I mean... I would consider myself to be a loving person? someone who shares, and is kind towards people, doing all I can to help sincerely..HMMMM little did I know that this belief of myself was about to be radically challenged and changed in just a matter of months.
So, in our house we are all so used to doing things on our own. We would make our own meals, buy our own groceries,walk to college alone, always be in our rooms, apart from the rare occasions where we get to share our food or just have a small chat with each other. And this used to be our norm until in this beginning of this Semester, this beautiful Asian girl moved into our house and started literally rocking our world.
She buy groceries for the half of the house and she would cook for everyone. Her constant question, "Hey you want to have dinner?", she would initiate random worship jam sessions in the house and suggest that we all walk to college together or maybe sit in church together, and yeah I was alright with that; I mean I could deal with some sharing.. And then she starts giving even more. She is never calculative and when we ask her how much we should pay her, she would say, "I forgot lah!!". She will cook and clean and she always smiled doing it.
I must admit though, in that season were some of my darkest and most crazy days on which I would just like to be left alone without food or even company, but she and my other housemate never left me by myself. They would constantly knock on my door and ask me to come out for dinner or just be outside with them while they sang songs. I would just mostly be silent and sometimes be all emotional but they were okay and very chilled with that. Sometimes I felt as if I couldn't feel anymore and they would just be close. No intention of making things better or finding out what is going on. Just to love and be there. No questions asked just all answered with love. Those are the days where my eyes began to open so much. I am forever grateful I had them with me in that season.
This kept going. Things started to get better but she just kept loving and at one point I realized that I was getting a little bit uncomfortable with the way she just kept going and loving and i remember one day just crying out to God and saying "Lord I am a loving person, You taught me to love and share and I thought that I am okay with this but why do I feel so uncomfortable and in a way wanting to pay her back or do something for her (which is not wrong btw) and its like I feel bad. And God just instantly challenged my mindset. He said "sweetheart this is what loving others is about. It is not about staying in your comfort and loving people from that zone and when it becomes uncomfortable, shying away." Loving only to an extent where I am still able to live my own selfish life.
God began challenging my love for Him in a radical way. He began challenging my love for others and it was uncomfortable at times (well most of the time). Something I thought came so easy for me all my life was being radically challenged and changed, till now when I look at someone for the first time my heart is compelled to love. To think positive thoughts of them even when it is hard. To believe the best in them just as Jesus would.
How about those who are not so kind? or haven't been in the past? Oh well Jesus still loves them and I'm still learning to love and accept people the way He fashioned and designed them. I'm not perfect. I have so much I want Him to challenge still and grow in. I guess if they are mean to you? just smile politely and walk away, and then don't allow that rejection to get to you. Just let it go :) Think of lovely things instead. Of how faithful God is and how much He loves us without boundaries.
Love is never self seeking, It never keeps records of wrongs, it is never envious or easily angered, it is patient and kind, it does not boast, it does not delight in evil but delights in the truth, it always hopes and always perseveres. Love never fails.
That is the Love of our great Father towards humanity which was represented by Jesus and is constantly outworked by the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. If only we could all love this way and forget titles and forget the 'ME' 'I' element, how many more broken people will be found in the church? What if we just loved them till they couldn't sin anymore because of the overwhelming love of the Father? What if we didn't care so much about their sin but their soul. What if we just did the loving and allowed God to do the changing. What would happen if we allowed God's love to shine more than us?
Rachel Lim and Shu Shu thank you so much for demonstrating God's love in such a powerful way in my life. Thank you for allowing God to Challenge me and change my thinking completely, And Thank you Lord for loving us the way you do, thank you that you challenge us and change us each day with your loving embrace, transforming us with your radical love.
Love on somebody today everyone :) Jesus loves them and we should too. May the church of Christ today be filled with the Radical love of Jesus.
