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| In This Issue A Joshua Accepts the Call Integrity in All That We Do Event Calendar & Resources Poetry Pointe: The Dance Dance Ministry Resources What the World Needs Now... |
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| A Joshua Accepts the Call by Nick Wells-Miller |
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| My name is Nick Wells-Miller and I minister in dance. I have been ministering in dance since the age of about 8 years old. I minister at my home church with about 15 other females. I have been the only male in my church dance ministry for as long as I can remember. Sometimes it gets really hard being the only male in the dance ministry. When most people see a female dance they don’t think much of it. It’s another story when they see a male minister in dance. Most people begin to question their sexuality. Many people even begin to wonder if men that dance are "real" males at all. Because the stereotypical male in our society is one who plays sports, doesn’t really show emotion, and is never associated with dance. It really gets discouraging at times and sometimes I want to quit and throw in the towel, but then I remember the real reason why I am so passionate and why I got into the dance ministry in the first place. |
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| The ministry of dance is basically doing a service for the lord through movement and giving Him all He deserves with our whole hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. This is one of the reasons I minister in dance. I got into the dance ministry because I love the feeling I get when I minister in dance. I get this overwhelming sense of comfort. I notice that while I am ministering that it’s not me at all, it’s the Holy Spirit within me. I minister in dance because it makes me happy and I feel like I get rid of all the bad emotions that I have harbored for so long. It’s truly my outlet for all the frustration and things I have inside of me. The dance ministry is my calling and that is another reason why I minister in dance. I want to fulfill my call within the dance ministry. I have been called to minister to those who many people have forgotten about. Many people tend to forget about those who truly need more help. Like those people who abuse themselves (Cutters, Bulimics) I have been called to give hope and deliver a message that God can use any and everybody in the ministry of dance as long as they are a willing vessel. The scripture that best describes my calling for the ministry is Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners Basically what it says to me it that God has anointed me to help all those who have been broken, battered, and abused. I know many males who want to minister in dance, but many are afraid because they are scared of what people might think of them. It’s time for REAL MEN to take back the true ministry of Dance. MEN WHO AREN’T AFRAID TO BE DIFFERENT FOR GOD. Its time for the REAL MEN to dance like David danced and not be ashamed of what God has called them to do. God is calling us higher and He wants us to say “YES” to the call He has given to us regarding the ministry of dance. |
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| Nick Wells-Miller is 17 years old and attends Antioch Baptist Church In Camden, NJ. He is a part of Joy of The Lord Dance Ministry under the Direction of Sis. Shelly Turner. He is also the Service Coordinator for The Chosen Generation Youth Ministry at his church. His future plans in life are to become a Pastor, Social Worker, College Professor, and Entrepreneur. He is currently in his Senior Year of High School. After High School, he plans to attend Philadelphia Biblical University to study Education & Pastoral Studies. His favorite Scriptures are Isaiah 61, Psalms 150 and Romans 12. |
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| Company Keepers staff is pleased to present the following article, which is the first of a series of articles that we endeavor to share with all sacred artists the world over. Forthcoming monthly articles will deal with similar type subjects to inform, assist, edify and uplift the sacred arts community to: |
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| by Minister Cynthia Dempsey, Esq. |
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| "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait for You." (Psalm 25:21) |
