The ladies at Lewis and Clark Church in Astoria, Oregon are beginning a study of Praise Patterns. Here is my welcome to them.
Showing posts with label READ: Praise Patterns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label READ: Praise Patterns. Show all posts
Monday, October 24, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Praise: Part Five
Remember the word eucharisteo: giving thanks for grace...and rejoicing...Why do we rejoice? Because He is our joy...our Exceeding Joy.
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; And on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God. (Psalm 43:4 NKJV)
I appreciate the word “exceeding” which means “exceptional in amount, quality, or degree.” God gives us a joy that is unexpected, a joy that is greater than our circumstances.
In the book of Luke, we meet Anna, a joyful aged woman who saw Jesus when He was just eight days old. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem; there they met Simeon, an elderly man who had been told by the Spirit that he would meet the Messiah. He recognized Jesus as the promised one, and held Him and prayed and praised God. Anna joined the group as Simeon was proclaiming that this infant would bring comfort to His people.
Then Simeon blessed them and told His mother Mary: "Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed—and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and was a widow for eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:25-38)
Anna was widowed at a young age and spent the rest of her life at the temple. Whatever her service involved, it is obvious that she was focused on God and His word; Anna was one of the few who recognized the Messiah and proclaimed His arrival. When Simeon foretold the sorrow of the future, Anna pointed them back to the joy of God's presence.
I think it's impossible to talk about joy without talking about troubles—they are both parts of our earthly experience. How do we find joy within troubled times? Let's go back to that scene in the temple, when Mary and Joseph and Simeon and Anna were praising God together. The Jewish nation was expecting the Messiah to come and deliver them from Roman oppression. This little group probably had this in mind as they praised. They didn't know God's great plan of redemption in detail. They just knew He had arrived, so they praised Him. I think there is a lesson here for us. On a dark night, in the midst of grief or worry or pain, God's presence is our comfort. This is why, as I posted last week, I pray for awareness of that presence. When I remember that He is with me, my dark night may not end instantly, but knowing I'm not alone—knowing I am with my Savior—puts a gleam of hope in my heart. Look at these Scriptures about joy and rejoicing:
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:12-14)
I love that phrase: overflow with hope—God my exceeding joy is also the God of overflowing hope.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)
Don't forget, when you read Philippians—Paul wrote this letter from prison. And he urged his readers to be joyful. Now that is exceeding joy!
Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:5)
My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You, because You have redeemed me. (Psalm 71:23) Happy are the people who know the joyful shout; Lord, they walk in the light of Your presence. (Psalm 89:15)
Come, let us shout joyfully to the Lord, shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation! (Psalm 95:1)
Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. (Psalm 100:2)
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; And on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God. (Psalm 43:4 NKJV)
I appreciate the word “exceeding” which means “exceptional in amount, quality, or degree.” God gives us a joy that is unexpected, a joy that is greater than our circumstances.
In the book of Luke, we meet Anna, a joyful aged woman who saw Jesus when He was just eight days old. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem; there they met Simeon, an elderly man who had been told by the Spirit that he would meet the Messiah. He recognized Jesus as the promised one, and held Him and prayed and praised God. Anna joined the group as Simeon was proclaiming that this infant would bring comfort to His people.
Then Simeon blessed them and told His mother Mary: "Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed—and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and was a widow for eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:25-38)
Anna was widowed at a young age and spent the rest of her life at the temple. Whatever her service involved, it is obvious that she was focused on God and His word; Anna was one of the few who recognized the Messiah and proclaimed His arrival. When Simeon foretold the sorrow of the future, Anna pointed them back to the joy of God's presence.
I think it's impossible to talk about joy without talking about troubles—they are both parts of our earthly experience. How do we find joy within troubled times? Let's go back to that scene in the temple, when Mary and Joseph and Simeon and Anna were praising God together. The Jewish nation was expecting the Messiah to come and deliver them from Roman oppression. This little group probably had this in mind as they praised. They didn't know God's great plan of redemption in detail. They just knew He had arrived, so they praised Him. I think there is a lesson here for us. On a dark night, in the midst of grief or worry or pain, God's presence is our comfort. This is why, as I posted last week, I pray for awareness of that presence. When I remember that He is with me, my dark night may not end instantly, but knowing I'm not alone—knowing I am with my Savior—puts a gleam of hope in my heart. Look at these Scriptures about joy and rejoicing:
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:12-14)
I love that phrase: overflow with hope—God my exceeding joy is also the God of overflowing hope.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)
Don't forget, when you read Philippians—Paul wrote this letter from prison. And he urged his readers to be joyful. Now that is exceeding joy!
Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:5)
My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You, because You have redeemed me. (Psalm 71:23) Happy are the people who know the joyful shout; Lord, they walk in the light of Your presence. (Psalm 89:15)
Come, let us shout joyfully to the Lord, shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation! (Psalm 95:1)
Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. (Psalm 100:2)
Friday, April 8, 2011
Praise: Part Four
Yesterday I posted a few thoughts on remembering the Savior. Today, let's praise Him.
...The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.
(I John 4:14 KJV)
When my daughter Martina was three, she began asking questions about Jesus and heaven and the big cross outside our church. She never stayed focused on the answers for long, but she kept asking. One day at church while Mark was practicing with the band and I was watching the kids, Martina asked me to read her a book. Its topic was gratitude, and each page had a little rhyme about a girl and her thankfulness for her dog, her grandma's pie and her curly hair. At the end of the book I asked Martina what she would like to thank Jesus for today. She said, “I'd like to thank Jesus for dying on the cross to take away all my wrong choices and give me a home in heaven some day.”
I stared at her for a moment, shocked that she had put such a long and detailed sentence together. I asked her if she would like to thank Jesus right now. “No,” she answered, “I want to crawl under the bench.” Off she went, crawling across the floor in her church dress to play with a toy under the bench. Soon she reappeared, and I asked her again if she'd like to thank Jesus, and this time she said “Yes.” I felt blessed to be present at this moment, and I thought it was beautiful that her first declaration of faith was expressed as gratitude. The more I think about this, the more obvious it seems—when we realize that Jesus is our Savior, of course we respond with thanksgiving and praise!
Jesus' name proclaimed His mission on earth: “Jesus” is our English translation of the Hebrew “Yeshua,” a common Jewish name in Mary's time, meaning “Yahweh is salvation.”Yahweh was the name God used to identify Himself when He promised Abraham that his descendants would bring blessing to the whole earth. The Savior brings salvation.
Most of us probably know these verses very well, but I hope we never lose the wonder of these truths:
For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us! (Romans 5:8)
Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Also through Him, we have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
As soon as sin entered the world, God promised a Savior. The Old Testament books are full of further details on that promise. Here are three of my favorite promises:
On that day it will be said, “Look, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He has saved us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him. Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.” (Isaiah 25:9)
Surely, falsehood comes from the hills, commotion from the mountains, but the salvation of Israel is only in the Lord our God. (Jeremiah 3:23)
...I will dwell among you, and you will know that the Lord of Hosts has sent Me to you. (Zechariah 2:11)
Your Savior dwells with you. Whatever commotion is surrounding you today, rejoice and be glad in that salvation.
