Endless Praise ... 2017

Happy New Year!

I pray your New Year is off to a great start and that you are eagerly anticipating all that 2017 has to offer. With this being the first day of the New Year, it seemed an appropriate time to chart the course before this 2017 journey begins.

Understand this – no matter where your individual road carries you throughout the remainder of this New Year, one thing is certain: Praise will be the fuel to keep you going.

In the book of II Chronicles, an account is provided of a situation where enemy forces stood ready to wage war against the Israelites. Yet, a word of encouragement came to Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah:

“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” II Chronicles 20:17

What followed was a detailed account of steps taken by Jehoshaphat and the people, in response to this declaration:

^“Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord.” II Chronicles 20:18

^“Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.” II Chronicles 20:19

“After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:

“Give thanks to the Lord,
    for his love endures forever.”

II Chronicles 20:21

“As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.” II Chronicles 20:22

In response to their praise, the LORD waged war on their behalf and secured their victory against their enemies. There was no task left for the people of God but to collect the spoils.

Understand this – Your victory is closer than you think!

It is right at the tip of your tongue.

So let us make a determination today, this first day of 2017, that no matter what the coming days and months hold, we shall praise the One who stands alone as worthy of praise.

Praying you have a blessed day and an exciting year full of realized expectations and sudden surprises!

Here is a beautiful song I stumbled upon this New Year’s Eve. 

It is not new … but it is new to me ... and so fitting for our first communication of 2017.

Hillsong UNITED – Even When It Hurts (Praise Song)

Be Blessed … and … Happy New Year!

“Through Jesus, therefore,

Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—

The fruit of lips that openly profess His name.”

Hebrews 13:15

Turn Back … Go Back …Begin Again!

Happy Eve before New Year’s Eve!

It has been quite some time since I took pen to paper and jotted down some thoughts. However, I believe it may be time to return …

Ironic since this is the time of year when all are tasked with looking forward and moving forward – full of eager expectation over all that the New Year may hold.

Yet, sometimes, those new beginnings that we have all desired at one time or another require a return – a looking back and a re-visit to the things we did first.

In speaking to the Church in Ephesus in the book of Revelation [1:2-4], Christ acknowledges the deeds and hard work and perseverance of the church. Yet He holds one charge against them, “You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”

This message is for me if it does not apply to another single soul. Yet oddly, it does not fill me with sadness. It ignites that spark of hope that what once was can be recaptured … serving as a catalyst for new growth and experiences. So, in this season of looking forward, my personal charge is to …

Turn Back … Go Back …Begin Again!

That is the beauty of grace! It does not give us excuse to falter but stands steady, unshakeable and embracing when we do. There is no condemnation for them who are in Christ Jesus. [Rom. 8:1] And we know … in all things …. God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose. [Rom. 8:28]

For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son. [Rom. 8:29]

When He ascended that hill at Calvary, where He would sacrificially surrender Himself so that we could be reconciled with the Father, He was already in 2016 – seeing all, knowing all, and having an overwhelming love for each of us individually which prompted Him still, despite all we would do or fail to do, to give His all. Victory has been secured! It can never be robbed again …

Revelation is the last book in the Bible. Yet, it is a book of encouragement, hope and victory. It is actually the only book in the Bible which notes that the reader will be blessed just for having read it – with more blessings to follow for those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it. [Rev. 1:3]

For many, it feels like their individual story has come to its end. It appears that too much has transpired, the fall has been too great, the stumbling too repeated, the time much too short. But that is simply not true!

The King is seated in heavenly places! He will never leave you or forsake you. [Heb. 13:5] He cannot be dethroned. He will never fall from His throne. There is not one instance that has caught Him unaware. His desires for me are greater than those I hold for myself. And His plans are good plans – to give us a hope and future. [Jer. 29:11] He is the God who is expert at creating works of beauty out of dusty, dirty, crumbled and shattered situations and circumstances. And this is our confidence – as long as we have Christ dwelling on the inside – we have everything we need … and we have everything we need to begin again.

Turn Back … Go Back …Begin Again!

Looking forward to a phenomenal 2017 … with you!

Be Blessed!