November 17, 2024

Can’t Stop Singing

January 15, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Your grace for me will always be
More than enough
More than enough
The power of Jesus Christ in me
Is more than enough
More than enough

Because my heart is full
And my soul is free
In my weakness You
Had a plan for me

And I can’t stop singing about Your love
No, I can’t stop singing about Your love
Jesus, forever You will be more than enough
No, I can’t stop, I can’t stop

You will provide, You will supply
More than enough, more than enough
Open Heaven, open wide
More than enough, more than enough

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so
I can’t stop shouting
Can’t stop shouting

Because my heart is full
And my soul is free
In my weakness You
Had a plan for me
Now I sing the song
Angels cannot sing
I have been reborn
I have been redeemed

Covenant Worship ~ Songwriters: Joshua Dufrene, David Binion, Israel Houghton

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

‘Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!
I can’t stop shouting…because my heart is full and my soul is free!’

{ And all God’s people said, AMEN! }

Psalm 107 is full of what ‘the redeemed of the Lord’ should say.  (Click this link to read Psalm 107.)  The psalmist writes, in verse after verse, of the awesome deeds and wonders of the Almighty, and repeatedly proclaims that the redeemed should say so in this manner:

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness,
And for His wonders to the sons of men!
(verses 8, 15, 21, 31)

Oh, and don’t we have so MUCH to give thanks for and to sing about God’s love for us?!!?  Without God’s love, each of us would still be dead in our trespasses and sins…bound as slaves because of Adam’s sin.  But because God loves us, we have been redeemed by His Son and given new life.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16

By this the love of God was manifested in us,
that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.
In this is love, not that we loved God,
but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:9 and 10

I love each of the ‘more than enoughs’ in this song!  Just think…we have been given not just enough but more than enough!

‘Your grace for me will always be more than enough’
‘The power of Jesus Christ in me is more than enough’

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses,
so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

‘You will provide…You will supply more than enough
Open heaven, open wide more than enough‘

Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse,
that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it,
says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven 
for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Malachi 3:10

‘Jesus forever You will be more than enough’

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.  Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:8-14

Just like the writers of this song and the psalmist may we—the redeemed of the Lord—also say so!

Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things;
let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
Verse 43

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Oh, Lord, Your grace, Your love, Your mercy, Your goodness, Your provision are all more than enough!  How awesome to know that Your sufficiency doesn’t mean “just enough” or “barely enough,” but way more than enough for whatever we face, whatever our need.  Help us to rest fully in Your grace as we seek to live for You today.  Thank You for Your love…we love and adore You!  We pray and acknowledge these things in Jesus’ name, amen.

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Do I Trust You, Lord

January 14, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Sometimes my little heart can’t understand
What’s in Your will, what’s in Your plan
So many times I’m tempted to ask You why
But I can never forget it for long
Lord, what You do could not be wrong
So I believe You, even when I must cry

Do I trust You, Lord
Does the river flow
Do I trust You, Lord
Does the north wind blow
You can see my heart
You can read my mind
And You got to know
That I would rather die
Than to lose my faith
In the One I love
Do I trust You, Lord
Do I trust You

I know the answers, I’ve given them all
But suddenly now, I feel so small
Shaken down to the cavity in my soul
I know the doctrine and theology
But right now they don’t mean much to me
This time there’s only one thing I’ve got to know

I will trust You, Lord, when I don’t know why
I will trust You, Lord, ’til the day I die
I will trust You, Lord, when I’m blind with pain
You were God before, and You’ll never change
I will trust You
I will trust You
I will trust You, Lord
I will trust You

Singer / Songwriter ~ Twila Paris
*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *
I just l.o.v.e the heart of this wonderful woman!  She sings out and proclaims that—even when shaken…worried…fearful…doubting—in her heart of hearts she TRUSTS in her Lord!  Have you been singing along with her?

“I will trust You, Lord, when I don’t know why.
I will trust You, Lord, ‘til the day I die.
I will trust You, Lord, when I’m blind with pain!
You were God before, and You’ll never change.
I will trust You….I will trust You…I will trust You, Lord!
I will trust You.”

