Author: krisshetter

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement

To The King Eternal

krisshetter

Day 3

I’ve been seeing Charles Spurgeon’s name and quotes pop up frequently in various Bible studies. Spurgeon was an English Baptist pastor in the late 1800s.  His first pastoral calling was when he was only 19 years old.  He was seen as a remarkable young man of faith with special speaking abilities.

In March, my son-in-law turned me on to the book, Spurgeon on Prayer and Spiritual Warfare.  It is six books of sermons in one.  The energy this pastor exuded through his speaking and writing is something to which any pastor would aspire.  He calls for bold faith, bold prayer, and grasping tightly to God for deliverance.  I want all of those.  Bold faith, without fear.  Bold prayer — pleading for the ones I love, the ones I meet, and our country.  And to grasp tightly to God in expectation of answered prayers.  One of Spurgeon’s sermons is titled, “To the King Eternal.”  For today’s praise, I’d like to share just a small portion of this sermon.

And don’t forget, this is a Praise Challenge — so be sure to add your praise for today in the comments!

“We would begin with adoration. We worship from our hearts the Three in One, the infinitely glorious Jehovah, the only living and true God. We adore the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob. We are not yet ascended to the place where pure spirits behold the face of God, but we shall soon be there, perhaps much sooner than we think, and we would be there in spirit now, casting our crowns upon the glassy sea before the throne of the Infinite Majesty and ascribing glory and honour, and power and praise, and dominion and might to Him that sitteth upon the throne and unto the Lamb forever and ever.”

Charles Spurgeon, The Golden Key of Prayer, To the King Eternal

You can feel his love and adoration for God.  He longs to be with the Almighty in the most holy of places.  Can we all say the same for ourselves?  Do the people who see us each day see the Glory of God on our faces?  Do our family members feel the love of God bursting out from us and enveloping them?  That’s the kind of Christian I want to be.  I’m not there – yet.  But with God’s immeasurable grace and guidance I will be.

Please share your praise for God, our eternal King, today – who we adore and who we shall soon be with!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Praise God From Whom All Blessing Flow

krisshetter

DAY 2

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

About 22 years ago I started regularly attending church. As my husband’s family was Presbyterian, we decided to also join our local Presbyterian church. This Doxology, as it is called, was sung after every offering. I wonder how many of us sing songs like this from rote, forgetting the true meanings in the lyrics? How many of us, while repeating Bible verses, reciting proclamations of faith (like the Apostle’s Creed) or responding to the pastor, go through the motions without remembering or even realizing their purpose? That’s how I started viewing the Doxology. You give your money, then you stand up, the music starts, and you sing these four little lines. Amen.

When I paid attention to the words I realized what a great, quick way to send up praise throughout the day. All my blessings flow from God. All of us here on Earth should praise Him at every moment possible for those blessings. He is above all. And lastly, I praise the work God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit performs in, with and for me all day. I’ve been singing this song quietly for the last few days in my head. I haven’t sung it in church or heard it sung for probably about 7 months. But when I started thinking about different ways to Praise God, this old hymn popped up in my head. And so, I decided to look into the background of the lyrics.

This excerpt is from Carl Price’s One Hundred and One Hymn Stories about when these lyrics, also known as the Doxology, were sung at an infamous Civil War prison:

The doxology of praise to the Holy Trinity was written by the Rev. Thomas Ken (1637-1710), whom King Charles II once made a chaplain to his sister, Mary, Princess of Orange. Ken was so courageous in his preaching at court that the king often said on the way to chapel: “I must go and hear Ken tell me all my faults.”

Bishop McCabe said that while the prisoners of the Union Army during the Civil War were incarcerated in Libby Prison*, day after day they saw comrades passing away and their numbers increased by living recruits. One night, about ten o’clock, through the darkness they heard the tramp of feet that soon stopped before the prison door, until arrangements could be made inside. In the company was a young Baptist minister, whose heart almost fainted when he looked on those cold walls and thought of the suffering inside. Tired and weary, he sat down, put his face in his hands, and wept.

Just then a lone voice sang out from an upper window, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow”; a dozen joined in the second line, more than a score in the third line, and the words, “Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,” were sung by nearly all the prisoners. As the song died away on the still night, the young man arose and sang:

“Prisons would palaces prove,
If Jesus dwell with me there.”

* Libby Prison was a Confederate prison at Richmond, Virginia, during the American Civil War. It gained an infamous reputation for the overcrowded and harsh conditions under which officer prisoners from the Union Army were kept.

