Tag Archives: praise

Not Just Going to Heaven

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But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5, NIV*

“Why should I believe in Jesus?”

“So you can be saved from your sins and go to Heaven when you die.”

As a child, that’s how I thought. But there’s so much more to it than that.

Even “saved from your sins” means more than fire escape. It means freedom from their domination and from the destructive mindsets we’ve accepted. Freedom from ourselves, too!

And healing for our brokenness. Peace for our anxious spirits. Forgiveness… and the strength to forgive.

Most of all it means a relationship with the God who formed the universe and who welcomes us like a longing parent welcomes a long-lost child.

He’s with us. He’s our strength for today and our hope for tomorrow. He won’t leave us, always understands us, and His presence makes the difference in whatever we’re going through.

At Other Food: daily devos, Violet lists some of the facets of this salvation Jesus bought.

Holy and merciful God, we were all damaged goods, without hope of healing. But Jesus came willingly to be our Saviour. Thank You for the grace to believe. Open our spirits to receive the full extent of the healing and restoration You want to work in our lives, and help us to be living examples to those who still need to come to You.

∞

The Newsboys used to do an extended version of their song, “I Am Free,” where Peter Furler (former lead singer) quoted parts of Isaiah 53, ending with today’s verse. This is the Gospel message: for now as well as when we die.

*THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Working Together

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Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.
Romans 12: 4-6a, NLT*

In late 2011 I had a short-term job as part of a small team. Sometimes we were two, sometimes three. We had the common goal of distributing Christmas help to needy families.

There were a lot of details, loose ends, and sometimes a flood of volunteers needing direction. My supervisor could stop, look at the big picture, and direct traffic. Time and again, she turned a chaotic group of people into focused workers, each with his/her own task contributing to the whole.

I’d have been hiding in the corner, whimpering.

But I could handle the paperwork details. And she balanced my details and kept me from focusing on one tree and missing the forest.

We worked together in unity, each appreciating what the other did. There was no competition or self-pity that we weren’t the best at everything. Nor was there resentment of the other for not having the same abilities.

In our families, our workplaces, our churches… we have different gifts and we need each other. The problem is, some gifts can come wrapped in argumentative, competitive or just plain difficult packages. And sometimes we get difficult, feel unappreciated… “Why am I always the one who has to do this? Couldn’t someone else take a turn?”

God who formed us and who is patiently shaping us into who You designed us to be, thank You for our differences. Forgive us our impatience with one another. Forgive us our resentment of one another’s shortcomings, real or perceived. Help us see how we fit together, especially as families and as the church. Help us submit to You and to one another, help us to love one another and to give grace to cover the difficult spots. Help us value unity more than getting our own way. Make us one, as You are one.

∞

I couldn’t find a video of Geoff Moore’s “The Body of Christ” (from his Saying Grace album) so here’s something a little different that the Lord provided for me. Please don’t look for accurate theology; take what’s true and applicable and remember that the power behind our oneness is Jesus Christ. This is from Disney’s Lion King 2: “We Are One.”

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.


Prince of Peace

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But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5, NIV*

The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means more than tranquility or absence of conflict. The Ancient Hebrew Research Center says “The noun shalom has the more literal meaning of being in a state of wholeness or with no deficiency.”

I’ve been thinking a bit about what it means that Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

Prince speaks to His authority. Peace is part of His character, but it’s also something He gave His life to bring us.

Peace with God: We’re adopted into God’s family, loved and welcomed. He’s washed away the sin and shame and we don’t need to hide anymore. Nor will God hide His face from us.

Peace with one another: We can overlook the surface irritants and choose to give grace to one another like it’s been given to us. We can work together, united in our belonging to the Prince of Peace, who enables—and commands—us to love one another.

Peace with ourselves: He knows our depths but loves and accepts us. We can accept ourselves. He has saved us and is saving us. We can cooperate with Him and rely on His promises.

God the Son, who is our Prince of Peace, thank You for rescuing us. Thank You for making us whole and giving us peace with You, with others and with ourselves. Help us do all we can, strengthened by Your mighty power at work in us, to preserve and expand this peace. Help us be peacemakers.

∞

Here’s Rich Mullins’ classic song, “Hold Me Jesus.”

*THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Moment of Choice

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Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.
Romans 8:12, NLT*

The 1996 version of the NLT puts it even plainer:

you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.

Paul is writing about how those who belong to Jesus are to “no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.” (Romans 8:4b, NLT*) He says we’re free from our old ways. Now we have to choose: will we stick with those destructive patterns, or will we obey the Holy Spirit?

As well as the “big ticket” sins, there are a lot of little things our sinful nature urges us to do: things we either don’t notice as sin or that we think are just part of who we are. Things like grumbling or self-pity.