All my love
Crystal
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
We Dance
We Dance by Bethel Music and Steffany Frizzell Gretzinger
from the album ' You Make me Brave'
You steady me
Slow and sweet we sway
Take the lead and I will follow
Finally ready now
To close my eyes and just believe
That you won’t lead me where you don’t go
When my faith gets tired
And my hope seems lost
You spin me round and round
And remind me of that song
The one you wrote for me
And we dance
And we dance
I’ve been told
To pick up my sword
And fight for love
Little did I know
That love had won for me
Here in your arms
You still my heart again
And I breathe you in
Like I’ve never breathed till now
When my faith gets tired
And my hope seems lost
You spin me round and round
And remind me of that song
The one you wrote for me
And we dance
And we dance
And we dance
And we dance
Just you and me
And I will lock eyes
With the one who’s ransomed me
The one who gave me joy from mourning
And I will lock eyes
With the one who’s chosen me
The one who set my feet to dancing
We dance
Just you and me
It’s nice to know
I’m not alone
I’ve found my home here in your arms
Slow and sweet we sway
Take the lead and I will follow
Finally ready now
To close my eyes and just believe
That you won’t lead me where you don’t go
When my faith gets tired
And my hope seems lost
You spin me round and round
And remind me of that song
The one you wrote for me
And we dance
And we dance
I’ve been told
To pick up my sword
And fight for love
Little did I know
That love had won for me
Here in your arms
You still my heart again
And I breathe you in
Like I’ve never breathed till now
When my faith gets tired
And my hope seems lost
You spin me round and round
And remind me of that song
The one you wrote for me
And we dance
And we dance
And we dance
And we dance
Just you and me
And I will lock eyes
With the one who’s ransomed me
The one who gave me joy from mourning
And I will lock eyes
With the one who’s chosen me
The one who set my feet to dancing
We dance
Just you and me
It’s nice to know
I’m not alone
I’ve found my home here in your arms
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Jesus
When I thought of that beautiful name this morning, the first words that came to my mind naturally were;
"The Expression of God's love"
That phrase itself left me astounded for a few minutes. My father in all His Glory fell deeply in love with the masterpiece that He so carefully created. Although He knew that we would disappoint Him and turn our backs on Him, the extent of His all so perfect love, never shrank, instead He would send His most priced possession, who would be exactly like Him in all perfection and without sin or blemish but yet fully like us, fallen in nature, temperamental, unsure, always being tempted but would never sin. "Jesus was completely man and completely God." that scripture always blows my mind :)
The very large expression of the Father's love was demonstrated by His one and only beloved Son. Beautiful, Jesus. Who in turn became our Savior, the lover of our lives, the pathway to God the Father, the only chance we had to be intimate with a Great and Mighty God again after the fall.
I am so Glad today and everyday that God choose to express His love towards us through Jesus. There is no way we could ever repay Him or even come close to loving Him like He does us. We could however, give our all to Him and make Him our everything. Because in this world, even though a lot of things look attractive and feel so good, once you know Jesus and the extent of His love for you, nothing could ever come close.
Trust me I've been there and today more than anyone in my world, from my heart, although my life may not be perfect but I am found in complete intimacy with my Father through Jesus and beautiful Holy Spirit. If you find yourself searching today, Jesus is the only answer. If you find yourself far away from God, Jesus is the only answer. If you are struggling with temptation and sin then fall in love with Jesus and His presence cos then nothing will be able to replace that in your life. I encourage you today to say Yes to Jesus, whoever you are and wherever you may be in Life. Jesus loves you and is waiting for you.
All my Love
Crystaline
Friday, August 1, 2014
We all have that F.R.I.E.N.D
- who was extremely awkward when you talked for the first time.
- who got to know you so quickly it felt like you had known each other for ages.
- who u suddenly felt extremely comfortable around.
- who you suddenly thought of calling when you had a miserable day but u ended up crying and felt like a total idiot after :)
- who slaps you for no reason or just fist fights with you to tell you they are there.
-who makes you laugh till you cry and your tummy hurts.
