Heart Of the Artist Part 4 Talking Points Review

Heart Of the Artist Part 4 Talking Points Review:

Philippians 2:1-5 NIV

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his

love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus

Servants Vs. Stars:

Servant-hood is a counter-cultural notion; it goes against human nature.

Barriers to true servant-hood

·        Attitude of superiority (un-teachable spirit)

·        Misguided pride (The need to be exalted)

·        Insecurity (Needing to boast about ourselves to lift ourselves up)

·        Selfish ulterior motives (self serving recognition)

·        Self-sufficiency (confidence in our own giftedness)

·        Concerns about performance over substance and heart for God

Humility:

Here is what the Bible says about humility:

Ephesians 4:2 NIV 
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Jesus tells us the reason for humbling ourselves before God:

Luke 14:11 NIV 
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles

himself will be exalted."

The Bible says that God is opposed to the proud:
 
1 Peter 5:5 NIV

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you,

clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes

the proud but gives grace to the humble."

God tends to distance himself from the haughty.

Pride, putting ourselves first, and a lack of humility aren't pleasing to God.

It is imperative that we humble ourselves before God 

because apart from Him we can do nothing:

John 15:4-5 NIV

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit;

apart from me you can do nothing.

We should keep in mind that performing onstage, serving in media or 

doing sound, does not make us any better than anyone else who is 

faithfully using his or her gifts elsewhere in the church.

It is quite all right to take pleasure in pleasing God with your talent. 

In fact, that should be one of our main ambitions in life.

We need to die to the desire to be the greatest.

Continue to ask yourself how you can exalt God in Worship without exalting yourself?

Remember who your audience is. Are you really using your talent to please God?

***** Stay focused on ministering to people, as opposed to gratifying 

          yourself artistically. Ministry is not about us and our wonderful  

          talents. It's about people. It's about serving others.

1 Peter 4:10 NIV

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,

faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

Let’s make it our Goal to please God:

2 Corinthians 5:9 NIV

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

Exchange self-importance for a life of true significance.

Next time you are onstage performing for a group of people, or operating sound or media, try looking at the congregation of people the same way Jesus would. Jesus has a heart full of compassion for each and every one of them. A good place to start serving others is with those you serve with.

God’s desire:

• Serve one another
• Be devoted to one another
• Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God

******Keep in mind the message is more important 

            than the messenger.

******The purpose of my ministry is not to impress people 

            with my art but to demonstrate God's power and love.

******Play your instrument skillfully, run your sound or media 

            with excellence, and always strive to focus attention away 

            from yourself and point to God. This is not easy to do, 

            but with the right heart, you can bring glory to God.

Tips about God pleasing ministry:

True ministry is about Jesus and whether His message is getting across.  

In leading worship we are all background. Jesus Christ is center stage, not us.

He must increase and we must decrease.

Worship must be the most unselfish thing we humans ever do.

Ministry is a privilege

One of the best ways for us to grow spiritually is to daily ingest the principles of God’s Word:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and

training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for

every good work.

Once we take to heart God’s Word as truth, we then must apply it so it will take hold of our lives. With God’s Word as our guiding principle and playbook for abundant life, not only will we be conformed to the image of Christ, but we have the tools, the heart and the knowledge, to help others on their journey of faith as well.

Have an Awesome Weekend………………..Dave  

Heart Of the Artist Part 4

Heart Of the Artist Part 4:

Philippians 2:1-5 NIV

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Servants Vs. Stars:

Servant-hood is a countercultural notion; it goes against human nature.

Barriers to true servant-hood

·        Attitude of superiority (un-teachable spirit)

·        Misguided pride (The need to be exalted)

·        Insecurity (Needing to boast about ourselves to lift ourselves up)

·        Selfish ulterior motives (self serving recognition)

·        Self-sufficiency (confidence in our own giftedness)

·        Concerns about performance over substance and heart for God

Humility:

Here is what the Bible says about humility:

Ephesians 4:2 NIV 
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Jesus tells us the reason for humbling ourselves before God:

Luke 14:11 NIV 
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Here are other verses to consider about humility:

James 4:10 NIV 
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

1 Peter 3:8 NIV 
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

1 Peter 5:6 NIV 
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

The Bible says that God is opposed to the proud:
 
1 Peter 5:5 NIV

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

God tends to distance himself from the haughty.

Pride, putting ourselves first, and a lack of humility aren't pleasing to God.

It is imperative that we humble ourselves before God because apart from Him we can do nothing.

John 15:4-5 NIV

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

We should keep in mind that performing onstage, serving in media or doing sound, does not make us any better than anyone else who is faithfully using his or her gifts elsewhere in the church.

