Symbolic instruments of Praise, Worship, Warfare and Intercession

When we talk about these instruments, we are talking about tools that are symbolic. The bible is a book full of symbolism. We see in Col 2:16 & 17 that the festivals are referred to as shadows of things to come. Heb 10:1 also refers to the law as a shadow of things to come, but not the same image of those things. The Israelites were given these things as symbols of the things to come. The definition of shadow is “an image cast by an object and representing the form of that object”.

Romans 6:4 talks about us being buried with him in baptism and then raised again to newness of life.

Colossians also makes reference to being buried and raised again. Every reference to the communion tells us that the bread represents Christ's body, the juice, His blood. The relationship between the church and Christ is said to be like a marriage. When Christ was on earth, he taught in parables. These very parables are stories created to portray things of the Spirit with natural means.

These are only but a few symbols that the scripture uses to give us things in our natural realm, that connect with our natural senses and intellect to help us understand the things of the unseen spiritual realm.

So we need to remember that these things in and of themselves have no power. They are objects used to express things in the natural realm that are being revealed in the Spirit.

With this said, I will also state this. There are some of these instruments that are used propheticallythat as far as scriptural referencing, I feel is a little on the thin side. However, I have also experienced that power when these are used. I will make it clear that I would rather tread lightly in thisarea then to use scripture in what I feel is not an appropriate interpretation.

Alright, let's start with color interpretation. There are so many color interpretations out there. I heard it once said that if you had a room full of people that moved in prophetic color interpretations that you would have as many color interpretations as there were people. This is true for the most part.

I will present two interpretations:

One I have found to be the most scriptural I have truly ever seen represented. It from a teachingdone by one of my dearest friends, who has moved in the area of prophetic worship for many, many years. She has traveled and taught extensively for a large part of that. Her name is Mevalene Anderson. She uses the colors of the stones of the priestly breast plate, and coincides this with the blessings that were bestowed upon each of the 12 tribes.

Rueben is red - God's love

Simeon is gold - refined

Levi is yellow - anointing, like liquid gold

Judah is green - healing, prosperity

Dan is blue - God's glory

Naphtali is silver - we were bought with a price

Gad is orange - warrior, or used with red as fire

Asher is pink - childlike faith, innocence

Issachar is purple - royalty

Zebulan is aqua - refreshing, haven

Joseph is black - new beginnings

Benjamin is iridescent - white, purity

Many of these coincide with other interpretations. Most other interpretations rely on nature to help interpret the meanings. But God does give divine revelation when He is actually consulted.

Red is the blood and sacrifice, power and passion

Black is sin, but also of things hidden

White is purity, without blemish, holiness

Silver is redemption and righteousness

Brown is the earth and flesh

Green is prosperity and abundant life

Pink is innocence and intimacy

Orange is war and fire

Purple is royalty and kingship

Gold is divinity

Bronze, brass or copper is strength, trials and testing

Yellow is glory and sonship

Blue is open heaven, revelation, Holy Spirit, priesthood

Aqua is water, refreshing

Burgundy is new wine

The most important thing to remember is that the Spirit has a reason for moving us towards colors.

If you are constantly drawn to the same color flag all the time, or your home is filled with certain colors repeating itself throughout your home, there is a message being relayed in that. Ask the Holy Spirit, He will bring the revelation.

Now moving on to flags.

Scripture actually does not use the word flag. It refers to banners, ensigns and standard. Flag is a more modern term, and is used in some more recent translations. Each one of these words has slight differences in their meaning.

Standard (Strong’s #1714) Banner, used more towards a military reference; also #5127 to put to flight, to drive hastily, to cause to disappear.

Banner #5251 Something lifted up, signal, pole, sail, ensign.

Ensign #226 sign, signal, a distinguishing mark, remembrance, miraculous sign. It is used in this context 77 times in scripture. Sign of something past, or future, or sign of something unseen such as covenant. Gen 17:11

Webster’s: Banner: a piece of cloth attached by one edge to a staff, an ensign displaying a distinctive or symbolic device.

Flag: A piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol, a signaling device, to attract attention.

All of these are sometimes used interchangeably.

IDENTIFICATION:

Uses in scripture:

Standards were used as a mark of identification. Num. 1:52 “The children of Israel shall pitch their tents, everyone by his own camp, everyone by his own standard, according to their armies.” (NKJV) Num 2:2 “Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by their own standard,”

There are others along this same line.

Each standard was unique and identified the individual tribes. We are familiar with the Lion of Judah, however, all of the tribes had a symbol on their standards. There is some controversy as to what those were. Much has been lost over time.

