days of praise: be thou my vision

Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keeps the law, happy is he.

-Proverbs 29:18

What does this word vision mean? In looking at other translations we find the word vision replaced with revelation (NIV), divine guidance (NLT), prophetic vision (ESV). Vision. Divine or prophetic words from God. Without vision, words from God, we neglect things like prayer and showing restraint. Our lives become reckless, morals become loose, corruption takes over. Leaving each man to do what he feels is right, his way, setting his own goals and plans and [perhaps] then asking for God's blessing. This type of living aligns with the ideals of the world--do what makes you happy, believe what makes you feel good.

In contrast, living with vision we are guided by the words of the Lord, listening and obeying his revelations, whether they make sense to us or not. We walk in faith and trust, knowing that God is a God of absolutes, perfection, complete. He knows all, sees all, his ways and thoughts are higher. Knowing these divine revelations comes only from hearing from the Lord; we cannot attain these revelations on our own. Through time in the Word, prayer, worship, fellowship with others we become more sensitive to his moving, his voice, his whispers. If we choose to obey these prophetic revelations we have the opportunity to be a part of something divine, bigger than ourselves, of greatest importance..eternal importance.

Lord, may we be a people of vision, people who listen and obey your voice.

days of praise: illuminating little light

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

-John 1:3-5

Darkness has to flee in the presence of light.We, as believer, are called the light of the world. So, where are we shining our little lights? Are we going into the *dark* places, stepping outside our comfort zones, venturing into the places that need the hope of Jesus?

Sometimes it's easy to become overwhelmed..what can I do? We feel small and the need is so great. One little light. What difference can one little light make in all that darkness? I'm reminded of a message by Holly Wagner. She had all of the lights turned off in the large auditorium and turned on a small flashlight..all eyes were immediately drawn to that tiny light. It couldn't be ignored. We knew exactly where she was on the stage as our eyes followed the light circles that swirled through the thick dark. It's amazing the difference one little light can make. Your little light is powerful..take it into the dark places. Be the difference, point others towards truth.

And like the song that children sing: this little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine..

Shine on, sweet ones.

days of praise: removing the wax

Tonight was a great reminder that I am not expected to have everything figured out and together. I taught a lesson on living a "daily bread" lifestyle to some precious women, but honestly, the lesson was for me. I so often feel like I have to be in control, never wanting to disappoint, never wanting to mess up. And really, I often cover my shortcomings and weaknesses with walls of "strength." Yet I am weak..so weak, frail.

And just like the wax used to fix imperfections in vessels, pots, vases, or mixed in with mortar for a quick and cheap fix I find that the wax I use to cover my imperfections just doesn't hold up under the pressure. Crumbling. Tumbling. It shatters to the ground, leaving behind vulnerability, an exposed surface. Tender to the touch, yet I am surrounded by people who love and care for me. In removing the wax, these places are filled with truth..solid, firm, sweet balm to my soul. And as I am filled with truth I no longer see need for the wax and masks that I so easily hide behind.

If you don't have a community I urge you to find one. A place where you can belong, remove the wax that you're covering your imperfections with, grow in your faith. You are a beautiful creation.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

-Psalm 139:14

days of praise: favorite verse(s)

For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end of every dispute. In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 6:16-20

Have you ever been asked about your favorite verse in the Bible? I often have a hard time with this question because the Lord highlights verses for me during different seasons, giving me truth to claim and cling on to during various seasons. However, I always seem to be drawn back to this passage in Hebrews 6, captivated by the imagery of my soul be anchored by hope. This hope is not a feeling or a wish, it is nothing that I can make with my hands or do with my feet..it is a matter of the heart.

Just as a ship is held firmly in place by an anchor as the rough waves of the storms crash about, I too face rough water as I wade through various trials and tribulations of life. And, as secure as the anchor is for the ship, it is simply held into place by mere sand, rock. My hope anchor is much more steady, sure and secure, for it is immovable, it is an anchor that firmly secures my soul to the holy of holies, to an eternity spent with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The hope I have reminds me that this world is not all there is, but I have eternity to look forward to, a place with no more pain, suffering, tears. A place of perfect love, joy, peace. And when I have an eternal view my troubles become small because my hope is infinitely great.

May your soul be ever anchored by hope.

Do you have a favorite verse/passage?

days of praise: speaking to mountains

Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted to him.

-Mark 11:23

What are some of the mountains you are facing right now? Fear? Doubt? Shame? Guilt? Stop talking about those mountains, complaining. Yes, it's great to get advice and counsel from others that you trust and respect, but there will come a time when you need to claim the power that you have in the Holy Spirit and address that mountain directly, boldly. Take hold of the living Word of God and speak truth into your situation.

For fear: In the name of Jesus I declare that fear has no place in my life. 2 Timothy 1:7 says that God has not given me a spirit of fear, but one of power, and of love, and of sound mind. No longer will I be fearful; I will walk in the power that I have in the Spirit, demonstrating love and a sound, (firm foundation, full of confidence), mind.

