Danette Dillon

Worship Band of the Week: Week #4

2012-01-26T14:29:00.000-06:00

Eden's Bridge is a worship band that I started listening to during some of the years that God spoke to me the clearest. As I listened to Celtic arrangements of great hymns of faith I found a renewed interest in history...the history of the church, martyrs, medieval thought patterns.

I also found this music to be peaceful and calming. The other night I was having a really hard time sleeping. I found this music, put it on, and slept in complete peace wrapped in the presence of God.

Hope you enjoy.

P. S. "Awesome God" off of Celtic Worship, "When Grace Abounds" & "I Will Change Your Name" off of Celtic Worship Vol. 2 are especially meaningful to me. May you experience revival as you listen.

Worship Band of the Week: Week 3

2012-01-09T13:52:00.003-06:00

There are some songs that just take you the presence of God. I'm sure you have a song like that...one that you put on and leave on repeat all day just because it reminds you of a place and time when you were especially close to God...just almost "caught away" by Him. Well, that's kind of what happened to me when I started listening to Jesus Culture's newest worship leaders, Bryan and Katie Torwalt. From the first note my heart was stirred and excited with joy and love for God. And although I had never heard most, if any, of the songs I could feel the lyrics singing in my spirit.

So...all of that very vague artistic explanation to tell you to check out their project Here On Earth.

The Big Sigh

2011-12-20T15:55:00.001-06:00

Well...

Christmas at Cathedral is behind us and we are staring 2012 straight in the face. I completely believe that God is going to do miracles in 2012 and I am so excited to be a part of His move. First order of business is the expansion on Creative Arts on Wednesday nights. Starting Wednesday, January 4th, we will begin having a full praise and worship team during Wednesday night prayer. When we seek the face of God, He will show up. That's just how it works. I can't wait to just get lost in His presence on these nights.

Second, District Fine Arts is March 30th & 31st. Last year we did better than ever before and fully planning on the tradition continuing. Fine Arts is a program of the Assemblies of God designed to facilitate the discovery, development, and deployment of creative gifts in junior high and high school students. The video below illustrates the theme for this year. Check it out...

I think that's all for now. Thank you for giving your time, energy, and talent to God. Thank you for your ministry to this body. Thank you for your support of me.

All my love for all my days.

Countdown to Christmas at Cathedral Day #2

2011-12-13T16:33:00.000-06:00

So we had another successful day in preparation for Christmas at Cathedral which will be this Sunday night, December 18th, at 6:30pm. The lights are programmed (thank you, Daron Latta) and the sound is pretty much ready to go (thank you, Allen Pond).

Here's some pictures from last nights rehearsal.

I know that you are going to enjoy this time when we celebrate family, friends, but most importantly, Jesus. It's going to be exciting!

See you soon.

Christmas at Cathedral

2011-12-12T13:12:00.000-06:00

Getting ready for a production is always a lot of fun, but it's also a lot of work. I want to thank Pastor Daryl and Allan Pond. They have already been working their tails off and it's only the beginning of the week. Here's a sneak peek at one of the acts in the presentation.

Now don't forget. Christmas at Cathedral will be this Sunday night in the Sanctuary at Cathedral of Praise. It starts at 6:30pm. You aren't going to want to miss this time of celebration, family, joy, friendship, love. (Big sigh.)

Well, that's all for today.

Christmas at Cathedral

2011-12-07T13:22:00.000-06:00

You've got to come to Christmas at Cathedral! It will be December 18th, 2011 at 6:30pm. Afterward, let's get together and visit in our newly designed fellowship hall. You're not going to want to miss this. I promise.

Worship & Warfare

2011-11-14T15:15:00.000-06:00

Worship & Warfare is this Friday night. We are expecting God to show up as we call out to Him and ask Him to move.

Night of Praise and Worship is Coming

2011-10-05T11:14:00.000-05:00

I love Sunday nights especially when we have our Nights of Praise and Worship. Usually on the fifth Sunday months, we have a Night of Worship. During this time of praise and prayer we just let God move. I know that you won't be disappointed. God always shows up in a power way. I hope to see you there!

WorshipTraining.com

2011-07-20T15:10:00.000-05:00

So...ever feel like what we're doing is pointless. Well, stop feeling that way and check out this video!

Updates Coming

2011-05-23T10:44:00.000-05:00

If you will look at the media player to the left you will find that the two new songs we have been rehearsing are loaded and ready to listen to. Further, you will find that there are PDF documents attached to the songs. Download those and you can rehearse at home. Technology. Genius.

