L is for Lectio Divina: Show and Tell ~ Guest Post by Martina Keast

 What is Lectio Divina Reading?

Lectio Divina, which can be translated as divine, spiritual, or holy reading, has been practiced by Catholic monks since 220 AD. The practice of lectio divina was revived in 1965 with the publication of Dei Verbum by the Vatican II Council. [1]

Four steps: Listen carefully for a word or phrase that speaks to you..

Meditatio– Reflecting on the passage and thinking about how it applies to one’s life. The practitioner pays special attention to feelings that arise and how God speaks.

Oratio– Responding to the passage by praying and opening the heart to God. This is seen as the beginning of a conversation with God. Some practitioners of lectio divina keep a journal to record their prayers to God and God’s messages to them.

Contemplatio– Contemplating all that was learned. This step involves sitting in silence, resting in God’s presence, and experiencing union with Christ.

Actio, or action. Having received God’s love, the practitioner is to serve others in love.

In the first example, I will use Psalm 138 and Psalm 119:105-120 to demonstrate. ^[1]

For the second example, I will use 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 and 1 Corinthians 12: 31b, 13:1-13. [2]

What are the various stages?

·         The stages I am using are Reverence, Read, Ruminate, Reflect, Rest, and Respond

·         The Ignatian Method:

1.      Begin: Consider how God looks upon you in love; become aware that you are in God’s presence.

2.      Prepare: Offer God your will and actions, especially during this time of reflection. As God for specific grace that you sense you need currently (peace, strength, hope, wisdom, etc.

3.      Contemplate the biblical story:

a.       Read the text slowly and carefully; recall what it is about; then let it come alive for you!

b.      Place yourself inside the story, using your imagination; become one of the characters in the scene.

c.       Participate in the dynamics of the scene, dialoguing and interacting with Jesus and other characters.

d.      Observe what is happening around you in the scene: What do you see, hear, feel, smell, taste, or touch?

e.       Dialogue with the other characters: What do they say or ask you? What do you say to ask them in reply?

f.        Notice what is happening inside you as you pray: joy, sorrow, peace, confusion, love, anger, etc.?

g.      If you get distracted or your mind wanders, gently return to the biblical text and re-enter the scene.

4.      Converse: Enter into a short personal conversation with Jesus (or God the Father or the Holy Spirit), speak heart-to-heart, as if conversing with a close friend.

5.      Conclude in prayer. Afterward, briefly review what you experienced during this time of prayer. You may wish to journal about what happened.

How to read the Bible this way?

Reverence: I may light a candle, kneel, clasp my hands, and ensure that I am inwardly centred before I pray to God.

After centring, I prayed that God would reveal related words and speak to me through them.

Read the Scripture three times, with breaks in between.

Sometimes I read the Scripture section more than three times. I may also consult a lectionary, commentaries, and other Bible versions. The following verses jumped out at me during my readings.

Psalm 138: is a Psalm of declarative praise.

3. In the day when I cry out, You answered me and made me bold with strength in my soul.

7. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerns me. Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever, do not forsake the works of Your hands.

Two statements caught my attention.

1. Made me bold with strength in my soul.
2. The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.

Psalm 119: 105-120

These verses from the 119 reading spoke to me.

114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.

116 Uphold me according to Your word that I may live, and do not let me be ashamed of my hope. Hold me up, and I shall be safe.

Ruminate: I allow time to pass by going for a walk, cooking meals, doing dishes, doing the laundry, or I pray.

Reflect: Lord, make me bold with strength in my soul. You will perfect that which concerns me.

You are my hiding place and my shield. I hope in Your word. Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live; do not let me be ashamed of my hope. Hold me up, and I shall be safe.

Lord, I seek You with my whole heart. Oh, that my ways are directed to keep Your statutes.

Rest: After resting, My vision statement for 2018. 

God, make me bold with strength in my soul.

Perfect that which concerns me.

Be my hiding place and my shield.

I hope in you alone.

Hold me up, so I shall be safe.

For in all these things, I am more than a conqueror through Him who loved us.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,

Nor angels nor principalities nor powers

Nor things present nor things to come.

Nor height nor depth

Nor any other created things,

Shall be able to separate me from the love of God.

Which is in Christ Jesus, my Lord.

