Praise God!

Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! (Psalm 147:1 NIV)

This world is turning more and more hostile to Christians. I saw a story the other day that said religion would be eliminated in the next generation. It saddens me to hear such hate for my God. But, through all the hate, through all the anti-Christian sentiment, I praise my God for his love, mercy, and grace. I don't care what others say, I have seen his greatness, I have seen the real God of the universe active in the lives of the people I know.

It is great to give praise. It is great to openly celebrate the wondeful love of Jesus with all we see. Thank you Lord! I praise you and am honored by your love even when I don't deserve it, even when the world turns against you! I love you and worship your holy name!

Words aren't enough

Psalm 150

 ¹ Praise the LORD.^[a]

   Praise God in his sanctuary;
   praise him in his mighty heavens.
² Praise him for his acts of power;
   praise him for his surpassing greatness.
³ Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
   praise him with the harp and lyre,
⁴ praise him with timbrel and dancing,
   praise him with the strings and pipe,
⁵ praise him with the clash of cymbals,
   praise him with resounding cymbals.

 ⁶ Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

   Praise the LORD.

This chapter gives us a variety of ways to praise God. All sorts of instruments and even with our bodies (dancing). One of the things is doesn't say is praise God with our mouths. Now don't get me wrong. We should certainly praise God with our voices. But it is not enough to Praise God with our words. 

Sometimes our words are not enough. We can tell someone we care but it's more important that we take action to show them. We can tell someone we love them, but what way do we actually demonstrate that love. Sometimes words aren't enough. Sometimes we need to act. When we act to back up our words, the words mean so much more. 

You've heard "Actions speak louder than words." Well I think this chapter does a wonderful job illustrating that Praising God is more than just words. Actions speak louder than our word when it comes to praising the Lord of the Universe.

The Complaint Department -- Take a number!

Psalm 64 (New International Version, ©2011)    

 ¹ Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint; 
   protect my life from the threat of the enemy.
 ² Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked,
   from the plots of evildoers.
³ They sharpen their tongues like swords
   and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.
⁴ They shoot from ambush at the innocent;
   they shoot suddenly, without fear.

Do you ever feel like you are the "Complaint Department"? I am in a job that gets a few complaints now and then. I get complaints from Parents not happy with Coaches, Players not happy with playing time, Coaches not happy with Players, Coaches not happy with Parents, and Coaches not happy with other Coaches. I think you get the point! It can be draining at times. Sometimes I think people just need to vent. I'm ok with that. If I can provide that opportunity and it makes them feel better, I guess it's worth it. Every once in a while I have someone stop by my office and thank me, or tell me I'm doing a good job. Not that I need this to survive, but it is pretty nice and makes me feel like it's worth it.

Do you think God feels like the complaint department? If it's dependent upon me, I can imagine he does. At the very least I usually have a long list of things I want God to change. I don't hesitate to give him advice. I also have been critical, at times, of his PLAN. I don't think I'm the only one who does this.

How often do I just spend time praising him?  How often do I just thank him for the blessings and his wonderful plan. How often do I just listen?  I am ashamed to say, I rarely do this. So, tonight, when I spend my time with God, I will praise him, thank him, and worship him. I won't quote a laundry list of wants or complaints, or advice. I will just spend time with him. He deserves all my praise!

Clap with Reverence, Please!

Psalm 47 (New International Version, ©2011)

    For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. ¹ Clap your hands, all you nations; 
   shout to God with cries of joy.
 ² For the LORD Most High is awesome,
   the great King over all the earth.
³ He subdued nations under us,
   peoples under our feet.
⁴ He chose our inheritance for us,
   the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.^[b]
 5 God has ascended amid shouts of joy,
   the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets.
⁶ Sing praises to God, sing praises;
   sing praises to our King, sing praises.
⁷ For God is the King of all the earth;
   sing to him a psalm of praise.
 ⁸ God reigns over the nations;
   God is seated on his holy throne.
⁹ The nobles of the nations assemble
   as the people of the God of Abraham,
for the kings^[c] of the earth belong to God;
   he is greatly exalted.

