Keep it Fresh

Psalm 149:¹ Praise the Lord.

Sing to the Lord a new song,
    his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.

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“Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see GOD” was the verse I chose to “say grace” over my food. My parents thought it would be a good idea if me and my siblings learned and said scripture. It was cool at a young age to recite these words, but soon they became common. I mean, I would smell dinner cooking and think to myself, “Can’t we just dive in?” I would whip through my verse without thought of its words or thanks for the food or anyone in the room.

• Sometimes I look at prayer as a habit.
• Sometimes I look at the Bible out of habit.
• Sometimes I say scripture out of habit.

After a while I forgot about the newness of learning and simply spit out what little I knew as if to say “my job is done here, nothing more to see.” BUT GOD deserves a whole lot more.

• GOD doesn’t demand that I recite scripture, but loves when I learn about HIM.
• GOD doesn’t want me to be a parrot reciting scripture, HE wants my heart to be filled with HIS.
• GOD doesn’t force me to keep learning about HIM but loves when I seek HIS face more and more.

Singing a new song to GOD means seeing something new and wonderful about HIM daily. GOD makes the day fresh and new. HE blesses those who seek HIM and HE never gives up on anyone. I must seek GOD’s face daily and praise HIM for the new things HE has done.

• Are you following GOD out of habit?
• Has your relationship with HIM grown old and stale?
• Can you look to see what HE is doing for you and praise HIM? 

Way to Start the Day

¹³ Let them praise the name of the Lord,

    for his name alone is exalted;
    his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
¹⁴ And he has raised up for his people a horn,^[b]
    the praise of all his faithful servants,
    of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the Lord.

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Instead of thinking of the problems of the day I decided to wake up and praise GOD for a change.  This took some doing because it seemed like many things were crashing around me. BUT GOD wanted me to think differently.

• GOD wants me to praise HIM in order to take my mind off of problems.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM in order to focus on something good.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM in order to see things from a positive light.

Praising does clear my mind. It makes me focus on good things which in turn make me delight.  I like starting my day with praise. It clears my path for today’s blessings and leaves my sins in yesterday.

• Will you wake up with praise on your lips?
• Instead of walking through the day, will you count what GOD has done for you?
• Will you give GOD praise and forget about your problems for a short time?

GOD’s Delight

Psalm 147: ¹⁰ His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
    nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
¹¹ the Lord delights in those who fear him,
    who put their hope in his unfailing love.

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Fear is a misconception in the circles I roam. At work, rules were developed to instill fear of insubordination. In my old neighborhood fear was used to mark a territory, though I never quite understood that. Friends and family each had their fears and so did I. Fear of failure, embarrassment, losing stuff and more held me back or made me make decisions that were not filled with passion, rather they were tentative at best.

• My fear of the world blinds me.
• My fear of people makes me tread lightly.
• My fear of failure holds me back from trying.

Fear of people, losing stuff and jobs seem healthy to most, but to GOD it is not good. The more fear I have of the long list of phobias, the dimmer my eyes become. Soon, I cannot see GOD and HIS marvelous power. HE says have no fear, yet fear HIM. Is this confusing? No!

• GOD wants me to fear straying from HIM and falling into something that is powerless.
• GOD wants me to fear using my own power rather than plugging into HIS infinite power.
• GOD wants me to fear loving money or my neighbors stuff so I can look to GOD for my provision.

GOD is love not arrogant. HE is not an oppressor who demands fear like a bully or a conqueror. GOD wants me to understand that HE IS GOD. HIS power is infinite and should not be blown off. My worship should be pointed towards HIM and not myself. The more I seek HIS face, the deeper our relationship grows. HE provides wisdom and never fails to love me.

• Are you full of harmful fear?
• What is your fear and can you write it down on paper and tear it up so you can give it to GOD?
• Will you put your full trust in GOD by asking for a tiny amount of faith to be added to you daily?

Do NOT Trust Your Instincts

Psalm 146: ¹ Praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

² I will praise the Lord all my life;
    I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
³ Do not put your trust in princes,
    in human beings, who cannot save.
⁴ When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
    on that very day their plans come to nothing.
⁵ Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
    whose hope is in the Lord their God.