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom should I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, their refuge in a time of distress.
(Psalm 37:39)
May the Lord be praised! Day after day He bears our burdens; God is our salvation. Selah. (Psalm 68:19)
Come, let us shout joyfully to the Lord, shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation! (Psalm 95:1)
...The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.
(I John 4:14 KJV)
When my daughter Martina was three, she began asking questions about Jesus and heaven and the big cross outside our church. She never stayed focused on the answers for long, but she kept asking. One day at church while Mark was practicing with the band and I was watching the kids, Martina asked me to read her a book. Its topic was gratitude, and each page had a little rhyme about a girl and her thankfulness for her dog, her grandma's pie and her curly hair. At the end of the book I asked Martina what she would like to thank Jesus for today. She said, “I'd like to thank Jesus for dying on the cross to take away all my wrong choices and give me a home in heaven some day.”
I stared at her for a moment, shocked that she had put such a long and detailed sentence together. I asked her if she would like to thank Jesus right now. “No,” she answered, “I want to crawl under the bench.” Off she went, crawling across the floor in her church dress to play with a toy under the bench. Soon she reappeared, and I asked her again if she'd like to thank Jesus, and this time she said “Yes.” I felt blessed to be present at this moment, and I thought it was beautiful that her first declaration of faith was expressed as gratitude. The more I think about this, the more obvious it seems—when we realize that Jesus is our Savior, of course we respond with thanksgiving and praise!
Jesus' name proclaimed His mission on earth: “Jesus” is our English translation of the Hebrew “Yeshua,” a common Jewish name in Mary's time, meaning “Yahweh is salvation.”Yahweh was the name God used to identify Himself when He promised Abraham that his descendants would bring blessing to the whole earth. The Savior brings salvation.
Most of us probably know these verses very well, but I hope we never lose the wonder of these truths:
For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us! (Romans 5:8)
Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Also through Him, we have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
As soon as sin entered the world, God promised a Savior. The Old Testament books are full of further details on that promise. Here are three of my favorite promises:
On that day it will be said, “Look, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He has saved us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him. Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.” (Isaiah 25:9)
Surely, falsehood comes from the hills, commotion from the mountains, but the salvation of Israel is only in the Lord our God. (Jeremiah 3:23)
...I will dwell among you, and you will know that the Lord of Hosts has sent Me to you. (Zechariah 2:11)
Your Savior dwells with you. Whatever commotion is surrounding you today, rejoice and be glad in that salvation.
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom should I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, their refuge in a time of distress.
(Psalm 37:39)
May the Lord be praised! Day after day He bears our burdens; God is our salvation. Selah. (Psalm 68:19)
Come, let us shout joyfully to the Lord, shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation! (Psalm 95:1)
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Praise: Part Two
This is the second in a series of posts praising God, specifically focusing on three Names of God. Today we praise the God Who Sees.
An Old Testament woman named Hagar was the first to call God “The God Who Sees.” Hagar was a slave to Abraham's wife Sarah. Sarah ruled over her staff. She knew that God had promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, but they'd been married for decades and they were still childless. Sarah decided it was time for this promise to be fulfilled, so she suggested that Abraham could have a child by Hagar. This was not at all shocking in their culture, but it shows us Hagar's lowly position in the household: even her body belonged to her owner.
Sarah, struggling with the grief of infertility, didn't foresee the emotions that would consume her when her slave was carrying Abraham's child. Jealousy and anger overruled any feeling of joy, and it didn't help that Hagar developed a bit of an attitude. So Sarah irrationally sputtered at Abraham, “You are responsible for my suffering!” (Genesis 16:5), and he told her to handle the matter herself. So Sarah made Hagar's life miserable and Hagar ran away to the desert. There she met the Angel of the Lord, and He told her,
“You must go back to your mistress and submit to her mistreatment.” The Angel of the Lord also said to her, “I will greatly multiply your offspring, and they will be too many to count.” Then the Angel of the Lord said to her: “You have conceived and will have a son. You will name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard your cry of affliction. This man will be like a wild donkey. His hand will be against everyone, and everyone's hand will be against him; he will live at odds with all his brothers.” So she named the Lord who spoke to her “The God Who Sees,” (Genesis 16:11-13)
This does not sound like a very comforting message, but Hagar seemed to focus on the one detail that was incredibly encouraging: God saw her. God knew every detail of her situation, and cared enough to speak to her.
Many Bible scholars believe that the Angel of the Lord mentioned in the Old Testament is actually Jesus. This is a mind-boggling thought! God Himself talked to a runaway slave girl, a girl of extremely small worth in her culture, a girl with no rights or privileges. God saw. God knew. God cared. And He sees you and cares about you. Praise Him!
The Lord looks down from heaven; He observes everyone. He gazes on all the inhabitants of the earth from His dwelling place. (Psalm 33:13-14)
The Lord looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise, one who seeks God. (Psalm 14:2)
Now the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him— those who depend on His faithful love. (Psalm 33:18)
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God—God remains in him and he in God. And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. (I John 4:14-15)
Tomorrow, we'll look at three Greek words that express thankfulness and praise.
Walk with Him Wednesdays focuses on spiritual practices, such as praising. This post is adapted from my book Praise Patterns, and is part of a message I shared at Shiloh Bible Camp.
An Old Testament woman named Hagar was the first to call God “The God Who Sees.” Hagar was a slave to Abraham's wife Sarah. Sarah ruled over her staff. She knew that God had promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, but they'd been married for decades and they were still childless. Sarah decided it was time for this promise to be fulfilled, so she suggested that Abraham could have a child by Hagar. This was not at all shocking in their culture, but it shows us Hagar's lowly position in the household: even her body belonged to her owner.
Sarah, struggling with the grief of infertility, didn't foresee the emotions that would consume her when her slave was carrying Abraham's child. Jealousy and anger overruled any feeling of joy, and it didn't help that Hagar developed a bit of an attitude. So Sarah irrationally sputtered at Abraham, “You are responsible for my suffering!” (Genesis 16:5), and he told her to handle the matter herself. So Sarah made Hagar's life miserable and Hagar ran away to the desert. There she met the Angel of the Lord, and He told her,
“You must go back to your mistress and submit to her mistreatment.” The Angel of the Lord also said to her, “I will greatly multiply your offspring, and they will be too many to count.” Then the Angel of the Lord said to her: “You have conceived and will have a son. You will name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard your cry of affliction. This man will be like a wild donkey. His hand will be against everyone, and everyone's hand will be against him; he will live at odds with all his brothers.” So she named the Lord who spoke to her “The God Who Sees,” (Genesis 16:11-13)
This does not sound like a very comforting message, but Hagar seemed to focus on the one detail that was incredibly encouraging: God saw her. God knew every detail of her situation, and cared enough to speak to her.
Many Bible scholars believe that the Angel of the Lord mentioned in the Old Testament is actually Jesus. This is a mind-boggling thought! God Himself talked to a runaway slave girl, a girl of extremely small worth in her culture, a girl with no rights or privileges. God saw. God knew. God cared. And He sees you and cares about you. Praise Him!
