It has been this way for a very long time. I remember the first time I heard it, that voice. The memories are not pleasant, for they come with heartache and pain. I am a simple man, with a simple life. My name is Simeon, and I live in Jerusalem. I have lived in this area all my life. I have grown up knowing the stories of my relatives. I am even named after one of Jacob’s sons. I studied to become a rabbi, but it was not to be. I knew the law, and did my best to keep it. As I said, I am a simple man. So I did what I could, and worked my way up the ladder, and even owned my own shop in the market. I sold the everyday wares needed in the house. I worked hard. I was so excited when my father told me a bride had been found for me. We were engaged, and the future looked bright. The first year of our marriage was rocky as we came to know each other, but our love grew. She was a simple girl as well, and she loved our people, and our heritage. Her faith was strong and she believed all she had been taught. She always reminded me that the day would come when the “Promised One” would come and take away our bondage. We talked of it often. It was as if she knew something was coming.

After several years, we found out she was going to have a baby. We were very excited, and it became the topic of our daily conversation. We talked of names, of our history, and of the future. I began to get our own home ready for the new addition. Then, the day of the delivery arrived. It did not go as I had thought. Something went wrong, and the midwives were scurrying around. There was not the joy and laughter that I had experienced as others had babies. It seemed as if I was in a dream, no, more of a nightmare. They came to me and told me that there had been problems in the delivery, and my wife had not made it. She had died giving birth. The baby, he never made it either. In one brief moment, I lost all I had planned. My family, my future, my joy, it was all gone. I stumbled around for days. My family did what they could, but there was no peace. I tried to focus on the business, but all I could see was the face of my wife, and my son, for the moment I held him close. How could I go on? What was there to live for?

So, not knowing what else to do, I went to Temple, and offered my sacrifices. I went to give God that which he deserved. I was not sure that I wanted much to do with this God. I knew the stories of deliverance, and the stories of miracles. There was no miracle in my life. I still believed that there was a promise coming, but it all seemed much harder to celebrate now. As I recited some of the Law, I heard the words of the prophets in the background, and then, I heard a much clearer voice. “You will see my promise. Your eyes will see my Salvation. You will see Messiah.” I turned to see who had spoken to me. While the yard was full of worshippers, no one was speaking to me. I put my head down, and I heard it again. “You will see the promised one of Israel. Your eyes will behold the redemption of the nations.” I looked around again, and thought to myself, “Simeon, you have had some really bad wine!” I asked, “God, is that you?” The reply was, “Simeon, you will see the Glory of Israel, and the light of the nations.” As quickly as it came, it was gone.

I woke up the next morning. My thoughts immediately went to the events of the day before. Had I really heard a voice? Was God telling me that I would really see “Messiah?” After all these years, with no words from God to anyone? I went to work, thinking about it the whole time, went to Temple, and came home. Nothing. I kept thinking that I would hear the voice again, but I did not. This became my ritual, my reason for living, everyday, would begin, “Maybe today?” The days turned to weeks, and weeks turned to years. I found myself meditating on the prophets and their description of the promised one. In the process, I found my sorrow being replaced with joy, and my despair turning to hope. God had spoken! To a simple man He had given a promise! So the “Maybe today?” became “Maybe today!” Year after year, it never got old. In time, I sold my shop to my young apprentice. I went to the Temple everyday. I looked in the crowds, and tried to scan faces. Messiah became my destination. I am now an old man, my hands shake, and my eyes have grown dim, but not my hope. Maybe today!

Then, about six weeks ago, I had a dream. It was more of a nightmare. I awoke in the middle of the night. I felt a tremendous burden of conflict. It was as if I was on the edge of a battle, but could not see it. There was hope and horror. There was victory and defeat. There was anger and hatred, and there was joy and love. Ridiculous, hilarious, love. I went outside to clear my head, and it seemed as if the whole world was involved in something otherworldly. I could feel captivity giving way to freedom. This was not the captivity that held Israel in bondage. This was a captivity of the soul. I did not know what to make of it. It might just have been the evening meal. I am an old man, and my stomach is not always right! I finally went back to bed. I slept restlessly, and awoke in the morning, “Maybe today!” Nothing.

