I’ve been listening to my conversations with people lately, and the words I am hearing are not pleasant. Complaints. Impatience. Annoyance. Don’t I regularly speak about the power of praise? Didn’t I write an entire book about God’s blessings in the face of disability and despair? Don’t I stand and lead others in worship in all times, good and bad?
If so, then why am I not wrapping myself each day in the protective blanket of praise?
And now that I’m thinking about it — where has my joy gone?
The Bible says that “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”(Nehemiah 8:10)
Look a little more closely at that verse and we can see that the word “strength” here (Ma`owz) means
“place or means of safety, protection, refuge, stronghold place of safety, fastness, harbour, stronghold refuge (of God), human protection.”
And since the Word of God is Truth, then shouldn’t I praise God (choosing thanksgiving over complaints) all the more on my darker days? Days when the reality of my situation would lead me to despair and hopelessness, choosing instead to focus on God’s promise of a future?
Choosing joy over ingratitude bring me to a place of safety, protection and refuge.
There’s God’s infallible promise, written clearly in Nehemiah. A gift from God, the secret to overcoming.
In today’s worship moment, I am passing along a truth that I learned from singer and songwriter Laura Story, who surprised us by showing up to lead worship at Church at Charlotte this morning. Laura says in her new song “Blessings,”
What if…the aching of this life Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy And what if trials of this life The rain, the storms, the hardest nights Are your mercies in disguise?
I think she’s on to something. A truth I keep trying to burn forever into my heart but find a need for frequent reminders. So today, I’m choosing gratitude instead of self-centerness. I’m choosing to find God in the simplest joys of life.
I’m choosing life, not death, a life of abundance lived right here, right now.
Here are my Worship Weekend videos to bless you today:
Let Me Share One Thing That I Have Seriously Been Wrong About Lately:
In my video post today, I share something that I have not been doing right in my walk of faith, and why it’s time to change. Psalm 145 tells us to speak out about His goodness from generation to generation, and from nation to nation. But I have been silent, afraid to speak out about God’s blessings. Yes, God is good, but who is going to know if I am silent?
We need to tell the world about the things He has done. Here is why:
Satan’s purpose is to convince us that God is not good.
It’s up to us to tell others about God’s goodness: From Psalm 145:
4 One generation will declare Your works to the next
and will proclaim Your mighty acts. (E)
5 I will speak of Your glorious splendor
and Your wonderful works.
6 They will proclaim the power of Your awe-inspiring works,
and I will declare Your greatness.
7 They will give a testimony of Your great goodness
and will joyfully sing of Your righteousness.
So, my question for you is … What has God done for YOU lately?
Share just one thing that God has done in your life in a blog comment. Just one thing!
Praise and Worship in Battle: Can you imagine sending a praise team into battle ahead of the soldiers? That’s exactly what the Israelites did in 2 Chronicles 20. This act of faith and worship brought about an amazing supernatural victory. It’s a fascinating story that I want to share with you.
In this Bible story, which I talk about in the video below, King Jehoshaphat discovers that praise and worship is one of the mightiest methods of warfare that believers can use against the enemy. When you face walls that keep you from your own Promised Land — the place that God prepares you for — follow King Jehoshaphat’s lead, declaring the victory for God and praising Him for the victory that lies ahead. Then you, too, will see God move in mighty ways!
21 After talking it over with the people, Jehoshaphat appointed a choir for God; dressed in holy robes, they were to march ahead of the troops, singing,
Give thanks to God, His love never quits.
21 Then he consulted with the people and appointed some to sing for the LORD and some to praise the splendor of [His] holiness. When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing:
Give thanks to the LORD,
for His faithful love endures forever.
21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
“Give thanks to the LORD,
for his love endures forever.”
Each Worship Weekend, I want to give you a special video. Here’s one by U2. Enjoy!:
This is the first of my “Worship Weekend” video posts that will feature a special thought on the topic of worship.
Worship is a key component to living a victorious life in sync with God’s purpose and will. Worship is not just about singing songs on Sunday… it’s something you do with your entire life.
In this video I share some thoughts about the impact of drawing near to God’s presence, and why it matters:
Do you have any thoughts about worship? Do you wonder why it’s important or why it matters to God?
If so, let’s talk! I would love to discuss the topic with you. Leave your comments below!
Have you ever done something special – whether it’s a gift, a ministry, or a service – and felt like no one noticed? Have you worked hard to bless someone, and felt like it was all for nothing? Have you questioned if anyone cared, or if your offering mattered at all?
Yes, whenever you reach out in love to serve another, it most definitely matters..and here is why:
(Note: The audio is soft…I apologize!)
Want to know more? Read about it in Mark Chapter 14! Click here to read this chapter.
