Category: Praise

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A Time to Celebrate

Happy Anniversary everyone! Yes, we are celebrating the 1st Anniversary of the morning blog.

I’ve been sharing for years on Facebook but it wasn’t until mid-July last year that a dear friend, Tom, set up this blog for me. I hope you have been encouraged by God’s Word as you joined me during the past year.

The other day I was watching a television show and one of the characters made a comment about her grandmother. She said, “Gran faces crises in such a quiet way. She just prays. I can’t sit and do nothing like she does. I have to act.”

I’ve been mulling that over and I’m sure that many people feel that way. They think that praying is an inactive, passive way of handling life’s challenges.

Far from it!

What an appropriate Scripture was part of my reading this morning. It’s filled with action.

“Give thanks to the Lord and call out to him! Tell the nations what he has done!
2 Sing to him; sing praises to him. Tell about the amazing things he has done.
3 Be proud of his holy name. You followers of the Lord, be happy!
4 Depend on the Lord for strength. Always go to him for help.
5 Remember the amazing things he has done. Remember his miracles and his fair decisions.” Psalm 105:1-5 ERV

Look at all those action words; Give, Call, Tell, Sing, Be Proud, Be Happy, Depend, Go, Remember.  Far from a passive life.

There have been times when people have asked me to pray about something specific. A thing that they thought was completely overwhelming. We would pray and they would see the answer powerfully. Then a few weeks later they would be call in a panic and ask me to pray  about another crisis, as if they had completely forgotten about the way the Lord had provided the last time.

We need to continually remind ourselves of all the amazing things that God has done in us, through us and for us. This will not only encourage us when we face the next challenge, big or small, but it will also be a reminder to those around us of the goodness of our Father.

“My soul, praise the Lord! Every part of me, praise his holy name!
2 My soul, praise the Lord and never forget how kind he is!
3 He forgives all our sins and heals all our sicknesses.
4 He saves us from the grave, and he gives us love and compassion.
5 He gives us plenty of good things. He makes us young again, like an eagle that grows new feathers.” Psalm 103:1-5 ERV

The psalmist David talks to his “soul” in this Psalm. Our soul is our very core; the heart of our emotions and stability. How important it is that we follow David’s instruction to never forget.

I think that’s one of the reasons I love the early morning so much. It gives me time to remember and to rehearse what the Lord has done in the past, strengthening me to face this day and all that it has. Part of that reminiscing is prompted by the birds that rise before dawn – quail, dove, hummingbirds, sparrows, finches, meadowlarks, whippoorwills. The first thing they do every morning is sing!

Jesus told us that the Father loves and cares for the birds but we mean so much more to Him than they do. So shouldn’t we start our day like them, singing?

“So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Don’t you know you are worth much more than they are? 27 You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it… “Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. 33 What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” Matthew 6:25-33 ERV

During the last year I hope you have been stimulated in your faith; trusting the Lord more today than you did last year at this time.

Join me in having a piece of cake, singing to the Lord, remembering His goodness from the past and praising Him for the year ahead.

God bless you all.

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Good, Better, Best

The last few days we have been watching a number of YouTube videos.

First ones were on auto repair because we (Dave) needed to replace an alternator. But then we started watching some just for fun. Looking at RV’s, 5th wheel trailers in general, toy haulers in particular.

We’ve always wanted to have a 5th wheel that we take trips with. We spent several summers living in an RV while we were in Iowa working so we have a pretty good idea of what we want and don’t want as far as design, build and options go.

All seem good, some are better and then there are those we consider the best.

But we do that with everything don’t we? Compare, I mean.

Making choices; which is right, who is better, what is best… The only real comparison that is necessary is the one that puts our decisions and choices in line with the word of God.

If we compare ourselves to others the Bible says we are unwise. And if we compare others to ourselves we generally end up judging.  We’re told that as  man we can only look on the outward appearance but the Lord sees the heart. So that really isn’t an accurate comparison either.

But when we compare ourselves to God’s word it will bring light and life to our situation. It will guide us in truth and that is a solid foundation.

