Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Endless Opportunities to Praise Him

It's been a nice morning so far & I am expecting many opportunities to praise the Lord today. Already my wife & I have had a nice breakfast. This was after sneaking a few extra minutes of sleep that she assured me was needed (& of course I agreed). Simple? Yes, but much better than when I was in college & wolfing down a bowl of cereal before rushing off to class. I also spent some time reflecting about yesterday & the conversation I had with the two men who wanted to speak about Jehovah. I began to praise Almighty Gos again as I realized that everything I need has been provided for in His Word, by Jesus, & through the daily guidance of the Holy Spirit. God is loving, merciful and completely righteous & just in all of His ways. He speaks to me clearly by His Word & I do not need any other publications to supplement the clear & complete instructions He has given. On top of this, I am not reliant upon some 'force' to help me out, but I am empowered & assisted every day by the person of the Holy Spirit. As I finish this entry this morning, I am completely confident & contented to continue to praise the the Lord & trust Him & His Word for everything today. Blessed be the Name of the LORD.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

An Oppurtunity to Speak Up For Jesus

Praise the Lord. What a morning it has been! This morning I was approached at my home by a couple of men who wanted to have a discussion. After their opening remarks about how bad things are and how wonderful living on this earth could be, I just asked them what they really wanted to talk about. Guess what? They wanted to talk about Jehovah & how great He is! They wanted to talk a little about Jesus and a few other things related to the Bible (their translation). One of the men told me he was trying to figure out what I believed. I told him I believe Jesus is Lord; that Jehovah had raised Him from the dead; & that He paid the ultimate price so I could be reconciled back to God. I told him I believed Jesus claimed to be God & that I believed that He was. After a while, the man indicated that we didn't agree on some major things since he thinks Jesus was created by God & the Holy Spirit was just a force. Now those are some major things! Anyway, since we agreed on what he called some minor things, he may want to speak with me again some time. At any rate, there will probably be another time when I get to proclaim the praise & wonder of Almighty God, Jesus, & the Holy Spirit to this man. So I want to encourage you to keep your eyes & ears open because someone with the potential to bother you may actually open the door for you to glorify God!! Blessed be the Name of the Lord!!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Praise Him on Mondays

Alright - another day for praising the Lord. To be quite honest, if I were judging when I should praise the Lord based on how a day is going, this Monday morning hasn't been 'up to snuff' and I must admit some Mondays are just like that. However, since I praise Him because of Who He is, it's a great day to praise Him! Come to think of it, this day is subject to change, whereas, He never changes. He is always faithful and He is always here (that is to say - where ever I am). Not only is this day subject to change, it will change. This reminds me of one of what has become one of my favorite expressions in His unchanging Word -> "it came to pass." This may seem to be a strange scripture at first view, but think about it. Whatever is happening now (for me, Monday), it will come to pass.
So if your Monday isn't 'quite up to snuff' just remember that it, too, will "come to pass" and while you are waiting, the Lord God Himself is right here with You and He isn't changing at all. Have some quality time praising the Lord today!!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Let's Join Heaven Today

Well another week is beginning. This is another opportunity to gather together with brothers & sisters as we launch into a new week of praising & worshiping the Lord God Almighty. It's really pretty awesome when you take the time to think about it. At one time, all of mankind was separated from and unable to find the God who is everywhere. We had no idea where He was, how to find Him, or Who He even was. Although we implied He was lost, it was actually we who were totally & completely lost ourselves without even the slightest chance of being found, let alone discovering Him. It was an empty feeling to the extent if someone didn't find or help us in some way, that we were completely without hope or any chance of rescue. Then at exactly the right time, He revealed Himself to us in a way that was so undeniable that we reached out for Him & grasped eternal life in Jesus. We confessed Jesus as Lord, believing in our hearts that God had raised Him from the dead. We not only believed His message, but actually took actions that revealed what was in our heart, such as being baptized, changing our lifestyle & actually telling others about Him! We expressed love, adoration, praise & worship for Him. And now, we will gather ourselves together & join all of heaven in the praise, worship & adoration that only He is worthy to receive. Have a super great day. Blessed be the Name of the Lord!!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

What's In His Name?

