Saturday, April 14, 2012

Testimony from the Heart

Testimony from the Heart This is about myself Michelle Hernandez Founder of HebraicDance.com

Eight years ago I began my adventure into the wonderful place called the presence of Elohim, I began to attend a fellowship that had just recently started to learn and practice praise in dance. Although they ventured mainly into circle dancing, I saw it for the first time there and fell in love. Never before had I felt so united with others praising in fellowship with brothers and sisters in the faith.I knew very little about dancing in praise but knew that it was a lot of fun and that I had learned a new and biblical way to praise.

Later on about 3 years or so into my dance discovery, I was lead by the spirit to stand to the side of the dance circle, I was not sure why this was but I moved as I was lead. I felt a tugging at my heart that YHWH was going to teach me something new. That day BLESSED ARE YOU by Paul Wilbur began to play .I just closed my eyes and felt as if I was in the presence of Messiah praising before Him. I felt as if it was a river flowing from my heart of love and adoration the Him. I was lead to dance before Him in praise from the depth of my soul .I was no professional dancer but this day I knew the steps as if I had danced them a thousand times .His presence was all around me and flowing within my heart. I can honestly saw it felt like I was somewhere else like another dimension. I can’t even think of the words to describe how amazing it was to be in His presence like that on that day. I enjoyed dancing with the others and laughing and shouting with my brothers and sisters in the circle dance but I needed more of this new thing That Elohim had revealed to me. It was intoxicating, I was addicted to Him and His amazing presence. I continued to dance in the circle for certain songs as I was lead but whenever I felt Him tell me to go over to the side, I would joyfully go. I sometimes lead, skip, sway, or spin and depending on the song I would dance as YHWH put it in my spirit to move. This continued for several more years, I found other things to apply to my praise to the side such as the tambourine then later on a flag. I would choose from many flags that the fellowship would put out for anyone to use. The flags have become my favorite dance accessory and tool. I have developed certain moves to certain words in the songs and moves to biblical concepts’. I don’t know how, but I know by the spirit only while I’m actually doing it, it’s as if YHWH is. Choreographing the flag waving and steps as I do them .He is amazing!

As time went on I was asked if I was interested in becoming the leader of the dance team that the fellowship had. I did not have a whole lot of dance background as far as choreography and steps that you do that are learned and memorized, I only knew what I did to the side and a few dances I had learned in the circle during praise and worship service. I took the time to find out as much as I could about dance and biblical meanings and significances of this wonderful thing. I learned about the meaning of colors and all biblical references in scripture. I even found words in scripture for dance that were hidden or changed .Several studies on the subject are on this site from all the research I did during that time. I was amazed at how much more meaning was behind dance ,praise and worship beyond my wildest imagination. At first my reaction was "what do I know about creating dances?, and that I would be the leader but did not know how to make up dances. But as I began learning more about the heart of Elohim for praise. I learned that praise and worship was not and is not and never will be about dance steps.That's what YHWH put on my heart. Bet some dance leaders will read this and want to beat me up but I pondered on it and found it to be spiritually true. He was more concerned with my heart condition than the beauty of my steps. What He put in my heart was that I was the perfect one to lead it because He could make the dance group what He wanted it to be and that He was going to make me that dance leader steps and all. That was what convinced me that I qualified for this position ultimately. Because I knew and YHWH knew way before I even realized it, that I was not a professional choreographer. The more I studied scripture the more I saw example after example of Elohim using people who were otherwise not qualified for something and He would build them up to be that exact thing, for His purpose. If you look into biblical characters such as Joseph, David, many of the disciples (there are many more examples in the scriptures). He doesn’t need an expert he just needs someone with the willingness to do what He is instruction you to do and trust Him that He will work in you all the rest for His Glory. They announced that I was the new dance leader and so I was. Once I was the leader of the dance group fellowship members were invited to join, we had a pretty nice size group, it was about 12 who said they were interested in joining but it was about 10 who actually did. My husband and I had lead the youth group for about 3 years and directed several plays. We had plenty of experience not only with prop making and costume design, but also in audio visual effect and pageantry. I would create power points for them as well as artistic concepts and design. Between my husband and I the presentations were directed. I would come up with the basic theme of the dance and songs, creating main parts of the concept and some ideas for steps with the direction on the Holy Spirit, then the dance team all gave input and helped come up with the finished product. They always came out so lovely and Spirit filled because it was done with so much humility as none of us were expert dancers or choreographers except for one lovely lady who stayed with me from the old dance team, she helped me so much and was so supportive.