Trust in the Lord…Who better to trust in?   But do I?  Do you?  Actually, yes, I think that we do!  We have experienced and been blessed by God’s goodness and grace and mercy over and over and over again.  We have seen His loving care cover the lives of our loved ones.  We know—because He has graciously proven Himself—that He is a faithful God Who always provides what is best for His children.

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.
It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:21-26

trust

TRUST, n.

1. Confidence; a reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship or other sound principle of another person.
                           He that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.  Proverbs 29:25
2. He (or that) which is the ground of confidence.
           For Thou art my hope; O Lord God, thou art my trust from my youth. Psalm 71:5
(From Webster’s 1828 Unabridged Dictionary)

From these definitions we have an understanding that it is because of confidence that we trust. And we have confidence in someone or something because they have proved themselves worthy of relying on them.  When we think of these words in relation to our Father God…oh, my!  There is no doubt of His having proven Himself!  He is a Faithful God Who always brings His promises into fruition!

…Trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind
and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him,
and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord
and turn [entirely] away from evil.
Proverbs 3:5-7

This verse comes to mind and brings such peace to my heart! I do not have to always understand. I do not have to know what is going to happen.  But, I do need to follow Him. I need to trust Him with all my heart. That part is my job.  He will help me and He will get me through. It might not be easy (and truth be told, it isn’t always easy), but it will be okay.

The question is, ‘Do we lean on our own understanding or do we depend on God?’  The wise choice is obvious when we remember that God knows the end from the beginning. He provides for and sustains all that happens in between. Trusting Him, and continuing to choose to trust Him, is the wisest decision we can make—every day of our lives.

O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good!
Blessed is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.
Psalm 34:8

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ginger Orange Squash Soup with Crabcakes

January 13, 2015 by

Soup-Palooza 2015 continues!   Have you been enjoying any soups with your loved ones?  This week we’ve had Chicken Noodle (gluten-free), Mediterranean Fish Soup, Dana’s Tom Kha Gai soup, and this one…Ginger Orange Squash Soup with Crabcakes.

Oh! My!  The combination of fresh orange and gingery goodness with the saltiness of the crabcakes…just delicious!  I perused quite a few crabcake recipes (since I didn’t have one of my own) and have included links (down below!) to two gluten-free/paleo recipes. Perhaps you have your own incredible crabcake recipe (share, please!) or you could even serve these with some of the delicious frozen ones available in your grocery store.  Whichever direction you decide to go…just do it ‘cause this flavor combination is not to be missed! Enjoy!

2015-01-09 20.53.35

Ginger-Orange Squash Soup with Crabcakes

ingredients:

soup

1 large butternut squash (3#), peeled and seeded, cut into 2″ cubes
1-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
sea salt and freshly ground pepper (I use lemon-pepper blend)
1 large sweet onion, chopped small
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons finely minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons chopped garlic (I use jarred)
1 orange, zested and squeezed (about 1 cup juice) —set zest aside
2 quarts chicken stock
1 cup water
sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
fresh greens (baby spinach, kale, arugula), sliced thinly

crabcakes

http://blogs.prevention.com/living-well-gluten-free/2013/03/06/gluten-free-crabcakes/

http://nomnompaleo.com/post/3635746431/paleo-krabby-patties

directions:

  • preheat oven to 400
  • line large baking sheet with parchment paper
  • use just enough olive oil to lightly coat the squash and season well w/ s&p
  • pour seasoned squash onto the baking sheet
  • roast until just beginning to brown, about 20 minutes; remove, set aside

meanwhile…

  • in a 6 quart stockpot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and saute onion for 8-9 minutes over medium heat (or ‘til softened and translucent)
  • add ginger and garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute stirring constantly
  • add roasted squash, orange juice, chicken stock and water
  • bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender, 15-20 minutes
  • remove about 1 cup of squash to serve in bowls
  • using an immersion blender**, puree soup until smooth
  • season with salt and pepper; stir in orange zest
  • place a handful of sliced greens and some of the reserved squash in bottom of bowl; fill with soup
  • serve topped with crabcake(s)