For worry: In the name of Jesus I command that all worry be bound and cast away from me. In Matthew 6 I am told not to worry because as my heavenly Father provides graciously and abundantly for the birds of the air, how much more will he provide for me. I cast all my cares on you, Lord, and I know that you care. You promise to sustain me; I put my hope in you, O Lord, and know that you are renewing me to soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint. I trust you and I will no longer let worry consume my thoughts, but will think upon things that are true, pure, lovely.

Find promises in scripture and pray them boldly over your situation. And remember that faith, even the size of a mustard seed, that commands a tree to be uprooted will be uprooted. The devil wants to cripple us with lies, but the Lord has promised us life, full and abundant. Don't let those lies take root in your life, live in freedom and help others find freedom from the bondage that is consuming them.

days of praise: daily bread

With the holidays in full swing, so is consumerism. Today in church Pastor Aaron said he'd read something to the effect of: only in America do we trample people to get more stuff right after a day devoted to being thankful for the stuff we have. Sadly, our thankful hearts can quickly ache for more..that new piece of electronic equipment, that great deal, it's always something bigger, (although not necessarily in size), and better. Commercials inundate us with the latest and greatest at a low price and we forget that we are supposed to be thankful, grateful for what we already have.

In truth, the Lord promises to provide for our every need, not our every want. And this often rubs us the wrong way and we feel as though the Lord is withholding. We want it all, not just enough for now, but enough for tomorrow, next week, next year. We want our storehouses full, overflowing with stuff. We too often look for satisfaction in the stuff, but stuff will never satisfy and we find ourselves in a constant state of aways wanting more.

Give us this day our daily bread.

-Matthew 6:11

Jesus teaches us to pray in Matthew 6, setting the example of praying for our daily bread. Praying for only for that which we need today. To be content and satisfied in knowing that enough just for today is enough. Today I was also reminded, from Pastor Aaron, that worry puts us in the future, while thanksgiving keeps us in the presence. So, by receiving each day our daily portion we remain thankful, content, dependent upon him.

This whole idea of daily bread was a reality for the Israelites in Exodus 16 when the Lord rained down manna each night and in the morning they were to collect only enough for the day, (except on the sixth day when they were to collect enough for the Sabbath as well), and not save any of it until the next day. Those who disobeyed and saved some of their manna until the next day found their manna maggot infested and stinky.

How often do we store up so much stuff that it goes bad, gets rusty or even outdated before we can use it? What would it look like to live for our daily bread, no more, no less? How would our gratitude and thanksgiving reflect the change?

days of praise: I need grace

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may live in me.

-2 Corinthians 12:9

Admitting weakness is hard. I do not like to feel weak or vulnerable. Throughout my life I have always held leadership roles, been responsible, done what I was *supposed* to do. And somewhere along the way I started believing the lie that if people knew that I wasn't *ahem* perfect that I would no longer be seen as responsible or fit to serve in specific roles. And maybe there's some truth to that. Maybe I didn't need to say yes to every leadership role, and if I would have learned to ask for help earlier situations would have been a lot easier. Who was I [trying] to impress anyway. In truth, I have lived most of my life craving the accolades of man more than the those of my heavenly Father.

You see, I am the older brother from the story of The Prodigals Son, I naturally gravitate towards a Martha type of living rather than a Mary, I very easily can become a Pharisee. Thank goodness that He doesn't leave us where He finds us. As these truths are revealed to my soul he begins to chip away at my pride and selfishness. When I compare myself to others he reminds me gently of my own weaknesses, struggles, sins. 

So, what does it look like when I believe that power is perfected in weakness and truly rely on his grace? Palms open and up. What does it look when I boast in my weaknesses, allowing the power of Christ to work in and through me, rather than trying to hide them behind a mask of *having it all together?* Serving becomes more natural and I allow him to provide in unexpected ways. When I submit to the power of Christ I open up doors for miracles, and provide opportunities for his name to be praised. Because what happens, you see, is that when I am not enough he is more than enough always, and as we saw in the story of the snack pack of fish feeding thousands plus leftover baskets, God's multiplication is supernatural. And every time I allow him to multiply my weak efforts into his glorious bounty I learn more about his power, majesty, love. And the more I learn, the more I realize how little I actually know. In the words of the Mad Hatter, He's "much muchier." He's infinitely more (powerful, loving, wise, holy) than we can even think to think. Which is just awesome.

How can you praise him in your weaknesses? Is there an area of weakness that you are holding tightly to..let go and let Love, perfect Love, work powerfully in and through you.

days of praise: what's in a name?

When I lived in China I learned that the Chinese culture values name meanings. It was very common to have Chinese friends who had chosen names like Tiger, Grace and Sunny as their *American* names. (Of course they also often choose the names of their favorite American pop stars) I see this same emphasis placed on names throughout the Bible. In fact, names were often changed--Abrahm to Abraham; Sarai to Sarah; Simon to Peter--often these name changes correspond with a life change, making them completely different.

God has different names too, with very powerful meanings, and if you don't already, I suggest praying these specific names. Below are a few of the names that I use most often during prayer:

• El Olam --The Everlasting God
• Jahovah Jireh -- The Lord will Provide
• Jahovah Shalom -- The Lord is Peace
• Jahovah Rapha -- The Lord that Heals
• Jahovah Nissi -- The Lord my Banner
• Yahweh -- Lord, Jahovah

There are many other names for the Lord and I strongly suggest studying these names. Names act as a source of identification; they are also act as an identity. By praying individual names we give him honor in his many identities, his infinite power.

