Divine Purpose Magazine - Worship Edition - Issue 4 - Jan - March 2018

purpose DIVINE

MAGAZINE

THE WORSHIP EDITION

The Role of The Worship Dancer

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IN THIS EDITION: New Author Feature pg.17 Meet Chika: Worship Leader pg. 19

Christian Author Vicki L. Olton BARBADOS

God's Expectations of The Praise & Worship Leader pg. 7

6 HINDRANCES TO YOUR

worship success in 2018 pg.13

JANUARY 2018

GOD IS SPIRIT, AND THOSE WHO WORSHIP HIM MUST WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH JOHN 4:24 (NKJV)

DIVINE

purpose MAGAZINE Promoting men and women around the world on purpose for God!

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HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS FEATURE

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WORSHIP! NOT JUST A POSTURE DURING WORSHIP SERVICE BUT A LIFESTYLE

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GOD'S EXPECTATIONS OF THE PRAISE & WORSHIP LEADER

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THE ROLE OF THE WORSHIP DANCER

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6 HINDRANCES TO YOUR WORSHIP SUCCESS IN 2018

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AUTHOR FEATURE: CRYSTAL DAYE

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MEET CHIKA!

contact us

available online

contact@vickiolton.com

www.vickiolton.com/divinepurposemagazine

HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE

Vicki L. Olton is a Christian author and speaker. She is also the founder & president of Mission Inside Out (Barbados). Through the Mission, Vicki’s aim is to help persons find hope through Christ in order to live a more purpose-driven life. Vicki is dedicated to educating persons on true beauty in Christ and how to live a balanced Christian life. Vicki is also an intercessor, preacher, mentor and global marketing consultant. She is a strong agent of change in the lives of others and continues to be a living testimony of the powerful and precious saving grace of God.

Prophetess Nicole Welch, affectionately known as Nicki Welch is the founder of Honour Vessels Prophetic Ministries where she encourages through and from a prophetic insight to honor God by honoring your vessel … basically to live a righteous life before God. Nicki is also the founder and CEO/ managing director of Christian editing company, “Nicki’s Inspired Pen”, where her focus is editing through The Holy Spirit’s Inspired Perspective. She is the vice president of Women Fulfilling their Purpose Ministries.

Crystal Daye is a kingdom-influencer and a woman after God’s own heart. She is the mother of Christelle, minister of the Gospel, international speaker, best-selling author, kingdom entrepreneur and certified Christian Empowerment Coach for Life and Business. Crystal is the COO of DayeLight International and she believes her life’s mission is to inspire and equip women to live wholesome godly lives while increasing their impact and income. She daily motivates people through her writing, speaking, coaching and mentoring, with the aim of empowering aspiring leaders so they can empower others. More than anything else, Crystal’s desire is to please God with her life and fulfill her God-given purpose on the earth.

Chika Mitchell- Okereke is a servant of God, praise and worship leader, and psalmist. She is the worship director at Christ The Rock New Ministry in Quebec Canada and also holds the position of public relations officer and worship director with Honour Vessels Prophetic Ministries.

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WORSHIP! NOT JUST A POSTURE BUT A LIFESTYLE…

BY PROPHETESS NICOLE WELCH

"Give God Your ALL…" “Empty hearts, prayerless spirits, tired bodies, undisciplined minds, religious mindsets, unopened bibles, and careless attitudes have ruined far more worship services than all the demonic activity in hell. Satan is NOT our greatest hindrance to a true and full worship experience; we are our greatest enemy when we seek to worship without having to pay a price.” -Judson Cornwall What price are you willing to pay today to worship God in spirit and in truth? This quote by Judson Cornwall shows us that our way of living is what gets us into the realm of worship. There are so many reasons why we do not encounter a full worship experience or encounter the fullness of the presence of Christ during a worship service. We cannot get into the correct posture during worship if our lives do not worship God. Worship is an intimate love affair with God. We are in an era where God is calling for the True Worshipper to ARISE, not someone who waits until Sunday morning or whenever church meets to "worship Him" by singing repetitive songs, with words that sometimes mean nothing to us; mere words coming from our lips. We lie to God when our hearts and our spirits are not aligned with Christ. True worship is more than just attending a church service and satisfying flesh by dancing, raising our hands. Sadly this is what happens when worship is all about how we feel in the moment and when we wait for the music to move us and make us feel good.

True worship is how we live outside the ‘four walls’, outside the worship service. True worship is a lifestyle.

Worship is also a horizontal act: how we respond to others, and not just the vertical act: from you unto God.

Not only do we tell about Him, but we encourage others to come experience Him for themselves.

In today society we have so much going on that we forget and neglect our relationship with Christ So, I ask again what price are you willing to pay to worship God in Spirit and in Truth?