 

Respond: I am utterly amazed by what You, God, tell me through Your word. If You are going to make me bold, I will face challenges. I will meet these challenges. I will live. As I direct my ways by Your statutes and seek You wholeheartedly, You will be my hiding place, my shield.

Lectio Divina 2[3]

1 Corinthians 12:12-27; 1 Corinthians 12: 31b, 13:1-13

Reverence:

First reading, I prayed for Brian and me that God would reveal related words and speak to us through them.

Second reading, I thanked God that He brought Brian and me together. I thanked Him for these times that we can study the Word and share our experiences. We are getting closer, experiencing a more profound love for each other and the Lord.

Third reading and so on, I thanked God for being in our lives and willing to change us from the inside out. I also asked Him for wisdom, pictures, words, and phrases that will help us understand the message He has for us through this study.

Read the Scripture three times, with breaks in between.

Sometimes I read the Scripture section more often. I may also consult a lectionary, commentaries, and other Bible versions.

The following verses jumped out at me during my first reading.

Slave or free; one Spirit to drink; the body of many; Placed the parts in the body; every one of them; where He wanted them to be. The weaker are indispensable, giving greater honour to the parts that lacked it; equal concern for each other. Each one of you is part of it, in the most excellent way. Do not have love? I am nothing. Do not have love? I gain nothing. It is not self-seeking but rejoices with the truth; Love never fails; completeness comes; I am fully known.

The following verses jumped out at me during my second reading.

Do not have love? I am nothing. Do not have love? I gain nothing. If I don’t drink from the one Spirit, God’s love is not flowing through me.

There was a great division in my person; I did not realize that my weaker parts were indispensable. For example, I did not honour myself when I had mental and emotional breakdowns. I needed others to do so. People prayed for me, offered ministry opportunities, and supported me by having spiritual conversations with me. Most of all, God was always present.

The most excellent way is to treat my unrepresentable with special modesty, honouring them.

I learned to accept love when I received the prophetic word to use Sloan and Esther in my book: The Dwelling Place: Reflections on my journey toward spiritual wholeness.

As I typed up their spiritual, loving conversations, I opened up for that remarkable man, my future husband. Jesus had been promising me that he was coming.

Completeness comes, as I am fully known. I am getting to know my physical part and my spiritual part. I find this journey exciting and life-giving.

The following verses jumped out at me during my third reading.

I feel like I don’t belong to a particular denominational body due to the hurts I experienced—despite emotional wounds, I still belong. I still belong if I say I don’t belong because I am upset, angry, or jealous. The Spirit will never let me go unless I blaspheme Him, and then Jesus will intervene.

Ruminate: I spent time dog-sitting for my daughter. I also spent time with my grandsons. I typed out the results from the last reading. Remember to have unconditional positive regard while working on your Lectio Divina reflection and stay focused on God.

The question what is it? The connection between the many parts.

Reflect: Reading over the words from the last readings. Continue taking notes, as I know there is a process God is taking me through.

Rest:

First painting. My transformation since the first time I attended Vocabulary of the Soul.

#1 

In 2016, my heart was dark, and so were the words that came from my mouth. I experienced the love of the Lord and the heavenly creative stream released.

My heart is filled with love, and many of my words are filled with love. The creative stream releases came in words, music, and creative pieces. I now write books and blogs and create online courses.   

#2 

Julie’s response: I saw dark and light, pain and joy, and the idea of growth. I did an explosion of light and life; the tree represents growth.

Second Painting:

#3

I am painfully aware of the gongs in my life—the crashing cymbals.

As mentioned above, there have been more responses with love. I smile more, and joy even flows through my eyes. I have forgiven much, and I have been forgiven even more. The olive branch connects the gong/clanging side and the love side of my soul. The purple flow is the influence of the Holy Spirit. Hope and Faith are never far away, but the greatest is Love. 

---

[1] Actual Experience December 2017.

Declaration of praise to God, because of an overwhelming answer to the prayer of the king (vv. 1-3)

A prophetic vision of a future time in which all kings of the earth will join in praise to God (vv. 4-6)

A determination to continually trust in God (vv. 7,8)

[2] In preparation for Art and Faith Retreat: Vocabulary of the Soul: Kingsfold Retreat and Renewal Center, Cochrane Alberta. June 2023. https://juliedrew-artandfaith.com/art-vocab

[3] June 2023 Scripture passages: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; 1 Corinthians 12: 31b, 13:1-13. Assigned theme: Connections: Building Bridges; Assigned Phrase: extend an olive branch.