**also can be pureed in a standard blender being very careful and pureeing in batches

   ♥      ♥      ♥      ♥      ♥ 

God loves you!   ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

♥  coleen

Filed Under: At Home w/ GCH Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

This Little Light Of Mine

January 10, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

In the same way, let your light shine before men,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 HCSB
There’s a little flame inside us all
Some shine bright, some shine small
The rains will come and the waters rise
But don’t you ever lose your light
In this life you will know
Love and pain, joy and sorrow
So when it hurts, when times get hard
Don’t forget whose child you areThis little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine, gonna let it shineMay you live each day with no regret
Make the most of every chance you get
Let your eyes get wide when you look at the stars
With the same sense of wonder as a child’s heart
With the ones you love treasure the time
And for those who are gone keep their memories alive
Hold on to your dreams don’t ever let go
There’s a fire inside you burning with hopeThere will be days when you want to give up
When the clouds settle in
But after the rain comes the sun
Don’t you ever forget

One day there will be no more pain
And we will finally see Jesus’ face
So until then I’m gonna to try
To brave the dark and let my little light shine

There’s a little light inside us all

 

This Little Light Of Mine
Addison Road
Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , ,

This Week…Let Your Light Shine (Matthew 5:16)

January 9, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

In the same way, let your light shine before men,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 HCSB

Oh, I have so enjoyed reading the devotionals this week here on the Seeking Him blog!  Our theme verse is such a glorious one.  And Ahmee, Ann, Cynda, and Laura have shed light on it (no pun intended!) in ways that really encouraged me; how about you?

Here’s my thoughts:

– we simply have to ‘let’ our light shine (it has already been given to us)
– as our light shines it will help others to ‘see’ our good works
– and (best of all!) they will then give glory to the One Who deserves it

Now listen to a few thoughts that our sisters have shared….

In Being The Light, Laura gave the analogy of a flashlight.  She wrote: “We need to be a flashlight now more than ever.  By accepting Christ, we can bring light to an ever-darkening world.  There are many ways that we can bring light to the world.  We can serve in local and foreign ministries.  We can serve our church by volunteering our time.  We can help our neighbors when they need it.  We can watch out for one another.  By being a light for God, we can show others that God loves them too.”

❤

Cynda asked us two questions about light in Let Your Light Shine—

1) What is the Source? … and … 2) What does it DO?

“Jesus told us He is the Source of our light:

Then Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I am the light of the world.
Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.’
John 8:12(HCSB)

While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.
John 9:5 (NASB)

Jesus is the only Source of our light.

So what does light do?  It expels the darkness.  It illuminates…and that’s what we are called to do.  Others must see the Light of Christ in us before we can share His Light with them.”

❤

In Good Works, Ann focused on the benefit of light shining so that others can see our good works and then praise God.  She also had a question for us…and gave some great answers.

“This shows us that we are required to always do good as Christians. As we are doing that then we are doing the work of God of which we are called to do. How do we do good works which praise the Lord?

  • Speech
  • Character
  • Attitude
  • Personality
  • Spiritual life
  • Giving”

❤

And Ahmee shared a great life example in How Will They Know based on her daily interaction with children at her pre-school job….

“When a child learns to walk, they walk! What is the purpose of being able to walk if you are not going to walk? Many of our kiddos learn to walk…and then you can’t stop them! Sometimes, you wish they would just crawl. (Although, some of them can crawl as fast as a person can run!) The point is why be given something and then not use it?
The same applies for our relationship with the Lord. When we come to know Him, we are changed, and people see this. Don’t try to hide it…you will be different! People notice you are different! LET THEM SEE! Why? Because that difference—that light—that change is what is going to make them ask the question…’why?’ And then, your actions have already set the foundation for the words that are about to come out of your mouth.”

