Tag: singing

Old or New Testaments, Jesus is Worthy

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On this last day before Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, I am thinking about his resolve and determination to face the events that would transpire in the last week of his life. What courage and love it must have taken to head towards Jerusalem with the cross looming before him. For today I have chosen a psalm filled with joy and thanksgiving as we anticipate the shouting crowd, the humble Savior and the willing donkey too.

Psalm 100  Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
2     Serve the Lord with gladness!
    Come into his presence with singing! Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. , Ephesians 4:17-20 “but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,”

3  Know that the Lord, he is God!
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Ephesians 2:20 ‘For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” John 10:14-15 “ I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. “

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
    and his courts with praise!
    Give thanks to him; bless his name! 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

5 For the Lord is good;
    his steadfast love endures forever,
    and his faithfulness to all generations. 2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 1 John 4:8 “ Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.“

Whether in the Old or New Testaments the story of our God is consistent. He is glorious and worthy of our praise and worship. He is our God and Savior and there is none that can compare to Him. Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can rejoice in my God and Savior.

Blessings as you enter into Holy Week and may your journey down the Palm Sunday road be filled with praise.

Linda

 

Singing and Praising Led the Way to Victory

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November 3, 2022

Today’s scripture of praise and thanks comes with a story. This event occurred during the reign of Jehoshaphat, King of Judah. Their enemies decided to attack in large numbers and Jehoshaphat did not know what to do. He called the nation to fast and pray, then gathered the people before the temple to pray. He prayed an eloquent, heartfelt prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:6-12. He ended with these words, “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” The Lord responded by sending a prophet to tell King Jehoshaphat the following: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’ With this assurance, Jehoshaphat and his men went out to meet the enemy. However, before they left Jehoshaphat did the following, (21-22) “After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:

“Give thanks to the Lord,
    for his love endures forever.”

22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

This is a wonderful example to us that when faced with problems or circumstances beyond our control, we need to look to God and ask for His help. Then proceed as if it is already done and give Him praise and thanks. The Israelites faced the opposing army with a song in their hearts and praises on their lips. They lived their faith fully that day with thanksgiving in their hearts. God did indeed give them victory as He promised and their rewards were above and beyond their expectations.

What are you facing today that has you worried? Follow the lead of the Israelites and pray. Submit your problems and cares to the Lord. Live like you truly believe in His answer with praises and thanks in your heart.

A truth to claim with thanksgiving: I have access to God in prayer. The Bible is filled with examples of people praying to God. David, Daniel, Paul and Jesus all had the habit of going to God in prayer. They sought fellowship, reassurance and answers to the problems they faced in their lives. Know that you too can approach God and seek His help and guidance for your daily life. Here are a few scriptures to encourage you. Ephesians 3:12 “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” James 4:8a “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

Be assured God will hear you just as He did Jehoshaphat. Live believing and keeping your eyes on Him. God hears and will answer!

Linda

Thankfulness Day 8: He’s rejoicing over me!

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Today’s verse comes from Zephaniah 3:17. “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness;  he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

Zephaniah was a prophet to the nation of Israel in approximately 700 B.C. who had a message of repentance. He warned of coming judgement if they did not turn from their worship of idols. He also focused on the coming day of the Lord and the rejoicing that would bring. He proclaims that God is in our midst, He will save and that He loves and rejoices over each of us with singing. What a wonderful message of hope and reassurance for today. We know Jesus came showing that He saves, loves, cares, protects, holds us in His hands and rejoices over us with gladness. Let His gladness and love sink into your soul, filling you with thanksgiving and hope. Knowing that God rejoices and sings over me, a sinner, gives me great hope and creates in me a thankful heart. Knowing He alone will quiet my heart gives me peace.

Be filled with thanksgiving in knowing you are loved and that your Savior, Jesus, is rejoicing over you today!

Linda