Raising Your Arms and Hands To The Lord

 He Must increase but I must decrease. John 3:30

To surrender to Christ is to forget self and be concentrating solely on your Savior Jesus Christ. I love praise and worship songs where you can lift your hands to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords not worrying what others think.

Being God conscious not self conscious is what I heard Elevation Worship pastor Steven Furtick call it. Do you have times in church where you want to throw your arms up but are scared? Scared of what? Just do it.

Maybe your denomination doesn’t practice that, well guess what? You can do it anyway if you feel led by the Spirit and not the flesh. Maybe if worship doesn’t excite you it is time to find a church home where the name of Jesus is lifted high.

Worship is you and God period not those around you. I have included a song of praise and worship. You can lift your arms while listening. Be blessed to be a blessing.

PRAYER: Lord I need to die to self and be more aware of your presence guiding me daily. Help me cast off any works of the flesh and worship you and you alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link and worship the Lord:

https://youtu.be/r5L6QlAH3L4?si=vBqZmWPbVRcOyHyN

Shout For Joy

 "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (NIV) Psalm 118:24

I love songs about joy. The joy of the Lord is your strength. There is joy unspeakable and full of glory. Joy to the world the Lord has come.I've got that joy, joy,joy, joy down in my heart. 

Joy is defined as "great happiness or being delighted." When you sing about the joy of the Lord do you feel joy and show it on your face? I absolutely love praise and worship music. I can't help but raise my hands in praise to the Lord. I do not imagine in heaven we are going to be just sitting there singing and not excited. If you sing a song that says "I lift my hands up" do you lift them up? I imagine up in heaven it is going to be one fantastic praise fest. I mean can you imagine coming face to face with the King of kings and Lord of lords!? You won't be able to contain your joy.

Are you missing that joy in your life? Many who are in churches feel church is enough and don't really feel joyful on Sunday. If this describes you maybe you need to ask Jesus to come into your heart and transform you. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want the joy only you can give. In Jesus' name. Amen.

YOU WILL NEVER EVER WALK ALONE!!

               

It was a very early morning recently when I was at Starbucks and the song "You'll Never Walk Alone" was playing over the sound system in the store. Between this wonderful praise song,jazz music, and broadway tunes they played, it was an awesome morning for writing and praising Jesus. It is hard to sit still and not praise God when you hear this tune being played. I wanted to lift my hands in the air right there in the coffee shop.

I love to worship Jesus with awesome praise songs and often include them for my readers to enjoy. These melodies can help lift your spirit and give you hope when you are feeling lonely and rejected or lost in a sea of worry and confusion. Half the experience of going to church on Sunday for me is being able to really truly worship God with awesome praise music. The kind that makes you want to shout.

You know the Lord is always with you similar to the "Footprints" poem most are familiar with. Wherever you are God is there. "You can not flee from His presence" it says in Psalm 139:7. Take time to read the entire chapter. It is short and will bless you I guarantee it.

Hebrews 13:5-6(NIV) says 'Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,“Never will I leave you never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”'

There you have it. Now go about your day with full confidence you Lord and savior is walking with you.

PRAYER: Thank you for another day of life. I know you are with me and walk beside me. Help me to never doubt your awesome power and majesty. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link and worship the Lord in song.

http://youtu.be/6_KXsMCJgBQ

DON'T GIVE UP...PRAY ON!

 "Keep on keeping on" as the saying goes. What is it you are believing God for? Prayer is an essential tool for the Christian. It is our way daily of communicating with God and letting Him hear our heart. When all else fails, pray.

Luke 18:1(NIV) reminds us to "pray and NEVER give up". Never means never. Discouragement may come. The enemy messes with your mind and gives you wrong fearful thoughts. Reject those thoughts of fear and replace them with faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7( NIV) says 'We walk by faith not by sight.' Even though you may feel a situation is never going to be any different, hang on dear friend.

What has got you down today? Now is the time to look up and praise God. Start praising Him daily and see if your problems don't start to diminish. The enemy has to flee in when you praise God.

Start today and make up your mind you will have right thinking. Purposely reject wrong fearful thoughts that come from the enemy Satan. He wants you to be worried and fretful as then you become powerless against him. 2 Corinthians 10:5(NIV) says ' We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and take captive every thought to the obedience of Christ.'

