(Though this message focuses on the worship arts, I believe it addresses one of the root causes of entertainment in the church. I wanted to share it so that the Apostles and Prophets would be aware of what Father is revealing. Clearly, this subject cannot be fully addressed in a post. I know there is more to come, but that prophetic word is still marinating inside me like a fire. The Father is showing us that as he continues to restore the Apostle and align the Prophet properly with them amid His local congregations, that we are going to see the Davidical Order of Worship come to a new heights and deeper depths in the Church in this season.)
Today I visited a ministry here in Atlanta that holds worship and prayer 24/7. When you enter the neighborhood you can sense the increasing presence of the Spirit in the atmosphere, and when you pull into the parking lot — secluded in the backwoods of Georgia on a dead-end road and encamped by a beautiful pond full of geese in the rear — you are literally pushed into an place of uncontrollable intercession and worship. My heavenly language pours from me when I hit the grounds.
I brought the praise and worship leader of my church with me to meet the ministers who founded the place. Before long, three hours had passed as we prophetically spoke about worship, the arts, evangelism and outreach. In the midst of that conversation, Father said to us: "Where is the Davidical Order of worship in the Arts?" We ended the afternoon with that question on our hearts.
It was at this juncture that we ended the conversation. Had we not, I wouldn't have made it home until sometime tonight. It stirred me so and troubled my spirit all the way home. Then Father said, "Prophet, my order of worship has been abandoned by my artisans and craftsmen."
You see, when we see the worship arts going forth among the congregations of Father's people today — many are missing the element of the John 4:23-24 call to "spirit and truth." They are missing the call between the "porch and the altar" of God, the secret place where we stand butt-naked in His presence ready to be consumed until we look like him.
Instead, some BOLDLY stand before him:
- Arrogant, exalting themselves as idols and stars before men — making names for themselves, branding attitudes, personas and other elements of self that bring exaltation to flesh and draws men into idolatry.
- Prideful, righteous in their own eyes and willing to do just about anything to justify their filthy acts of world-Word mix even before His very throne.
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Hollywood event focused — unable to see ministry beyond one event after another! Falsely believing that the Lord can only move if a conference is going on or if there's a gathering of crowds of people. They completely forget that every moment of their lives is an opportunity for the Kingdom to reveal itself according to Isaiah 61.
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Hungry and thirsty to be seen, heard, recognized or to be somebody instead of being of no reputation. They have forgotten that their thirst must be for the Lord alone.
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Wanting to showcase and show off their talent and gifts! They believe that this is a necessary and relevant aspect of who they are and what they've been called to do in ministry — not realizing that their audience is REALLY an audience of one. This simple reality eleviates the need to be a "professional" at anything. This truth breaks religion and intellect because Father only desires a rended heart that has learned to worship.
- Merchandising themselves and prostituting others. They are driven by hardcore sales, branding strategies and corporate mindsets that reward men on earth. Then, they curse the man who'd dare come in the name of Jesus to help them gain perspective concerning the destination of their soul.
Father is asking us today, "Where is the Davidical Order of Worship in the Arts… in OUR lives?" I pray that you really take the time to consider this. THIS REALITY gives new meaning to the phrase "playing church."
As order is restored in the Tabernacle, as the Apostles are restored to their rightful place and as the prophets walk along side them in truth the very FOUNDATION of the congregation of the Lord will SHAKE as desolation comes to those who continue to pillage His DESIRED DWELLING PLACES — the hearts of men. My oh my, there is so much we will have to give an account of one day!
Every single aspect of the ministry of the arts RESTS under the Tabernacle of David — the Davidical Order of Worship. I cannot possible teach on this in a post, but I assure you its biblical.
You see, in the time of Moses and Aaron, Father's chosen experienced the building of the Tabernacle, the layering of garments for the priest under our Fathers direction and instruction. Every ARTISTIC mantle was consecrated before the Lord. Nothing in His house looked, tasted, felt, smelled or had a single touch of the world. Nothing! Don't you know this is what is required today? Father placed his unique fingerprint on everything birth from him.
Once the foundation for worship was set, He raised up an unlikely King to set the order for our existance as Kings and Priests in a greater way. We were given the revelation of the Ark of the Covenant, and not only did we have the Tabernacle and the outer garments, but now we had the inner praise, worship, prayer and intercession to rest in, under and out of them…
Father has painted a beautiful picture of His all consuming presence with the arts. Don't you know your creative gifting is supposed to manifest His presence and lead the people into His Glory! Who is praying this prayer of Moses in Exodus 33:15, "And Moses said to the Lord, If Your Presence does not go with me, do not carry us up from here!"
What good are the giftings and the annointings if we cannot subdue kings and overthrow cities (Joshua 6:6). If what many are doing IS PURE MINISTRY then we should see Isaiah 61 rolling over these congregations like wildfire tangibly daily. Did not the Lord say signs and wonders would follow those who believe?
PEOPLE of God… where is the Davidical Order of Worship in the midst of our artistry? Some are operating in the synagogue of satan unaware. Some are so consumed with the pomp-and-circumstance of their gifting that they are unable to recognize or even tap into the the MANIFEST PRESENCE of God. What they call His presence is a false cloud!
Where is the TABERNACLE OF DAVID in the midst of the worship arts? I tell you, if you are a musician, a psalmist, a creative writer, a minister of dance, a sculpter, painter, etc. — YOU ARE A WORSHIPPER… and there is AN ORDER that must be followed.
What is this order?
People of God, read your word concerning the order of worship in the bible. This order is a lifestyle of 24/7 intercession and prayer. It is a lifestyle of LIVING IN HIS worship and praise. IT IS THE WORD walking and talking through your life!
So many are going forth in ministry as HELL would have them. Hell has no order of worship. It has compromise, chaos and confusion. Hell gives you permission to do whatever YOU want to do. It encourages you to DO WHAT FEELS GOOD and SEEMS RIGHT. It gives you the OKAY to elevate and exalt yourself. It PROSTITUTES and makes a mockery of our calling…
And even as I close, it will cause people to dismiss this very message… as over the top religious…. chatter. I challenge you today to ask the Father, "Is the Tabernacle of David within you or are you dwelling in the synagogue of satan unaware?"