Even things that aren’t really sin but aren’t good for us. Like that second—or third—chocolate chip cookie when we’re trying to lose weight. Or “just one more chapter” when it’s past bedtime.

you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.

We’re told there’s a moment of choice between stimulus and response, but I often respond before I can think. Since finding this verse, I’ve sometimes felt a pause, as if I’ve been pulled aside, and sensed a friendly and confident whisper: “You know, you have no obligation whatsoever to do that.”

Usually I agree. (Sometimes I say “No, but I want to.” Still working on that!)

God of grace and mercy, who ransomed us from sin and makes a way for us to be clean and holy in Your presence, open our eyes to the temptations to be less than You’ve designed us to be. Remind us that because of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection we have no obligation whatsoever to do what our sinful natures urge us to do. Give us willing hearts, and help us to choose those things that please You. Thank You for setting us free.

∞

It all comes down to “who’s ruling—God or self?” Here’s Brenton Brown singing “Lord, Reign in Me.”

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Convinced that God is Able

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[Abraham] was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.
Romans 4:21, NLT*

Abraham’s faith wasn’t passive belief. It was belief with obedience. Active faith.

Secure faith, anchored in God’s character and ability.

Sometimes the tricky part is discerning what God has promised. I’ve prayed for at least one person who was sincerely positive God had promised her physical healing … yet she died. And she knew how to listen to Him.

Then there are other times when we see something we want in Scripture and interpret it to fit our desires.

But God has given plenty of legitimate promises – in writing – that we can rely on no matter what our circumstances.

He loves us. (John 3:16)

He will cleanse and forgive us when we bring our sins to Him. (1 John 1:9)

He will always be with us. (Matthew 28:20)

He will give wisdom when we ask. (James 1:5)

He’s our source of mercy and grace in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

And many more. These are things we can be fully convinced God can and will do. Remembering and relying on His promises changes how we react to our circumstances and lets us walk in victory instead of defeat.

God who is our Refuge, our Strong Tower, we would be nothing without You. You created us, You save us, and You sustain us. We believe; help our unbelief. Help us grow in faith to become fully confident like Abraham that You can – and You will – do all that You’ve promised, in Your way and in Your time.

∞

FFH sings “God of the Promise”.

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Jesus is in My Boat (re-post)

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[Jesus] then left [the Pharisees], got back in the boat, and headed for the other side. But the disciples forgot to pack a lunch. Except for a single loaf of bread, there wasn’t a crumb in the boat. Jesus warned, “Be very careful. Keep a sharp eye out for the contaminating yeast of Pharisees and the followers of Herod.”

Meanwhile, the disciples were finding fault with each other because they had forgotten to bring bread. Jesus overheard and said, “Why are you fussing because you forgot bread? Don’t you see the point of all this? Don’t you get it at all? Remember the five loaves I broke for the five thousand? How many baskets of leftovers did you pick up?”

They said, “Twelve.”

“And the seven loaves for the four thousand—how many bags full of leftovers did you get?”

“Seven.”

He said, “Do you still not get it?”
Mark 8:13-21, MSG*

The disciples have a loaf of bread. Jesus has recently demonstrated that He can multiply a little food to feed a lot of people. Yet they’re hung up on not having enough.

But Jesus is in the boat with them! If they stop to think, they’ll realize He’s all they need.

Many times I feel inadequate or uncertain about situations, afraid I’ll mess up or won’t do well. That fear can freeze me up and become self-fulfilling. I feel alone.

These verses tell me something precious: Jesus is in my boat, and He’ll be all I need.

Whether it’s energy, love, ideas: whatever’s needed, no matter how small my loaf, I need to offer it to Jesus, and to remember what He can do.

Father, I know You promised to never leave us, and You’ve given us the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts. Forgive me for the times I panic and believe the enemy’s lies. Thank You for using these verses to finally help me see I’m never alone. Help me remember and be confident in the truth that Jesus is in my boat, and that He is enough.

Our song this week is my prayer: “Presence (My Heart’s Desire)” by the newsboys, from their Devotion CD.

*The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

[This is a re-post from 2009, but I needed to read it again.]

Knowing Where God Is

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God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 46:1-3, NIV*

This is one of those classic comfort passages. I heard it read at a recent meeting, and it started my mornings for the next few days.

Part-way through the first day, an idea came to mind that really helped my outlook, and seeing these verses in print the next day showed me where it came from.

Yes, there is stress here. But God is here too.

God is “ever-present.”

I knew that. I really did.

“Therefore we will not fear…” Whatever may happen in the future.