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Running had never made me excited and this particular day it was no exception. It was “time to run” and I didn’t feel like it but I started on my trek anyway. “Why are you doing this?” popped in my mind as I approached the first mile. “You can’t make it” was the thought at mile five. “Everyone is faster than you and you will not finish” was the thought at mile fifteen. “Just give up” was the inclination when I hurt my ankle at mile twenty two. With 4.2 miles left I had a decision, press on or give up.

• Sometimes I feel like giving up.
• Sometimes it seems like the task in front of me is too great.
• Sometimes my thoughts are full of fear and my answer to fear is fear.

Fortunately I pressed on. I walked three miles with a slight limp and it seemed like even the slowest people who I passed hours earlier had caught up and passed me. My “comparison to other runners” thinking was thrown out the window and my pride was adjusted to simply finishing the race. As I approached the last mile I developed a trot that turned into a gallop. I crossed the finish line before they shut everything down and I was elated.

• GOD wants me to trust HIM rather than trusting in my abilities.
• GOD wants me to trust HIM rather than thinking I have all the answers.
• GOD wants me to trust HIM rather than paying attention to the stuff that pops in my head.

My thoughts can question GOD and sometimes the thoughts of others can be confusing. I mean my fears mixed with another person’s fears create a super fear that GOD allows me to hold onto. HE wants me to grow up and have trust, drawing on the many great and marvelous experiences HE has taken me through in the past. HE wants me to rebuke fear and trepidation while grabbing onto compassion for others as well as myself. GOD does not want me to trust any instinct but HIS and HE provides HIS word, HIS SPIRIT and HIS people to guide me.

• Are you listening to yourself?
• Have you been listening to your own instincts too long?
• Can you ask GOD to break down what you have been holding onto for years?
• Will you allow HIM to guide you by reflecting on what HE has brought you through in the past?

Let Me See

Psalm 144: ⁸ The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
    slow to anger and rich in love.

⁹ The Lord is good to all;
    he has compassion on all he has made.
¹⁰ All your works praise you, Lord;
    your faithful people extol you.
¹¹ They tell of the glory of your kingdom
    and speak of your might,
¹² so that all people may know of your mighty acts
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
¹³ Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and your dominion endures through all generations.

The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises
    and faithful in all he does.

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Once when I woke up, my mind flooded with thoughts of the day. Immediately I started thinking about my priorities and problems I needed to solve. As I thought more and more I knew one of two things would happen; I would get deep into problem solving or painful pleading.

• Sometimes my thoughts are the culprit.
• Sometimes my thoughts are the problem.
• Sometimes my thoughts are not in control and are open to negativity.

Thoughts are wonderful and dangerous at the same time. I can be blessed with some creative ideas or I can be cursed with negative thoughts that spill only over myself. As I wake up “Thinking” I want to have my thoughts altered.

• I want GOD to open my eyes to see HIS grace and compassion because my thoughts blind me.
• I want GOD to open my eyes to HIS slowness to anger and richness in love so I won’t blame HIM for my wicked thoughts.
• I want GOD to open my eyes to HIS works, trustworthiness and faithfulness so I can go out and exclaim HIS blessings to all!

GOD wants me to roll out of bed and onto my knees in prayer so I can hold my thoughts captive for a moment while I ask HIM for peace. Only GOD can provide peace, especially when my thoughts can be hijacked. GOD opens my eyes and lets me see!

• Have you assessed your thoughts?
• Would you say your thoughts are mostly positive or negative?
• Do you know your heart is tied to your thoughts and the words you speak can affect many?
• Will you guard your thoughts today and speak encouraging words of wisdom and peace?

Rescue is Only a Question Away

Psalm 144: ¹⁰ to the One who gives victory to kings,
    who delivers his servant David.

From the deadly sword ¹¹ deliver me;
    rescue me from the hands of foreigners
whose mouths are full of lies,
    whose right hands are deceitful.

¹² Then our sons in their youth
    will be like well-nurtured plants,
and our daughters will be like pillars
    carved to adorn a palace.
¹³ Our barns will be filled
    with every kind of provision.
Our sheep will increase by thousands,
    by tens of thousands in our fields;
¹⁴     our oxen will draw heavy loads.
There will be no breaching of walls,
    no going into captivity,
    no cry of distress in our streets.
¹⁵ Blessed is the people of whom this is true;
    blessed is the people whose God is the Lord.