I lead the dance for several Biblical Feasts Yom Taruah ( Feast of Trumpets ), Sukkoth ( Feast of Booths ) ,and Hanukkah ( Feast of Dedication) also here .You may view these dances on YouTube by clicking the name of each feast above. It was such a blessing to be part of creating presentations to bless the heart of Yahweh.I spent so many nights praising Him in my room and praying for His guidance and blessing on the group.I wanted to make sure things were going to be done in a way that was pleasing to Him.I was not so concerned about it being a great show for the people attending.The way i saw it was that if I did it the way He wanted me to do it that everyone watching would see Him and not the dancers.Elohim was just wonderful to us.He did bless the presentations and was pleased.

Not too long after I stepped down mainly because I became pregnant with my second child and several other reasons that aren't worth mentioning here .I continued to dance to the side and wave my flag and danced with my tambourine all the way to my final month of pregnancy. I couldn’t figure out why I was placed in that position then suddenly be pulled out of it after such a short time. It was clear to me that I was supposed to be the leader and just as clear was my need to step down when I did. YHWH was working in my heart helping me to see things clearly as the days, weeks and months passed after I left the leadership. He was telling me that I am still a dance leader and that I did hear correctly to step down. It’s been a process to understand what He wanted me to do in association with His Praise and Worship.

YHWH placed a calling on my heart that He wants me to teach and show forth the importance of praise and worship to Him. When I first started HebraicDance.com, it was supposed to be about dance garments which I design, this was way before I was approached to be a dance leader.It continued that way through my time as the dance leader and for a while after. I began to hear Elohim speak to me about the dance website and He reminded me how I was going to pursue the dance on my own for Him. He started to guide me in a direction a little different than I had originally understood. He didn’t want it to be about dance only or about dance groups. He showed me that He wanted me to make it about all aspects of praise and worship, be it Dance, Instruments, Music, Kneeling, Singing,Feasts, Studies on its meaning, How He wants us to go before Him ,His love Etc. You will soon even find a place about the arts (painting, sculpture coming soon) because these things are important to Him as was the importance of the specifics that had to be met in building the Ark of Noah, and all the aspects of his holy temple for Moses and those who took part in its construction and creation of its items for use in its service to Him. It had to be all about His way.His will. He was instructing me do it, Amen Halleluyah what a delight and privilege.

Here I am today writing this to you because I finally know what He wills for me. I work up this morning at about 7:00 am with all of this in my heart. He spoke to me that I should write this “About the Founder of HebraicDance.com” with the testimony of how He has called me to be a teacher of true biblical praise and worship unto Him. I am not a dance instructor as in one who teaches how to dance steps and choreography (although I can be if He wants me to as you may have seen in the dances I was involved in producing) I am a researcher for YHWH, who is willing and able and desiring to serve Him in what He asks. This is what HebraicDance.com is. It is a place to learn about what Elohim desires from His servants as a praise offerings. It is to educate and encourage His people. You will learn many things here. Not just about praise and worship but about your heart. I want everyone who visits this site to know that Praise and Worship has nothing to do with how experienced you are at an instrument or dance step or any performance related aspect you can do physically. He is looking for believers who will come to His throne room to Praise and Worship Him in Spirit and in (His) Truth. Praise from the heart.

If you leave this website learning nothing else, you have left with the most important message, one that is a slogan for us to live by. Not only for us at HebraicDance.com but to all who are in Yahoshua Ha Mashiach. May you be blessed with the joy of Elohim and a heart of true worship in reverence and true Praise in gladness.

John 4:23 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father also does seek such to worship Him.

John 4:24 “Elohim is Spirit, and those who worship Him need to worship in spirit and truth.”

Michelle Hernandez Founder of Hebraic Dance.com

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

What is Biblical Worship?

What is Biblical Worship
This is a short study that will help you understand the Ancient Hebrew meaning of the word Worship. It is an action word. Contrary to popular modern belief, Biblical worship has nothing to do with dancing; in fact it is more of a complete ceasing of movement ,please review the following research…….
Worship Law of first mention- Tanakh (Old Testament) KJV version
Gen 22:5 And AbrahamH85 saidH559 untoH413 his young men,H5288 AbideH3427 ye hereH6311 withH5973 the ass;H2543 and IH589 and the ladH5288 will goH1980 yonderH5704 H3541 and worship,H7812 and come againH7725 toH413 you.

