A Dance Minister’s Choreography Devotion: Chasse

 

Part 10: Chasse’

Chasse’ [Sha-say]  / Chase. A step where one foot "chases" the other out of its position.  Typically done in a series to transition positions or to gain momentum for another move, like a jete’ (leap)

and David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?"  "Pursue them," he answered. "You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue."
- 1 Sam 30:8

 

RECOVER ALL the enemy has stolen!  In order to understand the power behind this verse you MUST read 1 Sam 30:1-8

The enemy came in an took all that was precious.  The Bible says the Amalekites took the women and the children and burned the city with fire.  The people wept until they didn’t have any more power to weep. 

Have you ever been there?  It seems like everything is lost.

Is it your time to pursue?  Sometimes we have to go on the offense!  David knew how to encourage himself in the Lord and ask for instructions.  The Lord responded with instructions and a promise.  It is worth noting that the Amalekites did not kill their captives…they took them away.  I believe their intention was to DISCOURAGE.  The root word DIS means to take away.  In other words, they wanted to take away their COURAGE.

Have you allowed the enemy to DISCOURAGE you?  The Bible says:

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Deut. 31:6

Practice your chasse’ (see the video demonstration below) and ask the Lord shall I pursue?

 

 

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Raising the Standard

Even though I am no longer an active duty United States Air Force officer, I still work full-time on a military base and continue to receive revelation about the nature of God through every day events.

Recently I was walking to my car after a long day at work, somewhat unconscious of the time, I heard a loud trumpet over the radio.  I continued walking knowing I wasn’t going to make it to my car in time.  I was tired and mildly frustrated by the inevitable delay.  The trumpet that I heard is a familiar sound to those who have spent any time on a military installation.  It is a 12-measure introduction to the Star-Spangled Banner.  Once the National Anthem begins, civilian pedestrians that are outside are to face the nearest flag and either place their hand over their heart or at their side as a sign of respect, while those in uniform are to render a salute towards the flag, and those in their car are to come to a full stop.  For the duration of the song all traffic rules on the base are abandoned!  Green lights don’t matter, if you are in the middle of the intersection it doesn’t matter.  Where will you be when the trumpet sounds?

As I stood there looking at the flag that represents America, I heard the Lord say “I am raising the standard”.  I began to analyze the actions that took place.  First, the trumpet sounds.  Trumpets, or shofars are often used in the bible as a precursor to another action: coming together in unity, preparing for war or an awakening.  There is a unity that comes over the entire military installation during the Anthem.  Conversations cease and all activity stops while the anthem plays over the “giant voice” (a public address system that can be heard over the entire base and several miles off base).

The Lord is speaking to His people!  To all the ministry leaders….remember the Word of the Lord as recorded in Luke 12:48: to whom much is given, much is required.  Teachers and leaders ARE held to a higher standard.  Those that are moving into the area of teaching and leadership WILL be held to a higher standard! 

As I begin to meditate on this message, I realized this is a “relative elevation”.  In other words, the standard is being raised for those which the Lord is elevating.  Please understand that Godly promotion comes with another level of consecration, prayer, fasting, and studying.  Too often we operate in today’s promotion with yesterday’s anointing.  THE "GRACE PERIOD" IS COMING TO AN END.  Do an evaluation!  Were you recently promoted, given a new position or larger scope of responsibility?  The trumpet has sounded, the standard has been raised…are you ready?

 

photo credit: kevygee

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A Minister’s Choreography Devotion: 5th Position

 Day 5:  5th Position

The feet are closed, one foot in front of the other with the toes of each feet aligned with the heels of the other. Both arms are rounded and raised over the head (you should be able to see your hands without lifting your head). 

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And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers
Ephesians 4:11

This is the what has been called the five fold ministry.  Not only is Jesus complete, the Lamb of God, our Risen Savior, and Almighty…He is an EQUIPPER.  He has given some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers for the equipping (or perfecting) of the saints for the work of the ministry.

The gifts are not for you!  It is about equipping you so you can equip others, multiplying the laborers for the kingdom.  Whatever your spiritual gift area is, use it for HIS glory.  As you train & equip your physical body to master 5th position, reflect on how you can use your God-given gifts within the body of Christ.

 

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Spiritual Dance Techniques Pt 1: Balance

The Importance of Balance

As dance ministers some of you may be thinking this article has to do with poise and posture.  The type of balance discussed within this article is far more important than dance techniques – or the ability to maintain bodily equilibrium.  This is the ability to put all aspects of our life into a harmonious arrangement that allows God to fully use us (His willing vessels) to get the glory.

We need balance!  It takes direction from the Holy Spirit to be able to juggle responsibilities such as work / school, rest, recreation, church duties / ministry.  I submit to you “3 Ps” to gaining and maintaining balance in your life.

“A basketball in my hands is worth about $19. A basketball in Michael Jordan’s hands is worth about $33 million. It depends whose hands it’s in. A baseball in my hands is worth about $6. A baseball in Mark McGuire’s hands is worth $19 million. It depends whose hands it’s in. A tennis racket is useless in my hands. A tennis racket in Pete Sampras’ hands is a Wimbledon Championship. It depends whose hands it’s in. A sling shot in my hands is a kid’s toy. A sling shot in David’s hand is a mighty weapon that brings down giants. It depends whose hands it’s in. Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my hands is a couple of fish sandwiches. Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in God’s hands will feed thousands. It depends whose hands it’s in. Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse. Nails in Jesus Christ’s hands will produce salvation for the entire world. It depends whose hands it’s in.” Your life in your hands is a mess, but your life in God’s hands will produce a miracle. It all depends on whose hands it’s in.

 photo credit: bike queen

 

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DANCE out of Debt – 5 starter steps to eliminate debt

Note: This was originally published in Paneh's 2/2009 newsletter (Kingdom Finance edition).  I will be slowly migrating newsletter articles onto this site.

