Damon Stuart Worship Ministries: News

Greetings in Jesus name,

I want to share with you what has been heavy on my heart: Holiness & Reverence.

• Holiness – The holy life is simply living as someone who belongs to God and who lives by the vision of the Kingdom of God.
• Reverence – Reverence is profound respect and love. A reverent attitude toward God includes honoring Him, expressing gratitude to Him, and obeying His commandments.

I believe that Jesus is calling us to live our lives daily through holiness and reverence in our relationship with Him. As I travel and lead worship at various places and events, I am privileged to serve Him along with the body of Christ. I have been able to see and experience the anointing and presence of God in some amazing services. However, there is a potential for us to miss out on what God truly desires to do, if we fail to recognize that we serve a God who is Holy, not a God who needs man’s hype or theatrics to save the world.

In the church there have been moral failures, strange doctrines, and the rise of the “seeker sensitive” movement where few lives were actually changed. In the August issue of Charisma magazine, written by one of my favorite editors J. Lee Grady, the article is titled “Where is the Fear of God?” In it he asks the question, “Why don’t we see the church today as it was in the book of Acts?” That is a burning question in my heart. In Acts we see people being used greatly by God but at the same time there was a Godly fear and reverence that permeated in their lives.

A recent concern in the church, which he also covers in the article, is that there are a few ministers/evangelists who have taken things a step too far. One of these ministers actually refers to God as “Jehovahjuan” while pretending to smoke a joint to get high on God. Another speaker actually puts a baby plastic Jesus in his mouth and tells others to “smoke Baby Jesus.” And one other thing that they do is have people pretend to inject themselves with invisible needles in their arms to get higher on the anointing.
And while we see those things as too extreme, we can also be extreme in placing a high level of importance on “the spiritual events” currently happening in today’s services.

I am for being healed, slain in the spirit, holy laughter and soaking in His presence, when God is actually there. But we still have some who have to hit you so hard so that you’ll fall down instead of letting the Holy Spirit do His work. If you are anointed, you won’t have to push the people down. Why do we feel like something has to happen? As J. Lee Grady states in his article so eloquently, “Do we assume more bodies on the floor equals more anointing?” And while I am all for the manifestations of God like gold dust appearing, gem stones and such, we can even take that overboard and almost turn that into a spectacle itself.

The bottom line is this; instead of all of the theatrical stuff, let’s just get on our faces before a Holy God and worship Him for who He is. Let’s stop trying to be “cool” or “relevant” when in the book of Acts, they were filled with Spirit and power and went around doing God’s work because of the reverence they had for Him. They understood that they served a God who was holy and righteous and who deserved the highest praise. If we really want true revival then we need to show the world the real thing.

Blessings in His Holy Name,
Damon Stuart

*J. Lee Grady is the editor of Charisma.
For more information visit: www.fireinmybones.com

Freedom! Let that word sit with you for a moment.

I am a history junkie. I love watching the History Channel, especially when it’s about the American Revolution. Last year the History Channel did a docu-drama series on the American Revolution. I think I learned more about America and our Founding fathers through that series then I did back in my school days.

As we celebrate this 4th of July, our Independence Day, I consider what the “founding fathers” would think about where we are today as a nation. Right now, we face incredibly high gas prices; another presidential election that could change the landscape of America; possible terrorist activities here and abroad; conflicts in Afghanistan & Iraq; many nations want to see us destroyed; the housing market is unstable; and deadly weather patterns are now almost a constant in one state or another. You get the picture. We live in an unstable time. People seem to be in fear and questioning their faith.

And although the times and circumstances are different, the same fears were felt for those who took on the unimaginable task of creating a nation. While the people of those 13 colonies were releasing the hold of Britain, with many fears and uncertainties, they were relying on God and His word. It was through God’s divine grace and answering the prayers and cries of His people that America was birthed, “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

As I look back on what the founding fathers went through to give us the freedom we enjoy, I am in awe of their resolve. I came across some quotes I would like to share with you regarding our forefathers, their faith and beliefs.

