not infallible; however, as they cannot anticipate changes in the road, detours, accidents, or other unexpected delays. God is not like that, He knows where we are going, how to get us there, and what is to come along the road.
Since God's Positioning System is best, why is it that so many in movement ministry are striving to compete, compare, and contend with one another? Many dancers are looking at websites of others and trying to "top" what they see. Others attend conferences and events and instead of being inspired, become envious and attempt to create the next "big thing" in dance ministry. Many more look at merchandising, clothing, books, seminars, and speaking engagements as a way to build a larger marketing base and make a quick buck. While the Lord gives us witty inventions, if we are only producing product to make the largest profit, but are not making a Godly impact on lives, who really benefits?
Beyond the spotlight, rivalries in dance ministry begin in the simplest form. One desires the dance ability of a fellow minister. Another feels skilled enough to choreograph pieces, but had not sought the power of the anointing in their lives. People follow leaders who they curse instead of bless, but hang on for the benefits and perks. Moments of disagreement become fractures in the Body when rumors are spread and speculation runs rampant via telephone, email, text, and social networking. Meetings to discuss the shortcomings of leadership develop into plans to overthrow the leader in rebellion. Division pits organizations against each other and breeds cultish behavior among dance ministry followers.
Inwardly, dancers begin to desire to be "the best," and "the most anointed," or "the expert," boasting as "the most requested," as several in the ministry clamor for positions of power. In the name of "Jesus," people invite themselves to events and demand to have their images placed on conference marquees. Trying to find common ground, others will lobby to convince others that Kingdom is about working together with them as they hold a special access code to our destinies.
When we sincerely serve the Lord with a pure heart, obey His Word, and give Him our very best, He will show us where we are to be positioned. Just as we learn to position ourselves through technical training to build strength, proper posture, and alignment, the Lord will position us successfully to prevent injury, correct us when needed, and point us in the right direction.
(New King James Version)
Job 34:24-25
He breaks in pieces mighty men without inquiry, and sets others in their place. Therefore He knows their works; He overthrows them in the night, and they are crushed.
Psalm 62:4
They only consult to cast him down from his high position; they delight in lies; they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly.
Psalm 75:7
But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.
Daniel 4:25
They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.
James 4:1-3
Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
Since God's Positioning System is best, why is it that so many in movement ministry are striving to compete, compare, and contend with one another? Many dancers are looking at websites of others and trying to "top" what they see. Others attend conferences and events and instead of being inspired, become envious and attempt to create the next "big thing" in dance ministry. Many more look at merchandising, clothing, books, seminars, and speaking engagements as a way to build a larger marketing base and make a quick buck. While the Lord gives us witty inventions, if we are only producing product to make the largest profit, but are not making a Godly impact on lives, who really benefits?
Beyond the spotlight, rivalries in dance ministry begin in the simplest form. One desires the dance ability of a fellow minister. Another feels skilled enough to choreograph pieces, but had not sought the power of the anointing in their lives. People follow leaders who they curse instead of bless, but hang on for the benefits and perks. Moments of disagreement become fractures in the Body when rumors are spread and speculation runs rampant via telephone, email, text, and social networking. Meetings to discuss the shortcomings of leadership develop into plans to overthrow the leader in rebellion. Division pits organizations against each other and breeds cultish behavior among dance ministry followers.
Inwardly, dancers begin to desire to be "the best," and "the most anointed," or "the expert," boasting as "the most requested," as several in the ministry clamor for positions of power. In the name of "Jesus," people invite themselves to events and demand to have their images placed on conference marquees. Trying to find common ground, others will lobby to convince others that Kingdom is about working together with them as they hold a special access code to our destinies.
When we sincerely serve the Lord with a pure heart, obey His Word, and give Him our very best, He will show us where we are to be positioned. Just as we learn to position ourselves through technical training to build strength, proper posture, and alignment, the Lord will position us successfully to prevent injury, correct us when needed, and point us in the right direction.
(New King James Version)
Job 34:24-25
He breaks in pieces mighty men without inquiry, and sets others in their place. Therefore He knows their works; He overthrows them in the night, and they are crushed.
Psalm 62:4
They only consult to cast him down from his high position; they delight in lies; they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly.
Psalm 75:7
But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.
Daniel 4:25
They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.
James 4:1-3
Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Going Through the Motions
Even though I have experienced people "borrowing" God-breathed dances many times, I am still not over the fact that praise dancers feel as though it is acceptable to blatantly copy one another. God is THE Creator. We are made in His image and likeness, which means that we each have creative ability within us. When we do not allow the likeness of God to operate in us, we have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof.