[4] Sam Drew. Friday night at the Art and Faith Retreat. Listening, unconditional positive regard, and the process. 

---

[1] Lectio Divina. https://www.gotquestions.org/lectio-divina.html

Martina Keast: Author, Artist, Expressive Art Practitioner, Online Course Creator. 

Getting Stalled In The Middle -- Time for Research, Rest, and Rejuvenation ~ Guest post by Martina Keast

In therapy, the arts and education, the liminal space is the place of research. 

We enter this space between and explore what arises, 

open to new discoveries that feed the artistic 

and intellectual need to grow and evolve. 

The liminal space we step into is created 

by an agreement to suspend our usual ways of thinking and moving. 

(Scott- Alexander, 2020, pp. 35-36. Used with permission)

 

Getting stalled in the middle is a blessing. I see your eyes expanding and a wrinkle forming on your forehead. You wonder if I know what I am talking about here.

I had great expectations. Martina, sit down at the computer, write the paper or book, and voila, it’s finished. Writing is not that simple, I learned. 

I no longer presume my process is complete without inviting others for feedback and editorial assistance. My writing improved in the community and through collaboration. 

As I continued sharing my work with others for critique, I learned to take time for research, exploration, and practical application of what I shared with my readers.

Insecurity and negative self-talk can both be writing blocks. Self-sabotage, when welcomed, is a stalling agent. Many unpublished books written years ago collect dust on the shelf.

When I got stalled in the middle, I thought I lacked the skill to complete the projects, that I had misunderstood God’s calling, and that it was time to quit.

However, even though I burned one manuscript out of frustration, the drawing to write did not leave me.

What was I to do? Three ways of engaging the liminal space, the time in-between.  

Research: Daily Bible reading, devotionals, worship, prayer, Two-Way Journaling, participating in weekly accountability groups, mentoring, Stop! Rest! Take notes and go over these notes. Invite others to participate in pilot project online classrooms, be Beta readers, and be part of the online book writer’s club I started about two years ago. Offer in-person workshops, step off the springboard in total faith, and trust God covers me. 

Rest: Phew! That is only a partial list of my research. What would my life be like if I didn’t take a Sabbath, time to have an afternoon nap, walk, enjoy nature, paint, and sit in the sun? What if I didn’t make time for family and friends? Can you, dear reader, relate? 

What is happening around me now, at this moment? Not on the computer screen, iPhone, or social media, but just passed the top of the computer. The sun is bright and leaves many shadows between the trees. I see squirrels, nicknamed Chip and Dale, running between the trees. Once, carrying a spruce cone, then back again, empty. I smell the tempting charbroiled food from the golf course restaurant. HM. 

Rejuvenation: I am rejuvenated and reenergized when I take time to breathe and keep my eyes off my projects. I stopped thinking, as was my habit for years, about what I needed to be doing at this moment. Nothing, just be. I picture Jesus with me, the Holy Spirit at work in my life, and others I’ve been praying for, loving my life, even the liminal space. I trust I have something to learn or experience before I continue writing and adding to my books and workbooks. 

Time for research:

God showed me there is always more to learn. If I spend the time meditating on Him, His Word, and expressing myself creatively through song, creative expressive arts, and the written word, He will help bring my head and heart into a state of coherence. A time of balance, where the creative flow will freely stream. I make sense of the topic at hand when thinking critically and express my thoughts and feelings on paper or in conversation.

Time for rest from writing:

God also showed me that a time of exploration is nurtured by feeding my artistic and intellectual side as I surrender to His leading. This rest time incorporates observing the Sabbath, meditating, listening to the Lord, and spending active time with Him.

Time for rejuvenation:

I experience a time of rejuvenation when I suspend my usual ways of thinking and moving forward. Instead of following my understanding, I trust in Jesus and follow Him, His calling, while actively engaging in meditation, Bible Reading, and worship.

