Category Archives: Praise

Have Fun!

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Have a joyful, happy, cheerful, day!

I can hear God saying words like this. I don’t think He wants us to have just a good day. He put joy, happiness, good cheer, gladness into our hearts for a reason. He really wants us to enjoy all the goodness He created.

How? Do things that make you totally aware of the awesome world and people around you.

Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Go for a hike. Watch a good movie. Dance to your favorite praise song. Sing at the top of your voice. Make tea, grab some cookies to go with, and spend some time with your neighbor.

Abba, Father, help us let go of our concerns and have some fun.

I WILL SING

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Let me sing to God all my life long

When are you most happy? Content? Calm?  Are you like David and know God’s closeness and approval through music?

There is a continual musical theme throughout the Bible.  From God speaking the world/universe into order (Which can also be translated ‘singing’.) to the Heavenly Host at the birth of Christ, to the massed choirs of Heaven singing at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.  From Bach to Mozart to Beethoven…Casting Crowns to Selah to Matt Maher it’s all pleasing to Him.

God loves a good song!  For Him.  To Him.  About Him.  He has surrounded Himself with choirs of angels.  He hears the beauty, joy, peace, sadness, melancholy, and delight of each note and sound.  He loves it!

Abba, hear my song.  Let each note, each phrase, each verse be pleasing to Your ears.  Let my life be a continual song of praise to You!  Make it so, Lord!

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

You can also find this post in Pondering and Prayer.

What if….

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What if, when you woke up this morning, all you had was what you thanked God for yesterday?  Would that change how you communicate with God?  That profound question was another step in the journey God has taken me on to developing a more thankful heart and attitude.

It all started when I was made aware of a book called “One Thousand Gifts”.  This book tells the story of a woman’s journey from an unthinkable incident that colored her whole life to a thankful heart and soul.  As a result I added the ‘gifts’ page to this blog.

Prayer is necessary to a productive Kingdom life.  Since I find it difficult to stay focused I write my prayers and use a model called ACTS.  The A is for Acclamation (praise).  C for contrition (remorse for sins).  T for thanksgiving.  S for supplication (requests).  Because I truly want to develop a thankful heart I include at least five thank-praises for what my One and Only has done or given.

It is mandated in the Word to give thanks!  Take a look at these scriptures and pictures…

I Chronicles 16:34  Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.

I Corinthians 15:57  Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

A fond memory of my dad holding his first grandchild.

Philippians 1:3  I give thanks to my God upon every remembrance of you.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18  Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s Will for you in Christ Jesus.

Ah, Lord, God, how can I say thanks…You have given me life, joy, hope, a future, family, friends, music, cats, a believing husband…What more can I say than thanks!!!!!!

THE HEAVENS ARE TELLING THE GLORY OF GOD

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The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.  NKJV  

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  NIV

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky displays what his hands have made.  GT 

sunrise

sunrise (Photo credit: Sean MacEntee)

  I got up early this morning to watch the sun rise in the mountains.  I like to dothis anywhere I am, at home or traveling.  I am never disappointed!  First there was haze but I could see the closest trees.  The sound of crickets and tree frogs provided a background for what was to come.  Gradually the sky got lighter, the cardinals, crows, blue jays, eagles, and other birds began a chorus of praise that set a tone of excitement.  It seemed the trees got greener as the skies got bluer.  Dogs were barking in the distance that got other dogs barking.  Probably, because they had seen a deer…rabbit…bear…but still, an interesting layer to this symphony of praise.  As the sun began to rise its rays fell on a distant mountain and slowly and  highlighted in the light of a new day. 

These precious moments are a reminder to me to slow down, watch, wait and savor the beauty of all that is around me.  This incredible picture occurs everywhere and is a gift to me (us) from the One and Only who wants me to wake up each morning praising Him and enjoying what He is going to provide for me that day.  God is so good!!!!

Heavenly Father, I give You all praise, honor, and glory.  You have created beauty all around me.  You  alone created the earth and all that is in it.  What an awesome and mighty God. 

What’s Missing

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“Food can fill our stomachs but never our souls.
Posessions can fill our houses but never our hearts.
Sex can fill our nights but never our hunger for love.
Children can fill our days but never our identities.
Jesus wants us to know only He can fill us and truly satisfy us.”
~ Lysa TerKeurst

While at a baseball game I watch the game and talk to the people around. At the grocery store or mall I shop.    During lunch with a friend I interact with her.  At worship I focus on my Lord.  At the movies I watch the show.  At work I focus on my job.  It seems that everyone around me has their cell phone or iPad with them constantly and their focus is on that and not on the present. 

What are they all looking for?  Is there something missing?  Is there such loneliness in the lives of those around us that there must be constant contact with someone or something? 

I use my cel phone only when traveling long distances for safety issues.  (I have Sync so I don’t have to take my hands of the steering wheel.)  I do not text unless I am texted and often don’t check my messages until I’m annoyed by the beep.  I use my lap top only for business and writing.  If I’m feeling lonely my go to person is God. 

In this lonely, rushing world the one verse that stands out to me is Psalm 46:10

                     BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

Heavenly Father, Creator of all, Master of the Universe, You alone are worthy of my total attention.  In the hustle, bustle, and rush of this world you are my Quite Place.  You create the stillness that can be felt in the noise of life.  Grant me the privilege of knowing the ‘Peace that passes all understanding in Christ Jesus.’    Make it so