The Lord looks down from heaven; He observes everyone. He gazes on all the inhabitants of the earth from His dwelling place. (Psalm 33:13-14)
The Lord looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise, one who seeks God. (Psalm 14:2)
Now the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him— those who depend on His faithful love. (Psalm 33:18)
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God—God remains in him and he in God. And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. (I John 4:14-15)
Tomorrow, we'll look at three Greek words that express thankfulness and praise.
Walk with Him Wednesdays focuses on spiritual practices, such as praising. This post is adapted from my book Praise Patterns, and is part of a message I shared at Shiloh Bible Camp.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Praise: Part One
Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare Your praise. (Psalm 51:15)
This week my topic is Praise, specifically using names of God while we praise Him. The Bible is full of different names for God, names that each express one aspect of His character or His relationship to us. I love to use the names of God when I pray. I like to say that using a specific name of God to open my prayer time is like finding just the right way to begin a love letter. It puts me in that worship mood instantly! But more important than my mood is the fact that praising God by name glorifies Him.
Last week I posted about praying that we will be more aware of God. I mentioned the fact that He is aware of us. That is the simple truth expressed by this name of God: “The God Who Sees.”
When I began writing my Praise Patterns book, focusing on names of God, I was teaching my Sacred Signposts book. One Tuesday morning towards the end of class, my friend Ellen burst in the door. She'd just come from her doctor. She'd just learned that she had cancer. We all gathered around her and prayed, and my friend Maura gave her some very detailed information about what to expect. Maura had faced breast cancer herself a couple years before, and she knew what Ellen's next few months would hold. As everyone was leaving, Maura turned in the doorway and said, “I have a doctor's appointment today. Just a routine checkup. I'm not worried.” Well, as Maura said later, “that was a doozy of a statement!”
The routine checkup showed that Maura's cancer was back, and her diagnosis was very serious. At first her doctors didn't expect her to live more than a year. (Now, 15 months later, Maura is still with us, still needing treatments occasionally, but still with us!) Our women's group was very shaken up by this news. Maura is not only active in our Bible study, she's very involved in a youth ministry at another church. Maura has three young kids.
When Maura got this scary diagnosis, I kept telling God how valuable Maura was to everyone, how talented she is, how she is serving Him so whole-heartedly. I was so upset at the thought of losing Maura that I lost sight of God's sight. And then in my writing project, I reached my chapter about “The God Who Sees.” I found such comfort in this Name! I wrote this prayer:
O Lord Who Sees, it is so hard to praise You tonight! You know the news my friend got from her doctor today. You know her condition. You know her future. You know her needs right now. You see. You know. I will take comfort in knowing that You know.
When I use the expression, “Oh I see,” I mean “I understand now” or “I am aware.” God is always aware of us, and He understands us intimately. God sees each of us, in our unique situation, no matter how distant we may feel from Him.
Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription: The Lord knows those who are His...(2 Timothy 2:19a)
Lord, You have searched me and known me. (Psalm 139:1)
This Praise series is based on my Praise Patterns book, and I shared these messages at Shiloh Bible Camp.
This week my topic is Praise, specifically using names of God while we praise Him. The Bible is full of different names for God, names that each express one aspect of His character or His relationship to us. I love to use the names of God when I pray. I like to say that using a specific name of God to open my prayer time is like finding just the right way to begin a love letter. It puts me in that worship mood instantly! But more important than my mood is the fact that praising God by name glorifies Him.
Last week I posted about praying that we will be more aware of God. I mentioned the fact that He is aware of us. That is the simple truth expressed by this name of God: “The God Who Sees.”
When I began writing my Praise Patterns book, focusing on names of God, I was teaching my Sacred Signposts book. One Tuesday morning towards the end of class, my friend Ellen burst in the door. She'd just come from her doctor. She'd just learned that she had cancer. We all gathered around her and prayed, and my friend Maura gave her some very detailed information about what to expect. Maura had faced breast cancer herself a couple years before, and she knew what Ellen's next few months would hold. As everyone was leaving, Maura turned in the doorway and said, “I have a doctor's appointment today. Just a routine checkup. I'm not worried.” Well, as Maura said later, “that was a doozy of a statement!”
The routine checkup showed that Maura's cancer was back, and her diagnosis was very serious. At first her doctors didn't expect her to live more than a year. (Now, 15 months later, Maura is still with us, still needing treatments occasionally, but still with us!) Our women's group was very shaken up by this news. Maura is not only active in our Bible study, she's very involved in a youth ministry at another church. Maura has three young kids.
When Maura got this scary diagnosis, I kept telling God how valuable Maura was to everyone, how talented she is, how she is serving Him so whole-heartedly. I was so upset at the thought of losing Maura that I lost sight of God's sight. And then in my writing project, I reached my chapter about “The God Who Sees.” I found such comfort in this Name! I wrote this prayer:
O Lord Who Sees, it is so hard to praise You tonight! You know the news my friend got from her doctor today. You know her condition. You know her future. You know her needs right now. You see. You know. I will take comfort in knowing that You know.
When I use the expression, “Oh I see,” I mean “I understand now” or “I am aware.” God is always aware of us, and He understands us intimately. God sees each of us, in our unique situation, no matter how distant we may feel from Him.
Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription: The Lord knows those who are His...(2 Timothy 2:19a)
Lord, You have searched me and known me. (Psalm 139:1)
This Praise series is based on my Praise Patterns book, and I shared these messages at Shiloh Bible Camp.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
the Father of Mercies
Today I'm sharing an excerpt from my book Praise Patterns. This is a segment of Chapter Seven, "The Father of Mercies."
His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him. (Luke 1:50)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3)
Today I heard my middle daughter singing “Heartland” in the bathtub. This song by Celtic Thunder has lyrics in both English and Gaelic. The English words describe sailors crying out for assistance during a storm. The chorus is a Gaelic prayer which I do not attempt to spell or pronounce. Its translation is “Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.” This prayer is very familiar in several Christian denominations and is often often referred to by its Greek name, “Kýrie eléison.” At first I was puzzled by this phrase in “Heartland” because I thought of mercy as a spiritual benefit—God's forgiveness of our sins when we trust in Jesus—and I wondered why the sailors in this song were asking for a spiritual blessing when they needed a physical rescue. I thought asking God for mercy was a one-time prayer when we trust Him for salvation.
I learned, however, that mercy has a wider definition. Mercy is God's expression of pity and compassion for us. Mercy includes God's deliverance, protection and provision.* Isn't that a beautiful summary of God's interactions with His people? In some Bible translations, mercy is expressed as “faithful love” or “compassions.” So when I heard my daughter singing today, I thought of these definitions and the song made sense: a cry for mercy is asking God to display His steadfast love in delivering, protecting, and providing for us.
Mary said that God showed mercy to those who fear Him. Look at these other versions of Luke 1:50 for fuller definitions of the word “fear”:
And His mercy (His compassion and kindness toward the miserable and afflicted) is on those who fear Him with godly reverence, from generation to generation and age to age.
