Song of Triumph Part 1

Song of Triumph Part 1

Exodus 15: Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and spoke, saying:

 

“I will sing to the Lord,
For He has triumphed gloriously!
The horse and its rider
He has thrown into the sea!
² The Lord is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation;
He is my God, and I will praise Him;
My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.
³ The Lord is a man of war;
The Lord is His name.
⁴ Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea;
His chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea.
⁵ The depths have covered them;
They sank to the bottom like a stone.

 

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Wow! GOD kept HIS word! Moses and the children of Israel were so elated that they broke out in song. They started the first chorus with what GOD did.

 

My Observations:

• Moses and the children of Israel were relieved and excited.
• Moses probably sang first and the children of Israel repeated his words.
• Moses mentioned what GOD did and who HE was.

 

From the time Moses was born, he had a special relationship with GOD that he could not quite figure out. He tried to do things for GOD with deadly disastrous results. BUT GOD saw his heart. GOD told Moses that HE would save the people from the Egyptians. They thought this was impossible. Even when the plagues were poured out by GOD, they may have thought the Egyptians had it coming, but did not believe.

 

But when GOD performed the biggest miracle they had ever seen, they cheered and sang! The Red Sea fell on the Egyptian army. They knew this was the last thing standing in the way of their true freedom. Pharaoh had no army, no servants, no crops, no gold or silver. They were free and GOD was recognized as their “strength,” their “song,” and their “salvation.”

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the song they sang?
• Have you ever been so elated that you just had to sing or praise?
• Can you sing praises to GOD for being your strength, song and salvation?

Praise Party

Praise Party

Revelation 19: After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a large crowd of people in heaven, saying, “Praise God! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God! ² True and just are his judgments! He has condemned the prostitute who was corrupting the earth with her immorality. God has punished her because she killed his servants.” ³ Again they shouted, “Praise God! The smoke from the flames that consume the great city goes up forever and ever!” ⁴ The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. They said, “Amen! Praise God!”

 

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As we approached the building, I could hear the music getting louder and louder. I had never been to a club, so it was a mystery to me. When I got in, lights were flashing, music was blaring and people were dancing all over the place. Everyone shouted with excitement at certain songs!

 

• I was elated!
• I was enamored!
• I shouted just like everyone else!

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard something he never heard before. He heard praise from every saved person who ever existed, along with the angels, elders and living creatures! This was no ordinary praise, it was a praise that was unrestrained!

 

My Observations:

• One day I will be able to praise GOD for my salvation and for GOD’s power.
• One day I will be able to praise GOD for getting rid of the thing that caused me to fall over and over throughout life.
• One day I will be able to agree with other people who are praising GOD!

 

Praising GOD seems boring to the world. I mean, temporary drunkenness, mixed with flashing lights, mixed with loud music with great beats must be better that praising GOD, right? Wrong! The praise mentioned here goes on forever and ever!

 

No more waking up to problems on Monday and needing to temporarily escape on Friday. No more wondering if things will work out or not. No more guessing if GOD is with me or not. This praise is permanent, unrestrained and full of relief! I look forward to, one day, truly praising GOD!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer could not describe the sound?
• Have you ever been so elated that you just wanted to shout with joy?
• Are you looking forward to one day being able to praise GOD for what HE has done for you, and not holding back from your praise?

Victory Ceremony

Victory Ceremony

Revelation 15: Then I saw in the sky another mysterious sight, great and amazing. There were seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last ones, because they are the final expression of God's anger.

² Then I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire. I also saw those who had won the victory over the beast and its image and over the one whose name is represented by a number. They were standing by the sea of glass, holding harps that God had given them ³ and singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb:

“Lord God Almighty,
    how great and wonderful are your deeds!
King of the nations,
    how right and true are your ways!
⁴ Who will not stand in awe of you, Lord?
    Who will refuse to declare your greatness?
    You alone are holy.
All the nations will come
    and worship you,
    because your just actions are seen by all.”