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David was fleeing for his life and a few times this was true for me. From being chased by bullies, thugs and gang members, running became a solution of necessity. As an adult I remember running from other bullies in companies, creditors and collection agencies. Fear filled my bones, BUT GOD was always there.

• GOD tells me “Stand still and watch the salvation of the LORD.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the only path to deliverance.”
• GOD whispers to me “I AM the gate; no one gets into the kingdom but by ME.”

The LORD is truly my shepherd, I shall not want. HE gives me peace and restores me even when I don’t deserve it. I am excited that I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever!

• Can you place your full trust in GOD today?
• Will you stand still and watch the deliverance of the LORD?
• Can you be honest with GOD and let HIM know your needs without stating them in anger?
• Will you let GOD be your LORD today?

Daily Trust-Filled Requests

Psalm 143: ⁸ Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life.
⁹ Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,
    for I hide myself in you.
¹⁰ Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
    lead me on level ground.

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“What are you going to do with your life?” was the question pointed towards me. I had no idea! I was going to get together with some friends, perhaps work out and go to a club. With no direction and no counseling, I wondered, “what am I supposed to be doing and how am I going to get there and what if I fail?”

• Looking into the future is a difficult thing to do for me.
• Predicting the future based on my past is a flaw in my thinking.
• Seeing the future without direction causes me to worry, doubt and fear.

When pressures of life pile on and I try to look into the future, I can only see more pressure. That’s because the current pressure starts in the mind which is connected to my eyes that are blinded by the current situation. BUT GOD has a remedy.

• GOD wants me to ask HIM to “Show me” the way I should go so I can have a solid path.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to “Rescue me” from my enemies so I won’t bring HIS judgment for them onto me for my retaliation.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to “Teach me” to do HIS will because otherwise I would not follow HIM at all.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to “Lead me” on level ground so I can get off the ups and downs of life made by humans.

Dreams, expectations and ambitions are great to have as long as I have GOD with them. Humans throw out traps and snares to be in power in their own way, BUT GOD wants me to walk on level ground, remaining content in extreme poverty or wealth. HE wants me to trust HIS plan for me and ask HIM to show me the way in which I should go. I am renewed by GOD daily.

• Are you under pressure?
• Do you feel lost right now?
• Can you ask GOD to show, rescue, teach and lead you?
• Will you begin praising HIM now, even before HE does those things for you?

Come out of the Cave

Psalm 142: ⁶ Listen to my cry,
    for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
    for they are too strong for me.
⁷ Set me free from my prison,
    that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me
    because of your goodness to me.

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“Woe is me” I thought to myself as my teacher handed me my graded paper. I did not like the teacher or the subject. I left his class and got dressed for practice. Since I wasn’t as fast the team sped off and I was left trailing in their dust. When I got back I walked down the hallway alone and a football player punched me in the chest so hard that I literally saw stars. “Doesn’t anyone like me?” I thought that day.

• Some days I just want to crawl back into bed.
• Some days I just want to hide from everyone.
• Some days I just want to go inside of a cave and make it my refuge.

David was being pursued by murderers. He ran inside of a cave system and hid from his trackers. I know the feeling. I sometimes have those days where it seems like everyone is against me. BUT GOD says different.

• GOD says to me “Ask and I will hear you.”
• GOD says to me “Try ME. Cry out to ME and I will answer.”
• GOD says to me “I love you and I AM with you always.”

When people have stepped far away from me and things just feel like they are going wrong, GOD stands firmly by my side. HE takes on more of my pain than I can ever know. HE absorbs the sting and helps me grow. GOD makes life livable and brings me out of my cave.

• Are you embarrassed?
• Are you hiding from friends and family?
• Can you stop feeling sorry for yourself and come out of your hiding place?
• Will you break the cycle of only communicating when things are “fine?”
• Will you cry out to GOD today for help?