When I attended my first Autism Research Institute conference, my head literally ached from multiple hours of presentation after presentation of autism-related microbiology, enzymatic therapies, cellular functions and molecular gut distress. If you are a parent trying to understand the science behind what is going on with your child, you know what I mean! Autism parents attending these conferences get a quick induction into molecular biology.
God as Designer on a Molecular Level:
I remember looking at vivid slides of cells, proteins and molecules in a presentation by Dr. Elizabeth Mumper that were so strangely beautiful. Sitting there, I could scarcely breathe as the as I took in those images. They seemed …so…divine.
Human Neural Stem Cells
Credit: Corey Seehus, BrainCells Inc., USA
These cells are so small that a subcellular imaging system is necessary to capture their beauty. Who can create such a complex, intricate beauty on such a infinitely small scale? GOD CAN.
God as Designer of the Universe:
The Crab Nebula
Credit: NASA, ESA, J. Hester and A. Loll
(Arizona State University)
The above picture of the Crab Nebula was taken with the Hubble Space Telescope, a project of international cooperation between NASA and the European Space Agency. Located at a distance of about 6,500 light-years from Earth, the nebula has a diameter of 11 light years. (A light year is equal to just under 10 trillion kilometers.) It expands at a rate of about 1,500 kilometers per second.
Do you see what I see?
He’s the Designer of All Things: Big and Small!
It is hard for my mind to grasp just how incredible God is. God’s handiwork extends throughout the vastness of universe. And yet, He is present in the minuscule details on levels that we cannot even see or begin to fathom. My expectation is that just as God has designed the immenseness of the universe, He is also the artist of infinitely small details. Mankind will never be able to fully comprehend just how great God is!
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky proclaims the work of His hands.
Day after day they pour out speech;
night after night they communicate knowledge.
As a writer, I recently pitched an idea for a new book to someone in the industry. In a very polite way, she told me that I had proposed a much-needed message that people really needed to hear today. Then she followed that statement by telling me that unfortunately, my name isn’t well known enough to share this message.
She’s right, I know. People don’t know my name. A marketer by profession, I know that there is a considerable amount of business wisdom in her statement. People won’t listen if I don’t have influence. People don’t buy if my name won’t sell. That makes perfect sense to the business side of me. Perfect sense.
But do you want to know the truth? My name hasn’t a shred of power. It won’t change lives for the better. I’d rather lift up the Name of the One Who has created every living thing. Now that name has power! That’s the name to be lifted up… not mine.
Forget my name. Remember HIS. Here is why:
Exodus 24tells the story of Moses, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and 70 of Israel’s elders on Mount Sinai seeing the feet of the Lord descending to the mountain. Verse 9 describes,
“Beneath His feet was something like a pavement made of sapphire stone, as clear as the sky itself.”
Imagine seeing such a vision! The Lord on His throne descending on Mount Sinai, His feet resting upon a sparkling sapphire platform.
Ezekiel 1 describes the throne in more vivid detail:
“The shape of a throne with the appearance of sapphire stone was above the expanse. There was a form with the appearance of a human on the throne high above. From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire enclosing it all around. From what seemed to be His waist down, I also saw what looked like fire. There was a brilliant light all around Him. The appearance of the brilliant light all around was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the form of the LORD’s glory.”
John witnesses this holy and sacred setting in Revelation 4:
Immediately I was in the Spirit, and there in heaven a throne was set. One was seated on the throne, and the One seated looked like jasper and carnelian stone. A rainbow that looked like an emerald surrounded the throne. Around that throne were 24 thrones, and on the thrones sat 24 elders dressed in white clothes, with gold crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and thunder. Burning before the throne were seven fiery torches, which are the seven spirits of God.
Those in Heaven know something that I often forget — there is but One Name worthy to receive glory:
“Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the One seated on the throne, the One who lives forever and ever, the 24 elders fall down before the One seated on the throne, worship the One who lives forever and ever, cast their crowns before the throne, and say:
We have not been blessed to see the sights that Moses, Ezekiel and John saw. But we have the Living Word of God to help us see it. Isn’t it interesting that three books of the Bible–Exodus, Ezekiel and Revelation– each written centuries apart, describe the throne of the Most High God so similarly?
Oh, Lord! So often I want to put myself where only You should be! So often I want to lift up my own name rather than Yours, and oh, my heart breaks in sorrow that I have done so! Help me, sweet Jesus, to remember that the Most High will never leave His seat unattended. There is no room there for my name!
And yet, the amazing truth is that we, as children of God, are called to approach it boldly!
