Day 5 - Illumine Them

[fmckinnon]

Discuss Day 5 - Illumine Them, of Week 8 ... we're almost there, folks!

[RuthABraun]

I have been changed so much over the last 8 weeks in this study! God brought this to me at the perfect time (of course!) and it has given me direction through what could have been a very difficult transition. I have come from a place of "I can't do this!" to a place of "I can't do this -- but God can work in me to get it done!" God has dealt with many of my heart issues, strengthening some, purifying others, and has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. May many see and fear and put their trust in the Lord! As He promised in Psalm 81:10, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it" -- with song, words of praise, encouragement and hope to a dying world.

[Wannabe a Worshiper]

I echo Ruth's comment. Well said. I can truly say that for the first time in many years, I am holding nothing back from God. No rooms he is not allowed into.
I thank God for inspiring Dwayne to write Pure Praise, and I thank him for somehow getting me on the email list so I found out about this life-changing study.

I loved the quote from Dan DeHaan that said we should be carrying God's presence to the people, like Moses did, rather than trying to lead the people into God's presence, like most of us try to do. The only way that will happen is for us to spend much time in God's presence each week.

My number one priority: Eliminate the unnecessary elements from my life, so I can spend enough time with God each week to radiate His presence.

[dwaynemoore]

Wannabe, I truly wish every person grasped the principles of this week and this study to the degree you have. Your humility, teachable spirit, and faithfulness throughout this journey are both refreshing and convicting to the rest of us...

[Wannabe a Worshiper]

Thanks, Dwayne. Those words were honey to my spirit. Only by the grace of God do I stand.

[Rogenia]

“Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.”(Isaiah 60:20).

I came to this study wanting, seeking, and asking God for one or two things in my life; and He gave me much more.

When I start here, my grandson had just been arrested at the age of 17 years old; I have lost a love one; and went through a few things at my church; and I was in much pain, depression and darkness was trying to enter into my life. I was wondering why Lord?

When I came, I felt so overwhelmed that I was not able to carrying on the exhortation as I believe God wanted me too. Tonight, as I write, my eyes begin to fill up with tears. Then I begin reading lessons and quotes quotes from my fellow class members. God, then brought Isaiah 60:20 to my remembrance.

This study has done so much for me in the areas of training, growth, and relationships, spiritual healing took place here for me. A deeper level of worship and praise took place here for me. I have had days where I felt the Lord’s presence so strongly and I know it was the Spirit and the prayer of my class members.

Through the grace of God and my studies; I was able to let my grandson go and let God handle it all for me; and the journey of pure worship and praise begin. I can not remember how I got here Dwayne; but I do know that I thank God that I was here, for this study and everyone here.

I may never be able to sing a tune; but I can and will praise and worship my Lord with everything in me. God ministry in me has even taken a deeper and higher level.

I may not ever see any of you; but you will always be in my prayers. I am so grateful today for being a part of such a movement of God.

I pray that our Father in Heaven, who called light into darkness, contintue to illumine our minds to received His Word. Open our ears to hear and our eyes to see the truth of Jesus Christ. Amen

[CPCjackie]

This morning before leading worship at our church, I led our team in a time of offering the sacrific of thanksgiving to the Lord. We spent time in worship before ever doing any sound checks. As I watched the sincere offerings from grateful hearts and hands lifted up, I could see our people "get the glow that shows". I had never thought of that concept before until Dwayne spoke of it in the study. It just clicked for me - some people don't want to enter the presence of God, but we can bring His presence to them. It is so much more than just leading. It is living a life that honors and declairs the greatness of God every day.

[MimsiGal]

This is one that is hard for me lately... and I've been struggling to move past where I am and get to where I need to be, but (as with all things) it is taking longer than I want it to!

My struggle has been with being able to lead and worship at the same time - consistently. I have Sundays where it all just clicks into place, and Sundays where I am personally a clanging gong because I am so distracted by and focused on getting everything "just right" that I can't just worship. It's frustrating.

How can I bring the presence of God to people if I am not entering into it myself? That is a tough one. The easy answer is that I need to be in His presence (duh!) but there are days that is more difficult than I ever imagined! When I was *just part of the team* it was natural... I could fully enter in and worship without any distraction... but leading added a new level of distraction for me.

This is my prayer - that God would show me how to fully enter in, and fully lead at the same time.