Simply doing what others have done does not make us effective. Jesus said that we would do greater works than He did. There are pre-qualifiers for proficiency in certain areas of ministry. For example, Simon the Sorcerer became a believer, but thought that he could offer money to operate in the power of the Holy Spirit as witnessed through the apostles. Purchasing prophetic flags, props, an ark of the covenant, streamers, billows, tambourines, and garments does not endow us with the power of the Holy Ghost.
Desiring to get the results of others through dances that we have seen and embrace as our own can also be dangerous, especially when doing it under false pretenses. The Sons of Sceva saw the power with which Paul operated and decided that if Paul could do it, so could they. "Going through the motions" without seeking the Lord can be detrimental to our lives and ministries. The Scripture notes that unusual miracles were worked by God at the hands of Paul. How many dancers see unusual manifestations of the Spirit and then decide to mimic what they saw in an attempt to reproduce the effect? Lord, have mercy! Let us not operate outside of the assignment that the Lord has given us.
Many would argue that the dance is not ours. Several will say that as long as God is glorifed, it should not matter if we copy dances from YouTube, Facebook, or those we see in person. The same people will argue that movement is a ministry. If dance is not merely an activity, but a viable way to minister the Word of God, then the same principles of ministry apply to us as well. We cannot make up special rules and exceptions to justify those who are not willing to consult with the Lord. Though we cannot judge the intents of the hearts of men, the truth is that good intentions can never replace God's intention.
(New King James Version)
Acts 8:18-23
And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”
Acts 19:11-17
Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
Simply doing what others have done does not make us effective. Jesus said that we would do greater works than He did. There are pre-qualifiers for proficiency in certain areas of ministry. For example, Simon the Sorcerer became a believer, but thought that he could offer money to operate in the power of the Holy Spirit as witnessed through the apostles. Purchasing prophetic flags, props, an ark of the covenant, streamers, billows, tambourines, and garments does not endow us with the power of the Holy Ghost.
Desiring to get the results of others through dances that we have seen and embrace as our own can also be dangerous, especially when doing it under false pretenses. The Sons of Sceva saw the power with which Paul operated and decided that if Paul could do it, so could they. "Going through the motions" without seeking the Lord can be detrimental to our lives and ministries. The Scripture notes that unusual miracles were worked by God at the hands of Paul. How many dancers see unusual manifestations of the Spirit and then decide to mimic what they saw in an attempt to reproduce the effect? Lord, have mercy! Let us not operate outside of the assignment that the Lord has given us.
Many would argue that the dance is not ours. Several will say that as long as God is glorifed, it should not matter if we copy dances from YouTube, Facebook, or those we see in person. The same people will argue that movement is a ministry. If dance is not merely an activity, but a viable way to minister the Word of God, then the same principles of ministry apply to us as well. We cannot make up special rules and exceptions to justify those who are not willing to consult with the Lord. Though we cannot judge the intents of the hearts of men, the truth is that good intentions can never replace God's intention.
(New King James Version)
Acts 8:18-23
And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”
Acts 19:11-17
Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Unfollow the Leader
We have to be careful when we make decisions based on what looks popular. A current social networking site encourages us to "follow" and have "followers." What are the underlying implications of this in life and ministry?
In the ministry of movement, many of our woes are a result of people following what they see, instead of asking the Lord what to do. Garment controversy is largely related to the "follower" mindset ("Every one else is wearing it..."). Predictable movements are birthed out of a "watch and repeat" mentality (many similar movements seen among praise dancers for "heart," "love," "Jesus," "time," etc...). Countless people join organizations, ministries and churches based on where the crowd may be gathering. We cannot be led by outward appearances.
We must be especially careful when we join ourselves to certain leaders. The decision to connect or walk in covenant agreement with someone else can result in a blessing or utter destruction. Deciding to submit to a leader based on peer pressure ("I'm doing it, and so should you!"), perceived benefits ("Get your ministry license/ordination..." "Special doors will be unlocked for you..."), or popularity ("My leader is a published author..." "Our conferences are the largest...," "My mentor is on television...") can result in disaster if we are not following the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes, we decide to hook up with leadership without realizing that our choice is based on personal gain. Many dance ministers may feel as though aligning with a particular leader may give them more credibility, provide bigger platforms, and give access to a larger network of dancers to build associates. While this can actually be a byproduct of great relationships, entering into fellowship with people based on selfish motives reveals the true condition of our hearts.
