Nations Should Be Praising God

 Not just America, but many nations are praising God.  Renewal and rivival is moving across the country and the world.  Common sense and truth are once again reiginig in the craziness and evil that has consumed politics for the last few decades.  Just as King David once told his music director, we should all be singing praises to God for his mercy and blessing. 

May God show loving-kindness toward us and bring good to us. 

May He make His face shine upon us.

May Your way be known on the earth, and Your saving power among all nations.

May the people praise You, O God. May all the people praise You.

May the nations be glad and sing for joy.

For You will be fair when You judge the people and rule the nations of the earth. 

May the people praise You, O God. May all the people praise You.

The earth has given its fruit. God, our God, will bring good to us.

God will bring good to us, and all the ends of the earth will fear Him.

- Psalm 67: 1-7 (NLV)

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We Are Satisfied with Honey from The Rock

Brooke Ligertwood released a song "Honey In the Rock" based on scripture.  Lyrics for her pop version are in video below or get the text version.  If you want to listen to the song or buy single MP3 visit Amazon, or to buy a full CD with this song then go to her website.

But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; 

with honey from the rock I would satisfy you. - Psalm 81:16 (NIV)

If you like banjos, then you may want to check out an older blue grass song based on the scripture by various artists on YouTube or on Amazon.

And did all drink the same spiritual drink: 

for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: 

and that Rock was Christ. - 1 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV)

Why Should Christians Attend Church?

What are the pros and cons of not physically attending church services?  With virtual church becoming a norm in society today, is it causing complications for individual Christian living, for the community the church supports, or is it more of a building-use issue?  Are Christians neglecting to attend and support churches on Sunday, as well as other days of the week?  Do they need to?  If spiritual growth and awakening is what Christians want or need, should they get together in a building to worship and learn?  With the technologies that exist today, is church attendance really necessary? 

"Until I come,devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,

to preaching and to teaching." - 1 Timothy 4:13 (NIV)

Society started moving to churches without walls during the late 20th century "Jesus movement."  That was not the first movement of Jesus Christ to question how to be a child of God and it will not be the last.  Jesus started His church with a wandering group of disciples, who later become itinerant evangelists and apostles.  Although the apostles moved a lot, they did work hard at  planting church groups.  Why? So Christ's followers (Christians) could increase their faith, worship, and grow spiritually together under the guidance and leadership of a selected responsible and mature believer who would teach God's word and demonstrate His love in a way they could easily understand.  

Excellent posts to read more on this include:

• Why Is it Important to Go to Church? 7 Reasons from Christianity.com
• Why Attending Church is So Important  - 4 Reasons from Think Eternity blog 
• Why Go to Church When You Can Watch Online? from Christian Post for minister viewpoints
• Why the Church Is Vitally Important for Every Christian - Crossway's 5 Points on Church in the Bible
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Let Me Tell You About My Jesus

Love this new song "My Jesus" by Anne Wilson.  It talks of bad/sad times and how knowing Jesus Christ can move you forward into being better.  Listen to the song on YouTube video below and if you are interested in her story behind the song, watch the other video below the music video.  

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: 

for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, 

that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) 

Anne's lyric video is available on YouTube also.  Anne Wilson's music CD may be purchased or MP3 downloaded from multiple sources through her website.  

  

There is Nothing Better than the Lord Who Can Turn Graves into Gardens

The below song is relevant for healing all the hurt that is going on in the hearts of people in this angry world today.  Below is the "Gtaves into Gardens" song with lyrics video sung by Elevation Worship.  If you know your Bible, you will recognize that many of the bridge lines come from psalms and stories in God's Word.  Their CD or MP3 on Amazon #ad.  If you are boycotting Amazon, check out ElevationWorship.com for other purchasing options.

"Wherefore thou art great, O Lord God: 

for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, 

according to all that we have heard with our ears." - 2 Samuel 7:22 (KJV)

Be Strong and Brave!