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| The Laws, Statues and Kingdom Principles of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, as recorded in the Holy Bible are THE standards by which all of God's children are to govern our lives. This includes the integrity that we operate in when abiding by God's Laws and the laws of the land as they relate to liturgical dancers and all those participating in God's entire ministry of the sacred worship arts. Copyright Law is the primary form of intellectual property law that has a definite impact on liturgical dancers. This introductory article provides an overview of: 1) God as THE Lawgiver and Establisher of Standards, 2) Jesus as our Example-Setter for abiding by God's Laws and the Laws of the Land and 3) answers the questions "What is Copyright Law and why should I care?" Father God, on behalf of every reader I pray that You: "Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I [we] may live and keep Your word. Open my [our] eyes that I [we] may see Wondrous things from Your law." - Psalm 119:17-18 I. GOD'S LAW- "Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes" - Psalm 119:12 A. Jehovah is the Lawgiver The following passages of scripture confirm that God is the Lawgiver: "(For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our Lawgiver, the LORD is our King; He will save us)" - Isaiah 33:22 "Listen to Me, My people and give ear to Me, O My nation; for law will proceed from Me, and I will make my justice rest as a light of the peoples." - Isaiah 51:4 "Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their insults." - Isaiah 51:7 The Lord promises that, "I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." - Jeremiah 31:33 "There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and destroy." - James 4:12 B. ELOHIM is the Establisher of Standards Elohim, the All-Powerful One, Creator God has given us standards by which to live (Psalm 86:11, Psalm 119:89-104, Matthew 22:38-39). Our Father God requires that we worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23). Elohim desires truth in our inward parts, and in the hidden part, He will make us to know wisdom (Psalm 51:6). He desires for us to be holy (Leviticus 11:44-45 and 1 Peter 1:16) because He is holy (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8 and 15:4). As worship leaders, dance ministers and all sacred artists, we MUST abide by God's standard of holiness. God's holiness is to permeate from every fiber of our being and extend to all that we do. II. JESUS, OUR EXAMPLE-SETTER "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor."- John 12:26 A. JESUS: Example of Abiding By the Laws of the Land Jesus, our great example-setter showed us how God's standard of holiness will cause us to abide by the laws of the land. Two passages of scripture in this section teach us that Jesus Christ, "The King of Glory, El Olam (The beginning and the End)" submitted Himself to the taxation laws of the temple [church] and the government [state]. 1. Paying Temple Taxes: Rendering to the Up-Building of God's Kingdom On Earth Matthew 17:24-27 provides an account of Jesus instructing Peter to pay the temple tax. During that time, all Jewish males ages 20 and older had to pay an annual half-shekel tax (equivalent to approximately two days worth of wages) to support the temple. Jesus paid what was required to help support God's kingdom on the earth. He teaches us by example that we are to do likewise. 2. Render Unto Caesar that which is Caesar's - Submitting to the Established Laws In Matthew 22:15-22, the Pharisees asked Jesus if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. They wanted to trick Him into saying that they do not have to abide by the laws of the land. Yet, Jesus the All-Knowing One, knew the motives and intents of their hearts. He asked them whose image and inscription was on the money. They responded Caesar based on what Jesus told them: "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's." 3. Submit to the Established Laws of the Land, Provided They Do Not Conflict With God's Laws Romans 13:1-7 discusses the importance of children of God living according to the rules of government. Specifically, Romans 13:7 tells us to "Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor." All three of these scripture passages impress upon us God's desires for us to live according to the laws of the land, provided they do not violate His laws and principles. This leads us directly into the study of what is copyright law and why we should care. III. COPYRIGHT LAW A. What is Copyright Law? A Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U.S. Code) to the authors of original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. The Copyright Office, Circular 1 Copyright Basics 1 (1996). More specifically, Copyright extends to include works of authorship in the following categories: (1) literary works; (2) musical works, including any accompanying words; (3) dramatic works, including any accompanying music; (4) pantomimes and choreographic works; (5) pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works; (6) motion pictures and other audiovisual works; (7) sound recordings; and (8) architectural works. B. Why Should I Care? Many liturgical dance groups and individual dancers choreograph dance pieces to music and other works protected by intellectual property laws. Many also incorporate copyright protected books and other instructional literary work into their ministries. Literary works or music protected by copyright law has the following words written on the label and/or cover: NAME (of Author, Artist or Music Publisher), Address. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Duplication Prohibited or WARNING: Unauthorized reproduction of this recording is prohibited by Federal law and subject to criminal prosecution. Despite these warnings, unauthorized duplications and reproductions occur daily. Unfortunately, many dancers do not realize there are some circumstances where permission is required to use protected works. The fact that the dancer personally purchased the book, CD or tape does not alter the law's requirement that, depending on your use of the book or music, permission is required. EVERYDAY SCENARIOS Listed below are two scenarios that liturgical dance groups and other worship arts groups generally encounter everyday regarding the use of copyright protected literary works and music in the choreography of dances. A. Copying a Book for Ministry Members The dance ministry leader bought the book "GOD'S Precious Dancer" and each week wants to make copies of each chapter of the book for all dancers in the ministry. Q: Can the leader make multiple copies of the book? A: The general answer to this question is NO. If the books and literary work are protected by copyright law, then you must request permission from the copyright owner prior to making copies of the book. B. Copying a Song for Rehearsal Church dance ministry choreographed a dance to Fred Hammond's song entitled "No Weapon." It is one of many songs on his CD. Q: Can the dancers make multiple copies of that one song so they may practice the dance at home, without requesting permission? A: The general answer to this question is NO. If music is protected by copyright law, the law states that you request permission to make copies. [There is always the option of each dancer purchasing their own copy of the CD/tape]. Contact the artist and/or the Harry Fox Agency regarding making copies of sound recordings. There are exceptions to law such as the Fair Use Doctrine, Home Recording Act and others. Future sections will discuss this. TIPS OF THE MONTH Tip #1- Take the copyright warning on the music labels and in front of books seriously. There are many options: * Purchase the material (make it a ministry-wide investment). In our day of technology you can legally buy single songs from the various online music providers. * When buying multiple copies, it is possible to ask if the bookstores, publishers, or authors will be able to give you a lower group rate. * Depending on the extent of your use, seek permission from the owner. Tip #2- Support the Kingdom of God by paying for the copyright protected literary works and music. The author, artist, producer, or songwriter has labored and spent time with God to receive the valuable [life, kingdom, and destiny changing] information that you are being enhanced by. Seriously consider how you'd feel if after working 20 weeks, pay period comes and your employer only paid you 2 weeks worth of work. The other 18 weeks worth of work you did was paid to at least 9 other people. The reason given: “Well, there were 9 other people here and we know that you are a Christian and would rather they be blessed with all your efforts than for them to get nothing. So, we gave it to them. Meanwhile, you are now short 18 weeks of money, bills are due and most of all, rather than being able to pay tithe on the money for 20 weeks worth of work, you only have 2 weeks worth of money to tithe from. I sincerely pray every sacred will think about the next time you're tempted to make multiple copies of a CD or book for all of your family, friends or ministry members. Closing Prayer: |
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| ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Minister Cynthia Dempsey, graduate of Eagles International Training Institute, loves the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY with all her substance and uses every gift and talent HE has given her to glorify and worship Him in spirit and in truth. She is married to Horace Dempsey and they have three precious daughters. She serves as Christian Education Coordinator/Chapel Teacher at a private school; writes the yearly curriculum, teaches chapel weekly and in 2006 created an original Vacation Bible School Curriculum. She has been saved since she was a young girl and dancing since age four. She is an attorney and as part of her practice, provides legal counsel and Godly wisdom to dance schools and companies, liturgical dance ministries, performing arts corporations and other arts related individuals and organizations. She has more than 15 years liturgical dance experience as a minister of dance, choreographer, instructor of youth, teens, and adults, and a workshop and seminar speaker. She is a member of the Jericho City of Praise (JCOP) under the anointed and prophetic leadership of Apostle Betty P. Peebles, D.D., Senior Pastor. Cynthia serves as the JCOP Dance Ministry Administrator. She also serves on the Board of Directors of two non-profit arts organizations. |