That was six weeks ago. This morning I woke up, and immediately thought, “Maybe today!” I cleaned myself up, and decided to go to Temple early. I thought of the events of the last several months, with the census, all the travelers, and the oppression of Rome. I thought to myself, “Today would be a good day to see Messiah.” I thought that all the time. I was becoming a vintage believer. I made my way to the Temple, and that is when I saw them. A young couple, obviously from the farmlands. He was a strong young man, holding a couple of pigeons. She was holding a baby close to her chest. They went to the priest, and made the offering. It was obvious that they were not from wealth or affluence. I watched from the distance. There was something different about them. They had a maturity about them. I came closer, and could see that he was a hard worker. His hands were calloused, and his eyes were those that measured everyone around. Her eyes were only for her baby, a boy.

It was then, I heard the voice again. “My redemption is here. This is Messiah!” I came closer, and the father looked at me. I haltingly held out my weak and aged arms, and she placed the baby in my shaking hands. At once, my hands became steady. My arms were strengthened. It seemed as if a whole new force was taking over my body. The words that flowed were no longer mine. “My God, you can now take me home. You can take your slave in peace, for today my eyes have beheld Salvation. You have been preparing the whole world for this light for all time. This glory for Israel, and the hope of redemption for the world!” In that moment, I knew that what I was holding and seeing was supernatural. The baby I held was the hope of the world! This was Messiah! In my simple, aged, hands, was the redeemer of all mankind!

I looked into Mary’s eyes as Joseph took Jesus from me. In that moment, I knew that she would feel some of the pain that I had experienced. She would lose her baby as well. It would be different, but it would be piercing. I told her what I had seen, and her eyes told me, she understood. It was as if my own pain had prepared me for this moment with Mary and Joseph. All of that dimmed in the glorious light of the restoration of God’s promise. This baby was the fulfillment of the promise made to Adam, Abraham, and Jacob. I had seen and held the Salvation of our God. Messiah had slept in my arms. Maybe today? It was today!

Today is the day that God has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. For I have seen the glory of the Lord, and He has made me glad! Merry Christmas!

I am sure every family has it traditions. Whether it is the food you eat, the things you do before or after the meal, or who sits where, traditions are a part of every community. The same is true of a worshipping community–there are traditions that give it identity. As people continue to come to Westwind, it is important to share those traditions so as to continually perpetuate the culture of our church. Just like the Barker family and giblet gravy go hand in hand, so does Westwind and its traditions. So, here are a few traditions I see at Westwind, that are our “giblet gravy” to our community. Feel free to write your own below in the comment section.

1. Westwind serves well: I want our church to be a place that is known for our service inside and out of our walls.
2. Smiles and Hugs: People will know the love of Jesus through a joyful spirit of those at Westwind.
3. Authenticity: No boxed potatoes for us, we want to be the real deal. That means admitting our weakness and mistakes and sharing who we are really.
4. Bible Doers: We aren’t just interested in hearing the Word, but actually putting it to use in our lives.

These Westwind traditions are already in place, but remember–what makes a tradition in the continuation of an event or behavior. So, lets use this holiday season to continue the Westwind traditions.

Instantaneously, various people throughout the crowd got up and hustled to different areas of the school to see if they could lend a hand to stop the music that was being played (now it was “Freeze Frame” by the J. Geils Band). Although the music being played was completely distracting, it didn’t seem to bother our worshipping community. People laughed as different songs would be played. There were even people tapping their toes to the tunes.

When it looked like the music issue wasn’t going to be fixed, one person suggested that we keep worshipping. The band got back up to the platform and drowned out the classic 80′s rock songs with praises to the Most High God. It was great to see people praising God over the distraction. After the songs were sung, the crowd was encouraged to stick around and just hang out (with full accompaniment of the intercom radio station). It was a delight to see all the people who used it as an opportunity to get to know other people from Westwind. God did use it for His glory.

