10,000 reasons

We know and have heard the worship song by Matt Redman "10,000 Reasons".  However there aren't really 10,000 reasons actually listed in the lyrics, it is a great reminder of who God is and what He has done.  The song is an easy sing when things are going right, but the first sign of trouble and praising God becomes one of the last things we think to do.

We forget what God has done for us because we don't remind ourselves of God's power until we run out of our own power.  One of the last things we remember to do while being hit with problems in life is to praise God for them.  How often do we do that?  We tend to present our needs before God and then grumble about His perfect timing in perfecting our problems don't we?

Notice I said perfecting the problems.  Many problems are of our own choosing, but some just happen.  What we do have, though, is a choice in how we to respond to problems when they hit fast, furious, slow, steady, or whenever and however they come.    

Praising God kicks the enemy's control over our thoughts to the curb.  Satan cant stand in the presence of praise for God, so he hits the skids and says..."it's a believer!  God's got that one!"

Okay that might have been just in my mind, but it's a great thought because I have found that when I resort to complaining in a bad situation, Satan invites his friends to join my pity party.  If I praise first, I don't have to send out any invitations to my fears.

Praising God unlocks God's power by releasing our trust to His immeasurable resources to meet our needs or problems.

Praise protects our peace that God is working for us and not against us.  Ex. 14:14
Praise is so powerful it can be a problem for your problem.

Ever felt low about yourself?  Praise Him for you fearfully and wonderfully made according to Psalm 139.

Don't like your reflection in the mirror?  Praise Him for it's not by your works you were saved, but by His grace.  Ephesians 2:8-9

Ever felt like you were doomed?  Praise God for raising Jesus from an empty tomb that over came death, and the sting of death is gone.  Read the Easter story in Luke.

Ever felt like the life's storms wouldn't stop hovering your life, praise God in the rain as He still reigns in your problem-filled days.  David recorded many stormy days in the Psalms.

Ever felt like you weren't enough?  We must let Christ increase and us decrease.  John 3:30.

The bottom line to praising God is that praise breaks the chains of sin, opens eyes of the blind, and sets the captives free.  Praising awakens our awareness of God's greatness.  Praise is our hearts response by our Creator's design from deep within our souls.

Praise releases God's grace upon those who have a need for it.

Praise overcomes your circumstances and problems, and helps lift your head when faith feels like it's going into a pit.  Praise overrides your feelings that dictate your life.  Praise reminds us of WHO He is by remembering His faithfulness, of His holy wonder and awe, and that deepens our holy fear of our Creator over fear of man.  

We tend to forget what God can do and who He is in our life.  God can and will do more than we can even dream!  He is already done more than we give Him credit for.

He's going to do more than you think He's going to do. You are not just going to survive through your story, but He will give you more opportunities to use His story through you!!!!

Our position is to praise, we praise Him no matter where and let his faithfulness speak.  Let Him do the difference, the reviving, and the prospering.  Jeremiah 29:11

Praise turns your mess into a message.
Praise turns your test into a testimony.
Praise turns a victim into a victor.

Praise is so powerful that even those who have hurt you can help heal you.  Praise equips us to walk in God's will. 

Praise overcomes your preference - it lifts your face to see God's face in your problem.  Ps. 34.  Praise God we have problems, because we can experience God in many different ways, He is our Rescuer and loves to help when nothing else will.   Praise brings us near God's heart and we can experience His presence, even in our problems.

Praise lifts our hands and hearts to the heavens, and releases our worries, fears, and anxiety to the only one who can carry those burdens in His capable hands.

We live to worship God so WE don't forget He is.  We were built for this as His love carries us through.  Praise is our spiritual act of worship.  Romans 12:2.


And God's people said...Praise God!  To hear a great message by Carl Lentz of Hillsong Church, NYC click here.

He is waiting to be asked

Photo credit:  Peter Cook

God wants to help you.  Yes, with everything.

Did you know that He even cares about the little things that are going on in your life?  In your messy life of yesterday, or today?

There is no problem to small for God to handle.

It reminds me of the time when I attempted to clean my writing corner.  There were notes everywhere.  Post-it's loaded with half-thoughts, sentences scribbled on scraps and little slips.   They were everywhere littering my work space.  I had let it go a little too long, the stack was piled high.