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , ,

Go Light Your World

January 8, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

There is a candle in every soul
Some brightly burning, some dark and cold
There is a Spirit who brings a fire
Ignites a candle and makes His home

So carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world

Frustrated brother, see how he’s tried to
Light his own candle some other way
See now your sister, she’s been robbed and lied to
Still holds a candle without a flame

So carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world

‘Cause we are a family whose hearts are blazing
So let’s raise our candles and light up the sky
Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus
Make us a beacon in darkest times

Songwriter: Kathy Troccoli ~ Singer: Chris Rice
*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *  
Listen to what Jesus told His disciples and the crowd:

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket,
but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Let your light shine before men in such a way
that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

This strong encouragement is for us (you and me!) too!   We have this light within us.

So carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world

You can do it!  You can carry your candle…you ARE a light (Jesus said so!).  Whether your candle is the size of  a votive or the size of a lighthouse, do what God has put into your heart to do.  Each one provides light, each in their own setting.  This world is dark…and seems to grow darker each day.  But the light of Christ in your heart is bright…and fueled by something you could never provide.  The light that shines out from our lives comes from one, and only One, Source—God.  The psalmist knew clearly that the LORD God had provided light for his life.

The LORD is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

The LORD is God, and He has made His light shine on us….
Psalm 118:27

For us, Jesus is the Light that God provided. Jesus’ coming as the ‘Light’ was prophesied throughout the ages.

…the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.
And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.
Matthew 4:16

Because of God’s tender mercy, the Morning Light from Heaven
is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.
Luke 1:79

And just as Jesus told His disciples and the crowd when He taught them what we call the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7), He also spoke this truth to Saul (soon to be Paul) when He came and confronted him while on his way to persecute the Christians in Damascus.

I am delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—
to whom I am sending you to open their eyes,
so that they may turn from darkness to light
and from the power of Satan to God,
that they may receive forgiveness of sins
and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
Acts 26:17-18

Like Paul we, too, have something to offer to the world—the Light that will open their eyes, will turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan to God!

So carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world

  *   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

may this be our praise and prayer…

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,
Your faithfulness to the clouds.
How precious is Your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
They feast on the abundance of Your house,
and You give them drink from the river of Your delights.
For with You is the Fountain of life;
in Your Light do we see light.
Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know You,
and Your righteousness to the upright of heart!
Psalms 36:5, 7-9

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Roasted Butternut and Apple Soup

January 7, 2015 by

Did you know that January is National Soup Month?  That is a fact that my husband does not let me overlook.  He loves soup…and would eat soup every single day!  Here on our healthy but oh-so-yummy! segment of the At Home w/ GCH blog, we are celebrating our third annual Soup-Palooza!  Each week this month we will feature soup, soup, soup...and soup!  Use the search feature here on our website to explore other soup recipes that Dana and I have posted in the past.

This week’s recipe spotlights three ingredients that are good for you, and really yummy, too: butternut squash, organic chicken meatballs, and baby kale. Interesting combination, you say? You betcha! I do believe this soup would be equally delicious without the chicken meatballs…making it perfect to serve as a vegan dish.  This soup also freezes (and defrosts) beautifully!  A note on the chicken meatballs: There are a number of brands out there to choose from.  These are the ones that I use…they have no preservatives, no filler, and are organic.  This company offer quite a variety of products—meatballs and sausages.

Enjoy…see you back here next week with another soup!

