Gravity-Hope in 3D

"Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;" Ruth 1:12

I saw Gravity at the IMAX in 3D on Saturday night with millions of other people around the country.  I went because I like Sandra Bullock as an actress, and she didn't disappoint me.  I went because the trailers to the movie looked amazing and I wanted to experience that kiind of creative movie making, indeed historic movie making.  But mostly I went because I thought God might be up to something in this movie; and I was right.

The movie tells of a woman who is lost in her personal life.  She has had calamity in the loss of her four year old daughter.  She is dead inside and life for her has become a series of moves, and tasks, and putting one foot in front of the other.  She has lost her home, because her home was where her daughter resided, and now is no longer.  She is rootless, groundless.  Her entire being rested in who she was as a mother and a care-giver to her child.  When that was taken from her, she lost her identity.  She lost who she was.  She lost hope.

The most poignant line for me in the movie is when her character is the sole survivor of the mission.  Alone in the space capsule with no idea how to navigate, out of fuel, she hits her wall and begins to talk out loud and at one point addresses God and says, "I would pray, but nobody ever taught me how."

This rocked me emotionally for a couple of reasons.  

#1  Here is a grown woman in her 40's, intelligent and yet never had an encounter that would teach her how to pray.

#2  As we move deeper into the film we see that the very act of acknowledging God as our savior means that He is with us.  He is present.

What does all this have to do with Ruth and Naomi you might ask?  Calamity and hope.  Naomi was in calamity, a disastrous situation.  Her men had all been killed and she had two daughters in law to care for.  She needed to find "home."  Bullock's character finds herself in the same distressing situation.  Both women are at what they consider to be the "end of their lives."  Naomi has faith that her God would supply.  Bullock, who does not personally know God, understands that He is there by acknowledging Him.

Here is where I am heading.  Neither woman in disastrous situations were angry or bitter with God.  David Guzik in his commentary on Ruth writes:

" If Naomi was bitter or angry against God, she probably would have gone another way - further from the God of Israel, rather than back to Him. Instead, she showed that she trusted the sovereignty of God, and knew that despite her personal calamities, He is a good God who blesses."

Bullock too understands in her deepest moments that God is real.

The outcomes for both heroines are ones where God is to be praised for His blessings.

Ruth marries Boaz, the wealthy land owner, and Bullock finds gravity.  All the women in these stories are brought out from calamity and blessed!  Naomi is cared for beyond her dreams and Bullock finds hope knowing that she can face all obstacles and not lose who she is.  She, Ruth and Naomi find "home."

When we are untethered and floating in the unknown space of our own lives,  tumbling over and over and yearning for gravity, remember this:

Jeremiah 29:11"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

In our distress, do not blame God nor His people, nor His Church, nor yourself.  Remember that God is a good God and desires for all his people to prosper, if not on this earth, than in heaven.  Does it mean that your outcomes will be what your own imagination has come up with?  No, and yes, and maybe.  We cannot know the mind or workings of God.  We must have faith that He is in control and that HE wants good things for us.

Be blessed bright ones,

Pastor Cat

Worship and Sin

As a worship pastor and one who leads others in worship each week, it is imperative that my life be a living example of Christ.  There can be no "hidden" sin that I keep "just for me."  There is no place I can publicly go where I do not have the potential to be viewed by others.  I live in the fishbowl where all people may watch and judge, admire and desire.  So it is with all of us.  When we proclaim to be a Christian, we are doing two things.  We are acknowledging that Christ died for us and we are acknowledging that He is our Lord...the One we will serve.  For those of us who have grown up on the other side of Christianity in our young lives, this provides some hurdles.  Suppose that you grew up in a home where beer and wine were used to "have fun," "steady nerves," or "numb pain"?  Or suppose that there are fleshly things that have been at the forefront of your mind, such as illegal drugs or pornography (and you may count romance novels in that group).  Suppose that you enjoy conflict?  You like to poke and make fun of others because you were picked on as a child and it somehow "soothes" you.  Suppose you grew up in a negative household where swearing and hitting and fits of anger were part of your every day?  How does your acceptance of Jesus Christ and your desire to call Him Lord deal with your life that was?