Worship
Strongs Concordance H7812
שׁחה
shâchâh
shaw-khaw'
A primitive root; to depress, that is, prostrate (especially reflexively in homage to royalty or God): - bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship.
Worship (Jeff Benner Ancient Hebrew Lexicon)
H7812
Strongs #7812: AHLB#: 1468-H (V)

1468) ( ShHh) ac: Sink co: Pit ab: ?: The pictograph is a picture of the teeth representing sharpness, the  is a picture of wall. Combined these mean "sharp walls". A pit dug into the ground for the purpose of trapping someone or something. To go down or sink down as going into the pit.

H) ( ShHhH) ac: Bow co: ? ab: ?: A bowing to another in respect.
V) (Sh-HhH) - Bow: To pay homage to another one by bowing low or getting on the knees with the face to the ground. [freq. 172] (vf: Paal, Hiphil, Hitpael) |kjv: worship, bow, obeisance, reverence, fall stoop, crouch| {str: 7812}

Worship Law of first mention- The Brit Chadashah (New Testament) KJV

Joh 4:19 TheG3588 womanG1135 saithG3004 unto him,G846 Sir,G2962 I perceiveG2334 thatG3754 thouG4771 artG1488 a prophet.G4396
Joh 4:20 OurG2257 fathersG3962 worshippedG4352 inG1722 thisG5129 mountain;G3735 andG2532 yeG5210 say,G3004 thatG3754 inG1722 JerusalemG2414 isG2076 theG3588 placeG5117 whereG3699 men oughtG1163 to worship.G4352
Joh 4:21 JesusG2424 saithG3004 unto her,G846 Woman,G1135 believeG4100 me,G3427 (G3754) the hourG5610 cometh,G2064 whenG3753 ye shall neitherG3777 inG1722 thisG5129 mountain,G3735 nor yetG3777 atG1722 Jerusalem,G2414 worshipG4352 theG3588 Father.G3962
Joh 4:22 YeG5210 worshipG4352 ye knowG1492 notG3756 what:G3739 weG2249 knowG1492 whatG3739 we worship:G4352 forG3754 salvationG4991 isG2076 ofG1537 theG3588 Jews.G2453
Joh 4:23 ButG235 the hourG5610 cometh,G2064 andG2532 nowG3568 is,G2076 whenG3753 theG3588 trueG228 worshippersG4353 shall worshipG4352 theG3588 FatherG3962 inG1722 spiritG4151 andG2532 in truth:G225 forG1063 theG3588 FatherG3962(G2532) seekethG2212 suchG5108 to worshipG4352 him.G846
Joh 4:24 GodG2316 is a Spirit:G4151 andG2532 they that worshipG4352 himG846 mustG1163 worshipG4352 him inG1722 spiritG4151 andG2532 in truth.G225


G4353
προσκυνητής
proskunētēs
pros-koo-nay-tace'
From G4352; an adorer: - worshipper.
Comes from-G4352
προσκυνέω
proskuneō
pros-koo-neh'-o
From G4314 and probably a derivative of G2965 (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand); to fawn or crouch to, that is, (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore): - worship.

The word “Worship” is two words, Worth and Ship. Combine these words and you have the outward showing of respect and esteem (worthiness) to a higher authority
Hebrew and Greek translation both point to Worship meaning the same thing. After reviewing this word study it is evident that the word Worship is referring to bowing down in reverence or honor to one who is royalty. In this case when it comes to Yahweh you are bowing or kneeling in reverence and respect. Next time you hear the words Praise and Worship together you will know that Praise is dancing before Yahweh in a circle and Worship is bowing down on your face or flat on the ground before Yahweh in holy fear (in reverence) and Humility for His is worthy!
Until our next treasure hunt my friends
Michelle Hernandez
Michelle@HebraicDance.com
http://www.HebraicDance.com
© 2010 by Michelle Hernandez. All rights reserved

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Hidden Dance Scriptures

Rejoice
G21
ἀγαλλιάω
agalliaō
ag-al-lee-ah'-o
From ἄγαν agan (much) and G242; properly to jump for joy, that is, exult: - be (exceeding) glad, with exceeding joy, rejoice (greatly).