- whom you have had huge fights with till you both end up in tears but then still make up and fight more later :)
- who you refused to talk to for a long period of time because u thought they were horrible.
- who found you in your darkest moment and came down to where you were..not wanting to bring you back up but to just be there with you and for you.
- who reminded you of your call and the purpose God had intended for your life.
- who sided with you when the whole world stood against you. (Even when you were wrong sometimes)
-who when you do life with them there is nothing complicated about it. It's easy, ur happy.
- who encouraged you to keep pushing through when everything seemed hopeless.
- who remembered the dreams you dreamt when the world forgot and even you forgot.
- who stood with you through the accomplishment of the dream, reminding you that every challenge was a stepping stone to victory.
- who keeps reminding you each day how grateful they are to have you in their lives.
-who keep telling you that you are worth it no matter the mess.
- who will stick with you forever no matter the circumstance or distance.
God friendships are lifelong friendships and lifelong friendships are precious..
Monday, July 28, 2014
The hashtags
#noothername
I would like to start this post by just saying that July has been one of the most hectic and tiring months but at the same time the most rewarding that I've experienced.
Remembering my slogan for June 'doing June well', I was all prepared to spend Hillsong Conference days with my family from Home :) they arrived at the end of June and man the week from there was nothing but amazing. So glad we got to see more of Sydney, got to be impacted by Hillsong Conference and also at the same time just bond and have heaps of fun together.
For me serving at conference this year was from a whole other perspective of "God what can I do to facilitate what you are going to do in the lives of people from all over the world?" Going strong from the first day, His grace just saw me through to a fact that on the last day I was able to just sit in and enjoy conference together with the gang. I'm truly grateful to God for His grace and so much abundant love that He pours out over me.
And these guys are the best support system anyone could ask for. I truly love them and appreciate them.
#Chennai #mission
We had planned to leave a day after conference ended so we could make it for our mission trip to India on Sunday night and I also get to see more of my YO family before I leave but hmmmm WE MISSED OUR FLIGHT!! Dang it!! Long story and I shall not elaborate further. Best day of my life (going home) turned into a horrific situation (missing the flight) and then things turned around for the good (as always by His love and mercies).
Finally reached Singapore on Sunday afternoon, had a quick re-pack session and wash up and off we flew to Chennai!! Till today I am so grateful some of my bros n sis came to the airport. Also extremely grateful for mumma and her being so thoughtful with bringing my stuff for me.
The next 10 days I have no words to describe other than utter wonder and amazement. God just showed up in a huge way, His presence made manifest and right before our eyes we saw especially the barrier of age and language being broken. I have no idea how to speak Tamil (I understand a lil bit) but as we laid hands on the people and prayed, Holy Spirit began to just minister to them in a supernatural way. While praying I couldn't hold back my tears cos I felt His love and power.
I think a very defining moment for me in the trip was when we got the opporcunity to do school ministries. We didn't know what to expect but when we reached there, we found out that 95% of the almost 2000 kids were non believers and as they began to sing, my gosh!! I couldn't hold back my tears!! Without them knowing, they drew the presence of God in such a tangible manner.
Ministering to them and speaking into their lives for me just meant the world.. For me it meant that another generation is ready to rise up to take the world for Jesus. It meant that no matter what the devil tries to do to hold back our generation, THE ENEMY HAS TO BE SILENCED when the children of God begin praising their King. Once He is enthroned, no devil will be able to rise!!
We did have heaps of fun too, with the fact that I got to be among 3 amazing young pastors, who are not just passionate and powerful but crazy and fun too. Good friends they are.
#Home #YouthOutbreak #CalvaryCityChurch #Family
Then it was time to go home. There is nothing like home. After all the anticipation of reaching home when we finally entered JB I couldn't help but start tearing. Although I felt like sleeping the whole day I couldn't waste any time :) I had things to do and people to catch up with..I was excited haha..