Sacrifice is Cool

Psalm 141: ¹ I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me;
    hear me when I call to you.
² May my prayer be set before you like incense;
    may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

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GOD cannot wait to bless me on a daily basis. When I go to sleep, HE puts a watch over me and the HOLY SPIRIT speaks on my behalf explaining why I need forgiveness, mercy and love.  When I wake up, HE provides a new day with new adventures. The problem is, I sometimes look at situations and get busy fixing stuff that seems broken. I get distracted and make not time for GOD.

• Sometimes I am too busy to pray.
• Sometimes I am too distracted to sing praise.
• Sometimes I am too enthralled in my circumstance that I leave GOD out of the picture.

While GOD is busy protecting me, caring for me and loving me, I am busy running away from HIM seeking my path. I tell GOD to bow down to me by running in my own direction and demanding that HE fix the broken situation the way “I” want HIM to. BUT GOD is gracious.

• GOD wants me to slow down on a daily basis and recognize HIS greatness.
• GOD wants me to take a step back from my circumstance for a minute and just be with HIM.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS face and to be excited by who HE is and what HE has done.

My prayer time should not always be “complaint time” or “give me time.” I should sacrifice my needy worries for a moment of praise. HE cares about my needs and knows them well. HE wants me to ask for help and depend on HIM. HE also wants me to praise HIM for taking care of the situation even before I ask HIM. GOD enjoys prayers and keeps every one of them in a nice bowl.

Each of my prayers go up to GOD like sweet smelling incense. HE loves when I make time for HIM as HE does for me.

• Are you too busy for GOD?
• Does hearing about GOD on a daily basis turn you off?
• Will you cling to HIS greatness and ask HIM to provide your needs today?
• Will you also praise HIM for HIS greatness in your life? 

Special People have a Place

Psalm 140: ¹² I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor
    and upholds the cause of the needy.
¹³ Surely the righteous will praise your name,
    and the upright will live in your presence.

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“I’m going to teach these people” was my attitude in preparing for my trip from the city I stayed in. When I arrived in the rural area, I noticed the people had the clothes on their back and not much else. They started singing to an out of tune guitar and homemade drums. Their dancing was infectious and praise was deeply felt. My attitude changed from being the teacher to needing to be taught.

• Sometimes my position blinds me to my own needs.
• Sometimes my wealth blinds me to my own growth.
• Sometimes my title blinds me to my own areas where I need help.

“The Poor” and “The Needy” are usually people I go to, but what happens when I am “The Poor” and “The Needy”? Does my arrogant statement still apply? The people sung and danced without thought of getting something tomorrow. They had nothing and praised more than I ever did. At the time I had a video camera around my neck and other gadgets to provide “comfort” for myself. I then realized my praise towards GOD was only based on what HE had done for me lately.

• GOD wants me to praise HIM in bad times and good times.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS face no matter what I am going through.
• GOD wants me to never give up on HIM because HE never gives up on me.

The LORD secures justice for me. When GOD says to me “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” HE is telling me to throw away pride, arrogance and self-promotion. GOD wants me to worship HIM in spirit and truth. HE upholds my causes and I will praise HIS name!

• Are you actively seeking those who are in need?
• Are you in need and feel left out?
• Will you put your trust in GOD knowing HE is actively pursuing you?
• Will you praise GOD today without expectations?  

GOD Knows

Psalm 139: ¹³ For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.

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²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

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Name calling was a pass time of the kids in my neighborhood. I was called “Captain Naps” because of my hair. I was called “Mr. Peabody” the cartoon dog because of my professor like glasses. I was called “Skinny Minnie” because of my frail stature. I was called “Holey Moly” because of the holes in my pants and the list goes on. The desire to fit in seemed so far away.

• There were times in my life where I felt I didn’t fit in.
• There were times in my life where I felt I didn’t measure up.
• There were times in my life where I felt I didn’t have the right people in my corner.

After childhood I matured and realized that people are fickle and I am in that crowd. One minute I praise someone, the next I have a rock in my hand ready to stone them. BUT GOD has grace.

• GOD created me exactly how HE wanted me to be.
• GOD knit me together in my mother’s womb meaning HE chose my parents.
• GOD made me fearfully and wonderfully and set my life on a path of purpose.