2015-01-05 12.51.20

Butternut-Apple Soup with Chicken Meatballs

ingredients:
1 medium butternut squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
cinnamon
1 teaspoon EACH sea salt, freshly ground pepper (I use lemon-pepper blend)
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 pkg chicken apple meatballs, cut in quarters
1 small onion, diced
1-2 stalks celery, thin slices
1 medium carrot, shredded
1 tablespoon minced garlic (I use jarred)
1-2 teaspoons herb medley of your choice (thyme, tarragon, crushed rosemary, marjoram)
1-2 large apples, peeled and cubed
6 cups chicken stock
1 cup apple cider
1+ cups water (optional)
baby arugula
finely shredded sharp Cheddar (optional)

directions:

  • preheat oven to 4002014-12-31 17.26.48
  • line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  • cut butternut squash in half; clean out seeds
  • peel the skin; cut the squash into 1+1/2″ cubes
  • place in large mixing bowl along with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a couple of good shakes of cinnamon, and the seasonings; mix together and pour onto lined baking sheet
  • roast for 20 minutes or so ‘til the butternut yields easily when you pierce with a knife; remove from oven and set aside

meanwhile…

  • heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in medium stockpot
  • add cut-up chicken meatballs and saute ‘til lightly browned (6-7 minutes)
  • remove from pan and add the onion, celery and carrot; cook about 5 minutes until vegetables are starting to get soft and caramelized
  • add herbs, apple chunks, garlic, season w/salt and pepper saute for 1 minute, stirring constantly
  • add stock, water and cider; stir to bring together
  • bring to a boil and add roasted butternut squash
  • reduce heat to medium low and let simmer about 30 minutes
  • using immersion blender (or carefully in a blender/mixer), puree about half the veggies, leaving the rest whole
  • adjust the consistency of the soup to your liking, adding up to 1 cup of water (or additional broth) to thin it out if you prefer
  • add in the browned chicken meatballs and heat through

to serve:2014-12-31 18.57.10

  • put a bit of raw baby arugula (I put in a small handful) in the bottom of your mug or soupbowl; ladle the finished soup on top
  • taste for additional seasoning (arugula will make it peppery!)
  • finish with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, if you like

   ♥      ♥      ♥      ♥      ♥ 

God loves you!   ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

♥  coleen

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This Year

January 3, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

this year i’m not looking back to who i was
because i’m gonna be someone i’ve never been
this year i’m not focused on the cracks in the walls
not keeping track of the all times i fall
this year

so long to last year it’s all becoming so clear
there’s no use living in regrets
let’s fight a good fight
let’s train our eyes to find the Light
and make this year the best one yet
starting right here
happy new year

this year i plan on making less of ‘i’ and ‘me’
i resolve to think of us and we
this year i can’t wait to see what good will come
to feel alive instead of feeling numb
this year

so long to last year it’s all becoming so clear
there’s no use living in regrets
let’s fight a good fight
let’s train our eyes to find the Light
and make this year the best one yet
starting right here
happy new year

Singer/Songwriters ~ Dave and JJ Heller

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2014 – Seeking Him Encouragement

January 2, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

This past week, my friends Ahmee, Ann, Cynda, Laura and Tina have shared from their hearts as they thought back on this past year….

Cynda shared in Three Things some specific ways in which God changed her.

If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
Romans 8:31b NLT

She wrote, “…there are three things God has shown me that have changed my perspective and my faith:

  • Yes, but…
  • Lay Me Down
  • Pocket Prayer”

(Click here to read more!)

❤

Ann wrote about God’s revealing something to her in Seeking God Where He Is Found:

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness
and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33

“When we came to the 31st December 2013 and as we were going into 2014, the Word of God that was very vivid to me was Matthew 6:33. I studied it and meditated on it…and, yes, I got revelation. Since then the year 2014 has been a year where “all things were added to me” and I am so thankful to my God for everything in the year 2014. God has been so faithful, loving, and kind to me and my family, friends, and relatives. ”

❤

Ahmee wrote in Distractions,
“This year has been for me a year of understanding what lack of focus and distractions can do in your life…. The thing about a distraction—it only has power once it has your focus. However, I have learned that there are things we can do to help prevent ourselves from being trapped by distractions. Colossians 3:1-2 gives the best advice in regards to distraction.”

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ,
set your sights on the realities of heaven,
where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

❤

In My Journey This Year, Tina shared some of the things that God has taught her.

