Last week, I had the joy of returning to MN Adult & Teen Challenge to lead worship for an event. It was my first time back in over a year and half since things shut down with Covid. Such a joy! I put together a team of musicians and wanted to share what one of our team members wrote about from his experience there: "I have a confession. I am a self-centered worshiper. I love worship music. I love playing on worship teams. There is nothing better than sharing that experience with a team of musicians that exude joy and praise with their whole being. But, I am self-centered. Now, I don't mean that in an idolatrous way. My focus and joy in worship is singing truth and honoring God. It's just when I sing these songs I am always seeing it from my own personal perspective and my own lived experience. That's unavoidable I suppose as many of these church songs are intended to be self-reflective and applicable to all the saints. But, sometimes change in perspective is required to see a full picture. Tonight I had the awesome opportunity to lead worship with a team for MN Adult & Teen Challenge in Minneapolis. It has been years since I played with a team in a parachurch ministry, and forgot how rewarding it is. Pouring over the lyrics this week from a perspective that was not my own seemed to just open these songs up. Songs I've played dozens of times and heard hundreds of times, heard now in a completely new light. Sharing the room with all those those voices rejoicing in that freedom from such an honest place. It's hard not to be jealous of that pure redemptive experience. But then, I remember that while perspectives and lived experiences may differ, we share the same gospel and the same freedom from the bondage of this world and the darkness within. Prodigals come home The helpless find hope Prison doors fling wide The dead come to life Miracles take place The cynical find faith The Jericho walls are quaking Strongholds now are shaking Love is breaking through When the Father's in the room." These lyrics are from one of the songs we sang at the event, called "The Father's House". You can listen to it below. Also, if you wanted to tune in to the Gala but missed it, here is a link you can watch it from: MN Adult & Teen Challenge Gala. You will be blessed by getting to listen to their choir and hear inspiring testimonies! Thank you for your support and helping to make this kind of ministry possible! Jackie
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Jackie Dixon
I love Jesus. I love my husband & family. I like dark chocolate. And hats. Traveling. Slippers. Hand written notes. And thrifting. These are a few of my favorite things! Categories
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April 2023
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