For a long, long time now I have endured different acrostics based on my last name: FORD (i.e.: 'Fix Or Repair Daily', or 'Found On Road Dead', etc.). I thought about these ideas and they did not seem accurate or appropriate to me. After all, this is the name my father gave to me. He's responsible for me being alive. If it wasn't for him, I never would have been born (well, along with my Mom). I thought of acrostics like 'Fabulous On Review Day', 'Fastest On Race Day', "Flying On Resurrection Day", or "Fearlessly Overcoming Routed Devils" (etc., etc., I've got more acrostics). You see, I'm not some broken down or dead thing on the road. I'm alive, moving on & raring to go. Especially when I consider another Name that I have been given by My Heavenly Father. He has given all authority in heaven, earth, & under the earth to Jesus. Not only that, but Jesus has given His Own Name to use as I need to. I'm a new creation and I have full right to everything heaven & my Heavenly Father have to offer because of the wonderful Name of Jesus. Come to think of it, the Name of Jesus is the reason the acrostics of "Flying On Resurrection Day" and "Fearlessly Overcoming Routed Devils" are even possible. So what's in His Name? Absolutely everything. Blessed be the Name that is above every name - the Name of Jesus!!!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Praise Him ALL of the Time

He is worthy to be praised at all times! I praise Him today! Now today is a cleaning day. Although we clean things all of the time, there are also some special days for cleaning. The first time the idea of 'cleaning days' really 'hit home' for me was shortly before my oldest son was born when I lived in Michigan. Sue was in her "nesting" time and I was minding my own business doing things in the garage I thought were important when she appeared at the door, looked around the garage and declared, "this place is a pigsty." All of my logical and well reasoned responses including what I thought was the clincher (the baby is not going to sleep in the garage) brought the rejoinder of, "you can clean it or I will." So I assured her I would and convinced her to go back into the house. As I was cleaning, I started thinking about my family that was about to increase in size, I started praising the Lord & even got some music going! I discovered that even 'cleaning days' go better and seem somewhat shorter when I praise the Lord while involved in the task. Who knows, maybe the reason I cleaned the garage so long that day was because I had to at least wait for the praise & worship tape to end before I was done. Wow! The music was bouncing off the garage walls and I was enjoying cleaning!! If you have something unpleasant to do, remember to praise the Lord and see if it doesn't go better and maybe even quicker for you. Have a great day praising Him all of the time and in everything you do!!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Praise Him Because He's Worthy

One of the many, many reasons I praise the Lord is just because He is worthy of my praise. Sometimes because of His goodness, never ending mercy, loving kindness, or faithfulness, I will praise Him. Sometimes I get caught up in thinking of the times He has comforted me, spared my life or healed me of diseases and injuries. Sometimes I am overcome by the joy & love of the family He has provided for me in Sue, Ben, & Josh. Sometimes I think of the body of Christ & many Christian friends, teachers, and pastors I know. Quite honestly, the more I think about the Lord and what He has done for me, the more I praise Him! The more I learn about Him through His Word, the more excited I get because He is truly good and just in every way. On the other hand, if "I" never existed, He is still God. He is still worthy of all praise and honor. It doesn't revolve around me, but everything revolves around Him. I am not the center of everything, the Lord is. However, since "I" do exist & I have learned of Him, I would be a fool not to join all of creation in praising Him. Let's all praise the Lord together, He alone is God. He alone is worthy. Blessed be the Name of the Lord!!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Praise Him by What We Do

I believe we can praise the Lord by what we do everyday. Who knows what the Lord has given you that can be used to really make Him shine? Take these guys who have been at our church for a few days, the Power For Life ministry Team (see their website at - http://www.powerforlifeministries.com/). They are strong, exciting and so full of life that they can hold little kid's attention for long periods of time (not to mention adults, as well). The main thing that stands out to me though is their love for Jesus. The 'Power For Life' that they really exhibit (even more than their physical strength) is the power of Almighty God in each individual who has accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. Remember one of the attributes of God is that He is omnipotent. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. Maybe you are not a super strong person, but we are all different & there is something special about you that people will notice and God has you exactly where He wants so people can see God's Glory! So shine on for Jesus!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