Keep this one thing in mind.  Before you were born, He knew you.  He knew you.  He knew the circumstances into how you would be born.  He knew the household that you would grow up in.  He knew all the trials and accomplishments that would form your life.  He began searching for you as soon as you were born!  Think back over your life and the many times you have been confronted with Christ.  There was the Sunday school or VBS in the backyard.  There was the neighbor or friend who was good to you.  There was the Bible that someone gave to you as a child.  There was the first time God touched you through His Word, spoken, sung, danced or painted.  How many times child, has God been there for you?  And how many times child, do we not let go of our before and trust our today?  We should not worry about whether we are in sin or not.  If we do wonder, here are some scriptures to pray over.

 Proverbs 6:16-19.
There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers

Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy;drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.(NIV)

This verse appears again in 1 Corinthians 10:23, with the addition of this idea: "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive." When an activity is not distinctly described as sin in the Bible, we can ask ourselves these questions: "Is this activity beneficial for me or will it become my master? Will participation in this activity be constructive or destructive to my Christian life and witness?" Jack Zavada. AboutChristianity.com

As leaders of worship and as those called by Christ and aligned with Him, we are no longer our own to decide how we should live.  But Christ gives us the answer in His Word.  If you must be cut off from certain people, places or situations that lead to a wrong witness, than do it.  If your eye offends, it is better to pluck it out and throw it away so that the offense is gone and does not contaminate the rest of your body.  

Here is your Hope.  Though you go back to the potter's wheel to be recast and reformed for His glory, and though the consequences of your sin be burned out and refined; know that on the other side the Father waits to see you come forth shining like pure gold.  You can overcome, like the song says - "by the blood of the lamb and the word of His testimony.  Everyone Overcome!!

Today is the beginning of a new week.  It is Monday.  I believe each moment we are born anew.  You brother or sister have that moment today.  Deep down you know the truth and the truth will set you free.  Turn your back on whatever is preying on your flesh and spirit, withhold not one thing from the fire and watch as , from the inside out, God uses You for His glory.

Be blessed bright ones.

Pastor Cat

Is There Anything Between You and Jesus, Even Now?

He said to them, ’This kind [of unclean spirit] can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting’ —Mark 9:29

Too many times as Christians, and as women, we live in spiritual neutral.  I grew up around motor boats.  We had terms for speed.  There was neutral. We sat in the boat,  intentionally not moving and let the waves and wind move our boat as it would.  There was "putting."  We would simply putt along close to the shore admiring the cliffs and wildlife. Finally, there was "full throttle." We flew up the lake, hair blowing, crashing through waves and headed towards the horizon.  Reflecting on the lack of power in ministry and particularly in worship ministry, I wonder as the disciples wondered...."why are we unable to cast out demons?"  The Disciples were asking Jesus why they were unable to have power in their ministry.  The answer, at least partly, appeared to be in the lack of relationship.  Although they were living with Jesus, ministering alongside Him and being taught; their minds were on other things.  So it seems to be with us and the Holy Spirit power in our own ministries.  If we find ourselves in neutral, we must engage the throttle by digging deeper into our spiritual relationship with Him.  More solitude, more prayer, more fasting.  A deep and longing desire to live at Jesus feet and to suffer alongside Him in order to break out and engage the throttle of Holy Spirit power.  If we are putting along....what is it we are admiring?  Is it of this earth or is it of heaven?  As we putt along we are focused on our contentment and the lazy rock of the boat as it crawls along.  It is safe here.  We are far enough from the bank to dodge any potential snares, close enough to admire nature's beauty and slow enough to doze off, if we so desire.  It is a content and relaxing journey, as long as no storms threaten. Here rides the mediocre disciple.  Enjoying the ride, and then wondering why there is no power in their ministry.  Full throttle, Holy Spirit power can be frightening.  Full throttle messes up your hair.  Full throttle bruises and bumps as the boat crashes against the waves.  Full throttle seems dangerous, and fast, and out of control.  This is where God's power resides.  In the full throttle relationship cultivated by solitude, prayer and fasting.  There can be nothing between you and your relationship with Jesus.  No sin.  No desire to motivate others. No desire to control others. No desire for comfort.  No desire to admire. No desire to drift. The question becomes then, is.there anything between you and Jesus even now?