There is none like You, O Lord; You are great, and great is Your name in might.

-Jeremiah 10:6

days of praise: eucharisteo

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name.

-Psalm 100;4

Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you were able to spend the day with loved ones, and enjoyed some delicious food. Some Thanksgiving day praise:

• time with my loving family
• delicious food
• beautiful mourning mountain views
• crisp morning mountain air
• delicious food
• game laughter
• favorite movie watching/quoting
• relaxing with the ones that know me best and love me completely
• prayer..thankful prayer

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!

days of praise: giving praise in every season

Bitterness. When it is given the opportunity to take root it will grow like a weed. A big one, with deep, thick roots. And often we deal with bitterness much like we deal with these weeds and just pull the part that we can see. Everything looks nice and manicured, put together on the surface but underneath..underneath where no one can see, there is deep rooted darkness, ugliness. Left alone, it will continue to grow deeper and stronger, literally strangling life.

There are different reasons for bitterness, I supposed, but really at the heart of bitterness is pride. We become bitter when we think that we deserve something, maybe we just simply don't understand. Why is this happening? Why isn't that? We all have areas of our life where bitterness seems to creep in: maybe it's with unemployment or broken relationships, maybe it's infertility or a serious illness. For me, it's being single. Struggling with loneliness. Not that I am alone, no. I am surrounded, both near and far, by some of the most amazing friends, I have a loving family and really I am so very loved and cared for. But, when I am walking in the flesh, there it is. Crippling.

Because, really, my struggle is with feeling that I'm dealing with unanswered prayer. Maybe he has just become deaf to this request, maybe he has forgotten the desire that he placed inside my heart, maybe he is punishing me for some past sin. The lies flood into my mind seeming to wash away reason and truth. And some of the most dangerous people to talk with, I have found, are well-meaning Christians. As I pour into women I have found that the #1 lie spoken over them is that they need to be fully satisfied in Christ and then the Lord will bring them their husband. Really? Because I don't know scripture to back that one up. We all need to be satisfied in Christ, he does promise, Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst (John 14:4). The Bible never promises that once we attain a certain amount of satisfaction, or spiritual maturity, that he will provide a spouse. We must be careful how we encourage, not to embellish or manipulate the scriptures.

I have found that in my own struggle the Lord has opened up a way to minister to others who are struggling with this same thing. And, I rejoice in that. I understand, sweet one. It is hard. God loves you. And, just as I would pray with a woman desiring children I stand in agreement with my sisters who desire to be married.

So, I encourage you to praise him in every season that you walk through and build up those who are struggling. He is good always and his love endures forever.

..for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

-Philippians 4:11-13

days of praise: gratitude journal

Eucharisteo -- thanksgiving -- always proceeds the miracle

-Ann Voskamp 

It's in giving thanks that we allow him to take our not enoughs and multiply them into his more than enoughs. He is, after all, the God that took a snack sack of fish and bread and multiplied them to feed thousands plus leftovers. (Matt. 15: 26-28) He is a God who lavishes us everyday with gifts, pleasures that often go unnoticed.

I am ungrateful. It is often too easy for me to focus on the have nots rather than the haves. Complain instead of praise. I took the love dare challenge found in Ann Voskamps One Thousand Gifts and I am writing 1000 things that I am grateful for. They are heart hugs, those things that change the trajectory of my lips. With Sharpie and paper I began writing my list on July 20, 2012:

1. holding a strong hand in prayer
2. cool night breezes
3. the smell of fresh, clean laundry

As the days and weeks advanced my eyes wandered to these bits of beauty that surround me every day. Love notes delivered straight from my Abba:

     48. dew on blades of grass

     49. little white flowers sprinkled in grassy field

     50. doves cooing in trees

     51. tears of joy

     52. new friends

Before I knew it I had written 100 gifts and then 150:

   154. waking up to a hoot owl

   155. crunching, spinning through fallen orange, yellow leaves

   156. standing in the gap for a sweet friend

   157. coffee with the "just right" amount of cream

   158. fresh blanket of snow

As I now round the corner to 300 gifts I am reminded to keep going, always looking, always giving him praise. I started this gratitude journal with the goal of writing 1000 gifts but hope that I never stop looking and writing gifts, remembering that thanksgiving is a choice.

   290. morning moon

   291. ice crystals on glass

   292. ..

Will you take the joy dare? Can you write 1000 things you are grateful for?

days of praise: one thousand gifts

The only answer to God's unending grace--is man's unending gratitude.

-Ann Voskamp

If you haven't heard of this book, One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp I highly recommend it. It's a book, a dare, to live a full life right where you are, in the everyday mundane of life. Ann's words poetically flow as she tells the story of her life, describing the gifts of joy that she finds along the way. There were times during the book where tears were streaming down my cheeks as she describes the tradegy of losing her young sister, and other times I was laughing through her stories of chasing the moon. Ann's heart comes to life in the words that fill these pages. Her joy is evident, contagious, beautiful.

Her blog is inspiring through both words and pictures: a holy experience.