We need to stop blaming Satan for our laziness. We need to seek to be in the presence of God, get filled with the living water and stop hindering ourselves. We need to get in God’s face, we need to “make love” to God, open our Bibles to know who Jesus is, commune with the Holy Spirit because He is a person, Ask Him, the 5W1H (When, Where, What, Who, Why, How) for every decision you make…Don’t be afraid to get intimate, we will definitely see the difference in our lives….

I end with the words of worshipper Deborah Lukalu “I was born to worship You, I was created to worship You. So, my desire is to worship you because that is what I was created to do” Give God your ALL… Worship God in Spirit and in Truth…He created you to worship Him!

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On May 13th 2017 in the early hours of the morning, God spoke to me in the early hours of the morning. He said to me “Tell them to worship Me! Tell them to worship Me more!” He said that in order to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth, we must worship Him with our entire lives. He explained that worship is everything that we do, even to the way we look at a person, how we hug or touch them, how we speak to them: It is all worship onto God. What blew my mind was when He said, “even the way you brush your teeth is worship unto Me”.

The conversation with God went on for some time and He took me to scriptures, John 4, with the woman at the well. He said that was worship – with the right worship you shall thirst nor hunger no more. The woman at the well left her water pot behind after the encounter with Jesus… she was so filled with living water that she left the one she originally went for, forgot about her burdens and ran off to evangelize about her encounter. She encouraged others to not only take her word for it but to encounter Him for themselves. This shows that when we worship/serve God, have that intimate encounter with Jesus and intimate relationship with The Holy Spirit that we will not be burdened with the things of this world but excited to tell others about our experience, about the Lover of our soul, our Heavenly Husband!

DEAR PRAISE & WORSHIP LEADER: WHAT GOD WANTS YOU TO KNOW

YOU ARE GOD'S MOUTHPIECE WHEN YOU ARE ON THE STAGE!

God's Expectations of The Praise & Worship Leader

BY VICKI L. OLTON

Your role as a praise & worship leader is to take God's people into His presence.

Here are some of God's Key Expectations of you as a praise & worship leader: 1. You must spend time in the presence of God in order to lead people into God's presence.

2. You must recognize that you are the voice of God and pursue Him to hear His voice.

3. You must maintain a personal life of worship outside of the stage.

4. God requires you to get deeper into His Word so that His heart becomes your heart.

5. Your voice and entire ministry must be a reflection of God's love.

6. A great effort must be made to remain separated and consecrated for God's use. Your body is a temple of The Living God. 7. It is not about you and it's all about Him; His ministry through your life.

8. God requires you to walk in humility.

9. God requires you to give up every desire to be seen and allow Him to step forward and be The One who is seen when you minister.

10. You must have spiritual discernment to understand when God requires you to sing a session.

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different song, to sing a new song of deliverance or intercede during the praise & worship

I WILL SAY TO THE NORTH, GIVE UP; AND TO THE SOUTH, KEEP NOT BACK: BRING MY SONS FROM FAR, AND MY DAUGHTERS FROM THE ENDS OF THE EARTH; EVEN EVERY ONE THAT IS CALLED BY MY NAME: FOR I HAVE CREATED HIM FOR MY GLORY, I HAVE FORMED HIM; YEA, I HAVE MADE HIM.

ISAIAH 43:6-7 (KJV)

God has created us for His glory!

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DEAR WORSHIP DANCER: WHAT GOD WANTS YOU TO KNOW

THE MORE TIME YOU SPEND IN GOD'S PRESENCE, THE MORE DELIVERANCE WILL BE RELEASED INTO LIVES AS YOU DANCE!

Prophetess Nicole Welch Talks on

the role of the worship dancer

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"...the garment we wear, and its color is essential when ministering in dance because each color has a meaning. " For those of us that are called to minister in dance, we should know that we are warriors who come from a unique tribe. We war with our entire bodies but use specifically our hands and feet, and we fight with our fingers and toes. We use unique spiritual weapons to defeat our enemies. When we dance it is spiritual warfare and we are actually slaying demons in the spiritual realm. Worship dance is different to secular dance because of its intent which is prayer, breaking of strongholds, bringing deliverance, edification of the body of Christ, shifting the atmosphere, and to praise and worship God. The church should utilize dance as long as it is God-focused, worshipful and praiseworthy. Along with the singers and musicians, we as dancers go ahead of the congregation. We set the atmosphere for praise, for worship, for deliverance or whatever else that the Lord wants to do. Worship dance is not to be a self-expression but one that is done in a way that is helpful to the entire congregation.

1 Corinthians 14:40 (AMP) says “But all things must be done appropriately and in an orderly manner.” ALL including worship dance.