Let us decide to follow God. Relationships that God joins together produce fruit and bring glory to His name. Praying and seeking the Lord for discernment will allow us to see who to join and who to avoid. It is indeed better to obey God rather than men.
(New King James Bible Version)
2 Chronicles 20:35-37
After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah allied himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted very wickedly. And he allied himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, and they made the ships in Ezion Geber. But Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” Then the ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
Acts 5:36-39
For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
2 Peter 2:1-3
But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.
In the ministry of movement, many of our woes are a result of people following what they see, instead of asking the Lord what to do. Garment controversy is largely related to the "follower" mindset ("Every one else is wearing it..."). Predictable movements are birthed out of a "watch and repeat" mentality (many similar movements seen among praise dancers for "heart," "love," "Jesus," "time," etc...). Countless people join organizations, ministries and churches based on where the crowd may be gathering. We cannot be led by outward appearances.
We must be especially careful when we join ourselves to certain leaders. The decision to connect or walk in covenant agreement with someone else can result in a blessing or utter destruction. Deciding to submit to a leader based on peer pressure ("I'm doing it, and so should you!"), perceived benefits ("Get your ministry license/ordination..." "Special doors will be unlocked for you..."), or popularity ("My leader is a published author..." "Our conferences are the largest...," "My mentor is on television...") can result in disaster if we are not following the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes, we decide to hook up with leadership without realizing that our choice is based on personal gain. Many dance ministers may feel as though aligning with a particular leader may give them more credibility, provide bigger platforms, and give access to a larger network of dancers to build associates. While this can actually be a byproduct of great relationships, entering into fellowship with people based on selfish motives reveals the true condition of our hearts.
Let us decide to follow God. Relationships that God joins together produce fruit and bring glory to His name. Praying and seeking the Lord for discernment will allow us to see who to join and who to avoid. It is indeed better to obey God rather than men.
(New King James Bible Version)
2 Chronicles 20:35-37
After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah allied himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted very wickedly. And he allied himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, and they made the ships in Ezion Geber. But Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” Then the ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
Acts 5:36-39
For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
2 Peter 2:1-3
But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Who's Buying? Who's Flying?
Jesus paid the ultimate price for us to move freely in Him. In the ministry of movement, dancers who plan conferences, special events, retreats, concerts, etc., may need to fly someone in as a guest. On the other hand, going to conferences and events out of our local areas may mean that we need to make travel arrangements ourselves in order to get there. As I was preparing for an upcoming event, I realized the benefit of receiving the price paid on behalf of another.
Searching for airline tickets can be a challenge for many reasons. The following tips will help us make the process easier:
Schedules
If you are purchasing a ticket for a guest, it is a good idea to consider the travel schedule. We may cause the traveler unnecessary stress by booking tickets with layovers that last several hours, do not provide enough time to transfer to a connecting flight, or involves multiple stops before reaching the final destination. If you've ever been in these situations, you may be able to identify with the need for extra prayer along the way.
Also, some travelers may need to arrive after a certain time or fly out early to honor previous commitments to work, ministry, or family. We should ask for these requests in advance and be able to collect this information in writing. When we purchase tickets early, not only will they most likely be cheaper, the best schedule will also be more practical to book.
If it is possible, we should not make our decisions simply based on what benefits our pockets the most. In the best of circumstances, direct flights are preferred. Unless the financial difference is major, blessing our guests with the least stressful journey will be appreciated and remembered.
Carrier
Some airline carriers charge baggage fees, others do not. While many guests may not require us to pay for baggage fees, it's nice to not spend the price of a plane ticket getting the bags to and from the destination. When we are flying, we may decide to "travel light" based on baggage fees. I personally remember one trip where I has to pay over $100.00 in baggage fees alone because I was also vending at a conference! Unless the profit margin is phenomenal, this may not be good for business...
Rewards
Praise God for rewards! Because someone else paid a price for a ticket, I have been able to reap the benefits. For example:
Free Flights: Many airlines reward frequent fliers with round-trip airfare after meeting so many miles or flight segments. In most cases, the person who earned the flight can give his or her reward to someone else! I have been able to fly for free or at a very minimal fee because someone decided to bless me with their miles or free trip ticket. I have saved LOTS of dollars not only for myself, but for ministry guests using this benefit. (Please Note: This is not the same as a "Buddy Pass" which often means that there is no guaranteed seating or schedule consideration. Let's not make things worse if we can avoid them.) Using the rewards system means a guaranteed seat and schedule.