I got a new haircut!! Cos I thought oh well time for a change..she cut it too short at first but now I like how it's growing and looking better :)
Also got to serve with the best people on the planet (totally biased but who cares?) loved seeing all of them again, chatting, laughing, late nights, doing amazing things for Jesus and of cos eating all the awsome food.
Again this time I got to see the Holy Spirit lead and guide me in serving, taking me further into the deep, but also just completely resting and walking knowing I can trust Him and rely on His voice and leading. It's where you are completely rested in Him that His presence is free to flow. Many times we block the flow with our strive and trying to make things go the way we want. I've learnt to just chill and allow Him to take time to do what He needs to :) it's pretty amazing and very freeing I must say.
I loved serving with the Sunday worship team..love all of you heaps if you're reading this. I loved how we just took a step back and allowed the Holy Spirit to move. Felt so comfortable leading and doing it with all of you. It's the best!! Reuben man if you're reading this!! It's was an honor co-leading with you!! Such a carrier of the presence of God.
Home was heaps of fun, lots of laughs and a lot of love :)
Well that was a long!! Heaps long post but I'm back in Syndey and July is coming to an end!! All in all I have 4 months before I Fly back home. Loving life and everything God is doing in me. Praying for more, seeking and desiring for the deep things of God :)
Excited for this new semester and all the God has in store.
Ps Johnny : Cheers Bestie to the most exciting adventure of your life!! So proud of you, will be praying for you always!! U.S of the A awaits you!! :)
Till next time
All my love
Crystal
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Miracles
Woke up this morning and got to talk to these 2 :). Its nothing short of a miracle how close we have become after living together for about a year and almost killing each other multiple times.
I cry now that we are so far apart. Every time I get to talk to the both of them I feel so much joy within me and just the feeling of satisfaction that I get to be myself and not in any way be judged by it.
Just to laugh at the silly things we used to do and now be able to make sense of it ( not everything tho).
I love you both and all you are to me. Thank you for your friendship,sincerity and love! We are family and, family don't ever lose each other. Keep listening to Him and speaking to me because that encouragement you bring? it is beyond imagination the best words that I just sometimes need to hear.
A great man once said "Show me your friends and I will show you your future". Remember that?? Well if these legends are my friends, then I don't have to worry about what my future holds because even if I lose sight of what God has showed me and I walk away from His leading for some reason, I know they will be there looking me straight in the eye and this is what Bobby would say " Crystal you're just stubborn and you don't want to hear the voice of God, now get back on track!!" Alyssa would say " I don't know if I'm on the rails about this but I think you really need to let that go!!" Tough love but I LOVE IT!!
Thank you Lord for Godly friends who love you and cherish Your word and Your will :) Thank you for friends who tell the truth and only want the best for me.
PS: To all my amazing friends out there, thank you for being all you are to me. I am glad God placed you in my life for such a time as this and for forever :) I pray as we continue building this friendship, we will encourage each other to be all God has called us to be and even more.
Monday, June 2, 2014
June
Hello everyone.. first of all happy JUNE!! It is going to be an amazing month not only for me but for all of you reading this too :)
The past few weeks have been very hectic but yet joyful and very defining for me..having God speak to me and show me clear directions for the future and yet, still my heart and allow me to rest and flourish in my now. I guess that is the need in today's generation. We are so focused on the promise and the future that we forget the promise giver, we forget that we are in our season now for a purpose and that we should do it well without allowing distractions to get in the way. And we should seek and love Him first.
Learning, learning, learning...growing growing, growing..challenge, challenge, challenge..is all God has been taking me through these few months that I have been back in college, and i think last week was the most significant. It being college break and all, Renee and I were supposed to take some time off to go around Sydney and explore!! (FUN!! I WAS SO EXCITED) but 2 days before break started, God literally challenged me to just not go anywhere but to spend time praying in my room and hearing from Him, also to just pursue His presence and be intimate with Him. I thank God for Godly friends because Renee had no problem with that at all :) she needed time alone with God as well. I have to say it was the best time i have had ever on a break. 3 days that brought clarity and assurance in my heart of His love for me, of the plan He has for me and also intersession for everyone in my world.