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| Dance Ministry Events |
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| March 17th @ 5:00pm A Generation of Praise... Benefit Dance Concert Location: Judson Baptist Church 451 East 223rd Street - Carson, CA Host: Vessels of Praise Liturgical Dance Ministry Proceeds will go toward a mission trip to Ghana West Africa! |
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| Conferences & Workshops 2007 |
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| February 9th - 10th Make His Praise Glorious! Worship Dance Workshop Monroe, LA (near Shreveport ) Hosts: Prophet Tom & Pastor Lynn Hayden Dancing for Him Ministries Website: www.dancingforhim.com February 24th Leadership and Department Organization Farmville, NC Location: Oasis of Hope Church website: www.oasisdancers.org February 28th - March 3rd The Word Made Flesh "Equipping the Body" Ministry in Arts Conference Tuscaloosa, AL (near Birmingham ) Host: Veronica Givhan / Alabama CDF Website: www.veronicagivhan.com Email: cdfala@aol.com March 15th - 17th Breaking Free Forever Men’s Dance Conference MEN ONLY! Columbus, OH Host: Bishop Christopher Hardy Website: www.internationalcovenantministries.org Email: cjhardy2@msn.com Phone: (614) 519-0375. March 28th - April 1st "ONE INTIMATE WORSHIP EXPERIENCE" Restoring The Glory Nassau, Bahamas Host: Pastor Agnes Glinton, Greater Love Ministries Website: www.greaterloveministries.com Email: greaterlovemin@yahoo.com April 12th -14th "The Power and Beauty of His Dance" St. Maarten Host: Minister Miranda Patterson Email: mirandapatterson_332@hotmail.com June 1st & 2nd "Come Away My Beloved" Into HIS Presence... Worship / Liturgical Dance Retreat & Conference Reisterstown, Maryland Host: International Liturgical Dance Fellowship website: www.ildf.com |
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| July 13th - 15th On One A-Chord 3rd Annual Bay Area Liturgical Worship Arts Conference Host: Passion For Worship Dance Company & Ministries, Inc. Website: www.passionforworshipdance.com July 20th - 21st One Body, One Spirit Dance Conference Columbia, SC Hosts: GA, SC and NC Chapters of the National Liturgical Dance Network Website: www.natldancenetga.org Phone: (803) 772-1462 August 2nd -7th Kingdom Arts Conference 2007 An International Arts Symposium Barbados Hosts: Kingdom Reach Barbados, Operation Save Jamaica and other ministries in Trinidad & Tobago Website: www.praiseacademyofdance.org Email: mbweekes@yahoo.com August 8th - 12th Dancing Preachers International 2007 Barbados Host: Sabrina McKenzie Ministries Website: www.sabrinamckenzie.org September 8th Equipping the Saints Dance & Worship Arts Conference Fairview Heights, IL Host: Lakita Humber- Paneh Praise Dance & Mime Ministry Website: www.praisedanceministry.com/conference Email: register@panehpraise.com Phone: (618) 407-6145 September 13th-15th 24-7 Three Six Five: Eternal Worship National Dance Conference Las Vegas, NV Host: Rain Rein Reign Website: 2007RRRDanceConference Email: 247365@rainreinreign.com |
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| Dance Ministry Resources |
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| Dance Ministry Instructional DVDs: |
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| “Choreographed Dances for the Children of God’ is based on Scriptures found in John, chapter 11 and is appropriate for congregational worship. As a pre-order special, we are offering this new Dance Instructional DVD & Musical CD Set for the introductory price of $28.00 each, plus $2.00 postage (First Class Mail). Please allow 2 - 3 weeks for delivery. Please reply to this announcement and let us know that you would like to place your order. If you would like to pay by credit card we will send you an invoice via PayPal to your email address. You may also order by sending a check or Money Order made payable to: M.D.C.I., PO Box 50697 - Henderson, Nevada 89016 *A portion of each sale goes to help with the needs of believers living in Israel. * Blessings to you! Your servants in Messiah Yeshua - Ralph & Mindy M.D.C.I. (661) 317-0435 Teach Your Feet #1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 is also available! www.mdci.info |
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| Worship Steps |
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| Instructional dance videos from Worship Steps are created for dancers, youth, dance studios, ministry groups, and local churches who are looking for fully choreographed dances that connect the heart of man with the heart of God. Each dance is demonstrated by a dancer or group of dancers in a live setting to give an overall view of the choreography followed by easy to learn step-by-step instruction in a dance studio setting. We offer instructional dance videos in hip-hop, jazz, and lyrical styles. Our purpose is to equip the body of Christ with tools for experiencing complete freedom in worship. All single DVDs are $25.00 and VHS tapes are only $15.00 (while supplies last). The sets of the multiple DVDs are priced with significant discounts. |