Paid in Full
It is a blessing when someone is able to pay for a ticket to fly us to a ministry event! Even though the passenger benefits, the passenger does not necessarily have to be the one to pay for the journey. The "buyer" and the "flyer" do not have to be one and the same. The bonus is that the "buyer" does not get to claim the miles toward travel rewards, but the "flyer" does! How wonderful it is to experience the grace of God! Even though the flyer may not have had to provide the finances for the journey, it is still acceptable to earn credit for the flight.
Many times, the "price" paid for those invited to minister is a spiritual one. At the same time, we must not take advantage of the good will of others by then demanding first class seating, luxury vehicle transportation, and 5-Star accommodations. Some may have encountered less than ideal circumstances along the way that make this entitlement seem like a requirement. We must search our hearts and motives. There are people in the world who are suffering, sleep in huts, and walk by foot to every destination. We must be thankful for those who are able to provide for the laborers wages, but we must also be obedient to the assignment given to us, even if it means we must be responsible for the journey ourselves. Take flight!
(New King James Bible Version)
John 4:37
For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’
1 Corinthians 9:11-12
If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of
2 Corinthians 8:18-21
And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind, avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us— providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
Searching for airline tickets can be a challenge for many reasons. The following tips will help us make the process easier:
Schedules
If you are purchasing a ticket for a guest, it is a good idea to consider the travel schedule. We may cause the traveler unnecessary stress by booking tickets with layovers that last several hours, do not provide enough time to transfer to a connecting flight, or involves multiple stops before reaching the final destination. If you've ever been in these situations, you may be able to identify with the need for extra prayer along the way.
Also, some travelers may need to arrive after a certain time or fly out early to honor previous commitments to work, ministry, or family. We should ask for these requests in advance and be able to collect this information in writing. When we purchase tickets early, not only will they most likely be cheaper, the best schedule will also be more practical to book.
If it is possible, we should not make our decisions simply based on what benefits our pockets the most. In the best of circumstances, direct flights are preferred. Unless the financial difference is major, blessing our guests with the least stressful journey will be appreciated and remembered.
Carrier
Some airline carriers charge baggage fees, others do not. While many guests may not require us to pay for baggage fees, it's nice to not spend the price of a plane ticket getting the bags to and from the destination. When we are flying, we may decide to "travel light" based on baggage fees. I personally remember one trip where I has to pay over $100.00 in baggage fees alone because I was also vending at a conference! Unless the profit margin is phenomenal, this may not be good for business...
Rewards
Praise God for rewards! Because someone else paid a price for a ticket, I have been able to reap the benefits. For example:
Free Flights: Many airlines reward frequent fliers with round-trip airfare after meeting so many miles or flight segments. In most cases, the person who earned the flight can give his or her reward to someone else! I have been able to fly for free or at a very minimal fee because someone decided to bless me with their miles or free trip ticket. I have saved LOTS of dollars not only for myself, but for ministry guests using this benefit. (Please Note: This is not the same as a "Buddy Pass" which often means that there is no guaranteed seating or schedule consideration. Let's not make things worse if we can avoid them.) Using the rewards system means a guaranteed seat and schedule.
Paid in Full
It is a blessing when someone is able to pay for a ticket to fly us to a ministry event! Even though the passenger benefits, the passenger does not necessarily have to be the one to pay for the journey. The "buyer" and the "flyer" do not have to be one and the same. The bonus is that the "buyer" does not get to claim the miles toward travel rewards, but the "flyer" does! How wonderful it is to experience the grace of God! Even though the flyer may not have had to provide the finances for the journey, it is still acceptable to earn credit for the flight.
Many times, the "price" paid for those invited to minister is a spiritual one. At the same time, we must not take advantage of the good will of others by then demanding first class seating, luxury vehicle transportation, and 5-Star accommodations. Some may have encountered less than ideal circumstances along the way that make this entitlement seem like a requirement. We must search our hearts and motives. There are people in the world who are suffering, sleep in huts, and walk by foot to every destination. We must be thankful for those who are able to provide for the laborers wages, but we must also be obedient to the assignment given to us, even if it means we must be responsible for the journey ourselves. Take flight!
(New King James Bible Version)
John 4:37
For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’
1 Corinthians 9:11-12
If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of
2 Corinthians 8:18-21
And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind, avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us— providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)