I have taken what seems to be the consensus:

Reuben: Palm tree-Mandrakes or water

Benjamin: Wolf

Joseph: Ox (Ephraim and Menassah) Two oxen, one domestic, one wild

Gad: Troop

Naphtali: Stag

Dan: Scales, or serpent

Zebulun: Ship

Issachar: Donkey

Levi: Breastplate

Simeon: Tower

Asher: Olive Tree

Judah: Lion

The flags are believed to have been the color of each of the stones in the breastplate. These interpretations come mostly from the Midrash. There are about a 100 of these books and they are written as a means of scripture interpretation and historical documentation.

Nations today still use flags as a means of identifying themselves. These flags contain colors and symbols that represent something about the country itself. Take the american flag. The red stripes are symbolic of shed blood. Many lives have been lost that the people of this country might have the freedom that we have. The white stripes symbolize higher realms of light. The stars represent the states that are part of this country, and the blue is symbolic of Americas relationship to the Almighty, Creator of all. Other interpretations are red for valor, white for purity, blue for justice. Nothing is without some kind of meaning in the flag. Even the fact that all these things are woven together.

MILITARY, RULERSHIP, POSSESSION:

The majority of scriptural references to banners is used in a military context. The references in Numbers 2 states that they set these standards according to their armies. Song of Songs 6:2 makes reference to the awesomeness ,(some translations say terrible) as an army with banners. When the word terrible is used, it creates a picture of how an approaching army with it's banners looks to the enemy!!

It strikes dread in their hearts. When we look at Is 31:8 & 9 we see the enemies perspective.

“Then Assyria shall fall by a sword not of man, and a sword not of mankind shall devour him. But he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall become forced labor. He shall cross over to his stronghold of fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the banner.”

Raising the standard is part of the preparation for war, together with strengthening the the guard and posting the watchmen.

Jer 51:12 “Set up the standard on the walls of Babylon; make the guard strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes. For the Lord has both devised and done what he has spoken against the inhabitants of Babylon.”

Banners and flags are used to make proclamations. To declare a thing that will happen. Jer 50:2 (NLV) This is what the Lord says: “Tell the whole world, and keep nothing back! Raise a signal flag so everyone will know that Babylon will fall!” (NKJV) “Declare among the nations, Proclaim, and set up a standard; Proclaim and do not conceal it. Say Babylon is taken, Bel is shamed. The idols and strongholds are coming down.

THE LORDS BANNER

In Ex 17 we see that the Israelites were at war with the Amalekites. After the victory was won Moses built an altar and called it Jehovah Nissi. The Lord is my banner.

The Lord himself has a banner/standard. Is 11:10 “and in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the gentiles shall seek Him and His resting place shall be glorious. “ This banner/standard is Jesus.

This banner is used to call the lost to himself Is 11:12 He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.”

The Lord raises this standard in battle on our behalf. Is 59:19 “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him”

The Lord himself gives us this banner to display: Ps 60:4. “You have given a banner to those that fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth.”

We are also his banner Zec 9:16 “The Lord their God will save them in that day, as the flock of His people. For they shall be like the jewels of a crown, lifted like a banner over his land.

And of course this banner is waved over us in love Song of Solomon 2:4

As we use banners/standards we are making declarations and decrees. We put the enemy on notice, he is going down and celebrate the victory as he is defeated. As the Lord leads us to certain flags, certain colors/images, we are declaring our identity in Him and who He is to us.

TABRETS/TIMBRELS

The word tabrets means a timbrel a drum. It was made with a wooden circle and covered with a membrane. It had a leather strap attached that was slung over the shoulder. We see this instrument used often in ancient worship and celebration. This is the closest definition we have, this instrument has virtually disappeared over the centuries.

Ex 15:20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

2 Sam 6:5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even harps, and on psalteries and on timbrels, on cornets, and on cymbals.

Ps 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance; let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

And the list of these references can go on and on. The amazing significance of this instrument is that Lucifer was made with a tabret. Ez 28:13 After listing the stones it says, the workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day that you were created.”

This instrument is so pleasing to the Lord that he created the first worship leader to have one as part of his very being.

WARFARE/JUDGMENT

These awesome instruments can be used in warfare as well. Is 30:32 “And in every place where the staff of punishment passes, which the Lord lays on him, It will be with tabrets and harps, and in battles of brandishing he will fight with it.”

As the staff of judgment comes down, it comes with the beat of the tambret and the sound of the harp.

Praise is a powerful weapon against the enemy. These instruments were used as celebration and praise unto God. Praise breaks the enemies power over us and places our mind, will and emotions in a place that lines up with the word.

The word tells us that this instrument will once again be returned to us in its original form. Jer 31:4 “Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin os Israel! You shall again be adorned with your tabrets, and shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice.”

