Tag: 30daysofpraise

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Gifts of Gold

krisshetter

Day 11

Have you ever stood at the edge of the Grand Canyon and found it was just too vast and too beautiful to fully take it in?  Maybe you’ve been other places and experienced that God- built gloriousness.  How do you picture God when you come to Him with your requests?  I’m a visual person so it helps for me to create a scene or a face when I pray.  I imagine God’s throne room to be so blindingly beautiful that one glance could never see all there is to see.  It’s a bejeweled palace whose floors are lined with silver and gold. And as I approach the King of Kings, he looks radiantly upon me.  A giant smile on His face, welcoming me.  Love exudes from His every pore.  I can’t help but be drawn forward. I just know that this King will shower me with pieces of gold and much more. 

King David frequently spoke of God as his King.  He looked to Him for gifts which only heaven can bestow. This psalm, by King David, was written while facing formidable enemies as he pled His case before God.

Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 

Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. 

Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. 

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. 

Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. 

When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.

Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 

All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 

For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.

Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. 

I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead. 

Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God; ruthless people are trying to kill me— they have no regard for you. 

But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. 

Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength in behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother did. 

Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Lord God, King of Kings my covenant is secure in you because you are unchanging and your glory will prevail! How do you picture God’s throne?  Join the conversation and praise God today!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement

The 3 O’s of God

krisshetter

Day 10

How often do you talk with others about your faith and God?  I once was in a Bible study where a wonderfully kind woman described talking about Jesus as an uncomfortable used car transaction.  You walk onto the lot wanting to browse and the used car salesman starts his schtick trying to get you to buy something you really don’t want. 

A few years ago, I had a profound encounter with Jesus which led me on my path toward a bold faith.  One of the “side effects” of this bold faith is how often I find myself talking about God with all sorts of people.  It’s through these conversations that I’ve seen varied views of God.  

Omnipotent God

One very close friend, who happens to be Catholic, pictures God as an altar. She’s currently seeking a more personal relationship with Him but for a long time God has been more of an authority figure. What I love about this God is He can move mountains. He can set the world back into order. He performs miracles the world couldn’t even imagine. God the King, the Lord of Lords – it’s who we press our faces to the ground in submission as we seek His grace and deliverance. It’s who we offer the only true gift we have, ourselves, as we approach His throne.

Definition of omnipotent

1:often capitalized : ALMIGHTY

2: having virtually unlimited authority or influence

Omnipresent God

I know a number of people who feel God’s presence constantly.  One woman, in her early 80s, told me He is always with her, like a friend.  She talks with Him throughout her day. He guides her with gentle touches.  He comforts her.  My sweet friend Janet, who I tease and call her Earth Mother, is finely tuned into God.  Her “God Antennae” picks up His signals through visions, feelings and dreams.  He is never far from her because she sees Him all around her – in nature, in people, in animals and in the every day.  The wonderful thing about this God is He never forgets me.  I am never lost.  He always knows where I am because I am always with Him.

Definition of omnipresent

1: present in all places at all times

Omniscient God

My friend Betsy and my mother-in-law Bev trust God completely.  That’s because they know God has a plan.  They know deep in their hearts that all things do truly work for our good and somehow, someday their prayers will be answered.  This omniscient God is above our thoughts.  He knows what we truly need, even when we think we know better.  This is the God who sent His son to teach us His ways because He knew we needed someone who had a “human experience” yet was without blemish.  Jesus intimately knows man’s ways and God’s ways.  In my current Bible study, there are two separate “life principles” which focus on obeying God.  #2 is: Obey God and let Him handle the consequences. #5 is: Obey God even if it seems unreasonable.  Why? Because God knows the ultimate outcomes.

Definition of omniscient

1: having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight 

2: possessed of universal or complete knowledge 

The three O’s of God –omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient – create one unimaginably powerful force.  This King, this Friend, this Teacher asks for two simple acts in return for all His gifts to us, to obey His Word and to return His love. 

“He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth – the Lord God Almighty is his name.”  Amos 4:13

Which God characteristic do you most identify with today? Join the praise conversation!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Love for The King

krisshetter

Day 9

When we say we love God or love Jesus what does that really mean to us? For some, those words may have been only spoken in a song or recitation at church. For others those love statements are added each day to every prayer. For me, I’m really good about making sure those around me know my love for them. But I have to admit that I don’t tell the Almighty how much I love Him. I say my thanks for His power and authority over this world but, love? It’s something this 30 Days has put on my heart.