Mat 5:12 Rejoice,G5463 andG2532 be exceeding glad:G21 forG3754 greatG4183 is yourG5216 rewardG3408 inG1722 heaven:G3772 forG1063 soG3779 persecutedG1377 they theG3588 prophetsG4396 whichG3588 were beforeG4253 you.G5216

Luk 1:47 AndG2532 myG3450 spiritG4151 hath rejoicedG21 inG1909 GodG2316 myG3450 Saviour.G4990

Luk 10:21 InG1722 thatG846 hourG5610 JesusG2424 rejoicedG21 in spirit,G4151 andG2532 said,G2036 I thankG1843 thee,G4671 O Father,G3962 LordG2962 of heavenG3772 andG2532 earth,G1093 thatG3754 thou hast hidG613 these thingsG5023 fromG575 the wiseG4680 andG2532 prudent,G4908 andG2532 hast revealedG601 themG846 unto babes:G3516 even so,G3483 Father;G3962 forG3754 soG3779 it seemedG1096 goodG2107 in thy sight.G1715 G4675

Joh 5:35 HeG1565 wasG2258 a burningG2545 andG2532 a shiningG5316 light:G3088 andG1161 yeG5210 were willingG2309 forG4314 a seasonG5610 to rejoiceG21 inG1722 hisG846 light.G5457

Joh 8:56 YourG5216 fatherG3962 AbrahamG11 rejoicedG21 toG2443 seeG1492 myG1699 day:G2250 andG2532 he sawG1492 it, andG2532 was glad.G5463

Act 16:34 AndG5037 when he had broughtG321 themG846 intoG1519 hisG848 house,G3624 he set meat beforeG3908 G5132 them, andG2532 rejoiced,G21 believingG4100 in GodG2316 with all his house.G3832

Act 2:26 ThereforeG1223 G5124 did myG3450 heartG2588 rejoice,G2165 andG2532 myG3450 tongueG1100 was glad;G21 moreoverG1161 G2089 alsoG2532 myG3450 fleshG4561 shall restG2681 inG1909 hope:G1680

1Pe 1:6 WhereinG1722 G3739 ye greatly rejoice,G21 though nowG737 for a season,G3641 ifG1487 need be,G1163 G2076 ye are in heavinessG3076 throughG1722 manifoldG4164 temptations:G3986

1Pe 1:8 WhomG3739 having notG3756 seen,G1492 ye love;G25 inG1519 whom,G3739 though nowG737 ye seeG3708 him not,G3361 yetG1161 believing,G4100 ye rejoiceG21 with joyG5479 unspeakableG412 andG2532 full of glory:G1392

1Pe 4:13 ButG235 rejoice,G5463 inasmuch asG2526 ye are partakersG2841 of Christ'sG5547 sufferings;G3804 that,G2443 whenG1722 hisG846 gloryG1391 shall be revealed,G602 ye may be gladG5463 alsoG2532 with exceeding joy.G21

Rev 19:7 Let us be gladG5463 andG2532 rejoice,G21 andG2532 giveG1325 honourG1391 to him:G846 forG3754 theG3588 marriageG1062 of theG3588 LambG721 is come,G2064 andG2532 hisG848 wifeG1135 hath made herself ready.G2090 G1438

Here is another one
leaped
G4640
σκιρτάω
skirtaō
skeer-tah'-o
Akin to σκαίρω skairō (to skip); to jump, that is, sympathetically move (as the quickening of a fetus): - leap (for joy).

Luk 1:41 AndG2532 it came to pass,G1096 that, whenG5613 ElisabethG1665 heardG191 theG3588 salutationG783 of Mary,G3137 theG3588 babeG1025 leapedG4640 inG1722 herG846 womb;G2836 andG2532 ElisabethG1665 was filledG4130 with the HolyG40 Ghost:G4151


This one is a little different but much more detailed as far as the dance reference.

Luk 1:44 For,G1063 lo,G2400 as soon asG5613 theG3588 voiceG5456 of thyG4675 salutationG783 soundedG1096 inG1519 mineG3450 ears,G3775 theG3588 babeG1025 leapedG4640 inG1722 myG3450 wombG2836 forG1722 **joy.G20

Look at G20 in same scripture above
ἀγαλλίασις
agalliasis
ag-al-lee'-as-is
From G21 (remember this one !!); exultation; specifically welcome: - gladness, (exceeding) joy.

**G21ἀγαλλιάω
agalliaō
ag-al-lee-ah'-o
From ἄγαν agan (much) and G242; properly to jump for joy, that is, exult: - be (exceeding) glad, with exceeding joy, rejoice (greatly).

Amazingly enough, Johannah danced for joy in Miriam’s womb when she heard the voice on the other Miriam’s salute! The Greek Strongs number G20 shown for word “Joy” actually comes from the Greek Strongs G21 which is referring to jumping & skipping for joy (dare I say dancing)I’m sure there was plenty of womb to dance hee hee…


Below are some more , funny I was told the New Testament didn’t speak of dance at all and that it was done away with…..