This old song is relevant for all the uncertainty and change that is going on today.  Below is the "Be Bold, Be Strong" song from Morris Chapman's music CD,  The , the lyrics may be found on DivineHymns.com. 

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; 

be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: 

for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." - Joshua 1:9 (KJV)

Fasting: A Good Practice for This Day and Time

The Church is calling for prayer, repentance, and REVIVAL.  Citizens are screaming for patriotism and protection.  Politics are poisoning the world and pulling everyone in different directions.  As a Christina, you are praying, what else can you do?  Have you considered fasting as a form of worship or petition?  Fasting may be for  multiple days as in many Bible instances, or it can just be one day to draw closer to God or make a special supplication.  Fasting is a way for you to demonstrate to God your desire to draw closer to Him, as it is a righteous symbol of your longing to be with God.  Fasting, along with prayer, can help you to recognize His path for you or give you calm in a stressful situation.  Your faithful dedication to spiritual things can help bring salvation, comfort, and fellowship to a world badly in need of it.  

"But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 

that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.

And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." - Matthew 6:17-18 (ESV)

Consider fasting as a spiritual symbol, you are replacing physical food (or some other enjoyable thing you are giving up for a limited time) for time with God, which fills you up with spiritual food.  If you are fasting for a specific event or situation, you are covering it with a spiritual blanket of protection.  If you are considering fasting: explore the purpose in Holy Bible, check out how to prepare to fast, then be sure to pray before, during, and after the fast period.  

Jesus the Entertainer?

What did he crowds of people want when they followed Jesus?  Did they want to see His miracles or wished to see a magic show?  Did they want to hear His excellent sermons and parables, or were they just expecting a great motivational speaker and orator of the times?  Did they want to be fed spiritual food for their souls or to satisfy physical hunger?  Jesus the Entertainer, NOT!  Instead they found teacher, healer, savior - the Son of God.

"And the people saw them departing,
and many knew him, 

and ran afoot thither out of all cities,
and outwent them, and came together unto him. 

And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, 

and was moved with compassion toward them, 

because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: 

and he began to teach them many things." - Mark 6:33-34 

Are preachers taking the pulpit for Biblical ad spiritual learning to meet entertainment standards.   Are worship leaders getting everyone to grow closer to God and learn scripture by singing along, or are they just giving a concert?  Are church congregations becoming audience members rather than active followers of Jesus and anointed by the Holy Spirit to do God's work?    

"And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, 

he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, 

and gave them to his disciples to set before them; 

and the two fishes divided he among them all.  

And they did all eat, and were filled." - Mark 6:41-42

Remember the acronym WWJD: What would Jesus do?  If you study the Bible, you know what Jesus did ad you learn what he expects you to do too.  It is time to go back to the purpose of the church and the mission of discipleship.  Time to feed the hungry - body and soul.  Focus on John 3:16 and tell everyone about Jesus and what God did for them through Jesus Christ.    It is time for real REVIVAL!

"And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, 

they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him 

that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: 

and as many as touched him were made whole." - Mark 6:56

Praise God Anyway

Praise God Anyway is the theme in one of the thirty-eight lessons in Susan Kerr's devotional "Intersections of Grace" (available on Amazon #ad)  where she introduces the accronym PGA. Praise God Anyway (PGA!)  In her study, she references the confinement verses in Acts listed at the bottom of this post.  There are more examples in the Bible, a few are noted below along with relatable questions for yourself.  

"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name." - Psalm 63:3-4 (KJV) 

In Habakkuk 3:17-19, he is suffering because his garden and cattle are not producing enough to eat.  Even so, the prophet praises God anyway.  Could you praise even if you have no food, lost property, unable to achieve goals or other types of profit?  Instead, should you consider the home, family, and blessings you do have and be thankful for those?