Interesting thing about this passage. It refers to us adorning ourselves with tabrets. These instruments were apparently beautiful to look at. This word adornment not only means to decorate, but it means to attack in a hostile manner.

The design of current tabrets is of course symbolic. They resemble the ancient drum by stretching a piece of fabric across the middle of the ring, leaving enough room for a hand hold. The colors and streamers used on these tools are symbolic much the same way it is for flags or other instruments. They are also used as an adornment, to decorate, much like the above passage says they do for us.

TESTIMONY PG 22

STREAMERS

The definition of a streamer is a flag that streams in the wind, any long narrow wavy strip resembling or suggesting a banner floating in the wind.

Since banners and flags have already been covered I do not see it necessary to go elaborate.

ROD OF GOD

The Hebrew word for rod is Matteh. #4294 which means a staff, branch, tribe but also references a scepter and a sword.

Some translations use the words stave, staff, and scepter.

Ex 4:20b “and Moses took the rod of God in his hand” Ex 17:9 also refers to the rod of God.

IDENTIFICATION

These rods or staffs were used an a means of identification. Num 17:2 “Speak to the children of Israel and get from them a rod from each father's house, all their leaders according to their fathers's house, all their leaders according to their father's houses—twelve rods. Write each man's name on his rod. “

Gen 38:25 When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law saying, “By the man to whom these belong, I am with child. And she said, Please determine whose these are—the signet and cord, and staff.”

In the new testament we see this reference to identification. Mark 6:8 “He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff--”

DISPLAY OF SUPERNATURAL POWER

We are all familiar with the Exodus story. The Lord used the staff that was in Moses hand to symbolically represent the expression of His power. The water into blood, the parting of the red sea, the water coming from the rock. As an expression of his power, the Lord used the actions of Aaron to execute judgement upon Egypt. Aaron repeated what the Lord was doing in the Spirit, Ex. 7:17 By this you shall know that I am the Lord. Behold, I WILL STRIKE THE WATERS which are in the river with the rod that is in my hand, and they shall be turned to blood.” vs. 20 “And Moses and Aaron did so, just as the Lord commanded. So he lifted up the rod an d struck the waters that were in the river, in the sign of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants. And all the waters that were in the rifer turned to blood.”
Ex 4:17 “And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs.”

ROD OF TESTIMONY

The staff itself was used as a way of remembering the acts of God in their lives. They would mark their staffs with symbols of significant events in their lives. The birth of their children, promises God had given them, the fulfillment of those promises. Whenever the Lord moved in some miraculous way, they would mark it on their staffs. Jud. 5:11 “Far from the noise of the archers, among the watering places, there they shall recount the righteous acts of the Lord,”

JUDGEMENT

Is 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth and he shall smith the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

Rev 19:15 “Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He himself will rule them with a rod of iron.”

Rev 2:27 “He shall rule them with a rod of iron”

Is 30:32a “And in every place where the staff of punishment passes, which the Lord lays on him”

THE LORDS ROD

What is the Lords rod”

Is. 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod, out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Fathers rod is Jesus.

This is why David could say Ps 23:4 “Your rod and staff, they comfort me.”

I have found this to be an extremely powerful tool in warfare and in staking the territory. I have used to to walk my home, my church building and other places. Aaron was a priest before the Lord. When he used his rod to exhibit the Lords awesome power, he was doing it in the role of a priest before the Lord. When you use this instrument especially with the mindset that you are a king and priest before the Lord, there is tremendous power in the realm of the Spirit.

BILLOWS

There are two scriptural references for this and two definitions.

#1530 heap, spring, wave, billow, over a dead body, used in ratifying a covenant, spring

#4867 breaker, breaking of (sea)

Ps 42:7 Deep calls unto deep at the noise of your waterfalls; all your waves and billows (1530) have gone over me.

Jonah 2:3 For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the sea, and the floods surround me; all your billows (4867) and Your waves passed over me.

I personally love using billows. When you pass them over someone it is like they are being washed over by the depth of the Lord. They are covered and encapsulated in His presence. As you wave them up and down in the air, it's like casting things to heaven and pulling things down from heaven.

VEILS

Typically when the scripture refers to a veil, it is talking about something that is a covering around the head and face.

Spiritually speaking it is referred to being blinded or unable to see spiritually clear.

2 Cor 3:14 “But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ,”

Clear sign only comes through Christ.

2 Cor 3:16 Nevertheless when on turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

The veil in the tabernacle/temple, kept the Holy of Holies separated. The priest was only permitted to enter into the presence of God once a year to place blood upon the mercy seat. But Christ went into the Holy place for us once and for all. Through him, the veil of his flesh we can now go into the presence of God anytime we want to and come before him with boldness.