I have attended literally hundreds of churches over my lifetime. My father was a Methodist Pastor, my Grandfather was a Church of God pastor. One thing that nearly all churches have in common is "No Clapping". Ok, once in a while, people get out of control and just clap. But, this rarely happens. I'm not sure where or how Churches got to be so "quiet". I know this is a radical thought, but "You can be reverent and clap at the same time!"  Now you can add that according to Psalm 47:1, it is even Biblical.
In my present Church we clap a lot. I would say that it happens nearly every Sunday. No, our pastor does not get applause after his sermons. No, we don't go nuts when we have communion. But, there are many times when the spirit moves somebody so much they just have to give a "Clap Offering". If we can take up a "Money Offering" every week, we can certainly offer or praises to God in the form of a CLAP OFFERING!  God brings such great joy in my life that sometimes I just can't hold it in. The most dignified and reverent way to share that joy is by clapping. I haven't yet crossed the line into a "Shout for joy Offering". I should. Because I have certainly felt like it.

Wether it is clapping, shouting, or dancing in the isles, don't hold back your praise and worship for God. When I start dwelling on everything he has done for me and the overwhelming Blessings he has granted, I really get excited and want everyone to know! It's ok! It's not a sin! as a matter of fact, it should be a sin not to praise God to the fullest! Can i get an AMEN?

"Where are you God?"

Psalm 42 (New International Version, ©2010)

 ¹ As the deer pants for streams of water,
   so my soul pants for you, my God.
² My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
   When can I go and meet with God?
³ My tears have been my food
   day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
   “Where is your God?”
⁴ These things I remember
   as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
   under the protection of the Mighty One^[d]
with shouts of joy and praise
   among the festive throng.
 ⁵ Why, my soul, are you downcast?
   Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
   for I will yet praise him,
   my Savior and my God.

I got a couple of prayer requests last week from a couple in our church. Their son was hit by a car while he was snow blowing his driveway. He stepped out into the road, was hit by a car, and was unconscious for awhile. He was then transported to the Hospital. The Dad was contacted, he got into a car accident, and his car was totaled. Talk about bad days. Fortunately both the dad and the son were ok. But, I can't imagine not thinking, "Where are you God?"  Worse yet, is when this happens to a Christian and the non-christian asks the same question.

That's why it's so important how Christians react when bad things happen. People outside the faith are looking. They want to see where and IF God shows up. It doesn't mean we can't cry. It doesn't mean we have to enjoy our own pain. But, we need to show that God will help us overcome. Even when we are chased by the "Hunter" we need to "pant" after God. We need to run to God and accept his grace, love and power to overcome. We can never lose hope. If we do, the unsaved will also give up.

It may not be easy to say and sometimes harder to live, but it is true in my past, it's true now, and will always be true:

"Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and God!"

Are you with me?

Psalm 34 (New International Version, ©2010)

 ¹ I will extol the LORD at all times;
   his praise will always be on my lips.
² I will glory in the LORD;
   let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
³ Glorify the LORD with me;
   let us exalt his name together.


It is so much more fun to be together with others who Love God. I could sit at home and Glorify the Lord on my own, within the quiet confines, privately. How much fun could that be? Sometimes I meet people who say they don't need to go to church to believe in God. I agree. They can worship at home. They can do a lot without stepping a foot in a church. Yet, why would they want to? Where else can they get together to praise God and exalt his name with others who want to do the same thing. Oh, I know you can do it at concerts, camps, or other special events. I also know that "churches" can be held many places. I really call "Church" any place where we Christians gather together to praise God. But, if all I do is Praise God at special events, it's just not enough for me. I can't wait to attend Sunday services, or special events like CMA Seasons of Refreshing, or the CMA State Rally, or Trinity Fest. I just can't get enough of Praising God with others. We are all "afflicted". We all have times we just don't think we will make it. Yet, God not only wants to spend time with us, he also wants us to spend time together. We can provide support because we all share the same sinful experiences. When we just don't feel like we can Praise God on our own, it is important to be around others who can.

