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Posts Tagged ‘Worship’

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

Posted in Book Reviews, Christmas, Meditation, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , on December 1, 2014| 12 Comments »

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“Advent:

the time to listen for footsteps –

you can’t hear footsteps

when
 you’re running yourself.”

Bill McKibben

 

Are you caught up in the Holiday Hurry yet? I’m talking about the decorating–baking– card-writing—shopping—wrapping—parties—rehearsals—event-participation and attendance. No doubt I omitted a few items on your list.

Perhaps you’re craving a bit of quiet this Christmas. Time to enjoy the presence of your Savior. Time to reflect on Bethlehem blessings—those gifts we enjoy as a result of Christ’s advent into the world.

But how can we stop running long enough to hear our Savior’s footsteps? How can we avail ourselves of his peace and strength when our days are doubly-busy?

May I recommend the devotional book, Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room (Barbour Publishing, 2014), by my good blogger-friend, Jean Wise?

First, the soft, leather-like cover is a pleasure to hold. The thick, gilded pages are a delight to turn. And the subtle, star-studded border on each page adds beauty to the text.

Jean has provided four weeks of quieting devotionals, offering a perfect start for each day. Each week has its own theme: 1) Preparation, 2) Pause, 3) Ponder, and 4) Promise.

Each reading includes a brief devotional, appropriate scriptures, well-chosen quotes, suggestions for a more meaningful Advent season, and a closing prayer.

I’ve just begun reading and internalizing this book myself. But already my spirit has been calmed by Jean’s soothing words. For example:

“We drink in His presence and linger in His light for warmth and nourishment. We quench our thirst at His well” (p. 27).

Doesn’t that sound refreshing and rejuvenating? So “take a deep breath and enjoy the journey,” Jean recommends. Embrace moments of stillness, thank God for the gift of His Son, express gratitude, and rest.

Jean also provides gentle challenge. She well knows the tyranny of the to-do list at this time of year. A pointed question steers our focus in the right direction:

“What are we clinging to so tightly we can’t reach out to God” (p. 16)?

And then there are those readings where God’s wisdom flows through Jean’s words.

In the devotional entitled, “Advent Assignments,” she reminds us that our role in the Christmas season is not to be the perfect hostess or flawless decorator, and not to portray the ideal family.

“Preparing our hearts for the Lord implies knowing our boundaries and acknowledging our limitations…Focus on the manger in the center of the stage of our hearts (p. 32).”

Each day Jean encourages me to “reduce the clutter.” Her words bring me to the center of the stage of my heart, to “spend less time on busy work and more time with God” (p. 12).

Time to reflect. Time to listen. Time to savor the presence of my Savior.

Won’t you join me?

(You may order the book on http://www.barnesandnoble.com or purchase at a Family Christian bookstore and at Christian Book Distributors.) 

 

 

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Saving for a Rainy Day

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Refuge, Meditation, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Suffering, Uncategorized, Worry, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 6, 2014| 13 Comments »

Woman with piggy bank at rainy window

 

“Save for a rainy day,” financial experts advise.  And they’re right.  It is smart to have funds set aside in case of emergency.

But we would also be wise to save up for another kind of rainy day:

  • The day great disappointment shatters our joy
  • The day the doctor begins a consult by saying, “I’m terribly sorry, but…”
  • The day a loved one calls with disturbing news

What could we possibly save up that would help in such circumstances?

Consider: monetary deposits in a bank account insulate us against financial emergencies.

Similarly, we can make faith-statement deposits into our soul-accounts, to insulate us against life’s emergencies.  A healthy soul-account offers peace of mind, confidence, and a sense of well-being.

The most valuable faith statements are those straight from scripture, since the Bible is our source of truth.

Statements such as these are worthy starting points:

  • God is with me, even in the midst of trial.

“Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You” (Psalm 9:10).

  • God is my stronghold in time of trouble, offering help and deliverance.

“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.  The Lord helps them and delivers them” (Psalm 37:39-40).

  • He will supply all my needs.

“My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

 

Sometimes God makes deposits in our soul-accounts through other reading.  Here are a few examples I’ve collected:

  • “God makes good things out of the hard times.” – Erica Hale
  • “Difficulties are sent to make us grow. Move from complaining to proclaiming what God is doing through the problem. Remind yourself, for every Calvary, there is an Easter.” – Barbara Johnson
  • “When we understand that life is not about us, we learn to overlook the trivial and fix our gaze on the eternal. What is an offense compared to His love? What is a rejection compared to His unconditional acceptance? What is a momentary trial compared to an eternity with Him?” – Emmanuelle Gomez

 

Faith statement deposits also come through experiences, such as:

  • The spontaneous hug of a good friend who knows of our struggles. That’s God’s way of assuring us…

…We are not alone.