We must be willing to do the thing we least desire to do or be...live in humiliation.  Paul shared,

 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) and what he was referring to were mostly humiliating things. Oswald Chambers.

Am I willing to live full throttle in personal relationship with Him?  Or does the thought of solitude, fasting and a life of prayer throw me into a panic? (Borrowed O.C.)

Beloved, if your prayers are unanswered, if your ministry feels like it is in neutral, or if you are just putting along in contentment; engage your throttle through daily discipline of prayer, fasting and humiliation in personal relationship. 


Be blessed bright ones.

Pastor Cat

Worship & Testimony in the Valley.

 "Abraham was a man of altars, and Jacob would be a man of tents. But Isaac was a man of wells, and he knew God's constant provision. He also knew God could provide in many different ways, not just one." Commentary on Genesis 26.
David Guzik.http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide_Gen/Gen_26.cfm?a=26019

Our worship and our testimony of God working in our lives should never be restricted to our mountain top experiences.  Those times when God gave us breakthrough moments in our Christian life are to be savored as chapters in the novel He has written for us.  There is a sin that we commit when we idolize those peaks and look fondly back trying to bring them forth as a means of sustenance while we are in His valley.  It is not our own striving or efforts which create mountain experiences with God.  He is the One who controls our circumstances and knows the exact rhythm of our days.  Grasping for another mountain top experience through that next worship service, worship conference, worship book or anything other than the complete focus on God in the valley is to be watched and guarded carefully.  There are many many good things to be a part of.  Conferences, books, music, mentors, web sites and the like.  While these are good resources, they do not provide the well of provision that comes from our personal alone time with God.

Valley's are places of rest.  Valley's are places of stillness.  Valley's are places of calm.  The mountains surround a valley and the temptation is to look up and desire to be on the peak in the thin air, alive with the coolness and the breathtaking vistas that mountains provide.  Up there we see what God might have for us.  Up there we see the result of our ministry and we shout in praise for how God has worked in our lives.  In the valley, however, our temptation is not to allow God to lead us to our next mountain top experience, but to look longingly back on the last.

In the Valley, our testimony should be as strong as it is on the mountain.  For here, in this low place, is where God does His work in us for future ministry.  How can God work in a vessel that refuses to be reshaped for His glory?  A vessel that admires itself for what it has become, how beautiful it is, how useful, can never be used for anything other than its current shape.  A vessel that accepts what it has been and allows God to reshape it into something more beautiful through the fire, brokenness and stillness of the valley is sure to come out of that valley more useful and beautiful than ever before.

Do not worry about your road path.  Whether you be mountaintop or valley or somewhere in between.  God knows the peaks that He has planned for you and the timing of those peaks.  Go to the well that rests in the valley God has placed you in and draw in the sweet water of the Holy Spirit.  Allow the heat of the valley to reshape and recast you into the vessel that God has planned for you next.  Allow the stillness of the valley to be the place where God instructs you and explains His vision for you.

Beware of re-creating your mountain top from week to week or session to session.  Submit and be overwhelmed by His Spirit in your journey.  

Be beyond blessed, bright ones.

#Lightleaning.

Pastor Cat

Reconciliation in Corporate Worship

If you . . . remember that your brother has something against you . . . —Matthew 5:23

In my devotions this morning I was lead to Oswald Chambers and the above scripture.  I have been leading Worship for over 15 years now.  During each time, I have found myself in conflict with the unappeasable.  These are the people described below:

1. Unappeasable. This means they can’t come to covenant. If you wrong them, there’s nothing you can ever do to appease their wrath and anger. There are people in the church who are energized by conflict. No matter how many times you meet with them to resolve a dispute, it isn’t going to help matters because the conflict gives them joy.