 

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After winning a prize, I was told to arrive early to the formal award ceremony. I received instructions on where to sit, who to meet on the stage and what to do after the meal.

 

• I was excited about the ceremony!
• I was handed objects pertaining to the ceremony.
• I enjoyed participating in the ceremony!

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was given a mysterious sight, great and amazing. He saw the seven angels with seven plagues as the final expression of GOD’s anger. But before talking about what the plagues were, there was a ceremony, orchestrated by GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew what HE would do after the great tribulation.
• GOD provided the musical instruments and Moses and JESUS provided the song.
• All who had endured some terrible things were finally able to participate in a victory ceremony!

 

Celebration is coming! I mean, sometimes it looks so dismal and celebration seems so far away. BUT GOD is not worried. In fact, HE is planning a victory celebration that includes you and me!

 

Those who endured the persecution and did not bow down to the beast will receive a harp and a song of victory! I look forward to this ceremony!

 

Challenge

• How do you think the writer felt about what he saw?
• Have you ever been celebrated or watched a formal celebration?
• Will you persevere and endure through the troubles so you can participate in GOD’s victory ceremony some day?

Raise A Praise

Raise A Praise

Jude 1: ²⁴ To him who is able to keep you from falling and to bring you faultless and joyful before his glorious presence— ²⁵ to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, might, and authority, from all ages past, and now, and forever and ever! Amen.

 

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Being asked to be the best man in a wedding was an honor that came with expectations. One of which was to develop a toast to the bride and groom. It was a monumental day, so the toast had to have meaning, but mostly it needed to come from the heart.

 

• I said something about overcoming obstacles in the past.
• I also said something about the work it takes in the present.
• I wished them a wonderful future.

 

Jude finishes his letter upbeat. His note came with a lot of warnings about people who were deceivers pretending to be followers of CHRIST. These heave words may have needed some words of hope. Jude concluded his letter with a praise to GOD.

 

My Observations:

• When things look bleak, raise a praise to GOD.
• When difficulties arise, raise a praise to GOD.
• When you cannot see how this situation or that situation will end on a positive note, raise a praise to GOD.

 

Praising GOD is a weapon versus a feeling. I mean, the Enemy wants to take away my praise to GOD by placing temptation, evil plans against me and pain in my path, so I will close my lips from praising GOD. Little does he know that when I praise GOD in the middle of the storm, HE does remarkable things that causes the Devil to flee.

 

GOD sometimes takes the storm away or provides what I need during the storm so I can survive. HE hear my cry but loves when I sing a praise to HIM even before HE performs HIS miracle. I praise YOU LORD for all you have done, doing and will do in my life!

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the writer is thorough in this praise?
• Are you going through a difficult time?
• Will you use the weapon of praising GOD today without expectations so HIS wonderful plan will be made known to you in HIS time?

Offerings and Sacrifices

 

Offerings and Sacrifices

Hebrews 13: ¹⁰ The priests who serve in the Jewish place of worship have no right to eat any of the sacrifice on our altar. ¹¹ The Jewish high priest brings the blood of the animals into the Most Holy Place to offer it as a sacrifice for sins; but the bodies of the animals are burned outside the camp. ¹² For this reason Jesus also died outside the city, in order to purify the people from sin with his own blood. ¹³ Let us, then, go to him outside the camp and share his shame. ¹⁴ For there is no permanent city for us here on earth; we are looking for the city which is to come. ¹⁵ Let us, then, always offer praise to God as our sacrifice through Jesus, which is the offering presented by lips that confess him as Lord. ¹⁶ Do not forget to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God.

 

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“Can’t you get someone else to do it?” was my reply to the request. “No, we need your skills” was the reply to my pushback. I thought of ways to get out of doing the work being thrust upon me. “Perhaps we can outsource this” was my solution. “We need you” was the reply.