I am forever welcomed at the throne of the Most High God. Paul tells us to approach it with a boldness to find mercy and grace and help for whatever troubles we face. But how can I dare approach the throne –so powerfully described in Ezekiel and Revelation –with boldness? And yet, scripture says that is exactly what I am called to do!
The bottom line:
Even if the world forgets my name (and it will) The One that sits there–the same God that the scriptures above describe in vivid detail–WILL FOREVER REMEMBER MY NAME.
In fact, it’s inscribed on the palm of His hand. (Isaiah 49:16)
That’s all they could go. When King David brought the Ark of the Lord into Jerusalem, lifted on the shoulders of priests, they could only carry this holiest of structures six paces before having to sacrifice an ox and fatted lamb. (2 Samuel 6:13)
Imagine carrying a structure so holy that one touch meant instant death! (2 Samuel 6:6-7) Think about the achingly slow process of repeated sacrifices to cleanse and cover the sins of the priestly party before continuing on in the journey. In just six simple paces, human flesh had managed to defile itself once again, and the Holiness of the Lord requires complete purity. Repeated sacrifices and repeated bloodshed for a temporary covering of sin.
When the Ark finally entered the city of Jerusalem, David made it a celebration of worship. He didn’t just invite the dignitaries. No, not King David. Do you ever feel that the best celebrations require a backstage pass? You get the best seat at the table … if your name is well known. You get a place of honor … if you are considered influential, a person to whom others look up to in respect. Have you ever walked by a formal party at a fancy restaurant and peered inside? Everyone is dressed in their finest clothing, sparkling crystal in hand, and a colorful array of delectable food adorns expensive china plates. That’s what it feels like to look in from the outside while the party goes on without you.
But David – the favored, handpicked and anointed king of Israel, didn’t require tickets or a name of prominence to be invited to this celebration. He invited everyone, the “whole magnitude” of Israel — including the women – to share in one of the biggest events in the history of faith — ushering God’s holy presence into the city. David delighted in bringing the presence of the Lord to the people. ALL of the people, not just the dignitaries.
And here is the best part: David didn’t sit up from above and look down as the people celebrated. Oh, no, he joined in with them, “the commoners” or “base fellows,” as his wife Michal, the daughter of Saul, called them. This mighty king jumped into the celebration with the people, literally spinning in dance. (2 Samuel 6:14) and mind you, he took off his kingly robes, too. You see in David’s eyes, there would be no other king to be honored that day. There was only One Whose presence dwelt between the cherubim of the Ark. Yes, David was a man who knew how to worship God in freedom, spirit and truth.
When you surrender your dignity in worship — as David did as he danced and whirled without his kingly attire –you are choosing to lay down your nobility, your esteemed position, or perhaps your prominent image, to worship God in freedom. David worshiped the Lord with every ounce of his being. His worship was undignified. That’s the kind of worship ushers in the very presence of God.
When you experience a selfless freedom in worship, one that ushers in the presence of God, you will find that it will either draw others in, much like a moth is drawn to a bright flame, or alienate them in fear. Expect to get attacked. To David, the attack came from his wife, Michal, daughter of Saul, when she looked down on David and “despised him in her heart.”
“How glorious was the king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his servants as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!” (2 Samuel 6:20)
Michal didn’t like what she saw. She was too carried away in her own presence, her own position above the people, to jeopardize looking “undignified” or out of control. You need to know that when God’s spirit descends, no man can control it. He comes like a wind that cannot be contained. Forget control in the presence of God! When I enter into the presence of God, I can barely sing! (Not a good thing for a someone leading worship!) I can’t force God to show up in a powerful way. God will do what God will do. When I happen upon a mountain and experience God’s presence, I can only wrap it around me and rejoice!
God is searching for people who will worship him in Spirit and in truth. (John 4:23) Why can we become “undignified” as we watch sporting events, reality shows, and when shopping at a good sale at the mall, and not jump for joy when singing about God’s ability to raise the dead and forever cleanse our fatally flawed flesh? Listen, there is nothing “ho hum” about worship!
Here is the truth: Coming together to sing praises is no different than ushering the Ark into Jerusalem. We are calling for and ushering in the mighty, holy presence of God. The Most Holy. The One who could hit the smite button at any moment, and yet His love is so powerful for us that He doesn’t. The God Who calls us by name and gave His Own Son to pave the way back to Him. To be purified and cleansed forever. No, we don’t need a sacrificial cleansing every six paces. We are forever cleansed and covered by the blood of the Lamb of God.
Isn’t that worth celebrating? I think it is. So go ahead, be undignified! Dance and shout, whirl if you will, and celebrate the One Who has set us free!
One of my first memories of living in Charlotte was going to a local buffet-style restaurant. As I stood in the monotonous line with my empty plate in need of a good filling, a southern gentleman stepped up to the buffet and gazed at the spread of greens, fruits, breads and entrees.
