Tag Archive for: praise

Thinking about sheep and my Good Shepherd

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Ottumwa Iowa field

I just joined a small group from our church. We’re studying Psalm 23. I’ve recited those words to Psalm 23 on numerous occasions. Most of you have probably heard it spoken at funerals, memorial services, or Sunday sermons.

Just when you think you know it all, heard it all—BAM! Something significant slaps you between the eyeballs. That’s what happened to me this week.

We’re studying the Resume of a Sheep. Strange title for our work assignment page, but bears spending time on. There are four attributes of a sheep listed. I’ll cover the first one today and more the next time we meet.

  • Sheep are Vulnerable. I had to look that word up to be sure I understood the meaning of vulnerable. Here’s what my dictionary said: accessible, defenseless, exposed, unsafe, weak, sitting duck. Capable/susceptible to being wounded or hurt. Open to assault. Boy, is that true. Right now, I feel like a sitting duck and unsafe in a certain relationship. I don’t like this feeling. I want to get beyond it. I’m just not sure which path to take at this moment in time.

Ever feel this way? Like you are stuck, exposed and not able to wriggle your way past a certain situation? You are not alone!

Here’s a verse I’d like you to consider. Maybe even post it where you can ponder, recite, and believe the Truth. Consider reaching out to a trusted friend to help you through. There is Hope—never forget this no matter how deep or dark your journey.

“But as for me, I will always have hope, I will praise you more and more.” (Psalm 71:14)

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Suffering for Doing Good

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Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart, Hebrews 12:3.

 

Yesterday in our small group Bible study class we talked about pain, suffering, revenge, and unjust treatment. We all have stories of woundedness. Whether it be of neglect, financial woes, abuse … all of these characteristics make us who we are today. The good and the bad. I wouldn’t want to change any of my circumstances. Granted, they most certainly were not fun to live through. But I did. And the good news is that God walked with me through them or around them, regardless. Even though at the time I might not have felt loved or cared for, I was. He was there all the time. Watching over me.     image001 (Copy)

For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment.”   (1 Peter 2:19). God’s ways are not our ways. We can endure through His strength; not on our own can we bear the burden. Power is available in and through our Great God!

But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.”            (1 Peter 2:20b). Ever go out of your way to please someone, to do good to someone undeserving? When they do not respond in a positive manner or even say thank you, I get really defensive. Makes me wonder if I ever want to do good for them again. That’s where my thinking goes astray. I should not act with the expectation of receiving something in return. On the contrary, my focus should be on doing what I need to do and when I need to do it. Regardless. BECAUSE God is then pleased with me. He is the only one I should be concerned with pleasing. This lends a whole different perspective on giving and doing the right thing.

How about you? Have you reached out to someone numerous times without receiving praise or maybe not even a thank-you? Picture that person in your mind. Now substitute their face with an image of Christ. Think of what He means to you and what He’s accomplished for you. Can you go back to that person or situation and behave as if you are doing it for God and not a human being? When you operate this way, God is pleased with you, my friend!

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The Potter’s wheel

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“Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand”—Isaiah 64:8.

The Prophet Isaiah writes about the Potter and the clay. This verse reminds me that the Potter is the one in charge of my destiny. God created us in the beginning; therefore it makes sense that He’s the driver in my life.

Potter's Wheel

Potter’s Wheel

But do I always seek His wisdom during decision making times? When the outcome turns out favorable, do I give God the credit and glory? Or, do I pat myself on the back and think what a good job I did?

Often, God works behind the scenes similar to stage hands who set up for a play or concert. Countless hours go into designing and building stage props, costumes, script writing, character building, and sound system. Without the proper implementation of their talents and skills, the play/movie wouldn’t happen. Those who sit in the audience only see the finished product—flawlessly performed.

Just like participating in your favorite play or movie, let’s remember to give God the credit for His protection and guidance in our daily lives.

  • When was the last time you felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to do/say something?
  • Did you say “Yes” to the Potter?
  • What was the outcome of your response?

Dear God,

Thank you for being in charge of my life. Oftentimes when I take the wheel, I tend to move too quickly or in the wrong direction. Help me to remember that You created my body and it is good regardless of certain aspects I’d like to change. I choose to be thankful for life and the ability to praise You forever.

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Who will praise the Lord?

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Row of Old Books --- Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis

A most excellent reason to write:

“Let this be written for a future generation that a people not yet created may praise the Lord” – Psalm 102:18.

Why do you write?

How majestic is God’s name!

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Sunset over Lakeshore Yacht Harbor - Muskegon Lake

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens … When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him …” (Psalm 8:1, 3–4).

I marvel at the magnificence and magnitude of God’s creation and the work of his hands. The sight causes me to praise his name. He is too big to comprehend. Too complex to fully appreciate. But I can say, holy, holy, holy — how majestic is your name in all the earth!

God, you are worthy to be praised.

From tears of sorrow to tears of joy

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I began the day in tears thinking about missing my own dear Mom. One word that described my mother would be “Encourager.” My Mom was my biggest cheerleader. If she only knew how far I’ve come along with my dream of writing and publishing … she’d be waving those imaginary pom-poms and saying, “You go, girl. I am so proud of you!”

But she isn’t here to wish a Happy Mother’s Day. On July 23, 1990 (a very sad day indeed) God chose to bring her home to him. How could such a good woman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter be taken from us at such a young age? Yet I know that God’s “thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8).

I wasn’t even sure I could hold it together enough to attend church, but I’m happy to say that the day ended with me feeling thankful and blessed! Our church orchestra and choir played and sang awesome music. God knew just what I needed to hear — He is all we need (Sing to the King). I spent time after the service chatting with some friends.