  • An answered prayer—and the answer is far beyond what we asked for. That’s God’s way of showing us…

…His love and blessing never fail, even in the midst of difficulty.

  • A transformed spirit through worship.  Worry becomes faith. Fear becomes courage. Depression becomes gladness. That proves…

…The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 4:8).

 

Faith-statements, deposited in our souls even before we have need of them, provide a deep, sweet sense of security.

When difficulties arise, and the time comes to make withdrawals, we can praise God for each truth. Praise will fill our hearts with song and drown out the voices of worry and fear.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Your faithfulness, O God, is unwavering and unfailing.   Oh, how I want to be faithful to you, especially during difficult circumstances.  You have provided the tools.  I praise you for the deposits your Spirit makes into my soul account, offering solace, perspective, strength, and wisdom.   Help me to avail myself of your gracious provision.  

 

(Photo credit:  www.dailyfinance.com.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Earplugs and Headphones

Posted in Appreciation, Encouragement, Godly Character, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on October 27, 2014| 8 Comments »

mri-scanner

 

My brother had to get an MRI last week. The technician warned him the machine was very loud—similar to a large motorcycle.

“I like motorcycles!” John told her.

Nevertheless she gave him earplugs, to block the noise as much as possible, and a set of headphones, through which he could listen to the music of his choice.

Earplugs and headphones. That’s what I need to drown out the devil’s loud voice.   Sometimes he can be incredibly persistent with his irritating chatter in my spiritual ears, saying things like:

  • “You are past your prime. Why bother trying to accomplish anything?”
  • “Look how blessed your neighbor is. You must have upset God in some way or you’d be blessed like that, too.”
  • “Can you believe how insensitive Ms. __________ is? How can she be so hurtful and not even realize it?

Wouldn’t it be nice if God handed out earplugs and headphones for our spiritual ears?

Maybe God wants us to develop some worthy habits in the process of manufacturing our own auditory devices.

And how might we do that?

Earplugs could be fashioned out of gratitude. We can occupy our minds with continual rejoicing in the blessings of this moment. Then we won’t be able to hear the devil’s negative and critical comments.

Let’s see…I wonder if I could name a blessing for each of the five senses, for what I am experiencing right now?

  • Thank you, Lord, for books and the gift of sight that allows me to read and enjoy them, as well as learn from them.
  • Thank you for soft breezes that create a cheerful rustling of fall leaves.
  • Thank you, Father, for the cozy warmth of my fleece jacket.
  • Thank you for the nutty goodness of hazelnut coffee,
  • And thank you, Lord, for the homey aroma of vanilla, coming from a nearby candle.

 

candleflame

 

Oh! That was fun, and I didn’t have one negative thought during the exercise. No wonder Paul told us to rejoice always.

Alright–earplugs are in place. Now it’s time for the headphones—something worthwhile to pay attention to, that drowns out the noise of negativity and criticism.

And what could be more worthwhile than scripture, where God offers reassurance, encouragement, and strength? The psalms are a perfect place to begin:

  • “Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust” (Psalm 40:4).
  • “I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble” (Psalm 59:16).
  • “Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples” (Psalm 77:13-14).

And one of my favorites:

 

Ps.89.15.16

 

(“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength” (Psalm 89:15-17).)

Notice: We are blessed when we acclaim God. Disparaging ourselves or others, bemoaning our circumstances—even just in our thought life—is counter-productive.  It is worship that transforms our minds and spirits.

So let’s insert those earplugs and pop on those headphones! The difference will be remarkable.

 

(Photo and art credits:  www.cancerresearchuk.org; http://www.cozyhearthcandles.com; annemateer.com.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Autumn Blaze

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Godly Character, Joy, Praise, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 20, 2014| 13 Comments »

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“The land is lit with autumn blaze.”

–Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885)

I’ve been anticipating these few weeks of October ever since we moved back to the Midwest in June—the gilding on tree-covered hillsides, the crimson coats on sumac trees, and, of course, the swaths of gold and vermilion among the maples.

The trees appear dressed for a grand party!

Indeed, autumn was the season I missed most during our forty years in Florida.