There were a lot of laughs that day, so here are just few of the funny things that got said:

• Best sermon ever, pastor.
• Even junior high boys should have their prayers answered every once in a while.
• Can I make a request for MC Hammer?
• So, is your church like this every Sunday?

Thanks again for all those who tried to help, and for those who laughed it off with us and had a great time of fellowship. We will make sure for next Sunday that we will clear the floor so people can “cut a rug”.

Leadership is an important component to a starting a church, so as part of that decision, Geoff has taken the leap of faith and agreed to lead the New Heights church plant. Although this is sad for our worshipping community, you can see that this is an amazing symbol of our commitment to making New Heights an impact church in Warren County. I am sure you will want to continue praying for Geoff and his family as they prepare themselves to lead this God-driven vision.

Just as dual-leadership is an important aspect of Westwind, it will also be part of the DNA of New Heights. That is why Geoff has asked Kevin Mayer, our Missional Lead and elder to be his ministry partner. Kevin and Geoff will co-lead New Heights as Geoff and I have led Westwind these last four years. Please pray for Kevin and Pat as they make their transition.

Below you will find the answers to some of the questions you may have. They have been grouped to help you.

Timeline

• Over the next two months Westwind will be spending time recruiting people to be a part of the core team. We will also be organizing socials and information/prayer meetings.
• In January Geoff and Kevin will begin the process of phasing out at Westwind. Geoff will still oversee Grow on Wednesday nights and Kevin will still be our Missional Lead.
• In Febraury there will be soft launches, as well as a special service for New Heights during our Missional Living Week here at Westwind.
• In March we will be counting down the days until our launch on Easter Sunday.

Westwind Information

• The Elder Team is currently in search of Geoff’s replacement, and have talked to many qualified people. It is our plan to have that person in place by January.
• Efforts have been made to search for people in our worshipping community who have the spiritual gift of teaching. They have been contacted and will begin teaching in a limited capacity in our celebration service.
• Westwind has pledged $40,000 over the next two years to helping New Heights get off the ground.
• We are expecting anywhere between 30-50 people from Westwind to be a part of this initiative.
• Although it doesn’t need to be said, this church plant is in no way the fruit of division or conflict among the Westwind leadership.

Prayer

• Be in prayer for Geoff, Deb, Trent and Naomi as they venture to replicate the message and methods of Westwind in Warren County.
• Pray for Kevin and Pat as they prepare themselves for this next ministry leap.
• Pray for the people of Westwind who feel called to be a part of this exciting ministry opportunity.
• Pray for our worship team, as we will have many members leaving to be a part of New Heights.
• Pray for the funding to continue pouring in so that we can start well.
• Pray for the Elder Team as they search for Geoff’s replacement.

Four Considerations

As part of the Westwind worshipping community, we hope you will consider being a part of our New Heights initiative in the following ways:

1. Be a prayer warrior for this endeavor,
2. Give more financially to Westwind as we seek to bless New Heights,
3. Get more involved in Westwind through volunteering. Remember the people who leave for New Heights will create opportunities for others to lead. Also, help us recruit others to use their time, talents and resources.
4. Be a part of New Heights. We want to bless this church plant not only with funding, but with the horses to help make New Heights an impact church.

We hope you will join us in our excitement about New Heights and what God can do through this vision. Think about that fact that on Sunday, April 8 there will be more people in our two churches than we would have in just one. This thought compells us to move forward to plant New Heights!

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Westwind, Cornerstone and Calvary (via Jeff, Troy, Tim, Dan, Brandon and Geoff)-
Veritas just celebrated our one year anniversary. We continually point back to God (duh) but also you guys for thrusting us out with such blessing and planting this thing with great sacrifice… people, money, prayer, etc. We want you to know that the fruit we have seen ought to be credited to your account. We will never forget your investment and will not soon forget that we are being carried on your shoulders. Please let your churches know how thankful we are to you and God for the great things He has done.
May God do this a thousand times over and give us the privilege of partnering with you to plant the next church…
Here’s the video we showed on Sunday to celebrate:

One Year Anniversary of Veritas Church from Veritas Church on Vimeo.