She wrote, “I have learned to continue to look toward God for my Strength and my Shield…I have learned this year to focus and trust God more….I have learned to look at myself and know my limits…there and at work…At home I have learned to not be critical of others…I have learned to pray more and wait patiently for God’s grace.”

❤

And Laura shared about all of the changes happening in our world in A New Year. “Our world is starting to crumble. The best thing I can do is to follow Christ with all my heart and try to live as He expects me to do—day in and day out. Maybe by doing this I can be an example to those who are living in the world but want something that the world cannot give them.
As the New Year approaches, I hope that I can grow closer to Jesus as the world continues to live in chaos. Life will be busy and hectic. Time will go by as quickly as it always does, but God comes (as He always should) first. I will continue to pray. I hope that all out there can do the same.”

❤

And as each of them have reflected on God’s goodness this past year, I also want to do likewise.  But my reflection is full of thankfulness for the way that God works in the hearts and minds of each of these ladies…and their faithful efforts to write as He inspires them to encourage and bless us!

Our Seeking Him devotional writing team hails from all over the United States—North, South, East, West…as well as way over in Malawi, Africa!  None of them has ever met each other…not even once sat down over a cup of coffee to strategize or deliberate over what to write or who will write what.  Nonetheless, each week a unified theme from the Scriptures is presented that brings encouragement to each readers’ heart and mind no matter who has written each daily devotion.  Each of them has an individual style but they are all united by, and led by, the Spirit.

For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve His purpose. Do all you have to do without grumbling or arguing, so that, you may be blameless and harmless, faultless children of God…shining like lights in a dark world. For you hold up in your hands the very Words of life.

Philippians 2:13-16

They, individually and as a team, are an example to me of this truth in action that Paul wrote in this letter to the church at Ephesus.

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.  But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Ephesians 4:1-6

I am thankful to God, and to each of you Tina, Laura, Cynda, Ann, and Ahmee (along with Cheris, Clella, and Tonya, too!!!) for your example to us and how your example along with your words has helped to draw me closer to our dear heavenly Father! May He always be glorified through your lives!  God loves each of you…and I do, too.  ❤

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , ,

Every Praise Is To Our God (Redux)

January 1, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Redux means to revisit, bring back, re-release. This last week of 2014, we—the bloggers here at Girlfriends Coffee Hour—are each ‘revisiting’ a blog we wrote earlier this year.  We would love to share with you just a bit about how very good God has been to us!  He has given us all so much grace and mercy, blessings and provision, protection and guidance!  He has led us and taught us through His Holy Spirit so many incredible things!  He has molded, and chastised, and encouraged us to be daughters with humble hearts who are dependent upon Him.  And He has helped us to be strong, committed, and faithful women who love Him and desire to bring Him much honor and glory and majesty.  We pray that our words would encourage you also…and draw You deeper into relationship with the One Who loves you so!

❦

<sigh!>  I have sat at my keyboard pondering and wondering just what to write as I reflect back on this past year.  Choosing which song to ‘redux’…that part was easy!  Singing praises to our wonderful God is one of the major joys of my heart!  As Pastor Hezekiah Walker says, ‘I don’t care how you’re feeling right now…sing HalleluJAH!’  and he is absolutely right.  Truly, it doesn’t matter what is going on in my life today…I can and should and WILL praise God in the midst of it.

2014 has been the most difficult time of my life…ever.  No doubt.  Situations and circumstances have seemed unbearable at times.  Temptations and trials have been abundant and stressful.  There has been much heartache and sadness; more than I thought I could handle.