Heb 10:20 “by a new and living way which he consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh.

To come before the Lord and use this instrument is a powerful way to intercede for others. As we pray for the veil to be removed off their lives and for our lives as well. That we may see clearly all that he is showing us. 

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Article borrowed from  http://unveiledheartworshipflags.com

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Flag Ministry

The use of flags can be quite an entertaining sight to see, but when used to lift up blessings, glory, honor, and power to the Lord in His presence, flags can be more than entertaining. Used in accordance to the Word, flags become the primary sign for lifting up a "standard" of God. The Bible refers to the word flag as "standard" or "banner." The Hebrew word degel is translated as, a flag or banner or standard. Degel comes from the Hebrew root word dagal, meaning to flaunt, i.e. raise a flag; to be conspicuous, setting up with banners. Standard is defined as a banner used as an emblem, marker or rallying point; an ensign; military or personal flag. In the Old Testament, God commands Moses to instruct the children of Israel to camp by their own "standard" to signify their tribe. (Numbers 2:2) There were 12 different flags or banners for the 12 tribes. (Numbers 1:52, 2:2-3, 10, 18, 25; 10:14, 18,22, 25) Banner is defined as a flag or cloth standard. It is used figuratively to define one of God's Name's, Jehovah Nissi, the Lord is my banner! God's salvation and truth is declared by the raising of the banners, Psalms 20:5, Psalms 60:4. He is a banner of love and protection described in Song of Solomon 2:4 and reigns with great power, Song of Solomon 6:4, 10. He is a standard and He is calling us to lift up a standard, declare and proclaim it to all the world. (Isaiah 5:26, 11:12, 13:2, Jeremiah 50:2).

Flag Ministry or Flag Worship is the union of flags, music, and the Word of God that allows one to enter into the awesome presence of God. This worship art form brings a memorable experience of worshiping our Lord under His anointing. There are two reasons or purposes I believe for Flag Worship: (1) to exalt the name of the Lord and give Him all the praise and the glory, and (2) to destroy the works of the devil. The basic technique of flag waving is not really a new art form. We see this art displayed in the world in rhythmic gymnastics or in a school's marching band, but waving those same flags and streamers under the anointing of God as the Holy Spirit ministers to our hearts, minds, and spirits leads us into an unforgettable time of worship with the Lord. God has a message for us and through Flag Worship is one way He can deliver it.

How does one begin to praise and worship with flags begins with a desire to praise and worship the Lord. There is no special talent needed to worship with flags, even though having some skills in dance and ballet enhances your worship, but a willingness to use your body for the glory of God definitely is required. What you don't have the anointing will make up for as you present your offering to the Lord. Flag Worship can be done as an individual or group worship. As an individual, you are called on to ministry with several flags and streamers of all sorts while worshipping to a song or sometimes no music, being one with Christ. As a group, you minister as one in Christ even though each person gives their offerings with flags to the Lord in a choreograph worship or spontaneous. Through each worship piece, flags are raised and a "standard" as we know is lifted up for all the world or your audience to see. You or the group become the "bannered one (s) or standard-bearer (s), one who carries an ensign into battle. The types of flag worship pieces are the same and similar to those of dance ministry. There is a flag praise piece, a flag worship piece, a warfare piece, a flag prophetic piece, a flag celebration and dedication pieces, and many more. Notice that I didn't say, "flag praise dance piece", because dance is not a necessary requirement to worship with flags. Therefore, one can stand still and worship with flags!

The ministry comes from the heart! The colors of the flags are important as you select them for ministry. The meaning and references are many as the Holy Spirit ministers to each person individually.

White
- Glory & majesty (Daniel 7:9, Revelation 20:11)
- Purity (Revelation 1:14)
- Completion (John 4:35)

Purple
- Royalty (Judges 8:26)
- Wealth (Luke 16:19

Black
- Sorrow, Calamity (Revelation 6-12)
- Hell (Jude 13

Blue
- Heavenly Character (Exodus 28:31)

Green
- Spiritual Privileges (Jeremiah 11:16)
- Spiritual Life (Psalms 52:8, Psalms 92:12-15)

Red
- Atonement (Isaiah 63:2) - Persecution (Revelation 12:3)

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Article courtesy of Beit Tehlia Congregation

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From Dr. Spock to Tiger Mom: What to expect from your parenting library

"What if I choose the wrong child guru and ruin my offspring?" new mom Katie Walmsley wrote in the late days of her pregnancy.

Editor's note: Katie Walmsley is a CNN producer and reporter.

