Standing Ovation

This is a guest post from Evangelist Tracy Gibson, founder and director of Done Unto the Lord Ministry.  The original text was sent as an email April 29th and is reprinted with permission in it’s entirety.

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Greetings,

As I worshipped this morning and spent time in study, I was reminded of Stephen.  No, he was not a dancer, but he was a man who’s life and Spirit were sold out to Jesus.  Stephen surrendered his whole life to Christ’s will and purpose.  The more Stephen poured out his life for Christ, the more Christ poured His life into Stephen.  The word says Stephen was full of faith, grace and power doing great wonders and miracles among the people – so much that the people were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spake (Acts 6:8-10).  

Stephen’s life was a great testimony to those of us who stand before the people of God to lead them into intimate places of worship, deliverance and freedom – that we must continue to walk worthy of our calling.  Stephen was faithful, righteous, powerful, honest, forgiving, committed, determined, a worshipper, a servant and allowed the Holy Spirit to lead him even into death.  Stephen had one brief performance (ministry), one time on stage (the dance floor) to shine (for Jesus), but it shaped the lives of many and changed the kingdom for ever.  There was one man holding the coats in the back who needed to see and hear Stephen on that day and his name was Saul (Acts 7:58).  Not only was Saul later converted to Paul, but on that day as Stephen gave his all – he received the best standing ovation anyone could ever receive.  The word of God says

"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.  And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." (Acts 7:55-56)

As dancers when we seek to surrender every part of our life to the Father and fulfill God’s purpose, allowing the Holy Spirit to have complete control we become the very image of heaven’s dance on earth.  Beth Moore puts it best, "A person full of the Holy Spirit cannot be full of one’s self."  Let us as the Levites live a life that will honor the Father and bring Him great joy.  Just as Stephen stood before the people and his face shown like an angel, when we stand to minister, let it be the radiance of the Holy Spirit that people see.  Let us loose ourselves in God so much that people are not able to resist the spirit by which we speak (the movement of our body for Christ).  Let us remember the testimony of Stephen and walk worthy of our calling.  Let us proclaim and decree that we will be faithful to our Lord and our ministry of dance.  Let us announce that we will walk in righteousness and power and live a life of integrity before a Holy King.

Let us shout to the world that we are a minister of the dance that is loving and forgiving, who is committed to the call on our life to be a Levite.  Let us stand and declare that we are determined to continue taking dance back from the world and build the Kingdom of God with it as we worship in Spirit and in Truth. Why? Because we are servant of the Lord.  When we move in Christ and for Christ if we reach one soul we will receive the most important standing ovation any dancer can ever receive – that of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.  So, Minister as you dance and dance as you minister for the Father has need of your life – your whole life.

Take a look at the picture I have attached.  I captured this image of Deacon Bonnie Wilson on Sunday April 26, 2009 at the "Victorious In Motion" Praise Dance Anniversary Celebration.  Some may say "Yeah, it’s just the focus of the camera", but look around at everything else as it stays in focus.  I believe and others who have seen this photo – believe that this is how we look as we minister through the power of the Holy Spirit – which is the anointing we move in "Jesus Christ" Himself.  I believe this is what Heaven sees and those who are transformed by our anointed movement.  I believe this is what Stephen looked like as he stood before the people and the Heavens were OPENED!  Be blessed and continue to move for the one who moves you and "His Glory shall be REVEALED".  Great blessings.

His Servant,
Evangelist Tracy Gibson
Founder & Director
www.doneuntothelord.com

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