How to Leave a Bootprint on the Face of the Enemy

I have heard so many reports of people feeling as if they are in the midst of a battle this week (or this month, or this year). I know I have felt battle weary myself, and I wanted to encourage you: Do not lose heart!! God IS on our side!! Although many times life can throw us curve balls, I really believe that right now we are under the attack of the enemy. But, I also believe that he has revealed himself, is firing all weapons and that his "shields are down"! It is the perfect time to counter his attack. So how should we proceed??

Judges 1 and Judges 20 tell of two separate instances where Israel was faced with a battle and upon asking God which tribe should go first, God commanded, "Judah!" Judah was Jacob's fourth son born to Leah. Genesis 29:35 says "And [Leah] conceived again and bore a son, and said, 'Now I will praise the Lord.' Therefore she called his name Judah." (Genesis 29:35) The name Judah actually comes from the Hebrew praise word yadah: to praise with the hands, make a proclamation; the Magnify Principle. When we lift our hands and make a proclamation of who He is, we essentially bring Him closer revealing that He is indeed much larger than our circumstance. God wanted Judah to lead the advance in battle because it reminded everyone involved how great He truly is.

In 2 Chronicles 20, the tribe of Judah is surrounded by three enemy armies. When Jehoshaphat prayed and asked the Lord what they should do, God's reply was, "You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!" (verse 17) At battle time "[Jehoshaphat] appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness...Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated." (vs. 21a and 22) Woohoo!! Worship in action right there!

I came across an article (http://www.blackandchristian.com/articles/pew/patrick-04-03.shtml) by Donna Ray Patrick about sending Judah first and here was her closing encouragement: "I want to challenge those of you who may be neck-deep in battle right now. In the heat of our spiritual battle let Judah go up first. Let the praises of God go forth out of your mouth. Let the praises of God be as rivers of living water flowing from your belly (John 7:38). Before you spend hours just talking about the problem and how bad things are, stir up the power that God has already given you in your praise to Him; sacrificial though it may be. This is the kind of praise that reaches the heart of God. It is this kind of faith-building praise that will sustain you while you wait on God. This is the kind of praise that will keep you focused on God's promise, His plan, and His provision; it will keep you grounded in His faithfulness, and determined to press into your blessing."

When we praise and worship our God, the enemy shakes in his boots, because we remind him of the things that God has already done; we remind him that our God has already won; we remind him of his right place under our feet!! Let's stand our ground, lift our hands and voices, worship our God together and see the enemy scattered!!!

Have you been foolish lately??

I was asked last night at worship practice to pick one of the 7 Hebrew Words for praise for this week. Well, after attending the singer practice that was full of joy and laughter, I could think of none other than "hallal."

Hallal - to praise the Lord by celebrating, dancing, shining forth; acting clamorously foolish; acting like a madman; acting furiously; to flash, radiate, shine.

And, just like the other 6 Hebrew Words for Praise, there is a principle attached to this word as well: The Party Principle. Don't be afraid to have fun and party with God! He loves it! He invented it!

But, in line with all the things I've heard recently in home group, ladies' ministry events, among friends, etc. I was also reminded of something that Pastor Olen said about hallal. If hallal is acting clamorously foolish, how can that translate to our everyday lives apart from just whooping, hollering, and jumping around in praise to God? How about just in the way we "foolishly" believe what God says!? I absolutely love that concept! We have every reason to believe that God is going to provide for us abundantly this next month no matter what "recession" might be happening around us. Why? Because He said so in His word! And because He loves us and wants the very best for us.

I say we should live today "foolishly" believing that we have no worry about tomorrow's bread. I say we should not care about what we look like to the rest of the world who is hiding in a corner stockpiling their goods fearful of who might take them, and give of what we have generously! Because "foolishness" to the rest of the world is just a complete faith and trust in the One who holds the universe, who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, who can give eternal life, and the only One who can actually back up His promises 100%!

So, I encourage you to HALLAL the Lord today! Believe in Him foolishly and whole-heartedly in whatever area you need that faith!

Hoping to be as foolish as they come,

Staci

New Songs

Heads up everybody! There are some great new songs on the horizon for The Rock. Here’s a list so you can seek them out and get familiar with them!

 The Rock New Songs 6/2009

1. I Give You Glory | Klaus Kuehn
   
2. Love Is Here | Tenth Avenue North
3. God of this City | Chris Tomlin
4. You Are | Tenth Avenue North
5. I Have Found | Kim Walker
6. Ancient Skies | The Michael Gungor Band
7. Yes You Have | Leeland
8. How He Love | Kim Walker
9. Children and Kings | Michael Gungor
10. Stay Amazed | Klaus Kuehn
11. May Our Praise | Leeland
12. Be Praised | The Michael Gungor Band

-Staci

 

Waiting in Hong Kong...