It's a Great Day to Praise the Lord

Wow! It's a great day to praise the Lord. There's really nothing unusual or extraordinary about today, but the Lord God of the universe is completely above the usual and is definitely extraordinary. There's really nothing extra special about today, but the Lord is extra special in every way and all that He is and all that He does. I'm not really expecting anything different today than what happened yesterday to really set this day apart, but then Jesus is set apart because He is the same yesterday, today and forever. I guess what it actually comes down to is that today is a great day to praise the Lord because of Him. He is a great God and greatly to be praised.
Lets face it - even if this day 'falls apart' and would become a complete blow-out, He is still God. He still loves me. He is still full of compassion and mercy. He still watches over me and cares for me. He still is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And one day (maybe today or just like today) He will truly be seen for Who He is by everyone as we reign with Him for all of eternity!! Praise the Lord!! It's a great day to praise Him.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Praise Him Again For a Father's Heart

I praise the Lord again this morning for His father's heart. I remember a time when my boys were very young and just starting to walk. I had just walked through the front door. My wife was in the kitchen; my youngest son was sitting on the floor playing with some toys; and my oldest son was ‘tracing’ his way along the sofa. When my oldest son heard me come in the house, he turned around and reached for me with a big grin on his face and only made it a few steps toward me before he flopped face forward on the carpet. So what did I do? Did I show anger because my son couldn’t walk or scold him or call out to my wife in disappointment and ask her why she hadn’t yet taught my boy to walk? Of course not! I ran forward and scooped my son up in my arms. After some hugs and kisses, we walked around the room with daddy holding his hands. Then I had both boys in my arms. It was great! If I, as an earthly father, know how to love and care for my children, how much more does my Heavenly Father know how to love and care for me. I’ve learned from my sons that when I fall down when trying to respond to my Heavenly Father, that He is there is pick me up with care and expressed love and walk with me instead of getting angry and being disappointed. Once again, it is apparent that it’s not dependent on me or what I do, but just based upon His graciousness and because He has a father's heart. Blessed be the Lord God Almighty, my daddy.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Praise Him For a Father's Heart

I praise the Lord because He has a father's heart. Not only does He have a father's heart, but I am His child. I really had no idea what a father's heart was before I had children. I noticed the amazing change that came over me when I looked into the eyes of my son and realized I was responsible for bringing him into this world. My outlook on everything changed. I remember one time when I was working at a machine shop on the shift that ended at 11:30 pm. I was so tired and miserable. I was sick, but still working. My wife showed up during my break with some medicine and when I went out to see her and get my medicine, there was my son with her in the car in his own little car seat. He didn't care that my face was blackened with machine coolant oil and that I smelled like a grease-soaked rag, he just looked at me and laughed. I couldn't help but smile and feel better. I told my wife that she and Ben were my reason to be able to work even though I was tired and miserable. This feeling intensified as my second son, Josh was born. I would do anything for my children and a lot of the decisions I have made were shaped by my love for them. I thank the Lord that my Heavenly Father loves me as a father. It is not dependent on me or what I do, but just based upon His graciousness and because He has a father's heart. Blessed be the Lord God Almighty, my daddy.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Praise Him For the New Creation

I had trouble going to sleep last night. I wasn't worried or concerned; or in pain; or anything like this. I had trouble going to sleep because I was so excited. I ended up praying in the Spirit for some time as once again my mind was overcome with the idea that I am actually a new creation in Christ Jesus! I read a remark by a brother in Christ that the same Spirit Who birthed me into the body of Christ is the same Spirit Who conceived Jesus! I started thinking about when I was 'born again' into the body of Christ. Paul talks about the new creation being a species of being that never existed before (in one translation). How did this come about? It was all by the grace of God. It is His plan for me. I couldn't have come up with this idea even on my best day. None of the enemies of God could imagine such an idea and had no inkling of the awesome plans and true greatness of God. Wow!! I didn't deserve or earn the new birth. I just accepted the fact that my Father God did it for me. I accept the fact that Jesus is Lord and I do believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead. Will you join me in this tremendous gift? I'm looking for all of the brothers and sisters I can get. Praise the Lord!!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Praising Him Today!