Our relationship with God is not only the most important one we will ever have, it is also the most interesting. God is King yet He is also our friend. There aren’t too many people out there that can say they are friends with an earthly king. This relationship brings to mind something you may find silly. I’ve always wondered how someone can sit across from Brad Pitt, casually eating breakfast in your pjs, hair messy, bad breath and not stare at him in awe. Would you expect him to do the dishes and take out the trash? Sorry, I’ve always had a soft spot for Brad. What does a relationship with a mega star, on an everyday basis look like? It’s no wonder people like that tend to date and marry others in their same circle. The same goes for kings, queens, princes and princesses. We have a relationship with the most powerful being in the universe. We bring Him our broken and messy selves. But we also come to Him with our joy and love.

Most likely you’ve been asked something like, “What would you say to Jesus if He came to your door right now and joined you for dinner?”  Well, first if I realized it was Jesus, I don’t think I would even be able to speak for a while.  Then, knowing me, I’d probably say something completely inappropriate and goofy.  If Jesus became a regular, physical guest at my house I’d have to figure out how to be a friend yet also remain in reverence of Him.  A King is a regular guest in my spiritual life.  Making sure I pay Him the respect due while also being friends has become a key to my prayers.

Charles Spurgeon has six great tips on coming to God, the King in prayer:

  1. Approach Him in reverence: familiarity there may be but let it not be impertinent.
  2. Come with joy: you have the privilege of being in front of the Throne of Grace!
  3. Be in submission: we don’t pray to tell Him what to do.
  4. Have enlarged expectations: ask for great things!
  5. Expect with staggering confidence: who would doubt the King?
  6. Maintain sincerity: prayer is an elevated act and no light thing

I love God and I honor Him as King.  He is my friend and my Ruler.  He is the vine and I am one of his beautiful branches.  And I praise Him for all that He has done in my life.  

Do you have a favorite statement or prayer of love and reverence for our Lord?  

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Christ Alone –The Great I Am

krisshetter

Day 8

I heard this song last year at the church I was attending. It was so beautifully done I was in tears. Every time I play this song I feel so connected to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It lifts my heart. I find myself raising my hands in my car or out in public while taking a walk. I’m led to show my bold love for God.

This song speaks to the amazing love the Almighty pours out to us. He is our song when we don’t seem to have our own melody. He is our strength when troubles make us weak. He is forever the same and the only one worthy of complete praise.

During the last year, bold faith and expression of that faith has been my guiding principle. God defines me, not the world. God’s desires for me are my desires. I am imperfectly trying to perfect that bold faith. When I first started attending church I felt like an imposter. I knew for a fact that everyone around me had bold faith. And I did not. I stumbled and dusted myself off, all the while reaching out for His hand. I told Him, “Lord you are my hope when I cannot see the day.”

Even when I found myself as a leader of a Bible Study I felt like an imposter. Again, I just knew everyone in the group must know the Bible inside and out. They were probably experts and would see through my inadequacies. So I prayed, “Lord you are my sight, teach me how to walk by faith.”

God has guided me and provided for me through many trials and many joys. He has rescued me and He has bestowed great gifts. And so now I say, “I just wanna take my time and say, you alone are worthy of my praise.”

What praise or worship song brings you to tears? Add yours below in the comments!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement

A Flawless Shield

krisshetter

Day 7

It’s always interesting to me to hear Christians talk about God as though He has faults and failures and limitations — like us humans. They believe their situation will never change, or if it does they won’t like it even more, so they say things such as, “well, that’ll never work or that’ll never happen.” We give up, thinking that since we can’t fix it then apparently God can’t either. Or if it’s a personal change that’s needed we want to fix it in our own way because we don’t trust in the outcome God has for us.

But God is flawless. His work in us is perfect. His timing and methods rarely match up with what we would’ve done. I’m mean, let’s be honest, what we do fails quite frequently. I’ve been having conversations with friends lately about “knowing God.” I was challenged in a study to answer two questions: Do I believe God CAN help me and do I believe God WILL help me. It’s so easy for us to quickly answer those questions with a firm “yes.” But a discerning Christian will look deeper and say to themselves, “If I believe that, then why do I keep putting my actions at the center of solutions and not God?”