The reason I said all that is because you are not too young or old for you to allow God to challenge you. It is not uncool, it is not weird and it is not unheard of. I believe with all my heart as the times are getting darker and darker, as more evil just envelopes our world, God is raising up a generation that will be SET APART for Him and His purposes. A generation that doesn't seek to please men or live according their dictations but that will be completely sold out for God in their heart. A spirit led generation that will not move unless God shows up, that will not speak unless He does and that does not sing unless its' His words.
I am praying with all my heart everyday for my generation and the generation to come. I am praying for God to pour out His Spirit in a way we have never seen or encountered before. That He will blow our minds and cause us to seek Him even more. I pray that if you are reading this you will pray along with me too.
In other news I had an amazing day today too :) it was officially the last day of break..I've had a good rest and to end the day Neereta n I decided it was time for a much needed catch up. We are chatting and laughing like crazy (as we do) we share our hearts and finally we decide to spend time praying together and for each other. Close our eyes and say "Holy Spirit we welcome You" and His presence just comes with such weight and fire. We start worshiping and singing (on Skype :) ) and she begins praying and prophesying. I feel so encouraged after talking to her and praying with her. I am so grateful for this prayer partner/sister God has placed in my life.
Again we are never too young, old, mature or immature to live a life that is set apart and called. The people we spend our time with? they are heaps important too. Young people if you want to stay strong in your relationship with God? find an accountability/prayer partner that will stand with you and will walk with you through life. That will not judge but will love you through all that you go through.
Well that's all for now. I pray that challenged you and somehow spoke to you. Have an amazing week everyone!! :)
PS: Lets by His grace do the month of JUNE well!!
All my love
Crystal
The past few weeks have been very hectic but yet joyful and very defining for me..having God speak to me and show me clear directions for the future and yet, still my heart and allow me to rest and flourish in my now. I guess that is the need in today's generation. We are so focused on the promise and the future that we forget the promise giver, we forget that we are in our season now for a purpose and that we should do it well without allowing distractions to get in the way. And we should seek and love Him first.
Learning, learning, learning...growing growing, growing..challenge, challenge, challenge..is all God has been taking me through these few months that I have been back in college, and i think last week was the most significant. It being college break and all, Renee and I were supposed to take some time off to go around Sydney and explore!! (FUN!! I WAS SO EXCITED) but 2 days before break started, God literally challenged me to just not go anywhere but to spend time praying in my room and hearing from Him, also to just pursue His presence and be intimate with Him. I thank God for Godly friends because Renee had no problem with that at all :) she needed time alone with God as well. I have to say it was the best time i have had ever on a break. 3 days that brought clarity and assurance in my heart of His love for me, of the plan He has for me and also intersession for everyone in my world.
The reason I said all that is because you are not too young or old for you to allow God to challenge you. It is not uncool, it is not weird and it is not unheard of. I believe with all my heart as the times are getting darker and darker, as more evil just envelopes our world, God is raising up a generation that will be SET APART for Him and His purposes. A generation that doesn't seek to please men or live according their dictations but that will be completely sold out for God in their heart. A spirit led generation that will not move unless God shows up, that will not speak unless He does and that does not sing unless its' His words.
I am praying with all my heart everyday for my generation and the generation to come. I am praying for God to pour out His Spirit in a way we have never seen or encountered before. That He will blow our minds and cause us to seek Him even more. I pray that if you are reading this you will pray along with me too.
In other news I had an amazing day today too :) it was officially the last day of break..I've had a good rest and to end the day Neereta n I decided it was time for a much needed catch up. We are chatting and laughing like crazy (as we do) we share our hearts and finally we decide to spend time praying together and for each other. Close our eyes and say "Holy Spirit we welcome You" and His presence just comes with such weight and fire. We start worshiping and singing (on Skype :) ) and she begins praying and prophesying. I feel so encouraged after talking to her and praying with her. I am so grateful for this prayer partner/sister God has placed in my life.