So Friday afternoon I sat on our second-story deck, to observe more closely the magnificent display in our back yard. You see, a shallow woods stands sentry between the houses on our street and the houses behind us. Among the tree-fellows, chestnut, elm, oak, and others stretch their colorful arms heavenward.

But already the trees are beginning to lose their leaves.

Elm leaves somersault while they plummet, flashing sparks of sunlight from their luminous topsides.

Oak leaves drift downward, gracefully zigzagging side to side.

But whether they tumble or drift, the leaves of all deciduous trees will eventually fall, having fulfilled their purpose: photosynthesizing light, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

As human beings, we, too, have purpose to our existence: to live for the praise of God’s glory (Ephesians 1:11).  What an honor is ours, to inspire others to give praise to the King of the universe.

And how might we do that?

  1. Reflect God’s character, like the elm leaves flashing in the sunlight. Wherever we are, whatever we’re doing, we can shine as lights (Matthew 5:14)–offering assistance or a listening ear, being a positive voice and example, exercising self-control and patience.
  1. Give praise to God at every opportunity. As tree leaves fall, the lacey branches are exposed, all reaching upward toward the sunlight. Our hearts should be raised toward the Light of Life, the Son of God.

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(“My lips will glorify you.  I will praise you as long as I live,  and in your name I will lift up my hands” — Psalm 63:3-4)

We can:

  • Praise him in the morning for the opportunities of the day ahead.
  • Praise him in the afternoon for the blessings and accomplishments already enjoyed.
  • Praise him in the evening for his guidance and care throughout the day, his strength for the challenges, and the blessing of rest yet to come.
  1. Be content (Philippians 4:11).  God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).  Begin to name those blessings and note how your heart begins to swell with elation–blessings like:
  • relief of forgiveness
  • liberation from guilt
  • assurance of hope
  • confidence of access to his presence
  • certainty of eternal life.

(How long might the list grow if we continued?)

Just as autumn blazes around us, may our hearts blaze to live for the praise of God’s glory!

(Photo credits:  www.galleryhip.com; http://www.media-cache-akO.pinimg.com.)

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Surprised by Love

Posted in God's Delight, God's Love, God's Presence, Joy, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , on August 11, 2014| 16 Comments »

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Our son was telling me about the church he and his wife attend.

“You should hear this mother and daughter play their violins together.  The girl is only ten or eleven, but she’s very talented. I think the mom is teaching her.”

It would be delightful to hear them, I thought.

Several months later, I happened to attend their church when the mother and daughter were scheduled to play.  My heart was filled with delicious anticipation as they approached the piano with their violins.

Soon soft, mellow notes of melody and harmony resonated through the broad, high-ceilinged sanctuary.  My son had not been exaggerating. They were both gifted violinists.

I had to hold back the tears.

Yes, the sweet music touched my spirit. However, my reaction arose from more than that.

The music was greatly enhanced by the mystical bond between mother and daughter.

One evidence of that bond was the subtle means by which the two remained in sync. The mother would nod her head or sway slightly as she directed the music. However, the girl didn’t actually watch. Just every now and then she would make eye contact over her violin–and smile at her mother like an angel—pure, innocent, and tender.

Her eyes seemed to say, “I love doing this with you,”  Mother smiled her love and pleasure in return.

In fact, the very atmosphere seemed to be permeated with love during those moments. But the affection of parent and child was only a part.

The Spirit of God and his love flowed in wondrous waves through the music and that mother and daughter. God’s love—the width, length, height, and depth that Paul spoke of*– filled every nook of that sanctuary.

Surely I was not the only one who felt wrapped in God’s warm embrace during those moments.

And to be loved by God is no small matter.

He is the Master of the universe and the King of glory. Angels sing his praises continually. And yet he delights in us, who reverence him and put our hope in his unfailing love (Psalm 147:11).

Isn’t that knowledge alone enough to astound the intellect and overwhelm the heart with joy?

The only possible response is worship, from a heart overflowing with gratitude. An overflow that often becomes tears, as praise intertwines with the invisible but palpable touch of God.

And I can almost hear him say, “I love doing this with you.”

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

When has the overflow of love for God and gratitude to him brought you to tears?  Share your story in the Comment section below.