I have been doing some different things today and thought I would take a break to update "Zamar for life". Though I have been thinking about the Lord & thanking Him off and on this morning - no one knows what I'm thinking about, so I want one more time to put it in print. I praise the Lord with all of my heart, strength, mind, and soul. He alone is God and there is none beside Him. He is good and righteous in all of His ways. I also thank Him for sending Jesus. I thank Jesus for coming. I do believe that Jesus is Lord and that God has raised Him from the dead. Jesus is my substitute and has paid the ultimate price for my salvation. I thank the Holy Spirit for bringing the gospel to me and drawing me to the Lord God Almighty. Blessed be the Name of the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

It's Beyond Understanding

I have decided that I will always praise & worship the Lord. Even though there are things I know & understand about the Lord that cause me great joy and excitement, there seem to be other things I just don't understand. I have decided to focus on what is actually known since I can only understand the things of the spirit as He reveals them to me. I have found that if I try to figure out things in my own understanding that I don't know, it tends to 'pull me down' emotionally & who needs that! The Lord is always faithful in that He does show me through the Holy Spirit the things I have trouble understanding. Sometimes when this happens I feel kind of like Dr. Watson (in Sherlock Holmes) when Holmes tells him "everything is simple once it's explained." If everything I currently know about the LORD gives me reason to praise & magnify His wonderful Name, I refuse to let doubt come into my life because of the things He has not yet shown me. You see, God is good. He isn't hiding anything from me. He does not withhold any good thing from me. So as for me, I will praise Him!!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Thank You Lord

I was contemplating this morning on the greatness of God. He came up with a plan to reconcile me back to Himself. His plan was so good and strategically sound that His enemies couldn't see it until it was to late for them to do anything. Jesus actually followed His Father's wishes to the execute the plan at a cost that I will probably never understand or know. Then the Holy Spirit made sure that I knew about the free offer of God's grace by bringing people into my life to show me the love of God.
The Lord God Almighty has literally done everything!

I gladly & wholeheartedly believe that JESUS is LORD and confess with my mouth that God has raised Him from the dead!! I even put this into writing for everyone to see & know of God's greatness and His overwhelming loving kindness. I truly hope to one day see you in heaven as we praise His Name forever!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Not Too Busy To Praise Him !

It's been a busy, busy day & I've been praising the Lord through it. I finally have a moment to sit down at the computer & update "Zamar for life". Since praising the Lord is something that is vocal (or heard), it occurs to me that when we praise the Lord & honor Him in our hearts, that others may not know it at all since they cannot see into our hearts or read our minds. As a matter of fact, no one can read our minds or really know what is deep in our hearts except the Lord Himself. Even Satan cannot read our minds & he has absolutely no way of knowing what we are thinking about unless we open our mouths & let him know. Well, as for me, I want everyone to know that I am thinking about the tremendous greatness of the Lord - so I have this blog and also speak out His praises.
So join me in praising the Lord.
He made a way where there was no way. He paid a price that I could not pay. He changed me in the very areas that I could not change. He gave me hope & love when I had none. He gave me new life when I didn't deserve anything at all. He has completely changed me and still continues to work on me to change me into the very exact image of Jesus Himself. Wow!! What great & awesome God!! Blessed be His Name forever & ever!!!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Another Week to Praise Him Together