It is quite all right to take pleasure in pleasing God with your talent. In fact, that should be one of our main ambitions in life.

We need to die to the desire to be the greatest.

Continue to ask yourself how you can exalt God in Worship without exalting yourself?

Remember who your audience is. Are you really using your talent to please God?

***** Stay focused on ministering to people, as opposed to gratifying 

yourself artistically. Ministry is not about us and our wonderful talents. It's about people. It's about serving others.

1 Peter 4:10 NIV

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

Let’s make it our Goal to please God:

2 Corinthians 5:9 NIV

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

Exchange self-importance for a life of true significance.

Next time you are onstage performing for a group of people, or operating sound or media, try looking at the congregation of people the same way Jesus would. Jesus has a heart full of compassion for each and every one of them. A good place to start serving others is with those you serve with.

"Serve one another"

Galatians 5:13 NIV

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

"Be devoted to one another"

Romans 12:10 NIV

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

We need to come to a meeting, to a rehearsal, or to a service, ready to serve instead of always asking, "What's in it for me?" or "What can I get out of this?" we need to ask "How can I serve? What can I give?"

******Keep in mind the message is more important than the messenger.

The purpose of my ministry is not to impress people with my art but to demonstrate God's power and love.

******Play your instrument skillfully, run your sound or media with 

excellence, and always strive to focus attention away from yourself 

and point to God. This is not easy to do, but with the right heart, 

you can bring glory to God.

"Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"

1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV 
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

True ministry is about Jesus and whether His message is getting across. (This should be our motivation)

In leading worship we are all background. Jesus Christ is center stage, not us.

He must increase and we must decrease.

Worship must be the most unselfish thing we humans ever do.

Be careful, be alert: Satan will try to get our focus off of Jesus and on to ourselves.

We must always remember ministry is a privilege.

People called of God know that if God has called them to minister, He will equip them to do the work of the ministry, even though it might call for them to grow as people or as artists.

One of the best ways for us to grow spiritually is to daily ingest the principles of God’s Word:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Once we take to heart God’s Word as truth, we then must apply it so it will take hold of our lives. With God’s Word as our guiding principle and playbook for abundant life, not only will we be conformed to the image of Christ, but we have the tools, the heart and the knowledge, to help others on their journey of faith as well.

Personal Questions to Ponder and to be challenged by:

Would other people say I am humble or prideful?

How can I exalt God in Worship without exalting myself?

Am I using my talent to please God or for personal edification?

Do I understand what it is to die to self?

Have an Awesome Weekend………………..Dave  

Heart Of the Artist Part 3 Talking Points Review

Heart Of the Artist Part 3 Talking Points Review:

Romans 12:1 NIV

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies

as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

Character:

For those in ministry, our character will be tested like never before.

Our character will be challenged and stretched to the limit. We must

remember that trials have a purpose in spiritual growth and character

development.

Romans 5:3-5 NIV

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

 James 1:2-5 NIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

The testing of our faith is a good thing when we realize God has a 

greater purpose in it.

Here are some examples of when your character gets tested as an artist in the Church?

·        When we play a behind the scenes role.

·        When we receive constructive criticism.

·        When our feelings get hurt.

·        When we are entrenched in Perfectionism. Or when others force their idea of (Peer – fectionism) on you.

·        When we are tempted to sin. (Meeting our needs apart from God)

·        When we are threatened by new talent.

·        When we are asked to move out of our comfort zone.

We need to treat all people with love and respect:

Galatians 5:14 NIV 
The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 

The Apostle Paul said that his greatest ambition was to please God. 

Are you living to please God or are you living to please yourself?

2 Corinthians 5:9 NIV

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

Romans 12:1 NIV 
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living

sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

Who should we model ourselves after?

As artists in the Church we are in a position of high visibility. That is why it is important to model to others Christ-like character. We don’t want to cause others to stumble by living a life of contradiction. So we must ask the question: who are we when we are not surrounded by our brothers and sisters in Christ? Do we live a life dedicated to our Lord? Do we spend time savoring His Word? Do we carve out quiet time each day to express our love and make our requests

known?

Philippians 2:1-5 NIV

Imitating Christ's Humility

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude

should be the same as that of Christ Jesus

Ultimately we need to trust God with our life and ministry.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

As artists in the church there will always be that struggle between our pride and our humility before the Lord. Fortunately for believers we have the Holy Spirit as our guide and source of wisdom to help us to reflect upon the condition of our heart. In this reflection time we can be led by the Holy Spirit to lay down our ego, ambitions and selfish desires for the sake of communicating the love of Christ and focusing on the message of hope, rather than exalting our ability to “wow” the congregation with our talent. We must remember that God will 

transform the heart of His people if one will become a willing participant and a vessel for God to use for benefit of His kingdom. What we bring is natural, what God takes from us is transformed and becomes supernatural. This is why we can celebrate the presence of God in our lives. He is always taking what we bring to Him and using it for His glory. He perfects our imperfection.   This is how I see God work. And that is why He should get the honor the glory and the 

fullness of our praise and worship when it comes to the Arts or any other ministry in the Church.