Hymn Story taken from One Hundred and One Hymn Stories by Carl F. Price; Hymn 78, page 86.

Please join me in adding any of your favorite hymn lyrics or excerpts, prayers you repeat in church or likewise. If something else in Praise is on your heart go ahead and add it!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement

Bless The Lord

krisshetter

Day 1

This is not the praise song I intended to start with. You see, I looked at this beautiful video and then moved on to others. But every single time I tried to copy the other URLs into this post this video kept getting copied instead. A few dozen frustrating times later I realized something — duh, God wanted me to send this out to you. Praise the Lord!

He’s asking me to remind all of us of the gifts He wants us to enjoy:

  1. He’s rich in love
  2. He’s slow to anger (thank goodness)
  3. His heart is kind
  4. He works for our good
  5. He is strong for us when we are weak
  6. He is there for us when the sun comes up and when the sun goes down

So yes, we have these and 10,000 more reasons to sing like never before to the Almighty King; to the one who sent His Holy Son to save us from our sins. Thank you God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Please join me in praising God today with a comment, prayer, song lyrics, poem or whatever you wish to lift up to Him.

christian encouragement

Clean Feet

krisshetter

Did you realize that Jesus, in the upper room before His death, cleansed all the disciples’ feet.  By all I mean even Judas’ – the betrayer.  Jesus, however, made it clear that not all of the disciples had been cleansed. “Those who have had a bath (cleansing of the spirit) need only to wash their feet (to remove the sins of the world from them); their whole body is clean.  And, you are clean, though not every one of you.” John 13:10.  When Judas left the room with clean feet that’s all he had, clean feet.  Feet that would then be sullied the minute he walked out into the world.

By all accounts Judas seemed like a loyal follower in the eyes of the other disciples. He had all the same benefits of following in the Lord’s footsteps.  The same teachings.  The same experiences with miracles and blessings.  But he never surrendered his life over to Jesus.  He kept one or even one and half of his feet in the world and with the devil.  He mistrusted God’s Word.  He thought he knew better.  He lived in fear of what the world would do to him if he fully submitted to Jesus.  

Contrast that with Peter.  I realized today that Peter is the “Martha” of the disciples.  Always headstrong and trying to control each situation.  He also thought he knew better.  However, in his heart he loved and trusted the Lord.  He accepted admonishment and the teachings of Jesus.  He, as my BSGs (Bible Study Girls) love to say, was making imperfect progress.  He had a foot and a half in for God.  Until God helped him pull in the rest of him.

I had a couple of encounters with Christian women recently who were counseled to “run to God, for His arms are wide open.”  I was so saddened by their responses which included, “How” and “It’s too late for me.”  The first reminds me of how, as Christians, we absolutely must share our testimony.  We must do the work God makes clear to us in His Word.  By enveloping us in His teachings, submitting every single thought, worry, fear, joy, to Him through prayer and petition we will come into His arms.  God gives to those who ask.  Judas had everything available to him.  But he never submitted.  He never asked for God to change his heart.

The second response makes me cry.  It is never too late in God’s holy timeframe.  I’ve been talking with my BSGs and other friends about banging on God’s door.  Demanding to let us in.  Pleading for his intercession.  Not just lukewarm praying.  An all-out assault.  He has promised His love to us.  “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come and eat with that person, and they with me.” Rev 3:20. We need to stop letting satan whisper falsehoods in our ears — you aren’t worthy, you aren’t good enough, it’s too late.  Take back our lives and put them safely in God’s arms by speaking the Truth of God’s promises.  Promises that are clearly and consistently written out for us in the Bible. Revelations continues with: “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne.” Rev 3:21

Sisters and brothers, God is not a passive “spiritual being.”  He is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent in our lives.  He is powerful and that makes you powerful.  We can no longer see and hear His blessings and let them roll off our backs like Judas.  We need to take what is rightfully ours and plant it deep inside us.  We will struggle like Peter. But our love for the Lord will work for our good. So that when we walk out into that dirty world we stay clean, we stay in His arms.

christian encouragement

Gather As Many As Possible

krisshetter

In a world that seems so divided do you know the one experience we will all have?  We will all die.  Sounds uplifting doesn’t it?  And although God doesn’t want us to dwell on our impending death, He does want us to know the truth of our life – that one day it will end.  We won’t know the day, the time or even the how, but it will assuredly happen.  It will happen to the ones we love and the ones we hate. The ones we’ve forgiven and the ones we just can’t seem to.  It’ll happen to the rich, the poor, the Christian and the non-Christian.  And yet, so many of us live our life as though this is not inevitable.