Go be powerful and look to God!

PRAYER: I can do all things through you Lord and I have your power to defeat wrong thinking that is causing me to pray then turn around and worry. I reject wrong thinking right now and with your help will walk by faith. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link and lift up your hands and praise God!

http://youtu.be/HIkxVMDY71I

MAN ON THE MOON

43 years ago today Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. What a thrill it was as television cameras brought this event to us in our living rooms! Indeed mankind, with God's help, had accomplished "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" as was spoken by Mr. Armstrong as his feet touched the moons' surface. Also on this day 14 years ago The Miller family arrived from Mesa, Arizona to our new home state of Alabama. I recall as we entered the area from I-565 the giant Saturn V rocket at the U.S Space and Rocket Center looming larger than life.

Man certainly can accomplish much with the freedoms we have enjoyed in this country. The sky is seemingly the limit. When man does do something good he needs to make sure to remember who gave him the abilities and skills he has. It is not "to me be the power, to me be the glory. Wow aren't I something?" but instead people, when they accomplish great things or not so great things in man's opinion, need to remember there were many people who may have contributed to help them. Don't become puffed up and certainly say "thank you God!"'

Our youngest son was in several plays in high school and I recall each time in the program when they printed the actor's bio, he always said "thanks" to God. This as a mom made me smile. I have seen this in other programs to even include things like on Broadway or the Army Soldier Show touring the country and coming to my area next week. The performers who loved Jesus said so!! They realized their talents and getting to where they were was a gift from God.

So what big accomplishments have you done? Remember to let others praise you and to give God the glory! Proverbs 27:2(NIV) reminds us 'let someone else praise you and not your own mouth. An outsider and not your own lips.' This is not to say you can not share an accomplishment with close friends or family who love and care for you but the key is to pray for humility in all your deeds whether big or small. Truly humble people are a joy to be around.

1 Corinthians 10:31(NIV) says 'so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.' In the Old Testament in the book of Deuteronomy 8:18(NIV) it reminds us 'But remember the Lord your God or it is He who gives the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your ancestors, as it is today.'

Truly God is the giver of our freedoms and through freedom mankind is able to prosper, flourish, invent, create and help others. Many fine men and women throughout history have done outstanding things because of the freedoms in this country to "be all they can be" as the former Army motto used to say.

Remember today to ponder just exactly what man has done through the U.S Space Program and all the inventions that have come about over the years to make this country great and to help others nations. Indeed God is good and He reigns on high!

PRAYER: Today Lord help me in all that I lay my hand to. Help me to have creativity and to accomplish the work you want me to do. Forgive me Lord for ever boasting as I know all the praise and glory goes to you. In Jesus' name.Amen.

GRATITUDE AND ATTITUDE

It sure is easy to complain about our "lot" in life but have you ever stopped for a moment, especially for my United States readers, and really think about your blessings? We take so much for granted, which saddens me.

This subject came up as a writing topic as I reflected on our healthcare we "currently" enjoy in America and how grateful with my recent snow ski injury, I was able to quickly be seen by top notch medical doctors and physical therapists with little or no wait. In my case am grateful I have pretty much the same mobility as I know for many that is not always the case. Indeed it made me grateful first for mobility, having legs, being able to be seen by a doctor quickly and so much more.

Philippians 2:14-15(NLT) says 'Do all things without complaining and arguing so that no one can criticize you. Live clean innocent lives as children of God shining as bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.' This would mean do not complain about the things you don't have but thank Him for what you are blessed with.

Nick Vujivic, who I have written about before, has no limbs. None. No arms, no legs. His ministry is "Life Without Limbs". Here is a young man who initially may have been depressed but he overcame an immense disability and turned it into an ability and a ministry reaching out to millions. Check out his website at www.lifewithoutlimbs.org. It is truly inspiring to hear him. Today he is on the last ten minutes of "Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer". Check www.joycemeyer.org for times in your area.

Do a gratitude exercise today. Get paper and start listing all the things you are grateful for. Not all the things you are "entitled" to as we are not entitled to anything. Just start writing down all the blessings in your life from the smallest things such as being able to hear chirping birds sing or being able to eat without a feeding tube. Let your mind rest and be able to think. I hope you come up with pages and pages.