 

*Ephesians 3:18

 

(Photo credit:  www.visualphotos.com.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Beauty of Our God

Posted in Dreams, Faith, God, God's Wisdom, Holiness, Maturity, Wisdom, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on July 14, 2014| 8 Comments »

If I asked you, “What’s the most popular flower?”, you’d probably get the answer right. It’s the rose. En masse on the bush, they provide a striking sight—dozens of large blooms framed by dark green leaves.

 

Rose-bush

 

But most of us can’t pass by a rose-bush without leaning in close to view the soft petals, and breathe in the singular scent. To study a blossom up close enhances our appreciation.

 

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We notice the varying colors, the delicate curl of each petal, the intricate, spiraling pattern. Our sense of wonder increases the more we gaze.

Might the same be true as we study the beauty of our God? That’s what David wanted to do:

 

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(“One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4).

 

But how can we gaze upon an invisible God? By contemplating all his glorious attributes. One commentator described the beauty of the Lord as the harmony of his perfections. I like that.

Just as the petals of a rose create a harmony of color, pattern, symmetry, and form, so the traits of our holy God manifest a harmony of perfect grace, holiness, triunity, and power.

And though we may be acquainted with a number of God’s attributes, appreciation of their beauty expands with a close-up view—through the lenses of scripture and personal experience.  For example:

God’s beautiful grace becomes visible in the story of the prodigal son, as we witness the father actually running to welcome his wayward son home.  He throws his arms around the filthy youth, even kissing him (Luke 15:11-20).

prodigal-son

God’s glorious holiness (purity, righteousness, and separateness from everything else in the universe) is highlighted in Revelation 4:1-11 as John strains for words to describe the Lord of heaven…

… ”Seated on the Throne, suffused in gem hues of amber and flame with a nimbus of emerald…Lightning flash and thunder crash pulsed from the Throne. Seven fire-blazing torches fronted the Throne (these are the Sevenfold Spirit of God)” — vs. 3-5, The Message.  

God’s harmonious triunity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is celebrated in Ephesians 1. Paul reminds us that:

  • God the Father bestows all spiritual blessings upon us (v.3).
  • God the Son provided redemption and forgiveness of our sin (v.7).
  • God the Spirit guarantees our inheritance in heaven and gives us assurance (vs. 13b-14).

And God’s magnificent power is on display throughout scripture and creation, even in our personal lives.  Our Heavenly Father is a God of infinite wisdom, unfailing guidance, strong empowerment, attentive care, competent help,  rich blessings, and more.

We can contemplate each of these attributes as we would the individual petals of a perfect rose.  We can remember occasions when he has demonstrated each trait in our lives.  And perhaps we’ll burst into song as Moses did:

 

who-is-like-you

(“Who among the god is like you, O Lord?  Who is like you–majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” — Exodus 15:11).

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My heart fills with wonder and praise, O Lord, because you are a beautiful, holy God.  No one is your equal in power, wisdom, creativity, splendor, or love.  No one else is perfect in all he does.  And you, in all your holy glory are  My.  Heavenly.  Father.   Such statements are too glorious to comprehend!  

But oh, how grateful I am that they are true.

(Photo & art credits:  www.dorsetcereals.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.ameliarhodes.com; http://www.luke-15.org; http://www.praisejesustoday.com.)

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Top Choices

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Meditation, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on February 6, 2014| 6 Comments »

Paul told his beloved friends in Philippi:  “You’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse” (Philippians 4:8, The Message).

As a meditative exercise, I decided to choose one event, object, or truth which embodied adjectives from this verse.  Which examples below are similar to choices you would make?  What might you select that would be different?

One important truth:

 

“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

That one was rather obvious, wasn’t it.  The veracity and certainty of eternal life colors every moment of life with peace and joy.   How incredibly splendorous!

One supreme example of nobility:

First, a definition.  Nobility includes qualities of high moral character such as honor, generosity, and courage.

I have been blessed and influenced by many noble people.  Any one of them would be worthy to contemplate and hold up as an example:  family members, pastors, Sunday School teachers, youth group leaders, missionaries, colleagues, friends.

So if I stick my hand into an imaginary hat filled with their names on slips of paper, I might pull out…M. and L.

M. lost his job unfairly and in a hurtful way.  But they persevered through that dark time with honor and courage.  These two are also known for generosity and hospitality, in their church community and beyond.

 One person of good repute: 

 Again, I have to put my hand into that hat and pull out . . .

…Rachel Asherman, my grandmother.  To this day her grandchildren arise and call her blessed (Proverbs 31:28), because of her kind, gracious ways. Everyone loved Grandma Rachel.