People can try to derail the purpose GOD has for me. I can buy into the negative poison that is spit at me or I can say “no!” GOD made me with a purpose, namely to proclaim the greatness of HIS SON and sometimes I use examples rather than words. GOD needs to search my heart on a daily basis to buffet my offensive ways so HE can keep my purpose focused on everlasting ways.

• Are you down on yourself?
• Do you wish you were born into a different family?
• Can you accept the fact that GOD made you exactly as you are and HE is excited about you?
• Will you live your life with purpose rather than being blown around by the winds of human perception?
• Will you praise GOD today for making your life have meaning?

How to Act High and Mighty

Psalm 138: ⁶ Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly;
    though lofty, he sees them from afar.
⁷ Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
    you preserve my life.
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes;
    with your right hand you save me.
⁸ The Lord will vindicate me;
    your love, Lord, endures forever—
    do not abandon the works of your hands.

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“One day I will have an office” I said to myself. Only those who were very high up in the company had offices instead of cubicles. An office had a door that could be closed and people couldn’t just wander in and pry all over “my” desk. I observed how the big bosses would separate themselves from the underlings by placing an admin as a guard; meanwhile anyone could just barge into my tiny cubicle!

• Sometimes I think I want levels especially when I desire to be on top.
• Sometimes I think I like levels especially when I think the top is worth the climb.
• Sometimes I think I would enjoy levels because maybe people would treat me differently.

Adjustment after adjustment, behavior change after behavior change I did emerge on top. I had an administrative assistant who was my guard from those on the bottom but not from those on top. I saw people I wanted to help but could not. Is this how GOD acts? NO!

• GOD is exalted but looks kindly on the lowly and wants me to treat everyone the same.
• GOD is lofty and sees people from afar and wants me to seek HIS people rather than waiting for them to come to me.
• GOD is the preserver of life, vindicator of wrongs and sustainer of love and wants me to look to HIM for power.

Levels are a myth and a creation of man to horde the comforts of life. Levels breed exclusion, limits access and causes me not to answer my phone when people cry out. BUT GOD is the only one who should be exalted. HE should be raised up in my life as the standard, meanwhile I should treat everyone the same, with utmost respect. GOD wants me to point my life to HIM.

• Do you want to go to the next level?
• Are you trying to climb the ladder of success by excluding people?
• When will you mimic GOD’s behavior by seeking the lost?
• Will you lift GOD up, lower yourself and seek HIS people?

Singing While in the Midst

Psalm 137: ⁴ How can we sing the songs of the Lord
    while in a foreign land?
⁵ If I forget you, Jerusalem,
    may my right hand forget its skill.
⁶ May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth
    if I do not remember you,
if I do not consider Jerusalem
    my highest joy.

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Sitting in a homeless shelter, I noticed the place had plenty of volunteers. I went there with the attitude that “I” was going to be the only one who volunteered that day and this place needs “me.” Casino workers came to help those who were addicted to gambling, sex, drugs and whatever else this well-known city had to offer. “Christians working in casinos” I asked.

• Sometimes I think I have to stay away from “those” people in order to remain holy.
• Sometimes I think I have to stay out of “those” places in order to remain holy.
• Sometimes I think I have to stay in a place “I” deem holy in order to remain holy.

“These workers are the most dedicated volunteers. Some believe in GOD and some don’t, but all serve” was the statement from the director of the rescue mission to me. It struck me like a ton of bricks when I realized people who follow CHRIST could work in a place like that. GOD opened my eyes to the way I had written off that well known town, very similarly to the way Jonah, a prophet, did not want a group of murderers to receive salvation.

• GOD said to me “What is the difference between the sin you commit in your home than the ones this group commits on the street?”
• GOD challenged me by saying “Which sin of yours is less than theirs?”
• GOD told me “Have compassion on everyone I send to you and to those I send you to, no matter the location.”

With muddy hands I go. GOD sends me to places even though I am not clean and tells me to sing about the mercy of THE CHRIST. HE wants me to get out of my safe environment and to go infect people with GOD’s antidote for death, namely HIS word. I cannot be clean enough to clean myself up, let alone cleaning someone else. BUT GOD is faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and that is something to sing about!

