It's NOT about me

http://youtu.be/cjhxOv9YDag - Who am I?  Casting Crowns

As I was in the car yesterday going here and there, I heard a lesson on the radio that really made me think.  I can't remember who was teaching but he laid down a challenge.  Just for a week, take the words "I" and "me" out of your conversations.

Ouch!

Here's a test question:  When you have a random conversation with someone and then walk away, from your conversation, do they know more about you?  Or do you know more about them? 

That hits home a little too much.

The name of this blog is "It's not about me" but does that really reflect the blog?  Most days, the writings posted here are pretty much "me" stuff.  Maybe it's different if those "I" and "me" words are used as illustrations and examples of what not to do.  = (  But the challenge definitely is worth checking out.

The devotional will be short today, because of this challenge.  It won't be easy,
but today these words will not be in this blog. 

http://youtu.be/J63YE-QEWIg -  It's all about You - Sarah Kim


1 Corinthians 13 is the best description of living as if "It's not about me".   Read the passage below and
see if it describes how you live.  See if it doesn't describe Jesus completely. 

If I speak in human or angelic tongues, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.



Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

Just for today, the focus will be on others.  Maybe it's not so much about not using "I" and "me" but rather
not thinking about "I" or "me", but thinking and caring about "him and her".  Today will be about others and their needs and feelings.  Less of self... more of Jesus.
 

Holy Father, today it's all about You and Your children.  Please take control.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen
 
http://youtu.be/Gnf1xczuOrA - Lifesong - Casting Crowns



Run with Endurance...
photo by Kristi Rhines Stevens


Running the Race

http://youtu.be/Yz05WW8abX0 - Derek Redmond

1992 DEREK REDMOND THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT. He is best remembered for his performance at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona where he tore his hamstring in the 400 metres semi-final but fought through the pain and, with assistance from his father, managed to complete a full lap of the track as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. The incident has become a well-remembered moment in Olympic history, having been the subject of one of the International Olympic Committee's 'Celebrate Humanity' videos and been used in advertisements by Visa as an illustration of the Olympic spirit and featured in Nike's "Courage" commercials in 2008.  When Derek couldn't go on, his father rushed to his side, supporting him - helping Derek to keep going... his father gave him the strength to run with endurance the race set before him.

Our Father does the same thing for us.

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Run with endurance...

Tyler runs Cross Country.  He loves running. Sometimes, there are unexpected obstacles that can slow him down.  If the obstacle comes at a time in the race when he's exhausted and his muscles are burning, it would be so easy to just stop running and say, "I can't go on."  But a runner pushes through those  obstacles so that he or she can cross the finish line.  That's what Paul tells us to do when we hit obstacle in the race of live.  Keep running, even when you feel like you can't go on another step.  Run with endurance.  Christ will give you the strength and courage you need to finish strong. 

Philippians 1: 20-23
"And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.

Honestly, this life is full of disappointments. Marriages break up, friends let us down, financial struggles humble us and take away all our security, children get sick, friends die, and on and on. What can we depend on?

One day, life is great and the next, everything is taken away and we feel like Job - stripped of all those things we thought were so important.

If we could just grasp that Christ is the only thing we truly need, and that HE's the one thing that can never be taken from us, can you imagine the peace we'd have? What could man do to us, if we really understood that HE is all we need?

Almighty God calls me His child. He loved me so much that He sent His Son to die for me. I'm going to spend Eternity in heaven - no more tears, no more fears, no betrayals, no more disappointments, no more pain or suffering. For all eternity! Do we even come close to understanding how short our time is on earth compared to Eternity? I think if we did, our earthly lives would take on a whole different perspective. So much that we fret about just wouldn't matter any more. We'd be full of joy, longing for that Day when we get to wake up in Heaven.

Paul knew this life was full of meaningless junk. "Garbage", he called it. Don't we all have "garbage" that weighs us down and steals our joy?  Dumb little things that make us feel unloved, inadequate, discouraged? sometimes they're bigger bumps, but so many times, they are just little insignificant bumps in the road, yet we let those bumps drag us down.  All that truly matters is belonging to Christ. If we could just understand that, we'd be shouting the good news to everyone we meet so that they, too, have Eternity in heaven. We'd love everyone, unconditionally, because of the prize set before us! Nothing could get us down. Nothing could still our joy!