Choir meets on Wednesdays at 7:00pm in the choir room. We could really use your voice as we prepare for special music for July 3rd. I know that you will find this experience enjoyable!

The Fine Arts Diner is Open

2011-02-21T14:03:00.000-06:00

Come by the church this Wednesday night between 5:00-6:30 for some chili. The Fine Arts students are raising money for their trip to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in April. They will present all kinds of different presentations. Some are dancing. There's a few with photography entries. We even have a sign language presentation going. This is just a wonderful opportunity for our students to develop their talents. It's just one more way they can possess their destiny.

Please support these students by coming this Wednesday night for a CHILI dinner. It only costs $4 per person or $12 per family. That's a deal! It would be difficult to feed a family for $12. It's practically a Dave Ramsey special. :)

Hope to see you there!

Wow! I'm Really Behind on This

2011-02-16T13:50:00.008-06:00

An apology, I do believe, is in order. First, an apology to myself. I have a responsibility to myself to be using my brain to preform wonderfully creative tasks (i.e. blogging and the like) and I have failed miserably. Second, I have a responsibility to the God because He has given me gifts to use. Last, I have a responsibility to you, kind reader (if you're truly out there) to encourage and exhort and uplift. For nearly a year I have neglected this blog and I am truly sorry.

So here's what's up in the creative world of Cathedral of Praise.

It's time to return to choir!!!! I'm so looking forward to this spring...for Easter and for a special night of praise and worship that celebrates our musical history as Christ followers.

We've also started preparing for Fine Arts. We have 22 students going to the Fine Arts Festival in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on April 8th & 9th. Truly, this is a great opportunity for spiritual growth and relational growth. As I mentioned earlier, we have a responsibility to use our God-given gifts for His glory. This program is design to help students discover their gifts, to develop them, and then to deploy them into ministry. I love it and I can't wait!

Recently, the Lord has been gently nudging my memory to reflect on Psalm 51...to remember His sacrifice, to remember how I deeply love Him, to remember a passion that I once had to share His love with every person I met. Let me share a few of these verses with you...

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a loyal spirit within me.
11 Do not banish me from your presence,
and don’t take your Holy Spirit[d] from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and make me willing to obey you.
13 Then I will teach your ways to rebels,
and they will return to you....
16 You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.
You do not want a burnt offering.
17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

"Lord, give me a broken spirit and a contrite heart. Let me have the heart of David that will rejoice in You when victory is given and run to You when pain is my only comfort."

This next week find a few minutes to take yourself back to a place where you knew that the Lord's presence just surrounded you. Reflect on what that felt like, what it smelled like, what He said, how He said it. Remember that experience and let that memory change you again.

Just as Pastor Mike has been teaching, God has a divine purpose and plan for your life. It's a destiny. I passionately believe that Jesus wants us to love Him more and anyone or anything. Truly, that's the first step to heading the right direction on this sometimes twisted road of life. I know, personally, I want Him more than anything. I can only pray that I won't be distracted and discouraged in a culture FULL of distractions and discouragements.

Have a blessed day!

It's all in your head

2010-03-22T12:40:00.002-05:00

The voice has got to be the most unique instrument ever created. But of course it is. It is the only instrument completely created by God alone. All the other instruments were created by man using God’s creation, but not the voice. God uniquely wove together the respiratory system to support the voice structure. He molded the facial cavities to allow for a beautiful resonant timbre. He allows our minds to understand the theory behind the music. And I didn’t even mention how the vocal folds vibrate together to actually create the voice. Yes, God create the most beautiful, prefect instrument. But it’s our responsibility to connect with the message in the music. The last part of our voice is probably the most beautiful. At the same time, I do believe this is God’s greatest gift to us. It’s the hardest element to teach a voice student to understand. We have to disconnect from our mind and body and just feel opening your heart to be vulnerable to what’s inside. God gives us emotions to express and feel the full beauty of the words or melody…to love the message in the song and in loving the message, love the instrument. It’s not enough to just know how to sing and sing well. It’s not enough to brilliantly execute Faure’s Pie Jesu with all the difficult breathe support needed. It’s not enough master Kristen Chenoweth’s rendition of 13G as it transitions between styles. That’s not enough. It takes more than head knowledge. We must have a heart understanding.