“Our Lord, let the heavens now praise your miracles, and let all of your angels praise your faithfulness. 6 None who live in the heavens
can compare with you. 7 You are the most fearsome of all who live in heaven; all the others fear and greatly honor you. 8 You are Lord God All-Powerful! No one is as loving and faithful as you are. 9 You rule the roaring sea and calm its waves. 10 You crushed the monster Rahab, and with your powerful arm you scattered your enemies. 11The heavens and the earth belong to you. And so does the world
with all its people because you created them 12 and everything else.
Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon gladly praise you. 13 You are strong and mighty! 14 Your kingdom is ruled by justice and fairness
with love and faithfulness leading the way. 15 Our Lord, you bless those who join in the festival and walk in the brightness of your presence. 16 We are happy all day because of you, and your saving power brings honor to us. 17 Your own glorious power makes us strong, and because of your kindness, our strength increases. 18 Our Lord and our King, the Holy One of Israel, you are truly our shield.” Psalm 89:5-18 CEV

We don’t want to settle for anything less than the best.

Lord, nothing I desire compares with You!

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Worth Breaking the Budget

Have you ever taken time to evaluate your spending habits? We have lived on a budget all our married life.

Everything has a category and an amount and to the best of my ability I try to make it all line up each month. Need to be good stewards right?

This morning I was thinking about spending; spending for groceries, vehicles, clothing, furniture, entertainment, health and extravagances. The way we assign value differs from category to category. I want to get a “good deal” on my groceries so I clip some coupons and shop the ads.

We shop for the best buy when it comes to our furniture and vehicles and are always looking for a super sale. Then there are those things that we willing go into our savings to purchase; a child’s wedding or college education, medical expenses for a loved one. These require sacrifice but a sacrifice of love.

As I was reading in I Corinthians  I saw Paul repeat a phrase that he had used earlier in the book. And we all know that when the Bible repeats something we should be paying attention.

” God paid a high price for you,” I Corinthians 7:23 ERV

I want us to stop and think about our value this morning. Do we understand how priceless we are to the Father?

We’re not like a bunch of grapes or a bag of tomatoes that can be bought cheaply for $.99 per pound. We’re not like the new dress or new car that He waited for the big sale to purchase. We are invaluable to Him.

“God’s kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field. One day a man found the treasure. He hid it again and was so happy that he went and sold everything he owned and bought the field. 45 “Also, God’s kingdom is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 One day he found a very fine pearl. He went and sold everything he had to buy it.” Matthew 13:44-26 ERV

The earth is the world, God the Father is the man, we are the treasure or the pearl and Jesus is the price that was paid!

What is it that would cause us to sell all we have – our home, our jewelry, our cars, our boat, our horses, our RV, cash in the CD’s and empty the savings account? What would be valuable enough to have us sell all to buy one treasure?

We are that treasure! God gave His only begotten Son to purchase us!

No words can convey what I am feeling in my heart this morning as I realize in a deeper way God’s love for me.

” And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. 19 Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.” Ephesians 3:18-19 ERV

Father, I will take my words from the Psalms: “Your faithful love is better than life, so my lips praise you. 4 By my life, I will praise you. In your name, I lift my hands in prayer”  Psalm 63:3-4 ERV

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What Time Is It?

I’m late, I’m late for a very important date!

We seem to be a people obsessed with time. Everything is scheduled; appointments must be kept. No room for variance. Heaven forbid that something or someone interrupts our schedule.

Sun dials, sand timers, church bells striking the hour, and now probably the last thing many see each night is the clock on the dresser and alarms are set for morning rising.

I’ve hear it said that time is the most valuable commodity. When it’s lost it’s impossible to get it back. No one person has any more time than another. Wealth can’t buy it and poverty can’t deprive us of it.

The important question is what do we do with the time we have. Do we use it wisely or do we waste it? With the recent passing of Barbara Bush many have referred to a speech she gave at a college graduation. She talked about the important things in life, time. Time spent with loved ones, time invested into their lives far outweighs the time that is spent making a deal or gaining another step up the ladder.

If we follow the example that Jesus gave we will be more concerned with people than with things. He had time to play with the children, talk to a beggar, heal the blind and provide emotional healing to the outcast.  He had time for all these people because He first took time to spend with His Father.

“Jesus healed many of those who had different kinds of sicknesses…The next morning Jesus woke up very early. He left the house while it was still dark and went to a place where he could be alone and pray.” Mark 1:34 & 35 ERV

What time is it for you? Since we are connected through the internet it may be early morning – midday or perhaps you are reading this in the evening but whatever time it is  it is time to praise the Lord!