***

I’ve learned to see the liminal space or the time when I stalled in the middle as a positive time. I listen carefully to where the Lord is leading me, what my family needs or not, or pay attention to other priorities. Sometimes there are other projects to engage in; the break revitalizes my creativity. When the time comes, I can write freely again. I’ve learned more about the topics at hand. I’ve learned to trust the process.

This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. Titus 3:8

How about you, dear reader? Have you found the in-between time to be profitable?

 

 

My writing path defined: Illumined by the light: Jesus by Martina Keast

 

My topics cover Emotive Expressive Art Adventures, Inner Healing, Recovery from Childhood Sexual Abuse & Codependency, Spirituality, and lately, Releasing Creative Streams.

My writing path began in December 1981, forty-one years ago.

I don’t know why, but I bought a journal. My first journal entry was: Nicole has her first tooth. 😊

For the next few years, my journaling consisted of prayers and lists of bills, payments, and what we needed but didn’t have money for; there was always a list of carry-over items. My heart was heavy, and my mind carried many burdens.

In 2002, my journaling changed. I drove across Canada to Thunder Bay, On, and onto Wawa and then Missinabie to work.

I lived alone in a cabin, desperate for change. I begged and pleaded with Jesus. I cried, missing my children and grandchildren. I began to listen to Jesus and wrote down what I felt in my heart. (At that time, I did not know about dialogue journaling, yet I was engaging in this practice.) The twisting and turning and the wrestling were tangible and painful. I cried every day.

In 2004, I took a course called Addiction Worker. I began drafting papers. My papers were awful. A bunch of thoughts put on a paper without connection or flow. I don’t know how I ever passed my courses. Much grace was extended, I am sure.

This writing style would continue until 2009, when I experienced my first stream of consciousness writing, From One Soul Sister to Another. My love for the mission church, the co-workers and co-ministers became evident. I also began my journey with spiritual formation, not realizing I would study this in later years.

After accepting help from Pagemaster Publications, the Beaumont Book Writers Group, Elim Book Writers Club, and mentoring from Ruth L. Snyder and Kate Nash, I am becoming more proficient. I would not have passed my courses if it had not been for all the readers and commenters who contributed to my writing. I am truly blessed.

As an Expressive Art Practitioner [1](WAO), I see more hope, faith, and love in my writing. The darkness lifted. The light is shining in. Thank you, Jesus.

The new path I am on opened last year. The Dwelling Place project: Reflections on my journey toward wholeness, based on papers I wrote for Spiritual Formation and Adult Learning Courses, needed a special drawing card.

I spontaneously had the idea to add Sloan and Esther, an elderly couple, to the storyline.

I fell in love with both right away. They both feel safe and secure in their relationship. I like the way they support and care for each other.

I enjoy writing their conversations in various places on their hobby farms.

Today, I can see how writing about their relationship opened my heart and mind so I would be able to enter a relationship based on respect, honesty, and transparency, and it leaves me feeling safe and secure.

I invite the readers to share their thoughts on leaving the darkness and entering the light (life with Jesus), experiencing love, joy, and peace.

 

Martina Keast, MTS, EXAP, GCSICA

https://www.elimoasisofinnerhealing.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-keast-45546275/

---

[1] With Dr. Markus Scott Alexander. World Art Organization, Edmonton AB. 

Grappling with Ethical Dilemmas- a roller coaster ride-Martina Keast

 

Before I went to Bible School and Seminary, there was only one way I would answer a potential dilemma. I subconsciously asked, "What is the quickest way for me to address these feelings of inadequacy, fear, and ambivalence?" I had no mind or spine of my own. I also didn't have a voice. I did what I was told, for the most part. I was dependent on others to direct my decisions.

Fear and worry ruled my trauma-based life. This was my routine; I knew no other way of living and doing life.

In 2017, I began working on a book called Evil Lurking: From electric Chair to Kingdom Grace. What journey of wrestling through dilemmas. My characters helped me know what I believe and want to do. What a blessing. God's goodness and grace brought me through this emotional rollercoaster wilderness.