Honestly I thought it would have been easier to slide them all into the trash can.  I guess I am a little OCD when it comes to saving every scrap, even napkins with thoughts.  I might use it sometime ya know?  The corner was a little like the leftovers that reside in my refrigerator.  There's a little bit of this and a little bit of that, with verses written quickly.

I could have used some help but didn't ask for any.  It would have taken me half as long to clean it up and organize, sort through and pitch the thoughts that I had no intention of using or didn't make sense.  I could have asked for help and then I could have gotten done quicker.

But I didn't.  I quit half-way through because it was too much.  It was more than I wanted to deal with at the moment.  It was way too time consuming.

How many times do we approach God with those kinds of prayers?  We think he doesn't have time for us or that it would take to long to tell Him how we really feel or that we assume He is too busy to help us?

Have you told him lately what's on your heart?  Why do we struggle with the telling part of prayer?
Why do we think we need to wax poetic or say some eloquent prayer on our knees in some kind of worshipful pose?  Why do we think that God doesn't care?

God is waiting to be asked and invited into your problems, fears and hangups.  He is waiting for us to invite Him in.

When you don't want to ask God first, it means you probably should.  The fact that God doesn't care couldn't be further from the truth.  We should invite into every part of our lives, our day, our hearts.

How else are we going to gain the strength to get to where we are going?
How else are we reminded that we are not alone in this world?
How else can we set hearts on eternity?
How else are can we tap into our Powerful Source?
How else can we experience His beauty in worship?
How else would can feel the love he has for us each and every day?
How else unless He is invited?

I haven't found a better plan than to make God the center of the big things, the small things, the this and that, the scraps of thought, half-sentences and the overwhelming circumstances that plague our days.  I haven't found an refuge in my messy writing corner with notes so jumbled up there, but when I come to God with my little ideas about my life, He straightens everything out.  Especially my perspective, my heart.

He knows that I need to ask Him first, I know that He is waiting to be asked.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, 
the door will be opened."  Matthew 7:7-8  
"Yes, Lord, each and every time like it's a big deal.  I hear You...and I hear your knocking...I invite You in."  

Oh the price of prayerlessness!  

I Want to Remember This Forever

Dear God, it's me...again, your servant Mary.

Well, where should I start.  I want to write a 1000 sentences all at once.  And yet, I can't seem to get all of the words out.  You know the Something unbelievable that happened today. I just don't think I can really describe it.  Certainly, each time, my eyes get misty and my heart flutters. 

I so want to remember this moment forever.  

I never would have thought ...that my "someday"...my dreams of becoming a mom...are going to finally happen. I guess I didn't think it would come like...now. After all, I am only engaged to my love Joseph. But God the way you sent your stunning messenger, well wow....it was all just a such a "Surprise Me God" moment.

I want to remember Gabriel's bright shining gleam forever.

It's almost unbelievable really this whole matter.  When I told Elizabeth, there was something in her eyes and voice that confirmed that this wasn't just a baby. This was something she needed to hear too.  This baby will be great, a King, a Prince.  And God, with those thoughts, I am overwhelmed.  I am speechless yet overflowing with joy that I have never felt before.

I am giving birth to a King. Oh my....

I want to remember this heart feeling forever, this moment of awe, of joy, of anticipation of greatness.  When Hope comes, I want to be ready. There is so much to do. Oh.my.goodness. Breathe..Mary...Breathe...

I almost think I should be having a meltdown right now, I mean seriously the angel Gabriel said You were with me and "nothing is impossible", but exactly how is this "overshadowing" thing work? It sounds like such a miracle!  I just don't get it. If it hadn't been such a "burning bush moment", well I would have thought I was imagining the whole thing.

Oh God, remember your servant.....I am only thirteen.

I will have to admit, when the angel said I was highly favored! it was like You were melting my heart. Is that okay that I say that? And I have really heard You speak to my heart in Your tender voice, I heard from you just this morning.  And that sunrise ...sooooo beautiful!! 

I want to remember this forever....

When the words of 'favored' spilled out..God, You brought to mind the promise in Jeremiah 32:39 "I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me..." Singleness in my heart, my devotion and dedication, singleness in action would mean that all those times that I obeyed You, You noticed.  I really didn't know that you were watching me so close God, but I like it. 

I want to remember those words....highly favored by the Holy One. 