The same is true in worship. Sure knowledge that God’s love is real is wonderful, but there is nothing better than to experience His love as He shines down light in your dark place. Yes, emotions cannot be defined. The experience that I just mentioned is quite vague…His light shining down in me dark place. What does that mean? How do I classify that? What does that look like? Where do I put that in a world that functions in absolutes? I think that’s the point. There’s no way to describe God, His greatness, His love. The depth…the height. He’s God and we are not. He is not bound by time or space and we live in the reality of these limitations. He is infinite with not end, but the Bible says that we are but a breath. All those things make Him beautiful and wonderful, but often they push us away from Him. We feel insecure, worthless, and unlovable.

I am completely convinced that life doesn’t have to be that way. We cannot just know and believe that God is real, but we can experience a life changing relationship with the creator of all things. We can feel Him. We can rest in His presence knowing that we are safe with Him. We can enjoy true, heart to heart fellowship with Him just as we do our closest earthly friend. We can sit and have a cup of coffee. We can cry on His invisible shoulder. We can create beautiful and unique things with Him…like a piece of music or a painting or movie. We can even be mad at Him because He is a safe relationship. It’s in the closeness of this kind of relationship that we find purpose for living. We begin to no longer live for ourselves but we live for Him and everything that we do becomes worship to Him. Just. Living. For. Him.

Fred Heumann writes it this way, “You need to understand the truth, and then experience the reality.” The truth? God has a new reality for you. He has a purpose for you. He has hope for you. He has an emotional experience for you. He has a mental experience for you. He’s simply waiting on you to disconnect from your head and ask Him.

The Importance of Both

2009-11-18T09:13:00.005-06:00

Martin Luther said: "I am not ashamed to confess publicly that next to theology there is no art which is the equal of music, for she alone, after theology, can do what otherwise only theology can accomplish, namely, quiet and cheer up the soul of man, which is clear evidence that the devil, the originator of depressing worries and troubled thoughts, flees from the voice of music just as he flees from the words of theology.

For this very reason the prophets cultivated no art so much as music in that they attached their theology not to geometry, nor to arithmetic, nor to astronomy, but to music, speaking the truth through psalms and hymns."

How true this is. Music is such a spiritual art form. It touches our emotions. It's in the crescendos and decrescendos. It's in the tempo and groove. But here's my point...without the theology...the message...the substance...it's noise.

Here's my challenge...let the message of each song that we sing bring substance to your life. Take action rather than just having an emotional worship experience. Let the message change you.

Going Up Higher
A Night of Praise and Worship
November 29th, 2009
6:30PM

It's Actually Both...

2009-06-22T15:53:00.000-05:00

In Luke 10:38, we find an interesting story that demonstrates clearly how God feels about worship. Jesus is going to His good friends’ house for dinner. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, their brother, were all close friends of the Lord. Most likely Martha was the oldest and probably the leader of the house. She is busy preparing to have the Son of God at her home. He has to have something to eat, so she cooks. The dishes have to be cleaned, so she washes them. Imagine, suddenly out of the corner of her eye, she catches a glimpse of her sister sitting at the feet of Jesus. Can you imagine? Martha has been slaving over a hot stove. Martha has been rushing around taking care of the household and Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus!

The outrage!

Martha rushes to Jesus to ask Him to tell her sister to help her. Here is Jesus’ reply, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Here is my question: Who was worshipping the Lord, Mary or Martha? The answer maybe surprising, but it was actually both.

Both were striving to serve the Lord.

Both, clearly, love the Lord.

Both cared deeply for Him…

So why did Jesus not tell Mary to help Martha?

Why did Jesus not tell Martha to settle down and sit down?

Well, put simply, both jobs were needed. They each had a purpose to fulfill.

Here is the chore of the modern worshipper. We have to learn to merge our lives in such a way that we are constantly worshipping and constantly serving. There should be no difference in any area of our life. We are just born again believers, learning to become more like Christ, striving to live for Him everyday.

It’s a merger.

Here’s my challenge: Find a way to remain total open to the voice of the Holy Spirit and to His power while living and serving and giving yourself to the Lord through ministry to others. When we are giving ourselves to other people we are actually giving ourselves to the Lord.

He Teaches My Hands to War

2009-06-17T10:56:00.000-05:00

There is no doubt that we face trials in our life especially when we are experiencing revival. The enemy is working desperately to stop us from reaching our destiny as the people of God. But with the Lord’s help we overcome and continue to serve the Lord. Surprisingly enough, the very things that we killed in the past come back to haunt us bringing more trouble with them.