(Luke 1:50 AMP)
God will show His mercy forever and ever to those who worship and serve Him. (Luke 1:50 NCV)
The prophet Jeremiah, in the book of Lamentations, found hope within his laments by calling to mind God's mercies. Another prophet, Isaiah, praised God for His mercy and lovingkindness.
Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope: [Because of] the Lord's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! (Lamentations 3:21-23)
I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He hath bestowed on them according to His mercies, and according to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses. (Isaiah 63:7 KJV)
Meditating on God's mercy will give us many reasons to praise. Paul referred to God as the “Father of Mercies” (2 Corinthians 1:3), and described His mercy as abundant. Peter praised God for His great mercy in giving us a new birth and a living hope.
But God, who is abundant in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. By grace you are saved! (Ephesians 2:4-5)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (I Peter 1:3-4)
*Holman Bible Dictionary, p. 1106
His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him. (Luke 1:50)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3)
Today I heard my middle daughter singing “Heartland” in the bathtub. This song by Celtic Thunder has lyrics in both English and Gaelic. The English words describe sailors crying out for assistance during a storm. The chorus is a Gaelic prayer which I do not attempt to spell or pronounce. Its translation is “Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.” This prayer is very familiar in several Christian denominations and is often often referred to by its Greek name, “Kýrie eléison.” At first I was puzzled by this phrase in “Heartland” because I thought of mercy as a spiritual benefit—God's forgiveness of our sins when we trust in Jesus—and I wondered why the sailors in this song were asking for a spiritual blessing when they needed a physical rescue. I thought asking God for mercy was a one-time prayer when we trust Him for salvation.
I learned, however, that mercy has a wider definition. Mercy is God's expression of pity and compassion for us. Mercy includes God's deliverance, protection and provision.* Isn't that a beautiful summary of God's interactions with His people? In some Bible translations, mercy is expressed as “faithful love” or “compassions.” So when I heard my daughter singing today, I thought of these definitions and the song made sense: a cry for mercy is asking God to display His steadfast love in delivering, protecting, and providing for us.
Mary said that God showed mercy to those who fear Him. Look at these other versions of Luke 1:50 for fuller definitions of the word “fear”:
And His mercy (His compassion and kindness toward the miserable and afflicted) is on those who fear Him with godly reverence, from generation to generation and age to age.
(Luke 1:50 AMP)
God will show His mercy forever and ever to those who worship and serve Him. (Luke 1:50 NCV)
The prophet Jeremiah, in the book of Lamentations, found hope within his laments by calling to mind God's mercies. Another prophet, Isaiah, praised God for His mercy and lovingkindness.
Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope: [Because of] the Lord's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! (Lamentations 3:21-23)
I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He hath bestowed on them according to His mercies, and according to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses. (Isaiah 63:7 KJV)
Meditating on God's mercy will give us many reasons to praise. Paul referred to God as the “Father of Mercies” (2 Corinthians 1:3), and described His mercy as abundant. Peter praised God for His great mercy in giving us a new birth and a living hope.
But God, who is abundant in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. By grace you are saved! (Ephesians 2:4-5)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (I Peter 1:3-4)
*Holman Bible Dictionary, p. 1106
Monday, September 6, 2010
Introducing Praise Patterns
If you follow my blog, you've already read about my Praise Patterns book, but tomorrow I'm introducing it at Bible study. I will say something like this.
If someone gave you a love note or a beautiful Valentine, would your first response to that person be a list of chores you need help with?
Think about this for a minute: you probably have a love note on your bookshelf. It's not covered in lace or ribbons. It's your Bible--God's message of love to you.
I've been realizing that I read this precious love note from God, and I respond to Him with only a list of my needs and concerns. Now of course, I do need His help! And He does care about my concerns! But He deserves to hear my praise and thanksgiving.
I looked for a pattern for praise, an example to echo, and I found a beautiful prayer in the book of Luke. You probably hear it every Christmas. It's Mary's prayer and it begins “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord...” That's what praise is all about: proclaiming the greatness of God.
As I read Mary's prayer, I saw that she knew God. If I want to praise Him more frequently, I need to know Him better. I kept studying the prayer and I saw ten names of God that Mary either mentioned directly or suggested: My Savior, My Exceeding Joy, the Faithful God... Using one of these names not only expands your knowledge of God, but sets the tone of your prayer; it's like finding just the perfect beginning for a love letter.
I researched these names of God, and I organized each chapter to include the way God proclaimed His name in the Old Testament, an example of Jesus showing us His name in action in the New Testament, and God's call to us to respond to His name. God asks us to praise Him not just with our words but with our actions and our lives. This is not just a study about prayer and praise: it's a study about following God.
As usual for my studies, there's a hymn in each chapter, and a list of recordings of the hymns that you can download if you want to. This study also has something new: a list of contemporary songs that go with each chapter; you can choose to download a soundtrack to help you meditate on the week's lesson while you wash your dishes or drive your car.
Each chapter also has a poem or a quotation from a historical or modern Christian to give us further patterns for praise.
Each chapter has four days of study, about ten minutes of reading each day.
I also have a new option for those of you who like a seven day a week study—if you want a little more homework—I have a plan for that too.
I also set up a private online chat forum for anyone who wants to discuss the book during the week, or anyone who knows they'll be gone for a week or two but still wants to be included in the discussion. This is another optional part of the study.
I am excited to see who God brings to this class; whoever you are, I've been praying for you for a year and asking the Lord to make this study relevant and helpful to you.
If someone gave you a love note or a beautiful Valentine, would your first response to that person be a list of chores you need help with?
Think about this for a minute: you probably have a love note on your bookshelf. It's not covered in lace or ribbons. It's your Bible--God's message of love to you.
I've been realizing that I read this precious love note from God, and I respond to Him with only a list of my needs and concerns. Now of course, I do need His help! And He does care about my concerns! But He deserves to hear my praise and thanksgiving.
I looked for a pattern for praise, an example to echo, and I found a beautiful prayer in the book of Luke. You probably hear it every Christmas. It's Mary's prayer and it begins “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord...” That's what praise is all about: proclaiming the greatness of God.
As I read Mary's prayer, I saw that she knew God. If I want to praise Him more frequently, I need to know Him better. I kept studying the prayer and I saw ten names of God that Mary either mentioned directly or suggested: My Savior, My Exceeding Joy, the Faithful God... Using one of these names not only expands your knowledge of God, but sets the tone of your prayer; it's like finding just the perfect beginning for a love letter.
I researched these names of God, and I organized each chapter to include the way God proclaimed His name in the Old Testament, an example of Jesus showing us His name in action in the New Testament, and God's call to us to respond to His name. God asks us to praise Him not just with our words but with our actions and our lives. This is not just a study about prayer and praise: it's a study about following God.
As usual for my studies, there's a hymn in each chapter, and a list of recordings of the hymns that you can download if you want to. This study also has something new: a list of contemporary songs that go with each chapter; you can choose to download a soundtrack to help you meditate on the week's lesson while you wash your dishes or drive your car.
Each chapter also has a poem or a quotation from a historical or modern Christian to give us further patterns for praise.
