Mysterious Ways
Current mood: thankful
Category: Religion and Philosophy

I was reading I John and looking into the meaning of the end of verse 5 which say, God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

The words light *(5457) and darkness* (4653) stood out to me so I looked in my concordance for the meaning. Here is what I found:

Light *(5457) (To shine or make manifest, luminousness, light

Darkness *(4653) obscurity, dimness

So then I thought, Well, what does obscurity mean. So I looked it up in the dictionary and here is what I found:

Obscure- 1a Dark, dim. b shrouded in or hidden by darkness. c not clearly seen or easily distinguished: Faint. 2 not readily understood or clearly expressed: Vague, abstruse; also: Mysterious.

Obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of _expression or withholding of full knowledge; Dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion; Vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

This all hit me when I read it because for so many years you hear the _expression, God works in mysterious ways. The information in I John 1 directly contradicts that statement. It says there is no darkness in Him AT ALL. I chose to believe the Word of God.

He is not mysterious, He is light. Just like the bible says in Psalm 119:105, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my pathway. It also says in Psalm 27:1, The Lord is my light and my salvation..

Dont believe the lie that man has spoken for years and years because they have no relationship with the one and true God. BELIEVE GOD!!! And receive what He wants to give you: Wisdom.

Let God be true and ever man a liar. (Romans 3:4)

Dawn Grice
Ephesians Six Ten Producitons

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The Value of My Ship
Category: Religion and Philosophy

The Value of My Ship

In my last journal entry an understanding of the term "relationship with God", was brought forward, by defining the suffix -ship: "1: state : condition : quality" and examining the root word "relation" meaning the aspect or quality that connects two or more things or parts as being or belonging or working together or as being of the same kind. In short I can judge my relationship with God based on the quality and condition of my connection with God.

In the retail world there is an increased value placed on quality. Generally speaking we tend to pay more for a product of quality, and place a great deal of worth on a brand name that we feel provides a superior product. In case you did not know where I was going with this, let us consider the word "worship". A compound word of sorts, of which I was recently reminded by my Pastor Keith Palmer, in an awesome Music Ministry class, worship comes from two words (worth ship) "worth ship". Therefore, worship measures or is a reflection of the value that we place on God. You can also say that it is the state or condition of the worth that we place on God. Just like with merchandise, if we have a quality connection with God, or if we have become brand loyal to His name (YHWH God/Jesus the Christ), then we are going to place a great deal of value on Him, and we will not have a problem expressing it.

Although music plays a very important roll, worship extends beyond music, to servitude. In truth, the first reference of the word worship in the Bible (Gen. 22:5), does not mention music at all. Howbeit, God makes it very apparent, that music plays an essential part in worship through the life of David. I don't know about you, but I am so glad that God made such a BIG deal about incorporating music into the worship experience. We'll look at the musical aspect later, for now let's focus on the value aspect of worship.

The New Testament introduces the birth of Jesus, and scriptures in Matthew, and Luke, provide the backdrop for classic Christmas stories, but in the midst of it all we tend to overlook the goal of The Wise men that came from the East. Mat. 2:2 "Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." The word worship, in this passage of scripture is the Greek word proskuneo, let's look at the definition.

Worship - proskuneo {pros-koo-neh'-o} 4352 - from 4314 and a probable derivative of 2965 (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand).

1) to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence

2) among the Orientals, esp. the Persians, to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence

3) in the NT by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance, whether in order to express respect or to make supplication

The wise men were on a mission to express the worth and value that they had for the one born King of the Jews, namely Jesus. The worth that they placed on Him caused them to come presenting gifts. And yes, we are admonished to present gifts as well. "...present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service" (Rom. 12:1). Interesting enough, the word service in this passage is the Greek word latreia, which means the service and worship of God.

As mentioned in the previous blog, the word ship is defined as a sea going vessel, and a vessel is a container for holding something. If we look at things from this angle then, we can see that worship, is how we carry our reverence and respect for God, and express it through our service to Him.