Again we are never too young, old, mature or immature to live a life that is set apart and called. The people we spend our time with? they are heaps important too. Young people if you want to stay strong in your relationship with God? find an accountability/prayer partner that will stand with you and will walk with you through life. That will not judge but will love you through all that you go through.
Well that's all for now. I pray that challenged you and somehow spoke to you. Have an amazing week everyone!! :)
PS: Lets by His grace do the month of JUNE well!!
I love you Neereta!! You are a blessing in every way :)
All my love
Crystal
Saturday, May 24, 2014
I will fight for you
5 years ago when I was In hopelessness You promised me this, and today after all that time You still continue to fight for me. Whenever I look at this verse I am reminded of Your love, Your presence and that intimate moment You reminded me that You are still in control.
To all you amazing people reading this? Whatever situation you may be in right now, it may not seem like it at all but He is fighting for you, and when you get past this phase and look back at it, there will be such strength in your heart because you will realize He actually carried you through :) Don't lose heart!
“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 MSG)
My life is not perfect but I am in love with a perfect Father who keeps fighting for me in every situation.
Ps: He fights for you too :) you have all the reason to smile through it now.
All my love
Crystal
Labels:
He remains Faithful
Location:
Bella Vista Bella Vista
Saturday, May 17, 2014
So, is it about you or is it about Me?
There I was tonight all ready and excited to sing for Hillsong Asian..rehearsal had gone great and I managed to come in on my part correctly, and I was pumped to just go for it, And then it happened..
The moment it was time for me to come in, I literally just FROZE..I'm not kidding, I knew when I was supposed to come in and I was going to but I didn't!! Thank God James (our MD) came to the rescue and brought me back into it.
So as worship went on, as I do, I began beating myself up!! "How can I make a silly mistake like that?" " it was okay during rehearsal". Just so you know, all this went on while I was worshipping !!
Almost immediately He spoke in my heart. Is this worship session about me or is it about you? Are you on this platform so people can see how perfect you are or so they can look past your perfections to my grace and kindness.
Right there I just surrendered my heart once again n allowed Him to deal with me. Now that I think about it I'm so glad that this happened tonight.. It helped me grow, learn and completely depend on Him.
I'm writing this tonight so we will not forget why we do what we do as a worship and creative team. Always check your heart and motives before you step up on that platform. There can only be one superstar and it is most definately not us. So step aside and remain faceless, remain invisible so He can shine.. So He can touch and change people's lives through us.
I'll leave you with a question. Are you ready to be invisible? Or is your worship just purely gratifying your personhood and ego..like I always say ALL HE WANTS IS YOUR HEART.
All my love
Crystal
Thursday, May 15, 2014
As a worship leader we should be forgotten.
I copied and pasted this article to my blog because firstly it is amazing and secondly it makes so much sense to all worship and creative team members..I hope it blesses you immensely;
It was a typical Sunday morning at a church that was like any other in the USA. People meandered through the front doors and were greeted by warm smiles and the smell of brewing coffee. Music played in the background while small talk filled the atrium with the sound of activity. Parents called to their children as they ran up the stairs towards brightly colored rooms and happy smiling teachers. It was Sunday morning and everything was ready.
Joe walked in with a smile on his face but it was a poor attempt at masking the pain he felt inside. Joe was your average guy with a couple of kids, a job that he didn't really like (but it paid the bills) and a marriage he was bored with. He medicated the pain of an unfulfilled life with TV on weeknights and sports on weekends.
His kids fought each other every day and his wife nagged him about his absentee fathering and his growing abdomen.
Joe's life was full of noise from the moment he woke up to the time he fell asleep. Constant, unceasing, relentless noise on every side.