Patrick Henry: "Orator of the Revolution."
“It cannot be emphasized too clearly and too often that this nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason, peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.”
-May 1765 Speech to the House of Burgesses.

John Adams:
“The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principals of Christianity… I will avow that I believed and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.”
“[July 4th] ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.”
–John Adams in a letter written to Abigail on the day the Declaration was approved by Congress.

John Quincy Adams:
“Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day [the Fourth of July]?" “Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity"?
- Speech at Newburyport, Massachusetts. --1837, at the age of 69, when he delivered a Fourth of July.

But let’s not forget that these “men” looked to God through His word. I am sure that without the sacrifice of the Pilgrims landing, and establishing the freedom to worship, we would not be talking about this historic event that we now celebrate. I imagine that the following verses were the truths that they held onto, especially in those dark moments of time when freedom looked impossible.

Let’s take a look at some key verses that we can all apply for today in the circumstances that we face today as individuals and a nation.

John 8:31-36 says;
31. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
32. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
33. They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”
34. Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.
35. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.
36. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Romans 8:15
15. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

2 Corinthians 3:17
17. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Galatians 5:1
1. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

2 Timothy 1:7
7. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Notice the underlying theme in these verses that through Jesus Christ, fear no longer has authority over us and that through His sacrifice and blood we have been set free from sin and death.

Because of what Jesus did on the cross, we have “freedom” from whatever the enemy and the world tries to throw at us. It doesn’t mean that we won’t face fears and tribulations, it just means, that when we seek His face, He will make a way and it will be with His perfect peace that will help us to be victorious.

Romans 16:20
20. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Philippians 4:7
7. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

America was birthed in a time of uncertainties and fears. America today is faced with same. We as Christians can learn a lot from our past and from those who paved the way for us today with faith, resolve and a belief that God was for them, not against them. I pray that as we celebrate our “Independence Day” that we honor those who lay down their lives for us and remember what God has done for us. That it was He who orchestrated the beginnings of this great nation but at the same time looking for people who would step out of fear and believe His word and do the impossible. May we live in His peace, not fear, and become bold for the kingdom of God.

I encourage you to read The Declaration of the United States of America when you have time.
Here is a link if you would like to read it online:
http://www.constitution.org/usdeclar.htm

God bless America and may God bless you!
Damon Stuart

Prophecy. It’s amazing how this one word can cause such a spiritual euphoria for some while making others so uncomfortable. Most of you that are reading this right now not only believe in the “prophetic gift,” but most have probably received a personal prophetic word at sometime in your life. So for those who are unsure and for the purpose of establishing a foundation for this newsletter, here is a definition of prophecy – [generally, describes the disclosing of information that is not known to the prophet by any ordinary means.[1] In religion, this is thought to be a divinely inspired revelation or interpretation. Although, found throughout the religions of the world, the term has found popular acceptance through the work and influence of the Hebrew prophets.]
*definition taken from Wikipedia online.

In the Old Testament, we see the office of the prophet arise from Moses all the way to Revelations in the New Testament. The prophet and the prophetic gift have been and still are a viable function that the Holy Spirit uses to speak to people, nations and the church.

We see in the New Testament where the Apostle Paul writes to the church of Corinth concerning the “gifts of the Spirit.” These gifts are important for the Church to function properly because without them, the church will never reach its potential nor will it be truly effective for building the kingdom of God.

Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-11
1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.

A great opening statement that I believe needs to be addressed in today’s church more than ever, but Paul goes onto to say…

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by that one Spirit,
10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.


There is much to be discussed concerning Spiritual Gifts, but I sense the Holy Spirit saying, “Where are my prophets for the territory I have called you too? Arise and be heard, for My glory, so that the world will know that I love them and that I am.”