KJV
Luk 6:23 RejoiceG5463 ye inG1722 thatG1565 day,G2250 andG2532 leap for joy:G4640 for,G1063 behold,G2400 yourG5216 rewardG3408 is greatG4183 inG1722 heaven:G3772 forG1063 in the like mannerG2596 G5024 didG4160 theirG846 fathersG3962 unto theG3588 prophets.G4396
*The scriptures version below makes it ultimately clear, this is dancing!
Scriptures Bible Version

Luk 6:23 “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for look, your reward is great in the heaven, for that is how their fathers treated the prophets.

by Michelle Hernandez
Michelle@HebraicDance.com

http://www.HebraicDance.com
© 2010 by Michelle Hernandez. All rights reserved

Inquire with the Choir?

Chorus, Choir, or Carol even?
Today these words mean to sing in a group with music playing in the background. This can be in a church related event or any other type of event that has similar actions. But was it always like this?
There is Scriptural evidence that shows dancing to be the real meaning of Choir.
Please take a look at the research below Faithful Treasure Hunters:

Luk 15:25 NowG1161 hisG846 elderG4245 sonG5207 wasG2258 inG1722 the field:G68 andG2532 asG5613 he cameG2064 and drew nighG1448 to theG3588 house,G3614 he heardG191 musickG4858 andG2532 dancing.G5525

Above yellow highlighted word according to Strongs G4858 means :

G4858
συμφωνία
sumphōnia
soom-fo-nee'-ah
From G4859; unison of sound (“symphony”), that is, a concert of instruments (harmonious note): - music.
&
Above Aqua highlighted word according to Strongs G5525 means :

G5525
χορός
choros
khor-os'
Of uncertain derivation; a ring, that is, round dance (“choir”): - dancing.

(Does this mean that Greek word “Choros” or Choir actually means to Round/Circle Dance even according to Greek Strongs?)


Now look at “He heard” in this same scripture Strongs G191 :

G191
ἀκούω
akouō
ak-oo'-o
A primary verb; to hear (in various senses): - give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), ([shall]) hear (-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.

This is not describing only the sound to the ear, but also the audience or understanding
Of actions taking place. In other words he perceived something he recognized as such, he discerned the actions by the sound as he came closer to the house. So what did he perceive as he got closer to the house by Hebraic understanding? We know for a fact he discerned a celebration of some sort, but he did not perceive the occasion for the celebration which is why he asked a servant in Luke 15:26 (“And having called one of the servants he asked what this meant.). In other words what the rejoicing in music and dancing was being done! The Hebrew culture always incorporated circle dances and dance in celebration. (look it up for yourself)

Now if this Scripture means he heard Music and Singing (as some might suggest about this scripture) then why doesn’t the Strongs G5525 indicate it, mention it, even suggest it? A hint, an email, a text?

Brothers and sisters if you choose not to see that Choros or Choir Strongs G5525 means dancing you have chosen to believe a lie!

What does it say to those congregations who have a choir that sing because they were taught that choir means singing in a group and not to circle dance in a group. Its not to say that singing in a group is bad,but they are missing out on a wonderful aspect of Praise that blesses the heart of Yahweh.

Look at the massive butchering in word meaning!!
According to the Greek word choros origin:
Main Entry: 1cho•rus
Pronunciation: \ˈkȯr-əs\
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, ring dance, chorus, from Greek choros
Date: 1567
1 a : a company of singers and dancers in Athenian drama participating in or commenting on the action; also : a similar company in later plays
*Although the word usually is used to describe some awful pagan Greek practice in the theatre, this word still means to sing and dance (both).Moreover Greek plays incorporated song, chant, and dance. But even when you apply the Original Greek actions of Chorus it still is a company of singers and dancers. Now look again at

Luke 15:25
KJV
Luk 15:25 NowG1161 hisG846 elderG4245 sonG5207 wasG2258 inG1722 the field:G68 andG2532 asG5613 he cameG2064 and drew nighG1448 to theG3588 house,G3614 he heardG191 musickG4858 andG2532 dancing.G5525

Scriptures Bible version
Luk 15:25 “And his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.

It is ultimately clear after looking into the origins of Choros Strongs 5525 that the prodigal sons brother discerned a celebration with music singing and dancing!
If you still do not believe, I have one more thing to show you…..