 

• I wanted someone else to do what I was supposed to do.
• I felt overloaded and wanted someone else to join in.
• I came up with a solution to pay someone to do what I was supposed to do.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, went into detail about offerings and sacrifices. He mentioned the reason for these was to atone for Jewish people. BUT JESUS, who died outside the city, offered HIS blood as a sacrifice for all.

 

My Observations:

• I can try to pay someone else to tell people about CHRIST, BUT GOD wants me to do it.
• I can try to outsource a singing group to praise GOD for me, BUT GOD wants my praise.
• I can try to give to a group who will serve others for me, BUT GOD wants me to serve.

 

Giving is good, BUT GOD wants more from me than cash. I mean, HE wants me to use my gifts and talents to tell people about JESUS and HE loves when I praise HIM daily! HE wants a direct and active relationship with me that helps me serve those who are hard to serve.

 

HE gives me strength to keep going when I feel like giving up. HE provides for those I cannot provide for. HE opens doors wide, just like HE opens eyes from being blind. I am glad GOD wants my offering of praise and my sacrifice of helping others.

 

Challenge

• What suggestions does the writer give that “pleases GOD?”
• Have you ever thought it was someone else’s responsibility to serve or tell people about CHRIST?
• Will you stop trying to outsource what GOD wants you to do today?

Praise and Thanksgiving

Praise and Thanksgiving

Ephesians 5: ¹⁸ Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead, be filled with the Spirit. ¹⁹ Speak to one another with the words of psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts. ²⁰ In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father.

 

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Parking in a tight parking lot, I carefully got out of my new vehicle. A careless guy opened his door quickly, nicking the paint on my new van. The newness was ruined and from that moment on, all I could see was the small dent and the nicked paint.

 

• I was focused only on the problem.
• All I could see was something to complain about.
• I replayed the action of the guy over and over, each time I saw the nick.

 

Paul gives everyone some advice for every situation. “Always give thanks for everything” were his difficult words. He had been beaten, jailed, chased and almost killed by those who opposed believing in JESUS. He had a lot to complain about, but gave a solid alternative.

 

My Observations

• Praise to GOD should be used as a cure of the problem.
• Seeing GOD’s  provision in my life takes practice.
• Giving thanks to GOD reduces my complaints and provides me with joy and cheer.

 

Staying in a state of complaining, worry and anger seems to be what the adversary wants. I mean, if I always have something to grouse about, I remain blind to the extreme blessings GOD has given me. I focus on the little problem and sometimes make it bigger in my mind each time I play out the words he or she may have said.

 

GOD gives me an alternative, namely praise and thanksgiving. HE doesn’t want me mad, sad or bad. HE provides in the middle of the storm and when problems seem to be at their greatest. I am thankful for all HE has done and I praise GOD for HIS greatness. Great is thy faithfulness!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer starts off the warning with “do not get drunk?”
• What problems have you focused on and played over in your mind over and over?
• Will you take a moment to praise GOD when your troubles pop up in your mind and give GOD thanks when you feel troubled today? 

Amazing Praise

Amazing Praise

Acts 16: ²² The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. ²³ After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. ²⁴ When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶ Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. ²⁷ The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. ²⁸ But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

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Worried about the situation, I missed many hours of sleep. What would the future bring? Would the problem come up again? Would the people who caused the problem get away with their hatred? All of these questions popped in my mind and I could not answer one of them.

• There were times when I got worried.
• There were times when people caused problems for me.
• There were times when the situation seemed like there was no way out.

Paul and Silas received a horrible beating for speaking about JESUS. After being jailed, they began to sing praises to GOD. This comforted the prisoners around them. Paul and Silas had no idea what would come next. GOD shook the jail with an earthquake and opened all the doors and their chains. Their praise enabled them to desire no harm to come to the jailer.

• GOD loves when I use praise instead of worry.
• GOD loves when I use praise as a weapon against fear, doubt and worry.
• GOD loves when I use praise in situations that seem hopeless to me.