But God…

But God never left me, He never forsook me, He never ever stopped loving me and holding me up with His mighty Hand.  But God was my Deliverer, my Savior, my Healer!  But God comforted, encouraged, provided, helped me.  I had much opportunity to <continually> confess these precious verses:

[What, what would have become of me] had I not believed
that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living!
Wait and hope for and expect the Lord;
be brave and of good courage
and let your heart be stout and enduring.
Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.
Psalms 27:13 and 14

But God was always there!  I did ‘wait for’ and  ‘expect the Lord.’  And I praised Him…and continue to praise Him now.   Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, deserves  the praise and worship of His people.  In every situation, in any circumstance…no matter what…God is to be praised!  I look forward, with joyful anticipation, to 2015 because I know there will be much to praise God for!  I pray that you, also, will recognize God’s blessings, and His Presence in your life, and His provision…and sing out your praises, too.    ♥

❦

Hey now!  Chair dancing is just NOT going to be good enough with this moving and inspiring song!  Are your toes tapping…head bobbing…shoulders jiving…hands clapping?  Up on your feet!  Use your whole self—hands, arms, feet…and mind, heart, voice! Allow your WHOLE self to fully engage in giving ‘every praise!’ to your God!  Sing HalleluJAH!

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Every praise is to our God
Every word of worship with one accord
Every praise every praise is to our God
Sing Hallelujah to our God
Glory Hallelujah is due our God
Every praise every praise is to our God

God my Savior
God my Healer
God my Deliverer
Yes He is, yes He is

Praise sung by Hezekiah Walker and friends
Songwriters: Hezekiah Walker and J. David Bratton

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Our God—our Savior, our Healer, our Deliverer—deserves all the praise there is to give!

Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!
Who can put into words and tell the mighty deeds of the Lord?
Or who can show forth all the praise [that is due Him]?
Psalms 106:1 and 2

Truly, no one can…that is why all of the praise of all of the peoples throughout all time is required to ‘show forth all the praise…’!

Throughout the Scriptures there are many records of God’s people praising and worshipping Him—the object of their every praise. For example,

  • Moses praising with the children of Israel praising God Almighty for the miraculous way He saved them from the Egyptians (Exodus 15)
  • David worshipping with the people of Jerusalem when the Ark of the Covenant was returned to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 16)

Each of these show us wonderful examples of these Old Testament believers and their hearts to praise the Great I AM!  However, I just love the praises that are given to God by Daniel…and the king, Nebuchadnezzar…recorded in the Book of Daniel.  Here is one prayer of praise and worship Daniel prayed after God gifted him with wisdom and explanations of King Nebudchednezzar’s dream.

Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night, and Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered, Blessed be the name of God forever and ever! For wisdom and might are His! He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding! He reveals the deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him! I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers, Who has given me wisdom and might and has made known to me now what we desired of You, for You have made known to us the solution to the king’s problem.

Daniel 2:19-23

Just like in this song we are inspired by today, Daniel sang out his ‘HalleluJAH!’ and gave all the praise to his God!  What can we see in Daniel’s prayer of praise?  First, he praised God. Then he acknowledged Who God is and that He is in-charge and in control—‘He changes the times and the seasons…He removes…and sets up kings.’ And that all wisdom and knowledge are His. And then Daniel thanked and praised God for giving him wisdom and might.

Later on, given the mighty and miraculous acts seen (as well as the humbling that Nebuchadnezzar received), he had much praise to give to God, too.  He lifted his praise of the Most High God before all the peoples of his kingdom.

It seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed toward me.
How great are His signs! And how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation.

And at the end of the days, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding and the right use of my mind returned to me; and I blessed the Most High [God] and I praised and honored and glorified Him Who lives forever, Whose dominion is an everlasting dominion; and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing. And He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay His hand or say to Him, What are You doing? Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, Whose works are all faithful and right and Whose ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to abase and humble.

Daniel 4:2 and 3, 34-37

And, of course, there are many, many, many additional accounts throughout the Scriptures of praise and worship being offered to the One Who deserves every praise—our Great God!

Every praise is to our God
Sing Hallelujah to our God
Glory! Hallelujah! is due our God
Every praise, every praise is to our God!

 ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥

I will confess and praise You [O God] with my whole heart;
before the gods will I sing praises to You.
I will worship toward Your holy temple and praise Your name
for Your loving-kindness and for Your truth and faithfulness;
for You have exalted above all else Your name and Your Word
and You have magnified Your Word above all Your name!
Psalms 138:1 and 2

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
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