Many people help me along the process. PageMaster Publishing assisted with the editing and publishing of review copies. The writers from Beaumont Writers' Group, Elim Writers Club, friends and supporters who allowed me to interview them. And Milton and Gloria, who offered to be George and Gertrude, two characters of the book, went above and beyond. Check out the YouTube Channel if you like. There is some good information about addressing dilemmas.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkzcnFgxv_keAflhGRPGBbQ

Every week, I attend a group called Spirit Life Circles. We check in, listen to a worship song, and then do dialogue journaling. This means we follow the 4 keys to hearing God's voice as taught by Dr. Virkler from Communion with God.

This is the poem I received on May 18, 2022.

Filled my emptiness with Your goodness.

Finding trust, love, and mercy

Forever.

Filled my emptiness with Your Spirit

Freeing my imprisoned soul.

Forever.

Filled my emptiness with Your power.

Fueling my creative releases.

Forever.

Filled my emptiness with Your sustenance

Feeding my inner spirit

Forever.

Filled my emptiness with movement.

Favouring inner over the outer.

Forever.

Over the past twenty years since my last suicide attempt, much of my life has changed. 

Making up my own mind is easier--even rewarding--taking responsibility for my own decisions has helped me mature, heal, and creatively express myself. What Joy!

Grappling with ethical dilemmas may be stressful, emotionally painful, and take us on a rollercoaster ride, but it is worth it. 

Have you been on this rollercoaster ride? 

Martina Keast MYS EXAP GCSICA COCM

Expressive Art Practitioner, Author, Blogger, Workshop facilitator, Lifelong Student, Mom, Oma,

Https://www.ElimOasisOfInnerhealing.com

Music Calls People to Hold Onto Faith and Joy ~ by Martina Keast

 

Martina Keast Paint Pouring

Expressive Art Practitioner, Author, Musician, YouTube Creator, Online Course Creator, Workshop Facilitator and student; working toward her doctorate. 

Music has the power to call people.

It has the strength to turn heads and change hearts.

It can also turn people back to God, and I believe it is still its purpose.

 (Potter, 2006, p. 13)

 

It is clear that music is one of the most powerful communicative media we have,

and the depth of how it communicates and what it communicates,

we are just beginning to understand. (Jansen, 2017, p. 35)

 

            Music calls people to get in touch with their dreams and memories. Melodies are written, so they touch the person's life experience by engaging with the songs. ^[1] I will never forget watching ABBA win the Eurovision Song Contest on British Television in 1974. Anyone watching felt the shift, the power of the musical waves flowing through the TV screen. Still living in Germany, barely knowing any English, Waterloo had me dancing and singing.

Still, today, when I listen to Dan the Banjo Man, I get up and move with the music. ^[2] A couple of years ago, at the beginning of Covid, I listened to ‘70s music while walking down ten floors to get exercise. What joy the music brought! How easy it was to move along with the beat. I also listened to the Bee Gees, remembering the days when You Should be Dancing came out.   ^[3] From Dan the Banjo Man to the Bee Gees and then ABBA, the list of dancing songs is endless.

            In later years, attending a charismatic church, I learned about the song of the Lord and how He releases healing power, deliverance, and incredible joy in services.

The Song of the Lord still seeks to be released through us—sometimes as a roar of love that releases power, a furious sound of warfare, a groaning of intercession, and often a song of praise. (Jansen, 2017, p. 27)

 

Sometimes I miss those days when I ran through the church with a lady who had quadriplegia. She sat in her chair as I pushed her while I ran “through the camp.” I remember her giggles and laughter. Even she experienced incredible joy. She was disappointed not to receive her healing, but she felt like her old self, active and free for at least a short time.

People can be destroyed or built up by music. I remember attending charismatic church services and floating to the highest heavens imaginable, and then on the way home, all hell would break loose. The family's heart was ripped to shreds by any attempt at communication. We didn’t know if we should cry or run away. The devil joined us on the ride home. He stayed.

Creation is alive and sings praises to God. Nature is a praying song that, at times, is sweet and melodious and at other times fast and furious in temp. (Jansen, 2017, p. 26)

 

                Sitting by the campfire while the kids were swimming or boating, my heart would sing songs of gratefulness. There was peace—no fighting about money. For the moment, I forgot how disappointed I was with how my life was moving forward.

            Floating on the waters, gently kicking my feet and moving my arms, I imagined the anger, hatred, and inner rage toward abusers would drift away. I didn't know how to live without darkness. Yes, music made me smile; it carried me beyond pain and suffering and took me to Heaven, even if just for a moment.