Lamentations 3:22-23(NIV) are two of my favorite verses and they say 'Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.' When you are praying why not repeat that verse as part of your prayer. Psalm 68:19(NIV) says 'Bless the Lord who daily loads us with benefits.' I say to that "Hallelujah!"

He indeed loads us with blessings that we so often fail to say thank you. Take time today and give God the glory for all the great things he has done.

PRAYER: Today Lord I am overwhelmed by your goodness to me. I often times am humanly undeserving of your mercies and abundance you pour out on me. Material things are nice but your love and kindness to me is worth so much more. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Click the link below and praise the Lord for His goodness to you.

http://youtu.be/heRHeX23r70

ATTITUDE OF PRAISE

Last Sunday evening no doubt most televisions  were tuned to the Discovery Channel to watch the amazing attempt of daredevil Nik Wallenda to walk the high wire across the Grand Canyon and without a net or a safety harness. Needless to say the 25 minutes or so it took Mr. Wallenda to successfully complete this harrowing task seemed long and brought cheers and sighs of relief from his family, onlookers, and to viewers at homes when he safely reached the other side.

Mr. Wallenda is a devout Christian and before he attempted his crossing of the canyon he was seen having prayer with Pastor Joel Osteen. Later during the duration of his very careful "stroll" across this wire with an "open mike" he was wearing, you could hear him constantly in an attitude of prayer and praise. He would say things like "Thank you Jesus for your strength. Thank you Jesus for calming the wind. Help me relax Jesus. Praise you Jesus. Thank you for your beautiful creation. " I loved it! His praise and talking to God went on the entire time he crossed. What a testimony to millions of viewers! 

You don't need to be in a dangerous situation to cry out to God but you can praise and talk to Him all the time. When you do, wait and see if your fears start to melt away. Psalm 113:3(NIV) says '

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.' Psalm 18:3(NIV) says ' I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.' In Proverbs 18:10 we are told  'The name of the Lord is a fortified tower, the righteous run to it and are safe.'

You can call on Jesus who is worthy to be praised and you will be saved from your enemies. His name is mighty and powerful. Don't wait till you are doing something dangerous but call on Him each and every day. He will see you through.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for your word. Thank you Lord for your protection. Thank you Lord that your word does not return void. Thank you for being my shield. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Note: Go to www.nikwallenda.com for more on his faith

SNACKS THROUGHOUT THE DAY

The other day when I wrote about SNACKS VERSUS A MAIN COURSE one reader said she knew what I was getting at but said she liked little snacks of nourishment throughout her day too. She had a valid point. Sometimes healthy snacks are good throughout the day. I thought about that for a moment and said "Yes that is true. We need to be thinking of Christ throughout our day." By this I mean we need to start the day with prayer and throughout the day to think of Him.

You just do not "gobble him up" in one sitting on Sunday and that is that till the following week but you seek out His nourishment throughout the week on a daily basis and sometimes several times throughout your day.

For instance when you are in your car you can be singing praises or praying. Obviously you would not shut your eyes to pray but you can "talk" to God wherever you are. Remain in an "attitude" of prayer. You could have a good praise and worship station on your radio in the background while at home. Try to stay focused on good things and keep your thoughts "above".

Obviously Satan will attempt to throw you curve balls to get you messed up but resist Him. Try to get in a regular habit of taking the first part of each day to have a quiet time. It may take some creative scheduling on your part especially if you have children at home or have a job to go to. When you start doing this ,wait and see if you don't start feeling lifted up in your spirit. Enjoy "snacking" on Jesus throughout your day each and every day.

Colossians 3:1-2(NIV) says 'Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.'

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I choose this day to stay in an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. I know when I sing your praises the enemy has to flee. Thanks for the freedom I have to read and own a Bible. Forgive me for neglecting it at times. In Jesus' name. Amen.

TROUBLED?

 What is troubling you today? Many times we may be overwhelmed by problems or potential problems and can not seem to let our wandering thoughts go. This is where it is critical to practice mind discipline. By this I mean focusing your thoughts intentionally on "things above".

The verse I have written about numerous times in my devotions is Philippians 4:8(NIV) which says 'Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if there be anything excellent or praiseworthy, think on those things.' Make no mistake about it. Wrong thinking can mess up your life. Dwelling on fear,worry, and all the "what if's" of life can make you crazy if you let it. It is your choice. Read and do what God's word, The Bible, says to or be miserable and let Satan take control of your thoughts.