Praise has some amazing effects that I do not understand. I mean it seems like “I” should have all the solutions or should rely on other humans to provide answers. GOD loves when I simply praise HIM without expectations. This shows HIM that I know HE has the situation under control.

When I am scared, worried, angry, frustrated, blamed or persecuted, the HOLY SPIRIT enables me to praise GOD. I am grateful GOD provides relief through praise.

• Are you going through something?
• Is someone harming you because of your relationship with JESUS?
• Will you sing praises to GOD without expectations, knowing HE went though persecution just like you?

A Praise Moment

Isaiah 25: Lord, you are my God;
    I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
    you have done wonderful things,
    things planned long ago.

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⁸     he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
    from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
    from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.

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Standing in front of my clothes, my mind flipped between what to wear and the events of the day. It seemed like it took me an eternity to get dressed as I replayed my preparation. I jumped in the car and listened to voicemail all the way to work.

• Sometimes I get very busy.
• Sometimes my mind is full.
• Sometimes I get so distracted that I cannot see what GOD is doing.

I don’t know if I took a moment to even notice GOD. AS I got closer and closer to work, I could feel the pressure build. How could I have peace?

• GOD wants me to stop and take a moment to praise HIM, this way I acknowledge HE has the power to overcome my day.
• GOD wants me to stop and take a moment to praise HIM, this way I can move away from my distractions and have peace.
• GOD wants me to stop and take a moment to praise HIM because HE deserves to be praised!

GOD is not needy, HE is GOD.HE doesn’t beat me up when I do not praise HIM, but HE strengthens my relationship with HIM when I do. Praise is not because of the things I do, but because of who HE is. GOD rescued me time and time again. I have nothing but praise for HIM!

• Can you stop and take a moment to praise GOD today?
• Will you seek preach today by praising HIM without wanting something?
• Can you open your mouth and audibly say “LORD I love you and I praise YOUR name and YOUR decisions today?”

Whole Earth Praise

Isaiah 24: ¹⁴ They raise their voices, they shout for joy;
    from the west they acclaim the Lord’s majesty.
¹⁵ Therefore in the east give glory to the Lord;
    exalt the name of the Lord, the God of Israel,
    in the islands of the sea.

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Driving down the street at my normal accelerated pace a jeep turned left in front of me and there was no way to stop. After the head on collision I got out of my junker slightly dazed and shocked that this had happened. “My car is totaled! How am I going to get around?” I thought to myself.

• There are times when things happen.
• There are times when I have lost “stuff.”
• There are times when things break, get lost or stolen.

As I surveyed further I noticed one of the passengers’ from the other car was laying on the ground still. I did not know what to do. Somehow the police just showed up with an ambulance. Everyone was fine. No one was extremely hurt. What did GOD want me to learn?

• GOD wanted me to shout for joy that the other passengers and I were spared.
• GOD wanted me to see HIS protection in the middle of calamity.
• GOD wanted my first reaction to be to think of HIM and how HE is working constantly in my life.

Praise is what was lacking from the story. I should have been praising GOD rather than thinking of my raggedy car. Lives are so much more important than the junk I can accumulate.  Every day I have a reason to praise GOD. It’s up to me to notice.

• Are you in the middle of a situation?
• Have you spewed out poisonous blame and doubt?
• Can you turn your thoughts back to GOD and let HIM revive you HIS way?
• Will you open your mouth and audibly praise HIM?

Praising Takes Practice

Psalm 100: ¹ Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
²     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
³ Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵ For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

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News about the impending doom couldn’t have come at the worst time. With a second child, it was already difficult enough to make ends meet and for the first time, this particular company was going to do severe cuts in order to keep the stock market happy. When I got to work everyone, including myself was worried. One person said “Praise GOD” and another said “Trust in the LORD.” How in the world can they say that when the world is on fire?!

• Sometimes I am worried to the point where I cannot see GOD.
• Sometimes I am worried to the point where I cannot hear GOD.
• Sometimes I am worried to the point where I cannot speak GOD.