If anyone could ever been "good enough" by his own power to have righteousness, Paul says it was him. He had it all. He had honor, respect, knowledge, power, influence - all the things we humans think are so important. But Paul found something worth more than all those things. He found Jesus.

Paul left it all so that he might be one with Christ. Listen to his words: "everything else is worthless", "all garbage" when compared to the INFINITE VALUE of knowing CHRIST! Paul walked away from fame, fortune, prestige, everything!!! That should tell us something about the treasure we have in Christ.

Those days when you just feel like nothing is ever going to be okay again; when you feel like you've lost everything that gives your life meaning, remember Paul's words. It's all garbage compared to the value - the unmatchable, immeasurably great, having no boundaries Value - of knowing Christ as LORD.

If all you have left is Christ, you are rich beyond measure.

HE is the One you can always depend on no matter what comes. Depend on Him. He'll never leave you nor forsake you. He loves you more than we comprehend.

Psalm 139:7-10
I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave,[you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.

Philippians 3:3-11
For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort,  though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!


I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.



I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with Him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with Himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, sharing in His death,  so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

Honor Christ with your life. When we die, and we all will some day, the only thing we can take with us into Eternity is our inheritance that Christ has given us. His love, His Salvation, His Redemption and on yes, He gave us HIS Father. We are children of the Creator of the Universe.

What more could we ever want?

http://youtu.be/0vdLi8h-xdI - Dependence - Jamie Slocum

lyrics ~

This is the life I’ve always wanted
To know the prince of peace
To feel my faith restored
As your grace surrounds me

This is the day of new beginnings
This is where my freedom starts
And now death has lost its sting
And Jesus how can I thank you?

Just to know, just to know that you love me
Gives me hope to carry on
What can this world do to me? No, no

Just to know, just to know that you’re with me
On all these roads I traveled on
When all I have is gone
I confess my dependence on you

There is a lightness in my laughter
There is a joy inside my soul
My heart is overwhelmed
And Jesus how can I thank you?

Just to know, just to know that you love me
Gives me hope to carry on
What can this world do to me? No, no

Just to know, just to know that you’re with me
On all these roads I traveled on
When all I have is gone
I confess my dependence on you
Dependence on you

Just to know, just to know that you love me
It gives me hope to carry on
You’re the one thing that I can turn to
Just to know, just to know that you’re with me
On all these roads I traveled on
You’re the one thing that I can turn to


Thank You Jesus! You're all I need. Your love gives me hope to carry on. You are the One I can always turn to. No matter what this world throws at me, Lord, I know You're all I need. Help me to turn every negative, discouraging, defeating thought over to You so that You can squelch it! What ever You allow, Father, in my life, help me to keep my eyes on Jesus so that my response to the circumstance will bring You glory. Today, Lord, help me to live in the victory that You have given me.  There's nothing in this world that compares to the love I have in You. I love You, Jesus.


 

The Family of God



My son, Michael, caught this sweet "sister" moment and when I saw it, it made  me smile.  Brooklyn and 

Presley are so young, and they already understand the bond of sisterhood. God meant for us to share this bond of love with our earthly family.  But He tells us in His Word that we have another Family - the Family of God.  As a believer, I have many brothers and sisters - in Christ. 

http://youtu.be/E3ANMNNn86o  - He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother - The Hollies


As I read the prayer in John 17, I see the yearning of Jesus for his disciples to be one, to be united, just as He and His Father were one. How sad we must make Him when we bicker and argue over meaningless things! He wanted so much for us to love each other just as He loved us. He wanted us to be a true family - the Family of God.

When we see our brother struggling with a heavy burden, our first thought should be "how can I lighten his load? How can I make things easier? How can I reach out in love?" 

Matthew 25
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’


“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’


“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

This is what unity in Christ is all about. Sharing one another's troubles, lending a helping hand, showing the love of Christ to those who need to know HE has not forgotten them. We become the hands and feet of Jesus when we reach out to others. We are the Family of God and families help each other.

John 17
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.


I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!


O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”

God's plan from the beginning has been that His children would be one - united in Christ with a common love and purpose. Fellowship is a very important part of being in the family of God. His instructions for life are all about relationships, fellowship, and about coming together with encouragement and support, helping each other to carry the heavy burdens of life.