Each chapter has four days of study, about ten minutes of reading each day.
I also have a new option for those of you who like a seven day a week study—if you want a little more homework—I have a plan for that too.
I also set up a private online chat forum for anyone who wants to discuss the book during the week, or anyone who knows they'll be gone for a week or two but still wants to be included in the discussion. This is another optional part of the study.
I am excited to see who God brings to this class; whoever you are, I've been praying for you for a year and asking the Lord to make this study relevant and helpful to you.
Friday, September 3, 2010
A new online community, and an online Bible study
Author Catherine Martin introduced a new online community this week: Ministryforwomen.ning.com. It has all the usual forum features like chatting and blogging, but it adds something unique: the ability to set up your own private discussion group for any Bible study or women's ministry that you lead. I wanted to see if this was an easy process, so I set up a discussion group for Praise Patterns. It was a simple two minute process.
In a few days I'll be introducing Praise Patterns at church and I'll beginn to facilitate a study there. I'm inviting all the women who attend to join my discussion group at Ministry for Women, but the online group is also open to anyone who has the book. There is no fee to join the online group, but you will need to order a book.
If you'd like to join the discussion group (and you've already ordered a book), just go to Ministryforwomen.ning.com, join the forum, go to the Groups section, look for "Praise Patterns Discussion Group" and request to join.
Here's the schedule of discussions:
Wednesday, September 8: Group officially opens! (You don't have to wait til then to join, though.) This week's theme is Introductions.
Tuesday September 14: Those of us who meet at Shadow Hills will get acquainted in person and begin our study at church.
Wednesday September 15: I'll begin posting a few notes on Chapter 1.
Jump in and discuss it with me! I'll also be reading the first three days of Reading through the Epistles. This is an optional part of the study (see the last page of the book).
Wednesday, Sept. 22 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 2
Wednesday, Sept. 29 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 3
Oct. 6 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 4
Oct. 13 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 5
Oct. 20 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 6
Oct. 26 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 7
this is a two week chapter because we do not meet at church on Nov. 2
Nov. 10 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 8
Nov. 17 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 9
Nov. 24 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 10
In a few days I'll be introducing Praise Patterns at church and I'll beginn to facilitate a study there. I'm inviting all the women who attend to join my discussion group at Ministry for Women, but the online group is also open to anyone who has the book. There is no fee to join the online group, but you will need to order a book.
If you'd like to join the discussion group (and you've already ordered a book), just go to Ministryforwomen.ning.com, join the forum, go to the Groups section, look for "Praise Patterns Discussion Group" and request to join.
Here's the schedule of discussions:
Wednesday, September 8: Group officially opens! (You don't have to wait til then to join, though.) This week's theme is Introductions.
Tuesday September 14: Those of us who meet at Shadow Hills will get acquainted in person and begin our study at church.
Wednesday September 15: I'll begin posting a few notes on Chapter 1.
Jump in and discuss it with me! I'll also be reading the first three days of Reading through the Epistles. This is an optional part of the study (see the last page of the book).
Wednesday, Sept. 22 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 2
Wednesday, Sept. 29 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 3
Oct. 6 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 4
Oct. 13 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 5
Oct. 20 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 6
Oct. 26 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 7
this is a two week chapter because we do not meet at church on Nov. 2
Nov. 10 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 8
Nov. 17 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 9
Nov. 24 Begin reading and discussing Chapter 10
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Praise Patterns: the supplementary soundtrack
Every chapter of Praise Patterns includes the lyrics to a hymn that expresses the theme of the chapter in poetic praise. In the front of the book I list my favorite arrangements of these hymns. They're also in a handy Itunes Imix I linked to several posts ago.
In the back of the book is a Supplementary Soundtrack: a list of contemporary songs that express these same themes. This is a convenient way to continue meditating on the material while you do dishes or drive or go for a walk. Here is a the Imix of contemporary songs. There are thirty-eight songs in a variety of styles, several for each chapter. Listen to clips on Itunes and download only the ones you like.
In the back of the book is a Supplementary Soundtrack: a list of contemporary songs that express these same themes. This is a convenient way to continue meditating on the material while you do dishes or drive or go for a walk. Here is a the Imix of contemporary songs. There are thirty-eight songs in a variety of styles, several for each chapter. Listen to clips on Itunes and download only the ones you like.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Books on the brain
My mind is full of books this week! I'll be teaching my new study, Praise Patterns, at church this fall, and a box of Praise Patterns books arrived a few days ago. It's one of my favorite moments all year: opening that box and seeing my project in print!
I posted a proposal for the study I wrote last year, Sacred Signposts, at christianmanuscriptsubmissions.com. I set up a blog specifically for Sacred Signposts: sacredsignposts.com
Meanwhile, I have a basic outline for next year's study and I'm cleaning and organizing my writing corner so I can start the process again. Next year's book doesn't have a title yet, but the sub-title is A Song of Service and Surrender. Watch this blog for more details over the next nine months or so.
Tomorrow I'm giving away a book! Come back and read the details.
I posted a proposal for the study I wrote last year, Sacred Signposts, at christianmanuscriptsubmissions.com. I set up a blog specifically for Sacred Signposts: sacredsignposts.com
Meanwhile, I have a basic outline for next year's study and I'm cleaning and organizing my writing corner so I can start the process again. Next year's book doesn't have a title yet, but the sub-title is A Song of Service and Surrender. Watch this blog for more details over the next nine months or so.
Tomorrow I'm giving away a book! Come back and read the details.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Praise Patterns: The Holy One
Here's an excerpt from Chapter Six--the chapter about the Holy One. The third day of each chapter features a passage from the Gospels.
They came to Jerusalem, and He went into the temple complex and began to throw out those buying and selling in the temple. He overturned the money changers' tables and the chairs of those selling doves, and would not permit anyone to carry goods through the temple complex.
Then He began to teach them: “Is it not written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?' But you have made it a den of thieves!”
(Mark 11:15-17)
Out of town visitors to the temple bought their sacrifices from these merchants in the temple's court. Money-changers were conveniently located nearby to convert the traveler's money, but they weren't always honest in their exchanges. The merchants and money-changers were all focused on money rather than witnessing. Other people used the temple courtyard as a shortcut, traipsing through it carrying various baggage. Jesus knew what belonged in the holy place, and what needed to go. He brings this same discernment to our lives.
For the grace of God has appeared, with salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age. (Titus 2:11-12)
And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that [comes] through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance but, as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; (I Peter 1:14-16)
So rid yourselves of all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander.
(I Peter 2:1)
Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels. The Lord's slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness...(2 Timothy 2:22-25)
As we strive to follow the Holy One who calls us, we can praise Him for understanding us completely and being ready to set us back on the right path every time we fail.
For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested. (Hebrews 2:18)
Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Reflect & Respond
“Jesus knew what belonged in the holy place, and what needed to go. He brings this same discernment to our lives.” Have you ever felt that He was toppling everything over in your life and removing things that didn't belong?
Look back at today's scriptures and list things that belong, and things that don't belong in our lives as Jesus' followers.