I'm am really excited about praising the Lord! It's only Monday morning and this week has already started with great times yesterday praising the Lord - in morning I had a great time meeting with some of my brothers & sisters in corporate worship. Then yesterday evening I was with a smaller group at a friend's house as we shared together, prayed, had a meal, learned more about each other & had a great time of fellowship! Already planned for this week is a time of growth & learning on Wednesday night as I will be learning more about refining and setting goals. I used to be more of a 'lone ranger' in my earlier Christian life, but have since learned that living a life for Christ is much, much better when enjoyed with my brothers & sisters in Christ. The scripture about "not forsaking the assembly of yourselves together" is really true in every aspect I can see. I used to believe that scripture just because God had said it in the Word (and this is enough), but now somehow it seems to have 'come alive' in a new way that I had never seen or even felt before. And to think that I will be spending all of eternity with my brothers & sisters as we praise & magnify the Lord! Blessed be the Name of the LORD!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Seems to Good to Be True

Some people think the Bible is a little confusing or hard to understand, but listen to what former US president, Mr. Richard M. Nixon once said. "I hope you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you've heard is not what I meant." Now I’m not really sure what this means. I'm so glad that God doesn't use 'political speak.' God has spoken clearly in His word to let us know that He loves us. Usually if we don’t understand something in the Bible, it is because it sounds too good to be true. However, we should be encouraged that everything in the Bible is true, especially if it sounds too good to be true. The LORD is an amazing merciful and good God that operates so far above and beyond our expectations that it is at times hard to understand - but you can be sure that His word means exactly what it says. Blessed be the Name of the LORD !!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Praise Him No Matter How I Feel

I heard someone one time say, "I feel lower than a snake's belly in a wagon wheel rut." It sounded a little strange & funny when I first heard it, but I knew what he meant. I've felt that way before, you know feeling 'lower than low.' Anyway it's amazing how quickly our feelings can change & how often they can change. That's why it's really hard to trust our feelings alone. I appreciate the Lord so much because He is not ruled by His feelings, because if He was I be be in BIG trouble. I'm sure that His agape love and tender mercies are over all of His works. I am grateful that He is not moved by feelings or things that are changeable, but that He is moved by faith. He is so much better than I desire or could ever earn on my own. So when I feel 'lower than a snake's belly in a wagon wheel rut', I remember it doesn't matter how I 'feel', because He still loves me and cares for me. Blessed be the Name of the LORD!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Praise Him During Tragedy

9/11 – When tragedy strikes any family or nation, I really don’t pretend to understand or know why. I do remember where I was & what I was doing when we were attacked on 9/11/01. Very little work was really done after the attack because everyone was in such shock. I do remember going outside to pray for the president; all the families; & the workers that were involved. Though presidents & administrations have changed, I still pray for them. I thank the Lord for His continued grace and blessings for America. Even though I cannot fully explain or understand why we were attacked, one thing I think about is the story of Job in the Bible - God is all good. He had nothing to do with the attack and everything to do with the deliverance. Besides praying for my country, this also causes me to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Blessed be the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! I will bless Him when I understand & I will bless Him even when I don’t understand. He is LORD!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Delighted

I am so delighted in & with the Lord, especially this morning. 'Delight' is a word I don't think about or use a lot, but it came to mind this morning. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, delight means "a high degree of satisfaction" or "extreme satisfaction." Here's the scene: I want to make my wife some coffee & something warm to eat this morning. Coffee is a 'no-brainer', but what about something warm. I made her melted cheese & Canadian bacon on a toasted piece of french bread. She thanked me & then added an delicious egg to it; only ate half of it & gave the rest back to me. This reminded me of a few of things. (#1) Momma is the best cook in the house & I cannot really be called any type of cook; and (2) He who finds a wife finds a good thing & obtains favor of the Lord! Of course, as I thought of the Lord's favor to me, I very quickly experienced a high degree of satisfaction in Him & His never ending care. It seems interesting to me that the things that cause me to delight in something or someone are many times the 'little things.' This morning I am delighted with my wife & with the all-knowing God who gave her to me. Blessed be the name of the Lord (& with Proverbs 31 in mind - I also bless Susan, my wife).