(CNN) -- "Congratulations!" people said when I told them I was pregnant with my first child.

Also, usually, "What's your due date? Do you know what it is?"

And then, frequently -- and much to my surprise -- "What book are you reading?"

It turns out you can't just up and have a baby. Many parents are now also subscribing to a particular parenting philosophy, often well in advance their little one's emergence into the world. For a soon-to-be new mom, it was overwhelming. What was the right book? Should I stick with the philosophies that make obvious sense to me, or consider some that seem like more dramatic departures? Did I even need a book at all?

Heidi Murkoff, author of famed pregnancy guide "What to Expect When You're Expecting," argued recently that this quest for guidance in books and online is at an all-time high. In a Daily Mail op-ed headlined "Why I fear for modern mothers," she wrote that it stems from pressure on parents to be the best.

"Society's race for the perfect parenting prize has become all-consuming," she wrote. "Whatever the group, everyone is locked in conflict and judging each other."

Studying books on parenting is really no new phenomenon. Ever since Dr. Benjamin Spock published "The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care" in 1946, parents have been reading up on the best way to raise their little ones.

Spock's book was a parenting bible for many years, but also entertained its share of critics, from those who accused him of being anti-feminist, to those who claimed he fostered generations of spoiled brats, to those who blame him for an increase in violent crime. (Kids who grew up thinking it's OK to eschew broccoli probably also think it's OK to steal someone's car ... right?)

But where once there was just Spock to follow (or not, as the case may be), there are now hundreds of parenting books to choose from, most of which seem to ride the same popularity roller coaster as Spock. A book might be celebrated one minute, but a few months down the line, a parent is a pariah for even having it on the shelf.

Parents run the risk of reading a book, only to find it widely discredited mere weeks later. It seemed I had to accept that while books differ on how to parent, they all seem to suggest there's a right way to parent -- and they, the authors, know the secret.

Several friends lent me "The Contented Little Baby Book" by Gina Ford, swearing by the schedule Ford delineates for parents. It includes, in some situations, letting your little one cry for a few minutes. But the idea of "crying it out" now has some detractors wringing their hands as it has become a subject of conflicting research findings.

Another book, Pamela Druckerman's "Bringing up Bebe," touts the French system to raising an independent-minded child who allows you to sleep, have dinner or maybe even a conversation. No-brainer, right? But the author also generated indignation, with one Forbes writer even accusing her of pushing a socialist agenda and ruining all our hopes for future generations of tyke-oons.

Whether it's Amy Chua's push-your-kid method in "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother," Dr. Bill Sears' let-your-kid-sleep-with-you plan, Ellen Galinsky's connection-before-correction or Tom Hodgkinson's advice to just chill and have a martini, the messages are different -- but strangely the same: You can screw your kids up, or you can make them great. It's all up to you, and whether you follow these wildly divergent instructions.

Argh-gulp panic-middle-of-the-night-cold-sweat-anxiety. What if I choose the wrong child guru and ruin my offspring? Can you mix and match philosophies? What if by mixing and matching you just create some kind of a babymonster? What if I (gasp) don't read anything at all?

"In terms of controversies and the bombardment of information, [the prevalence of so many conflicting parenting books] is making things too complicated and very un-relaxing for parents", says Dr. Richard Weissbourd, who teaches at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education and author of "The Parents We Mean To Be."

In his book, Weissbourd looks at the pathologies parents themselves bring to the table, rather than just examining ways to parent.

The book also examines the idea of "over-parenting." He believes many parents are too affected by "the Joneses." Not only are they feeling competitive in terms of what they've read, but they worry that by not not taking the same approaches as other parents, they're cheating their child out of opportunities.

Trying to the absolute best parent can actually be damaging to children, the books suggests, and possibly pointless: There are no blanket ways to parent and there is often no right or wrong approach, Weissbourd argues.

"Books often tend to be too generic and get into all these debates," he said. " It's more like, 'Who is my child and how can I be most constructive given what's going on with them?'"

Will Ferrell, in a "Nerdist" podcast, talks about how as a child he refused to take part in a gifted academic program at school, because it would interfere with his square-dancing classes. Ferrell's mom did not dissuade him, as some parents might have, and of course now he's, well, Will Ferrell.

I wondered how Ferrell would have turned out if Amy Chua was his mom? Or what a Sophia Chua-Rubenfeld raised in the Ferrell household would look like? Possibly not at Harvard, like Chua, or on on "Saturday Night Live," like Ferrell.

"There are certain things that are fundamental and if you do them reasonably well, the chances are your kid will be fine," Weissbourd says. "Spending time, being warm, listening, creating reasonable expectations, caring for people, caring for yourself. Safeguarding your child's health and knowing basic health information."

