01.15.20 RECAP

Hello Sisters,

PRAISE! PRAISE! PRAISE!!! Oh how GREAT thou art!!! Wednesday night was WONDERFUL! Love seeing all the new faces! As His glory gets stronger each week His love grows deeper in our hearts. The songs penetrated our souls like a knife through warm butter. The surrender. The release of burdens. Hearts and minds open to receive. Our study this week “The Sword of Song” was powerful beyond words. Taking our minds off ourselves and our problems. Putting our focus on Him and His majesty. Allowing the music to pierce the darkness in our lives. The peace that passes all human understanding. Today is Friday and I am still marinating in that peace. It was a very special and anointed night. For those of you who could not be with us we missed you dearly and covered you with an abundance of love and prayer.

Below are my notes on this chapter. It was one of the shorter chapters in the book but power packed with revelation. A chapter that you could read over and over again and each time glean a new nugget of wisdom. This is so God’s nature and His way. He brings such great beauty out of the simple things. How amazing is it that you can sit in His presence and listen to an anointed song of praise and it will transform your mind, energize your body and pour new hope into your soul?!  It makes you realize just how important REST is to our bodies. Christian music calms you, refreshes you and relaxes you. It puts your body in a position to heal itself. (God’s Word is life to all who hear it and health to all their flesh, Proverbs 4:20-22)

It will change the atmosphere in your home, car, hotel room...anywhere you are. It will also help drive away any demons that are trying to oppress you. It is a powerful tool that God has given us and we must be intentional with our use of it. How would your home environment change if you flooded your house with Christian music before your kids came home from school? My oldest daughter Kaeli loves Kanye West’s new album “Jesus is King” released in Oct., 2019. I can see a difference in her mood when she listens to Christian music. When you look at the life of David and see how many years he spent in the fields playing his harp and writing the Psalms you realize just how powerful song is in our lives. Music is truly transformative! May we all be flood our homes with it this week and allow God’s peace to wash over our lives. 

This week we will dive into Chapter 12. We only have three chapters left of this study. Our new study “20/20” written by Christine Caine will begin on Wed. Feb. 12th (can be purchased on Amazon or Christian book store).  It is a 7 week study of how God sees you and has chosen YOU to make Jesus’s name known on this planet. Through biblical teaching and lessons from her own life, Christine challenges you to share the story of how God’s love has transformed your life right where you are. It is a study for NOW and is spot on for this season of reward. Start inviting your friends and family now as it is only a few short weeks away.

I look forward to seeing your beautiful faces next week! May we praise our way through the week, flooding our hearts with SONG! 

Love,

Sherry :-)

Notes Chapter 11 “Sword of Song”

“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the Lord.” Zechariah 2:10

How appropriate that THIS is our chapter of study this week! Why sing? Songs are often filled with adoration, gratitude and praise.

Music is a significant part of almost everyone’s lives. 

You don’t have to be a singer to sing. You only need to be a daughter of the King. There are MANY battles you win in song. Medical science validates the positive effect that music has on our physical bodies...“Fairly well known is the power of music to reduce heart and breathing rates and blood pressure. This is connected to a reduction in the level of cortisol (often termed ‘the stress hormone’) in the body. Noted time and time again, this effect was reported, for example, at the Massachusetts General Hospital, where it was observed that patients confined to bed who listened to music for thirty minutes had lowered stress symptoms and were in less apparent distress than patients who didn’t listen to music. Music (that the listener enjoys) can even ease physical pain.

Music can also enhance our relationships with our bodies, motivating us to exercise harder and for longer and improving muscular and cardiovascular recovery and growth afterwards.

This can be explained in part by the fact that listening to music can improve blood flow, increasing the availability of oxygen and glucose and thereby increasing energy levels and promoting muscle fibre regeneration. Music can also protect the immune system by maintaining lower levels of cortisol.

The use of music in therapeutic settings has been extensively explored and its beneficial effects well established. To give a few examples: Ventre’s (1994) case study showed how music built up an environment of love, acceptance and trust for a patient attempting to recover from sexual abuse and suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). McCaffrey (2008) found that music connects individuals with their emotions and self-awareness, creating a healing environment. Perruzza & Kinsella (2010) found that music therapy transformed their patients’ lives: empowering them, giving them a renewed sense of self, a means of expression and a sense of purpose which transformed the illness experience.

But the therapeutic qualities of music are fairly recent rediscoveries in medical science; the practice of musical healing predates Classical history, and has been kept alive in the world’s spiritual traditions. In almost every culture, Christian and non Christian the positive effects of music can be documented.”

So if medical science can validate the effect of music on our physical bodies how much MORE can Christian music filled with worship and praise affect our physical and emotional health? 

Christian music has the anointing of the Holy Spirit Himself on it. It is directly worshiping and talking about God Himself rather than our problems. It has a completely different effect on your mind and emotions than the other kinds of music will have. Has a very uplifting effect on both your mind, emotions, and energy levels, especially if you have gone through a very rough day and you are feeling a bit down or under a lot of mental and emotional stress. Good, anointed Christian music will refresh you, calming your emotions and recharging your energy levels. It brings you back into a more positive state of mind. It it will also help drive away any demons who may be trying to harass you and oppress you from the outside. It will change the entire atmosphere in your house, car or anywhere you are’

Flamberge (“flame blade”) is an ancient sword in which the edges have a waved pattern. When the blade makes contact with another’s sword blade, the flamberge’s design transfers vibrations to the opponent’s sword, making it shake and tremble in the other’s hand. This weakens the opponent’s grip, and an increase in friction creates an advantage for the bearer of the flamberge.