In 2 Samuel 21, we find that David is again battling the Philistines and again he faces a giant. Only this time instead of there being just one giant with a death order for David there were four fighting for vengeance. They all wanted David dead. They all promised to kill him. They all would fight to the death to complete their task. I am sure when David was a young man standing on the battle field in front of Goliath the picture of fighting four more giants in his life was not even imaginable. Yet here he was facing his giants again.

At this point this picture of the past could have done several things to David. He could have complained to God, “Why are You bringing this against me again. Is only one giant not enough in a man’s life?” He could have questioned himself. “Did I do something wrong? Did I hurt You? Why am I fighting this fight again?” But instead, David rose to the challenge. He recognized that these giants were nothing more than another struggle for God to make him the victor. They were an opportunity to show God’s power and might to unbelieving neighbors. They were a promise of God’s sustaining mercy. They were an opportunity to demonstrate to a discouraged people the love of God. Certainly, David and his men defeated these giants. They were no match to the power of God.

In Psalms 18, David responds to this story. He sings, “For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer and sets me on my high places. He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”

Even when God is moving in miraculous and powerful ways we will face giants and it is our responsibility to wage war against those giants. We’ll face the giants of doubt whether that is our own intellect or the discouraging voices of doubting friends. We’ll face our own fear…fear of the uncertain. We’ll face opposition to the move of God sometimes from people who we originally thought would be ready for a fresh touch from God. But here’s the thing, God teaches our hands to war. He led us to the battle and He’ll lead us through it. Our job here is incredibly simple. We just have to follow.

I hear someone saying, “Ok. What does that have to do with music?” Give me a second and I’ll get to it.

There is something very unique behind the power of music. Music should be more than a pleasing melody and enchanting harmonies or even a foot tapping rhythm. There is a power in music that connects the soul of man to the heart of God. It steps out of the natural and takes us to the supernatural. In this supernatural world our war is waged. Music becomes prophetic. When we really worship spiritual mountains are moved and giants are killed. The giants of discouragement, doubt, unbelief, and fear cannot stand when faced with this powerful, confronting truth. Further, your ability to sing or play an instrument has nothing to do with your ability to use this prophetic quality of music to your advantage. Worship and music are not the mechanics behind play this note now and watch me for the cut off. Worship and even music is what comes from our heart. Worship the Lord in what you do, in what you think, in who you are. Let your life be poured out before the Lord. I am convinced that there is no greater weapon against the tactics of our enemy than worship.

We will face problems. There is no way around that, but with the Lord’s help and with our perseverance we will overcome the battle and we will bring glory to God. Our giants are only opportunities for us to wage war and win against the enemy. Let’s get ready to rumble!

Going Up Higher

2009-05-21T13:30:00.003-05:00

The Lord has been taking us to new levels of His presence and power. I am so excited to see how the Lord will continue to move as we stay mailable to Him. I know that the Lord will move, but we have to continually stay on our guard, ready to fight, against complacency and mediocrity.

When I was younger I was a part of the move of God that started in Pensacola, Florida. Truly, my life was radically changed through the experiences that I has with the Lord during that move of God. Very clearly, I remember spending hours sitting in the floor just basking in the presence of God the whole time saying to myself, "I will never be the same. I'm never going back to the way I was before." However, over time I found that in some ways I did go back to the way I was before. I had become accustomed to living continually in the glory of God, but as special services ended, as I got older, as I became distracted by world around me I did not peruse the Lord with the same fervor of before. Still, I always knew that there was something more. I knew that God desired a deeper relationship with me and I knew that if I went after God again He would show up and meet me were I needed Him.

I never really "got away" from the Lord. I was still a Christian. I went to church. I read my Bible and prayed. It's not like I started cussing or drinking or going to questionable places, but I did start watching television more. I started watching movies that contained questionable material...let's just be honest, the material was not questionable, it was flat out sin. And while I know that I can view some material and not be adversely affected, I was still putting it into my mind. And there were other things...small things that I changed. Although not one of these small changes would send me to hell, they did start to desensitize me to the Lord's voice and His touch.

As we step into this new move of God, the Lord has given us a choice. Will we live in the power and the glory that He has for us? Will we claim this new promise? Will we step in to the land, but not utilize the land? Here's the thing, when I stopped living in the promise land that God had given to me and I returned to the ways of my past, I always knew that there was something more. I knew that the Lord had a different plan for me. I knew that He had a land of victory. I knew that there was more.

And this time will be different.

On May 31st we are going to be pressing in to God's presence. Join us on Sunday evening at 6:30pm for a night of praise and worship. Let's going up higher with the Lord...that's where we belong.