It sounds a lot like ... Dr. Spock.

Spock tells parents in the first chapter: ''Don't be afraid to trust your own common sense. What good mothers and fathers instinctively feel like doing for their babies is usually best."

So, I don't need a book? No need to read chapter two? Just do whatever I think is best?

Perhaps.

Weissbourd points out that this hyper-concern with reading parenting guides is largely divided among cultural and economic lines, and tends to be more of a middle- and upper-class issue. It's not that parents don't need guidance, he said, it's about where that guidance comes from.

He believes parenting in the United States has become too private. Parents will gladly read books, but balk at feedback from people they know. We've all heard the line: "Don't tell me how to raise my child!"

The takeaway, according to Weissbourd, is not to ignore parenting books altogether, which can sometimes offer practical tips, but that the best advice comes from those around you who know you and your little one. Not only is your child unique, but parents might be bringing their own issues to the table, and those might need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Consult a trusted pediatrician, consult people whose opinions you respect, consult your partner, Weissbourd advises. Find time to pause and reflect -- he advises, adding, "I think everybody has got to relax."

For me and my new life with a newborn, the most appealing books turned out to be those where I could find an answer quickly. In Marc Weissbluth's "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child," I skipped the chapters that explained why sleep matters -- that seems startlingly obvious -- and went straight to the week-by-week instructions. The standard "Your Baby's First Year" by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Murkoff's "What to Expect..." books have been very helpful. I relied quite heavily on the Internet to give a variety of answers, making sure to check any advice with my pediatrician.

With a baby, I think it's less about personality, more about practical help. I think the real market for parenting books is parents with older children. Parents of babies reading about what kind of parent to be are probably, like me, likely to gravitate toward books that espouse theories they probably already believe. I read "Bringing up Bebe," because it resonated with ideas I already have about parenting, like teaching kids to enjoy "grown-up" foods from an early age (I might eat my words if my little one refuses everything but chicken fingers.) I like the idea of having a well-behaved child, as I imagine do most people.

This is all very well and good in theory, but I think it's important to read a book that's realistic to the specific situation. Even though I liked "Bringing up Bebe," it just might not be appropriate if my child is exceptionally shy. If a child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, for example, then reaching for Chua's "Battle Hymn" may not be the best shot.

When faced with parenting hurdles further down the line, there won't be one easy answer, one book with all the fixes. I like to think I'll take the same approach I do as a journalist -- read several source, know what advice and opinions are out there, whether books, articles or conversations with other parents and my doctor.

Most important, I think, as Dr. Spock advised years ago, I'll go with my gut.

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Copied from CNN at http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/11/living/parents-baby-book-choices/index.html?hpt=li_c1

Flag Ministry - Banner Worship - Praise Flags

Flags & Banners

Used in accordance to the Word, flags become the primary sign for lifting up a “standard” of God. The Bible refers to the word flag as “standard” or “banner.” The Hebrew word degel is translated as, a flag or banner or standard. Degel comes from the Hebrew root word dagal, meaning to flaunt, i.e. raise a flag; to be conspicuous, setting up with banners. Standard is defined as a banner used as an emblem, marker or rallying point; an ensign; military or personal flag. In the Old Testament, God commands Moses to instruct the children of Israel to camp by their own “standard” to signify their tribe. (Num. 2:2) There were 12 different flags or banners for the 12 tribes (Numbers 1:52, 2:2-3, 10, 18, 25; 10:14, 18, 22, 25).

Banner is defined as a flag or cloth standard. It is used figuratively to define one of God’s names, Jehovah Nissi, the Lord is my banner! Exodus 17:15 God’s salvation and truth is declared by the raising of the banners (Psalm 20:5, Psalm 60:4). He is a banner of love and protection described in Song. 2:4 and reigns with great power, Song. 6:4, 10. He is standard and He is calling us to lift up a standard, declare and proclaim it to the entire world. (Isa. 5:26, 11:12, 13:2; Jer. 50:2).

Why Are Flags Used In Worship?
Excerpt from “Bringing Back The Glory” by Joe Brown

To Bestow Honor – To declare a name and an aspect of God’s character. As we wave it, we minister in love to our King and proclaim the magnificence of Who He is.

To Communicate – As a particular flag is raised, the prayer behind it is somewhat like a phone call. We are speaking to our Lord in the aspect of His character depicted in the flag, asking Him to reveal Himself and related matters of His heart to us. For example, if a flag exalts Him as Jehovah Roi (The Lord Our Shepherd), we are asking to speak to Him as the One Who leads, protects, and comforts us. Perhaps our hearts are crying out to Him to bring us to that place of restoration, or to show us specific direction for a situation. We ask, and then await His response.