A great book for personal studies as well as group studies.

Let us offer our sacrifices of praise, giving him thanks and lifting up pure hearts.

The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!

-Psalm 50:23

days of praise: now, not later

Now as Jesus was walking past the sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called to them. Immediately their left their nets and their father, and followed Him.

Matthew 4:18-22

In college, after a summer at the beach with a campus ministry we each wore a piece of fishing line tied around one of our wrists. It was a visual reminder that we are to be fishers of men. I remember studying these verses and focusing on the fact that they all left their livelihoods and their families and followed Jesus, which is very important. However, I remember reading these verses months later and the urgency in the way they followed him stood out. They did not question, weight the pros and cons, give the excuse of business. No, the followed him immediately. They did not follow him out of convenience or ease, they followed him because of who he was.

Which is convicting. There have been times that I have felt the Spirit moving me, prompting me to do something, say something to someone, and I have stalled, put it off until later. The saying, better late than never is not always true. Later often means a missed opportunity. It is in those times that I have to repent and ask that the Lord place an urgency for obedience and move someone to do that which I avoided, say those words when I stayed mute, to be bold and confident when I was timid and afraid.

It is my hope that we will be people of urgent obedience, that when He speaks we listen and act accordingly..immediately. On time.

days of praise: bearing fruit during a drought

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

-Jeremiah 17:7-8

Have you ever experienced a season of spiritual drought. Those times when the Lord just does not feel as close as he once did. Maybe you are not hearing his voice as clearly or often as you once did. Maybe he does not seem to be revealing truth to you like he once did. Maybe you are finding that friendships have changed or things in life just aren't going as smoothly as before. These seasons are hard. I know all too well. When I experience these times I often question what I've done, or why things are suddenly different. My natural tendency is to focus inward, to protect and preserve myself.

The danger is that when I am focused on me I am often blind to the needs of others. In trying to relive a feeling or encounter I forget that there are some who are longing to have their first encounter with him, looking for hope. How many opportunities have I missed during these seasons? The Lord is so good and wants us to experience him, however, just like everything else our relationship with him is ever changing and we walk through different seasons with him as we grow. And, in this upside-down kingdom, it is often during the hard times, the droughts, where we experience the greatest spiritual growth.

I have been walking with the Lord for a long time, my roots go deep. I am well grounded in the knowledge of him, in truth. And during these times I have to remind myself that he is the living water, my well-spring of life and even when I cannot sense him like I once could I know that he is right there beside me. I know I am growing, and since I receive my nourishment from the well of living-water I know that I can bear fruit and pour into others whether times are going well or..simply hard.

We can cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control), serve others and shine our lights brightly no matter what our circumstances or how we are feeling. So, no matter the season we should remain connected through reading the Word, praying, communing with the Lord, knowing that his promises and love remain true and deep always.

days of praise: breath of life

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

-John 14:26

For the past several months I've visited different churches that have been studying the Holy Spirit, my own here in Colorado included. Perhaps one of the most interesting things that I've recently learned about this mystery person of the trinity was in a message by Pastor Chris Hodges where he explains that the English translation, Spirit, does not convey the same meaning as the Hebrew and Greek words used. Ruwach is the word used in Hebrew, meaning a wind, breath, a violent exhalation, blast of breath. Pneauma is the Greek word used, meaning a current of air, blast of breath, a strong breeze. In other words, the Holy Spirit is a wind, breath. Wind is unseen, unpredictable, powerful. John 3:8 says ...the wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear it's sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. (for the full message, and others, visit: Church of the Highlands).

Growing up the Holy Spirit was spoken of only in passing, recognized as perhaps a distant relative. But as I've grown over the past years I've learned that he is very real, vital, this wind, breath that lives inside of me. He is powerful, he helps me, counsels me, and as I allow him to work in my life I realize that my words and actions are breath of life to others. I don't always know how the Spirit is going to work, but when I am submitted to his power I can rest assured that he will move in ways seen and unseen, soften hearts, prepare them to hear truth. All I have to do is be obedient, which, granted, is usually easier said than done. The Spirit will prompt us to do things that require us to die to our flesh and perhaps speaks words to folks that don't always make sense to us contextually. And as we allow this wind to blow through us we begin to see change in the world around us. Not because of what we can do on our own, but because He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. Embrace the Spirit's work in your life today, invite him to use you as breath of life to those around you.

I highly recommend Pastor Chris Hodges's book: Fresh Air. Check it out.

days of praise: on encouragment

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.

-1 Thesselonians 5:11

I looked down at the results. Encouragement. Really? Of all the "spiritual gifts"encouragement was among my top 5. Oh, if only a more esteemed gift graced my top gifts, perhaps prophesy or healing. But to a freshman in college encouragement didn't seem very exciting. Rather ordinary really. Something anyone can do. And, something we all should be doing.

Yet, once I embraced this gift I began to see it's effects all around me. Encouragement is sometimes spoken through gentle words, sometimes it is spoken in challenging truth, and still other times it is a gesture that reminds someone that they are special, noticed, loved. When I am truly walking in this gift the Lord will whisper words for me to tell others, prayers to pray over them, truth to speak into them. And it's in those times that I realized that while we are all to be encouraging one another the Lord has given me this gift and he uses me to supernaturally spur on and empower others. Amazing.

