Something to shout about

Luke 24: ⁵⁰ When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. ⁵¹ While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. ⁵² Then they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. ⁵³ And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

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Not knowing what to expect, I sat and listened to the preacher speak. He invited people to accept CHRIST as their savior. When I looked up after we had finished praying, a large number of people were standing up front professing JESUS as their GOD and Savior. I was amazed!

• JESUS is something to shout about.
• JESUS is the ONE who saves.
• JESUS is the only salvation.

Before JESUS ascended to heaven, HE blessed those who were around HIM. HE gave them power to overcome the world and to speak about HIM as the only salvation. They worshipped HIM with great joy!

• GOD fills me up on a daily basis.
• GOD gives me incredible joy in the middle of the storm.
• GOD is the one with incredible power in the middle of my weakness.

I have seen many miracles on a daily basis that people would classify as mundane. GOD’s power baffles the world and confuses those who fail to believe. HIS power does not include doubt or fear. I am glad HE understands when I have both. HIS power is made perfect in my weakness. I praise GOD for the miracles HE has performed!

• Do you really believe that GOD can heal you?
• Do you think GOD needs help?
• Will you tell GOD about your weaknesses and allow HIM to grow you to where HE wants you to be grown today?

Cheer Practice

Matthew 21: ⁶ The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. ⁷ They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. ⁸ A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹ The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

¹⁰ When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

¹¹ The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

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Noise in the lunchroom was different this particular day. There was a rhythmic beat along with a chant against a rival school.  I did not want to act like a freshman, although I was, so I joined in on the celebration. It took a little practice, but soon I was able to chant like the other sports hounds!

• Cheering with a crowd takes practice.
• Cheering with a purpose can sometimes be fun.
• Cheering with a group can raise the level of excitement in the air!

Hope is what the city wanted and JESUS was the provider of that hope. HE rode into Jerusalem as the KING of kings and LORD of lords. After all those years of prophecy, the ONE who would save the world was here!

• GOD wants me to practice cheering about HIM on earth.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM on a daily basis.
• GOD wants me to shout towards HIM, about HIM and because of HIM!

Praise takes practice but sometimes complaints gets in the way of my praise. I shout at the crazy driver and murmur about the coworker who is acting political. BUT GOD wants my praise. HE can handle my prayer about problems but HE definitely wants and deserves praise for dying in my place. JESUS is my savior; in HIM I place my trust!

• Are you complaining a lot?
• Do you cheer at concerts or sporting events but do not cheer for GOD?
• Can you practice cheering for GOD starting today?