As I thought about the unappeasables in my lifetime, I look back with regret on how my attention to those ruined my worship.  Rather than being a woman of God and creating service flow out of my confidence and hope and faith and trust that God would mold all the pieces together - I worried about the unappeasables and their demands.  "Not enough hymns, "too flashy - hate the new lighting - this isn't a show!" "So and so has such a great voice - why don't they do more specials?"  "As a worship pastor you need to accept what I can give and be happy with the small amount of time I give to you.  Don't put demands on me."  "I didn't like what you did in a situation and because of that I will never forgive you, but will tear you down until you cannot stand."

Anything like this ever happen to you?  If you are called to lead worship for a congregation and you have the unappeasables and the posers and the creepers biting at your heels, how do you overcome that?

First of all - remember one very important thing.  IT ISN'T ABOUT YOU.  It would not matter who you were.  You could be Jesus Himself and if they didn't like what you had to say or the way you said it - the fight to tear you apart would begin.  I have had pastor's tell me to "build my army."  I hated that.  The thought that I would have to build an army of support to withstand the army of unappeasables was so very disgusting to me.  I would rather walk away than build an army of supporters.  How can an army help the church?  But on the other hand, how can the church continue to encourage and support the unappeasables who will go from person to person, pastor to pastor, thing to thing until they are no longer a part of this world?  It is beyond me why we support this kind of person in the church but fail to support the non believer.  But I digress.

As a worship leader your role is not to focus on the unappeasables.  Because what they desire from you will never ever be enough.  So stop.  Bring them to the altar of God.  Pray for them daily. Take the situation to your pastor and staff and make them aware of your desire to pray that God would place a new spirit on them.  Don't suffer alone.  Make the situation public in staff meetings.  Ask for advice - and declare your honor and integrity by fervent prayer for them.

Ask God to reveal to you the truth in the unappeasable's actions and words.  No situation is one sided.  Always be willing to accept your responsibility and your role in reconciliation.  BUT - keep this out of corporate worship.  Unless God specifically gives you direction do not appease them.  They will only want more.  And you as a leader will only be seen as weak when you allow them to dominate your ministry.

Loved ones, the act of leading worship is such an extravagant gift that we should always be on our knees in humble acceptance of our role.  It is not ourselves that lead in worship - but it is Christ in us who leads His people in worship.  Never, ever get those two things confused.  You are not God.  You cannot move people.  You cannot appease.  God in the power of His Holy Spirit is the One who will move on His people.  You are a tool for His use.  Accept your role and honor Him with your worship.

Be blessed today, and remember that God will make a way.  No matter what is happening, or what has happened...God will make a way for you.

Cathy

This Is My Desire - To Pour Out My Love On You. Intentionally Seeking the Lost.

Living a life of worship means being poured out, not because God calls us to, but because Jesus poured out His Love for us!  Yes!  Think of the worship of Jesus on the Cross.  Bloody, naked, bruised, pierced and in worship crying out for the lost.  Using His last breath not to condemn but to encourage and to ask His Father to forgive -" for they know not what they are doing."  God's only desire is for the lost.

Those of us who claim a life of worship should be mindful that we are called to do the same as Christ while we still have breath in this life.  We are called to care for the lost.  "But there are so many people and it is overwhelming to think about how to share the message with so many!"  Mother Teresa had an answer for that.  She said not to worry about numbers, but to encourage the one that is nearest to you.

Who is nearest to you dear hearts?  You desire to proclaim the good news of Christ?  Wonderful!  Carve your set lists.  Pray about your pastor's text. Use a process to select music that will lift and inspire your congregation.  Just remember that at the heart of all works is one thing - to be poured out love on the lost.

If all we do as women of worship is motivated by seeking the lost - how will that change the way we select music?  How will that change the elements that we put into a Sunday morning service?  How will that change the choir special?

Music, Scripture, Prayer, the Word and Testimony.  Set your table on Sunday morning with intention.

Why are people lost?  What are they looking for?  What do they seek?  Where do they hurt?  What are their needs?

They say that people don't care what you know until they know that you care.  Think about Jesus.  How did Jesus care for the lost?  Make a list.  Do your homework.  Why did people listen to Jesus?
Why would people listen to you?