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

He Did What I Could Not

This morning I was just reflecting on something really fantastic that has been true for sometime. This was true before I or my parents or grandparents were even born. My reflection then turned into a pondering of this very idea that God Who is the greatest person in all of existence, knows everything, has everything & can do anything at all decided that heaven just would not be the same without me. In essence He would rather die than to live forever without me in heaven. Now, that's awesome!! When you consider there was absolutely nothing at all that I could do to get to be with Him, He took the initiative upon Himself to come up with a plan that was so great that even His worse enemies could not understand it to thwart it. He put His plan into action & Jesus actually paid the ultimate price. Then at the correct time, the Holy Spirit revealed it to me & drew me so I could accept it. In essence, He planned, executed, & informed me of a solution for my problem even before I even knew there was a problem. At exactly the right time Christ died for me. I've accepted this & turned my life over to Him. I will live with Almighty God forever & ever. By the way, there is nothing the His enemies can do to take it away from me. Blessed be the Name of the Lord!!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Praise Him on Both Sides of the Clouds

I remember a time recently when I had to take a flight. The weather was really nasty with low visibility & I noted it seemed very dark for the time of day. I was beginning to wonder where the sun was as I had a chill in my bones & increased pain in my arthritic knees. I must admit my mood was definitely 'down'. However, shortly after we took off & the plane broke through the clouds I had to shade my eyes & partially close my window shade as the sun seemed to shout, "HERE I AM". It was striking to me as I could even feel warmth on my arm as the sunlight was smiling through the partially closed window shade. Then of course I admitted that the sun was always there, even when I was on the ground feeling 'blue'. It sometimes seems, that's how it is with the Lord, too. Our immediate circumstances may seem to make it appear that God is not there, but hey - He is. Even though I cannot always see or sense Him, He is there. It doesn't matter how I feel or what has happened that may seem to block Him from my view. Even if there is a 'cloud cover' of circumstances - He is there! I've decided to praise Him on 'both sides of the clouds'. Blessed be the Name of the LORD!!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Credit Where Credit Is Due

As we celebrate Labor Day today, I checked the US Dept of Labor website (www.dol.gov) that says Labor Day constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. As I read this I could not help but think of the contributions the Lord has made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of my country. I am one of those who still believe that America is the best country that God has blessed this planet with. Even with all of it's problems, both percieved and real, there is no other place I'd rather live and call 'my country.' It is the Lord God Almighty that inspired the earliest people to come here. He is the One Who protected & strengthened our forefathers. He provided for them in every way. Though it's not so popular to say any more, this country is founded on a Judaeo-Christian foundation with the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob; the Lord God Almighty as our ultimate source. While I appreciate what all American workers have done for the well-being of my country, I would be remiss if I did not first of all also acknowledge the One who gives us all the strength, desire, & motivation to be able to work at all. Blessed be the Lord God Almighty! May God continue to bless America.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Everlasting to Everlasting

I was recently thinking about man's quest to understand space & time, light, the universe, as well as when everything came into existence. There are even different theories about what happens to time as things approach the speed of light and what will happen to the universe as time continues into the future. Though there are different theories, the Bible indicates concerning the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, that from everlasting to everlasting You are God. It's clear that whenever 'time' actually did begin - God was already existing and that whenever time ends, He will continue to exist forever. Even concerning 'light' itself, the first book of the Bible records it came into existence when God said "let there be light" and "there was light" (or literally: "light be" and "light was"). Imagine that, when nothing else existed, God was already existing and at some point He said, "light be" and "light was." Light continues to expand or "to be" at 186,000 miles per second. Wow! It is a sure thing that God was "being" before anything else existed & that he will continue "being" after everything we see and wonder about is gone. Blessed be the Name of the Lord! From everlasting to everlasting, You are God!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

He's Available Right Now, so Praise Him

I was sitting here wondering at the greatness of the Lord. This happened to come again as I just flipped the computer screen here to update my blog. I had just finished doing some 'daily things' & had turned on the computer & gone to my facebook site. I don't think about this alot, but realized I am in instant communication with anyone who is online at the same time. I am playing three games of scrabble with two of wife's sisters; playing two games of chess with both of my sons & still take time to yak with whoever else may be online at the same time. Well guess what, the Lord is "online" all the time, 24/7 (even in power failures or voltage spikes).
Consider this: The LORD is the highest, most powerful person in existence. He controls everything and is good in all He does. He conquers all enemies who dare to come against Him and at the same time is compassionate and caring towards all! Yet as high as He is in every conceivable way, He is still accessible to you & me at every nanosecond of the day or night. We can communicate with Him literally at any and all times we desire! This is really significant to me that I can communicate with Him whenever I need!! I don't even need an appointment! He's available to you, too. Let's Praise Him.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Ya Can't Change That, So Praise Him!