We've officially left the Philippines, and it's bittersweet.  We are all looking forward our American comforts, but we certainly developed bonds with our brothers and sisters in that beautiful land.

We intrepid travelers have seen and experienced things that few other Americans have.  We swam in crystalline pools the color of gemstones.  We rode a native fishing boat to a tropical island no larger than a tennis court.  Most memorably, we poured a spiritual deposit into the worship leaders and pastors there; a rich field that will return a many-fold harvest.

I will elaborate more as the occasion allows, but as of this moment, we are sitting in the Hong Kong airport waiting for our flight to Los Angeles, and I am writing to you on my Google Phone.

Please continue praying, I will update as I can.

God bless!

__________________

- Andy Pace

The Pastor Junnard Express

The Perfect End to a Perfect Day!

Hello all! Our day began early in Bacolod City. Because of some minor discomfort in the lower abdomen accompanied by more unpleasant and unmentionable things for Jim, Staci, Pastor Al, and myself, we got away from the hotel a little late (8:10 am). We then ventured to the church building to pick up someone who would be able to drive our van back to its owner when we'd been dropped off at the airport. Ourflight to Cebu left at 10:30.

Before heading to the airport, we needed to drop off the Cunningham's housekeeper, Juliette, at the bus station. She was catching a ride back to her home in Dumagete. Navigating through the traffic to and from the bus station was interesting, but we did get to see areas ofBacolod we hadn't seen on Papa Dan's "Caddilac Tour".

After dropping off Juliette, we raced to the airport which was at least 45 minutes away. Papa Dan got us there quickly, again driving in true Filipino fashion. We drove in, around, and through everyobstacle.

<>Door security was a snap, aside from the short line to get there. We strode to the check-in counter expecting to be able to check our 50 lb. bags with no trouble. Unfortunately there was a 10 kilo limit (about 22 lbs.), and we had to pay for the extra weight at a rate of 100 PHP (Philippine Piso (pronounced peso)) per kilo. With our bags checked, we moved upstairs to the aircraft gates, and once again through security. This is of course after each of us have paid our 200 PHP Gate Area Entry Fees, a local travel tax. Our rushing paid off, and there was enough time to enjoy a quick cup of coffee Americano before boarding (most Filipinos do not have the
pallete for American coffee, and instead prefer Nescafe instant coffees).

After about 10 minutes with our coffee, it was time to board. We piled around the gate attendant and waited our turn to have our boarding passes ripped. All passengers bypassed the jetway, and instead made our way out on to the tarmac to board our aircraft. It was a Dehaviland turbo-prop driven commuter craft, slightly smaller insize than a McDonnel Douglas DC-10.

Our white faces stood out against a sea of olive-skinned Filipinos, and we made our way back to rows 18 and 19, just 4 rows short of the tail of the plane. We quickly taxied to the runway and were airborne, my poor wife was a little green around the gills thanks to our shared illness. It wasn't long before she took full advantage of her airsickbaggie.

On a personal note, I felt so bad for her at this point. She is feeling much better now, but please be praying for her continuedrelief.

<>A whopping 26 minutes after takeoff we landed at our stop in Cebu. We exited the aircraft, picked up our bags, and headed upstairs to check into our connecting flight to Butuan. Unfortunately, we also needed to pay the fee for our additional weight again, along with the gate
access fee again. We made it to the gate just in time for last call. Back out onto the tarmac we went, to an identical plane, sitting in the same spot where we had just disembarked from our last flight... I know what your thinking, and the answer is "Yes." We did just have to leave our perfectly good plane for no solid apparent reason.

Staci felt much better on the second flight, this time at the front of the plane. Our flight was a 40 minute scenic tour over the beautifulPhilippine Islands; and it was truly an incomperable experience.

After landing, we again retreived our luggage. This time though, we headed out of the warm open-air terminal, into the warm Mindanao afternoon. Pastor Junnard Torrevilles' smiling face was waiting for us, and we were quickly loaded into our latest form of transportation,a sky blue Mitsubishi van.

As hungry as we were, we headed straight over to McDonalds. With lunch in our belly, we ventured into a local mall to get some supplies we wouldn't be able to get in Hinatuan. Many people couldn't resist staring at the sight of 6 Americans strolling through the mall on aFriday afternoon.

Supplies attained, we headed over to a local music store to look at a keyboard. Pastor Al, Jim, Pastor Junnard, and Papa Dan went inside to inspect the instrument, while Mom Barbra, Staci, and I waited in the van. The city heat was oppressive, and the stares from the locals were a tad unnerving, but the Hand of God was on us, and half an hourlater we were on our way out of town.