In my opinion, the elements of melody, harmony, and rhythm generate a response from the listener. Listening to the Erlking, ^[4] the River Moldau, ^[5] the Little Bell, ^[6] and the Hallelujah Chorus,^[7]  in succession, one experiences ups and downs of terror and calmness, beauty and peace reflecting water running over the rocks, the hunt, and the dance or dreams. The story goes that the rising of the Hallelujah Chorus moved King George II ^[8] to stand in appreciation. Of course, everyone present at the concert stood up as well. They followed the King's example.

The harmony of a song can be beautiful or messy. It can capture the beauty of the piece of music and rapture one's body, mind, and spirit to the heavens. Or it can be disturbing because it is disjunct, bringing about confusion, fear, and terror.

I will forever associate the melody of “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” ^[9] with the movie called “The Net.” ^[10]I can see Sandra Bullock sitting at her computer eating pizza and responding to emails. Suspense is building. I could hardly breathe while she was struggling to survive. Of course, as the story's hero, she saved the day.

 

when people believe in themselves,

they unleash power in themselves and resources around them

that almost immediately take them to a higher level ^[11]

 

We must first believe in our potential we are to do what we are capable of. ^[12]

 

My life was changed forever as I observed and followed my mentor's example. In retrospect, the years living in an abusive, chaotic, and sometimes violent home preoccupied my mind, forgetting my musical abilities. I had no talent like those who had been musicians for over forty years. Yet they joined me. I did not know or even imagine I had potential, much fewer capabilities in worship and music. I honestly had low skill but very high sensitivity toward the Spirit of God and what He was trying to accomplish.

 

God has had a plan for us to use our gifts and talents. We need to practice diligently and invest in lessons, not knowing the outcome of my faithfulness, even sacrificially. I have not always believed in myself. Despite my shortcomings, I do believe in my life verse, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13)

                He calls us through His voice, sound frequencies found in nature, and creating through man's God-given talents and abilities. He brings us to smile and be joyful. He offers opportunities to say yes, and move forward by faith into future adventures. 

 

References

 

Jansen, J. (2017). The Furious Sound of Glory: Unleashing Heaven on Earth Through a Supernatural Generation. Shippensburg: Destiny Image Publishers, INC.

Potter, D. (2006). facing the wall. Morovian Falls: Potterhaus Music.

 

 

---

[1] ABBA. Dancing Queen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFrGuyw1V8s. (Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson) © 1974 Polar Music International AB Published by: Universal/Union Songs AB Video produced by: Lasse Hallström

[2] Dan the Banjo Man Dan the Banjo Man. 1974

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiTUxqH5BqA

[3] The Bee Gees. You should be Dancing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI68A-rntIk

[4] Music by Franz Schubert. The ErlKing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS91p-vmSf0 Poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (see below for translation). Created by Oxford Lieder: www.oxfordlieder.co.uk Taken from the album 'Schubert Year by Year': https://stonerecords.co.uk/album/schu...

[5] Bedřich Smetana.  Vlatva (or the river Moldau).  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOI_RUZGEYw

[6] Franz Liszt. La Campanella (meaning "The Little Bell") is the nickname given to the third of six Grandes études de Paganini ("Grand Paganini Etudes"). The pianist is famous Valentina Lisitsa. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuQAoPGrt0g

[7] Georg Friedrich Händel - Oratorio - Messiah, HWV 56 Part 2, No. 44 Chorus Hallelujah Chorus Performed by The English Concert & Choir Hallelujah, for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth, Hallelujah! The Kingdom of this world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever, Hallelujah! King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and he shall reign forever and ever, Hallelujah! (Revelation 19:6; 11:15; 19:16)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usfiAsWR4qU

[8] Ricky O’Bannon. 5 Things you might not know about Handel’s Messiah. https://www.bsomusic.org/stories/5-things-you-might-not-know-about-handels-messiah/#:~:text=An%20often%20repeated%20legend%20about,sitting%20when%20the%20king%20stood.

[9] Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Eine Kleine Nachtmusic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy2zDJPIgwc

[10] The Net - Trailer Sandra Bullock in the movie The Net.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqg78coirF8. 1995

[11] John Maxwell p. 11

[12] John Maxwell p. 16