We may not all be great singers or musically inclined. But we are called to sing and make music from our heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19). Whenever my prayers become too self-focused on my needs and wants, it's evident that worship is lacking. Only the Holy Spirit can prompt our hearts to remember His benefits and many acts of kindness that stir a divine melody into a song of worship.
Darlene Zschech, a well-known worship leader, defines worship as "worth-ship". We worship because Christ is worthy. The value of worship is not about talent and performance. And true worship is not about style - hymn books to what instruments are used - but those who worship must worship in Spirit and truth (John 4:24).
So when we take time with the Lord to read and pray incorporate moments that you spontaneously sing to the Lord. Rather than speaking a list of thank yous put it to a song. I often use Psalms to sing out a verse or two. I can guarantee the atmosphere will change. Moments before I felt disconnected or distracted but in a few minutes, I feel lighter and more focused on Him.
Worship is a supernatural act graced by His Spirit to move us to give thanks.
Of the ten lepers only one turned back to thank Jesus. "Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice;" (Luke 17:15, ESV). How many prayers God has answered yet so few of us take a moment to worship Him.
Ask Him to today to put in your heart a divine melody. Open your mouth and He will fill it (Psalms 81:10).
Sing! Sing! and you will see the strongholds in your life - those walled up places like Jericho - will come down. Blessings that have been shut up and inaccessible will be yours because worship always transforms a life. The bitter become better. The low and downcast are lifted up. And those who grumble and complain find contentment and peace.
God does not want stony people with sealed lips otherwise the rocks will cry out (Luke 19:40).
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Light is!
One of the more powerful Scriptures is found in Genesis 1:3 when God said, "Let there be light," and there was light." (NIV). Young's Literal Translation says it this way, "and God saith, 'Let light be;' and light is."
Light as a natural agent stimulates sight and makes things visible (online dictionary).
God thought and spoke light into existence. The major source of light and energy is the sun. A sphere of burning plasma and gas that God sustains to keep the earth from plunging into an icy grip of darkness.
On August 21st, there will be a total solar eclipse. Some parts of the country will be in the dark for a few minutes. I'm reminded centuries ago when Christ died and there was an eclipse but this one last hours from noon to three o'clock (Luke 23:44).
The thought that humankind has no power or control over this natural phenomenon should remind us God is in control.
And there is a supernatural light of revelation. The apostle Paul says, "For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV).
How much more do we need to ask God for light in this dark generation! Our minds can grow dim with unbelief from the horrific events we read or see on the television. Terrorist attacks, lying government officials, a nation threatening nuclear war.
The state of our country calls for a spiritual awakening. The opportunity for the church to take her rightful place with a voice of authority in these stormy days is so needed for youth at risk. An entire generation is being raised without the fear of God and eternal consequences.
We need to pray that the eyes of our heart are open to His truth in the Scriptures (Ephesians 1:18) to keep His light burning bright in our lives.
It's time for us to be lights.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. (Matthew 5:15).
You don't just turn on a light in your life - but light is because God is light!
Light as a natural agent stimulates sight and makes things visible (online dictionary).
God thought and spoke light into existence. The major source of light and energy is the sun. A sphere of burning plasma and gas that God sustains to keep the earth from plunging into an icy grip of darkness.
On August 21st, there will be a total solar eclipse. Some parts of the country will be in the dark for a few minutes. I'm reminded centuries ago when Christ died and there was an eclipse but this one last hours from noon to three o'clock (Luke 23:44).
The thought that humankind has no power or control over this natural phenomenon should remind us God is in control.
And there is a supernatural light of revelation. The apostle Paul says, "For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV).
How much more do we need to ask God for light in this dark generation! Our minds can grow dim with unbelief from the horrific events we read or see on the television. Terrorist attacks, lying government officials, a nation threatening nuclear war.
The state of our country calls for a spiritual awakening. The opportunity for the church to take her rightful place with a voice of authority in these stormy days is so needed for youth at risk. An entire generation is being raised without the fear of God and eternal consequences.
We need to pray that the eyes of our heart are open to His truth in the Scriptures (Ephesians 1:18) to keep His light burning bright in our lives.
It's time for us to be lights.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. (Matthew 5:15).
You don't just turn on a light in your life - but light is because God is light!
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Lively Hope
I Peter 1:3 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," (KJV).
Peter denied Christ three times and so perhaps on a personal reflection; His resurrection from the dead meant mercy and hope.
Otherwise, if Christ was like anyone else who dies there would be no second chance to resurrect a relationship following a bitter refusal to acknowledge Him during His final moments. Those who experience betrayal don't readily trust or believe no matter what our beloved friend tells us. Sometimes the break of trust is too difficult to mend and over time the friendship dies.
Following His glorious resurrection Christ asks Peter, "...Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." (John 21:17 NIV).
Scriptures don't record Jesus being angry or berating Peter for his betrayal. Instead, Jesus acknowledges something Peter had overlooked. Peter truly loved Jesus evident by his tormented weeping (Luke 22:62). Perhaps, there was a fear that he had become a Judas of sorts. Crossing a line in a relationship that will never be made right. But Jesus focuses on this strong love this man had for Him. So, He gave Peter a commission to take care of His sheep.
In other words, Jesus was saying it's time to move past failure and look at what you possess - a love for me - and that love must be shown in taking care of My church.
A lively hope has purpose and direction.
Since we love and serve a risen Christ, we have a lively hope. This supernatural hope will not die and can't be taken from us. A hope that is bigger and brighter than our shortcomings and failures. A hope that resides deep within and keeps rising up even in a generation when many are distressed and despondent.