As he surveyed the food, he did something that shocked and amazed me. Suddenly, the man spread his arms wide and with a great infectious smile, he declared in a voice loud enough to be heard across the restaurant, “Thank you, Sweet Jesus, for this beautiful, amazing spread of foods before me!”
Wow! And me? I was just going through the line, another day, another meal. No big thing. I had not even considered how amazing it is to walk into a restaurant and feast from a spread of food that would once be found only at a king’s table.
Here is what I want you to know: Something miraculous happened as I heard the man unashamedly thanking God for providing a bountiful meal. In that moment, I was allowed a sneak peak into a heart of honest and fearless passion for God. And like a flame, his joy immediately spread to ME. It changed not only my lunch experience, but my entire day as well. I brought an empty plate to that buffet and this stranger filled it with much more than simple foods. He scooped up a helping of gratitude and pure joyfulness.
Christ’s life, too, was filled with passion. He was passionate for His Father. He was passionate for the poor. He was passionate for God’s word. He was passionate for his disciples, his friends. He was passionate for the overlooked, the oppressed, the downtrodden, the hungry, the sorrowful and the sick. The very act of dying of the cross is termed “The Passion of Christ.” He was passionate for US.
It is also true that His passion offended. It annoyed the religious Pharisees who had lost their own passion for God’s heart. They hated and despised it.
Even today, the world would prefer that we silence our passion. More than ever, Christians are feeling pressure to keep our passion to ourselves. I’ll come right out and admit to you that I feel uncomfortable showing my passion in public. I worry that my passion might be considered “intolerant.” But why is that? My passion is simply my passion. I shouldn’t have to contain it for the comfort of others, and yet I sometimes I do. The truth is that my outward expression doesn’t restrict anyone else from being passionate about their own beliefs. And yet, I worry that my passion for Christ may offend others. And here’s the reality: it does.
When we encounter an example of true passion for Christ, it’s like a mirror with the power to show what is missing in our own hearts. When I come across an example of such passion, sometimes I, too, am tempted to put it down. “Are they for real?” I may question, although I have no right to ask this question. And then, thank God, the Spirit reminds me that the problem … is me. The reason I am offended is because I’ve lost my own passion for God. It’s a red flag to return to my first love.
The good news is that passion is revived simply by returning wholeheartedly to Christ, who graciously forgives our wanderings and calls us back to Him. It’s called grace, and it’s the spark that re-ignites the fading flame of passion.
Life is so fleeting, so brief. I don’t have a moment to waste by living a passionless life. I want to squeeze every ounce of joy out of the promises of God. I apologize in advance if my passion offends you. I’ll warn you right now, you may just hear me belting out a loud “Thank you, Sweet Jesus,” the next time you dine out at a local buffet.
The question I leave you is this: Do you want to live with or without passion? Don’t allow anyone or anything steal it away from you! Passion is like water: we need it to become all that God intends for us to be.
We only get one life. Fill it daily with a huge serving of passion!
Now He came near the path down the Mount of Olives, and the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen:
Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven!
Some of the Pharisees from the crowd told Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” He answered, ”I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones would cry out!”
My father always told me, ”Kelly, avoid the highs in life, and you’ll avoid the lows. Be realistic in your dreams.”
Dad urged me to be a teacher, an honorable profession no doubt, but I knew in my soul that I was a writer. But the dream of writing a book? Too unrealistic! I might as well believe I will be an Oscar-winner. Instead, I chose a “safe” way to continue to write and studied advertising and marketing.
From 1991 until 2007, I churned out proposals, slogans and web copy. I penned the best marketing fluff I could muster. Funny, but the writing left me empty inside. Was I adding anything to the world that made a difference? One night about three years ago, God called me back to the floor of my bedroom to my old dusty journals from my school years. Pages and pages of poetry sprinkled the hand-penned stories of my life. As I read the entries on bedroom floor they brought tears to my eyes. I felt the old pains of growing up as if each event took place hours ago.
Then I heard Him whisper, “This is what I created you to do. Write for me.” “Okay,” I thought. ”but God, it’s too hard to be published. Think of the odds! ” A year later, I had a publishing contract. The next year my first book was released, and guess who inspired me in the writing phase, calling every few days to encourage me? That’s right, my dad. He’s been my biggest supporter since.
Why am I telling you this story? Because I now know that we only have one life. We need to make it count. My advice to you, then? Go for the highs!
Finally an affordable Bible app. This one is fantastic, beautifully designed and interactive. I highly recommend it. @bibleglo http://twitter.com/Kelly_Langston
Comments from Readers … or your turn to talk!