Perhaps fear of world problems has a grip on you. Maybe it is a situation with a family member you wonder will it ever end. It could be you are concerned about your job and can not stop worrying about what you will do if you lose it. Maybe an upcoming medical report or procedure has you concerned. There are many things that could occupy your thought life to get your mind off of God and onto constant turmoil.

You can not have peace if you can not give these up. You have to try. Guess what? God can help with that. You have to make up your mind you will put Him first and get into the word of God.It is your "peace and joy" manual of sorts. It is your guidebook for going through life on this earth.

Psalm 32:7(NIV) says 'You are my hiding place. You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.' Speaking of songs, one of the reasons I frequently include a song with my devotion is because when you are singing praises to God above it is hard to be flustered. Praising God is an awesome prescription for having a good thought life.

Why not begin today to truly let God have your troubles? What is stopping you?

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for being our burden bearer. Nothing I can humanly do will bring peace. Only you Lord bring lasting peace. I cast off the works of darkness that are trying to get me to give up and worry. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click the following link and lift up your hands and praise God:

http://youtu.be/HzNsEBPB-Z8

SUPER SUNDAY!!

This is the day of the infamous Super Bowl long awaited by those of us
who are not football fans but love the funny commercials. Some
churches have chili cook offs and get out the big screen to celebrate
this big game. It is Super Bowl Sunday! Many people get so caught up
and excited about anything to do with football, but then this is the
Big One and it is big party time.

Every Sunday should be SUPER SUNDAY don't you think? People seem to
get so excited about the big game. Can you imagine getting that
excited about going to church each Sunday? Wouldn't that be great
instead of treating it like it is the thing you " have to do" and some
sort of obligation to check off your list to make you a complete
person?

Many non denominational churches,of which I have been a part, often

raise their hands in praise and song during the worship time before
the pastor or priest speaks. It is an awesome time of praise and
lifting up your hands in praise to the Lord. How do you think we will
act when Jesus comes back or if He were right in the room speaking?
Would we do "the wave" to honor and cheer Jesus? The Bible tells us in
Mark 8:38( NIV) to not be ashamed of Jesus. It reads ''If anyone is
ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation
the Son of man will be ashamed of them when He comes back in His
Father's glory with His Holy angels.' I do not know about you but I
find that every exciting.

Do you love Jesus? Is He SUPER to you. He is King of kings and Lord of
lords. He is the first and the last. He reigns forever more. He is not
just historical figure. He is something to be excited about. He loves
you with an everlasting love. He is often treated so poorly by
thousands of people who disregard His word in the Bible. He is mocked
in movies and on TV shows and even in the nightly news or on Sports
shows. Those players, such as New York Jets Tim Tebow, who choose to
be bold in their faith get made fun of. Stand strong is all I can say
to Tim and others like Him.

When you get a moment listen to the two things I have included below
and see if you do not get more excited about Jesus and loving Him
unashamedly. He is SUPER all the time so let's give Him the praise!

Psalm 30:4(NIV) says 'Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his
holy name.' Enjoy the day!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for your magnificence and your power.
Forgive me if I have ever ignored you or hurt you by breaking your
commandments. Lord this day and every day I choose to walk in the
truth and be a light for you and a witness wherever I go even if it is
at a Super Bowl party. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below...Do you know Him?

http://youtu.be/jaVyGsno-OE

Praise God in song by clicking this link below as well:
http://youtu.be/panB7lHCIzY

 

SIN IS SIN, PERIOD!!

I have seen a tactic in our United States government the past couple
years that is similar to what the enemy does with sin and that is to "sugarcoat"
it. Within the power of the executive branch they like to rename unpopular things they know
will be distasteful or a majority of Americans do not want, in order to try
to slide something through that is not good for America. One example I
think of now is calling the Fort Hood deaths at the hands of a terrorist, "work place violence". A war is called an "action" or something more gentle. Destroying the best health care system in the world is
called "The Patient Affordable Health Care Act". Crafty words are used to imply something is not so bad when in fact it is a lie or a disaster waiting to happen. Amnesty is being renamed something like "Pathway to Citizenship". Sort of deceptive wouldn't you say?