Upcoming Events

2008-11-20T15:36:00.003-06:00

Upcoming Events

This Sunday, November 23rd, we have an opportunity to be blessed by another musical group. Ransomed from Southwestern Assemblies of God University will be in both service. They are a group of students who travel the country recruiting and ministering to churches. I know you will enjoy them. Please make plans to be here this Sunday, November 23rd. I know you will be blessed.

You will notice that I have started putting new music on the blog. We will start introducing these, and other, new songs to the congregation shortly. We have already started practicing them. Just be ready!

December 14th at 7:00PM is our Christmas musical, Through the Silence. You will really want to be here for this special musical presentation.

Oct. 26th, 2008

2008-10-21T12:00:00.003-05:00

God Is Great C
How Great Is Our God G
Awesome God G
Shout to the Lord A

Oct. 19th, 2008

2008-10-14T09:19:00.002-05:00

I sure that many of you have notice strange little emails popping up in your inbox. I would like to take a few moments (and by moments, I mean sentences) to introduce you to our latest attempt at keeping everyone inform and the lines of communication wide open. Are you ready? Drum roll, please. This is going to be the most exciting program that you have ever seen...You are no longer going to be bond to the phone...You are no longer going to be controlled by your overwhelming guilt if you have to go out of time...This is going to change the way you inform us about being gone...

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to the planningcenteronline.com.

This is an online, web-based application. When you see that email in your inbox it is actually a request for you to join us on the worship team for any given Sunday. All we need you to do is accept or deny that invitation. If you accept, a page will open to the service plan.

Now, I can hear some ask, why do we need this? Well, right now we have been doing well without this, but as the church continues to grow and as more and more people are involved in the worship ministry we will need to communicate better and more direct. Right now we have two complete rotating teams, but it won't always be that way. Eventually, and I hope soon, we will have rotating people on each instrument and each spot. That means that more people are involved in ministry. That also means that you won't have to be at practice ever week. You may even get a week or two or even three off every month. That sounds like a good thing to me. Just make sure that you accept or deny the invitation. If you deny, I can easily request someone to fill your position. All the bases get covered!

We will still have the blog up and running to introduce new songs, keep us motivated, and so I can give you the rambling that go on in my head. (I know all of you appreciate that!)

Anyway, thank you for your hard work, your support, and your faithfulness.

Ancient of Days
Better than Life
Made Me Glad
Amazing Love

Stepping Up!

2008-10-06T14:51:00.002-05:00

For Next Sunday...

Say So A
Overtaken D
My Jesus, I Love Thee D
Evermore A (followed by several key changes)

See you Tuesday night at 7pm!

I'm Back!!!!

2008-10-01T13:38:00.001-05:00

Hello folks!

Texas was great. We saw one person filled with the Holy Spirit and others encouraged in their walk with the Lord. Let's get ready to see the Lord move in us.

Danette

Wow

2008-09-28T12:52:00.003-05:00

Wow is all I have to say about today's services. We are having practice this Tuesday at 7 PM! I am going to be singing at a camp meeting in Texas so I will not be at practice. Robin will be leading the instrumental rehearsal and Janet will be leading vocally. If you need to get ahold of me this week you can try my cell phone. I don't know how the reception will be, so Sunday also has a number that I can be reached at. Thank you for your help, support, and love.

God Is Great C
The Lord Reigns G
How Great Is Our God G
Worship the King D

See you Wednesday night!

Danette

Let's Go Up the Mountain

2008-09-25T12:00:00.002-05:00

In staff prayer today, Sis. Calabrese really challenged us with something I've never heard quite this way. When God told Moses to go up the mountain for the purpose of giving him the Ten Commandments, God also told Aaron. Aaron heard the voice, but the Bible says that he was afraid. I can't imagine what he was afraid of. He was there when God parted the waters of the Red Sea. He was there when God showed his power and might to Pharaoh with the ten plagues. He was there when God demonstrated time and time again that He was going to take care of His children. So even though Aaron had seen God's power there was something about the voice of God that scared Aaron keeping him on the ground while Moses went up the mountain and received the Law of God.

While Moses was up on the mountain top, Aaron was in the valley listening to the people. He listened to them complain. He listened to them talk about the gods of Egypt. And he listened when they said they wanted their own graven image to worship. It was Aaron who told the children of Israel to bring their gold...to take off their earrings. It was Aaron who fashioned the golden calf. When Moses came down from the mountain, Aaron accuses the people of pressuring him to make the calf. Rob Bell writes in his book Velvet Elvis, "The moment God is figured out with nice neat lines and definitions, we are no longer dealing with God. We are dealing with somebody we made up. And if we made him up, then we are in control. And so in passage after passage, we find God reminding people that he is beyond and bigger and more." I suppose that's what we do so often...we try to make God be who we want him to be. We want Him to take away our problems when He wants to lead us through them. We want God to come to us so we control Him rather than He controlling us.