• Are you isolated?
• What is holding you back from going to another place strictly for serving GOD?
• Can you ask GOD for a new assignment and be willing to do what it takes to serve HIM where HE sends you?
• Will you faithfully remember GOD while in a foreign land that is not heaven?

HIS Love Endures Forever

Psalm 136: ¹ Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
² Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
³ Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

⁴ to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
⁵ who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
⁶ who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
⁷ who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
⁸ the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
⁹ the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

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Pondering this passage made me realize that I question GOD's love from time to time. 

When I argued, arrogantly,

HIS love endures forever.

When I battled beliefs,

HIS love endures forever.

When I conjured up corruptness,

HIS love endures forever.

When I doubted HIS domain,

HIS love endures forever.

GOD’s love for me endures forever! This is mindboggling. It is truly impossible to understand just how high or wide or deep GOD’s love is for me. HE is concerned about the sun, moon and stars; while at the same time HE sees a scratch on my arm and immediately begins to heal it.

GOD loves me but sin wants me to make HIM love me “my” way.  GOD’s greatness deserves for me to want GOD the way HE is, not the way I want HIM. HIS love for me endures forever and I choose to follow HIM.

• Do you think GOD has stopped loving you?
• Do you “feel” GOD loves others more than HE loves you?
• Can you stop listening to the sin inside of you and believe GOD’s love for you is forever?
• Will you acknowledge that it is your sin nature that makes you doubt HIM so you can start seeing HIS greatness?
• Will you tell someone today that GOD loves you forever?

Spend Time Wisely

Psalm 135: ¹³ Your name, Lord, endures forever,
    your renown, Lord, through all generations.
¹⁴ For the Lord will vindicate his people
    and have compassion on his servants.

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Pressure seemed to grow the higher I climbed. Deadlines, meetings and conference calls filled my mind. I had to document all of them and review them at night. There was little to no time to think of people outside of the projects I worked on.

• There is a finite amount of time I am on this planet so I should praise the LORD.
• There is a finite amount of time I am on this planet so I should spend some of it with GOD.
• There is a finite amount of time I am on this planet so I should think of serving HIS people.

This chapter talks about how great and marvelous GOD is, but then it took a dark turn and talked about GOD destroying once mighty Egypt. Barbaric towards slaves, Egypt reigned with a mighty hand. Tierney caused GOD’s people to cry out. GOD heard.

• GOD hears me when I cry out.
• GOD hears me when I am in need.
• GOD hears me when I seek to serve HIM and HIS people.

Turning to GOD should be a daily thing rather than an afterthought upon attending church once a week. GOD wants me to seek the lost because time is running out. HIS name endures forever, not mine. My finite time should be spent as if tomorrow were the last.

• Are you spending an enormous amount of time mad, sad or worried?
• Can you quiet down for a moment and ponder GOD’s greatness?
• Will you stop spinning your troubles in your mind for a minute and notice GOD around you, even if it is for a second? 

Today Not Tomorrow

Psalm 134: ¹ Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord
    who minister by night in the house of the Lord.
² Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
    and praise the Lord.

³ May the Lord bless you from Zion,
    he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.

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Dinner was all I could think about. I ran inside and there it was, on the table as usual. I watched TV and went to bed. When I got up the next day I went outside to ride my bike. I remembered leaving it by the back porch right next to the door. I mean we had a fence; my bike should not have just walked away! As reality sank in I realized my bike was gone forever. I moped and fretted the remainder of that summer. “Everyone” went bike riding and I was left at home.

• There are times when I do not feel like praising.
• There are times when I do not feel like singing.
• There are times when I do not feel like smiling.

I was down in the dumps but realized that I could not stay there forever. I mean it was a bike. I went in and grabbed some toy trucks that I had abandoned and rekindled my excitement. I invited a few bike riders into the “secure” fenced area and we built the most marvelous, um whatever we were building, thing in the world!

• Sorrow happens, but GOD doesn’t want me to stay in sorrow.
• Pain happens, but GOD doesn’t want me to stay in pain.
• Misery happens but GOD doesn’t want me to remain miserable.