One example of holy authenticity:

The Bible.  How grateful I am for the reliability of God’s Word—filled with wisdom, promises, and encouragement.  The more I learn of archaeology, prophecy, history, and creation science, the more astounded I am by the great volume of proof upholding its authenticity.

One item that demands compelling attention:

An impossible choice!  As I contemplate towering mountains and tiny snowflakes, colorful flowers and majestic trees, soaring birds and fluttering butterflies, radiant rainbows and ethereal sunbeams, crashing waves and delicate seashells…my heart is filled with wonder and appreciation.  And yet there is so much more!

God created such astounding beauty to display his attributes to us.  With  his power he carved out ocean beds.  In wisdom he designed the evaporation cycle.  With creative genius he splashed color over the earth–even out into the galaxies.  His engineering prowess is highlighted in a honeycomb, and his artistry in a rose.

“The whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3)!

So where might that glory be most evident?  Perhaps at the birth of a baby, when the little one takes that first breath of life and greets everyone with a wobbly cry.  And surely there is glory in that moment when the parents first glimpse this new little person who will forever be entwined around their hearts.

Who is not compelled to give attention to that wonder?  “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4)!

One example of graciousness: 

A dear friend, Dixie, died of a brain tumor a number of years ago.  Her treasure of life stories included great heartache, but you wouldn’t have known that to look at her.  Dixie seemed to live in a cloud of contentment and peace, never showing anger, never gossiping, never complaining.  Her example is still an encouragement to me today.

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Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the bounty of beautiful things and inspiring people you have brought into my life.  Meditation on all your blessings can keep me happily occupied for hours!

But you have ordained greater purpose in the exercise, because there is power generated by our thoughts.  “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart,” Jesus said, “. . . for out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks (Luke 6:45).”

That means the more I meditate on your goodness, the more goodness will come out of my mouth.  And the more goodness that comes out of my mouth, the more will be evident in my life, because a man [woman] reaps what [s]he sows (Galatians 6:7).

May I make choices, moment by moment, that will demonstrate the overflow of your Spirit.  

Top choices.

(Photo credits: http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.commonswikimedia.org; http://www.flicker.com; http://www.whattoexpect.com.)

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Praise 101

Posted in Encouragement, God's Presence, Hope, Meditation, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , , on February 3, 2014| 9 Comments »

 

“I can’t remember the last time I felt truly happy.”

“Nobody understands what this situation is like.”

“I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

Chances are, at some point in your life, you’ve experienced one or more of the emotions behind those statements,  including:  discouragement, self-pity, hopelessness, and fear.

When circumstances seem out of control and problems defy solution, what can we do?

A good place to start:  praise God.

I know.  That seems an odd course of action and counter-intuitive.  But that’s what God instructs us to do (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Now why would that be?

Reason #1:  Praise is a powerful weapon against those emotions listed above. It fosters peace and contentment by taking our minds off our problems and focusing our attention on God.

David shows us the way in Psalm 103.  In verse two he says,  “Forget not all [God’s] benefits.”  Then he lists  a number of them:  forgiveness of all sins, healing of all diseases*,  redemption from the pit, God’s love, compassion, righteousness, and justice (vs. 3-6).

What would your personal list include?  What specific ways has he provided for you, guided and protected you, fulfilled promises to you, and empowered you?

“Praise is the honey of life

which a devout heart extracts

from every bloom of providence and grace.”

–Charles H. Spurgeon

Reasons #2:  Praise invites his presence, and with his presence comes his strength and help.

“Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy.  the Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.” (Psalm 28:6-7).

I have to be honest here.  There have been times when my praise to God had to be squeezed through gritted teeth.  And the first words of affirmation did not immediately lift me into golden clouds of euphoria.

What I can tell you is this:  Depression, discouragement, self-pity, and hopelessness were kept at bay.  And I felt the presence of God around me, giving me strength to press on.

How has praise brought God’s strength and help into your life?

Reason #3:  Praise lifts our spirits and gives us hope.  When words won’t come, we can turn to the psalms.  Chapter 145 offers one example of eloquent praise:

“God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough.  There are no boundaries to his greatness. ..

“God is all mercy and grace–not quick to anger, is rich in love.  God is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace…

“Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures.  Everything God does is right–the trademark on all his works is love…

“My mouth is filled with God’s praise” (vs. 3, 8-9, 16-17, 21,  The Message)!

Can you feel the hope, comfort, and strength stirring in the depths of your soul?