I did a quick word search on Biblegateway.com and these are a few passages about our relationship with others:

John 13:34
 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.


John 13:35
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”


Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.


Romans 13:8
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.


2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.


Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another humbly in love.


Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Thessalonians 4:9
Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.


2 Thessalonians 1:3
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.


Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,


1 Peter 1:22
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.


1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.


1 John 3:11
For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

1 John 3:16
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for one another.


1 John 3:23
And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.


1 John 4:7
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.


1 John 4:11
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.


1 John 4:12
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.


1 John 4:21
And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love one another.


2 John 1:5
And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.

I think it's safe to say that God wants us to love each other, and to care for each other. He knows the beauty and blessings of relationships built on unity and love. The Godhead - Father/Son/Holy Spirit are a perfect example of perfect love and unity of purpose and plan. They are united together in perfect harmony and They support one another with unselfish love and devotion. Wouldn't this world be amazing if we believers could be united in our love and purpose? What if everyone really started looking for ways to help others?

Philippians 2
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.


3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.


In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had:


Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a human being, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Again in this passage, we see the focus on loving each other, looking out for one another, being united, and not divided. Verse 3 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition, value others above yourselves?" That's a hard thing to do. But if we learn how to love each other and how to come along side our brothers and sisters who are struggling, then we become more like Jesus.

And when one brother hurts, we all hurt.

1 Corinthians 12
Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”


In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

I've had the blessing of seeing God's Family reach out to brothers and sisters who are carrying a heavy load. They've come along side and lifted the load with prayers and hands-on support. I've watched our Family be the Hands and Feet of Jesus. This is exactly what Jesus told us to do. 

It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping and preparing for our big Christmas gatherings.  I always worry about getting that "just right" gift for each family member.  "Is it enough? Will they like it?" Some how, the gifts I give never seem to be enough to suit me.  To me, the gifts I give always seem lacking in some way.  Because of that feeling, I don't enjoy all the unwrapping of gifts very much.  I'm so afraid that my little grandchildren will be disappointed somehow. I don't want to disappoint them ever. So in the middle of what should be fun and excitement, I'm worried about disappointing someone with a "not so perfect" gift.   I know, it's dumb.  I'm sure I'm the only person in the world who ever feels this, right?  = P

Sometimes we focus so much on making everything perfect that we don't remember the true spirit of Christmas.  Our gift giving can never compare to God's gift to us all, the Gift of Christ.  Earthly speaking, Jesus didn't have anything to give.  There were no big boxes wrapped in paper of red and green with huge bows on top.  No, Jesus gave us a gift that could never be "wrapped" in a box.  He gave us the Gift of Salvation, the Gift of Himself, the Gift of Love.  That was indeed the perfect gift.

So this year as I try once again to find the "perfect" gifts for my family, more than anything I want them to know the greatest gift that I can give is Love.  Love is the one gift I can give to everyone.  I want my children and grandchildren to remember that Nana cared about others, and even if she didn't always give the "perfect" presents, I want them to know that I gave something more precious than the right doll or truck.  I want them to see me giving love and support to those in need. I want my grandchildren to know that they are loved unconditionally by me, but more importantly, by God. That's how I can best share the true spirit of Christmas with my family, with God's family.

Holy Father, sometimes Christmas is just overwhelming. I spend more than I have to spend, but it never feels like enough.  Father, this Christmas help me to focus on what's most important. Help me to remember the best present I ever got was my sweet Savior and Lord, Jesus.

This season, help me to be gentle and patient, and loving and kind,
and please help me to keep my priorities straight.
The gifts of the Spirit, the gifts of the heart are the ones I want to celebrate.
Help me to reach out in love to those I see struggling or suffering.  Show me how to help.
Show me how to be Your Hands and Feet.  Let me focus this season and always be sharing
Christ's wonderful Gift with others.