 Satan loves to trick us into making sin not look so bad. It all started in the Garden of Eden when God had specifically told Adam and Eve to not eat from the tree in the midst of the garden. (See Genesis 3:3).

Satan also makes alcohol not look so bad but if you read Proverbs 23:31-35(NIV) it says "Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like an viper. Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind will imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. "They hit me!" you will say, "but I'm not hurt. They beat me but I did not feel it, when will I wake up so I can find another drink?"' Alcohol consumption is not a sin in and of itself, but this verse illustrates how Satan could use it in his arsenal to get you drunk and doing stupid things, maybe even that lead to violence, death, or the break up of a family.

There may be flashing neon lights outside a strip club but inside sin lurks and is waiting to tear apart families and destroy lives. A loose woman may be pretty to look at and entice you to commit adultery by her smooth talk but that also is a tool the enemy uses to destroy lives.Read Proverbs Chapter 7 to learn more.

A lie whether it is called "misspeaking" or a "white lie" is still a LIE and we are not to lie. Stealing even an office ink pen, cause "they owe it to me" is still theft of property. Remember it says in
John 10:10 'The thief comes but to kill, steal, and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it more abundantly.'

The Bible says we are all sinners. Romans 3:23(NIV) states 'we all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory.' Don't do things you know are sinful or may lead you down the wrong path. Staying in the word of God and saturating your life with good praise and worship music will lift your spirits and helps you to avoid the pitfalls and traps that Satan sets for us. Do you desire a life pleasing to God? He is waiting for you to call upon Him and He will give you strength for your challenges.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you that you are there for me in the daily struggles of life. I know it breaks your heart when I sin so Lord bring conviction of wrong and evil to my heart. Help me lead a life pleasing unto you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below and worship God in song:
http://youtu.be/FqXZD_z3eCc

Note: Here in the Huntsville area on Monday February 11 we are blessed to get to have several Christian artists come for the Rockin Worship Road Show. Jeremy Camp, the artist who sang the song I included today, is one of many who will bless us with his praise and worship music.
Check out the link I have included and if close to you go for a night of praise and worship and benefit Compassion International.
http://therockandworshiproadshow.com/

PRAISE HIM REGARDLESS

It is easy to praise God when things are going our way but when the bottom falls out of life then it gets a little more challenging.   When you are going through a bad time of life the best thing you could do in order to combat the attacks of the   enemy, who seeks to destroy your joyful spirit, is to focus on a loving God and praise Him. Yes you heard me, praise the Lord.

Praise him in the morning. Praise Him at noon. Praise him when you are feeling good and praise him when you are not doing so good.  Praise Him when you lose and praise Him when you win. Praise Him on cloudy, rainy days and praise him on sunny days. Psalm 113:3 says " From the rising of the sun to the place that it sets, the Lord's name is to be praised."

It says in Psalm 22:3 " The Lord inhabits the praises of his people."  Psalm 9:11 says "
Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done."

In Job  13:15 it says"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him."  In Job 1:21 it says "The Lord gives the Lord takes away blessed be the name of the lord." Job went through more than most humans could take. Get your Bible and turn to the book of Job in the Old Testament if you are not familiar with it. It is an eye opener. How do you praise God when a child dies or you lose your job? God did not cause these things and he knows you are broken hearted but it still says to praise Him. Things in life happen. God is still there and still on the throne. It does not praise Him 'if only' or 'when only'.

If you are feeling  down today, read the following OUT LOUD and see if you do not feel better.
Lord I praise you for making me.
Lord I praise your name above all others names.
Lord I praise you for another day of life.
Lord I praise you for friends.
Lord I praise you for answered prayer.
Lord I praise you for providing for my basic needs.
Lord I praise you for my family.
Lord I praise you for our creation.
Lord I praise you for your awesome power.
Lord I praise you for the gift of good health.
Lord I praise you for living in a Christian nation.
Lord I praise you for the valuable lessons I learn in life.
Lord I praise you that I can see in order to read this devotion.

You get the idea. Now go add some of your own. And when Satan tries to get you to be mad at Jesus just say "Get behind me Satan. I do not believe your lies."

PRAYER: Father I thank you for your mighty power and protection. I thank and praise you for the wonderful plan you have for my life. I know you are always with me and will never abandon me. Forgive me if I have ever blamed tragedy on you. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link to worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/JaQPUayD-Zs