To Signal God’s Presence – Lifting flags in worship follows the action of Moses as he lifted his rod(a shepherd’s staff, a spiritual type or symbol of a flag) as a visible sign of God’s presence, power and authority over the armies of Israel. Jeremiah 51:12 Lift up a signal (flag) against the walls of Babylon; post a strong guard, station sentries, place men in ambush! For the Lord has both purposed and performed what He spoke concerning the inhabitants of Babylon.

To Declare Our Allegiance – As we wave our flags in worship, we admit our loyalty as members of our Lord’s army in the presence of men on earth and before powers and principalities in the heavens.

To Rally The Troops – We know our battles are not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, powers and spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6). Raising a flag stirs unity and loyalty in the King’s army, gathers soldiers together for strategy and strengthens commitment to victory. Isaiah 11:12 – “And He will lift up a standard (flag) for the nations, and will assemble the banished ones of Israel, and will gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.”

To Direct Warfare & Praise – Early records show that in ancient Egyptians battles, soldiers looked to flags (ribbons or fabric tied to poles) to determine the direction of the wind, then shot their arrows accordingly to reach their target. In terms of spiritual warfare, a particular flag might be flown to say in the physical realm what is happening in the spiritual: it relates the direction of the “wind” of the Holy Spirit on a particular day.

To Put The Enemy To Flight – Isaiah 59:19 tells us, “… When the enemy comes in, like a flood the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” Flags are God-given, God anointed, Word-based standard that display His truth. Truth and light cause the enemy to flee. “Nuwc” is a Hebrew word for “standard” which means “to cause to flee away, to lift up standard.”

To Boast of Victory – Another Hebrew word for banner is “dagal” and the definition of it is “to flaunt, be conspicuous, set up with banners.” Psalm 20:7 says “we will boast in the name of the Lord…”

To Be A Touchpoint of Faith – God directed Moses to put a bronze serpent on a pole as a focal point and promised that whoever would have faith enough to look on it would be healed of the deadly serpents’ bites. As we look to the Cross in faith, we find healing in the blood of Jesus. Flags are not idols and do not contain healing, nor any other manifested gift of God, but serve the Body of Christ as a visual reminders of His faithfulness as Jehovah Rophe. The Our Healer, or Jehovah Shalom, The Lord Our Peace, or any of the wonderful qualities of El Shaddai, the All Sufficient God, God Almighty.

To Herald An Event – Flags declare a specific event or season. Through the use of flags in worship, as such a time as this, the Bride of Christ is announcing in the spirit of Elijah and John the Baptist, “The King is coming! Prepare the way for Jesus! The King is in the land!

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Article taken from http://epworship.com/flagministry

Losing Control and Learning to Trust: My Unexpected Diagnosis

This is a very personal column. In December of last year, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. There were no symptoms or problems, just some results from a routine blood test that needed to be checked out. I remember being on a conference call when I saw the doctor was phoning with the results of a biopsy, but continued on with the other call assuming I could return it later to hear that there were no problems. There were problems, he told me, and I would need to see a surgeon.

Surprise was not the right word -- not even shock. The news felt incredulous to me. I was about to launch a new book tour early in 2013 and everything seemed to be in control. And Sojourners was involved in intense advocacy work around immigration reform, gun violence, and the budget/sequester battles. There had to be a mistake, or surely some convenient treatment that would suffice. Certainly, I would work this all out privately, and stay on schedule for everything else. But then the conversations started, as did meetings, further testing, time-consuming activities, discussions of medical options -- and a deepening anxiety began to grow over the next several weeks.

The book tour for On God's Side, both U.S. and U.K., had to be postponed and reset without saying why. I kept the health news and discussions in a small and close circle of family, friends, and senior staff. And I did my best to go on as if this wasn't happening. But it was.

A quick surgery at the end of the year didn't work out for a number of frustrating reasons, discussions about medical options continued, and my care shifted to the research center at NIH, the National Institutes of Health. There, I took part in a new program using resolution MRI to guide surgical decisions -- still a research effort, and not currently in use elsewhere. Such opportunities are available to anyone in the general public, and people can find out about the work going on at NIH and across the nation at its website. The NIH strives to innovate constantly in all areas of medicine, and their constant hope is that participation in such programs can provide both direct benefits to the individual, and an opportunity for their physician researchers to learn more about how to improve diagnosis and treatment for others in the future. (And, of course, this critical work is being severely cut in the sequester.)