GOD wants me to learn how to praise HIM in the middle of my pain. HE does not want me to remain as a child, moping and pouting over loss. HE wants me to grow up, stand up and praise HIM! HE doesn’t want me to wait until everything has been cleared up and put away with a nice bow. GOD wants me to recognize HIM and HIS marvelous power even before one step is made to fix the situation.

GOD’s plan is awesome and HE understands my pain. HE isn’t heartless, cruel or sadistic. GOD loves me dearly and is in more pain than I am during the problem. The least I can do is praise HIM!

• Are you waiting to praise GOD?
• Do you feel you have to wait on HIM to fix your situation to your specifications in order to praise HIM?
• Can you praise GOD today instead of waiting for tomorrow?

Can’t We All Just Get Along!

Psalm 133: ¹ How good and pleasant it is
    when God’s people live together in unity!

² It is like precious oil poured on the head,
    running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
    down on the collar of his robe.
³ It is as if the dew of Hermon
    were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
    even life forevermore.

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Dream Team was our nickname. I have only experienced it once. We had a very large assignment and each person had a role. One person brought in their talents and I brought mine. We worked hard together and we created one of the best things anyone had seen. It was innovative, fresh and exciting!

• When I promote unity, a lot can get done.
• When I promote unity, my defense becomes offense.
• When I promote unity, I ask more questions rather than block negative comments.

In a world of dwindling unity I can get discouraged. I mean at one time communities of people would pull together in adversarial times, now it seems that if I am not the right “label” then I will not fit in. GOD says to act different.

• GOD wants me to act with unity no matter if those around me are not.
• GOD wants me to act with unity encouraging people and building them up.
• GOD wants me to act with unity showing people what “can” happen if we work together.

Blessings flow to those who can cross many boundaries with unity. GOD wants me to see more than my block or my city or even my country. HE wants me to see that every human should have a single goal, namely to praise JESUS who died for all of us. As I have said many times, “We are all in the mud, throwing mud at each other saying you have mud on your face.”

GOD wants me to put down my mud, wash my hands with the cleansing sacrificed blood of JESUS the living CHRIST, and reach out to help people out of the mud. We should all act as if JESUS’ return is imminent. Unity is the key to blessings so HE wants me to be the first to reach out my hand.

• Are you at odds with “those” people?
• Do you feel “they” caused you problems?
• Will you stop pursuing to be in power and start seeking how to put GOD in power?
• Will you drop your slanderous words and speak only about yourself?
• Can you start acting with unity today and not hold back great plans, even from the thief

Next Level Relationship

Psalm 132: ¹ Lord, remember David
    and all his self-denial.

² He swore an oath to the Lord,
    he made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
³ “I will not enter my house
    or go to my bed,
⁴ I will allow no sleep to my eyes
    or slumber to my eyelids,
⁵ till I find a place for the Lord,
    a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”

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It seems like more problems happened after I said “I believe that JESUS CHRIST died for my sins and is now alive fully as GOD.” I was young and the problems rolled in. Someone outside of my church challenged me to “learn how to pray.”

At one point in my life I didn’t pray at all. I took it to the next level by reciting a memory verse at each meal as dictated by my parents. I then was led by this person to pray for others, for forgiveness of my sins and to praise GOD.

GOD wants me to evaluate every aspect of my life to see if I am growing. HE does not want me to remain a child in my relationship with HIM. David was very driven because the SPIRIT led him to do something tremendous for GOD, something that had never been done before. He was led to build a church. We still mimic this behavior to this very day.

• Instead of working for money GOD wants me to work for HIM.
• Instead of serving people to feel good about myself GOD wants me to serve so people can see HIM.
• Instead of constantly worrying about what will happen to me GOD wants me to see HIS next assignment from HIM.

When I was a child I was frightened and full of fear. Then one day I got tired of being afraid. I realized my life is worthless without GOD and HE wants me to actively seek HIM daily rather than getting caught up in the busy activities of life. Don’t get me wrong, humans should be busy, but taking GOD into my busy lifestyle is most productive.

• Are you actively seeking to grow?
• Do you still fear the world or do you fear not following GOD?
• Are you living your life on your past triumphs or are you letting GOD take you on new adventures?
• Will you allow GOD to do marvelous works in you today?