For too long, we have just relied on the few “chosen ones” to prophesy, and even then, we usually have to go to a special service or a conference just to hear someone with a prophetic calling or anointing. Don’t misunderstand me, we need the Prophets like Rick Joyner, Kim Clement, Dutch Sheets and others, but God never intended for the prophetic anointing to apply to just a few. In fact, His desire was to have the Five Fold Ministry operate as one unit in the church. This should be the guideline for how our churches should be operating today.
Again, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.
13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

In today’s church, particularly in America, we have become so program driven that we have driven out the need for the Five Fold Ministry and even worse, the ability to let the Holy Spirit move and speak through us and have his way. Why? Pastors today seem to be insecure about letting God move or just afraid they may offend “people”.

The Book of Acts church was not based on insecurity or fear. In fact, the church was exploding in the power of the Holy Spirit. I am not against programs, as long as they are Holy Spirit inspired. I am just tired of programs replacing the power of the Holy Spirit, and in effect, do nothing for the body of Christ except fill time.

Much is being made about the Lakeland Florida Outpouring, and I am excited about what God is doing there. I was excited about Brownsville and Toronto as well. But what most people don’t seem to realize is that two important things happened before these revivals even began.

The first was “being in one accord in prayer.” Let’s face it, you can have a potluck or cookout at church and everyone and their relatives will show up, but you call a prayer meeting and you feel great if you get 10 – 20 people to show up for it. If you read the book of Acts, the church, or the first meeting, didn’t start until they were in the upper room praying together in one accord. They were waiting on the Holy Spirit to be released. Then we see Peter filled with the Spirit and preaching the gospel with fire. Many people were saved that day. I long to see a day when the church responds as Peter did and preach what the Holy Spirit is saying and not what a sermon book series is saying. To see people running to the altar crying out for salvation like it was on the day of Pentecost.

Second, for any move of God to take place, He usually speaks to His prophets first.
In fact, with the three above mentioned (Lakeland, Brownsville & Toronto) moves of God, they didn’t start until prayer and then a prophetic word had been established.
Amos 3:7 states;
Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing
without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.

So, what am I trying to say today? First, let’s do what Paul asked, Lets not be ignorant concerning spiritual gifts. Let’s earnestly seek them and use them for what He intended them for.

Second, let’s not just rely on the chosen ones only, prophetically speaking, but as Paul also states in 1 Corinthians 14: 1 “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.”

Thirdly, if we truly want to see a move a God like in Lakeland, Florida, it’s going to take unity, prayer, a hunger or thirst for more of God and not religious stuff, and establishing the Five Fold Ministry back into the church. Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 with;

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?
30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?
31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.

Verse 28 states it clearly, “And in the church God has appointed.” When the church begins to appoint those who are called and anointed to fulfill the roles outlined by Paul, we will begin to see the church, the bride of heaven, become ready for her destiny like never before.

In conclusion, we need the gifts, we need the five fold ministries, we need to see all these things. But without one more important ingredient it will be in vain, and that is love. Without the heart of the Father, His love, it means nothing.

It was because of His love that we have the wonderful things He has promised us. May we operate and live with His compassion for the lost and hurting so we can minister properly with the gifts He has so freely given to us all.

Blessings,
Damon Stuart

I support any holy outbreak of revival fervor. But let’s be careful to guard ourselves from pride and error.

God is stirring deep spiritual passion in the hearts of the thousands of people who have traveled to Florida during the last month to experience the Lakeland Healing Revival. Since these meetings began in a 700-seat church on April 2, the crowd has moved four times to bigger venues, the fervor has intensified and the news has spread worldwide—thanks to God TV and online broadcasting.

Within a few weeks, the bandwagon effect was in full swing. It’s safe to say that no outbreak of Pentecostalism in history has gained so much international exposure so quickly as these meetings have.

I’m a cheerleader for the charismatic movement, so I rejoiced when I heard the news about revivalist Todd Bentley’s extended visit to Ignited Church. It was thrilling to hear the reports of miracles and to watch the crowd grow until a stadium was required to hold everyone.