I was asked this weekend what my favorite song is.  People ask that and I guess I am strange because I don't have favorites.  Right now I am listening to Misty Edwards and her song from a couple of years ago
"I Pour My Love"                http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgQ_TqugyZI

Here are the Lyrics:

I don't know how to say exactly how I feel
And I can't begin to tell You what Your love has meant
I'm lost for words
Is there a way to show the passion in my heart
Can I express how truly great I think You are
You're my dearest friend

Lord this is my desire to pour my love on You

[CHORUS:]
Like oil upon Your feet
Like wine for You to drink
Life water from my heart
I pour my love on You
If praise is like perfume
I lavish mine on You
Till every drop is gone
I pour my love on You

Is there a way to show the passion in my heart
Can I express how truly great I think You are,
My dearest friend

Lord this is my desire to pour my love on You

**************************************************************************************

Hope this is inspiring in some way to you worship leaders this morning - and most importantly that it causes you to think intentionally about what you do, what you pray for, and your will.

Last question:  Who is lost and seeking in your life right now? Who is hurt and broken? Start with that person.

A Set List of Praise and Assurance.

He said, "Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. Jeremiah 18:6


This week I have the awesome privilege of leading worship with a terrific group of musicians, singers and choir.  I am very excited. I asked the Pastor what he was preaching on and he gave me the text above emphasizing the theme of "putting God in charge of your future," a TERRIFIC sermon for me right now in this transition.  I thought I would share my set list with you and some of my thoughts behind it.

Opening Song - Power in the Blood - medium tempo bluesy feel.

*Because this church is very blended, I chose a familiar hymn with a different rhythm style.  We start right out proclaiming that through the Blood of Jesus Christ WE have POWER over sin.  The song is affirming and reminding us where our strength comes from.

Welcome etc.

Indescribable- I chose this song because once again it reminds us of the awesome power of God.  If God made all of Creation how can we not give Him all praise?

Hosanna - Another song about the majesty of the King - with the wonderful middle kicker - break my heart and make it clean, open up my eyes to the things unseen, show me how to love like You have loved me etc.  Here we segue into our submission to God and recognizing that He must be at the forefront.  A song of submission.

We Declare Your Majesty - After such a song of submission and heart cry we once again lifted our voices to declare the mighty power of God and the final line "in adoration we bow before your throne."

Finally - The Kari Jobe version off the new Hymn CD Be Still My Soul - In You I Rest.  This song is very personal - simple, quiet and contemplative.  It allows the congregation to settle themselves and reminds us that in order to put God first we must Be Still and trust.

As I was preparing this set list and found the song by Jobe I went to Youtube and the first comment that was listed was from a young woman who had been contemplating suicide (no reason given).  She shared this with readers: "I turned on pandora to listen to some piano music because I felt stressed like I couldn't take it anymore and the piano piece of this came on. I looked it up to hear the lyrics. ...the coincidence that this had to be the song I'd hear right after thinking about suicide. Wow. Chills go through me. I think this is a message".

My lead in to the song:

"How appropriate as many young people contemplate suicide because of the stress in their lives from the world.  Allowing Jesus to shape our future is the message Pastor has for us today.  As we sing this song this morning - allow yourself to be still of all thoughts or anxieties you have and let Shepherd minister to you today through His Word."

I hope someone somewhere benefits from the process I use to create a worship service.  Always keep three things in mind.

1.  Select music that supports the Pastor's text.  Don't preach the message for him, but set the table well.

2.  When unsure of the churches "style", ask and then stay on the slightly more conservative side.  Unless you are there to "perform" a concert - keep it simple, beautiful, and easy to participate in.

3.  Create to the worship ministries strengths.  I did my homework and found out that they have tremendous vocalists and highly gifted musicians.  Knowing this, it allowed me to choose songs with key changes and big vocal "lifts" that would work with less skilled musicians, but would take longer to learn.  I have one hour to rehearse all songs with the band and singers.

Feel free to leave any comments below or on my Facebook Page!

Blessings this week and may you ALL have a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your Worship this Week!

Cathy