Peter embraced this lively hope for the love of Him. The more you love Him the greater the hope. Stay close to Him, my dear friends. He is your life and breath.
But hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has come in, overflowing our hearts by The Spirit of Holiness who has been given to us. (Romans 5:5, Aramaic Bible in Plain English).
Peter denied Christ three times and so perhaps on a personal reflection; His resurrection from the dead meant mercy and hope.
Otherwise, if Christ was like anyone else who dies there would be no second chance to resurrect a relationship following a bitter refusal to acknowledge Him during His final moments. Those who experience betrayal don't readily trust or believe no matter what our beloved friend tells us. Sometimes the break of trust is too difficult to mend and over time the friendship dies.
Following His glorious resurrection Christ asks Peter, "...Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." (John 21:17 NIV).
Scriptures don't record Jesus being angry or berating Peter for his betrayal. Instead, Jesus acknowledges something Peter had overlooked. Peter truly loved Jesus evident by his tormented weeping (Luke 22:62). Perhaps, there was a fear that he had become a Judas of sorts. Crossing a line in a relationship that will never be made right. But Jesus focuses on this strong love this man had for Him. So, He gave Peter a commission to take care of His sheep.
In other words, Jesus was saying it's time to move past failure and look at what you possess - a love for me - and that love must be shown in taking care of My church.
A lively hope has purpose and direction.
Since we love and serve a risen Christ, we have a lively hope. This supernatural hope will not die and can't be taken from us. A hope that is bigger and brighter than our shortcomings and failures. A hope that resides deep within and keeps rising up even in a generation when many are distressed and despondent.
Peter embraced this lively hope for the love of Him. The more you love Him the greater the hope. Stay close to Him, my dear friends. He is your life and breath.
But hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has come in, overflowing our hearts by The Spirit of Holiness who has been given to us. (Romans 5:5, Aramaic Bible in Plain English).
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Please, Take My Hand
Jesus promised, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:28, NIV). Though our world may spin out of control and we feel we are about to lose it, God holds us firmly in His hand so we are not swept away.
Some years ago I recall standing at a train station. It followed a gruelling lab workup that showed my immune system was rapidly failing. The pressure for medical intervention was mounting and rightly so for the risk of opportunistic infections was increasing. Tears streamed down my eyes. The emotional upset was a mixture of anger and pride and fear.
Then I remembered as a child my father taking my hand before crossing the street. "Son," he said, "Check the walk sign and always look to your right and then to your left before stepping into the street." I looked up and saw him turn his head in both directions. So, I repeated his actions. As we passed the row of stopped cars, I felt safe and secure. Nothing bad could happen to me because daddy tightly held my hand.
Now many years later I was at a train station. A crossroad of sorts. I was not concerned who saw me when I slightly raised my hand, "Please, Father, take my hand. I'm afraid." I was about to cross a dangerous street of a different kind that only faith in Him could take me to other side - even if it meant the end of my existence.
For those like myself that need to get to the other side of a difficulty or a painful problem God says, "For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (Isaiah 41:13 NIV).
Almost nine years later and nearing my 49th birthday, I remain in a state of health without treatment. Reckless, dangerous, foolish? Perhaps, but faith refuses to be limited. Either we believe God will take our hand (or not) to get us to the other side. And because He does take our hand it will only lead us through the shadow of death in a place of peace and rest.
Yes, there were moments I foolishly jerked away my hand and ran ahead. Other times I dug in my heels and fell behind. But God is a good and faithful father.
He will rescue and correct each and every time so we remain in step with Him much like Jacob limping after wrestling with Him all night.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25 KJV). When you are at rest holding His hand then you are walking in faith.
And nothing...
...is impossible to those who believe Him (Mark 9:23).
It's time to cross the street to possibilities.
Some years ago I recall standing at a train station. It followed a gruelling lab workup that showed my immune system was rapidly failing. The pressure for medical intervention was mounting and rightly so for the risk of opportunistic infections was increasing. Tears streamed down my eyes. The emotional upset was a mixture of anger and pride and fear.
Then I remembered as a child my father taking my hand before crossing the street. "Son," he said, "Check the walk sign and always look to your right and then to your left before stepping into the street." I looked up and saw him turn his head in both directions. So, I repeated his actions. As we passed the row of stopped cars, I felt safe and secure. Nothing bad could happen to me because daddy tightly held my hand.
Now many years later I was at a train station. A crossroad of sorts. I was not concerned who saw me when I slightly raised my hand, "Please, Father, take my hand. I'm afraid." I was about to cross a dangerous street of a different kind that only faith in Him could take me to other side - even if it meant the end of my existence.
For those like myself that need to get to the other side of a difficulty or a painful problem God says, "For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (Isaiah 41:13 NIV).
Almost nine years later and nearing my 49th birthday, I remain in a state of health without treatment. Reckless, dangerous, foolish? Perhaps, but faith refuses to be limited. Either we believe God will take our hand (or not) to get us to the other side. And because He does take our hand it will only lead us through the shadow of death in a place of peace and rest.
Yes, there were moments I foolishly jerked away my hand and ran ahead. Other times I dug in my heels and fell behind. But God is a good and faithful father.
He will rescue and correct each and every time so we remain in step with Him much like Jacob limping after wrestling with Him all night.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25 KJV). When you are at rest holding His hand then you are walking in faith.
And nothing...
...is impossible to those who believe Him (Mark 9:23).
It's time to cross the street to possibilities.
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