In the retail world "service" is all about pleasing the customer hence "Customer Service". As an artist, songwriter, producer etc., I remember asking where does music come in with all of this? The Father, in all of His faithfulness, through many conversations with Him, and my Pastor's teaching, He caused me to consider this: What should be the goal of every believer...to please God! We understand by Rev. 4:11, that all things were created for God's pleasure, and that does not exclude music. Now I'm not gonna go to deep on this right now because I have to save some things for the workshop/seminar...(still seeking Him for instruction, subscribe to our newsletter for updated information as we receive it from Him). It is clear through the life of David, and his writings that God understands a great deal about music and it's ability to effect our feelings, and emotions. When used correctly it's ability to provide aid and assist us in viewing God in the reverent manner that we should, in order to render service that is pleasing to Him. While at the same time His creation of music also gives Him pleasure.

I can go on......but I'll stop, for now!

Today I am challenged to examine the condition of the worth that I place on YHWH God, examine the quality of my service rendered, beyond that song. And make sure the song of my heart helps me see God, in a way that causes me to humble my heart to serve and truly worship Him.

Psa 66:4 All the earth shall worship You, and shall sing unto You; they shall sing [to] Your name. Selah.

Ed Grice
Ephesians Six Ten Productions

Currently listening : It's Not Over By Karen Clark-Sheard Release date: 24 January, 2006

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The Quality of My Ship
Category: Religion and Philosophy

The Quality of My Ship

When you think ship you think of a large seagoing vessel, however, let's move beyond that for a moment, we'll come back to that idea, for now consider the suffix "-ship". As in words like, fellowship and relationship for example, one of the meanings you will find for the suffix as defined by Webster's Dictionary, is "1: state : condition : quality". If we look at the word "relationship", when we consider our relationship with God the Father the root word "relation" is defined as follows.

Relation - an aspect or quality that connects two or more things or parts as being or belonging or working together or as being of the same kind

Therefore, my relationship with God, deals with the state, condition, and quality of my connection with Him. It examines how we work together and the state of us being "of the same kind".

Now, understanding fellowship, also makes for and interesting study. A fellow is a person who is equal in rank, power, or character. Applying the suffix "-ship" would mean that fellowship with God examines the quality and condition of the equality in rank, power and character that we have with God. In 1 John 1:3 it states "…truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. If we sub in the definition we understand the condition of our equality in rank, power and character is with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. That breathes consistency to what it says in Phil 2:5-6 "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God". Even the Webster's definition of the word fellowship as company of equals or friends.

But wait…it gets better. If you define the word fellowship in 1 John 1:3, in the Greek language of which it was written you will find that the Greek word for fellowship is "koinonia" which means; fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, and intercourse (i.e the exchanging of thoughts and feelings). 1Chron. 1:9 says that "…you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." That's good news, we are called into the state of equal rank, power and character of Jesus Christ. So I guess you can say membership has its privileges.

Looking back at the term "Relationship with God", in short you can say it is the quality and condition of our connection with God. As an artist (vocalist, songwriter, producer etc.), my question would be what does all this have to do with music. The Father, quickly replied with a question to answer my question, "Does your music or the music you listen to enhance the quality and condition of your connection with God?" Does it push your toward improving the state of your equality, joint participation, and intimacy with God?

I am challenged today to think on this, a ship is a large seagoing vessel. If you focus on the word vessel, you find that a vessel is a container for holding something, and ships are usually carrying something, weather it is people or cargo. Questions: Do I hold, posses, and carry a quality connection with God? Do I uphold equal rank, power, and the character of God? Do I travel and carry with me constant communion with God, is He a joint participant and do I bear a consistent exchanging of thoughts and feeling with Him.

It's a selah moment, so chew on it!