Find a place you can worship and praise God on a regular basis. Find a group who loves to spend time praising God and can't wait to do it all through the week. I attend services at County Line Church of God in Auburn, Indiana. The services are always just like that. We have a great time worshipping and praising  him. I also have a great group of fellow believers through the Christian Motorcyclist Association. I also have a great group of co-workers who aren't afraid to Praise God. I just can't get enough. I would feel lost JUST attending Sunday Services.

Thank You Lord for providing people I can worship with who Love you as much as I do! Amen!

When my praises are weak........

Psalm 8 (New International Version, ©2010)

 ¹ LORD, our Lord,
   how majestic is your name in all the earth!
   You have set your glory
   in the heavens.
² Through the praise of children and infants
   you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
   to silence the foe and the avenger. 
³ When I consider your heavens,
   the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
   which you have set in place,
⁴ what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
   human beings that you care for them?<sup>[c]


When things aren't going well in our lives, we don't have to praise God at the top of our lungs. If God can use the praise of the weakest, children and infants, he can certainly use our weak praises. He doesn't rely on those praises, but he uses them regardless how powerful they are. He loves us and cares for us through all times. He doesn't just care for us when we praise him with the voice of a chorus.  He has built this universe with his owns hands. He knows us and has created the world around us with that care in mind. He knows are weaknesses. He knows our faililngs, he knows our sin. He still loves us. GRACE!


I must admit that my Praises have been weak lately. But, I have praised him even though life goes against me. My praises are weak. My voice is meek. But, God hears me. Even with my own "still small voice" he can thwart those who persecute me and can silence my foes. 


How majestic is your name Lord. How majestic is your name in all the Earth. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Amen!</sup>

Sometimes I don't feel like it!

Revelation 19 (The Message)

⁵From the Throne came a shout, a command: Praise our God, all you his servants, All you who fear him, small and great!^6-8Then I heard the sound of massed choirs, the sound of a mighty cataract, the sound of strong thunder: Hallelujah! The Master reigns, our God, the Sovereign-Strong! Let us celebrate, let us rejoice, let us give him the glory! 

Sometimes I just don't feel like Praising God! I know it's not right. If I were a good solid Christian, I wouldn't feel this way. But, I'm just being truthful. I'm sure if most of us were honest, you would say you have felt the same way at some point of your life. I'm sure you have had days when you didn't feel like praising God. Sometimes I don't feel like celebrating and I don't feel like rejoicing. Just like I know I shouldn't sin, Just like I know I should love my enemies, Just like I should forgive others, I should be able to Praise God at all times. As servants of God, we are commanded to Praise him.  We shouldn't just go through the paces, we should praise him with the sound of cataracts and rolling thunder. We should praise him with the sound of a massed choir. God is in control, God is sovereign and reigns in Heaven and on Earth. Regardless what we go through in our daily lives, he is in control. Nothing will change that. I should be able to rise above the daily grind, but I don't always do that. 

I might be way off base here. But, I think God understands. He knows who we are and understands our struggles. He is a forgiving and loving God. He is there and with us even when our humanness gets in the way of Praising Him. David went through the same thing as written in the book of Psalms.

 Psalm 42:4-6 ⁴ These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One^[a] with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. ⁵ Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.⁶ My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

I know I don't deserve it, but his mercy and grace are enough to forgive me even when i don't feel like praising him.  He understands my wailing and my dark times. He wants to turn them into dancing, singing, and praising. He wants to turn my silence into Praising. 

Psalm 30:11-12 ¹¹ You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, ¹² that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever.

Doesn't this also mean he understands that I WILL go through times when I just don't feel like praising him, times when i AM silent? 

Dear Lord, I am at your mercy. I know I should Praise you through all things. Yet, I don't. Please forgive me and give me your strength and mercy when I am weak. Thank You Lord for loving me even when I don't deserve it. Amen!

Don't just Worship! -- Obey!

Revelation 4 (The Message)

 ^2-6I was caught up at once in deep worship and, oh!—a Throne set in Heaven with One Seated on the Throne, suffused in gem hues of amber and flame with a nimbus of emerald. Twenty-four thrones circled the Throne, with Twenty-four Elders seated, white-robed, gold-crowned. Lightning flash and thunder crash pulsed from the Throne. Seven fire-blazing torches fronted the Throne (these are the Sevenfold Spirit of God). Before the Throne it was like a clear crystal sea.