I’ve been reading a lot about the concept of “knowing God” and its various levels. The Wiersbe Bible Commentary on John 14 describes it perfectly:

“We do not have to wait until we enter heaven to get to know the Father. We can know Him today and receive from Him the spiritual resources we need to keep going when the days are difficult.

What does it mean to “know the Father”? The word know is used 141 times in John’s gospel, but it does not always carry the same meaning. In fact, there are four different “levels” of knowing according to John. The lowest level is simply knowing a fact. The next level is to understand the truth behind that fact. However, you can know the fact and know the truth behind it and still be lost in your sins. The third level introduces relationship; “to know” means “to believe in a person and become related to him or her.” This is the way “know” is used in John 17:3. In fact, in Scripture, “to know” is used of the most intimate relationship between man and wife (Gen. 4:1).

The fourth use of “know” means “to have a deeper relationship with a person, a deeper communion.” It was this level Paul was referring to when he wrote, “That I may know him” (Phil. 3:10). Jesus will describe this deeper relationship in John 14:19-23, so we will save any further comment until we deal with that section.

When Jesus said that knowing Him and seeing Him was the same as knowing and seeing the Father, He was claiming to be God. From now on, they would understand more and more about the Father, even though Jesus was leaving them.

I appreciate Philip’s desire to know the Father. He had come a long way since that day Jesus found him and called him (John 1:43-45). The burning desire of every believer ought to be to know God better. We read and study the Word of God so that we might better know the God of the Word.

The Greek construction of the question in John 14:10 indicates that the Lord expected a yes answer from Philip: he did believe that Jesus was in the Father and the Father in Him. That being the case, Philip should have realized that the words of Jesus, as well as His works, came from the Father and revealed the Father. Believers today have not seen the Lord Jesus in the flesh (1 Peter 1:8), but we do see Him and His works in the Word. The emphasis throughout John’s gospel is that you cannot separate Christ’s words and works, for both come from the Father and reveal the Father.

The “believe” in John 14:10 is singular, for Jesus was addressing Philip, but in John 14:11, it is plural and He addresses all of the disciples. The tense of both is “go on believing.” Let your faith grow!

Four hundred years before Christ was born, the Greek philosopher Plato wrote, “To find out the Father and Maker of all this universe is a hard task, and when we have found Him, to speak of Him to all men is impossible.” But Plato was wrong! We can know the Father and Maker of the universe, for Jesus Christ revealed Him to us. Why should our hearts be troubled when the Creator and Governor of the universe is our own Father?

The very Lord of heaven and earth is our Father (Luke 10:21). There is no need for us to have troubled hearts, for He is in control.”

Where are you at in “knowing God.” Because the place you find yourself determines the true answers to the questions: Do you know God CAN and WILL help you. Thank God that He is flawless and works in us without fail. He is my shield at all times.

What’s your praise for God today and where do you find yourself in “knowing God?”

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

He Can Do All Things…but fail

krisshetter

Click on the photo to listen to song

Day 6

The thing about God is He is all things — comforter, healer, friend, guide, counselor, creator, and warrior. I have turned to Him for all these traits. But this year I am looking to Him to be my warrior. He has never lost a battle. And a battle is the only way I can describe what is going on in this world. A battle for the heart and soul of our country. A battle for who will sit firmly in our hearts and minds.

I love the t-shirt a friend of mine wears to the gym sometimes — “United States, Two Time Undefeated World War Champs.” I think about the strength of character and belief that we were on the side of God during those horrific wars. So many lives lost to fight back against evil. Those wars, and others, would not have been won without the work of our Lord fighting in the spiritual realm. When you read the history of various battles within those large scale wars you will find what some would call “luck,” while others would call it the hand of God intervening to help turn tides in the Allied’s direction. Cathal J. Nolan teaches military history at Boston University. In an article about war titled, “Wars Are Not Won by Military Genius or Decisive Battles,” he wrote, “Modern wars are won by grinding, not by genius.” He further states, “Winners absorbed defeat after defeat yet kept on fighting, overcoming initial surprise, and terrible setbacks.” Sounds about like 2020.