So, I want to encourage you today. Whatever giftings and talents that you have use them for the glory of God. There is no hierarchy of gifts; he uses each one to build up his kingdom. Do not ignore these gifts, but ask him to cultivate them in you and to put you in situations where you can use them to bless others and bring glory to his name. What an honor!

days of praise: up and open

saying, Father if you are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet, not My will, but Yours be done.

-Luke 22:42

Living a life of surrender is hard; it requires us to loosen the grip of control that we try to have over certain things/areas in our lives. It requires us to stop trying to manipulate and start standing on truth, putting our trust in the very One who never leaves us nor forsakes us. He who has promises that He knows the plans for our futures and promises to uphold us with his righteous right hand.

Years ago the Lord revealed to me that there were certain areas that I was not giving over to him completely. He gave me the picture of a string tied to a helium balloon. I would offer him lip service in the surrendering of these areas, but at the last moment would grab the end of the string, perhaps I had even convinced myself that I had fully surrendered to the Lord. I hadn't. And, truly releasing my grip, one finger at a time, was hard and painful and an act of obedience, trust and hope.

One of my dear sweet friends and I call this palms up and open, up and open for short. We keep each other accountable with these words, or even simply with the actual gesture. It's not a judgement call, but a reminder. A reminder that maybe we're hanging on to the things of this world a little too tightly, a reminder that he is in control. The situation might not turn out the way we hope, but we can rest assured that it is always good if we allow him to take over. But, maybe more than anything it's a visual reminder of the release necessary to set us free from the bondage, the lies.

So, dear ones, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make you path straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

He loves you more than you know. He sees more than you see. His ways and thoughts are higher..much higher.

days of praise: worthiness

Today I was given the theme for an upcoming chapel in February. I will be speaking on the worthiness of God and how it relates to our obedience and sacrifice. The topic seems obvious enough, but pulling my thoughts to one concise message has been quite challenging.

Worthy is defined as deserving effort, attention, respect.

Who is more deserving of this title Worthy than the God of the universe? The one who spoke and there was light and life? The very one who sent his son to die for undeserving sinners? That the mere act of trusting in Jesus covers a man's sins and they are counted against him no longer. Living a grace-filled full life is not only possible but is a reality for those who will receive.

He is worthy because He is God. He is the great I Am. Revelation 4:11 exclaims, Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created. He is the Creator of heaven and earth. He is holy--set apart. Yet, even in his splendor, majesty, complete perfection, he chooses love as that which makes a way for the broken and feeble to enter into his gates, even into the holy of holies, to commune with him in his presence. Awesome.

And if we truly believe all of the promises that fill the pages of the Bible obedience is not a question, shouldn't be a question. After all, he sent his only son to die for me, to die for you. He promises to work all things out for the good of those who love him, that trials are merely a refining of our character, a necessity in becoming better equipped to fight the good fight and press on. And, if we truly believe that what will come in eternity is far greater than this life it seems as though the sting of the sacrifice is lessened, not gone completely. Perspective is what allows us to count the cost, take up our crosses daily and lay down our own wants and desires before the King of kings and Lord of lords.

What would it look like if we truly started believing and living out the words of the apostle Paul: 

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. -Philippians 1:21

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. -Philippians 3:8-9

Maybe we would start living lives that require risk, move us from our comfort zones. Maybe we would start living lives of full surrender, knowing that the best truly is to come. Maybe we would stop giving him lip service and start praising and serving him who is worthy of all praise.

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. Jim Elliot

days of praise: the power of a smile

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

-Proverbs 15:30

Irritated. That was probably the general consensus today after 6 delays to one flight. Grumbles could be heard all over the terminal as folks relayed the news to loved ones and individuals who could advise concerning connecting flights and other travel plans. We were all stuck. Few even went up to voice their thoughts to the airline staff, all of them were treated so kindly, with smiles and appologies. The plane needed repair and a part was being flown in from Atlanta. After the first hour a cart was wheeled by the desk with drinks and snacks for everyone which greatly lightened the mood--we were going to be there for a while. I was so impressed with all of the folks who were serving, never missing a beat, apologizing for the inconvenience and offering beverages and cookies to ease the sting of our very important plans being..changed. Us being inconvenienced..for our own safety. Hmph!

After 4 hours we were finally told that we would be boarding in 10 minutes. Cheers broke out, high fives exchanged, thank yous echoed in chorus around F3. I couldn't help but laugh at how this good news changed the whole mood of the crowd. No one was pushing in line, folks were even letting others get in front of them. As my ticket was scanned I thanked the ladies behind the counter, letting them know that their kindness and smiles had not gone unnoticed. I can imagine that if they would have been short with us, people would have behaved differently, been more impatient. But the truth is the smiles and gentleness from the staff helped ease the reality that some were going to be missing connecting flights, some were going to be late for meetings, others were going to be getting home a bit later. Today was a good reminder for me, that actions speak loudly and a smile goes a long way..bringing joy to the heart.

days of praise: first things first

In the morning when I rise,

In the morning when I rise,

In the morning when I rise

Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.