With my world crashing around me I felt helpless and alone, even though there were plenty of others going through the same thing. How in the world could this person say “Praise GOD” at a time like this? They don’t understand “my” situation, or do they?

• Praising GOD in the face of adversity makes me stronger each day.
• Praising GOD in the middle of the storm gives HIM the strength and takes the load off of me.
• Praising GOD in the brunt of the trial enables me to see, hear and speak about GOD.

What I’ve noticed is GOD says “Take heart for I am with you” quite often. HE says “Do not be afraid” more and more to me because there will be scary times in life where it seems like nothing will go “right.” Praising GOD isn’t an appeal to worship the egotistical figurehead that I sometimes think HE is. Praising GOD is actually a spiritual weapon that helps me fight against worry, doubt and fear.

Without praise, I fall into a trap of disbelief. Everyone around me becomes a problem rather than a solution. GOD wants me to carry the spirit of gratitude and to speak about HIS ways to everyone. HE wants me to douse lying spirits and praise HIS holy name.

• Are you worried?
• Do you feel even those who usually pray for you, are against you?
• Do the words “Trust in the LORD” turn your stomach because “these words” seem empty?
• Can you stop and turn to GOD and hear that HE does love you in spite of what you are going through?
• Will you take a moment, even if it is a tiny moment, to praise GOD today?

Makes Me Wanna Shout

Psalm 98: ⁴ Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
    burst into jubilant song with music;
⁵ make music to the Lord with the harp,
    with the harp and the sound of singing,
⁶ with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—
    shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

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“There she goes again” I thought in my mind. “Now the guy will get up in Five, Four, Three, Two, oops my count was off this day, he got up early.” The same people would get up and dance at the end of the sermon like clockwork. What do they have to shout and dance about?

• When I’m mad I can’t see why others are happy.
• When I’m sad I can’t see why others aren’t crying.
• When I’m bad I think I must shrink back instead of standing up.

Not having gone through much, I questioned why some people would get up and shake wildly in church, screaming, dancing and crying. Then life hit me a little, then some more, then a little harder. One early trial that I went through, I cannot even remember thanking GOD or anyone else.

• GOD wants me to thank HIM daily.
• GOD wants me to be excited about having a relationship with HIM no matter what’s going on.
• GOD wants me to “want” to shout to HIM rather than doing it out of obligation.

GOD is jealous not arrogant. HE does not need my praise but gets excited when I do. GOD loves me unconditionally and HE knows I won’t choose HIM. HE made me with free will, no obligation. HE gets so excited when I turn to HIM, even in the slightest fashion. HE is not needy and HIS kindness should never be mistake for weakness.

GOD deserves my praise because HE loves me!

• Are you falling for your lying “feelings?”
• Do you think GOD has it out for you or is angry at you?
• Will you drop the lie and start believing that GOD loves you wildly and passionately?
• Will you gain the strength HE is trying to give you by turning off your negative thoughts?

This is how Praise Looks

1 Chronicles 29: ¹⁰ David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,

“Praise be to you, Lord,
    the God of our father Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting.
¹¹ Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
    and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
    for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
    you are exalted as head over all.
¹² Wealth and honor come from you;
    you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
    to exalt and give strength to all.
¹³ Now, our God, we give you thanks,
    and praise your glorious name.

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What I love about King David’s words of praise is he never mentions himself, only GOD. He praises GOD for the things I blame HIM for.  Yes, when I complain about my situation I blame GOD like HE doesn’t know what’s going on. When I complain I don’t have enough I blame GOD for giving wealth to those who squander it.

• GOD needs to be praised and that’s the end of the prayer.
• GOD needs to be exalted to GOD status in my mind, prayer and actions.
• GOD needs to be understood as the most powerful, the most glorious, the most magnificent, and the most high GOD.

GOD YOU are amazing!

Sometimes GOD just needs to be praised!

David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. ² He said:

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
³     my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
    from violent people you save me.