The trip to Hinatuan was packed with vistas of rice fields framed by coconut palms. In the distance, rain clouds buffeted verdant mountains. Swaths of blue sky cut through fluffy cumulous clouds. Needless to say, our eyes were glued to the side windows. As an added
bonus, our attention was diverted from the freakishly scary drive.

"Imagine if you will," intoned Rod Serling, "a car full of hapless American missionaries. Missionaries who are trapped in a blue van hurtling towards the horizon at breakneck speeds, weaving through and around creeping pedicabs, full log trucks, packed jeepneys, and unobservant pedestrians. These missionaries are about to enter (dundun DUN!!) the Twilight Zone."

Ok, so that is REALLY an exaggeration. I know, but it was hard not to let my imagination run away with me. In fact, I seriously considerednaming this entry "the sphincter express". Enough of that though.

<>For three hours we drove through some of the most fertile land on the planet, it was lush and green over plain and mountain. Rivers cut through the landscape, and were bridged by, well, bridges. Just before dusk gave up and night took hold, we arrived at Pastor Junnard's church in Hinatuan, Mindanao, Philippines. We were relieved to be here safely. It was hot and humid during the evening, but the home-cooked meal was delicious and filling. A midnight rainstorm
cooled everything down, and we slept like weary travelers.

Due to network limitations, I am unable to post pictures of our trip, but as soon as I am able, I will.

We love you, miss you, and thank you for all your prayers. Please continue praying! We will be starting the new Worship Works classtomorrow afternoon.

--
Andy Pace

Day 3 bRE/-\kDOwN

The Breakdown Battle Hymn

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Another day under the belt.  The teachers worked hard to include all the necessary materials.  3 days of solid teaching, and there’s still more!  God is faithful though, and these worship leaders have a firm foundation on which to build new revelation and experience.  Final exams were taken yesterday, and if the students were paying attention and taking good notes, they will have done well.

There is a growing sense of confidence in these people.  They see a bigger picture.  They are no longer just singers that sing songs about God.  They now see how God wants to use them to bring His people deeper into his presence.

Bacolod City Testimonies

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Today is Day 4 and the final day of the Worship Works class in Bacolod City.  Tests are being graded, the students are being prayed over and released into their ministries.  Tomorrow we will be flying to Cebu city, then to Butuan in Mindanao, then driving 3 hours to Hinotuan on the eastern coast of Mindanao.  Be praying for safety and for God to prepare the new class of students in Hinotuan!

In His love,

AP

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Day 3’s Schedule (Wednesday the 22nd):

9:00 Praise & Worship

9:30 LAB – Song Guide

11:00 Engaging the Congregation

12:00 LUNCH

2:00 Stance of a Worship Leader

2:45 Directing the Worship Team

3:45 LAB – Transitions

4:30 Songwriting

HOMEWORK – Finish Test

5:00 DINNER

7:00 Living After His Hearts (Lover)

 

Day 4’s Schedule (Thursday the 23rd):

9:00 Praise & Worship

9:45 Impartation

12:00 Close - Certificates

Day 2 Br3@Kd0Wn!

The Breakdown Battle Hymn

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Day 2 went smashingly!  More rabid hunger to learn on the Filipino’s part, more incredible teaching on Pastor Al and Staci’s part.  If you can’t tell, I’m a little AMPed on caffeine (we found a Starbucks).

They’re learning.  They’re taking notes, and now they’re learning the importance of worship and their roles in it.  The beautiful thing is, you can see it click.  It’s like when you put the key in your car’s ignition.  You turn it, and the car jumps to life.  It’s ready to go.

As you’ll see in Day 2’s schedule below, the night service covered the 7 Hebrew Words of Praise.  If you’ve never learned about this, you should ask Pastor Al to teach it!  If enough people bug him about it, eventually he’ll do it! :)

In the original Hebrew texts of the Old Testament, there were seven different words for praise, each with it’s own specific meaning and action.  When translated into English, the translators simply wrote “praise”.  As in “Praise the Lord!”.  Here’s a run down:

Hallal – the Party Principle

Shabach – the Shout it Out Principle

Tehillah – the Aligning Principle

Zamar – the Fulfillment Principle

Yadah – the Magnify Principle

Todah – the Diversion Principle

Barak – the Rulership Principle

Any of these words can be found in your Strong’s Concordance.  Look them up!  You will be amazed at what you find!

That’s all for now.  Thanks for the prayers!  We can feel them, and we can see God’s hand on these people.

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9:00 Praise & Worship

9:30 The Journey

10:30 LAB – Master List

11:00 Prophetic Worship

12:00 LUNCH

2:00 LAB – Song of the Lord

3:00 Worship Prep II – Song Guide (HOMEWORK – Song Guide)

4:30 Building a Worship Team

5:00 DINNER

7:00 Seven Hebrew Words for Praise