Was Aaron scared of the people? Or did he just want to put a face to God? Is it possible that Aaron was so puffed up because God had used him to help set His people free that he forgot who he was? Either which way, he was called to go up the mountain, but he choose to stay in the valley.

The Lord is calling each of us into a deeper relationship with Him. Sometimes God is in the valley, but when He has called us up to a higher calling we must accept that calling. If we don't, we, like Aaron, are tempted to listen to the people and lose what God intended for us on the mountain. I'm ready to go up the mountain. I'm ready to see God move in marvelous ways. I'm ready! How about we all accept our calling and go up the mountain together?

For Sunday, September 28th, 2008

Sweeter E
Forever F
Still C
It Is Well C

Get Motivated!

2008-09-22T15:03:00.003-05:00

Tracy, Ryan, and I went to the Get Motivated seminar this morning. I just wanted to share with you some of the principles talked about during one of the sessions. I do not remember the speaker's name, so we'll just say that this is not original material.

First, always predict growth. Have faith in yourself. Often times we look at our past or we think about everything that we don't have. Stop! Focus on the fact that God has great plans for your life and for the life of this church.

Recognize that you are important. We need you. You are so very important to the success of this body of believers. Speak that over yourself. You are important.

Third, do something. Don't let the fear of failure keep you from trying. If you succeed, great! If you fail, great! In our failure we learn what doesn't work.

Remember that you can do it. Push yourself to grow. Constantly look for a chance to learn.

Krish Dhanam said this, "Nothing grows on the mountain top. The food you eat on the mountain top grows in the valley. You carry it to the top."

Don't forget...worship practice on Tuesday night...7pm...be there or...I'll have to think of something.

1 John 5:14

2008-09-17T14:04:00.003-05:00

I came across this passage this morning during my devotions.

13-15My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God's Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he's listening. And if we're confident that he's listening, we know that what we've asked for is as good as ours.
16-17For instance, if we see a Christian believer sinning (clearly I'm not talking about those who make a practice of sin in a way that is "fatal," leading to eternal death), we ask for God's help and he gladly gives it, gives life to the sinner whose sin is not fatal. There is such a thing as a fatal sin, and I'm not urging you to pray about that. Everything we do wrong is sin, but not all sin is fatal.

18-21We know that none of the God-begotten makes a practice of sin—fatal sin. The God-begotten are also the God-protected. The Evil One can't lay a hand on them. We know that we are held firm by God; it's only the people of the world who continue in the grip of the Evil One. And we know that the Son of God came so we could recognize and understand the truth of God—what a gift!—and we are living in the Truth itself, in God's Son, Jesus Christ. This Jesus is both True God and Real Life. Dear children, be on guard against all clever facsimiles.

This challenged me on so many levels. First, it challenged me to pray. The Bible says in Psalms that "If we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart." Well, if we are delighting ourselves in the Lord, He is changing the desires of our hearts to line up with His will. Recently, I have really been struggling understanding what God's will is...almost questioning some of the dreams that I believe are from God. But I don't have to question them! I know that I strive to delight myself in the Lord and I know that He has changed my desires to line up with His will. Because I have done that I know that the Lord hears my prayers and I know that He will answer them. If may not be in the time I want, but He's working His plan in my life.

Secondly, this passage challenges me to pray. We see Christians everyday who are struggling in their faith. It is our responsibility to lift them up...NOT JUDGE THEM. (Please understand...there is a difference between judging and holding someone accountable.) When we judge someone, we begin to look down upon that person not love them through their problems. John's entire first epistle is on love. How much more clear can he make it for us? Our love is used as a restoring agent. He must stop tearing others down. We must lift them up in prayer. We must restore them in love.

Lastly, John just drives it all home again...Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Even though these are not the exact words that is definitely what he meant. Anything that may cause you to stumble or to doubt has to go! Our God is a jealous God. He wants all of us. Let's guard against anything that could destroy or hinder our relationship with the Lord.

For Sunday, September 21st

2008-09-15T11:18:00.003-05:00

Pastor spoke a powerful word that could not have come at a better time. Here are some key statements to challenged and encouraged me from yesterday's sermon.