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| To see online previews and/or make a purchase, visit: www.worshipsteps.com |
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| "The God-given vision I gave you no man or woman will take away from you." This is what God spoke to me in 2005 after our dance team ministered at a local high school function. Later on during the week, I asked God why are you telling me this? My answer came in 2006. I went through some trials and hardships in dance ministry. Men and women were trying to stop me from building up the Kingdom in Dance, but I had to keep going, focusing on what God had placed in my heart to do for His Kingdom and walk in forgiveness! The Word says in Deuteronomy 8:2 - "Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years; to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands." Our tests bring an humbling experience. Whether we like it or not, they will come and we must stay in God's face. I call it a Spiritual Encounter! A Face 2 Face Encounter with God! Like Jacob, God turned things around after he came out of His presence! God is looking at our hearts and our true motives for ministry. When we do things to please man, it will not last long. It will become a burden and feel like an obligation. Jacob limped away from his encounter. His heart was changed and God blessed him with even more! Have you had your limping experience? I like how the Message Bible breaks it down: "Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts. Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust!" (Proverbs 4:23) Remember, God is the One who exalts or promotes. He knows our thoughts and intentions. What's on the inside will come out sooner or later. Dancers let us continue to dance with humbled hearts, before the Lord! |
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| * Sherry Traylor (danceroneheaven@yahoo.com) attends Zoe Christian Fellowship of Whittier, CA where she serves as Dance Director over several ministries. She is the Founder of Heavens Gates Academy of the Arts in California. Sherry has served the Lord in dance for over 20 years. Sherry has been blessed to facilitate dance conferences, and is in the process of writing a book on the ministry of dance. Sherry offers free dance technique classes at Zoe on Saturdays at 11:00am in Room 53. |
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| Poetry Pointe |
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| I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Joshua 1:3 (NIV) |
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| Deep within me there is a longing A great burning desire To reach out and grab a hold of Him Yet I know I must go higher Way down in the depths of my being In the very center of my soul There is a place of great intimacy That to reach I've made my goal Sometimes in the smallest split second I sense His presence And yet I long for more And in that time the dance begins One I have never done before So I dance like no one else is watching Like their eyes don't mean a thing Always remembering that I do have an audience For I dance before the King So many things I want to say to Him That words could never express So in my movement I share with Him All of my sorrow, pain, love, joy and my happiness What led me to Him was my desire to worship And now I have been given the chance So with a humble heart, I let Him open me up As I embrace "The Dance" |
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| Charmaine Hinds is the Founder and Director of Worship in Motion Ministry and the Spirit and Truth Ministry Centre in Mississauga, Canada. Please visit the website of Worship in Motion at www.worshipinmotion.org for more information regarding teaching, conferences, to view video clips of the Worship in Motion Ministry at various events, as well as products that will enhance the sacred arts community. |
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| All images used here are from the Worship in Motion website. |
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| There is a very popular song that so many people know and can sing at the drop of a hat: "What the world needs now, is love sweet love, it's the only thing, that there's just too little of..." Okay enough already! This song remains as popular today as it was when I was younger. This song speaks volumes and remains as true today as it was yesterday. I've seen some extremely disturbing events in the news, my community, church, at work, etc., and decided to do a heart-check on my love. I decided that I needed heart-surgery before my heart becomes dis-eased. My Father confirmed my broken heart and I thought I should remind us of this sometimes noun and verb, how great it really truly is, and how some of us have missed it far too often. |
WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW, IS LOVE... |
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| by LaVetta Celise Williams |
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| Yes, I said verb. Back to elementary: A verb is an action word. Yes I know it is a noun as well, but depending on the meanings of it as a noun may not quite cut it; but then sometimes it is quite sufficient. Look at Webster's: 1. a: strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties <maternal love for a child> b: affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests <love for his old schoolmates> 2. warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion <love of the sea> 3. the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration <baseball was his first love> 4. unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another: as (1) : the fatherly concern of God for humankind (2) : brotherly concern for others b : a person's adoration of God Now Webster's as a verb, (although the above #4 is excluded): 1. to hold dear 2. to like or desire actively : take pleasure in <loved to play the violin> 3. to thrive in <the rose loves sunlight> Love occurs 310 times in the Bible, and is used as a noun and verb throughout, and not always in the expressed way we'd probably use love. Notice that God has commanded man to love Him (Deut 6:5), but God also loves us (Deut. 4:37, Isa 43:4, Mal 1:2). There are other things God loves as well: * God loves those that follow after righteouness (Prov. 15:9) * God has loved you with an everlasting love (Jer 31:3) * God loves the gates of Zion (Psalm 87:2) * God loves His sanctuary / Holy Temple (Mal 2:11) Look at the table below and see how God continues to give us choices every day on what we can love: |
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| MAN CAN LOVE |
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| OR |
MAN CAN LOVE |
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| Evil- Psalm 52:3 Death- Proverbs 8:36 Vanity- Psalm 4:2 Cursing- Psalm 109:17 False Oath- Zech 8:17 |
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| Good- Amos 5:15 Truth and Peace- Zech 8:19 Salvation- Psalm 40:16 Wisdom- Proverbs 29:3 God with all your heart, mind, soul, might, mind, strength- Deut. 6:5, 10:12, 11:13, 13:3, 30:6; Joshua 22:5; Matt. 22:37; Mark 12:30 & Luke 10:27 |
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| Last month we had the young people speak serious wisdom to us about the love of God and our sacred gifts we offer unto Him. Our precious daughter even spoke to us about the choices we make, confirmed by the chart above. As you can see, man can love good or evil. So this "LOVE" thing must be put into proper perspective from those of us who all ourselves sons and daughters of God. Take a "LOVE" test on the above chart, and if you find you're lacking in some areas, then it's time for a heart check-up. Christ himself put love above everything, even faith and hope (1 Corinthians 13:13). I would suggest He was saying "LOVE" permeates EVERYTHING! I just don't think we truly understand the depth of this thing called "LOVE." I wrestle with whether or not we truly love our neighbor as ourselves. God's word clearly makes it plain that if we love our neighbor as we love ourselves, then we shall live. Christ says IF we do, we will live (Luke 10:27-28). I think for each of us this life situation depends on where our love is, where our maturity in Christ is, how intimate we are with our Father so He can show us what it is we're doing, falling short of "LOVE." I've had a few conversations these past couple of months on the salvation of those we come into contact with. I was sorely disappointed to realize how callous we take this situation. If we really have love for Christ, then didn't He pay the ultimate price for our salvation? What other justifiable explanation could there be except that He loved us? After all, He was without sin, a pure and holy King. I weep at the thought that I could even have the audacity to not love. I know it is hard saints, but I truly believe if we see the love in each other first, then so many things that we dislike, irritate us, disarm us, disappoint us, will become lessened and not as important as they first seemed. There are lyrics to a song from Israel & New Breed which say, "I'll never know how much it cost, to see MY sin upon the cross..." I can't fathom. It had to be LOVE. This month I am going to ask each of you to do a special assignment. I really want you all to complete this assignment before February 28, 2007, every reader of Company Keepers. This month we will be bombarded with all types of Valentine stuff (cards, letters, roses, flowers, dinner invitations, etc.), but