Dance is used as an act of worship in scripture and can be used today in that way. It is not mentioned in the New Testament; however, we must bear in mind that the Jews in the Old Testament worshipped God with dance and would have continued to do so as they converted to Christianity.

It is important to be pure in everything as 1 Timothy 4:12b states in conversation, in love, in spirit …everything we do must be pure.

How can we fight against demons and our vessels are not clean? The enemy will mess us up and our ministry will not be effective. We cannot clear or shift the atmosphere for worship or praise if our souls are tainted. We cannot go before God to worship Him and edify or lead His people to worship, bring them to deliverance nor break strongholds if our vessels are weak. We have no power and we cannot carry the anointing of The Holy Spirit since He cannot abide in an unclean temple. We need to be worshippers as John 4:24 says “in spirit and in truth”.

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We must also note that the garment we wear, and its color is essential when ministering in dance because each color has a meaning. I ministered a few times to the song ‘One Touch’ by Nicole C. Mullen that speaks about the woman with the issue of blood (Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, Luke 8:43-48), and I was always led by The Holy Spirit to wear something blue, whether it be the garment or just a sash. One day I was researching the meaning or the significance of blue because I wondered why after seeking God about what to wear for this particular dance that He always led me to something blue. I discovered that blue signifies the presence of God and healing. What blew my mind was that it is said that hem of Jesus’ garment was actually blue. All those years I ministered this song in dance (singing as well), I wore blue each time and only recently I learned that the power of my ministry was in the color (blue).

As dancers we must be mindful that we are warriors and atmosphere shifters. We play an important role in edification of the congregation. Once we understand this and keep our vessels pure, we will be effective in our ministry by the power of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

I will end with this quote by Beverley Hammond of Pure Water Dance Ministry “I see dance as a prayer. A prayer for the people in the congregation, so that they’re lifted and liberated by the time the service is over.”

Nicki's passion for dance ministry began in 2008 and has now developed into what it is today of being a solo dancer and choreographer. Her ministry goal in dance is to show forth the glory and the power of God with honour through dance, in turn bringing souls closer to Christ as well bring deliverance to their lives.

CONTACT: PROPHETESS NICOLE WELCH Website: hvpministries.wordpress.com Email: honourvesselsprophetic@gmail.com Facebook: Prophetess Nicole Welch/Honour Vessels Prophetic Ministries Instagram: honourvesselsprophetic

6 HINDRANCES TO YOUR

worship success in 2018 Vicki L. Olton Christian Author, Speaker and Praise  & Worship Leader

The Spirit of Fear

The Spirit of Worry

The Lack of The Fruit of The Spirit

Holding On to Past Hurts & Sins

The Spirit of Unforgiveness

Low self-esteem/self-worth | PAGE 14

DEAR SOUND ENGINEER: WHAT GOD WANTS YOU TO KNOW

YOUR ROLE IS INTEGRAL TO Â THE RELEASE OF HEAVEN'S SOUND!

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EMPOWERED FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS Written by Crystal Daye

This book takes you on the journey of purpose-discovery. As Crystal Daye became increasingly passionate about finding her purpose and was excited to know what God had placed her on this earth to do, she read many books on purpose and listened to many sermons, but something felt missing. After discovering her purpose and what she was passionate about, she wasn’t sure how to walk fully in the calling. What was she supposed to do next?

In today’s crazy society where social media allows us to see what everyone else is doing, it is so easy for discontentment and comparison to creep in. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself questions like: How do I obey what God says even when it doesn’t make sense? Who has God called me to be? What is the true definition of success? How can I live a life of faith that is pleasing to God? Can I really make an impact on the world?

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In Empowered For Such A Time As This, Inspirational Speaker and Author Crystal Daye challenge women of faith to stop settling for a mediocre life and choose to live a life of obedience and purpose so they can impact the world for God’s glory. Filled with practical advice, inspiring stories, guided journaling, powerful declarations and bold prayers, chapters like “Are you hot or cold?”, “Becoming An Empowered Woman” and “Positioned For Purpose”, shows how to live a Christ-centered, empowered and successful life.

"This book is a resourceful guide for the Godly woman who knows she’s called For Such A Time As This!"

In this book, Crystal looks at the practical approaches for women of faith who struggle with: • Achieving success according to God’s standards, • How to seek the kingdom first while still pursuing your dreams, • How to use your mess in life and turn it into a message that will bless others, • Understanding what it means for you to be called by God, • How you identify idols in your life so you can truly surrender and live a wholesome Godly life.

