Tag Archive for: praise

How great is our God!

/0 Comments/in /by

Have you thought about the words, “How great is our God?” Only five one- syllable words, but packed with much heavy power and meaning. Let’s look at a few attributes of this great and awesome God:

  • Clothed in majesty (compared to my filthy rags)
  • He is Light (I sometimes hide in darkness, how about you?)
  • King of all Kings (I am nothing without him)

Yet when I humble myself and call on his matchless name, I am called a daughter of the King. God desires my fellowship and bids me to walk in the light as he is in the light. He truly is a great God — worthy of all my praise.

Thank you, God, for allowing me to participate in your plan and be a part of your holy family.

Have you thought about the hugeness of God, creator of the universe? Have you told him your worries — none of which are too big or too small for him to handle.

***

Joys of Grand-parenting

/2 Comments/in , , , /by

What’s it like when the grandchildren are around?

  • Every breath is like inhaling fresh air into my lungs
  • Gives me reason to rise early in the morning
  • Bursts of energy from on high
  • Courage and determination to live and live holy and perfectly (little eyes watch and minds absorb every word and deed!)
  • Able to swing higher, walk and shop longer, swim/float, build sand castles, bake cakes and cookies, create towers, color with rainbow jumbo crayons, read stories (favorites over & over again)
  • Feel the need to nap when they nap. Rise when they rise
  • Always carry gum and mints and water bottles
  • Just can’t get enough lovin’ and kisses!

There’s nothing quite as special as being in the presence of innocent, say-it-like-it-is little people. Life seems less complicated, pure. I feel younger, more full of energy and vitality. Exhaustion does sink in, but I sleep soundly. I am at peace and all is well with my soul.

“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name…who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”  (Psalm 103:1, 4–5)

Teresa Kay Lasher©2011

***

He never sleeps

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

“On my bed, I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:6–8). 

Do you have trouble sleeping at night? I often do. For some reason, my brain rehearses what took place during the day. And if that’s not enough, I continue to think about what needs to be done tomorrow. I ponder about the words I should have said; some I should not have said. Even if my body lies in a horizontal position, my mind doesn’t always assume an “at rest” mode.

Some may count sheep. I try to concentrate on counting my blessings and name them one by one. Remembering God, his influence and help throughout the day, helps me fall into pleasant slumber.

Blessings may be minor like finding an empty parking space at the doctor’s office. Protection may come in major ways such as saving a life after a motorcycle crash or during a storm on the lake.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for keeping me in the shadow of your wings. I clearly have reason to rejoice and sing your praises day and night!

Ask:  Can you think of a recent experience where you were saved from harm or humiliation? Are you willing to acknowledge the Source of this protection?

*** 

Grace days

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

“Here dies another day

During which I have had eyes, ears, hands

And the great world round me;

And with tomorrow begins another.

Why am I allowed two?”

(G. K. Chesterton, Collected Works of G. K. Chesterton: Collected Poetry: Part 1)

In Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts, she poses the question “why doesn’t anyone ask that question? Why are we allowed two? Why lavished with three? A whole string of grace days? Isn’t even one grace enough?” 

It’s true. I am so blessed, yet when one thing doesn’t go as predicted or bad things happen such as discovery of a brain tumor, I am quick to question God. Are you sure, God, that you know what you are doing here? I really don’t have time to deal with surgeons, hospital stays, and recovery. And what if you chose a cancer form of tumor? Will I be quick to praise you for cancer or an incurable disease? 

Prayer: Thank you, God, that we have available skilled medical staff and facilities right here in my hometown. You have given me such great joy in my family members and friends. I am truly blessed beyond measure even if my diagnosis is unfavorable.

Ask: Is there something in your life causing great unrest and anxiety? Maybe there’s not enough time left at the end of your day to complete all your tasks. Or, maybe there’s more month left at the end of your paycheck. Can you list three blessings from this day that generates joy in your heart?

*** 

He is Worthy

/0 Comments/in /by

Pictured Rocks at sunset

“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3).

We must worship God continually and praise Him from sunrise to sunset. No one is like the Lord our God. No one is worthy to be praised day and night, night and day.

***

Force of Nature?

/0 Comments/in , , /by

“For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” (Psalm 95:3–8).

Associated Press reports: Tokyo—“A ferocious tsunami unleashed by Japan’s biggest recorded earthquake slammed into its eastern coast Friday, killing hundreds of people as it carried away ships, cars and homes, and triggered widespread fires that burned out of control.”

 Widespread evacuation efforts continue, people and buildings displaced and millions without homes or power. 80 foot waves plow through areas where over 1 million people live and work. Devastation is headed toward Hawaii and the US west coast. How very tragic!

I see a piece of white fabric wave outside a window as the radio broadcaster announces, “People surrender to the power and force of nature.” Really? Nature, I don’t think so!  God, the Creator of heaven and earth and the seas, is the one ultimately in control. He sees all. He knows all and longs for us to worship him, the Ruler over all.

While growing up, my family and I survived a tornado whose path went straight through our campsite. A huge oak tree landed in the spot where my parents would have been sleeping if we had remained in our camper. My mother felt the urge to get in the car and drive to the other side of the campground; my Dad followed her advice.  God spared my whole family that day from injury and death. Scary? Yes, but we thanked God for saving our lives. When horrible things happen, what and who is really important in our lives immediately surface. The small stuff seems far, far away.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for preserving my life and my family’s life many years ago. I want to sing praises to you, God! May I never forget your countless blessings and benefits.

Ask: Is there an area in your life that needs attention? Some selfish desire you should not be pursuing? Do you hear God pleading with you to not harden your heart and come back to him?

***

Tower of refuge

/0 Comments/in , /by

I am still amazed that my Savior can be comfort, shelter, tower of refuge and strength to all his people all the time. Often, I am more concerned with what he can do for me that I end up asking more and praising less. Regardless of my current circumstances, I need to remember to praise God for who he is.

Prayer:  Thank you, God, for caring enough about me to be my strong tower and refuge when I’m fearful and confused. I know I am yours and that no one can snatch me out of your loving, possessive hand. No one or nothing—not even death or life can separate me from you! 

Ask: Is there a medical issue confusing you and baffling doctors, or do you fight a monthly battle to pay the bills? Do you sense assurance and comfort as you walk through trials and tribulations? Can you praise God for answered prayer in the past and trust him for your future?

Shout to the Lord!

 “My Jesus, my Savior, Lord there is none like you.  All of my days I want to praise the wonders of your mighty love. My comfort, my shelter, tower of refuge and strength, let every breath, all that I am, never cease to worship you. 

Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing power and majesty, praise to the King, mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of your name. I sing for joy at the work of your hand. Forever I’ll love you, forever I’ll stand. Nothing compares to the promise I have in you.” – Darlene Zschech 

***