As ministers and children of God we experience great liberty ~ who the Son sets free is free indeed!  However, in lieu of this liberty, many of us remain "financially incarcerated".  I can't get away from the analogy of a minimum security prisoner.  While they may experience some freedom, there is still a definite boundary and when that boundary is reached they are reminded that they are not as "liberated" as they thought they were.

Recently I've experienced what I am calling my own personal "financial awakening".  I want to share with you all what I'm learning as a result of this transition.

FACTS

• According to Bankrate.com, the average household carries $8,400 in credit card debt.
• 11% of the population pay the minimum amount on their credit cards
• Over 50% do not pay their cards off in full each month (therefore incurring interest)

Ever wonder how long it would take to pay off that card? Consider this scenario:
 

• $8,400 in debt (the National average)
• Minimum payments of $212.50 (2.5% of the balance)
• Your interest rate is 15% (the National average)

It will take you 21 years and 5 months to pay this off while paying $8,284.39 in interest.

Check this yourself using CNN Money's Debt Payoff Calculator.  Whether you are $500 or $5,000 in debt it will project how long it will take you to pay off debt making minimum payments, fixed payments, and create a plan for you if you want to be debt free in a fixed amount of time.

I'm sure we can all think of better ways to spend $200 per month than on credit cards!
 

 

 Here is another scenario showing the power of interest

• Credit card balance is only $1000
• Minimum payment is only $30
• Interest rate is 28%

These are the types of cards a lot of college students are getting.  Typically the interest rate is very high because they have no credit history.  Paying the minimum only it will take 9 years and 9 months to pay this card off while paying $1,595.10 in interest.

Interest is very powerful, and we need to make sure it is working in our favor (savings & investments) instead of against us.  The lesson is clear — get rid of damaging credit card debt as soon as possible!

It's worth noting that in the Bible, the concept of loans and interest was addressed in several occasions.  However, the law did prohibit charging interest to the poor.  Ironically, our financial system charges the highest interest rates to those with lower incomes. Since the borrower is servant to the lender do we really want to spend years in financial servitude?  Will you resolve to abolish dangerous debt so you can move freely?  If this isn't your testimony, will you share it with someone who may need the information?

Take these steps to DANCE your way out of debt!

Diagnose the problem:
You cannot come up with a solution until you know what the problem is.  Here are example problems:

- I have too much dangerous debt
- I'm not prepared for retirement
- I don't know if I'll be able to send my son/daughter to college
- I am living paycheck to paycheck and worry what would happen if I lost my job

Assemble Your Data
Once the problem has been identified, you'll need to gather more information such as:

- Current net worth (Use this net worth calculator)
- Monthly income vs. expenses (Review bank statments)
- Current credit standing
  — You are entitled to at least 1 free credit report each year.  The official source is http://www.annualcreditreport.com.  Don't be fooled by imitators that offer you a free report by signing up for some other service.
  — If you want your credit score, you have to pay.  Most lenders use FICO.  You can get your score from their official site http://www.myfico.com *

* Note: Currently there is no regulation entitling you to a free score.  Offers advertising a free score is usually dependent on signing up for some type of paid monthly service.  Be sure to read the fine print!

Negate Bad Habits
Once steps are taken to remove dangerous debt; we have to turn around the habits that got us there in the first place.  Some examples are:

- Spending more than you earn / Living on credit cards
- Little to no emergency savings funds, forcing you to use credit
- No budget or spending plan for accountability
- Frivolous spending without regards for needs vs wants

Create a Plan
Your plan will be based on your situation.  If you have a lot a debt, your focus should be paying that off.  If you are actively paying off debt but have little savings, perhaps that is your focus.  Or maybe you just want to exercise better financial principals.  Here are some ideas:

- Set SMART (Simple, Measurable, Accurate, Realistic, Timely) Financial Goals

- Pay off debt with the "Debt Snowball Method"* or use the Debt Payoff Calculator to create your own plan

- Review your spending habits and see if there are areas where you can curtail spending

* Note: You'll notice that the debt snowball method pays off the debts with the smallest balance first enabling the quickest victory and drive to continue.  However, you can spend less in interest if you pay off the card with the highest interest rate first.  You need to know what works for you.

Execute & Evaluate

Notate where you are today.  Set a goal for yourself (3 months, 6 months, 1 year) and notate where you are in the future.

- Is the plan working?
- Does it need to be adjusted?
- Have priorities changed?

There are wealth and blessings laid up for us but we have to be in position to receive them and practice good stewardship.  As we continue to do the work of the ministry lets shift the position of finances from a yoke of servitude to a tool we use to grow and bless others.

Editor's Note: This information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice.  The links to other websites are not under our control and are provided for your convenience only but does not necessarily imply endorsement.  The content contained in this article are merely suggestions, however it is up to each reader to make their own decisions or to consult with a certified financial advisor.

photo credit: Andres Rueda

Update: If you are interested in more personal finance stories, I invite you to follow PesonalFinanceJourney.com

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