How does Hebrews 4:14-16 describe Jesus?
Praise Patterns will be available to order very very soon.
They came to Jerusalem, and He went into the temple complex and began to throw out those buying and selling in the temple. He overturned the money changers' tables and the chairs of those selling doves, and would not permit anyone to carry goods through the temple complex.
Then He began to teach them: “Is it not written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?' But you have made it a den of thieves!”
(Mark 11:15-17)
Out of town visitors to the temple bought their sacrifices from these merchants in the temple's court. Money-changers were conveniently located nearby to convert the traveler's money, but they weren't always honest in their exchanges. The merchants and money-changers were all focused on money rather than witnessing. Other people used the temple courtyard as a shortcut, traipsing through it carrying various baggage. Jesus knew what belonged in the holy place, and what needed to go. He brings this same discernment to our lives.
For the grace of God has appeared, with salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age. (Titus 2:11-12)
And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that [comes] through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance but, as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; (I Peter 1:14-16)
So rid yourselves of all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander.
(I Peter 2:1)
Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels. The Lord's slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness...(2 Timothy 2:22-25)
As we strive to follow the Holy One who calls us, we can praise Him for understanding us completely and being ready to set us back on the right path every time we fail.
For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested. (Hebrews 2:18)
Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Reflect & Respond
“Jesus knew what belonged in the holy place, and what needed to go. He brings this same discernment to our lives.” Have you ever felt that He was toppling everything over in your life and removing things that didn't belong?
Look back at today's scriptures and list things that belong, and things that don't belong in our lives as Jesus' followers.
How does Hebrews 4:14-16 describe Jesus?
Praise Patterns will be available to order very very soon.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Praise Patterns: Suggested Soundtrack
Every chapter of Praise Patterns includes the lyrics of a hymn. Here are my favorite recordings of the hymns.
Monday, July 19, 2010
A Hymn for Monday Morning
Every chapter of Praise Patterns has a hymn--a poetic prayer of praise. Chapter Five's theme is "The God Who Sees." This hymn reminds us to see, look for, and be more aware of His presence.
This is My Father's World
The author of this hymn was a pastor who loved to go for long walks. As he left his home he often announced, “I'm going out to see my Father's world.” It's a great reminder that whatever frightening news is filling the airwaves today, this is still my Father's world.
This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done:
Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heaven be one.
This is my Father’s world. I walk a desert lone.
In a bush ablaze to my wondering gaze God makes His glory known.
This is my Father’s world, a wanderer I may roam
Whate’er my lot, it matters not,
My heart is still at home.
--Maltbie Babcock, 1901
Benediction
...Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. (2 Peter 3:18)
This is My Father's World
The author of this hymn was a pastor who loved to go for long walks. As he left his home he often announced, “I'm going out to see my Father's world.” It's a great reminder that whatever frightening news is filling the airwaves today, this is still my Father's world.
This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done:
Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heaven be one.
This is my Father’s world. I walk a desert lone.
In a bush ablaze to my wondering gaze God makes His glory known.
This is my Father’s world, a wanderer I may roam
Whate’er my lot, it matters not,
My heart is still at home.
--Maltbie Babcock, 1901
Benediction
...Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. (2 Peter 3:18)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Praise Patterns Excerpt: The God Who Sees
The theme of Praise Patterns Chapter Five is "The God Who Sees". This is a very meaningful chapter to me because I was writing it when my friend Maura was diagnosed with cancer for the second time. As I worried about her and prayed for her, I clung to the knowledge that The God Who Sees was aware of Maura's condition, her needs, and her service to Him.
This excerpt comes from Day Three, and it follows Day Two's discussion of the story of Hagar (see Genesis 16).
The story of Hagar shows us that God is aware of our circumstances. Today we'll see that He is aware of our service and sacrifice.
While all the people were listening, He said to His disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes and who love greetings in the marketplaces, the front seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and say long prayers just for show. These will receive greater punishment.”
He looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins.”I tell you the truth,” He said.“This poor widow has put in more than all of them. For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.” (Luke 20:45-21:4)
Jesus talked to His disciples about the religious leaders who bragged about their faith and righteousness while demanding honor and being unkind to the poor and taking advantage of helpless widows. Then, while watching people leaving their offerings at the temple, He drew their attention to a woman of great faith: an impoverished widow giving her last coins to God. I wish I knew the rest of this story: why did the woman offer God all she had? What did she eat that night? Did she have a place to sleep? Yet the more I meditate on this story, the more I see that that it is more meaningful this way. When I don't know all the details, Jesus does. He sees the heart attitudes and motivations, the sacrifices, the unnoticed service to Him. I don't have to remind God who is valuable to Him, or how much someone loves Him. He sees. He knows.
Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
(I Corinthians 15:58)
Isn't that encouraging? Here's the Message Bible's contemporary paraphrase:
With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.
God calls all His children to serve Him in some way. Some Christians serve God in obvious ways on church platforms and in mission organizations, while others serve in less visible places. Perhaps today you are serving God by being kind to less-than-courteous customers or making sure your family has clean laundry. Maybe you are discouraged by the dishes piling up in your sink or the e-mails flooding your inbox. You might be offering the sacrifice of a quiet demeanor when you feel anything but serene inside. Whatever your act of service is today, you can be sure that He sees both your sacrifice and your heart.
Reflect & Respond
How has the Lord called you to serve Him—or sacrifice for Him—in this season of your life?
Do you know someone who serves the Lord in a thankless or not-very-visible way? Pray for that person today.
Read more about my Praise Patterns book here.
This excerpt comes from Day Three, and it follows Day Two's discussion of the story of Hagar (see Genesis 16).
The story of Hagar shows us that God is aware of our circumstances. Today we'll see that He is aware of our service and sacrifice.
While all the people were listening, He said to His disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes and who love greetings in the marketplaces, the front seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and say long prayers just for show. These will receive greater punishment.”
He looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins.”I tell you the truth,” He said.“This poor widow has put in more than all of them. For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.” (Luke 20:45-21:4)
Jesus talked to His disciples about the religious leaders who bragged about their faith and righteousness while demanding honor and being unkind to the poor and taking advantage of helpless widows. Then, while watching people leaving their offerings at the temple, He drew their attention to a woman of great faith: an impoverished widow giving her last coins to God. I wish I knew the rest of this story: why did the woman offer God all she had? What did she eat that night? Did she have a place to sleep? Yet the more I meditate on this story, the more I see that that it is more meaningful this way. When I don't know all the details, Jesus does. He sees the heart attitudes and motivations, the sacrifices, the unnoticed service to Him. I don't have to remind God who is valuable to Him, or how much someone loves Him. He sees. He knows.
Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
(I Corinthians 15:58)
Isn't that encouraging? Here's the Message Bible's contemporary paraphrase:
With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.
God calls all His children to serve Him in some way. Some Christians serve God in obvious ways on church platforms and in mission organizations, while others serve in less visible places. Perhaps today you are serving God by being kind to less-than-courteous customers or making sure your family has clean laundry. Maybe you are discouraged by the dishes piling up in your sink or the e-mails flooding your inbox. You might be offering the sacrifice of a quiet demeanor when you feel anything but serene inside. Whatever your act of service is today, you can be sure that He sees both your sacrifice and your heart.
