Good Morning from Arizona!
This morning is going to be brief but profound.
Yesterday Dave and I headed out for a weekend of relaxing in nature. Day one was marvelous and now we are getting ready for day two.
We saw a variety of animals in the forest and none of them were stressed out or overwhelmed with daily life.
So, this morning take a lesson from them.
“Everything that breathes, praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:6 ERV
Go out and praise the Lord!
Starting a new day. Starting a new month. Start with praise!
“But I will sing about your strength. I will rejoice in your love every morning. You have been my place of safety, the place I can run to when troubles come. 17 I will sing praises to you, my source of strength. You, God, are my place of safety. You are the God who loves me!” Psalm 59:16-17 ERV
Start your morning with a song – Sing praise unto God, sing praises! He will inhabit (live in) your praise and where God lives there is peace and victory!
“Father, thank you for Your great and amazing love. Thank you that my “cup runneth over”! It runs over with Your love for me. Thank you for filling my heart and my life with Your goodness. Thank you for making Yourself known to me, my children and my grandchildren. Thank you that You do all things well.”
I just feel like praising the Father today. He is so worthy of our praise.
“ I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14
Start the day knowing that you are blessed and you have angels around you to protect and help you today.
“This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear (reverence) Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him” Psalm 34:6-8
See that the Lord is good – taste His goodness. It’s better than a pumpkin spice latte. The psalmist says it’s better than honey from the honeycomb; the Lord’s goodness is better than life.
Start the day with praise!
I sit quietly. The only sounds to be heard is the low drone of the air conditioner and the cycle of the coffee maker.
And then I open my Bible and begin to read. From my reading my mind and my spirit are filled with music.
“Shout praises to the Lord! Praise God in his temple. Praise him in heaven, his mighty fortress. 2 Praise our God! His deeds are wonderful, too marvelous to describe.3 Praise God with trumpets and all kinds of harps. 4 Praise him with tambourines and dancing, with stringed instruments and woodwinds. 5 Praise God with cymbals, with clashing cymbals.
6 Let every living creature praise the Lord. Shout praises to the Lord!” Psalm 150 CEV
There is a symphony of praise in the heavens – the orchestra is finely tuned. There are no squeaks or squawks like I made learning to play the clarinet. There is only praise – praise to the Lord God Almighty.
“Flaming creatures with six wings each were flying over him. They covered their faces with two of their wings and their bodies with two more. They used the other two wings for flying, 3 as they shouted, ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord All-Powerful! The earth is filled with your glory.’” Isaiah 6:2-3 CEV
“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” Revelation 5:11-13 KJV
We are part of a marvelous concert – a concert of praise. Psalms tells us that the Lord inhabits, dwells in, the praise of His people. Come into the Lord’s presence – enter His courts with praise!
Let the music of heaven fill the silence and praise His holy name!
in praise to the Lord!!
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” Lamentations 3:22-24 NLT
Yesterday was a day of tiny miracles and heart filled praise.
It started before I even walked out the door. Reports of the goodness of God and answers to prayer. Before I the day was over I had heard from friends, family, neighbors and acquaintances of God’s goodness. Mended relationships, answers to medical questions, living situations set on course, financial blessings, safety and protection from imminent danger!!
“All my words fall short
I got nothing new
How could I express
All my gratitude?
I could sing these songs
As I often do
But every song must end
And You never do
So I throw up my hands
And praise You again and again
‘Cause all that I have is a hallelujah
Hallelujah
And I know it’s not much
But I’ve nothing else fit for a King
Except for a heart singing hallelujah
Hallelujah”
This song by Brandon Lake is one of my favorites that we sing in worship, “Gratitude”. I can sense the tears beginning to well up as I write you these words and silently sing “Hallelujah, Hallelujah”.
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. 2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. 5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!…Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. 21 Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! 22 Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the Lord.” Psalm 103 NLT
He fills my life with good things. I am justified freely, made right with God. Covered by His mercy, living by His grace, and strengthen by His might.
“But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7 NLT
Join me. Join all of creation! Throw up your hands and praise Him again and again. Sing hallelujah.
It’s Monday and you know what that means don’t you? It’s another wonderful day to praise the Lord for His love and goodness.
Join in with me.
“The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.” Psalm 18:46
“We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions.” Psalm 20:5
“In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.” Psalm 62:7
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” Psalm 68:19
“Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.” Psalm 70:4
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2
Count your blessings this morning – the Lord covers us with His love.
I’m not through praising yet, but I will quit and let you continue on with your praises too!
I feel compelled to bring you another message on deliverance today. Yesterday we saw how the Lord delivered Israel from the Philistines using a shepherd boy and five smooth stones.
Many years later there was another king in Judah, his name was Jehoshaphat. He honored the Lord.