You can have all this world,

But give me Jesus.

This song filled my thoughts as I awoke this morning. Praising him for this new day, the beautiful sunrise, the breath that fills my lungs. I love mornings--they're peaceful, still, quiet and I sense his presence thick like the morning chill of fall. The wind swirling the fallen leaves, the crunch of animals walking on the natural blanket covering the ground and there, right there I see him smiling upon creation.

It's not uncommon for us, as the Church, to talk about the tithe of money, our treausre, but what about our time, our talent? And, are we giving of our first fruits, giving him the best that we have to offer? I'm challenged this morning with this thought--offering him the very best that I have to offer, rather than giving him my tired, broken, spent left overs. So, with my time, with my talent, with my treasure, O Lord, I will praise you, putting you first in my day, my activities, my work. Rising early to seek your face, hearing from you, starting out full so that the return of my infilling is the blessing of others.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.

-1 Corinthians 12:4-6

 

days of praise: look up

But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. -Psalm 3:3

He lifts my head. Because I cannot always do this on my own. He is my confidence, my hope. His promises are true always; he never fails me. And while there are times to bow my head in reverence, in awe, in prayer, there are times to lift my head towards the heavens and offer him praise, thank him, adore him. 

And when he lifts my head he reveals beauty..

in Louisville, KY

in Birmingham, AL

in Fort Collins, CO

soaring high

in Fort Collins, CO

in the Yukon, Canada.

He is a creative God; he paints the sky so magnificently. He knows what my heart loves. So while he lifts my head in order that I may see the needs of those around me, to care for, serve, love, he lifts my head also to remind me that he loves me and gives me little gifts that take my breath away. He's pursuing me. He's pursuing you. Lift you head and see.

days of praise: here I am to worship

There is a chamber of God's heart that only your worship can fill. I read this sentence years ago when I read Captivating by Staci and John Eldridge. What an awesome reminder--we are each created so uniquely individual that our worship touches him differently, personally. I like that. Knowing that my Father receives and cherishes my worship.

We worship him with our gifts and talents. We worship him through when we read his Word, pray, sing his praise, work. There is no end. Our lives should be lived as a sweet aroma of praise to our Lord.

Music seems to always help me clear my mind and enter his presence, especially when my feelings and mind want to wander. I love how the intensity builds in this song..there's something about shouting praises to the Lord.

Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created. -Revelation 4:11

Lord, may all that we say and do be a sweet aroma of praise and worship to you, our King.

days of praise: those 3 words

I forgive you.

Forgiveness is hard to offer. So often we feel justified in our anger and bitterness towards someone--harsh words were spoken, gossip spread, perhaps something was done that hurt us physically or emotionally. The truth is we have all done something(s) to hurt someone(s), whether intentionally or not. And, I find that I so often judge others based on their actions, but I want to be judged on my motives. "I didn't mean to" is easy to say, but it's often hard to believe from others. It's often hard to see the heart through the hurt.

Forgiveness is not saying that what the person did was okay. Forgiveness is not saying that we agree with the words spoken or the actions of the offender. Forgiveness is a way that we release ourselves and others from the thought space that is being wasted harboring offenses. And in the releasing we are allowing ourselves to, yet again, receive from the Lord. To receive love and offer love.

Whenever you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgression.But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions. -Mark 11:25-26

Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." -Matthew 18:21-22

Freely we receive endless forgiveness from our heavenly Father. The price was paid on the cross. So why do we harbor unforgiveness? Lord, help us to be a people who put our pride aside and freely forgive, as you so graciously pour your forgiveness out to us.

 

days of praise: ordinary extraordinaries

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are you way My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My thoughts higher than your thoughts. -Isaiah 55:8-9

Traveling is not my favorite part of my job. Grumbling complaints often fight for my mind's thoughts on these trips, so really they serve as a way for me to take every thought captive. This week I will be traveling to several states, going to different conferences and meeting with folks who are preparing to serve in Asia.The conference I just left was quite different than it has been in the past and I was fighting away thoughts of it being a "complete waste of time," among other things. Monday night as I was journaling I asked the Lord why I was even there, and that if there was even one person that I needed to connect with that he would cross our paths.

Tuesday was full of divine appointments with teachers and students. I connected with students who are eager to take steps of faith and serve overseas, as well as students who just needed a listening ear; I also had the opportunity to speak at a student ministry meeting. I cannot tell you all that I said but afterwards I was surrounded by students telling me their stories, I was able to encourage them, pray for them. But one gal really stood out that night; she approached me with tears in eyes, grabbed my hands and asked, "how did you know? How did you know I needed to hear those words, that those verses have been on my heart? How did you know?" I didn't, but as I hugged this sweet one and prayed over her I sensed her peace and I knew that she was the answer to that prayer that I had prayed the night before. This morning I read an email from her through tears, I've pasted some of it below:

Hello Andrea,

 You have no clue how much you impacted my life tonight. I had to contact you immediately to accurately convey the magnitude in which God used you! I have been asking and searching for an answer for months and have been so discouraged. Right when I felt like giving up, God sends you almost to my doorstep to convey a message that was so befitting and amazingly on time! Thank you so much for allowing God to use you so tremendously! Of course i don't know you well, but I can see that you are a beautiful woman inside and out! Thank you once again.

