Showing posts with label Temple Maintenance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Temple Maintenance. Show all posts

Monday, November 10, 2008

Give Me a Break!

It seems that we have become more immersed in church events than in ministry. While ministry activities are nice and provide fellowship, if we are becoming weary and overwhelmed with impossible itineraries, we must stop and review the Kingdom commission. Dancers used to complain about serving as "Christmas, Mother's Day, and Easter" additions to the program. Now the complaint is that dancers are expected to dance for every worship service, anniversary, prayer breakfast, church outing, birthday celebration, special auxiliary event, and so on.

Leaders should be especially cautious of overworking dance ministry members to the breaking point. Different dancers have different life situations. A single dancer may have more availability than married ones. Those with children may have less extracuricular time than dancers without dependents. A balance should be reached so that good stewardship is maintained both at home and in the church. If there is a need for additional help, dance ministry supporters may be needed to fill in the gap during crunch times.

As dancers, it is also our responsibility to know when to accept an assignment and when to say no. Zeal often entices us to agree to more tasks than we can effectively accomplish. When we falter or miss a deadline, we may be perceived as undependable and untrustworthy, even though our motive may have been to help. If we do not exercise wisdom regarding our committments, we may find ourselves suffering mentally, physically, and spiritually. In order to maintain peace and ministry health, we must all do our part to wholly dedicate ourselves to the Lord.

Nehemiah 4:10 (NKJV)
Then Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is failing, and there is so much rubbish that we are not able to build the wall.”

1 Samuel 30:10 (NKJV)
But David pursued, he and four hundred men; for two hundred stayed behind, who were so weary that they could not cross the Brook Besor.

Isaiah 50:4 (NKJV)
“The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to hear as the learned.

Matthew 9:36 (NKJV)
But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Wings and Things

Hollywood would have us believe that all angels wear glowing white garments and have enormous feathered wings. Some paintings depict angel children and men and women with flowing hair, halos, and cheerful faces. Many dance and movement ministries have adopted this same ideology and some have included the word "angel" in the ministry name. We must always be careful to properly apply the Word of God, especially in the visual sense.

Many of the Lord's creations have wings, including birds and cherubim. Even the Lord Himself is described at times as having wings. When we continually present the image of angels in white with fluttering wings, we have not confirmed the Bible on the matter. Actually, angels in the scriptures are not described as winged. Some angels wore white, some were accompanied by bright light, some appeared in dreams, and some appeared as mortal men. The biblical description of angels is specific and many times invoked fear in the hearts of those they encountered. What a sight it must have been to behold such a creation! There were also times that people were not aware until later that an angel had been among them.

Angels serve as messengers of God. Movement ministers also serve as messengers of the gospel through the use of scripture, visual imagery, and relative motion. We cannot be ignorant or inaccurate when portraying the living Word. Angels are not to be revered as more holy and sacred than our Lord. When we pray and seek the Lord in order to bring glory to His name, He will open our eyes and reveal His truth to us.

Judges 6:22 (NKJV)
Now Gideon perceived that He was the Angel of the LORD. So Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord GOD! For I have seen the Angel of the LORD face to face.”

1 Chronicles 21:30 (NKJV)
But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD.

John 20:12 (NKJV)
And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

2 Corinthians 11:14 (NKJV)
And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.

Hebrews 13:2 (NKJV)
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Bed and Breakfast

We must take care of our bodies if we are going to use them for His glory. When we are constantly bombarded with activities, rest and nutrition may not be at the forefront of our minds. Even if we do not perform regular care and maintenance for a machine, it will break down. Maintaining our temples should be a daily priority. We should take extra precautions when we are under intense pressure or experience busy seasons.

In the hoopla of exciting conferences and events, we may not give the body the attention it needs to function properly. Lack of sufficient sleep may result in fatigue, puffy eyes, short attention spans, and bad attitudes. Skipping meals may result in fainting, weakened immune systems, and general weariness. Rest and food are important elements for the movement minister. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and healthy snacks help to keep our energy levels where they need to be.