Joe, the bills are due. Joe, your kids are out of control. Joe, your wife is miserable and lonely. Joe your boss needs you to work overtime this week. Joe, you are a failure at life.
This particular Sunday morning, Joe had wandering into church, the place where everybody is happy and he felt like a hypocrite. In that last week, Joe never picked up his Bible, never prayed, never felt God's presence or heard God's voice. All he heard was the noise of his life and he wondered if there would ever be any respite from all the chaos.
He made his way into the auditorium and found a place to sit. He knew a few faces here and there and he halfheartedly waved at some friends he had known for years. Eventually his wife made her way to sit beside him after checking the kids into childcare.
They had made it to church. Now they waited for the music to begin. They waited for the ritual to commence. Joe wasn't even sure why he was there. Perhaps today, however, in this place of worship things could change.
The worship leader stepped on stage and walked to the microphone. Joe looked up and for a moment let the facade slip as he allowed the pain to rise to the surface.
Quietly, Joe whispered.
"God, I don't have much to bring, but I'm here. Help me, speak to me..."
As a worship pastor at an A-typical American church in Roseville, CA, I have seen Joe many times. I have stared into his eyes as I wandered on stage and stepped up to the microphone. I have looked beyond the facade and seen the pain of a mundane life and the vacancy in his eyes.
I know the sound of the constant noise Joe hears because I have heard it in my own life at times.
I have three small children and overwhelming bills each month. I have the many years of feeling like a failure because "success" in the music industry evaded me no matter how hard I tried.
I know the sound of that noise and how it drowns out the voice of God in my life.
But here I am. It's Sunday morning and I step up to the microphone looking into the eyes of hundreds of Joes, each on of them fighting their own battles. I have a list of songs to sing and a band ready to play. I am ready to do the job I was asked to do.
And then I hear His voice.
Not Joe's, not my own. His. The voice of the One that spoke the world into existence. The voice of the One who calmed the storm and eased the fear of the disciples. The voice of the One who said, "I have overcome the world."
It's not loud or aggressive, it's quiet and gentle.
Quietly, he speaks to me. "They don't need to hear your voice, Ben. They need to hear mine."
His voice.
The Psalmist spoke about the voice of The Lord in Psalm 29.
Joe doesn't need to hear my voice this morning. He needs to hear the voice of God, the voice that changes everything.
I have only one job this morning. It's not to "wow" them with my talent. It's not to perform a flawless rendition of someone else's song. It's not to fulfill the "music/worship" part of the service.
No, I am not here to add to the noise. My job is to create an environment so rich with the presence of God that all the noise ceases and the only thing that Joe can hear is "His" voice.
Joe doesn't need to hear another song. Joe doesn't need to hear another sermon. Joe needs to hear the voice of the God who passionately, relentlessly pursues him. He needs to hear the voice of God.
So today I have one job. It's not to be noticed, it's actually to be forgotten. To do my job so well that people walk away only with the remembrance of Jesus.
It's easy at times to forget why we do what we do as worship leaders.
There is the immediate need of providing a time of musical worship for a weekend service. There is the desire to present a certain type of quality and excellence that people have come to expect from worship times. We have the disadvantage of being compared to "professional" worship groups due to the proliferation of YouTube videos and live streaming. We wrestle with competing voices in our local churches that either love what we do or criticize what we do.
But all of these things must take a back seat to the real reason for what we do. We are to provide a place where Joe can hear God's voice.
I love the light. If I turn the light on in a dark room, the darkness is gone. It doesn't fight it, it doesn't complain about it, it doesn't wrestle for control. It is gone.
When we lift up our voices in worship, we are turning on the light. We create an atmosphere where darkness has no place. The noise ceases. Joe now has an opportunity to hear the voice of God.
I don't have control over how Joe responds to that voice, I am just trying to give him an opportunity to hear it. It might be the only chance he has all week to hear God's voice in his life. This 30 minutes of singing may be the only time that things get quiet enough in Joe's life that he can actually listen.