As a father of two kids I think back to the time when they were three years old. This was one of my favorite times in their lives. Three year olds are walking, running, talking, laughing, engaging in conversation–all things that I loved experiencing with them. One of my favorite things about three year olds is their sense of curiosity. I recall may moments holding my children in my arms and having them point with enthusiasm to something and say, “what’s this?” I would answer them, only to be pointed in a different direction and asked again, “what’s this?”

As Westwind celebrates her third birthday, just like a three year old child, I look forward to the way that she walks and runs, and laughs and engages in conversation at new levels. But, I am more excited to see her curiosity. What will we point to as a worshipping community and ask “what’s this?” What will we see as new things to learn and new frontiers to explore? How will we grow together in understanding of who God is and what He wants from us on a daily basis?

New Heights and Grow

Two new frontiers that we are exploring are our new church plant in Indianola which will be planted in 2012. We have faithfully opened ourselves up to God’s will and followed Him into an unimaginable opportunity. Although our church is young we are sending people, resources and leaders to reach Warren County with the Gospel. Our child-like faith has allowed God to show us an exciting direction toward church planting, that most churches don’t get to experience in a lifetime. It is as if we are being held in God’s arm and asking “what’s this?” to His reply, “a growing area that needs more Bible teaching churches.”

The second frontier is our new midweek family ministry, Grow. We have asked God, “what’s this?” and he has answered, “families that need to know my Word so they can grow spiritually together.” Equipping families to follow Christ is a priority at Westwind and we believe that this not only means teaching kids, but their parents as well. We are stepping out in faith and challenging parents, and volunteers like never before in our three year history. We do this because we believe that helping families commit to walking daily in obedience to God’s Word is of the highest importance and the church should be engaged in equipping parents to take the lead.

Personal Growth

Turning three as a worshipping community could not happen without the personal spiritual growth of so many at Westwind. Some have been with Westwind from the very beginning, but most have only just joined us on our spiritual journey. It is exciting to imagine what God will continue to do through the people of Westwind. We hope all who join us with live out 2 Corinthians 4:5 in their lives

“For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake.”

As Westwind turns three and moves into her forth year of ministry, I pray that God will help us continue to share his son with Dallas County (and beyond) and we submit as slaves to that end.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

First, there are 3500 — 4000 churches in America that close their doors each year (www.barna.org). That means that if 4000 churches were planted in America each year, we would only be breaking even. In fact, with the growing population, that actually means that we are losing ground with providing evangelical churches to this country.

Secondly, more people are searching for spiritual truth outside of the church walls. Because of traditional thinking, old fashioned strategies, and demographic ignorance, more and more churches are becoming ineffective and telling God’s story in an innovative and relevant way. Planting new churches allows for a freshness that compels people to see church in a new way.

Thirdly, Christianity is quickly losing its influence as America’s number one religion. The number of adults who classify themselves in non-Christian religious groups has increased from about 5.8 million to about 7.7 million.
(American Religion Identification Survey). With more people taking their spirituality on individually, and the increased number of other religions, the American church is lacking the strength to make the impact it once did.

Lastly, the church is the God-ordained institution that was created to meet needs, instruct biblically, and connect others to God and each other. The trend for para-church organizations to fill the needs where the church has failed is proof that the church (as God intended it) is necessary and needed.

As Westwind moves forward toward our Warren County church planting initiative it will be imperative that we continue to see the growing need for churches in our state. Are a worshipping community we will all be able to help change the trends in spirituality that our facing our nation.

Jesus, when meeting with the Samaritan woman tells her that he knows her hidden issues. “You have correctly said, ‘I don’t have a husband. For you’ve had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband.” He knew the woman’s issues and he wanted her to know it. Not to hold it over her, but to let her know that he really knew her.

This principle of transparency seems to be missed in today’s worshipping communities. People tend to hide themselves in large congregations attempting to keep themselves unknown. Perhaps it is due to the fact that churches are so large we are afraid to let so many people know who we are. At Westwind, we believe in Incarnational Relationships. That means life on life. This is impossible without getting to know someone in a transparent way.