What are people gonna think? I am not married, and when this baby starts to grow I will be....noticed.  I know.... I will ask Joseph, he will believe me...oh God..he will believe me won't he? Wait till I tell Joseph the baby's name...he will love it...

Jesus, the Son of the Most High.

I want to remember his face forever when I tell him that name.

And when Joseph hears that this baby will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and that His kingdom will never end?  I am not even sure what all that means, but I am excited to share with my beloved. Oh my heart wants to sing this song forever. 

What love is this that comes in the form of a tiny baby, when Hope comes down, in the flesh and favors this humble servant.  Again, my heart overflows with worship now.

Oh, God steady my heart. It's so full.

I want to remember this forever. 

I want to remember that my Forever started here. 

I want to remember this Hope moment, when "Salvation is writing a song"

I am giving life to Hope.

Wow....

Can You Give God Five Minutes? {Fall}

I love fall.  I love the glorious colors that emerge from trees that will soon transition to rest.  

I love the gentle flow of the leaves as they fall.  I could sit for hours.

It's peaceful here God in your Presence.  Why do I leave?

The fall leaves remind me of change, glorious changes and changes that glorify you Father.

What changes have you experienced over this wonderfully dry summer?

I wish you could look at my heart...you would see those spiritual stretch marks that only a mother could see... of God's work, His expansion...making room for Him.  

I am not who I was.

I am glowing...I am shining His love.

I have joy.  

...in your rest...God, as I look as the fallen leaves. Time alone with You is good.  Thank you for letting me touch your face.  Your soft and gentle touch soothes.

God you are Holy, you are good.  
None compares...all over the earth.  
Not even the beauty seen in your creation.  God I am ever so grateful that you don't compare me with others.  
Thank you for the eyes of love in which you see my fall colored patterns, uniquely as Your bold display.

I am so humbled by your Awesomeness...God... 
I love you more than I can speak.  
More than the rustling wind, 
the explosion of creation,
the fruit box on which I sit, 
or that next plate of cookies.  
God..you are Holy...and Awesome...and mighty in this fallen place.  
My heart falls in worship Jesus.  
All glory is given to you, one who lives in the Highest...in this newly formed and fallen heart.  Thank you for giving me Your Daily Bread.  Thank you that you love me so...wow!

\o/  God, you are enough...for me...in this new season of quiet rest with you.  You are...

I am speechless...It feels like there is not enough praise inside of me...\o/ 

The Day I Found God At the Beach

La Playa!

While in Honduras, I got some rest.  It's unusual..I know...the normal schedule of a mission trip is go...go...go! As it should be, because the team wants to make as much impact in one place as time allows.  I am still grateful for that half day at the beach.

We arrived and immediately I felt at peace.  There were no worries...even though the bathroom stalls didn't have doors or that two little local girls were trying out their entrepreneurship skills at the bathroom door as they charged for toilet paper.  
That didn't matter. 

 I couldn't wait to get my feet wet.  I couldn't wait to rest.

At this beach, I found it.  I met God there.  This rest wasn't defined as a pause in the schedule of a intense work-filled week.  Not just a blip in my international travel radar.  
Not just for a moment, or a half day.  
I found what God's rest looks like in my life.  

I found and experienced His quiet Presence.

As I silently walked the long stretch of hot sandy beach, I experienced God alone.  His presence permeated my soul and I drank it in.  The time was peaceful and lovely.  
It's difficult to describe but they were holy moments.    

I was able to rest in His sufficiency as the next four days were loaded full of challenges.  I'll have to admit that coming to this point, on this beach on that day, I was lacking.  I was a little worn out mentally. Coming to this point was exactly where God wanted me to be so that He could show me His sufficiency and His idea of rest
rest that can only be found in Him.  

I was engulfed in true rest in His Presence.

I walked and talked by myself drinking in every sandy pebble, every shell, every dead fish, every Kodak moment.  In fact, I took the most pictures of the week on this sandy shore.  
I want to go back to that spot often, 
I want to remember how God felt, what I experienced. 
I want to relive those moments of awe and wonder.

I need to go back there every day.  I need to feel God's presence daily.

God and I had some conversations in that restful place.  He still calls me there.  
He reminded me that He has plenty of those holy moments waiting for me when I seek Him.  That I don't have to strive to get there, 
He is not going to run out of holiness when I take my time to seek it.  
There was no need to hurry, there will be plenty for me.  