how many of us will be bombarded with the love of Christ, one for another? I want you to write a love letter to the King. Yep, a love letter. Many of us have written love letters to boyfriends, lovers, friends, as well as given cards or other gifts or tokens to show our love and appreciation for them. But how many have given a gift or love letter to God? This month I implore each of you to do this for our Father. He who loved us first, just because. After you write a love letter to our Lord and Saviour, write a letter of love to someone you've hurt or have had a difference with this year, meaning 2007. That's right, since January 1st. Saints, we can not afford to lose any part of the army of worshipping warriors this year. We spent all of 2006 planting our tent pegs, staking our claims to what is rightfully ours. Now in the year of the sword, 2007, we must love one another sincerely so that we become an army of one, united in faith, united in "LOVE!" Shalom ooVaracha (Peace & Blessings) LaVetta |
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| LaVetta Celise Williams gave her life to Jesus Christ at age 12 & has been saved 32 years. She is the founder of Dancing Before the King Ministries, traveling nationally & internationally teaching & ministering at conferences, workshops, Bible Studies, etc., on the Biblical aspect of praise & worship, liturgical dance, pageantry (flags, banners, streamers) and all that it entails to be a sacred arts minister. She is a member of Destiny World Church & the former Dance Director; current staff writer and Assistant Editor of Company Keepers, National Liturgical Dance Network (NLDN) administrative assistant and member of the International Dance Commission & Sacred Dance Guild. She is one of the founders of the NLDN-GA Chapter and former Administrative Assistant. She's currently enrolled in the Eagles International Training Institute pursuing licensing as a minister of dance. She mentors 10 ministries in California, Connecticut, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia & Texas. Contact her at destinedtodance@hotmail.com. |
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| January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 |
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| Company Keepers Staff: |
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| Rekesha Pittman - Editor-in-Chief (Founder- Rain Rein Reign Ministries) Sherry Traylor - Consulting Editor (Dance Director- Zoe Expressions Dance Ministry) LaVetta C. Williams - Assistant Editor (Founder- Dancing Before the King Ministries) Robin Deane - Staff Writer (Worship Arts Director- West Angeles / Founder- The Victory Praise Dancers) Sally Reynolds - Staff Writer (Fine Arts Director- Covenant Worship Center Inglewood) |
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| Company Keepers Dance Ministry Monthly |
| Dance the Word Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies. Psalm 36:5 "Yet if you devote your heart to Him and stretch out your hands to Him, if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear. Job 11:13-15 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." Luke 1:76-80 |
| WHO WILL SAY YES TO HIS CALL TO MINISTER IN DANCE? WHO WILL BE A REAL MAN OF GOD AND STAND UP FOR WHAT GOD HAS LAID UPON YOUR HEART REGARDING THE MINISTRY OF DANCE? I HAVE ACCEPTED THE CALL, WILL YOU? |
| INTEGRITY IN ALL THAT WE DO: GOD'S LAW, Copyright Law and The Liturgical Dancer Part 1: The Intro |
| * These listings are submitted by various community sources. Company Keepers Staff does not necessarily endorse events listed below. Please be prayerful and led of the Lord when selecting and attending ministry gatherings. Please contact event organizer with any questions or for more information regarding these events. |
| Messianic Dance Camps International |
| This full-length instructional DVD (approximately 71 minutes) contains seven choreographed dances which includes beginning, intermediate, and advanced dances so that every level is met. The seven titles included are: “I Will Sing” by: Kol Simcha (Intermediate dance) “Days of Elijah” (Intermediate dance) “Shomer Yisrael” (Keeper of Israel) by: Kol Simcha (Advanced dance) “Wherever You Go” by: Integrity’s Praise! (Beginning interpretational dance “God Comes Out” Written by Leonard Jones (Intermediate dance) “Whoever Offers Praise” Written by Kathy Shooster (Advanced dance) “Tabernacle Lord” Written by Kirk Dearman (Intermediate dance) |

| IS IT FROM THE HEART OR FROM MAN? |
| by Sherry Traylor |
| The Dance by C. Hinds |



| The Love of the Father for His Children! The love of the children for one another? |

| Company Keepers Back Issues: |
| To Post Conferences, Workshops, or Announcements: E-mail: companykeepers@rainreinreign.com Dance Concerts & Events: Please submit dates for March & April 2007 only. All submissions must be received by: February 25th for inclusion in the March 2007 Edition. |