Personal Questions to Ponder and to be challenged by:

Am I living to please God or am I living to please myself?

Who Am I are we when I am not surrounded by my brothers and sisters in Christ?

Am I living a life dedicated to my Lord?

Do I spend time savoring His Word?

Do I carve out quiet time each day to express my love and make my requests known to God?

Blessings………………..Dave  

Heart Of The Artist Part 3

Heart Of The Artist Part 3:

Romans 12:1 NIV

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

Character:

What can we expect?: Our character will be tested.

For those in ministry, our character will be tested like never before.

Our character will be challenged and stretched to the limit. We must remember that trials have a purpose in spiritual growth and character development.

Romans 5:3-5 NIV

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

 James 1:2-5 NIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

The testing of our faith is a good thing when we realize God has a greater purpose in it.

Here are some examples of when your character gets tested as an artist in the Church?

·        When we play a behind the scenes role.

·        When we receive constructive criticism.

·        When our feelings get hurt.

·        When we are entrenched in Perfectionism. Or when others force their idea of (Peer – fectionism) on you.

·        When we are tempted to sin. (Meeting our needs apart from God)

·        When we are threatened by new talent.

·        When we are asked to move out of our comfort zone.

We need to continue to grow and become the people God wants us to 

be. Take an honest inventory of yourself and your relationship with God.

Think about this prayer from David from the psalms:

Psalm 139:23-24 NIV

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

David is honestly asking for a deeper more intimate relationship with 

God. He also wants to be held accountable for his character.

The Bible stresses the importance of obedience to God in everday life:

Luke 11:28 NIV 
He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

John 14:15 NIV 
"If you love me, you will obey what I command.

John 14:23 NIV 
Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

John 15:10 NIV 
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.

We need to treat all people with love and respect:

Galatians 5:14 NIV 
The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."  

The Apostle Paul said that his greatest ambition was to please God. 

Are you living to please God or are you living to please yourself?

2 Corinthians 5:9 NIV

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

Romans 12:1 NIV 
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

Question:

Are you trying to bring a smile to God's face with your talents, or is your main 

goal to gratify yourself artistically?

***We are not just artists we are ministers too.

God wants to raise up artists in the church who are set apart for Him. These artists are different because they have Godly character and integrity.

1 Peter 3:15 NIV 
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Who should we model ourselves after?

Philippians 2:1-5 NIV

Imitating Christ's Humility

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus

As artists in the Church we are in a position of high visibility. That is why it is important to model to others Christ-like character. We don’t want to cause others to stumble by living a life of contradiction. So we must ask the question: who are we when we are not surrounded by our brothers and sisters in Christ? Do we live a life dedicated to our Lord? Do we spend time savoring His Word? Do we carve out quiet time each day to express our love and make our requests

known?

How we live our life with in those quiet moments will reflect on our ability to communicate the power of God’s love because it is about our relationship with God not our religious acts of piety that God responds to. When we can give our full attention to our Lord we open ourselves up to be able discern His direction, receive His wisdom, and gain the ability to act in His will.

The Bible confirms this:

Romans 12:2 NIV

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Ultimately we need to trust God with our life and ministry.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

As artists in the church there will always be that struggle between our pride and our humility before the Lord. Fortunately for believers we have the Holy Spirit as our guide and source of wisdom to help us to reflect upon the condition of our heart. In this reflection time we can be led by the Holy Spirit to lay down our ego, ambitions and selfish desires for the sake of communicating the love of Christ and focusing on the message of hope, rather than exalting our ability to “wow” the congregation with our talent. We must remember that God will 

transform the heart of His people if one will become a willing participant and a vessel for God to use for benefit of His kingdom. What we bring is natural, what God takes from us is transformed and becomes supernatural. This is why we can celebrate the presence of God in our lives. He is always taking what we bring to Him and using it for His glory. He perfects our imperfection.  This is how I see God work. And that is why He should get the honor the glory and the fullness of our praise and worship when it comes to the Arts or any other ministry in the Church.

Personal Questions to Ponder and to be challenged by:

Am I living to please God or am I living to please myself?

Who Am I are we when I am not surrounded by my brothers and sisters in Christ?

Am I living a life dedicated to my Lord?

Do I spend time savoring His Word?

Do I carve out quiet time each day to express my love and make my requests known to God?

Blessings………………..Dave