As we continue to grow as a worshipping community here are a few helpful hints in how we can be a transparent church.

1. Be yourself. There is no reason to dress a certain way, or act a certain way. There is no one “way” to be at Westwind. We have all types of people who are involved in our church. So be the best you!
2. Recognize your faults. Since we all have them, let’s start at a place where we admit we have faults and encourage others to help us in those areas.
3. Avoid secrets. Secrets can damage relationships. When at all possible avoid hiding truth from others.
4. Practice grace. Being a person of grace is the other side of incarnational relationships. Once you know someone and they know you, it is important to be graceful and show mercy to them.

Being a transparent church begins at the top, too. We know that our Council of Elders and Connection Group Leaders need to be honest to those they lead. This will encourage others to live that way as well.

After the woman at the well was confronted with who she was by Jesus, she went out and told others about him. People want to be truly known and truly accepted! That can happen at Westwind, too.

Easter Poem

What is your daily faith like? Good question, huh? As we look at the life of Noah is Genesis it is clear to us that Noah had to have a daily faith that he was doing what God wanted him to be doing. He had to take part in building the ark every day. It would cause his to demonstrate his faith in God on a daily basis.  Every day of every week of every month of every year for a hundred years. That is the faith that it took to make God’s Ark. And Noah showed himself to be faithful. By faith Noah, after being warned about what was not yet seen, in reverence built an ark to deliver his family (Hebrews 11:7).

What daily faith are you being asked to demonstrate? How, like Noah are you being pushed to put your trust in God alone and let him lead you in His will? When it comes to faith, most people wait until they have 90-100% certainty about their decision. One of the compelling aspects of Noah’s life is that his faith was built 100% on uncertainty. I can just see Noah saying, “What is an ark, God?” or “So, water is going to come out of the sky?” He had never set his eyes on rain or a water vessel that could hold animals, yet he did “everything that God commanded him.” That is the exact definition of faith!

So, what faith-stretching task is God asking of you? What commands is he waiting you to obey every word of? Noah is described as someone who “walked with God.” That walk is based on three things:

1. Faith: Noah had the faith to believe everything that God told, whether or not he understood it.
2. Obedience: Noah did what God asked of him.
3. Righteousness: Noah lived a life that let him approach God in a holy relationship.

As we seek to walk with God on a daily basis, let us not forget to grow in these areas. When we do, we will see God using us to bring salvation and deliverance to those around us just like Noah.

If I were God what would I do
To save the world I made?
For sin had come to rule the day
And leave an awful stain.
What would I do to to bring them back?
How could I make a way?

If I were God what would I do
To save this world of pain.
Would I send a king to earth?
A king to lead a way?
He would be honored
For all the good he’d do.
His majesty would be so great,
His kingdom He would rule.

If I were God what would I do
To save a world of war?
Would I send a warrior strong
To make right all the wrongs?
He would fight for all that’s right.
His strength would win the day.
His presence would be so great,
His kingdom he would save.

If I were God what would I do
To save this world I love?
Would I send a man of peace
To that is gentle as a dove?
He would be kind and gentle.
His words would build not break,
His actions would be filled with goodness,
His kingdom would give, not take.

But I’m not God, that much is true,
I cannot save the this world.
He did send someone to this earth,
His Kingdom banner to unfurl.
He is a king who came to serve.
A warrior who brought peace.
He taught us how live in love.
His glory to redeem.

He came to us in a stable stall.
He came for one and all.
He came to bring us peace and hope.
He came for great and small.
He broke the chains of sin and death.
He paid the greatest cost.
He went from the manger bed
To die upon a cross.

- Geoff Safford

These days I’m less eager to get to my gifts, but the quiet Christmas mornings of my youth remain. I make my way to my parents’ home, and if they’ve actually gotten up I grab a cup of coffee, stand next to the fire and look out on the backyard. If we’re lucky the backyard is covered in snow. In my mind I’ve always equated snow with a quiet peace, not much is more peaceful to me than to walk through a fresh snow, the only sound being the snow crunching beneath my feet and I feel a million miles away from the busyness of my life and I can embrace the peace that we receive through God’s gift to us, Jesus. As I look out on those snowy Christmas mornings I am thankful for the silence.