The last thing I want to do is distract Joe from hearing God's voice. But often we do. In fact, I fear we are becoming too distracting.
I am all for great lighting, interesting video, quality sound and dynamic worship. I am all for interesting songs and creative musicianship. The moment that it becomes a distraction, however, I want to burn it all to the ground.
We are not on stage to be remembered. We are on stage to be forgotten. All we are required to do create a place that Joe can hear God's voice and then get the heck out of the way. In the jostling for position that far too often happens among worship leaders, I want to challenge you to do what Jesus asked us to do.
"He sat down and called the twelve apostles. He told them, "Whoever wants to be the most important person must take the last place and be a servant to everyone else." Mark 9:35
We have one job as worship leaders. To serve every Joe that walks in our doors and give him the chance to hear the voice of the God who loves him. We are not there to promote our songs or CDs. We are not there prove how skillful we are or how well we can imitate the latest worship hit.
We are there to be forgotten.
Original article from http://www.allaboutworship.com/blog/worship-leader-why-you-should-be-forgotten-part-1?utm_content=bufferc39db&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
All my love
Crystal
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Have my heart
That right there? It's what I love doing..my favorite thing in the world. I may not be phenomenal at it nor perfect. In fact I'm far from perfection.
However, if you were to take away that mike in my hand, remove the musicians in the background, completely strip bare the lightings and tear down the platform, even if you took my voice away from me, I would still be in that posture.
I love being intimate with my Master, I love singing so only He can hear my voice, I love lifting my hands in surrender, I love sharing my heart with Him and I love just completely and passionately falling in love with my creator.
If you are looking for the true meaning of worship? That is it right there. Caught myself placing more importance on everything else and losing sight of the one who loves me and longs for me. He captured my attention and drew me back to Him and said this clearly to me..
"Give me your heart because it is all I desire.. Give me your heart and everything you ever desire will slowly fall into place, I JUST WANT YOUR HEART."
Here miles and miles away from home, alone, I find myself totally and completely abandoned to His love, surrendered to His plan, and in total obedience to the call.
I pray today as you read this, you will discover true worship for yourselves and the beauty of falling in love with your Master..
All my love
Crystal
Friday, May 9, 2014
It is okay to love
5 days ago I had the amazing privilege of having daddy here with me in Sydney and I wouldn't be telling the truth if I said I didn't enjoy myself. Walking hand in hand down the road, he asked me
"Girl are you happy that I'm here?"
I looked at him with the most confused expression, which turned into the biggest smile and replied;
"Of course I am happy, I feel so confident when you are with me and beside me. I feel like I can conquer the world."
He just looked at me and laughed.
As we spent time together chatting and sharing our hearts, I began to think of those who had no Father, the children who had to live without this role model in their lives, or the thought of having a father who was dysfunctional, or abusive. All at once my heart sank. I became silent.
Daddy wondered what was wrong but I just shrugged,and smiled placing my head on his shoulder. We sat there in silence for the next few minutes as I began to ponder.
Suddenly the Holy Spirit began speaking to me saying, " It is okay for you to be happy. It is okay for you to love your daddy the way that you do, this relationship I have given you is not for you alone but you will share this love you have received and you will empower those who have no Fathers. I will give you the strength to show them the love you have immensely, and so freely received."
If you are reading today and have an amazing father. A role model you can look up to, that love is to be shared. But if you are struggling with your relationship with your dad/ parents, remember God is your father. He loves you more than you could ever imagine. He loves you more than any earthly Father ever could. Before you were born He fell deeply In love with you.
More than my earthly daddy I am deeply in love with my Heavenly Father. My prayer is that you will catch the revelation too.
Love you all
Monday, April 7, 2014
Thoughts
" I think I might just start blogging again 😊"
Don't know if anyone reads this anymore but I guess for me and cos I miss writing :) for today a picture will do..
Be kind people..it actually pays to be :)
Love you all
Crystal
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