God's Word for Wednesday, 3/6/19

O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

Isaiah 25:1 KJV

God, you are my God. I celebrate you. I praise you. You’ve done your share of miracle-wonders, well-thought-out plans, solid and sure. 

Isaiah 25:1 MSG

God's Word for Tuesday, 11/20/18

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

Psalm 95:1-2 KJV

Come, let’s shout praises to God, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us! Let’s march into his presence singing praises, lifting the rafters with our hymns!

Psalm 95:1-2 MSG

God's Word for Sunday, 10/7/18

Lord, we give You - and You alone - praise for seeing Justice Kavanaugh through the ordeal and onto his new seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. May He continue to honor You, and may this nation be turned back to You. In Jesus' mighty name we pray, Amen!

Readers and friends, here's a first-hand narrative of what went on behind the scenes in yesterday's Senate confirmation.

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

Psalm 63:1 KJV

 God—you’re my God! I can’t get enough of you! I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts.

Psalm 63:1 MSG

God's Word for Monday, 11/20/17

Come, let’s shout praises to God, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us! Let’s march into his presence singing praises, lifting the rafters with our hymns!

Psalm 95:1-2 MSG

God's Word for 6/4/17

Blessed are you, God of Israel, our father from of old and forever. To you, O God, belong the greatness and the might, the glory, the victory, the majesty, the splendor; Yes! Everything in heaven, everything on earth; the kingdom all yours! You’ve raised yourself high over all. Riches and glory come from you, you’re ruler over all; You hold strength and power in the palm of your hand to build up and strengthen all. And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to you, praising your splendid Name.

1 Chronicles 29:11 MSG

Depressed By The News? Here's a Suggestion ...

Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God. (Psalm 50:23)

The Bible is filled with many verses of praise and thanksgiving - and nearly all of the Psalms contain praise. God is the Creator of the universe and sustains it by His power. He's our provider, our Savior from sin and hell, our giver of hope, and the source of our joy. It's only right that we should praise Him and thank Him for all His blessings.

Much is being made of the negative things taking place in the world, and in the U.S. There is much to be concerned about in the political world, as well.

So what are we, as Christians, supposed to do?

The answer is simple: pray, and give thanks to God for His protection and provision. Praise and thanksgiving (gratitude) are actions, but they're also attitudes. You've heard that you are to cultivate an attitude of gratitude; that's what I'm talking about. In Luke 17, Jesus said that gratitude even leads to healing:

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks ... And He said to him, "Arise; go your way. Your faith has made you well." (Luke 17:15-19)

Jesus was showing us the importance of acknowledging God's grace and goodness toward us. So as we go into a new year, we mustn't get hung up on what's on the news. The stories may be depressing, but we must not surrender to despair. When we thank God for His goodness, provision, and protection, we remind ourselves that He is watching over us, and take comfort in knowing that He is in charge.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:26-27)

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Just remember that we're not physical beings having intermittent spiritual experiences. We're spiritual beings having a temporary physical existence.

It will get better - He promised!

Great News

My mother, who suffered a series of minor to middlin' strokes around her birthday on the 4th, will be released on the 24th. She will be home for Christmas, which is a GOOD thing!

We praise God for her rapid recovery. There will be another two weeks of therapy, but she can do that in her hometown, rather than in a hospital 60 miles away.

This is the best Christmas present of all.