- Travis Waters

We pulled up to the small town park and began to make our appearance. The minute I opened the door of the car I heard two young voices yelled, “Boz is here!” They ran across the park and I bent down and gave a hug them a hug. In that moment, I realized my selfishness. Here were two young ones that were in desperate need of attention. Attention that they did not get at home. They needed love.

As I thought about it that day, I reflected on scripture and the little things that Jesus pointed out to his disciples. Things that in the eyes of the world seemed small, but in the eyes of God were a big deal. Things like offering a single coin at the temple or giving someone a glass of water or giving aid to someone hurt along the road. I learned that in the kingdom of heaven, hugs nor any gesture of love is a “small” thing in the eyes of God. Looking back on it, that entire trip in the car was worth it, if only to give a single hug to those that needed it the most.

As I approach Christmas, I am reminded of that lesson. As I approach giving gifts to family and friends I understand that they are only temporary, but was is important is the love that they portray. The gifts will never last, but love is forever. I pray that I can be faithful in loving all people and extending grace as God as done for me.

- Michael Bosworth

- Deb Huffman

But Christ “who, being in very nature God did not consider equality
with God something to be grasped, made himself nothing, taking on the
very nature of a servant, being found in appearance as a man, he
humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!”
– phillipians 2:6-8

Let us meditate on His risky entrance in to this world as a child and
delight in the craziness of such an act of love this Christmas season.

- Tsinia Borgman

As they examined her they did every test possible to rule our infection due to her young age. Turned out there was not one, but a respiratory virus we would have to “wait out.” At 10 p.m. we were thinking, this is not how we planned to spend our Christmas Eve as a family. Something neat happened that evening, however. As we were sitting in our waiting room, we heard a “ho, ho, ho.” A volunteer Santa came to say “hi” and give our daughter a gift. The gift she was received was a donated hand knitted blanket. As I learned from the nurse, this volunteer Santa came every year on Christmas Eve to visit the sick children.

I don’t know what the story of this Santa was or why he was inspired by the Spirit to show Christ’s love in this manner, but it was awesome none the less. It was truly unselfish, as we are called to be in expressing our love. He gave up his time for the benefit of others. I love that about Christmas. The generosity of people’s time, talents, and resources, and how so many give it away over the holiday. Last week at church we read James 5:13. James says, “if you are happy, sing songs of praise.” I think that expands beyond prayer and our voices. I love the song of praise that many “Santas” sing over the holiday season.

- Eric Kress

Fighting the urge to cook ourselves into a stupor.

Fighting to get those heavy boxes of Christmas decorations out of the attic.

Fighting to act humble and unexcited (“Whatever”) when asked what you want for Christmas.

Fighting to drag that sled up hill and pretend you really are out there for the kids.

Fighting to not act like a 3 year old when looking at Christmas lights.

Fighting to understand that family time is about the gift of family, and that traditions can sometimes be broken.

Fighting to live up to the example that Christ left for us in the example of his life on earth.

Fighting to realize the ultimate meaning of Christ’s death on the cross.

- Tony Chiaramonte

- Jenna Rohwedder

- Katie Chiaramonte

- Deb Safford

- Amy Yost

This Christmas season Westwind will be taking a look at the entire Christmas story, starting all the way back to the book of Genesis. We will take a look at who Jesus was even before he was born in that manger, and who he will be after his return. Our Christmas story takes a broad look at Jesus through the entire Bible and how we are to interact with him today.

Between now and Christmas you probably have a lot to do, but don’t be so entrenched in the duties of the holidays that you forget the purpose of Christmas: to tell the story of our Savior Jesus. Check back to this website throughout the month of December and read about how this season impacts the Westwind worshipping community. We want this to a be season of inspiration and introduction to Jesus: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6).

1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord,

to sing praises to the Most High.

2 It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,

your faithfulness in the evening,

3 accompanied by the ten-stringed harp

and the melody of the lyre.