Obedience leads to our survival.
Obedience brings us to victory.
Sometimes financial problems are not financial at all. God has promised He would meet our needs. If our needs are not being met, it is not a problem with God. It is a problem with us.
God always uses the least likely to do the most good.
God gives the Word, but if people don't act on the Word there will be NO MIRACLES!
God is waiting on us to change. (Thanks Ted and Lisa)

Here's some exciting news...oil is under $100 a barrall. That could be a good thing. Only problem...why did it go down? What happened to drive down the price? Nothing really has change. There's not drilling, and there is a war is some country. (I guess that goes to show you how much I pay attention to the news.) And if the cost of oil is down, why did the price of gas go up? Just wanted you to think about that.

Song list for Sunday, September 21st

Better Than Life F
Friend of God D
Be Unto Your Name A
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty E

Thank You!

2008-09-08T12:05:00.002-05:00

Thank you for helping us make our two service kick off a success. Truly, we could not have done it without you. The Lord is working in our midst and I am so thankful for that. Just as a reminder, please send me your correct email addresses. As we transition into this time of growth, communication has become more vital. Just send me an email. danette@cpraise.org

I am posting some new songs and the charts. Look these over for our upcoming practices. I'm thinking of using these more during our prayer times. The messages of these songs revolve around what Pastor Mike has been teaching on Sundays and around the prophecies that we have received in recent months.

For Sunday....

God Is Great C
The Lord Reigns G
Made Me Glad A
Everything E

Practice on Tuesday, September 9th, 7PM

For Sunday Aug. 17th

2008-08-13T10:36:00.002-05:00

Here's the plan...

Say So A
You Are Good E
How Great Is our God G
How Great Thou Art G

Thank you for being so willing to serve the Lord with your talents. The next few months ahead will be months of transition and challenge. As we move into two services, listen to what the Lord is asking of you and be will to commit to it.

In moving to two services, Pastor has been asking us to do a couple of things. First, be faithful to church attendance. (Which you are, but I'm just reminding you.) Secondly, give your time and talents to the Lord. Lastly, invite people to come to church. How can we ask our world to change when we're not doing anything to change it? It has been said that a fool is someone who continues to do the same thing and except a change. We must do our part.

Ok, I'll see you later.

For the next couple of weeks

2008-07-30T10:26:00.003-05:00

As you all know, I will be out of town with the youth going to Fine Arts. Please be praying that the Lord will use this time to teach them about their gifts. I know that this may be strange to some, but I don't believe in praying to win because sometimes winning can be the worst thing that a person can do. Pray that they will do their best and that the Lord will map out their lives in His will.

On the media player you will find the new song that we have been practicing the last couple of weeks. There is also a PDF file so make sure you look that over.

I pray that you all have a wonderful week next week. If you need anything you are always welcome to call my cell phone. If I don't answer I will do my best to get back with you as soon as possible.

August 3rd

You Are Good E
Forever F
Still C
In the Presence of Jehovah C

August 10th

Sweeter E
Forever F
High and Exalted F
Everything F

Spiritual Disciplines

2008-07-17T09:38:00.003-05:00

Last week, during Heart of the Artist, we talked about sin and how it effects us. We discovered that sin starts in the mind. We also learned that we can conquer sin by controlling our mind; however, conquering the power of our thoughts can only be accomplished through studying the Word of God. Paul wrote to the church in Rome, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2).

Believing this, we must also understand that there is more to living a successful life in Christ than just reading the Word of God. We must become discipline. When we say "discipline" most people, including myself, get a mental image of a big Russian woman standing over them with a paddle in her hand. But actually there are several types of discipline. Discipline could mean punishment, but it can also mean a life teaching followed by a devoted lifestyle.

As artists, we are often considered undisciplined. And let's face it when it comes to our denotation to our art, whether it be painting, drama, or music, no one can question passion. But there are other things in life than just are art like getting up in the morning and getting our kids off to school. (For me, it's just getting up in the morning.) Still, in our relationship with the Lord there is no room for us to follow into an undisciplined lifestyle. Our spiritual disciplines are vital for many reason. As ministering artists we have been given divine responsibility. Let's look at some of those responsibilities.

1.We have a responsibility to the people we serve.

Ministry is the product of our relationship with the Lord. It is true that God has given us talents, but what good are talents alone. When need the power of the Holy Spirit working in our everyday lives. That can only be gained by working on our spiritual disciplines. In our culture, we hear quite often of fallen pastors or ministers and it is devastating to the church. Most of the time a minister falls, not because the weren't talented, but just because they stopped following their strict spiritual disciplines. They got lazy. They didn't keep their guard up and that made them weak. When the enemy attacked they went down for the count...all because they just quite trying. Let's remember that we have a responsibility to the people we serve.