Example 1:
Psa 149:3 Let them praiseH1984 his nameH8034 in the dance:H4234 let them sing praisesH2167 unto him with the timbrelH8596 and harp.H3658


Example 2 (just in case 1 is not enough)

Psa 150:1 PraiseH1984 ye the LORD.H3050 PraiseH1984 GodH410 in his sanctuary:H6944 praiseH1984 him in the firmamentH7549 of his power.H5797
Psa 150:2 PraiseH1984 him for his mighty acts:H1369 praiseH1984 him according to his excellentH7230 greatness.H1433
Psa 150:3 PraiseH1984 him with the soundH8629 of the trumpet:H7782 praiseH1984 him with the psalteryH5035 and harp.H3658
Psa 150:4 PraiseH1984 him with the timbrelH8596 and dance:H4234 praiseH1984 him with stringed instrumentsH4482 and organs.H5748
Psa 150:5 PraiseH1984 him upon the loudH8088 cymbals:H6767 praiseH1984 him upon the high soundingH8643 cymbals.H6767
Psa 150:6 Let everyH3605 thing that hath breathH5397 praiseH1984 the LORD.H3050 PraiseH1984 ye the LORD.H3050


Is it possible that Yahweh did NOT do away with the dance and maybe people lead by the spirit of deception did away with it?


Ok finally bun dun dunnnnn LOL,

(below is some really interesting information I found on the influence of the reformation on praise in the dance.resources are listed)

Historical evidence showing the dance being removed from Praise to Rejoicing unto Yahweh…….
Prior to the Renaissance, religious dance had become severely ritualized within the church, and only in popular sacred dances did it retain the element of spontaneity. Yet within the ensuing changes brought by circumstances of the Renaissance, the church and civil authorities sought to sedate, proscribe and ritualize these dances also.
Ultimately, however, it was the Reformation, which tended, in its extreme forms to do away with Christian dance. All dances and processions, except funeral processions were abolished (Adams 1990:25).

The Reformation (1517-1529) page…..

The leaders of the Protestant Reformation were highly critical of traditional church customs. They sought to suppress the use of icons, the worship of saints, and pilgrimages and processions. They preached the renunciation of the world and intensified the struggle between soul and body by placing greater emphasis on the mind. The connection between the body, dance and eroticism was openly acknowledged, and Christians were taught not to glorify the body.
These ideas spread rapidly as the church utilized the printing press, spreading tracts which were highly critical of dance. The following excerpt is from a booklet printed at Utrecht:
The heathen are the inventors of dance. Those who cultivate it are generally idolaters, epicureans, good for nothings, despicable or dishonorable comedians or actors, as well as souteneurs, gigolos, and other dissolute, worthless, wanton persons. Its defenders and followers are Lucian, Caligula, Herod, and similar epicureans and atheists. With it belong gluttony, drunkenness, plays, feast days, and heathen saints' days (Fallon & Wolbers 1982:15).
Yet the early leaders of the Protestant Reformation were not anti-dance. Martin Luther (c. 1525) wrote a carol for children entitled From Heaven High in which two stanzas support the role of song and dance in worship.
Additionally, the English Church leader, William Tyndale, in a prologue to the New Testament wrote of the roles of joyous song and dance, and was happy to use the words, daunce and leepe when he considered the joyous good news of Christianity (Adams 1990:26). It was as the teachings of the leaders were interpreted by the people that bans on sacred dance increased dramatically.
Similarly, in the Catholic Church during the meetings of the Council of Trent, the intention was less on the abolition of sacred dance, than on seeking unity in liturgical and theological matters. The Council's decrees, however, stifled creativity and growth within the church drama scene. In 1566, statues of the synod of Lyons for example, threatened priests and other persons with excommunication if they led dances in churches or cemeteries.
In general, the church insisted on liturgical unity without the use of dance in worship. As increasing pressure to cease all religious dance mounted, there seemed no avenue for a possible creative revival in dance.
Consequently, religious dance disappeared, or survived in only a few isolated places. Some religious denominations cultivated specific liturgical movements which harked back to the early church dance. Other Christian dance movements were changed into folk expressions, to be seen at weddings or funerals, or else remained buried in the structured movement of the Catholic Mass.
The events of the period eventually led to the eradication of liturgical dance, processions, and most visual arts, leaving only the arts of painting, preaching and music unscathed.
In the post Reformation period both the Protestant and Catholic Church 'firmly attempted to close the door on creative expression of dance in the liturgy' (Gagne 1984:59). The Catholics' increasing proscriptions against dance, coupled with an increasing sense of mistrust of dance on the part of Protestants, forced dance back into the secular realm. 'Dance was given back totally to society, with few exceptions remaining of church-related Christian dance' (Gagne 1984: 59).
Because of all the changes and rearranges that have been done to the scriptures it is crucial to reach out to both believers and unbelievers. You will find story after story of well meaning believers who have just been following after things they do not understand or just believing what they were told. We are coming to the time that Yashua is returning for His Bride. It is time for the servants to go out and teach the true interpretation of the word. Remember to share what you learn. There is a great big world out there with future believers who are starving for biblical truth. Coming to learn the truth of Rejoicing and Praising Yahweh in the dance will destroy huge shackles. Spiritual shackles that too hundreds of years to create have hindered many from coming into the presence of the King of kings. Scripture teaches that if you stay in the Word, the Truth will set us free!