4 You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! (Psalm 92:1-4)

I get asked quite a bit if I think a family member of a particular person is a Christian. It seems that pastors are supposed to be some sort of judge in this respect. This verse lays out an easy assessment as to if someone is a Christ follower or not.

1. Do they listen to the voice of Jesus? (“My sheep listen to my voice”)

• Do they seem to care about what the Bible teaches, especially what Christ taught?
• Are they convicted to the point of changing their lives when they come across a passage that challenges them?

2. Do they feel like they understand Jesus? (“I know them”)

• Do they know who Jesus really is and how he fits into the eternal “God Plan” of the universe?
• Is there a sense of investigation in to God’s word to find out more about who Jesus is and what he asks of those who follow him?

3. Do they follow the teachings, lifestyle and plan of Jesus? (“they follow me”)

• Are they walking every day in pursuit of Christlikeness?
• Do they let Jesus be the authority in their life? I think if these questions are answered honestly you can find out the true nature of someone’s faith.

It would seem impossible for someone to ignore Jesus’ voice, refuse to know him more, and try to lead their own life and still be one of Jesus’ sheep. That person instead would be “other sheep outside the pen” (John 10:16). Jesus still loves them, and pursues them, but they are not his sheep.

God, may I live my life knowing, listening, and loving my Good Shepherd. Grant me strength, courage and peace as I live daily in the flock of Jesus Christ.

I thought that most people would answer “yes” to this question, however, I was involved in a conversation recently in which two Jesus followers were sharing their lack of interest in Psalms to the point that they even questioned why someone would read them. Their view of this book in the Bible was almost as if it had slipped in somehow when no one was looking. I was disheartened, but I began to wonder if others felt the same way.

The central theme to the entire Book of Psalms is worship. God is to be worshipped in happy times, sad times, scared times, majestic times…you get the picture.

There are three benefits this series brings to our worshipping community as I see it. First, worship is more than singing. How many times have we heard the words, “and now let’s stand and worship the Lord”? We equate worshipping God with harmonies, words that rhyme and cool guys with tattoos leading congregations in song. But worship is so much more than that. At the heart of worship is giving God his due. When we are told that we are “awesome” it makes us feel good because it is a compliment. But, in all actuality we aren’t really awesome. At least not in the most literal form of the word. When we tell God he is awesome, it is true! He really deserves any and all praise that we give him. This series will help us worship God beyond the boundaries of verses and choruses.

Secondly, worshipping God means transparency. You don’t have to read too far into the Book of Psalms to see that the writers lay their feelings out to God. As you read each psalm you see the emotional breadth and width of the writers. This should open in our hearts a sense of transparency to God. God knows when we are angry, scared, lonely, afflicted, so why not admit these things to him and in turn let him connect with us at that level? My hope is that as a worshipping community, Westwind will raise its transparency level.

Lastly, this Soul Dance series will benefit the people of Westwind because it should inspire in us a new way of expressing ourselves to God. The Book of Psalms is poetry. It is heartfelt expressions by men who desperately wanted to know God at the deepest level. Too often we can get stuck in “instructional obedience” to God. By this I mean that we see the Bible more as an instruction manual and less as an expression of who God is. God created song, melody, harmony, color, passion, cadence, rhythm, so why not honor him with his creation? When we express ourselves to God in a poetic fashion we are just as worshipful as a flower opening its bloom, a bird singing its song, or a waterfall displaying its power. Our expression to God should be from the heart, which is where creativity and passion come from. This series should compel us toward poetic expression to God.

You may not be a psalms person now, but after experiencing this series, we hope you will be.

Almost every Jesus follower I know would love to have a fulfilling Christian relationship with someone who is just as passionate, if not more, about Christ than they are. They, like me in the garden, envision an overflowing of friendships that will fulfill them in times of spiritual hunger. But this, too, takes work. Our Christian relationships need to be watered, weeded, and waited upon.