LORD, please take away the anxiety and stress, and help me to feel more at peace,
as  I prepare my home for Christmas. This year, please help me to do everything I can to
make Christmas a time of pure joy and delight, sharing the love of Christ every moment
of this season with everyone I meet.

http://youtu.be/WD7Gqkg6igQ - We are the Reason - Avalon

Scripture Prayer
when I just can't find the words to fully express my feelings, I can turn to God's Holy Scripture and pray His promises.

http://youtu.be/vJdWdZv-uRA- Everlasting God - Chris Tomlin


1 Samuel 30:1-6 ESV
Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They killed no one, but carried them off and went their way. And when David and his men came to the city, they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep. David’s two wives also had been taken captive, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

David faced many battles in his lifetime.  When he was a shepherd, he faced a lion and bear, and then Goliath.
As God's anointed one, he was chased by a deranged King Saul who wanted to kill him. He mourned the illness of his infant son which later resulted in the death of this baby.  He went into hiding when his own son, Absalom sought to remove David as king.  David was definitely acquainted with grief, struggling and suffering. 

The passage above from 1 Samuel tells us of a time when he and his men return for battle only to find their town burned to the ground and all their wives and children taken.  I can't imagine the fear and anguish David must have felt.  He was so busy protecting others that his very own family was kidnapped and their home destroyed.  As if that weren't enough, his own men were furious with David for allowing their families to be taken. His men threatened to stone him to death.

What did David do?  He strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

How did David do that?  How did he strengthen himself in the LORD?
I found my answers in the Psalms.  David wrote about his struggles.  He also shared how he turned to God to help him face every foe. 

David placed his trust in God to help him -

Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?  ...

Psalm 56:9-11
You have kept count of my tossings;

put my tears in your bottle.
Are they not in your book?
Then my enemies will turn back
in the day when I call.
This I know, that God is for me.
In God, whose word I praise,
in the LORD, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

David praised God in the midst of the battle. He trusted God's strength - not his own.

Psalm 59:16-17
But I will sing of your strength;

I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.
For you have been to me a fortress
and a refuge in the day of my distress.
O my Strength, I will sing praises to you,
for you, O God, are my fortress,
the God who shows me steadfast love.


When David felt alone, he sought comfort from the LORD.  He praised God and meditated.
Read Psalm 63 and see how David seeks, praises and mediates on thoughts of his LORD.

Psalm 63:1-8
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;

my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.


So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.


Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live;
in your name I will lift up my hands.


My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
when I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

When I am discouraged or feeling afraid and alone, I can do what David.  I can strengthen myself in the LORD.  I may not be able to put my thoughts in beautiful words like David, but I can use David's psalms of praise and adoration as my own prayer and praise.  Praying the Scriptures is a beautiful way to find strength and encouragement in the LORD.  What better way to pray according to God's will than to pray His very Words to Him?

The Bible is full of God's promises to provide, protect, strengthen, guide, give wisdom and understanding... When I'm struggling with a burden that seems just too heavy to bear, it's not always easy to find the right words to pray.  When that happens, I turn the God's promises and I pray the Scriptures.  I know my prayer will be pleasing because I'm using God's very Word.  I'm acknowledging that I believe His inspired Scripture to be true and trustworthy.

If you're having one of the days when the words just don't come, find those promises that you need to hear in the Holy Scripture and claim those promises as your own.  God loves you and has promised to give you His best.  You can trust Him completely - even when you can't see the answers.  That's what FAITH is all about.  Believing when you can't see.

http://youtu.be/K7FQfSmtu-w - Revelation Song - Phillips Craig and Dean


I've taken excerpts from "Today's Quiet Walk" from Walk Thru the Bible.  It's a Scripture prayer based on Psalm 63, Psalm 51 and 1 Peter 5. 


Prayer:
Holy Father, because Your loving kindness is better than life,
my lips shall praise You.
Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name. . . .
When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me (Psalm 63:3-4, 6-8).


Lord, I confess the sins I have in my life.
You know those things I've brought before You.
You know those secret sins in my mind that
no one else can see. Please forgive me of those,
and also those sins that I do unaware.

You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
You do not delight in burnt offering.
The sacrifice You want from me is a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart-
This, O God, You will not despise (Psalm 51:16-17).


Father, please give me a greater commitment to Christ, a greater love for Your people. Help me to hear Your voice and to be able to quickly discern the lies of the enemy.
Holy Spirit, please take control, guiding me in all that's good and perfect so that my life will be a pleasing and acceptable sacrifice to You.