Christian women all over the world have the desire to impact lives for God’s glory, but you also want to ensure that while you are sharing your gifts, operating ministries, owning businesses, taking care of your family and being ‘superwomen’ that, like the biblical women such as Esther, Deborah, Mary, Ruth and others, you still have an intimate relationship with God. This book is a resourceful guide for the Godly woman who knows she’s called For Such A Time As This! It will reveal your calling, deepen your prayer life, help you identify your gifts and encourage you to tell your story that will influence others to see the light of Christ. It will Activate Your Faith… Awaken Your Dream…Inspire your desire to impact The Kingdom!

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MEET CHIKA! 19 YEAR OLD WORSHIP LEADER FROM CANADA

Who is Chika Mitchell- Okereke?

I am a nineteen-year-old college student, studying to be a nurse, a pastor’s daughter, worship leader, the second child of four and an active member of the youth ministry at my church. is your experience as a worshipper?

When I started to lead praise and worship, I didn’t fully understand what it meant to be a worship leader. I had that zeal and desire to sing and dance for the Lord at a very young age, but the youth at the time would always deny me the opportunity to partake in the praise team and dance ministry with the reason being that I was too young. Although I never gave up and always tried I just knew that my time would come. I loved going to church and my passion was to sing and worship God, as I got older and closer to God, I began to worship Him from my heart and not just from my voice. That was when doors began to open for How me in ministry. I get so elated when people tell me that they were blessed by my ministration.

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What role do you have in ministry (worshipper etc.) and how long have you been in the position?

I am the praise and worship director of my church and have been in that position since I was twelve years old. It all started when my home church, Christ The Rock New Ministry, was preparing for our first convention in August 2010. The Sunday before the convention no one was there to lead the praise and worship, so I got up front with my two little sisters and we led praise and worship and since then it has been my ministry.

What difficulties have you experienced as a young person who as dedicated her life to worshipping God? As a young person who dedicated her life to worshipping God, I went through a lot. There were people who put me down. I had a hard time with juggling school and ministry, it took a toll on me, my grades reflected. It was hard being a student-athlete and worshipper at the same time. There was a constant clash between basketball and leading worship at church and I choose worship. I turned down an opportunity for a record deal and a music career for ministry and I never went back on my decision.

Back then I always got upset about missing out on activities just to go to church and lead worship, but now that I am older I can honestly say that I am glad I made those choices.

The most challenging thing about being a young worshipper is that not everyone will understand the choices that I make and the way that I live my life for Christ. It is for that very reason I lost friendships and relationships, but it did not stop me from living for God. What would you call true worship in Spirit and in truth?

I consider true worship in spirit and in truth a lifestyle. I thought that worship in spirit and in truth was a style of music and posture during a worship service, but going in depth, I now understand that worship is more than that. Everything that you do is worship, from the way that you talk to the way that you walk, dress, think. True worship in spirit and in truth is living a life of transparency for God and having that intimacy with the Holy Spirit.

How can you advise other young people about the importance of worshipping the true and the living God and how can they live a life of worship in 2018?

Blessings and shalom!

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My advice for young people who are distracted by the world is to remember that we are only passing through, we are in this world and not of this world. God called us to be a royal priesthood and a holy nation and by that, we need to stand out and make the difference. God says that the time has come for the true worshippers to worship in spirit and in truth and that’s by your lifestyle. I have always believed that you can never be too young for God to use you, all you have to do is be willing and ready. We are all born with a purpose and the only way to achieve your purpose in life is to have that intimacy with the Holy Spirit. In 2018, challenge yourself to make worship your lifestyle by going deeper in the Word, by praying, by prayer and fasting, by seeking God, by knowing who the Holy Spirit is and trust me that your life will never be the same.

DEAR PRAISE TEAM MUSICIAN: WHAT GOD WANTS YOU TO KNOW

WHAT YOU Â PLAY HERE ON EARTH IS A REPEAT OF WHAT YOU ARE HEARING IN HEAVEN

N E W

B O O K

A L E R T

Life may not have been easy for you, but let today be the day that you make the decision to turn in a new direction.

There is Someone who truly loves you and wants the best for you. There is Someone who will never abandon you and wants to set you free from all bondage and that Person is JESUS CHRIST. It does not matter what you have done or have not done. Nor does it matter what has been done to you. It does not matter if your mother and father abandoned you. What matters now is that Jesus loves you so much and He wants to give you a new life. Are you willing to accept it?

Are you ready to get out of the mental, emotional and even physical prison that you have ended up in because of the darkness and perversions of the world? Are you ready for a new life where the systems of gangs, drugs, prostitution, violence, and crime will no longer mean anything to you?

If your answer is yes, this book is for you. This book will help you understand what God wants from you and how you can start a new, transformed and successful life through His son Jesus Christ.

WWW.VICKIOLTON.COM/BOOKS