The Friendship Drip Irrigation System
Your garden won’t make it too long without water. And, in the heat of the summer, you can’t just wait for the rain to nourish the gardens, you need a watering plan. Our Christian relationships are exactly the same way. Too many people are waiting for their relationship garden to be watered, when they need a plan to help nurture those Christian relationships. When we wait for the water to come to us, it could be too late. We could be too dried up. We need to have a means to nurture our spiritual relationships that can meet even our daily needs. This can be difficult for some because it means stepping out and initiating. So, why not start slow; invite someone out for coffee, or have a family over for dinner? For those who have Christian relationships already, why not bring them to the next level by asking that person to be an accountability partner? The key is to create relationships that can help you get you through the “dry times” in your life.

You Have to Pull From The Root
Weeds are no one’s friend when it comes to gardening. They steal nutrients from the soil, and soak up water that is intended for the plants your are trying to grow. There are weeds in our relationships that hurt our relationship fruit. One type is busyness. We fill our lives with so much that we actually don’t have time to develop deep spiritual relationships. This is a tough weed to pull, but if we don’t pull it, we will not reap the harvest of strong spiritual relationships. Another tough weed to pull is bitterness. When we have a grudge in our hearts we cannot connect with others. This weed has deep roots and it takes prayer, forgiveness, and patience to pull. Ridding our lives of weeds like these gives plenty of room to the good fruit we want to grow.

Patience is a Virtue
As much as I want to eat the harvest of my garden, I know that it will be months before I enjoy some of my effort. The same principle applies with spiritual relationships. You have to nurture them through time. I know there is a great debate over “Quality versus Quantity” time when it comes to relationship building. However, to me, there is no debate; quantity time wins every time. Sure, it is fun to do something special to build a relationship, but it is the quantity of time together that really grows a healthy spiritual relationship. More time equals more opportunities to deepen the relationship. You don’t have to be at Disneyland to do that.

How is your spiritual relationship garden? Dry? Weedy? Don’t let this summer pass by without being prepared to nurture your relationship garden. You will reap a cornucopia of spiritual fruit if you do.

1. Know God. “In all your ways, know Him, and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)
2. Ask God. “If anyone lacks wisdom let him ask God.” (James 1:5). For we do not know what to pray, but “the Spirit Himself intercedes for us”-helping us in our weaknesses. (Romans 8:26) The Spirit knows perfectly the mind and will and power of God. Our prayers are unstoppable when we pray according to His will. (1 John 5:14-15)
3. Pray like Christ. Pray His kingdom would come and His will would be done on earth. Consider all the places where His Name is not worshiped. Pray for these places. Pray for God to send out workers into the harvest. Pray for the gospel to go forth like an unquenchable wildfire.
4. Pray for light to shine in dark places. “For God who said, ‘let light shine out of darkness’, made His light shine into our hearts to give us the light of the gospel.” (2 Corinthians 4:6). Pray those who are blind would see and that those in darkness would be drawn to the light.
5. Pray for good news to reach the poor, healing to come to the broken-hearted, freedom to come to the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners. (Isaiah 61:1). Pray for Christ to be glorified and the Spirit of the Lord to set them free. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
6. Remember. Don’t forget our brothers and sisters at work in the world. We can help them by our prayers. Pray that Christ might “meet all their needs according to the riches of His supply in Christ.” (Phil 4:19). Pray that God’s strong arm would support them and that the joy of the Lord would be their (and our) strength. Pray especially for those suffering for the sake of the gospel.
7. Release power. Our prayers are powerful and effective for the removal of strongholds. “A wise man has great power and a man of understanding increases strength. For waging war you need guidance and for victory many advisors.” (Proverbs 24:5-6)
8. Pray Together. Encourage one another so we don’t lose heart or give up praying. “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work…though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 12). Jesus said “pray at all times and don’t lose heart.” (Luke 18:1)
9. Pray now. If we wait until we have finished praying for everything else, we will never pray for a lost world. While we are praying for others -God will “accomplish all things concerning us.” (Psalm 57:2).
10. Pray big. “Ask of me and I will give you the nations as your inheritance.” (Psalms 2:8). Nothing is impossible with God.