“When we put bizarre behavior on the platform we imply that it is normative. Thus more strange fire is allowed to spread.”

When I visited a service on April 15, I was blessed by Heather Clark’s music and the audience’s exuberant worship. And I laughed with everyone else as I watched Bentley shout his trademarked “Bam! Bam! Bam!” as he prayed for the sick and flailed his tattooed arms over the crowd. Hey, Jesus didn’t pray for people according tothe Pharisees’ rulebook, so I’m open to unconventional methods.

But I would be dishonest if I told you that I wholeheartedly embraced what I saw in Lakeland. Something disturbed me, but I kept my mouth shut for three weeks while I prayed, got counsel from respected ministry leaders and searched my heart to make sure I was not harboring a religious spirit. The last thing we need today is more mean-spirited heresy hunters blasting other Christians.

I am not a heresy hunter, and I support what is happening in Lakeland because I know God uses imperfect people (like me and you) to reach others for Jesus. At the same time, I believe my questions are honest and my concerns are real.

My motive is not to criticize Bentley or the pastor who is sponsoring these meetings, Stephen Strader. In September 2002 Charisma featured a seven-page article about Bentley’s amazing conversion from drug addiction. I believe Bentley is a sincere brother who wants people to encounter God’s presence and power. No doubt this 32-year-old evangelist needs our prayers now more than ever, especially since he has become the focus of international media attention.

But as the noise from Lakeland grows louder and its influence spreads, I’m issuing some words of warning that apply to all of us, not just the folks in Lakeland. I hope everyone understands that these cautions are offered in love:

1. Beware of strange fire.The name of Jesus is being lifted up in the Lakeland revival, and three people came to the altar for salvation the night I attended. Larger numbers have come to the front of the auditorium to find Christ every night since then.

Yet I fear another message is also being preached subtly in Lakeland—a message that cult-watchers would describe as a spiritual counterfeit. Bentley is one of several charismatic ministers who have emphasized angels in the last several years. He has taught about angels who bring financial breakthroughs or revelations, and he sometimes refers to an angel named Emma who supposedly played a role in initiating a prophetic movement in Kansas City in the 1980s. Bentley describes Emma as a woman in a flowing white dress who floats a few feet off the floor.

All of us who believe the Bible know that angels are real, and that they work on our behalf to protect us and minister to us. But the apostle Paul, who had encounters with angels himself, issued stern warnings to the Corinthians, the Galatians and the Colossians about angels who preach another gospel or that demand attention. In Colossae, believers were so enamored with angels they had seen in visions that they became “inflated without cause” by spiritual pride (Col. 2:18, NASB). Paul was adamant that preoccupation with angels can lead to serious deception.

We need to tread carefully here! We have no business teaching God’s people to commune with angels or to seek revelations from them. And if any revival movement—no matter how exciting or passionate—mixes the gospel of Jesus with this strange fire, the results could be devastating. We need to remember that Mormonism was born out of one man’s encounter with a dark angel who claimed to speak for God.

2. Beware of bizarre manifestations.When the Holy Spirit’s power comes on people they may feel weak or even fall. The Spirit’s power can also cause people to tremble, shake, laugh or cry. Such manifestations are biblical and we should leave room for them. But where do we draw the line between legitimate experience and fanatical excess?

The apostle Paul had to deal with outrageous charismatic manifestations in the Corinthian church. People were acting like raving lunatics—and turning the church in to a free-for-all of unbridled ecstatic behavior. Paul called for discipline and order, and he reminded early Christians that “the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets” (1 Cor. 14:32). In other words, Paul was saying that no one under the influence of the Holy Spirit should act out of control.

In many recent charismatic revivals, ministers have allowed people to behave like epileptics on stage—and they have attributed their attention-getting antics to the Holy Spirit. We may think it’s all in fun (you know, we’re just “acting crazy” for God) but we should be more concerned that such behavior feeds carnality and grieves the Spirit.