Ed Grice
Ephesians Six Ten Productions

Currently listening : Praise Life Beyond 1.0 By Various Artists Release date: 07 February, 2006

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Game Day Praise
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Game Day Praise!

From the Friday night lights of High School Football, to Pro-Football's any given Sunday, and the Saturday's, NCAA, that falls between. You will find stadiums filled with loud exuberant fans, yelling, shouting, and cheering on their favorite team and/or player. There is loud music, dancing and an overall-intoxicating atmosphere, some intoxication is a result of a natural adrenaline rush and others aided by Miller, Budweiser, Bud Lite, etc. What is the element that is present that God, desires out of every believer? Praise!

Psalm 150, one of the most popular Psalms, issues a command to praise YHWH God. The Hebrew, word used in this passage of scripture is "halal", where we get the word "hallelujah" which basically means "Praise YHWH". This word "halal" among other Hebrew words for praise, and various Bible passages, describe actions that are common practice at football games and other major sporting event. However, the measure of expression at sporting events is often times not match or in some cases does not even come close to what is displayed in Churches through out the Body of Christ. What am I saying? Well, it's simple, the expression that is displayed at just about any major sporting event, is what God has described and defines as the kind of praise, that He desires out of the Body of Christ. Let's look at it, starting with the definition of the word "halal".

Praise – halal(1984 Strong's Hebrew Concordance) – to shine, to be boastful, to make a show, to appear as foolish, to rejoice, to use a clear sharp tone or sound, to shine, to celebrate.

The definition, along with the context of the passage in Psalm 150, and many other passages, clearly describes what's seen at football games, and other sporting events. But the question is do we match that as a Church, and more importantly do we match that as an individual. Because, David said in Psalm 34:2 "My soul shall make it's boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad." Indicating that a fire can start with just one spark that ignites a flame.

In a sporting event two team face off in competition with one another each team is accompanied by a group of fans that are very loud, praising, cheering, and playing music to incite there team to victory. In this contest between two teams you choose to support one team and not to support the opposing team, how be it, only one team will be declared the winner, and the out come of the game for the most part is uncertain until the game is over. Have you ever thought about, why cheering, praise and laudation is such an active part of sporting events? Think about it, there are thousands of screaming fans not just in the stadium but with a major sporting event, fans watching on television. There are cheerleaders cheering and encouraging crowd participation, and in most cases a band or some form of music going forth as well. Just in case you need something extra to help you get into the spirit of the game there is even beer available at some games. BUT WHY? Well, here are a few things about praise.

• Praise is used to incite or encourage victory, it is used as an aid to create an assurance of triumph.
• Praise expresses a worthiness of confidence or attention, and acknowledges the attributes and virtues of the object that is being praised.
• Praise expresses approval, appreciation and thanksgiving.

God commands us to praise Him; he gives us no choice in the matter if we consider ourselves truly committed to Him. Has the BIG WHY ever crossed your mind on this notion? Well consider this, unlike a sporting event where two teams face off and the victor is uncertain until the game is over. With our Father, the battle is already won well before we even get started, and the victory has already been declared in Christ Jesus 2Cr 2:14 Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ. Therefore, God our Father, is worthy of an expression of appreciation and thanksgiving. Also, as we are engaged in warfare and as we go through the valley of the shadow of death if we forget the promise of victory, praise is necessary to incite and create in us the assurance of God's ability to cause us to triumph in Christ Jesus. Additionally, as we consider God's ability to cause us to triumph, it is only right that we express how worthy He is of our confidence and attention, and that we acknowledge His virtues and wondrous attributes. And just in case, you need something extra to get you into the spirit of praise. God commands that we not be drunk with wine but be filled with the spirit, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts to Him. So the next time you don't feel like entering into His gates with thanksgiving and entering into His courts with praise, think about GAME DAY, and take up the challenge to match that kind of praise.

Ed Grice
Ephesians Six Ten Productions

Currently listening : Live from Another Level By Israel & New Breed Release date: 04 May, 2004

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