Attention Soldier
May 28, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Encouragement
I’m sure many of you have heard the song “I’m a soldier in the Army of the Lord”, we sing it in our churches with such passion and authority. But do we really know what it means to be a soldier? I served three years as a United States Air Force Officer so I know what it means to be a soldier! As I reflected on my training as an Air Force officer, I realized there are some comparisons to being a soldier in the Lord’s Army that I’d like to share with you.
The first principal is in the TRAINING itself. Before becoming a commissioned officer (a soldier) I went through 4 years of training. I also was required to attend a 4-week intensive boot camp. The military recognizes that effective training is crucial. Saints of God I submit to you that as crucial as military training (sometimes faced with life or death situations) may be….it is nothing compared to the training and equipping of a soldier in the Lord’s army! Our battle is a spiritual one
….for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Eph 6:12)
Some of us are in spiritual boot camp right now! What area do you need intensive training in? Patience, humility, discipleship? Is the Lord requiring formal training or mentor relationships to perfect the gifts He has given you?
- I’m more than a conqueror (Rom 8:37)
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13)
- Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:4)
I could keep going but I think you get the idea!
But when he saw the wind boysterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Saints of God I want to leave you with this point…when obstacles come in your way MARK TIME….don’t stop moving, don’t get discouraged. You keep moving until that obstacle is moved or until you get new marching orders. Soldiers put a great deal of trust in their commander when they drill….their eyes are fixed straight ahead so they are relying on their commander to keep them safe and watch out for their surroundings. A soldier that comes upon an obstacle will MARK TIME until the obstacle is moved or they receive another command. How much more so should we trust JESUS!
photo credit: Sean-Beijing
Spiritual Dance Techniques Pt 1: Balance
May 18, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Practical Advice
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.
Know your purpose! If you have not sought the Lord about your purpose you need to earnestly do so. Chances are that if you do not know your specific purpose you will tire yourself doing things trying to fulfill your purpose without any focus. Everyone has a common purpose and that is to worship the Lord and bring Him glory! Realize that you are unique – fearfully and wonderfully made! God has a specific purpose for you!
Once you know what your purpose is you can prioritize the things you have to do in your life (putting God first goes without saying!). When your priorities are in order, God can bless you. Look at Solomon, he didn’t ask God for money or a long life…but he asked for wisdom. Something he realized was necessary to accomplish his purpose. Because his priorities were in order, God blessed him with wisdom and wealth.
When you know your purpose and have established your priorities it is time to make a plan. Plans don’t always have to be extensive, but as the Lord reveals your purpose to you and you have set your priorities in order you can map out a plan. Let’s again turn to Solomon as an example. His plan was to build a temple (1 Kings 5:5) — according to his purpose. (Your purpose will reveal the direction you are supposed to take and be a catalyst for your plan to accomplish it). Solomon had a plan, as you read through the 2nd and 3rd chapters of II Chronicles you’ll see that he gathered resources, organized the people, designed the temple, and set a time to begin work.
“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