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³¹ “As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
³² For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
³³ It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.
³⁴ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights.
³⁵ He trains my hands for battle;
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁶ You make your saving help my shield;
    your help has made^[i] me great.
³⁷ You provide a broad path for my feet,
    so that my ankles do not give way.

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This is the day in which JESUS was handed over and falsely accused. Preachers, ministers, deacons, deaconesses and elders of the church were the primary accusers of GOD in the flesh saying HE is not GOD. Their expectation of a worldly leader had not been met.

Instead of praising HIM for all of the miracles HE performed, they accused HIM of trickery and deceit. HE said nothing and absorbed the pain hurled at HIM as HIS own creation looked at HIM with wrongful eyes.

• GOD should be praised not blamed.
• GOD should be exalted not hidden.
• GOD should be talked about not implied.

Saying the name JESUS has power. Just speaking HIS name out loud has far more meaning than any “helps” program that could come from any church. Praising GOD means nothing else matters at this moment.

• Are you praising GOD?
• Can you stop asking HIM for stuff for one day and praise HIM?
• Won’t you focus your attention on GOD’s worthiness to be praised instead of looking at what’s going on around you?
• Can you open your mouth and say “JESUS thank YOU for being my savior”?

A song of praise

Revelation 15: They held harps given them by God ³ and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb:

“Great and marvelous are your deeds,
     Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
     King of the nations.
⁴ Who will not fear you, Lord,
     and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
    and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

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Today is a great opportunity for me to praise GOD. He does some great things in my life and I am richly blessed. Everything HE decides for me is alright to me. HE is the ultimate leader whom I fear.

I place HIM in the position of GOD rather than thinking HE is equal to or beneath me so HIS name is above any action I will take. One day I will worship HIM when I can see HIM but for now I worship HIM in faith.

I want to run away!

John 6: ⁶⁶ From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

   ⁶⁷ “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.

 ⁶⁸ Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹ We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

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With a steely eyed glance my parents looked at me as I tried to lie my way out of the situation. I went to visit a young lady and as innocent as my plans were, I had not told them where I was going. We hung out most of the day and when I got home the heat from my parents could be felt at the North Pole. I just wanted to get away!

• Uncomfortable situations in which I am wrong makes me want to run away and hide.
• When the going gets tough I want to curl up and stay in bed.
• Lusts sometimes drive me into a feeling of “wanting to get away” from GOD just for a moment.

When JESUS laid out the path for HIS disciples, hundreds of people left because the path was too hard. They wanted JESUS to be an earthly king so they could be rich and have temporary peace here on earth.

JESUS remained the poorest person who ever lived on earth and only had HIS mind focused on the heavenly kingdom after this life. Many people left because they had a false expectation of what GOD would do and I am no different. Fortunately for me, HE won’t let me go.

• When times are tough and I want to run away, GOD shows me that I need to turn back to HIM.
• When the road is difficult and full of obstacles, GOD shows me that I need to turn back to HIM.
• When it seems like everything in life is broken, GOD shows me that I need to turn back to HIM.

Where would I go? What would I do without GOD? I don’t know but often I try things without HIM and they just don’t work. HE is the way, the truth and the life. All HE wants from me is to believe.

• What are you facing?
• Can you ask GOD to use HIS power to fill you up today?
• Will you request that HE fix the situation that’s making you tired?
• Do you hear the words “don’t give up” from HIM?

A Song of Praise to God by Sandra Julian Barker

Lord of Lords and King of Kings,

God, you’re Lord of everything.
By your hands we must be fed –
Thank you for the Living Bread.

Jesus, Savior of my Soul,
You’re the One who makes me whole.
God, you’re Lord of everything,
Nothing in our hands we bring.

Holy Father up above
Fill us with your precious love.
Fill our hearts with your dear Self
And we will want for nothing else.

Holy Spirit grant that we
Faithful to our Lord might be.
Jesus, lover of my soul,
Only You can make me whole.