I felt blessed beyond measure on all counts by the end of the day. God is indeed awesome! God filled in the gaps of missing my own Mom with other’s love and generosity …

  • Amanda, our daughter, came to the house bearing cool gifts for me (she has excellent taste!). Steve’s (my husband) mother came over to visit.
  • The 4 of us enjoyed a picnic on the deck under beautiful sunny skies
  • Andrew, our son, and his wife called from Minnesota and wished me Happy Mother’s Day. I also received a lovingly hand-crafted card and bookmark from the family.
  • Steve grilled yummy steaks and asparagus on the grill
  • Chat time on our patio swing
  • Later, Amanda, Steve and I toured on our motorcycles up north and walked around Long Lake Park. The 2 photography geeks took photos of spring bursting forth.

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Sing to the King

Come, let us sing a song
A song declaring that we belong to Jesus,
He is all we need.
Lift up a heart of praise,
Sing now with voices raised to Jesus,
Sing to the King.

Give thanks

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“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge” — Psalm 19:1–2.    

We’ve been having some crazy weather here in the mid-west. This spring we experienced unprecedented temperatures in the 80s followed by snow, hail, and sleet the next week. Farmers became fearful and went to extreme measures to protect their apple buds from frost and freeze. They built fires around the perimeters of their orchards and hired helicopters to hover above the trees in an attempt to maintain even temperatures.

As I live, breathe, and work in these extreme fluctuations and witness the sky in various forms of flex, I can’t help but stop and marvel at God’s handiwork. Only he could fashion the varying temperatures and atmospheric conditions choosing rain, snow, tornadoes, or pleasant, calm sunny days. No one can argue or match his greatness or majesty.

One thing I can do … I can praise God’s holy name and thank him for watching over us and sustaining this great earth.

Have you thanked God lately for food to eat and water to drink? Have you thanked him for the sun shining down and for lakes and rivers that provide your daily requirements to exist on planet earth?

Give thanks with a grateful heart.

“What do you want me to do for you?”

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My reading for the day takes me to the story of a blind beggar who receives his sight (Luke 18:35–43). Day after day the beggar sat beside the road. One day a crowd passed by. He asked what all the commotion was about and was told, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”     eye glasses

The beggar knew in his heart he needed to get near Jesus — one way or the other. But he couldn’t see to make his way in Jesus’ direction.

So he did the next best thing, he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The people around him told him to be quiet. They were annoyed with his constant noise making having only their own agenda in mind. He ignored them and continued to shout out Jesus’ name in hopes that his pleas would capture the Son of David’s attention. And his persistence paid off.

Jesus stopped and asked the beggar, “What do you want me to do for you?” Now that sounds like a leading question if I ever heard one.

“Lord, I want to see.”

Jesus said, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God.

This story makes me think about my own life. God gave me the gift of sight, so I don’t need to ask for eyes to see. But there are things that disturb me that I should be asking for on a daily basis. For instance … the ability to see people through God’s eyes feeling their pain and trying to understand and relate to their needs.

It helps to remember that God works in supernatural ways and is still the God of the impossible. I must believe he is almighty and willing and able to restore healthy relationships to unity and joy.

Thank you, God, that you are mighty. You care about me and desire unity in this strained relationship. You created both of us uniquely. Help me to be patient for your perfect timing in restoration. Give me wise words when we are together so I will not hinder the process. Thank you for forgiving me when I sin and falter time and again.

Is there something that is troubling your soul? Something you’ve been asking God to do for you for a long time? Can you tell him and hold nothing back? Bare your soul to the God of the universe who wants to be your counselor. Allow him to comfort and answer that thing which plagues your soul causing distress and lack of sleep.

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The God of All Creation

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“You blanketed earth with ocean, covered the mountains with deep waters; then you roared and the water ran away — your thunder crash put it to flight …  you set boundaries between earth and sea; never again will earth be flooded.” (Psalm 104:6–9; The Msg)

Grand Haven pier (Michigan)

Grand Haven pier (Michigan)

Father, God, you are great and greatly to be praised!   

All of creation stands ready at your beck and call. You didn’t just create beauty, but you continue to maintain control over land and sea. This created world brings joy and contentment to my heart in the midst of a confused and sometimes dark world.

You also created each of us human beings uniquely. No two are exactly alike. We each have a story to tell. My story is different from my sister’s story, from my neighbor’s story and so on. That’s why it’s important to tell others my story of salvation and lessons learned along the walkway with God. I must share with my children and children’s children so they can be strengthened and encouraged to carry on.

Help me, God, to live in the present. I realize that each day carries with it troubles of its own. My desire is to live in today and not borrow tomorrow’s troubles. Thank you for saving my soul and watching over each of us.

Is there something troubling you today and causing you to remain immobile? Can you step aside for a period of time and tell God your heartache? He created you and he loves you best.

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You are beautiful! (part I)

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For me, 5 a.m. comes much too early! I need to be up, showered, dressed and out the door by 6:15 a.m. And I’m not an early riser/early bird by any stretch of the imagination! All the while complaining to my husband, “Why does morning have to come so early? I’d really like morning better if it came later in the day.”

For women, it seems we have so much to be concerned with:

     *  Hair just right – not too much curl, but not too flat

     *  Clothing – shoes match the pants match the purse, etc…,

     *  Make-up – not too much, but enough to know I have it on

I probably spend way too much time, energy and money on trying to look good for the public.  It’s not like I’m going to be on television or be interviewed, so why all the emphasis on outer beauty?  Could it be due to the media and outward sources such as TV and magazines? 

What does Psalm 139 say about beauty? – “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

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