As we sing the same thing happens!!! Especially as we SING THE WORD! The airwaves begin to vibrate with sound, and the grip of the enemy slips as the friction between light and darkness increases. The enemy’s onslaught is slowed and the curses and accusations are arrested or thrown into confusion. The combination of music and song has the power to ALTER, FOR GOOD OR EVIL, THE VERY ENVIRONMENT THAT SURROUNDS US.

Remember it was a flaming blade rotating in every direction that blocked Adam’s return to Eden (Genesis 3:24). Through song and worship, a similar word grants us entrance.

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him and bless His name! (Psalm 100:4)

As we wield words of adoration and gratitude...often spoken as songs...HEAVEN IS ACCESSED, and an audience with our Father is granted. We don’t need a key or a letter of invitation to enter God’s courts...all we need is a SONG!

Where is SONG first mentioned in the Bible? Exodus 15. Musical instruments before this but not words. 

“I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will exalt Him. The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is His name.” (Exodus 15:1-3).

In this song of victory, Moses declared God was his song of strength. 

Singing to Him opens your heart and enlarges your life with His wonder. (reason God has asked us to have “A Night with Jesus” in May). Worshipping changes your perspective. 

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by life? Go behind closed doors and sing and dance until you sense God covering your situation. Arrest the atmosphere with worship. Marinate in it. When traveling you should pray over your room. 

When you praise and worship you can experience the atmosphere of heaven no matter where you are on earth. AS WE SING GOD IS MAGNIFIED. His dominion is declared over our situation. Our hearts begin to swell with his courage as they overflow with gratitude. 

Do you remember the time when the choir of Judah defeated 3 impossibly large armies that had assembled to destroy them? (2 Chronicles 20). As God’s holy people shouted and praised their invincible God, he threw the enemy armies into confusion and caused them to slaughter one another. Their strategic battle cry was 2 Chronicles 20:21…”Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.”  No army can stand against the power of enduring love, because LOVE CANNOT FAIL!

Read Isaiah 30:29-32. Great example of God fighting on our behalf in the midst of a battle.

What is your part in this equation? OPEN YOUR MOUTH AND SING!

Why are we unsheathing our swords only halfway? When we worship in unified joy with all our strength and might, God routs the enemy with His sword. 

We do not wrestle with flesh and blood. Our struggle is with the invisible forces of darkness that drive every action on this earth that is contrary to light, love, truth, faith, hope, and courage.

One of the most powerful collections of God’s promises can be found in Isaiah 54. In this one chapter we find God’s provision of legacy, increase, restoration, redemption,

compassion, a sure foundation, freedom from fear, children discipled by God, and vindication from the enemy. 

Isaiah 54:1 “Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children who is married, says the Lord.” 

When you sing, the very portals of your life open up to heaven’s provision. When you feel tired, stressed, limited pull out your sword of song and lift your voice. 

And you can DANCE too! Dancing  was the activity that distinguished King David as God’s man and at the same time brought about the desolation of his wife Michal.

“As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart.” (2 Samuel 6:16)

People are NOT your audience. God is. Music invites your body to move, but remembering all that God has done for you will move you. As you open the gates of your heart through intentional gratitude and words of thanksgiving you touch all that He is. Our songs in the night move him into our day. 

As you sing, your life will vibrate with a new frequency of expectancy as you are ushered into God’s presence. HE HEARS when WE SING, and we begin to see the promises of God realized in our lives. 

Listen to praise music before you go to sleep at night and you will sleep peacefully.

Great example of how MUSIC can change your mood and drive out distressing spirits:

1 Samuel 16:23 “And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.” 

Three powerful things occurred as a result of David playing good anointed music for King Saul. This verse shows us how powerful music can be to change someone’s mood, state of mind, and energy levels. Three powerful keys from this verse:

Saul was a tormented soul who was constantly getting into trouble with God. When David would start to play music for him with his harp, this verse tells us he then became “refreshed.”  The music recharged his batteries for him. It helped to increase his energy levels. If good anointed music from the Lord can totally refresh a tormented soul like Saul, then what can this kind of anointed music personally do for you?

The music made Saul “well.” I believe this is referring to Saul’s state of mind. Brought him back to a good and positive state of mind. Trials and tribulations in this life can bring you down and Christian music can help lift you out of any bad mood you have fallen into because the anointing is so strong on it. Remember, it is the anointing of God that will break the yoke of bondage. If anointed Christian music can help make well a tormented soul like Saul, then it can help YOU. 

Notice it says that a distressing spirit departed from him once David started to play his harp. Many Bible Scholars believe this was a demonic spirit that was following and harassing Saul. It had to leave because it could not stand to be in the presence of good anointed music. 

Verses on the power of Song and WHY you should be directing them His way each day:

“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.” (Psalm 69:30)

“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord.” (Psalm 104:33)

“Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with high sounding cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:1-6)

“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.” (Psalm 98:1)

“But I will sing of Your power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my defense, the God of my mercy.” (Psalm 59:16)

“Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to the Lord with the voice of triumph! For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth … Sing praises to God, sing praises! … For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding.” (Psalm 47:1,6)

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord. Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face evermore. Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth …” (Psalm 105:1-5)

“Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” (Psalm 100:1-5)

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God, and the great King above all gods … Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.” (Psalm 95:1,6)

“Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; make His praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; they shall sing praises to Your name.” (Psalm 66:1-4)

“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods … Give to the Lord glory and strength. Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.” (Psalm 96:1,7)

“Let them praise His name with dance; let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth … (Psalm 149:3)

Then David danced before the Lord with all his might … “Therefore I will play music before the Lord. And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight.” (2 Samuel 6:14, 21)