Joh 8:31 So יהושע said to those Yehuḏim who believed Him, “If you stay in My Word, you are truly My taught ones,
Joh 8:32 and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”


Until our next Treasure Hunt …… Shalom my friends

Michelle Hernandez
Michelle@HebraicDance.com

Pro 25:2 It is the esteem of Elohim to hide a matter, And the esteem of sovereigns to search out a matter.

http://www.HebraicDance.com
© 2010 by Michelle Hernandez. All rights reserved

Did Yashua Dance?

This is a short study looking into whether or not there is evidence of Yashua the Messiah Worshiping or Praising Elohim in Dance. In Luke 10:1 you will find that Yashua sent out 70 men two by two into every city that He was about to go into….

Luk 10:1 And after this the Master appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of Him into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.

*Luk 10:2 Then He said to them, "The harvest indeed is great, but the workers are few, therefore pray the Master of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.


KJV
Luk 10:17 AndG1161 theG3588 seventyG1440 returned againG5290 withG3326 joy,G5479 saying,G3004 Lord,G2962 evenG2532 theG3588 devilsG1140 are subject untoG5293 usG2254 throughG1722 thyG4675 name.G3686

Luk 10:18 AndG1161 he saidG2036 unto them,G846 I beheldG2334 SatanG4567 asG5613 lightningG796 fallG4098 fromG1537 heaven.G3772

Luk 10:19 Behold,G2400 I giveG1325 unto youG5213 powerG1849 to treadG3961 onG1883 serpentsG3789 andG2532 scorpions,G4651 andG2532 overG1909 allG3956 theG3588 powerG1411 of theG3588 enemy:G2190 andG2532 nothingG3762 shall by any meansG3364 hurtG91 you.G5209

Luk 10:20 NotwithstandingG4133 inG1722 thisG5129 rejoiceG5463 not,G3361 thatG3754 theG3588 spiritsG4151 are subjectG5293 unto you;G5213 butG1161 ratherG3123 rejoice,G5463 becauseG3754 yourG5216 namesG3686 are writtenG1125 inG1722 heaven.G3772

Luk 10:21 InG1722 thatG846 hourG5610 JesusG2424 rejoicedG21 in spirit,G4151 andG2532 said,G2036 I thankG1843 thee,G4671 O Father,G3962 LordG2962 of heavenG3772 andG2532 earth,G1093 thatG3754 thou hast hidG613 these thingsG5023 fromG575 the wiseG4680 andG2532 prudent,G4908 andG2532 hast revealedG601 themG846 unto babes:G3516 even so,G3483 Father;G3962 forG3754 soG3779 it seemedG1096 goodG2107 in thy sight.G1715 G4675 (see Strongs translation to highlighted words below)

Luk 10:22 All thingsG3956 are deliveredG3860 to meG3427 ofG5259 myG3450 Father:G3962 andG2532 no manG3762 knowethG1097 whoG5101 theG3588 SonG5207 is,G2076 butG1508 theG3588 Father;G3962 andG2532 whoG5101 theG3588 FatherG3962 is,G2076 butG1508 theG3588 Son,G5207 andG2532 he to whomG3739 G1437 theG3588 SonG5207 willG1014 revealG601 him.
Scriptures Version

Luk 10:17 And the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Master, even the demons are subject to us in Your Name.”

Luk 10:18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan falling out of the heaven as lightning.

Luk 10:19 “See, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and none at all shall hurt you.

Luk 10:20 “But do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names have been written in the heavens.”

Luk 10:21 In that hour יהושע exulted in the Spirit and said, “I praise You, Father, Master of the heaven and of the earth, that You have hidden these matters from clever and learned ones, and did reveal them to babes. Yea, Father, because thus it was well-pleasing in Your sight.

Luk 10:22 “All has been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is, except the Father, and who the Father is, except the Son, and he to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him.”