When I rush and hurry, scurry and strive, I forget that I am His.  I forget my place in His kingdom as His kingdom builder, I forget Who He Is.  
I forget.  
I forgot ....I am royalty.  
I had forgotten.  
But God reminded me that day. 
And...
Since then...God has reminded me that I am His.  And it's okay for me to say this.
This is me being open with you. 
This is my humble confession that I had been trying too hard to be God's.  
All I needed to do and still need ...
is to say ...
that this is not earned, this isn't worked, this is.

My being God's child and my place in His Kingdom is not about me writing the best blog, 
or writing some devotional thoughts connected with scripture that would touch you deeply, or being the best radio DJ that you hear on your radio.  
My being His doesn't depend on anything that I might do or say. 
It's this....being one of His many children depends on Who He Is.  

So stop striving...stop forgetting that God is the "I AM".  
Stop and pause and take a look around.
Look at His beauty.
Look at what God has done in your life, 
look at what He has given you, 
look at Jesus on the cross.

Look at Jesus, take time to worship Jesus.

This life I lead, this life I write is not about me.  It's about Jesus and lifting His name high. 
It's about making His name known.  
I saw rest on that day on the beach.  I saw God in each captured moment.  
Awe...wonder...worship.

My heart is full as I worship and remember who God is. 
That's rest...that's God's Presence.

Ps. 37:7 "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."

Yes, Lord, I will be still.

Five Minute Friday {Prayer}

Prayer is our language to God.  

Prayer is power.  Prayer is worship.

God honors our prayers.  

He loves the bold ones, the timid ones, the soft and the loud.  

He hears the quiet stillness of our hearts when we lean in to hear Him.  

He strains to hear our words of praise.  

Our first step of faith is received in a prayer.  

He loves to tell us His whispers.  He longs for us to wait for His timing.  

He loves to hold our dreams tight until he deems them right.  

He wants our desperate hearts.  He hears our tears and fears.  

In prayer, we can let go and let Him grow. He plants passion within our prayers to inspire us.  

Bold prayers honor God.  He loves to draw us near; he loves to keep us in His grip.  

Prayer reveals His truth in our hearts.  

Prayer does not prepare us for the battle; prayer is the battle.

"We take for granted prayer is the preparation for work, whereas prayer is the work."  Oswald Chambers

Take a look in God's word..it's loaded with prayers of those who talked with God.

    

So This Chaos...

I have figured out that there is chaos in my life. 


There are a lot of things, stuff, activities, work, play where things are out of balance. 


I want to do something about it.  From where I sit and type this...there is no physical rest in sight.  


With this chaos, comes spiritual clutter.    


So in this mess...it's a good thing God has my tomorrows.


I have been taking a hard look at my world.  It pays to be critical of yourself sometimes under the scope of the Holy Spirit.  


All I can do is offer my perspective about what God is doing here in my spaces and places.  


God has been decluttering my heart.    


That's a good thing.  That brings healing.  


It brings open spaces, open places and revived beginnings.


For new things to begin, for the new.


For peace to invade, for God's comfort to infect.


For God's work to perfect and complete.  

Philippians 1:6  "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

There is work to be done.  Who's with me?

Let's think about this messy work an act of worship.

I wait expectantly for what is in store as well designed changes.

As I unhinge myself from the familiar things here on earth that will one day turn to dust, please God fill me with your Spirit's refreshing awareness of peace and rest.  

I rest in His organized hand of gifts.  I seek Him as the most prized possession of all. 

Let's roll up our sleeves.

Music Monday [Desert Song]

I love this worship song by Hillsong United.  It speaks to my spiritual journey right now.  I will let the words speak for themselves.


This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
cs from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/h/hillsong/the_desert_song.html ]
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

And this is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

All of my life, In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing, I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've recieved I will sow


I have to chose to worship all the time.  I don’t always feel like it. Sometimes all I feel like doing is crying.  But I know this...at the end of the day....God is still God. He doesn’t change.  He hasn't changed in what He has called me to be or what He’s called me to do. He’s still on the throne in heaven.  And because He doesn't change...that single reason gives me something to cling to.  Because He is in my tomorrows and controls them that gives me reason to worship.

Do you see the hope here?