I knew that too, although it’s a challenge, and I’m pretty good at reminding myself “Jesus will be there.”

But what about the present? Our family is in a moderately stressful season. I tend to over-focus and make it worse than it is (hence all these stress/gratitude posts… they’re what God is saying to me because they’re what I need to hear).

I’ve been hanging onto God, trusting Him to provide a solution. That’s good. But time is passing and I’m still stressed. I want to rest in Him, be at peace and anxiety-free in the waiting.

Intentional, relentless thanksgiving helps. So does praising God for who He is.

Still there are a lot of “moments.” Perhaps accepting that fact is a step on the journey.

I think I’ve been seeing my stress level as a sort of pass/fail in how well I’m trusting God. On one level, it is: am I serene in Christ, or panicking?

But real life is stressful. Noticing that fact isn’t failure. Remembering that God is in it with us is success.

Faithful God who promised to never leave us, God of mercy, love and justice who is mighty to save, teach us to rest in Your character and rely on Your presence. No matter what this moment holds. Or the next. Yes, there is stress. But You are here. Right now. With us. In that will we rest.

∞

Jeremy Camp’s song, “Right Here,” reminds me that’s where God is.

*THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Never Forget the Good

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Let all that I am praise the LORD;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Let all that I am praise the LORD;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
Psalm 103:1-2, NLT*

When I’m praising God, worshipping Him, I’m most at peace. Self is lost in the wonder of who He is.

Ingratitude gets in the way and steals my focus, like the snake in the garden. There’s so much to be thankful for, but I can forget it in the face of a perceived lack or slight.

Keeping a gratitude list helps, especially if there’s a (short) daily quota, because it keeps me looking for the good instead of the bad.

Reading back through the list helps too. Remembering warms me and helps me praise God.

God our Provider, You give richly: not just materially but gifts that heal and grow our spirits. Thank You for the many ways You touch each of our lives, sometimes so personally that no one else would recognize the love message in the touch. Grow us to praise You with all that we are. Let us thrive in Your care.

∞

I know we’ve had a bunch of Matt Redman songs lately, but his 10,000 Reasons goes so well with this week’s verse.

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Goal: No Fussing

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Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself,
like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk.
Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
O Israel, put your hope in the LORD—
now and always.
Psalm 131:2-3, NLT*

Some days I fight the good fight, and some days anxiety sneaks in there as fast as I can push it out. Self-pity swirls into a whirlpool, and the best I can do by holding onto God is to keep from going down the funnel.

I tell myself the truth about God, but then I look back at the feelings. Can’t seem to help it.

These verses are where I want to be, to rest.

A weaned child… able to sit on a parent’s lap, or to play nearby, not fussing or seeing Mommy as only a source of “what I want.”

Some parents can’t provide, even healthy mother’s milk if malnutrition is severe enough. Some parents won’t provide. Won’t love.

What do I know of God? He can meet my needs, when and how His wisdom knows is best. And He always loves me.

Abba God, Papa, whisper quiet to my soul so I can rest as if in Your arms, secure in Your love and provision without the incessant clamour of anxiety. I can’t deny the realities and possibilities that tempt me to fret, but I can believe in You. Help me trust You more.    

∞

Here’s Phil Wickham’s soul-encouraging song, “Safe”.

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Anxiety-Busting

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David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”
1 Samuel 17:45, NIV*

Other translations render “the LORD Almighty” as “the Lord of Hosts” or “the Lord of Armies.” A devotional in the Names of God Bible makes the new-to-me point that this doesn’t just mean the warriors of heaven, but the forces of nature and the physical earth. And people. You and me.

Because I’m confident in God’s love, I find courage in verses that remind me of His strength and authority. Like the angelic army that stood ready to defend the prophet Elisha. Like the storm quieting at Jesus’ command.

When anxiety seeps into my spirit I fight it with deliberate focus on God, determined praise for who He is and what He does. Music helps. The other day when I was struggling, He pierced the oppression with the song “You Shine”.

These are battles we can’t fight on our own, although we’re called to give our best effort. I’m learning that as I do my part, the Holy Spirit is so ready to meet me there. Not always right away, but if I persist He’ll eventually make His presence known. He’s there all along, but I can’t grow if I don’t practice depending on Him even when He’s silent.

Mighty God, Lord of Hosts, who loves us, thank You for the promise that You are with us. Thank You for Your light in our hearts and your grace that frees us. We’re under Your authority and Your protection. Our times are in Your hands. Help us not to fear, but to trust and obey. And I praise You for the many times and ways You rescue us from anxiety and despair. You are good, and worthy of worship.

∞

Here’s Brian Doerksen’s “You Shine.” Let it anchor you in God’s strength.

*THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.