What is deep worship?

What is worship?

I have always viewed worship in terms of Praising God! I believe praising God is a key act of worship. I have attended many worship services where God is truly praised. My Church does a great job organizing and planning worship. It is great to have a place where we can just open up and truly Praise God through worship. I believe we have such a great mix of meaningful worship singing, thought provoking, challenging messages that are bible based, and time of prayer. When I leave on Sunday morning to go home, I always feel my relationship with God has grown. As the week progresses, I use this worship time and my own private worship time to get by each and every day. I can't even imagine in my mind what it will be like to praise and worship the Lord in our Heavenly home. This verse and many like it in Revelation attempt to describe Heaven and the worship that will take place.

But, I think worship is so much more than just Sunday worship. As a matter of fact, your typical Sunday morning worship is only a very small part of what worship really is. How can we really, truly worship the Lord? Is Sunday morning worship, or once a week worship, enough? In my mind, wrongly so,  I have limited my definition of worship to Sunday morning or Corporate worship "experiences".

I think this verse in Romans starts to get to the point of true worship.

Romans 12:1  Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God— this is your spiritual act of worship.

Don't you think true worship should not be just with our voices, not just once a week, not just in an experience with others, but it should be a sacrifice of our complete body. How do we sacrifice our complete bodies? Sacrifice occurs through obedience. True worship, worship that occurs continually can only occur with our obedience of God. Our living sacrifice, our ability to please God, can only be done by obedience. Then and only then can we truly worship the king of kings and the creator of all things.

Corporate worship is wonderful and even necessary. But, being obedient takes worship to another level.

Dear Lord, We praise you for your grace and mercy. We love you and want to be obedient. Guide our hearts. Direct our minds to your thoughts and your ways.  We want nothing more than to please you and to sacrifice ourselves for your purposes. Amen!

God's better than this Perfect Day!

1 Peter 1 (The Message)

 ^3-5What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all—life healed and whole.

Today was as close to a PERFECT Day that you could have. It started out with three great worship services at church and a great message by Pastor Stu. The Choir sang a song "Lord You''re Holy" which might be one of the best Praise songs I've heard. Listen to it. Lord You're Holy - performed by Prestonwood Baptist Choir and Orchestra . Stewart said we don't praise God enough in our prayers. We usually start out asking for stuff and we might even thank him for our blessings. But praising him and thanking him are two different things. What a great comment! How amazing is the God we have?

After the service Stephanie and I took off to meet our CMA group for a ride to the Grand Rapids, Ohio, Apple Butter Festival. I can not imagine, in my wildest dreams, a ride as great as we had today. The weather was fantastic. The time with my wife was great. We walked and watched people, sat along the canal, and enjoyed some beautiful fall scenery along the beautifully winding Maumee River. "What a God we have and how fortunate are we to have him as our Heavenly Father!"

But, he is not just amazing because he created such a wonderful day for us. He is amazing because he is GOD. It is hard for us to express how great he is. The song we sang said "words can not express what I feel inside -- I can not describe your glory divine." We are such PUNY beings. How can we even hope to describe how awesome our God is in mere words. The bible and this song talk about all the names of God-- Wonderful, Glorious, Holy, Righteous, Victorious, Conqueror, Triumphant, Mighty, Healer, Deliverer, Shield and Defense, Strong Tower, and my best friend. Omnipotent, Omnipresent, soon coming King, Alpha, Omega, Lord of everything. Those words are strong but not strong enough. Counselor, Comforter, Savior, and Father are also not descriptive enough.

He has shown me his love and so much more. He has shown us how awesome he is up to and including the sacrifice of his own son. Sure he is the Creator of 80 degree days in October. But, more amazing than that, he does it for us even though we don't deserve it. We don't even deserve any day, let alone a day like today.  His grace, mercy and kindness are endless. His love is greater than our minds can grasp. PRAISE GOD! PRAISE GOD! PRAISE GOD! What else can you say!