How can we keep fighting back the evil that wants to surround us? How do we find the endurance? Only through God and His Holy Spirit living and working in us and fighting in the spiritual realm. I pray boldly for God’s warrior spirit to intervene in our culture, our politics, our everyday lives so that we come out the other end undefeated. God as warrior is who I praise, who I know will stand at the gates and keep evil at bay. The slings and arrows of this world cannot touch me with Him as my shield.

Here are the words to this great song:

NEVER LOST

Miracles when You move
Such an easy thing for You to do
Your hand is moving right now
You are still showing up
At the tomb of every Lazarus
Your voice is calling me out
Right now, I know You’re able
And my God, come through again
You can do all things
You can do all things but fail
‘Cause You’ve never lost a battle
No, You’ve never lost a battle
And I know, I know
You never will
Everything’s possible
By the power of the Holy Ghost
A new wind is blowing right now
Breaking my heart of stone
Taking over like it’s Jericho
And my walls are all crashing down

What trait are you praising God for today? Join the Praise Challenge and share it with us in the comments!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement

His Love Endures Forever

krisshetter

Day 5

Have you ever struggled with what to pray? Or whether or not you are praying “correctly?” Or even if you are praying for the right things to happen in your life? My BSGs are doing a study by Charles F. Stanley called 30 Life Principles. Life Principle #1 is:

Our intimacy with God — His highest priority for our lives — determines the impact of our lives

30 Life Principles page 3

That intimacy comes from knowing God through studying His Word and being in constant conversation with God. So when I started asking myself those questions I was told to simply, “pray the Word.” And, if you’re looking to praise God, there’s no better place to start than the Psalms. I love Psalm 118 but some of the wording just didn’t seem appropriate for my modern times. I took the psalm and made it my own with just a few changes. I hope you enjoy it.

Prayer Based on PS. 118

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.  

His love endures forever! 

In my anguish I cried to you Lord, and you answered me by setting me free.

You are with me Lord and I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?

The Lord is with me; you are my helper.

I will look in triumph on my enemies.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust man.

All my enemies surround me but in the name of the Lord I cut them off.

I was pushed back and about to fall but you, Lord, helped me.

You are my strength and my song;

You have become my salvation.

Shouts of joy and victory resound in my household;

The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!

The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;

I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.

The Lord has chastened me severely,

But he has not given me over to death.

Open for me the gates of righteousness;

I will enter and give thanks to you Lord

I will give thanks for you answered me;

You have become my salvation.

You have become my capstone.

The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in my eyes.

This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Oh Lord save me;

Oh Lord, grant me success.

Blessed am I who comes in the name of the Lord.

The Lord is God and you have made your light shine upon me.

You are my God and I will give you thanks;

You are my God and I will exalt you.

I give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

Your love endures forever!

Do you have a favorite Psalm? Share it in the comments or any other words of Praise you have for God today!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

God Is My Rock

krisshetter

Day 4

I really admire people who have the gift of poetry. To be able to take everyday life and turn it into a beautiful metaphor. Or, just make clear a concept in a few simple words. I found this beautiful poem about what God is that I thought you might enjoy! He is our refuge, our rock, our answer and so much more.

Be sure to add your words of praise for today in the comments section!

God Is…

God, Is The Refuge
God, Is The Rock
God, Is The One, Who
Sets Eternity’s Clock

God, Is The Treasure
God, Is The Answer
God, Is The Pleasure
God, Is Adventure

God, Is The Right
The Reason and Reality
God, Is The Light
The Judge and Finality

God, Is The Hope
And Glory, Above All Things
God, Is He, Who Spoke
… Brought Forth, Living-Beings

God, Is The Power
The Passion and Supreme
God, Is … Our
Unbeatable Dream-Team! 

God, Is Wisdom
And The Beautiful King
God, Is The Vision 
In All Good Things

God, Is Mercy
God, Is Just
He … Is ‘ Who ’ We Need
God, Doesn’t Need Us

God, Is The Holy-Core
And Sacred-Mystery
God Is … And Therefore …
So, Are We 

God, Is What His Word, Shows
And What God … Is Made Of
Everyone Knows …
That, God Is … Love 


by MoonBee Canady

Do you have a favorite poem or quote about God? Please share it with us or other words of praise today!

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!