Have you ever known someone who has really been through a lot? Maybe you have been through a lot of things you just can't comprehend why they happened or figure out 'where things went wrong'. I know I certainly have. Then I think about Paul & all of the 'stuff' he went through. I think about others that I have known and cannot explain why they have gone through various trials. Why do bad things happen to good people? I really honestly cannot say, but this I can say with full confidence and certainty: in all things we are more than conquerors, through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. The only reason I have this confidence is because of His grace. Wow! the love of God which is in Christ Jesus my Lord! Nothing can separate me from His Love & you just can't change that, so I choose to Praise Him! His love can't be taken from you, why don't you just praise Him with me?

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Don't Be Distracted, Praise Him

It's another great day to praise the Lord. I must admit that this morning after my breakfast and letting the dogs out and back in that I made the mistake of turning on the TV to try and catch up on the morning news. I had it on 'in the background' as I was doing some other things. I noticed that I was starting to develop a rather negative attitude. Sure I was still thankful for the Lord and all that He has done for me, but I was developing kind of a 'bluesy feeling'. So I turned off the TV to stop the negative input & remembered the scripture from Proverbs about guarding my heart above all things. What will I focus on today? The negative things that the enemy constantly bombards us with can seem to drown out the goodness of God at times if I let it or I can truly focus on the LORD and His unchanging love for me. Lets face it - God is still God. He is still the King of Kings & Lord of Lords. His mercy has not been withdrawn because of any 'news report'. Jesus is still offering Eternal Life to anyone who desires it. Jesus is still coming again. The Holy Spirit is still teaching us of the words, teachings, and love of Jesus and is still drawing people into God's kingdom. So it's another great day to Praise the Lord!! Have a great day!!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Another Day to Praise Him!

Well it's another great day to praise the Lord. No matter what happens today, it doesn't change the fact that He is still the King of kings & Lord of lords. It doesn't change the fact that Jesus died and rose from the dead to give me eternal life. It doesn't change the fact that the Holy Spirit brought people into my life who would share the gospel or that the Spirit is still with me every day to guide and support me. I am not one who ignores everything around me & lives in some sort of 'la-la-land', but you can't change the facts. The facts of who God is and what has done, is doing, & will continue to do in the future. Is everything going the way I want it? No, but He is still worthy of my praise. Have I reached all of my goals? No, but He is still worthy of my praise. Have I had better days? Yes, and He is still worthy of my praise. So join me today & lift your voice in praise to the only One who is truly worthy of all praise. Blessed be the Lord God Almighty, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! Blessed be Jesus His son who has given us everything we need including eternal life! Blessed be the Spirit of the Living God who leads us into all truth and guides and protects us!!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Praise Him for Quietness

I've been thinking about the greatness of our Lord this morning. He is really truly awesome! For me it is easier to think & meditate on the Lord when things are quieter. I tend to be easily distracted unless hyper focused on something. However, this morning I was doing my absolute best to be quiet as my family was resting. The TV was off, there were no background noises or distractions, the dogs & cats were sleeping (instead of racing around), the temperature outside is a beautiful 71 degrees & I 'realized' how quiet it actually was. It was great!! I felt the presence of the Lord & was truly thankful that He speaks to us in a still & quiet voice. To be honest, I love to see Him manifested in powerful ways such as people being healed, or amazing miracles where He spares peoples lives in ways that point to Him in undeniable interaction. But He is so wonderful & able to communicate with us in a quiet & still way as well. There's a time to be loud & boisterous and there is a time to be quiet.