We should not fast for the purpose of losing weight to look good. Vanity in the movement ministry is not diffucult to succumb to. We must serve in the ministry with the right heart. When our bodies are crying out for rest, we must exercise good judgment. We place the lives of ourselves and others in danger if we have to drive after a ministry event and are sleepy. The Lord endorses both rest and eating and promises to provide them for us Himself.

Psalm 4:8 (NKJV)
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Proverbs 3:24 (NKJV)
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (NKJV)
I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.

Isaiah 55:2 (NKJV)
Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance.

Ezekiel 34:14-15 (NKJV)
I will feed them in good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel. There they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down,” says the Lord GOD.

Matthew 15:32 (NKJV)
Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.”

Monday, August 25, 2008

Watch Your Back!

Often we look at scriptures concerning hands and feet when studying movement in the Word. It takes the whole body functioning together for the dancer to be most effective. One of the most important parts of our bodies that is used in movement is the back. Without a flexible, painless spine and healthy back muscles, we would be rendered motionless.

It is important that we do all we can to stay in the best physical condition. Caring for the back includes proper stretching and limiting the amount of physical wear and tear put on it from lifting heavy objects and bending improperly. Sometimes we try to put blame on the enemy for physical ailments and injuries, but some of our trauma comes from lack of wisdom in using our bodies.

Spiritually, the back is a sort of "blind spot" in that our rear vision is limited. If we find ourselves in a state of sin as believers, it is known as "backsliding." A modern-day term for someone who cares sincerely about our best interests is known as "having our back." The Lord is our greatest Protector. We must do our part by exercising sound judgment when moving, so that we do not have to "back down" when we need to step up.

Psalm 129:3 (NKJV)
The plowers plowed on my back; They made their furrows long.”

Proverbs 10:13 (NKJV)
Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.

Jeremiah 32:33 (NKJV)
And they have turned to Me the back, and not the face; though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not listened to receive instruction.

Romans 11:10 (NKJV)
Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see, and bow down their back always.”

Friday, August 22, 2008

Foot Patrol

We may allow ourselves to forget that the Lord cares for our bodies as well as our souls. Having bodies that are the Lord's temple means that the Lord uses our bodies for His glory. Even though there may be times that we experience illness or other physical challenges, the Lord watches over us and wants us to prosper, even in health.

Making an effort to care for our feet will allow us longevity in dance. Proper stretching and foot care will prevent injuries and limit pain. It not a requirement to get pedicures, but if our feet are visible to others, it is a good practice to limit the potential for offense. We should at least keep them clean and odor free for the benefit of all. Our feet are the bases on which we stand in the natural. We will be rewarded for walking upright before Him.

It would be difficult to dance without our feet, though not impossible. Because the location of our feet are significant scripturally concerning the choices that we make, we must be careful who we follow, where we go, and where we choose to abide. When we walk according to the pathway laid out by the Lord, He Himself will watch over our feet.

Joshua 14:9 (NKJV)
So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.’

1 Samuel 2:9 (NKJV)
He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. “For by strength no man shall prevail."

Isaiah 60:13-14 (NKJV)
“The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the cypress, the pine, and the box tree together, to beautify the place of My sanctuary; And I will make the place of My feet glorious. Also the sons of those who afflicted you shall come bowing to you, and all those who despised you shall fall prostrate at the soles of your feet; And they shall call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Proverbs 3:26 (NKJV)
For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Let's Get Physical!

It is important to have a spiritual foundation in movement ministry. It is often quoted that we cannot be "So spiritual that we are no earthly good." Some dancers focus solely on the spiritual aspects of ministry, but forget about the physical portions of it. We must find a balance between the two.

Failing to care for ourselves will reduce our effectiveness as movement ministers. Lack of sleep, poor eating habits, and unrealistic schedules will cause harm to us both physically and spiritually. Our love for the Lord should compel us to nurture the bodies that He blessed us with. Proper stretching and positioning will aid in keeping our joints supple and develop instruments that are finely tuned for the Lord's use.