Reflect & Respond
How has the Lord called you to serve Him—or sacrifice for Him—in this season of your life?
Do you know someone who serves the Lord in a thankless or not-very-visible way? Pray for that person today.
Read more about my Praise Patterns book here.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Praise Patterns: Praising the Savior
In Praise Patterns, these Praise Psalms follow yesterday's post.
Our God is a God of salvation, and escape from death belongs to the Lord God.
(Psalm 68:20)
But as for me—poor and in pain—let Your salvation protect me, God.
(Psalm 69:29)
God of our salvation, help us—for the glory of Your name.
Deliver us and atone for our sins, because of Your name. (Psalm 79:9)
I will give thanks to You because You have answered me
and have become my salvation.(Psalm 118:21)
I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. (Psalm 62:1)
God my Savior, as I contemplate the crucifixion I am once again amazed by Your sacrifice and Your love. I praise You and thank You and rest in You.
Our God is a God of salvation, and escape from death belongs to the Lord God.
(Psalm 68:20)
But as for me—poor and in pain—let Your salvation protect me, God.
(Psalm 69:29)
God of our salvation, help us—for the glory of Your name.
Deliver us and atone for our sins, because of Your name. (Psalm 79:9)
I will give thanks to You because You have answered me
and have become my salvation.(Psalm 118:21)
I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. (Psalm 62:1)
God my Savior, as I contemplate the crucifixion I am once again amazed by Your sacrifice and Your love. I praise You and thank You and rest in You.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Praise Patterns: excerpt from Savior Chapter
Here is an excerpt from my new book Praise Patterns. This is from Day Three, which in every chapter focuses on Jesus in the Gospel section of the New Testament. Day Three also includes a Practical Praise section with a simple idea to help you insert more praise into your day. (Day One is an overview, Day Two contains an Old Testament passage and a praise quote from a historical or contemporary Christian, and Day Four's scriptures are taken mostly from the Epistles.)
God My Savior
My bedroom window looks out toward the rugged mountains that surround Las Vegas. The red and orange layers in the mountains seem to shift as the sun moves across the sky. Between me and the mountains stands Red Rock Casino, a sleek copper building that reflects the mountains and the clouds and, best of all, the sunrise. If I wake early enough in the morning, I watch the sunrise change the skyline. The rocky mountains, the neighborhoods, the casino, the palm trees...all are touched by the light. I love to think of my Savior as the sunrise, His rays of love bringing hope and change to our world.
In the first two chapters of Luke, the praises of three people are recorded. The first is Mary's prayer of praise. Today, we'll read the other two: the joyful announcement of Zachariah (the husband of Elizabeth and father of John the Baptist), and the words of Simeon, the elderly man we met when we read Anna's story.
Because of our God's merciful compassion, the Dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Zachariah's words in Luke 1:78-79)
Now Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples—a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel. (Simeon's words from Luke 2:29-32)
These two prayers speak of Jesus as a light dawning upon the dark world. Later, Jesus called Himself the Light of the World, and even on the dark day of His death, His light dawned upon a criminal hanging next to Him:
Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: “Aren't You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!”
But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don't you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we're getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”
And He said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)
Practical Praise: Thank God for Your Mentors
Who taught you about Jesus the Savior? Who models Christlike living to you? Whose attitude of gratitude encourages you to be more grateful too? Who mentors you in practical areas? Praise God for those people today, and write one of them a short thank-you note this week.
I need to write a note to my friend Gina. We've gotten acquainted chatting on Facebook—she writes the funniest status updates and she shares prayer requests too. A few weeks ago at a church service I could see Gina and her husband in the sanctuary. While the congregation sang, Gina sat in her wheelchair, and her husband stood up, but as we began to sing “How Great Thou Art” Gina's husband helped her stand up. Even from a few rows away, I could see that though Gina's life is filled with health issues, she trusts God and makes praising Him a priority. Because I could see the song was meaningful to her, I reflected on the words a bit more than usual myself. The verse about God not sparing His son reminded me to praise my Savior. Gina didn't know that she was my mentor that day.
Praise Patterns will be available for purchase very soon.
God My Savior
My bedroom window looks out toward the rugged mountains that surround Las Vegas. The red and orange layers in the mountains seem to shift as the sun moves across the sky. Between me and the mountains stands Red Rock Casino, a sleek copper building that reflects the mountains and the clouds and, best of all, the sunrise. If I wake early enough in the morning, I watch the sunrise change the skyline. The rocky mountains, the neighborhoods, the casino, the palm trees...all are touched by the light. I love to think of my Savior as the sunrise, His rays of love bringing hope and change to our world.
In the first two chapters of Luke, the praises of three people are recorded. The first is Mary's prayer of praise. Today, we'll read the other two: the joyful announcement of Zachariah (the husband of Elizabeth and father of John the Baptist), and the words of Simeon, the elderly man we met when we read Anna's story.
Because of our God's merciful compassion, the Dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Zachariah's words in Luke 1:78-79)
Now Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples—a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel. (Simeon's words from Luke 2:29-32)
These two prayers speak of Jesus as a light dawning upon the dark world. Later, Jesus called Himself the Light of the World, and even on the dark day of His death, His light dawned upon a criminal hanging next to Him:
Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: “Aren't You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!”
But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don't you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we're getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”
And He said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)
Practical Praise: Thank God for Your Mentors
Who taught you about Jesus the Savior? Who models Christlike living to you? Whose attitude of gratitude encourages you to be more grateful too? Who mentors you in practical areas? Praise God for those people today, and write one of them a short thank-you note this week.
I need to write a note to my friend Gina. We've gotten acquainted chatting on Facebook—she writes the funniest status updates and she shares prayer requests too. A few weeks ago at a church service I could see Gina and her husband in the sanctuary. While the congregation sang, Gina sat in her wheelchair, and her husband stood up, but as we began to sing “How Great Thou Art” Gina's husband helped her stand up. Even from a few rows away, I could see that though Gina's life is filled with health issues, she trusts God and makes praising Him a priority. Because I could see the song was meaningful to her, I reflected on the words a bit more than usual myself. The verse about God not sparing His son reminded me to praise my Savior. Gina didn't know that she was my mentor that day.
Praise Patterns will be available for purchase very soon.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Praise Psalms
Another excerpt from Praise Patterns:
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!
I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God! (Psalm 42:11 NLT)
Lord my God, You have done many things—Your wonderful works
and Your plans for us; none can compare with You.
If I were to report and speak [of them], they are more than can be told.
(Psalm 40:5)
Let them give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love
and His wonderful works for the human race. (Psalm 107:8)
Sing to the Lord, you His faithful ones, and praise His holy name. (Psalm 30:4)
Wonderful Lord, tonight my heart longs to praise You, but I am exhausted. I will borrow phrases from a few Psalms and praise You with words that are not original but are certainly heartfelt.
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!