The statement, “Fear the Lord” is frequently misunderstood.  The Bible constantly clarifies this with meaning to obey and believe the Word of God.  Like a parent setting down the rules of the house and expecting compliance, a child fears the correction or lack of freedoms disobeying their parents may bring. The child also knows that obeying and respecting his parents brings a more peaceful and joy-filled household. Knowing that our hour of death will come we should have this same reverence for what God expects of us during our brief time on His earth.  We share a common destiny here on earth but not in eternity.

I had an interesting interaction on social media recently.  A Los Angeles ministry, Saturate OC, posted an amazing picture featuring thousands of people attending their new outdoor beach ministry.  Hundreds were baptized.  And yet, I knew in the comments what was to come.  “People are dying from Covid! This is irresponsible!” and “Shame on these people! What about Covid!” But one person kept answering: “Focus on the eternal.”  No argument, just that statement.  Focus on the eternal.

You may be reading this thinking how irresponsible that is.  Let’s put this in perspective.  I have lived 54 of my 55 years in California.  It’s a pretty tough place to be a full-blooded Christian.  Talk about living “not of this world!”  Unlike the Missouri environment my youngest daughter lives in which sees it as normal to pray in restaurants, California and many Californian’s don’t see God as a necessary and integral part of life.  In fact, there’s a lot of disdain for people who “need God.” So, when I saw this picture, I saw hope.  I saw God’s work.  I saw love.  I saw people being saved – for the preparation of their unknown hour of their death.  

Right now, on our California freeways a plea is posted about DUIs.  It states that almost 3,500 Californians died in DUI related traffic accidents last year.  That’s almost the same number of people who have died from the Covid virus in California.  When you look at who is dying from Covid you’ll see that about 75% of those are aged 70 and up.  Looking at who dies more frequently from DUI related deaths the population most effected are 21-34 year olds.  The picture I saw on that beach was exactly that demographic.  So, my question to the grandmother who posted her comment that these people were being so irresponsible was this – you say you have “your ticket to heaven already” but you would deny it to these young people?  These young people who have more of a chance of dying on their way home from the beach from a drunk driver than from the virus?  We would deny them the opportunity to be baptized.  Deny them the Word of God and the community of Christians that will support them through viruses, lost jobs, deaths of loved ones, broken hearts, and more?  You could argue these people might go to see their grandmothers and infect them and kill them.  Isn’t that where the true choices must come in to play?  

Saturate OC founders Parker and Jessi Green heard God call them to bring the collective body of believers together to share the gospel at the beach.  They were told, “There’s a 50,000 person harvest in Huntington Beach during Summer 2020.  Pray for workers.”  Who are we, especially as Christians, to question and distrust the work of God?  Think of the amazing work we, as a Christian body, could have been doing these last few months had we had the same faith.  The same “faith over fear?”  The same desire to share the gospel with hundreds of people – ALL of whom will face death at some point.

Yes, God asks us to be discerning.  But He also asks us to trust Him.  I will never be disdainful and pass judgement on God’s work of bringing people to their knees in prayer and worship.  I will always say “hallelujah” when He works in places that have refused Him.  I will trust that this work is good and He will take care of the outcomes.  One other person commented, “But many Christians who trusted God have died.”  We all will die.  Thank God they died loving God and having accepted Christ as their savior.  One day I hope to meet them all in Heaven.

christian encouragement

Wave Your White Flag

krisshetter

What battles are you facing right now? For me it’s my fears about the direction the country is going. I am a patriot through and through. I’m not a fan of people who twist history to meet their needs for victimization. That may not sit well with people but I will not judge others for living imperfect lives while I, myself, live imperfectly every single day. That being said I can only live in God’s Truth which is the fact that the only battle I have some control over is the one that tries to pull me away from God.
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When I don’t first get on my knees and pray; when I don’t continually look to the Lord for guidance; when I don’t trust that God is the ultimate warrior in the battles for Truth and Justice — this is when I need to remind myself to tighten my own warrior belt and take up my shield.
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Our real battles are being fought in realms unseen. Our job is to surrender to the knowledge that God will fight for us when we ask. He will beat back the armies that wish to destroy us. And as King Jehoshaphat commanded the people of Judah to act before battle, we need to give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever!”
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It’s time to completely turn your battles over to God. Let’s face it, you haven’t had too many victories without Him. Wave your white flag. Get on your knees and pray.
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Join me starting July 27 as I begin 30 Days of Praise for all the great things God has done. Follow me to enjoy this journey! http://www.emboldened.net.
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Uncategorized