What we eat will also contribute to the functionality of our bodies. When we gain too much weight, we place undue strain on our backs, legs, and feet, which are essential to what we do. When we do not get the right nutrients, our bones may become fragile and susceptible to injury. Swollen feet and painful knees will only become excuses as to why we are unable to dance.

To be used at optimal levels, we must gain a foothold on our health. When we submit to the Lord, He will guide us at to what is required for our individual bodies. Maintaining good habits now will give us longevity in ministry and greater ease in performing our service unto the Lord.

2 Chronicles 15:7 (NKJV)
But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!”

Nehemiah 6:9 (NKJV)
For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

1 Corinthians 15:44-46 (NKJV)
It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.

3 John 1:2 (NKJV)
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Homecoming King

When we waste time procrastinating, making excuses, and putting off what we know that we are supposed to do, then we are behaving foolishly. The time for the Great Coronation is coming, and we must stay ready for when He returns. In movment ministry, rehearsals prepare us for when we have to step forward and be doers of His Word. In the bigger picture, our lives must be a rehearsal to prepare us for His return.

The discipline of dance takes place long before we gather for rehearsals. Proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, and regular exercise make us ready for when we come together in dance. If we wait until the last minute to gather choreography and direction for the ministry, then we may find ourselves focusing more on our own faults than on the Lord. If we do not train our bodies for service, we become prime targets for injuries and may be unable to deliver an entire piece with power. We do not want to "fall out" due to shortness of breath.

Let us repent for any areas of neglect concerning our temples, and stand ready for the Lord's entrance. We are getting ready for that Great Day! Let us dance with expectation that He may enter in at any moment. If we dance as though He will return to us today, then we will never take our moments of public and private expression to Him for granted. Let us make ready for the King to come!

Ezekiel 38:7 (NKJV)
Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered about you; and be a guard for them.

Luke 19:5 (NKJV)
And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”

Matthew 24:44 (NKJV)
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Revelation 19:7 (NKJV)
Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Sit at the Master's Table

How we maintain our bodies is important, not only for our well-being, but for us to be unhindered when we minister through dance. We want to be at our greatest level of energy and health when we go forth, both naturally and spiritually. Drinking water and adopting a regular habit of eating fruits and vegetables, proteins, and lean meats will not only promote good health in us, but will also make us look better in the process.

Because many things will try to work against us when we are serious about Kingdom movement, we must pay attention to what we eat (or do not eat) right before we dance. Some people choose to fast, others choose to avoid junk foods, and others will eat whatever they choose. It all comes down to what the Lord has instructed you to do, and not what everyone else thinks. I make it a regular practice not to drink too much water right before I dance for obvious reasons.

The Lord prepares a table for us, even in the presence of our enemies. We must be careful to select that which the Lord has provided for us. In the book of Daniel, he requested not to eat the delicacies from the King's table, but to eat vegetables and water to show the sustaining power of God. We also have a choice today to partake in the Lord's goodness. When we maintain our temples, then we can minister more effectively to the benefit of the Kingdom.

Ecclesiastes 2:24 (NKJV)
"Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God."

Romans 14:17 (NKJV)
"For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)
"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Feet Don't Fail Me Now...

The feet are very important symbolically in the Scriptures. The placement of our feet denote possession of territory. The washing of feet is an act of humility and servanthood. Bare feet represent being in the presence of the Lord. Covered feet are akin to the gospel of peace.

We use our feet in the movement ministries to support our bodies. Having our feet planted on a firm Foundation (Christ Jesus) will allow us to be able to stand through the ups and downs of ministry. Be very aware of the placement and authority of your feet. Walk worthy of your calling.

Knowing this, we must protect our feet. There are many times before ministry that I have stepped on glass, stubbed my toe, or sustained other foot injuries. The enemy wanted to distract me or make me give up, but to no avail.

We must be diligent in taking care of our feet. Pedicures and foot maintenance will help us to maintain beautiful feet. Well-made shoes will help prevent corns and callouses. A little care goes a long way.

Romans 10:15 (NKJV)
And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “ How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”