ls it tucked away? What's hidden in your heart itching to be released?I'm convinced many people have songs, poems, books, words of truth birthed by Holy Spirit within them that they don't know how to release and reveal. In other eras letter writing and church programs gave ordinary saints a way to speak what the Lord was doing in their lives.
Many a weary pastor has sighed when I would remind them of Acts 5:42 "And DAILY, in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." Jack Hayford comments on this verse, " Both public services in the temple and small group meetings in private homes were employed for the nurturing of believers."
We simple believers are to be shining Jesus daily.
In this last post showcasing Theresa Johnson, head of The Voice of Christ, I pray I give honor for the rare gifting I witness in this mighty woman of God. As I am digging into her book, The Scribal Anointing, I see the recurring message in her book lines up with her workshop emphasis: What is God saying to you?
As I mentioned earlier I have pursued writing training and direction for many years. I've joined critique groups. Many times I've left feeling inferior and frustrated. I have one huge bookshelf filled with writing help books. In Theresa's workshop I felt empowered. In her book, The Scribal Anointing, she writes, "So many conferences, workshops and seminars focus on getting published, editing, copy writing, printing, promoting an image and/or marketing your book. Earnestly, there is a place for this knowledge and understanding in the body, but there is a greater need to cultivate the spirit man of the scribe.He did not come to entertain you, but to set the captives free!"
I returned from her worshop with an even greater commitment to write what I "hear" God saying to me.
In this last post showcasing Theresa Johnson, head of The Voice of Christ, I pray I give honor for the rare gifting I witness in this mighty woman of God. As I am digging into her book, The Scribal Anointing, I see the recurring message in her book lines up with her workshop emphasis: What is God saying to you?
As I mentioned earlier I have pursued writing training and direction for many years. I've joined critique groups. Many times I've left feeling inferior and frustrated. I have one huge bookshelf filled with writing help books. In Theresa's workshop I felt empowered. In her book, The Scribal Anointing, she writes, "So many conferences, workshops and seminars focus on getting published, editing, copy writing, printing, promoting an image and/or marketing your book. Earnestly, there is a place for this knowledge and understanding in the body, but there is a greater need to cultivate the spirit man of the scribe.He did not come to entertain you, but to set the captives free!"
I returned from her worshop with an even greater commitment to write what I "hear" God saying to me.
I don't want to just write a great book. I would hate to bore you, but I am destined for more than to entertain you. As writers have opened up Heaven for me to see the Lord and be freed: I'm here to shine Jesus into the dark holes in your soul.
Maybe my form is lacking. Maybe you think my grammar is primitive. Maybe I'm missing the marketing trends with my title. Somehow that pales when I re-read Pilgrims' Progress by Paul Bunyan, or words of Brother Lawrence, a seventeenth century simple monk, in Practice the Presence of God. Heaven opens up to me through these simple men's ordinary words blessed by Holy Spirit.
But I must admit that my experience in publishing in the secular market pressed me to seek ways to "hear" God as a Christian writer more than wanting to learn marketing and writing techniques. Every conference has given me a needed truth, but "Scribal Anointing's" teaching matched my needs in perfect sync. God has graced Theresa with teaching influence to empower the struggling writer to dare to seek God and risk rejection and failure as they answer God's call to write, speak and proclaim their heart cry.
Listening to people's testimonies for years I personally believe every Christian has at least one book, one song, one picture, or one poem in their hearts. God has called some of us to write some books and songs. I recall hearing Florence Littauer in a CLASS workshop say that God doesn't want us to die with His songs in our hearts that no one has ever heard.
I don't want to die with God's treasure locked inside me. I want to hear your song, read your book, and delight in the message of your poems. In 2009 we have fallen into a troubling pattern: only Superstar Christians are published or holding the mike. That does not line up with anything I read in the Bible or I sense in my private worship.
I believe Theresa Johnson is one of God's leaders in this time to open up His words in His saints all over the world. God's simple saints will shine from hill to valley with hope and life in Jesus Christ.
Maybe my form is lacking. Maybe you think my grammar is primitive. Maybe I'm missing the marketing trends with my title. Somehow that pales when I re-read Pilgrims' Progress by Paul Bunyan, or words of Brother Lawrence, a seventeenth century simple monk, in Practice the Presence of God. Heaven opens up to me through these simple men's ordinary words blessed by Holy Spirit.
But I must admit that my experience in publishing in the secular market pressed me to seek ways to "hear" God as a Christian writer more than wanting to learn marketing and writing techniques. Every conference has given me a needed truth, but "Scribal Anointing's" teaching matched my needs in perfect sync. God has graced Theresa with teaching influence to empower the struggling writer to dare to seek God and risk rejection and failure as they answer God's call to write, speak and proclaim their heart cry.
Listening to people's testimonies for years I personally believe every Christian has at least one book, one song, one picture, or one poem in their hearts. God has called some of us to write some books and songs. I recall hearing Florence Littauer in a CLASS workshop say that God doesn't want us to die with His songs in our hearts that no one has ever heard.
I don't want to die with God's treasure locked inside me. I want to hear your song, read your book, and delight in the message of your poems. In 2009 we have fallen into a troubling pattern: only Superstar Christians are published or holding the mike. That does not line up with anything I read in the Bible or I sense in my private worship.
I believe Theresa Johnson is one of God's leaders in this time to open up His words in His saints all over the world. God's simple saints will shine from hill to valley with hope and life in Jesus Christ.
Let it out..don't die with your song locked in your heart!
"He hath put a new song in my mouth." Psalm 40:3.
Earlier posts showcasing Prophetess Theresa Harvard Johnson:
Fame & Recognition Trap
Get Over Yourself
Legacy of Faith In My Family
Scars Show Warriors' Worth
Surprise at Writing Conference
Visit Theresa's websites to learn more and get your own copy of her books:
http://www.voicesofchrist.org/ http://theresaharvardjohnson.voicesofchrist.org/mytestimony.html
3 comments:
I've been thinking over this post. It is true that we need to heed God's call and do what we feel led to do, but in addition to that, I think it also shows a spirit of commitment to God. Obviously these tasks are not some that can be completed in a day. So, it's a promise to be consistent in taking time everyday to work on something you feel God has called you to do. What could be more rewarding??
This post is one reason I have grown to love the blogosphere. I agree that we Christ-followers all have a song, a story and book within us. While the world of publishing, secular and Christian, is often times frustrating and ridiculous as the day is long - the blogosphere and writing what God is revealing to you and to me is an incredible act of worship.
I do not want to dissuade you from pursuing your book calling, but want to affirm you in what you post here every day. It is good stuff. God glorifying and honoring stuff.
That's shining His light - everyday.
I posted a song with similar lyrics to this a couple of weeks back. "No one can say it like you, God is love and Love speaks through you."
We all have a story to tell or a song to sing. Amen!
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