May You, the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus,
after we have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle us.


To You be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen

(based on 1 Peter 5:10-11).

Face Down

Have you ever been face down on the ground before God?

In her bible study of the Psalms, Beth Moore says if
our goal is to press to a higher place with God, there are few things that will enhance our progress more  than bowing low so God can lift us up. 

Humility should be the natural response for anyone who truly comprehends the awesomeness of God.

http://youtu.be/s-i1v_h6hVA - Fall Face Down - Matt Redman 
Try this for one week.  Each morning when you first get out of bed, fall to your knees with your face to the floor, and in your own words, praise the One who makes every moment possible. Did you just get out of a  nice warm, comfortable bed?  Thank God!  Do you have job this morning?  Thank God!  Do you have food for breakfast?  Are your children healthy?  Are you a child of God?  Thank Him!  

Think about the rain and how all of creation responds to it. Plants and trees turn deeper greener and their leaves perk up with each refreshing drink.  The birds take baths in the puddles.  Can't you almost hear all of Nature saying "thank You"!   God provides for nature and He provides for you and me. 

Our God is an awesome God.  For me, it's sometimes hard to find the words to express my sense of awe in His Presence.  As you think on His Majesty and Power, remember that He chose you out of all His amazing creation to be His dearly loved child.   If words of praise and adoration don't come easy, read a psalm of praise that speaks to your heart.  As you thank God for all He has done and will do in your life, give Him this day.  Give Him full access to every thought, word and action - at home, at work, at play and at church.  When you let Him take control, everything will go better.  Everything will work together so that He can use you, His child, to accomplish His purpose on earth.  Can you trust the Creator of the Universe who loves you more than anyone on earth will ever love you?  Can you trust Him to give you His best?  Can you let go of the burdens and give God control?  He won't let you down.  We serve a Faithful God - He is worthy of all our praise.

As you go throughout this day, sing praises to God.  Do you have a song that says exactly how you feel about God?  Sing that song throughout the day.  Sing from your heart as you think about the words.  You're singing for God and He loves to hear you sing praises to Him.    Think about how much you love hearing your child sing a song for you.  Well, your Father loves to hear His child sing, too.  Sing, sing, sing!

Holy God, my heart rejoices in Your presence this day! To Your ears, Lord, I pray that my singing will be a joyful noise. Your grace is amazing. You are my all in all, I worship and adore You. Lean down Your ear to me as I sing about Your love, for how great Thou art, Lord, How great thou art! My heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will praise You.

Psalm 28:6-7 NIV
Praise be to the LORD, for He has heard my cry for mercy.  The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.
This day, my thoughts are on praising God, worshiping our Creator, bowing before Him, face to the ground, emptying myself of all pride, all thoughts of this world and simply lifting my praise to Him for He is so worthy.

I hope you can listen to the songs of praise and worship I've included in this devotional. If not, I pray that you will make time for worship today -  with "face to the ground" adoration before  our Holy God.

http://youtu.be/kkdniYsUrM8 - All of Creation - Mercy Me


PRAYER

Thank You Father, for sending Your Son to earth! God became man, humbling Himself to become fully human, so that He could know our struggles and pain. Thank You for such a compassionate High Priest who comes before Your Throne of Grace, on our behalf, defending us, claiming us as His own, bought and paid for with His very blood. He is our Mediator, our Advocate, our Redeemer, our One true Friend, Our Savior and Our God. In this time with You, may my every thought be of gratitude and worship to You, Oh Lord. I'm sorry for all those times I get distracted and fail to honor You in worship. It's all about You. Please forgive me and help me focus on You now and throughout the day. You alone are worthy of all my praise.

http://youtu.be/T8PNk9V5EHY - Just to Be With You - Paul Baloche

http://youtu.be/Yez8mNzQW08 - A Greater Song - Matt Redman

Psalm 19
For the choir director: A psalm of David.
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.

2 Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.


3 They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.


4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.


5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.


6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.


7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living.


9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.


10 They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.


11 They are a warning to your servant,
great reward for those who obey them.


12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.


13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.

14 May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

No matter what you're going through, there's a reason to sing and praise God.  This ain't all there is!

 http://youtu.be/V_5_ySiobdI -There's a reason - Mercy Me