Rejoice G21
ἀγαλλιάω
agalliaō
ag-al-lee-ah'-o
From ἄγαν agan (much) and G242; properly to jump for joy, that is, exult: - be (exceeding) glad, with exceeding joy, rejoice (greatly).

G242
ἅλλομαι
hallomai
hal'-lom-ahee
Middle voice of apparently a primary verb; to jump; figuratively to gush: - leap, spring up.

Yashua “rejoiced”, by jumped for joy, or dancing .Yashua declared,
Scriptures version:
Luk 10:19 “See, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and none at all shall hurt you.
Luk 10:20 “But do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names have been written in the heavens.”

So what exactly does this all mean??.......

The seventy caused Yashua to Rejoice or Dance in the Spirit. But why did He rejoice in dance? Was it because the demons were subject to the 70? Certainly not, in fact He told them not to rejoice because of that (Luke 10:19).Yashua was rejoicing in the Spirit because their names are written in the Heavens (in the Book of Life). After this He rejoices .Isn’t it interesting that He asked them to rejoice for their salvation and immediately afterward demonstrates to them what He considered an appropriate display of rejoicing. Yashua even makes it clear what He is doing by declaring while he Rejoiced “I praise You, Father, Master of the heaven and of the earth, that You have hidden these matters from clever and learned ones……” .How awesome our Master and Savior is. Just as He taught His people how to pray He is instructing us how to rejoice .It is hidden in plain view. We are to remember that He taught us to walk as He walked:
KJV
1 John 2:6 He that saithG3004 he abidethG3306 inG1722 HimG846 oughtG3784 himselfG848 alsoG2532 soG3779 to walk,G4043 even asG2531 HeG1565 walked.G4043

G4043
περιπατέω
peripateō
per-ee-pat-eh'-o
From G4012 and G3961; to tread all around, that is, walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary): - go, be occupied with, walk (about).
After carefully looking into Strongs G4043, to walk as Yashua walks according to the scriptures means to live, follow, as in “follow the Path that He is on”
Yashua would never lead us astray or do something that would cause one of His children to stumble or fall. But He danced,He skipped and jumped for joy in the Spirit. Hey, don’t kill the messenger …….

I will go further to say that the same things that made Yashua dance then, causes Him to dance now. We need to understand that Elohim is ready to start the dance of victory for you and your congregation. The Ruach Ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit) may be asking you, “May I have this dance?”…………..

Thank you my friends, till our next treasure hunt…..
Michelle Hernandez
Michelle@HebraicDance.com

http://www.HebraicDance.com
© 2010 by Michelle Hernandez. All rights reserved

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

How do you Praise and Rejoice ?

When I was younger I went to a Catholic church where all we were allowed to do was sing from a small book that was in the small pocket of all the pews. I never really knew anything else. I had a new music teacher start teaching at the Catholic school I attended. She came in with some radical ideas. She started a sort of small revolution .She brought in some songs that weren’t in the little book and even encouraged everyone to clap in the church which was unheard of back then. Well unfortunately so many people complained about her that after about a year she was gone. It went back to the hymnal book again. I really liked that lady. Anyway, I felt bored to be honest. It felt like something was missing. What I thought of Yahweh was that He looked old and was not a very happy individual. I didn't really know Him at all. Then I became a Christian many years later. I saw a big difference in worship. They clapped and sang with joy and I truly felt a spiritual uplifting in my heart. This was one of those things that made me realize I had come to the right place. Later on as time passed I returned to the world and basically left all the biblical things I once knew. About 5 yrs later I came to my senses and returned to my Biblical faith. I returned to find that the congregation I attended started to look into the biblical Hebraic origins of scripture. They had deeply researched the Word and found that dancing was something that was done in praise and worship, that and also the playing of Instruments and many other things other than just clapping. Our Pastor Patrick Hadley started teaching on worship and praise from the biblical understanding. The congregation immediately embraced it and fell in love with it. My Father’s house Ministries is one of several congregations who have changed and incorporated this biblical way of worship into our every service. We enjoy it so much. Some still clap and dance at their seat. Others play tambourines and various instruments. Then we have those who come together at the front of the chapel and do the biblical circle dances. Whether you dance with the group or dance alone. It is a true blessing to dance before the King of Kings. I have played the drum and the tambourine many times. I must admit I am partial to dancing with the tambourine or dancing before him waving a flag. I truly feel His presence and sometimes feel like I’m dancing in His Throne room. It is truly a blessing to have come to this biblical understanding of worship in the dance. Please share how you came to know worship in the dance and how this has effected your spiritual growth.