Persistence

krisshetter

Where do you place the idea of “persistence” in your life? In God’s realm it is one of the most highly touted human characteristics.
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Persistence gets us to grab hold of the life God wants for us. It molds us into better people. Persistence takes us over the finish line when we continually pray in worship, thanksgiving and petition.
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Persistence is not about never changing course. It’s about never taking your eyes off the ultimate goal — even if that means our course zig zags a bit. When I was learning to sail the first thing we needed to understand was reading the wind. Sensing it’s direction and using it for the most power and energy. Frequently that meant having to “tack” or sail in a zig zag. As a sailor you need to be fully in tune with the unseen in order to persist toward that spot on the horizon you’ve picked out as your ultimate goal.
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I have pleasing God as my ultimate goal. And through prayer, meditation, worship, and paying close attention to His unseen and seen ways I set my sail toward Him. It may mean I zig zag my way but through persistence I know I will reach my goal.
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Please join me in this adventure as I begin 30 Days of Praise starting July 27. Go to my blog (link in bio) and follow me to receive a daily praise and to add your own daily praise ❤️.
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I look forward to setting sail with you!
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Uncategorized

Doubt & Mercy

krisshetter

What’s your reaction when encountering people who doubt — doubt your understanding of facts, science, faith, morals, values?
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We’ve become this society where what we know to be true and good and right is what everyone else MUST agree with. At a time when you’d think we’d grown to be more interested in varied ideas it’s seems our desires to expand our minds and sphere of real friends keeps shrinking. An “echo chamber” is one in which we can only hear our voice. And unless we are God, our voice can frequently be wrong.
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As a Christian, I see other Christians falling into a sea of doubt about the lessons and way of life we are called to. We don’t want to be the lone voice outside society’s echo chamber. On the flip side we are called to be our Christian brothers’ keepers — being merciful to followers who struggle against societal lies and snatching each other out of the fires. And even more merciful to non-followers who have yet to accept the Truth of God.
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A Christian’s “doubt” should only lie in the struggle with God’s Word as lived out in the world— not the Truth of God’s Word. When we see our Christian loved ones sinking further into that struggle with the world is when we need to act with God’s authority and be His lifeline.
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When you doubt the right way to live out your life what action do you hope those around you take? Mercy or with condemnation?

Uncategorized

30 Days of Praise

krisshetter

A few years ago the pastor at the church I was attending held a mini class on how to pray. He used the visual of our hand to make sure we hit all the different topics to include in our prayers. I found I had no problem with confession, thanksgiving, intercession, petition or applying the prayer. While doing a Bible study I realized I didn’t know the difference between praise and thanksgiving — yes, there is a difference.

Want to know more? Go to the 30 Days of Praise page and sign up to be a part of the 30 Days of Praise Team! I look forward to joining you in sending up so much praise it’ll blow the roof off!

Uncategorized

Clear Eyes Open Heart

krisshetter

As I’ve gotten older my allergies have gotten worse. I’ve had sinus surgery and I’m currently going through the allergy shot regimen. And yet I still need to take allergy pills both in the morning and at night. In the early years of this battle I experimented with different allergy medications. Some made me incredibly sleepy and foggy. I saw a commercial for the brand Claritin. What caught my attention was the line “Claritin Clear.” The commercial shows a foggy view of the world. And after taking their product that foggy film is stripped away. That’s what I needed. What I didn’t realize at the time was not only were my allergies making my view of the world foggy but so was my lack of trust in God.

My friend and I were out for a walk and I was struck with the fact that she has taken God’s allergy medication. For one, three different devotionals she read that day pleaded the same action: Trust in the Lord with all you heart and all your mind and all your soul and lean not on your own understanding (Prov 3:5). I told her sometimes God whispers and sometimes He shouts and shakes us! Both are to get us to open our eyes and ears to the truth of our lives — to be God Clear. For another, she’s leaning into God’s grace of that medicine and surrendering.

But the work is not done. In fact the clearing of our eyes can be painful. Just like my twice weekly allergy shots (I hate shots), growth often starts with pain. If we stop because of the pain we can never fully achieve our greatest gifts from God. He wants so much for us — a life free of self doubt, self loathing, and turmoil. But we must first peel away the lies that Satan so readily whispers to us.

Where are you at in this process? Have you tried trusting God but it seems too scary, too painful? My friend a glorious, clear life awaits you. Trust in God’s holy medicine to bring you through the pain.