I want to encourage you to be ready and willing to be used however, wherever and whenever he sees fit. What an honor that the King of kinds, Lord of lords places us in situations, gives us very specific opportunities to make an impact. May he continue to use our ordinary for his extraordinary and divine purposes!

days of praise: shh, just listen

Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. -Psalm 46:10

We live in such a time where overachievers are praised. We've got schedules to fill, meetings to attend, work to do. And even when we're not at the office we've got our smart phones so we're never more that a click away from emails, texts and social media. We are so plugged in.

So today I encourage you to take time and be still. Cease striving. Read the Word, pray, of course, but then take time to listen. He's got something to tell you. He's doing amazing things and he wants to use you..mightily for his name's sake. Wow!

Unplug for a while and enjoy the silence.

Listen for his whispers.

Bask in his presence.

He know. He cares. He loves you more than you know. Lend him your ear today..receive.

Selah.

days of praise: being great

..If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant to all. -Mark 9:35

Rushing, zipping, swerving, bumping. Airports are full of action. And everyone seems to always be in a hurry, well except maybe that person right in front of me when I have 10 minutes to make a connecting flight that is, inevitably, on the other side of the airport. Since I was not in a hurry yesterday I had time to observe. Parents were herding children, people were checking the time as they ran through the crowd of people yelling, "excuse me!", some were in heated arguments with airline workers, still others were sleeping. But one thing we all had in common was a very important personal itinerary.

Which got me thinking about this up-side-down Kingdom we belong to, one where the last is first and the first is last. A Kingdom that requires us, individually, to crawl up on the alter daily and die to self, where the phrase "not my will but yours be done" should not only be coming from our mouths daily, but was actually spoken before the greatest mystery and sacrifice history will see, ever. A sacrifice made for me. A sacrifice made for you.The spilling of the perfect Beloved One's blood in order that you and I might live. And this love sacrifice was so great that not even death could defeat it--and today our Savior lives, having experienced an excruciating and humiliating death he now bears the scars of our random. Scars of love..truest, purest love.

If love is patient and kind and not self-seeking, how am I truly loving and serving those around me. I happen to spend a lot of time in airports, (as the doodle below of my next 9 days illustrates), where it's easy to stay in my own bubble. Yesterday I felt challenged to actively look for ways to serve others, perhaps others that I will never see again, perhaps others who are seeking and need to see the love of Christ active and alive. Maybe chasing the lady down the terminal to give her the coat she dropped reminded her that there is still good in the world, maybe helping the Chinese student find the train gave him a little more confidence to keep trying English, maybe the conversation with the Tennessee fan encouraged him enough to encourage someone else who is struggling. Maybe, just maybe our little acts have greater effects that we will never know, and maybe that one little act will be the very thing that softens a heart, helping to prepare it to hear the best news of all..the Gospel.

I don't know where you are or where you've been, but let's serve those around us when it is convenient, comfortable and easy, but especially when it requires sacrifice--of us.

Lord, teach us to be servants to all.

days of praise: it's okay to say no

Places to go, people to see, things to do. Busy. Always busy. And with all the things that we could be, should be, would be doing it's easy to justify not spending enough time with our families, with friends..with God. We are literally busying our way through life.

And sometimes our business is in doing "good things," serving in ministry, volunteering, helping out friends and neighbors. The problem may not be in what we're doing, but rather in how much we're doing. Jesus is our model, he was busy with the work set before him of teaching, performing miracles, spending time with the least of these, yet still he took time in solitude with the Father, spent time with his disciples and knew when it was time to leave a city. Jesus even teaches this principle of getting away from busyness to his disciples:

And He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while." (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) -Mark 6:31

Resting does not always feel natural, we often feel like we should be doing something. Or, maybe someone asks us to do something and we feel guilty saying no because we don't have anything else going on at that time. So we say yes.

Maybe you already know this, but as I work with busy people every day I like to share with them this phrase of freedom from Pastor Chris Hodges that helped me years ago and serves as a good reminder even today: Just because your schedule is free doesn't mean you have to say yes. 

While every moment of our day should be spent in communion with the Lord we need to be protecting time in solitude with him every day. Yes, we can be energized when we serve but we must be spending time with our Maker, allowing him to pour into us, filling us, refining us, renewing us. Perhaps we need to say no in order to spend time with our family or reconnect with an old friend. For it is during the protected times together that we build intimacy in relationships, with God and people.