When exotic manifestations are encouraged, people can actually get a religious high from jerking, vibrating, screaming or acting intoxicated. (I have even been around people who writhed as if in pain, or made sexual noises—thinking this was a legitimate spiritual experience.) But emotional euphoria doesn’t guarantee a heart change. The person who is bucking like an untamed bronco in a church service would benefit more from sitting still and reading the Bible for an hour. When we put bizarre behavior on the platform we imply that it is normative. Thus more strange fire is allowed to spread.

3. Beware of hype and exaggeration.Our hearts are crying out today for a genuine move of God. We want the real deal. We’ve read about the Great Awakenings of the past and we long to see our nation overcome by a wave of repentance. The church is in a backslidden state, and our nation has rebelled against God. We are desperate!

In our longing for a holy visitation, however, we must be careful not to call the first faint breeze of the Spirit a full-fledged revival. If we do that, we are setting people up for disappointment when they realize it may not be what we blew it up to be.

Some of the language used during the Lakeland Revival has created an almost sideshow atmosphere. People are invited to “Come and get some.” Miracles are supposedly “popping like popcorn.” Organizers tout it as the greatest revival in history.

Such brash statements cheapen what the Holy Spirit is doing—and they do a disservice to our brothers and sisters who are experiencing New Testament-style revival in countries such as Iran, China and India. We have a long way to go before we experience their level of revival. Let’s stay humble and broken before the Lord.

I am rejoicing over all the reported healings at the Lakeland meetings. Miracles are awesome. Crowds are great. But miracles and crowds alone don’t guarantee a revival. Multitudes followed Jesus during His ministry on earth, but many of the people who saw the dead raised or ate food that was supernaturally multiplied later crucified the Son of God.

It was the few disciples who followed Jesus after Calvary who ushered in a true revival—one that was bathed in the fear of God, confirmed by signs and wonders, tempered by persecution and evidenced by thousands of conversions, new churches and the transformation of society. We should expect nothing less.

J. Lee Grady is editor of Charisma.
For more articles visit: http://www.fireinmybones.com/

Everything you know is about to change...

That's the tag line for the new upcoming "The Chronicles of Narnia -- Prince Caspian" movie which will be released nationwide on May 16, 2008. For those familiar with the books of C.S. Lewis, you know the strong Christian symbolisms that are throughout this entire series.

In this new installment of the series, Prince Caspian, its main theme, according to a 1961 letter penned by Lewis is "restoration of the true religion after corruption." Narnia is being ruled by the evil King Miraz. He wants to install a new world order where the spiritual things of the past are now forbidden and calls those things "fables and lies." As the story unfolds, the battle is waged between followers of Aslan (who represents Christ) and King Miraz (ruler of this world which represents Satan).

The world in which we live in today is not that different from the world of Narnia. As we continue to pursue after the Kingdom of God, there will be a clash against the spirits and principalities of this world. But the great news is that we win!
We can rejoice in that. But what about the day to day living? That's the part that no one tells you about and that you always feel you're alone in, especially when the battle is very intense.

The apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 6:10-13, how we are to stand and fight against these forces that come against us.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

And through the next few verses, Paul goes into detail about each armor piece and what it represents to us as true followers of the King of Kings. Paul also writes to us in 2 Corinthians 10:4 saying; For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, Every battle is to be won through the might and power of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

So what does "Everything you know is about to change..." have to do with all of this?
The answer is this, we as Christians have got to stop trying to fight the battles ourselves and start allowing the Holy Spirit to take over our lives so we can become the hands, mouth and feet of Christ in this world and help expand the kingdom of God instead of being the ones always needing help. It's time to become all that Jesus has said we are as He fulfilled it on the cross for us.
When we become the kingdom warriors on this earth and go on offense with heaven, instead of always going into defense, everything will begin to change for us like never before. When the trials, tribulations and persecutions come, we will not be surprised or shocked, but we will move into the level of faith as Paul did, that will shake cities, states, nations and the world.