Job 1:2 shows that even though Job has lost his wealth, family, health and is wrongly accused; he may have become depressed however, he refuses to abandon God and praises Him anyway.   If you are going through illness,being lied about, or suffering the loss of a loved one - could you praise God anyway?  Can you be grateful for your past and look toward Gods future plans for you?

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: 

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV) 

Psalms 57 was composed by David (the slayer of Goliath and future king) when he was tired, sacred, and living in a cave. However, he praises God anyway.  Should you praise God anyway when you are afraid, depressed, or feeling alone?  Would things turn around for you if you look at what you have, where you have come from, and what joy could be there for you if you just praise the Lord?

In Acts 16:25-36, Paul and Silas are in chains within a prison for refusing to ignore their calling of God.  Even so, they sing praises to God anyway.  Would you praise God anyway if you were unjustly confined, lost your job, or your candidate did not win the election.  Instead could you consider the freedoms you do have and be grateful for those?

PGA!

Thank You Lord

The below 7 minute video is Don Moen singing "Thank You Lord."  This song accompanies the  devotional scriptures of Thank and Praise God.   You may find Don Moen's music CD on Amazon #ad with the 5 minute song, if you want to purchase it to sing along with as your personal display of gratitude to God.

"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." 

- Psalm 69:30 (KJV) 

Why Are Words Displayed on Screens in Church?

Some churches display Bible or song verses on large screens at the front of the church.  Why do they do that?  To help you retain what you hear by also seeing it and allow you to better participate in the service.  It is a teaching tool.  Why do they want you to learn at church?  For your edification as well as so you may be blessed.  How?

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, 

burst into jubilant song with music;" - Psalm 98:4 (NIV)

With songs, you are blessed by singing praises unto the Lord.  In the old days, most churches had hymnals so you could follow along in the song service.  Some churches have hymnals still; others provide both a screen and hymnals, while some only have projections to screens.  If you are not singing along, you are missing: joy in your heart, spiritual uplifting of your soul, and blessings upon your mind/body.  So don not  just be entertained, join in!  Sing along and clap your hands.  The words are there to help you learn the song.  If you do not know the words, you can listen, read, and learn for next time – so no more excuses not to sing and miss your blessings.  Experience the joy of praising God!

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, 

so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. 

Then you will be prosperous and successful.” - Joshua 1:8 (NIV)

With scriptures, you get to know your Bible.  In the past, people brought their Bibles to church so they could follow along with the preacher/teacher and learn God’s Word.  Christians who want edification by studying God’s Word still bring their Bible, so they can mark the read aloud scriptures that speak to them during sermons/lessons.  A few people look up the scriptures on electronic devices, while others only look at the screen.  However, most do not bring their Bibles –they must just be too heavy to carry…  which are you?  Grow in God, read your Bible!

For an opinion on why churches should not use screens during worship service, see Why Churches Should Ditch The Projector Screens And Bring Back Hymnals.  Not only are song books missung from churches, in many there are no pews (family closer together rather than inidiviual chairs) or preacher's pulpits.  For an interesting look at the reasons behind the missing podiums, see The Forgotten Pulpit.

Modern Technology and God

As a Christian, you know you are not supposed to worship idols; you are only supposed to worship God.  So you do not bow down to statues made of stone or wood.  But are there other false idols you maybe worshiping without realizing it?  As an example or idolization without awareness, let us take a look at technology.

Smart mobile phones are so much a part of modern life that they are taken for granted or thought extremely necessary.  How many hours do you spend on your phone each day?  How many minutes an hours are you talking to someone nearby, texting instead of talking, or updating social media?  Do you spend hours playing games or watching videos on your small screen?  Must you look up every new term you hear, check for the latest gossip, or find the fastest route via your phone's handy apps or internet connection?  Are you one of those individuals who look at your phone more than the faces of people?  Are you idolizing your phone?  Do you spend as much time with God, reading your Bible God, or sharing your faith as you do on your phone?  If you answer the last question NO, then perhaps you are treating you phone as a modern idol.

"Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: 

I am the LORD your God." - Leviticus 19:4 (KJV)

Wait, using a Bible app on your phone during church should count as God points verses idol points, right?  What about getting daily devotionals and scriptures to your phone via email or text?  Maybe.  It depends, are you following the sermon notes or doing your own thing?  Are you attempting to memorize any of those daily scriptures?  Are you searching for help to answer a fellow Christian's question or for your own edification?  Is any of it helping to grow your relationship with God? Again, check your purpose and time spent.  Is the time on the phone for God and does that study time outweigh the the "entertainment" time?  If no, then most likely the phone is your priority, not God.

Speaking of points, does other "entertainment" technology take more of you time than attending Church, studying your Bible, praying and building a relationship with God?  Entertainment technologies may include i-pod, i-pad, computer, gaming consoles, handheld games, IVA/IPA (voice-controlled intelligent personal or virtual assistant", social networks, television, and etc.   How many hours do you spend on entertainment devices each day? Are your always aiming to get more points, badges, and follows than spending time with God?  Has your entertaining device  become an idol for you?   

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me... Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, 

nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God," - Exodus 20:3&5 (KJV)

Wait just a minute!  You use YouVersion, BibleGateway, and other Bible-based search sites and Christian blogs on your computer or i-pad.  You order religious books, t-shirts, and more from Amazon and assorted Christian outlets.  You watch Christian sermons, panels, and music programs on your TV and listen to them on your ipod.  You ask Alexa or Echo to look-up scripture verses.  You post Bible scriptures, religious memes, and Christian videos on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, plus other social media sites.  Should not those count as God points instead of idol points too?  Maybe.  Again, it should depend on how often you use them in your study of God's Word, building a relationship with God, and sharing your faith with others.  Therefore, check your purpose and your time spent being entertained verses personal edification.   If the device is used more for entertainment time than edification, then most likely the devices are your priority over God.

Plug into God first!  God wants you to put him first in your life.  Your spouse, family, and church come after God.  A relationship with God should be foremost and fellowship with others next.  Fun and other things may come after that, as long as those things do not interfere with you growing in God's will.

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I Want to Hear The Sound of Your Voice

The song "Sound of Your Voice" by Third Day goes well with the devotional theme of Listen to God.  Below is 4 minutes of YouTube slideshow-style video with lyrics and music by that group.  If you like this song, you may get their Move CD or download the the MP3 of the song single from Amazon #ad.

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, 

which thou knowest not." - Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)

I Love You Lord and My Soul Rejoices

To keep with the devotional theme of You Love God, below is 4+ minutes of YouTube video with praise music and lyrics made popular by the Maranatha Singers.  The song is often a part of worship service at many churches.  If you like "I Love You Lord" and want to make it your personal anthem, you can find the music CD or the MP3 of the song, under Songs 4 Worship: Holy Ground on Amazon #ad.

"And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation." - Psalm 35:9  (KJV)

God is a Good Father, it is Who He is

To keep with the devotional theme of God Your Father, below is 4.5 minutes of music and lyrics via YouTube video.  This song is a very popular worship by Chris Tomlin from his Never Lose Sight CD on Amazon #ad, the song title is "Good, Good Father."   You may hear the chorus sung in many different types of church services.

"But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; 

and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him." - 1 Corinthians 8:6 (KJV)

Prayer and Worship Still Leads to Faith and Healing

Wow - this is worship!  11 minutes of video where Church song leader shares a short testimony about 2-year-old Jaxon Taylor's healing and the power of prayer, and teaches the congregation a new worship song. "Raise A Hallelujah" (also referred to as "Sing A Little Louder") sung by Jonathan Helser and Melissa Helser live at Bethel Church. Visit Bethel Music website for event and album information.

"Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: 

for thou art my praise." - Jeremiah 17:14 (KJV