Well, from the first day I touched down at the Tyler airport, I felt welcomed in this place. I don't know how to explain it other than it was meant to be :)For the past two years, there has been a real stirring in my heart to go deeper in my relationship with the Lord, particularly in this thing we call "worship". I already knew that it is so much more to worship than music, but I wanted to be "immersed" in a culture of worship. That is truly what I have found here at the School of Worship in Tyler Texas. From the teaching, to the hands on experience, to the times of intimate communion with the Lord both corporately and individually, I have truly been propelled into a new realm and revelation of what worship means and is with all of its implications in living a lifestyle of worship to our triune God!
I have been wonderfully stretched, uncomfortably challenged, deeply moved, and had my vision expanded. It has been wonderful being with a small group of 15 all of whom are passionate for the Lord and His Kingdom - called to carry the fire! Although most of them are half my age (or more) it seems that the scripture in Galations 3:27-29 can also be applied to generations:
The Message Version says:
But now you have arrived at your destination: By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe—Christ's life, the fulfillment of God's original promise. In Christ's family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, since you are Christ's family, then you are Abraham's famous "descendant," heirs according to the covenant promises.
The Message Version says:
But now you have arrived at your destination: By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe—Christ's life, the fulfillment of God's original promise. In Christ's family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, since you are Christ's family, then you are Abraham's famous "descendant," heirs according to the covenant promises.
There is a wonderful synergy that happens when we become an "intergenerational priesthood" unto the Lord. We all learn from each other and in honor and respect we realize that with one another we are given a more complete picture of the Lord, who He is, and experiencing more fully His Kingdom principles. We are all an equally important part of His family!
Here is a picture of our class:
Also a special thank you to all the leadership team: Jessica, Landon, Randy, Aaron, Dillon and Jacob - but especially my friend Dennis whose pastoral care and servant heart has meant so much to me.
Through their leadership I have been able to more fully experience leadership as it was meant to be: humble yet passionate, serving and equipping, encouraging and empowering, dynamic and releasing - setting an example in life and love - not lording it over, nor passively distant or disengaged. I have also seen that their heart is based on wanting to make decisions based on the fear of the Lord, not the fear of man. This takes courage and commitment to do the "hard stuff". I'm reminded of this scripture in 1 Corinthians:
There is representation of 10 different nations:
US, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Holland, Russia, Nigeria, Chile, Spain, Germany.
Here are a few random pictures of some of the class in various places:
Its very hard to put into words the things that I have seen and experienced here. I want to especially thank Josh Langer and his wife Marsha. Josh is the visionary for this SOW and has been a huge inspiration for me to be bold and go after the things that the Lord has put on my heart.
Also a special thank you to all the leadership team: Jessica, Landon, Randy, Aaron, Dillon and Jacob - but especially my friend Dennis whose pastoral care and servant heart has meant so much to me.
Through their leadership I have been able to more fully experience leadership as it was meant to be: humble yet passionate, serving and equipping, encouraging and empowering, dynamic and releasing - setting an example in life and love - not lording it over, nor passively distant or disengaged. I have also seen that their heart is based on wanting to make decisions based on the fear of the Lord, not the fear of man. This takes courage and commitment to do the "hard stuff". I'm reminded of this scripture in 1 Corinthians:
I Cor 4:15 There are a lot of people around who can't wait to tell you what you've done wrong, but there aren't many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up.
Thank you friends, for setting an example in speech and conduct. I have considered it an honour to have been part of this School of Worship and I believe that the seeds being planted and watered here will bear fruit for eternity! God bless you all!
I also want to thank Tana, my good friend and intercessor here on the land. I have learned so much from her - her prayers are passionate and her love for the Lord and others is contagious. She is a wonderful, humble and faithful handmaiden of the Lord. Thank you Tana!
Most of all I am grateful to the Lord for His faithfulness to me, His great grace, His overwhelming love and affirmation and for using the School of Worship to dig a deeper well in me. I am confident that He who has begun a good work in me, will bring it to completion as I continue to trust him and abide in Him, the true Vine.
As I prepare to leave, my prayer for the School of Worship is this:
....that God will fill each of you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. ~Colossians 1:9-12
After all, this school is called the "The School of His Shining Light", is it not?!!