Does it come easy? No. Is it worth it? YES!
There are so many things that God is doing in the earth now. From revival outpourings in Florida, to revealing Himself supernaturally in Islamic countries, God is moving and mobilizing heaven to work in conjunction with His people here on the earth. The Holy Spirit is saying that the time is now. The harvest is now. The greatest outpouring is now. We don't need to run here and there to get it. We have His "power and authority" now as we receive all that He has in store for us so we can expand His kingdom where he placed us for such a time as this. If you are in a trial or testing right now, count it all joy, as the bible says. When it seems like it's more than you can take, seek first His kingdom and righteousness and then all these things shall be added unto you. How do we do that? It's so simple.
Just worship Him.

Many examples are found throughout in the Bible about this from King Jehoshaphat to King David. When all seemed lost and doom was imminent, they worshiped God and He rescued and delivered them from their enemies.

May we learn to not only wear the armor of God, but I pray that the Holy Spirit will teach us how to use the weapons He has given us, like true worship, to join with heaven and see the change that's about to take place for the Kingdom of God here on earth.

Blessings in His name,
Damon Stuart

Greetings,

As I sit down to write this letter I am so excited that spring is
upon us. For all of us in the Chicago land area and upper Midwest,
this has been a long, snowy and hard winter. But as we exit one
season we enter a new one. The same principal is always at work when
we are serving and walking with God.

In last month's newsletter I wrote about our spiritual foundation and
an aspect of worship through fasting. This month the Lord has been
speaking to me even more regarding the foundational verse that this
ministry was started on in John, chapter 4.
The passage in John chapter 4:23-24 (NKJV) describes this:
23. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will
worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such
to worship Him.
24. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit
and truth."

Let's look at verse 23, Jesus said that "the hour is coming and now
is." What is He saying? That the Spirit of God has come and now is
moving over the face of the earth searching for a people who will go
after Him. But also notice right after that He says that those He is
seeking are true worshipers.
This is crucial; He is not searching for true contemporary worship,
true hymns, true instrumental worship etc... He desires true
worshipers! He is not worried about the different styles of worship
that are out there. If our hearts aren't pursuing His heart and
seeking His kingdom, then its just music, not worship.

So what is a true worshiper? It's one who comes to Him with complete
devotion and adoration. It's one who comes in faith knowing that our
God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly no matter the problem or
circumstance. But the most important DNA trait of a true worshiper is
someone who will come to Him and minister to Him and love on Him
without asking for anything in return. It sounds so simple but yet we
treat God as though He is Santa Clause. We tend to come to Him asking
for things but never asking Him what He wants. It's not that you
can't pray for your needs because He already knows them before you
ask; it's just that we need to come to Him because we love Him and
want to be close to Him.
A great illustration of this is found in Luke chapter 7:36-48 about
the woman who came to Jesus and anointed His feet with her tears and
wiped them with her hair. I encourage you to read it today.
As I look at this passage, I am just completely convicted about the
way I approach Jesus through worship. She never asked Him for
anything, yet He was so moved by her desire to minister to Him.
And because of her approach to Him through this way He responded to
her by forgiving her of her sins.

There's more about becoming a true worshiper that I hope to share
with you in next month's letter.
Another aspect of true worship leads to evangelism of which I pray
that I can cover in future newsletters as well. So in closing, I pray
that whether at home, going to work, or to church that we would just
come to Him with an attitude of thanksgiving and an appreciation for
who He is.

