[Worship] (no subject)

[Dean Burnett <gatelife@iafrica.com>]

Hi again,

I have been following this thread for a while and see the issue in a broad
context. One of our main issues revolves around preconceived theological
concepts. As has been written, omnipresence and manifest presence. I believe
these need to be held together.

Matt 28 tells us to "go and make disciples..... and I will be with you to
the ends of the earth. "  By faith we accept that if we are doing what God
has told us He will be with us. If we are not he does not leave the earth
but simply does not show His blessing on what we are doing. The world may
think great things of us but to the discerning the mark of His presence is
not there.
The issue of God's presence in worship is one that cannot be confused with
worship as a lifestyle. We can all agree that on certain ministries over the
years there has seemed to rest tremendous blessing. One of the keys
propagated by these people is a heart of worship. Another one of the keys is
the amount of time spent in personal prayer and worship. Communicating with
the God of the universe.

Moses new God in His manifest presence perhaps like no one else, but it was
said of him that he was the most humble man on the face of the earth. He
came to the place where he said to the Lord,  if Your presence does not go
with us then we will not go.  Perhaps we could argue that it was easier for
Moses, after all he had the cloud and the pillar of fire.

Jesus said that those who had not seen and yet still believed are the most
blessed. In the end it will not be what we have seen that will count but
what we have believed in God, knowing that He is a rewarder of those that
diligently seek Him.

Having said all that, I have experienced awesome times of God's manifest
presence both corporately and by myself. Many times all one has going into a
time of leading others in worship, is a promise out of ones personal time
with the Lord. Sometimes we may not see outward signs at all but we just
know that God has done what He said. Other times the atmosphere is so thick
and heavy with the glory that people begin to fall down or choose to
prostrate themselves before the Lord. People are spontaneously delivered and
others come of their own accord to the alter in repentance. Who does this
depend on?
Certainly not me. I know me. More to the point, my wife could tell you
hundreds of reasons why God should not let things like this happen around
me.

  The point is God knows us intimately and when and where He chooses to
bring mountain top experiences, this is God's choice.

Always remember "Immanuel"  God is with us.

 ---
Original worship songs available to listen to, download or purchase CD's.
 http://www.mp3.com/DeanBurnett


-----Original Message-----
From: worship-admin@praise.net [mailto:worship-admin@praise.net]On
Behalf Of Daniel Gordon
Sent: 11 December 2000 04:53
To: Worship List
Subject: Re: [Worship] Entering the "Prescence"




>I'm wondering if the phenomenon known as the "manfiest presence" is
>equivalant to the new phrase I have just coined:
>
>"God moving his hand to make mighty things happen in our midst even more
>than He usually does and making his presence very, very known"


Yep....That's pretty much it!


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 ---
Original worship songs available to listen to, download or purchase CD's.
 http://www.mp3.com/DeanBurnett


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