2. We have a responsibility to ourselves.

If we don't have Jesus, we have nothing. (I'm aware that is a double negative, but work with me here.) When we take the time to seek the face of God, our character is transformed into the image of Christ. We must remember that this our main goal...to be transformed into the image of Christ.

3. We have a responsibility to God.

Paul wrote to Timothy, "Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:7, 8) When it comes to serving God it is our job. God is not in the business of just making a person holy on His own recognisances. He gives us a choice and it is part of our service to Him to live for Him. We invest time and energy into the relationships and friendships that we care about. We have to take responsibility to nurture our relationship with Christ. He's waiting on us.

Here are some steps to help you become a spiritually mature individual...

1. It all starts with Bible Study

2. And prayer

3. Fasting

When we fast, we are learning to fight a different kind of spiritual battle...it's called spiritual warfare.

4. Journaling

5. Silence

6. Thanksgiving

7. Giving

8. Memorizing Scripture!!!

This is a big one that often gets overlooked. It is vital to your spiritual survival.

I know what you're thinking. How can I do all this? The point is that you do something. Earlier in our class we discussed that God doesn't expect perfection out of us because that's impossible. He excepts us to try. You've got to start somewhere.

Thank you for being involved in the our class. I believe that we have truly grown in out arts and in our relationship with the Lord. Let's, together, allow the Lord to use our giftings and talents to touch and change the world around us. I'll see you Sunday!

Moving Forward

2008-07-15T09:27:00.004-05:00

I have really been sensing in the last weeks that we are stepping into a new anointing of the Holy Spirit. As we begin to work in this new level there are a few steps that are vital in allowing the Lord to continue to move in and through us. First, we have to recognize that with a new level comes new responsibility. You have a responsibility to the church, to your family, to yourself, but also to God. Secondly, when God takes us higher we have to go deeper with Him. That means reading our Bible, praying, fasting, seeking the face of God. These are all spiritual disciplines that are vital to our survival in general; however, their importance increase exponentially when we step into a new level of God's presence.

1 Peter 5:8,9 says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brothers in the world." Have you ever watch those specials on the Discovery channel about predators? They hunt in groups and they hunt for groups. Funny thing is, even though an entire pride could take a large chunk of good, prime water buffalo, they always go for the little ones on the edge of the herd. The enemy is the same way. He'll take to easy prey anyday. Press in to God. Don't be that one lone person out there. Step into God. If you see your brother or sister in Christ hurting or alone, encourage them to press in also. We need each other.

Worship Music for Sunday July 20th

Say So A
Overtaken D
Worthy is the Lamb C
The Lamb Upon the Thone C
Praise You C Key Change to G
Large jump, I know, but trust me.

Dealing with Difficult People Part 2

2008-06-26T15:25:00.002-05:00

I hope that everyone is having an enjoyable summer. July 2nd will be our first Tuesday evening practice. It will begin at 7:00pm and last until about 8:30. This will help all of us so much. We will be able to fellowship with each other more as well as devote more time to practice music and the presence of God.

Brother Lawrence was a monk that lived in the Middle Ages. There is a compilation of many of his writings and letters called The Practice of the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence explains that we have to live in the presence of God even through mundane actions of life. I would add that we have to practice the presence of God while we practice our music.

During the Heart of the Artist class I challenged them to listen to more praise and worship music. When we take the focus off of our lives and our needs and place it on the Lord we become more centered people. I also challenged them to read five Psalms everyday. Really, that’s not that much. It’s like two regular chapters of the Bible. I want to challenge you to do the same.

So you can prepare for Sunday, here's a list of the songs that we will probably do.

Friend of God D
Endlessly E
Because of Who You Are G
Everything E

Fine Arts Appreciation Banquet

2008-06-24T15:18:00.003-05:00

Thank you for being apart of the fine arts at Cathedral of Praise. Our success as a ministry would be impossible without you. Roger Thomassen, from Central Bible College, inspired us to live a lifestyle of adoration before the Lord. Here are some highlights from Saturday's banquet to help us remember this exciting time.

¢Look around!
¢Imitate Jesus
¢Feast on God’s Word!
¢Engage with God in prayer
¢Serve
¢Thankful
¢Yield yourself as instruments of righteousness
¢Learner
¢Enthusiastic!