Blessings
Damon Stuart

Greetings,

I love Jesus!
That is the basis of what God has called us to do. To love on Him
through our worship that explodes out of our heart and spirit. That's
the foundation of what He has called us to do as a ministry. He's
calling every nation, tribe and people into a love relationship with
Him, through praise and worship. As many of you know, the passage in
John chapter 4:21 describes this:
"Jesus declared...yet a time is coming and has now come when the
true worshipers will worship the father in spirit and truth, for they
are the kind of worshipers the father seeks. God is spirit, and his
worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (NIV)
The time has come when we must begin to worship Him for who He is. We
need to worship Him through the revelation of His word and by His
Spirit that lives in us. It's daily worship, not just on Sundays. Our
worship does not just stop at singing unto the Lord though. It's also
a lifestyle of prayer, giving and fasting.

The Lord has been speaking and calling me into fasting. In fact until
a year ago, I never fasted at all. After reading in Matthew, chapter
6, I realized that I was missing out on another opportunity to
worship my Lord. The bible says in Matthew 6:16
"Moreover, when you fast...(NKJV)
Notice the word when! We as Christians are good at reading the word,
praying, attending church etc...but fasting is also a part of
worship. Jesus submitted himself to fasting; we should make it a part
of our lives/ministry also. I challenge you if you have not fasted
before or haven't in a long time to pray about doing it. It's not
about doing a 40 day fast as Jesus did but setting aside a meal in
order to get closer to Him. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you about
what He wants you to do. Also, begin to pray and believe for that
miracle you need right now while you're fasting. A fast is great to
be spiritually refreshed and renewed. Look forward to fasting, not
because of the hunger pains, but because your heart hungers for more
of Jesus.

I will be speaking more on this as we start these monthly
newsletters. I hope you will be blessed by them and our desire is to
see the people of God walk into their call and destiny. Worship Him
today for He is a holy and majestic God!


I want to say thanks' to all who continually support us through your
prayers and financial giving. The Lord will bless you abundantly for
your heart of obedience.

Blessings
Damon Stuart

Dear Friends,

Resurrection Sunday is this weekend. Churches across the land will have their second largest turnout of people since Christmas. Let us pray that the message of Christ will be quickened into the hearts of the people who are desperate for His touch. I believe we are truly at a unique crossroads for the body of Christ in 2008. Are we going to be a church of power or another building with feel good programs?

I returned this past week from ministering in Kentucky and Georgia. The Lord placed on my heart a message that I believe is not only for the body of Christ, but also timely for the celebration of our resurrected Lord.

The Lord began to show me in Mark 16:15-18, one of the purposes of His death and resurrection. Let’s read:
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.(KJV)

First, Jesus declared for us to GO into ALL the world.
Next, right after verse 16 Jesus says that signs and wonders SHALL FOLLOW those that believe. But the one verse I wish to look at is verse 20. God wants us to go FORTH (always moving) while He’s working for us as we preach. Also, confirming the word, as we allow the Holy Spirit to move through us to touch lives and the nations with unlimited power.

God desires to release an evangelistic anointing that will accomplish this for the time that we are living in today. In fact, Paul wrote to Timothy about this:
In 2 Timothy Chapter 4: 1-5 Paul writes,
1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (KJV)

My main point here is in verse 5; Paul gives us the instruction that I believe Jesus is speaking to all of us today. GO, do the work of an evangelist!

In 2 Corinthians, chapters 12 & 14, Paul explains the gifts of the Spirit but also the different ministry offices. Those offices are Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. While some are called to these important offices, I believe that we should all be walking under the anointing of an evangelist. It’s about fulfilling the great commission as Jesus commanded with power and with the Father’s love for the world. He died and rose again and gave us the keys of the Kingdom. Let us honor God by leading others into His Kingdom. We have to have His fire for evangelism and our hearts and eyes filled with compassion for those who don’t know Him yet.

In closing, I would like to pray this over you:
I pray that as you remember Him in all that He has done for you on the cross, that the Holy Spirit will release an evangelistic anointing and compassion for the lost in greater measures.
I pray that you will become restless as God speaks to your heart about His love for the world. May His spirit and power rest upon you as you seek His kingdom here on earth.
May you go forth as Paul declared, and do the work of an evangelist.
In Jesus name, amen!

Christ is Risen!
Damon Stuart