Keep praising!

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Oh, yes, Lord, may my mouth be filled with your praise, whether I’m celebrating on a mountaintop or plodding through a valley.  Thank you for the delight of the former and your comfort and care through the latter.  I praise you that all things are under your control.  With a grateful heart,  I put my hope and trust in you. 

* All of our diseases are healed:  1) instantly and miraculously, often as the result of prayer, 2) slowly over time, often with extended prayer and medical intervention, or 3) eternally, when we reach heaven.

(photo credits:  www.pxhere.com; http://www.stockvault.com.)

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Winter Watch

Posted in God's Power, Praise, Thanksgiving, Worship, tagged , , , , , on January 13, 2014| 19 Comments »

I awoke around midnight one evening in December, crept out of bed, and peeked out the loft window facing the street.  All was quiet.  No cars passed, no breeze rustled the trees.  The pavement below glowed faintly under the street lamp.

Again, around two, the same tiptoe trip to the window.  Same view; same stillness.

No, I was not watching for Santa.  I was watching for snow.

The last snowfall this Floridian witnessed was thirty-eight years ago.  So during a rare Christmas visit to Ohio, when snow was forecast during the early hours of one morning, I didn’t want to miss it.

The third time I awoke, around three o’clock, my trip to the window was rewarded.  In the dim light, I could make out large flakes falling fast and straight.

As much as I anticipated its arrival, now I looked forward to the accumulation that had been forecasted: at least several inches.

Sure enough, the pale light of morning revealed a world transformed.  Each tree branch, even every twig, appeared iced in white frosting.

And yet more snow was falling.  Now the flakes were lighter and smaller, drifting gently and softly to the ground.

Donning my coat, I slipped out to the front porch, and extended my arm.  Soon I had a lovely collection of tiny star-shaped flakes on my sleeve.  Delicate displays of lacy symmetry.  Each one a magical wonder.

The next day, under a crystalline blue sky, we rode through a nearby cemetery where the snow created an even more stunning display.  Hillsides, ancient trees, and tangles of bushes were majestically trimmed in sparkling white.  Frozen ponds glistened subtly, like great pearls.  By contrast, the streams twinkled, as if crystals had been laid out on rippling, steel-gray silk.  I oohed and aahed at every turn.

Those of you who experience snow every winter may not be so enthusiastic.  There’s a dark side to the white stuff!  Bundling up in extra clothing for outdoors, then shedding the layers for indoors.  Slow, snarled traffic.  Shoveling.  Scraping off the car.

But, oh, the beauty!  The splendor!

“He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes” (Psalm 147:16)

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Thank you, O God, for the glorious wonders of your winter creation.  I marvel that you design each tiny snowflake unique from all others.  How mind-boggling to consider the millions of flakes required to cover just one tree, much less a forest or a whole region.  And  I marvel at your artistry with just one color—white!

How great and glorious you are, the almighty Creator and Sustainer of the universe! How  awe-inspiring to know you are also our loving Heavenly Father.  And that same awesome power that paints winter-white landscapes is at work in our lives, creating the beauty of holiness.   Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you. 

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What’s Better?

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, God's Goodness, Joy, Praise, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , on November 25, 2013| 15 Comments »

I don’t know what’s better:

That first sip of coffee in the morning, or the first moment on the pillow at night!

The anticipation of an exciting event, or the lingering memories after.

Ice cream in the summertime, or thick, hot soup in winter.

Gazing at a wide vista of mountains and trees, or studying a tiny flower up close.

Snuggled up by the fire, or walking through crisp, autumn leaves.

Dark chocolate or white popcorn!

A new book with a tantalizing title, or an old, prized volume, underlined and dog-eared.

The raucous noise of a festive party, or the delicious quiet afterward.

The uplift of a clear, cloudless day, or the coziness of a cloud canopy.

Looking forward to wonders yet to be discovered, or looking back on wonders already known.

Oh, yes, Lord.  “You have made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Thank you, Father, for continually blessing your people—not just corporately but individually.  You even bestow custom-blessings, specifically designed for the pleasure of one!  And thank You that, as I draw near to you with a grateful heart, your presence fills me with awe and joy.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

What blessings are you hard-pressed to choose between this Thanksgiving?  Share your thoughts in the Comments below!

(photo credits:  www.3dwaltz.com/babies-pictures-6.html, http://www.popsdigital.com,  www.levenger.com, http://www.footage.shutterstock.com.)   

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