“Jehoshaphat followed his father’s example and obeyed and worshiped the Lord. And so the Lord blessed Jehoshaphat 5 and helped him keep firm control of his kingdom.” II Chronicles 17:4-5 CEV
But some years later three armies came together and waged war on Jehoshaphat. He brought the nation together and they prayed for God’s guidance and deliverance.
“the Lord says that you don’t need to be afraid or let this powerful army discourage you. God will fight on your side! 16 So here’s what you must do. Tomorrow the enemy armies will march through the desert around the town of Jeruel. March down and meet them at the town of Ziz as they come up the valley. 17 You won’t even have to fight. Just take your positions and watch the Lord rescue you from your enemy. Don’t be afraid. Just do as you’re told. And as you march out tomorrow, the Lord will be there with you.18 Jehoshaphat bowed low to the ground and everyone worshiped the Lord. ” II Chronicles 20: 15-18 CEV
Now let’s jump to the end of the story.
“Listen my friends, if we trust the Lord God and believe what these prophets have told us, the Lord will help us, and we will be successful.” 21 Then he explained his plan and appointed men to march in front of the army and praise the Lord for his holy power by singing: “Praise the Lord! His love never ends.”
22 As soon as they began singing, the Lord confused the enemy camp, 23 so that the Ammonite and Moabite troops attacked and completely destroyed those from Edom. Then they turned against each other and fought until the entire camp was wiped out! II Chronicles 20:20-23 CEV
The Lord delivered them from their enemies. Their weapons were obedience and praise. The Psalms tell us that God inhabits the praises of His people. There is something about heart-felt praise that brings the power of God into our circumstances.
Now one last statement on this battle.
“ When the other nations heard how the Lord had fought against Judah’s enemies, they were too afraid 30 to invade Judah. The Lord let Jehoshaphat’s kingdom be at peace.” II Chronicles 20:29-30 CEV
I cannot repeat often enough how faithful the Lord is. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. These aren’t just nice stories; they are examples of God’s faithfulness to the people who love Him.
“ I did not give up waiting for the Lord. And He turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up out of the hole of danger, out of the mud and clay. He set my feet on a rock, making my feet sure. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and will put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3 NLV
I confidently say, trust God – He delivers!
No, this won’t be a blog about breakfast cereals, oatmeal or bacon and eggs. The only way I know to start the day right is by reading the Bible and drawing strength from God’s word.
Several times throughout the Psalms, people who trust and find strength in the Lord are compared to palm trees. Palm trees have deep roots and are able to sway in the winds without breaking. Palm trees are able to survive and thrive in harsh arid climates. They are resilient trees.
As I was reading Psalm 92 this morning, I was reminded of a place called Palm Canyon. It’s a beautiful oasis and the palm trees flourish. That’s the picture I used this morning. We live near a golf course and there are many palm trees there too. Tall, stately palm trees, a daily reminder of how God’s wants us to be.
“It is wonderful to be grateful and to sing your praises, Lord Most High!
2 It is wonderful each morning to tell about your love and at night to announce how faithful you are. 3 I enjoy praising your name to the music of harps,4 because everything you do
makes me happy, and I sing joyful songs.
5 You do great things, Lord. Your thoughts are too deep 6 for an ignorant fool to know or understand. 7 Though the wicked sprout and spread like grass, they will be pulled up by their roots. 8 But you will rule over all of us forever, 9 and your hateful enemies will be scattered and then destroyed.
10 You have given me the strength of a wild ox, and you have chosen me to be your very own. 11 My eyes have seen, and my ears have heard the doom and destruction of my evil enemies.
12 Good people will prosper like palm trees, and they will grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. 13 They will take root in your house, Lord God, and they will do well. 14 They will be like trees that stay healthy and fruitful, even when they are old. 15 And they will say about you, ‘The Lord always does right! God is our mighty rock.’” Psalm 92 CEV
I particularly like the last four verses. Good people will prosper, grow strong, take root and do well. They will stay healthy and fruitful, even when they are old. (That’s me! At 72, I am grateful to be strong and healthy.)
The Lord always does right! God is our mighty rock!!
There is no better way to start the day then by praising our God!!
My day started out a bit unusual. I got up started the coffee, opened the screen door to let in the cool morning air and sat down to read my Bible and pray. In very short order, I heard thumping on the patio, I opened the curtain and stepped out on the deck to see three javelina running across the pavers and two at the bottom of the steps.
I chased them off but they were in no great hurry to leave. It’s frustrating because they like to eat our plants and flowers.
Let me tell you, it doesn’t leave me in a very “spiritual” state of mind.
I heard in my heart, “Seriously Kristi, you’re going to let some wild javelina ruin the start of your day?”. I almost did. I was ready to start murmuring.
The Apostle Paul warns us about murmuring.