I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God! (Psalm 42:11 NLT)
Lord my God, You have done many things—Your wonderful works
and Your plans for us; none can compare with You.
If I were to report and speak [of them], they are more than can be told.
(Psalm 40:5)
Let them give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love
and His wonderful works for the human race. (Psalm 107:8)
Sing to the Lord, you His faithful ones, and praise His holy name. (Psalm 30:4)
Wonderful Lord, tonight my heart longs to praise You, but I am exhausted. I will borrow phrases from a few Psalms and praise You with words that are not original but are certainly heartfelt.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Praise Patterns: the back cover summary
Click on the image here to view this larger. Click on it once, and then hover over it with your mouse and click the plus sign to see it actual size.
Also, check out the Chapter Titles,
the Front Cover,
and an excerpt from the first chapter.
Also, check out the Chapter Titles,
the Front Cover,
and an excerpt from the first chapter.
Responding to Exceeding Joy
Here is an excerpt from my Praise Patterns book, Chapter Three ("My Exceeding Joy"), Day Four. Each chapter's Day Four is focused on our response to God. Praise is not just a bunch of nice things we say to God; praise is responding to God in obedience and love.
I think it's impossible to talk about joy without talking about troubles, and finding joy within troubled times. Let's think again about that scene in the temple, when Mary and Joseph and Simeon and Anna were praising God together. The Jewish nation was expecting the Messiah to come and deliver them from Roman oppression. This little group probably had this in mind as they praised. They didn't know God's great plan of redemption in detail. They just knew He had arrived, so they praised Him.
I think there is a lesson here for us. In the midst of a situation with no solution in sight, God's presence is our comfort. When worry or grief or pain darken the sky, we can whisper the name of Jesus and remember that He is with us. This knowledge may not instantly produce a spectacular sunrise of joy, but it can light a tiny candle within the dark night, a gleam of hope within our hearts. Maybe our praises are timid, perhaps they aren't as eloquent or determined as Habakkuk's—but God accepts what we are capable of offering. Look at these Scriptures about joy and rejoicing:
...through Him, we have received access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:2)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)
You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to be distressed by various trials so that the genuineness of your faith —more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy. (I Peter 1:6-8)
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:12-14)
May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father who has enabled you to share in the saints' inheritance in the light. (Colossians 1:10-12)
When circumstances are bleak and grim, the Lord never leaves us, and we can ask Him to be our Exceeding Joy—our joy that exceeds our situation.
Praise Patterns will be available to purchase in about a month.
I think it's impossible to talk about joy without talking about troubles, and finding joy within troubled times. Let's think again about that scene in the temple, when Mary and Joseph and Simeon and Anna were praising God together. The Jewish nation was expecting the Messiah to come and deliver them from Roman oppression. This little group probably had this in mind as they praised. They didn't know God's great plan of redemption in detail. They just knew He had arrived, so they praised Him.
I think there is a lesson here for us. In the midst of a situation with no solution in sight, God's presence is our comfort. When worry or grief or pain darken the sky, we can whisper the name of Jesus and remember that He is with us. This knowledge may not instantly produce a spectacular sunrise of joy, but it can light a tiny candle within the dark night, a gleam of hope within our hearts. Maybe our praises are timid, perhaps they aren't as eloquent or determined as Habakkuk's—but God accepts what we are capable of offering. Look at these Scriptures about joy and rejoicing:
...through Him, we have received access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:2)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)
You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to be distressed by various trials so that the genuineness of your faith —more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy. (I Peter 1:6-8)
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:12-14)
May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father who has enabled you to share in the saints' inheritance in the light. (Colossians 1:10-12)
When circumstances are bleak and grim, the Lord never leaves us, and we can ask Him to be our Exceeding Joy—our joy that exceeds our situation.
Praise Patterns will be available to purchase in about a month.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
My Exceeding Joy
The third chapter of my book Praise Patterns is titled "My Exceeding Joy." Here's an excerpt from Day Two:
Habakkuk was an Old Testament prophet who wrote the book that bears his name. It begins with a prayer of questions and a longing for justice. God answered him with the frightening news that Israel's enemies were going to sweep in and conquer the land. Habakkuk kept praying, pouring out his questions and concerns and heartbreaks to God, and God continued to show him the judgments that were coming to his nation. In chapter three, Habakkuk proclaimed God's power, and closed the book with a prayer of determined joy. Habakkuk's circumstances didn't change; in fact he had God's assurance that things were only going to get worse. Yet Habakkuk responded to God with praise. Notice the last phrases—not only did Habakkuk write this beautiful prayer, he set it to music.
Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will triumph in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! Yahweh my Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights!
For the choir director: on stringed instruments.(Habakkuk 3:17-19)
Habakkuk didn't start out with this joyful attitude. First he took all his concerns and complaints to God, listened to God, and responded in prayer. Then he praised. I see a similar pattern in David's words in Psalm 42.
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
While they continually say to me, “Where is your God?”
When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me.
For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.
O my God, my soul is cast down within me;
Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan,
And from the heights of Hermon, from the Hill Mizar.
Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;
All Your waves and billows have gone over me.
The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,
And in the night His song shall be with me—a prayer to the God of my life.
I will say to God my Rock,“Why have You forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”
As with a breaking of my bones, my enemies reproach me,
While they say to me all day long,“Where is your God?”
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.(Psalm 42 NKJV)
Praise Patterns will be available to purchase in about a month. In the book, this segment is followed by a Prelude to Praise (a quote from a historical Christian and a few details about that person's life), discussion and application questions, and a selection of Psalms.
Habakkuk was an Old Testament prophet who wrote the book that bears his name. It begins with a prayer of questions and a longing for justice. God answered him with the frightening news that Israel's enemies were going to sweep in and conquer the land. Habakkuk kept praying, pouring out his questions and concerns and heartbreaks to God, and God continued to show him the judgments that were coming to his nation. In chapter three, Habakkuk proclaimed God's power, and closed the book with a prayer of determined joy. Habakkuk's circumstances didn't change; in fact he had God's assurance that things were only going to get worse. Yet Habakkuk responded to God with praise. Notice the last phrases—not only did Habakkuk write this beautiful prayer, he set it to music.
Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will triumph in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! Yahweh my Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights!
For the choir director: on stringed instruments.(Habakkuk 3:17-19)
Habakkuk didn't start out with this joyful attitude. First he took all his concerns and complaints to God, listened to God, and responded in prayer. Then he praised. I see a similar pattern in David's words in Psalm 42.
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
While they continually say to me, “Where is your God?”
When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me.
For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.
O my God, my soul is cast down within me;
Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan,
And from the heights of Hermon, from the Hill Mizar.
Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;
All Your waves and billows have gone over me.
The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,
And in the night His song shall be with me—a prayer to the God of my life.
I will say to God my Rock,“Why have You forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”
As with a breaking of my bones, my enemies reproach me,
While they say to me all day long,“Where is your God?”
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.(Psalm 42 NKJV)
Praise Patterns will be available to purchase in about a month. In the book, this segment is followed by a Prelude to Praise (a quote from a historical Christian and a few details about that person's life), discussion and application questions, and a selection of Psalms.
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