“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 59:17 ERV

You could be in a time of trouble, a time of fear, good time, dinner time, party time, time of loneliness, time of sickness or time of concern. No matter, it is time to praise the Lord!

Why? Because He is Lord of all and Lord over all and all who trust in Him will never be ashamed! Just so you know, all those times listed above – I’ve been there and the thing that ALWAYS brings me through is praise time! Remembering that my heavenly Father is bigger than anything here and that He has a plan for me to prosper and have good success gives me reason to praise.

“I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. 2 I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. 3 Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name.

4 For I cried to him and he answered me! He freed me from all my fears. 5 Others too were radiant at what he did for them. Theirs was no downcast look of rejection! 6 This poor man cried to the Lord—and the Lord heard him and saved him out of his troubles. 7 For the Angel of the Lord guards and rescues all who reverence him.

8 Oh, put God to the test and see how kind he is! See for yourself the way his mercies shower down on all who trust in him. 9 If you belong to the Lord, reverence him; for everyone who does this has everything he needs. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those of us who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing.

11 Sons and daughters, come and listen and let me teach you the importance of trusting and fearing the Lord.” Psalm 34:1-11 TLB

Did you notice these verses are relational? King David wasn’t just focusing on his situation. No, he was taking time with others. Telling them what he had learned and experienced. He was investing in those around him and telling them of the goodness of God.

What time is it? Time to look up and be glad. Time to invest in the lives of those we love.

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A Song for Morning

Early in the morning – this phrase is used over and over again in the Bible.

Early in the morning is a good time to start travel, fight an enemy, bring in the harvest, and it’s a good time to pray!

I have those mornings when I think I would really like to sleep a while longer but I get up anyway. Why? Because I have learned over the years that sleeping in causes everything to get backed up.

I end up rushing to make up for the time spent sleeping. I miss the quiet, I miss the sound of the meadowlarks and the cooing of the doves. I miss the beauty of the sunrise painted on the sky and I miss hearing the voice of the Father!

He meets me one on one and I need to start my day in His presence. I can take in a deep breath and feel His calm fill my soul. I can look out and see the unspoiled beauty. It brings focus to my world; it brings peace.

“My God and King, listen to my prayer.

3 Every morning, Lord, I lay my gifts before you and look to you for help. And every morning you hear my prayers.” Psalm 5:2-3 ERV

My brother was visiting a few years ago and he got up to share my morning quiet time with me. That was so very special. He told me that there had been a time when he would pour 4 cups of coffee and go out on his patio first thing in the morning. He said he would sit in silence until he felt the presence of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Only then would he begin his morning conversation of prayer. WOW!

“16 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

Don’t be in a hurry to get through your quiet time. It’s special and to be cherished. Go to the Lord if you need help. He will be there.

“ Hurry to answer me, O Lord! My spirit is becoming weak! Do not hide Your face from me, or I will become like those who go down to the grave. 8 Let me hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for I trust in You. Teach me the way I should go for I lift up my soul to You. 9 O Lord, take me away from those who hate me. I run to You to be safe.” Psalm 143:7-9 NLV

There’s a chorus that goes along with this by Jeremy Camp, Give Me Jesus. Start your day singing.

“In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
Give me Jesus

 

Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
Just give me Jesus

 

When I am alone
When I am alone
Oh, when I am alone
Give me Jesus

 

Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
Just give me Jesus”

Have a wonderful day! I know I will.

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See the Sun Rise

Do you live somewhere that you get to see the sun rise or get to watch it set? then this Psalm is for you – I think this really includes everyone

“Praise the LORD!
Servants of the LORD, praise him!
Praise the LORD’S name.
2 May the LORD’S name be praised
now and forever.
3 May the LORD’S name be praised
from where the sun rises to where it goes down.
4 The LORD is higher than all nations.
His glory rises to the skies.
5 There is no one like the LORD our God.
He sits on his throne high in heaven.
6 He is so high above us that he must look down
to see the sky and the earth.
7 He lifts the poor out of the dirt
and rescues beggars from the garbage dump.
8 He puts them in important positions,
giving them a place among the leaders of his people.
9 He gives children to the woman whose home is empty.
He makes her a happy mother.
Praise the LORD!” Psalm 113

Lift Jesus higher, Lift Jesus higher, Lift Him up for the world to see! He said, “If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me.”

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