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Philippians 2:14 CEV
” Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall. 13 You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations. 14 My friends, you must keep away from idols.” I Corinthians 10:12-14 CEV
We face the same kind of temptations as they early Christians did. Murmuring because we think things should be better; we’re being mistreated; everyone else has it better than us. Murmuring because we have wild animals eating our flowers – sounds pretty silly doesn’t it.
Then we are also tempted to worship idols, no, not the gold and stone statues but the idols of fame, success, pleasure, education, relationships. Any of these can draw us away for serving the Lord.
However the good news is this. God knows about these temptations and He has given us the power to resist them and escape their grasp.
Jesus didn’t come to make us miserable – not at all.
“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:10 ERV
“ Don’t worry and ask yourselves, ‘Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?’ 32 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. 33 But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. 34 Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself.” Matthew 6:31-34 CEV
Seems pretty silly to murmur about the small upsets of life. They take our eyes off the many blessings that God has given us. Don’t give the day over to complaining.
God gives us victory over complaints; it’s called praise. He promises to provide all we need. Take Him at His word!
Last night we were with friends, driving home from a birthday dinner for Dave. I love celebrating him and I am so blessed to have him as my husband, the love of my life. But I digress.
What I wanted to tell you about was the sunset that filled with sky. I didn’t get a picture of the sun dropping behind the hills and giving them a golden halo, so you’ll have to take my word, it was beautiful. However, when we were home and on the patio, I did capture this picture of what remained.
It reminded me of this verse:
“Let the name of the Lord be praised now and forever. 3 From dawn until sunset the name of the Lord deserves to be praised.” Psalm 113:2-3 CEV
This morning I woke with a song. The words came rolling in the moment I opened my eyes. As the coffee was brewing, I sang!
“Oh, what a wonderful, wonderful day,
Day I will never forget,
After I wondered in darkness away,
Jesus my Savior I met.
Oh, what a tender compassionate Friend,
He met the need of my heart,
Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling,
He made all the darkness depart.
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul,
When at the cross the savior made me whole,
My sins were washed away,
And my night was turned to day,
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul.”
Heaven came down!
Came down for you and me. Came down to wash away our sins; came down to bring us new life; came down to give us hope, joy and grace.
“ Adam was the first man. He was made from the dust of the earth. Christ was the second man. He came down from heaven. 48 All men of the earth are made like Adam. But those who belong to Christ will have a body like the body of Christ Who came from heaven.” I Corinthians 15:47-48 NLV
Heaven’s purpose was for Christ to come and give us a new life! Our purpose is to praise and honor Him.
“Whoever gives a thank offering shows me honor. And whoever decides to live right will see my power to save.” Psalm 50:23 ERV
It’s that time of morning when the birds are starting to sing their songs of praise. The sun isn’t even up yet but it’s time to praise. Let’s join them…
From the rising of the sun, I will praise the Lord for heaven came down and His glory fills my soul!
You ever have one of those mornings when you get up and wonder what the day will have in store? You’re wondering if you will have the strength to face it – will you have the answer for the day’s questions – in yourself you feel weak?
This is the real part of our relationship with the Lord. Getting up each morning and thanking the Father for His mighty acts; for His strength, peace, joy and His abundant wisdom.
It’s not all about me – it certainly is all about Him! So focus…
“Praise the Lord, because he is good! His faithful love will last forever! 2 Everyone the Lord has saved should repeat that word of thanks. Praise him, all who have been rescued from the enemy.” Psalm 107:1-2 ERV
“Thank the Lord for his faithful love and for the amazing things he does for people. 9 He satisfies those who are thirsty. He fills those who are hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8-9 ERV
“He gave the command and healed them, so they were saved from the grave. 21 Thank the Lord for his faithful love and for the amazing things he does for people. 22 Offer sacrifices of thanks to him. Sing with joy about all that he has done.” Psalm 107:20-22 ERV
“Whoever is wise will remember these things and begin to understand the Lord’s faithful love.” Psalm 107:43 ERV
Psalm 107 is filled with examples of people doing their own thing; straying from God’s plan. Then in desperation they call out to the Lord and He delivers them because of His amazing, faithful love.
If our Father remains faithful to the rebellious and disobedient, and we have all been in that category, we can be confident that He is faithful to those who are obedient and faithful. We are His children and His love never fails.
“Praise the Lord with me. Let us honor his name. 4 I went to the Lord for help, and he listened. He saved me from all that I fear. 5 If you look to him for help, he will put a smile on your face. You will have no need to be ashamed.” Psalm 34:3-5 ERV
Focusing on His love, mercy, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and protection gives us many, many reasons to praise. It will put a smile on our face.
Throughout the day take “Praise Breaks”. Praise reminds us of the Lord’s faithful love!