The NIH staff's extraordinary knowledge of this cancer and all cancers, which is prolonging and saving lives, was immediately evident, as was the wonderful care they were showing to me. After more and much deeper testing with their extraordinary methodologies and new technologies, a plan was reached and a date for surgery was set for last Wednesday, June 5.

About one week ago, I had major surgery for prostate cancer. It all went very well; the cancer was contained and removed with no signs of further spreading, pending more pathology reports. This significant surgical procedure, the recovery in a hospital room, and then coming home from such a major impact on my body were all new experiences for me. I went back to the hospital this week for follow-up procedures and check-ups. Everything seems to be fine. The surgery "couldn't have gone better," the doctors say, and I seem to be recovering well, too. They keep telling me to go slow and take my time, which is a very good reminder for me.

It's not only good physical advice for healthy recovery but also spiritual counsel for those of us who sometimes tell time by how much we hope we are changing the world.

This was certainly more "major" surgery than I was acknowledging and admitting to myself. I was stunned by the news in December, and wanted to keep it private -- partly to avoid answering too many public questions on it, but also likely because of some self-denial about it all. I really didn't want to let it affect my book tour, but of course it did in significant ways. During this whole process, I'm learning more and more lessons about losing control and learning to trust instead.

I was in very good hands with my surgeon, and I feel our work is in good hands with all of my colleagues at Sojourners, as I take a few weeks now to rest and recover. It's never just about a leader here at Sojourners because we have such a remarkable team; and it's never just about the team because we have such an extraordinary mission; but it's never even just about our mission because we have a God who will always find ways to bring love and justice into the world with and without us, and sometimes despite our best efforts and human attempts to keep "control."

I spoke with a few close friends before going in for my cancer surgery, a day full of anxiety for someone who had never faced a major health issue before. My old and dear friend, Wes Granberg-Michaelson, contrasted our need for control with the "Prayer of Abandonment" by Charles De Foucauld. So I went back to that classic prayer, and found it the right one to take into surgery for someone who had been totally preoccupied with the absolute craziness of an 18-city book and media tour and was now facing a very personal health crisis.

"I abandon myself into your hands;


do with me what you will.

Whatever you may do, I thank you:

I am ready for all, I accept all.

Let only your will be done in me,

And in all your creatures --

I wish no more than this, O Lord.

Into your hands I commend my soul:

I offer it to you with all the love of

my heart,

for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands without reserve,

and with boundless confidence,

for you are my Father."
It was a perfect prayer for surgery and recovery, and I hope one I remember before my next book tour! A week after surgery, my wonderful colleague at the publisher Brazos/Baker, BJ Heyboer, wrote me what a member of her discernment committee for the Episcopal priesthood had said to her: "Control is an illusion, an illusion that we all pursue. But the sooner you see it as the illusion it is, the better off you -- and your ministry -- will be."

My friend Richard Rohr, who also had a bout with cancer, told me that "these things change our relationship to God." He writes these days about how the "fallings" and "failings" in the second half of life, which are completely beyond our control, can lead us to deeper places than the first half of life can ever go.

And after agonizing repeatedly about how the changes in timing, preparations, focus, and unexpected events significantly altered what I expected this book tour to be, I encountered these words from Soren Kierkegaard, "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward."

I am trying to live into that with this book now too, trusting God to use it and take it to the places and people it needs to go. The "tour" was certainly affected by this cancer, more than I wanted to acknowledge or admit. But I believe in the message of the book even more than when I wrote it on sabbatical last year, and the signs of the times suggest that a renewed understanding of "the common good" is absolutely central to a better future for us all. These more relaxed summer weeks for me now will give me time for physical recovery, spiritual reflection, and perhaps some creative space to think about how I might be useful to what God wants to do with this common good message in the days ahead.

Sitting in that hospital room, even in times of pain or anxiety, I was thinking about the billions of people around the world who don't have all these health care resources available to them as we do, and don't even have the chance or option to fight for their lives. That must become a fundamental issue of love and justice for us; and I hope this experience will make it all more personal for me.

My pastor, Jeff Haggray, suggested I not be so private about all this, and that it might be time to offer some personal reflections on this whole process which might be helpful to other people. So I decided to write this.

But life goes on, and I am still coaching my son's Little League baseball team through the play-offs (but in a chair and behind the dug-out fence, at doctor's orders not to risk dodging line drives while coaching at third base!) Our Tigers won their semi-final game last night and we are now in the Championship Game on Saturday! My time with these 10 year olds is my best therapy for recovery.

I would appreciate your prayers for all of us who are wrestling this summer with issues of physical health and spiritual transformation.

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Article written by Jim Wallis for the HuffingtonPost

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-wallis/losing-control-and-learni_b_3436506.html?utm_hp_ref=religion