Lord, teach us to find rest in the mist of a busy life. May we be good stewards of our time, in work, play and rest. And may we give you honor and praise in every minute of our days.

days of praise: full to overflowing

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. -1 Peter 4:10

Graciously we have each been given unique giftings and talents, and it is in the pouring out of these gifts that we ourselves become refreshed. Serving is an honor when it is a natural extension of who we are, when it is viewed not as a have to but rather as a get to. I love stepping into life-giving environments where there always seems to be an air of easiness. Not that the work itself is easy, but people are busy doing what they love. Relationships happen naturally in these environments and everyone is encouraged to get involved and serve according to their gifts. Refreshed people exude joy and love and offer their gifts as sacrifices of praise, blessing those around them as they overflow with the blessings the Lord has given them. It's a blessing cycle; we receive in order to give. I love how Pastor Chris explains empowering environments:

Environments where those over you don't see your potential become life-draining situations very quickly. On the other hand, empowering environments will challenge you to your core in an atmosphere of encouragement. They will allow you to try--and even fail--and just keep trying. In order to live a "breath of fresh air" life, you will have to eliminate events, activities, and relationships that don't contribute to who you are and what you're about. When you discover your identity and unique gifts and then become empowered to exercise them, you need to prioritize and focus on what matters most, those things you're called to do that no one else can do. -Chris Hodges, Fresh Air

Recently I found myself feeling drained and tired, basically going through the motions. I often feel as though I'm spinning my wheels as most of what is required of me in my job takes me outside of my naturals gifts and strengths. I was talking about this with a friend one night and what I got was a big dose of truth in love. You are a high capacity leader and you have sidelined yourself. You know your gifts and you need to be serving in them--that's how you are going to be refreshed. He's right. I need to be serving, bending, pouring out to others. I cannot let difficulties take my focus off of serving the very ones I'm called to love. I hope you have friends in your life that know you, speak truth in love and spur you on in your calling.

The devil loves when we feel defeated, weighed down, and stop serving the Lord with zeal. Knowing our weaknesses is just important as knowing our strengths. We all have weaknesses that we need to improve with the help of others and the Lord and often as we grow and mature our weaknesses become strengths. However, we must also recognize the unique qualities that the Lord has given us and use them to for his Kingdom work.

Thank you, Father, for your lavish love. Thank you for your creativity in giving us each unique gifts and strengths. Please reveal and refine our gifts. May we always use them to give you praise.

days of praise: powerful words

Death and life are in the power of the tongue... -Proverbs 18:21

Words will never hurt me, a phrase from a popular children's chant, a lie. Words hurt people, and we learn this at a very young age. Children and adults alike know how to use words to cut others down. After all, hurting people hurt people.

I had been assigned a new program and was meeting with a prospect at a local coffee shop. I opened my brochures and began explaining our exciting new opportunity to serve in Asia, teaching Spanish. "You are the most disrespectful person I have ever met." I looked up, shocked, confused, appologetic. The words spewed out of his mouth like vomit. My spirit was crushed. I received every word, every lie spoken in those 5 minutes.

The thing is, I have been equipped in helping others find freedom from lies spoken over them. Yet still I received those words and, if even for a few short hours, believed them. I am so blessed to work with amazing men and women who rallied around me, praying and speaking truth over me. Where I was weak alone, my community was strong. Unfortunately, I know that I, too, have hurt others with harsh, flippant words. And, I'm sure that you, too, have been hurt by words. Receive these words today:

You are the head and not the tail,

above and not beneath.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

You are the apple of His eye.

You are precious in His sight.

You are so deeply loved by perfect, unfailing Love

that He sent His beloved to die for you.

Lord, you tell us in James 3 that the tongue, a small member of the body, has the potential to be destructive as fire. Set a guard, O Lord, over our mouths, keep watch over the doors of our lips. (Ps 141:3) Help us use our tongues wisely and, instead, speak words that are pleasant, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Prov. 16:24) And let us be a people known for encouraging one another and speaking truth in love. Truly, let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our rock and our Redeemer. (Ps 19:14)

days of praise: water walking

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. -Psalm 32:8

I spent the summer of 2010 leading a group of college students on a trip to China. While it was refreshing to return to a place that is woven into my very being and a privilege to experience China for the first time [again] through their eyes, it was also one of the most spiritually challenging summers of my life. It was the summer that the Lord invited me to experience more of his goodness, requiring my complete trust and obedience in letting go of my security. As I said yes, I felt like Peter stepping out of the boat and onto the water. Pressing the send button for the email containing my resignation letter was the first step. The boat was now behind me, the shore not yet in sight.

When I returned to Alabama I went through times of doubt, feeling the weight and pressure of my fear, drowning in my worries. And then I would cry out to him, allowing his perfect peace to wash over me, steading my feet once again on the water. In saying yes I witnessed miracle after miracle, yet even if he would have kept me in that place of unknown longer, not selling my house or providing my job (in record time) he would still deserve all praise. You see, obedience is risky and requires us to swallow our pride, lay down our own hopes and dreams and step out, to move. Comfort and safety are never guaranteed, but as we march each step of obedience boldly in the name of the Lord we take ground from the enemy, increasing our faith all the while.

In order to say yes to him, we must know his voice, know what he is asking. When we commune with him daily, reading his Word, talking with him and taking time to listen we begin to see him all around us, in everything. And we become like those sheep in John 10:27, the ones who know his voice, the ones he knows, and the ones who follow him. Being obedient to the Lord does not always look rational or wise in the eyes of the world, but it is always worth the cost.

Lord, I pray that we would be a people who praise you with our obedience. Give us wisdom and help us to recognize your voice over the noise and business around us. Draw near to us as we draw near to you and instruct us in the ways we should go.

Is the Lord asking you, in some way, to step out in faith? March on, sweet one. The victory belongs to the Lord.