During the School of Worship (17th - 28th June 2007), the Holy Spirit deposited precious things into my life... releasing more of the potential in me to worship and serve Him with my whole being. We went on a spiritual journey together, and were ministered to personally by the Holy Spirit.

 Arni told us on the first evening that when we go to the tabernacle, there would be no plan - who would lead, whether there would be any set songs etc. He said, it is simply about connecting with what is in our hearts and creating a space for God's presence. I was expectant, but also fearful - being with people I didn't know very well, and having no programme... this is going to shake me out of my comfort zone! In the morning, I started to stretch my wings and try to hear my heart.  

During the discussions and teaching, Arni gave us time to talk about what we were experiencing. One of the aims of the school, was to help us grasp what the Holy Spirit was revealing to our spirits about worship, by giving us words to describe it. The first week, we focused on the goal of our worship - preparing a space for God's presence in our personal lives and in our midst. I started to understand more about the kind of worship God loves, and how we can find His presence.

 There were some things that were shared, that really helped focus me when I spent time with God. It came as a surprise to me, the unity we had when each one of us was connecting with God as we felt individually guided. I realized that there was no need to try and 'fit in' with the musical sounds and words others were sharing, but simply to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. I also became aware that I lost the peace of His presence when I worried about future things - I recognized that worship flows when I enter into the present moment with God and allow Him to captivate me. I also began to understand more, that the primary purpose of worship is to release the presence of God, not that I am released, receive something or feel anything different. When I ponder on all these things, it changes my whole perspective and I am excited about the blessing it will bring to my relationship with God in my walk with Him.

 We were confronted with the need to examine our lives, the motives which deeply influence our attitudes, desires, ambitions, thoughts, feelings and actions. The Holy Spirit gently exposed areas in my life, which needed to be confronted by the truth and receive healing.

 

We were also challenged to respond, as we heard about the unique relationship that God has with Israel. I started to see and understand conflicts in the land of Israel, that I had not known of before. When we met Michael's wife (who grew up on a kibbutz, her family having emigrated from South Africa) and watched a film about the life of Golda Meir, I could appreciate a little more about what has been passed down through the generations and the pressure that has been on this Jewish homeland ever since it was formed.