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praise

Awaken the Worship

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“So come, let us worship: bow before him, on your knees before God, who made us!”
Psalm 95:6 (The Message)

During my growing up years, Sunday morning worship consisted of two hymns, the offering, another hymn, the Doxology, followed by the choir or special music, and then the sermon. As a young adult, I grew tired of this “tradition” and found myself embracing the ‘Praise and Worship’ music that began to take precedence in the 1980’s. It was a welcomed change with a newness and excitement to it.

However, I distinctly remember declaring a few years later – If we’re not careful, this new praise and worship style will become a tradition just like the format of hymns, offering, and special music did during my era. In many churches that has been the case.

I’m not saying there is anything bad or wrong with “tradition”. Regardless of your preferred worship style, the real issue is what does worship look like for you? All too often we associate it with the corporate worship we experience on Sunday mornings. But what about your own personal times of worship with God? How do you revere, honor, and acknowledge Him for who He is?

Let’s explore some ideas that might prove useful in establishing or awakening your worship time.

  • Do a word study of worship and see how it is defined as well as lived out in the Bible.
  • Don’t limit worship to “singing” only; read a Psalm, a prayer book, or Scripture to the Lord as an act of worship.
  • Pay attention to the lyrics you sing to Him; as an alternative, simply read them to fully grasp what you are offering to Him.
  • Spend time in adoration of the Father, asking for nothing, focusing totally on Him.
  • Worship God in a new place and/or in a different position (i.e. bowing; kneeling; outdoors)
  • Intentionally worship God while you are involved in service/ministry to others.
  • Speak forth His praises around your family members as you are working, playing, or making memories.

As you worship the Lord this week, I pray you will ask the Holy Spirit to quicken your heart with a creative new zeal to give Him the glory due His name. After all, He alone is worthy of our praise!

[Digging deeper – 2 Chronicles 7:3; Nehemiah 9:3; Psalms 2:11, 29:2, 99:5,9; Matt. 28:9; John 4:23; Rom. 12:1]

Because of Him,

Beverly <><

 

 

Photo Credit:  Image courtesy of Art4TheGlryOfGod by Sharon, “Shout for Joy to God, All the Earth!”…at www.flickr.com

Developing Endurance and Maturity

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“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
James 1:2-4 NLT

In Arizona, under a three acre glass dome, scientists tried to re-construct Earth’s ecosystem. Windless, scientists were quite surprised when trees suddenly started falling over, collapsing under their own weight. These scientists discovered wind actually plays a vital role in a plant’s life. The stress of the wind causes trees to grow what is known as “stress wood,” which helps the tree to complete maturity to live a long, healthy life. (Anupum Pant, “A Role of Wind in a Tree’s Life,” Awesci Science Everyday, accessed February 21, 2017, http://www.awesci.com/the-role-of-wind-in-a-trees-life/)

James commands us to rejoice in trails because they make our faith mature and complete. The disciples witnessed one of Jesus’ coolest miracles when they were in the midst of gale force winds on the Sea of Galilee. Mark 4:35-41 tells us that Jesus rebuked the wind and waves commanding them to “Be still!”. The disciples were witnesses to the wind and waves obeying Jesus! Just as Jesus has power over the wind and waves, so too He has power over any storm in your life.

Living life in a protective bubble might sound ideal, but I submit to you we would miss some of God’s mightiest works in our lives if we did live in a bubble. With this in mind, I encourage you to trust and praise Him in your storms of life. He is faithful.

Noree Wegmeyer

 

Photo Credit: Image courtesy of http://www.freeimages.com/photo/tree-1547504

Sing

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“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.”
—Psalm 13:5-6, NIV

The gray days of winter can dampen our spirits, especially when we fail to maintain a healthy focus.

Our North Carolina winters are mild. There are seldom days when people are housebound due to inclement weather. Personally, I’m a homebody and can stay secluded in my home for a week and never develop cabin fever. Thankfully for me staying in is still a choice. I might respond differently if circumstances such as illness, tragedy, or personal loss dictated my actions.

People who suffer from depression in the winter months, a condition referred to as SAD (seasonal affective disorder), can experience anxiety, fatigue, and weight gain. Though the causes, symptoms, and severity of SAD may vary, researchers agree that those who suffer have one thing in common—an acute sensitivity to the lack of light.

Although there are other ways to lessen the effects of SAD, I’ve listed a few below to aid in your return to happiness.

  • Go outside as much as possible. Sunlight generates the production of Vitamin D, the body’s natural antidepressant. If physical circumstances limit your ability to go outside, sit by a window as much as possible or invest in a sun lamp equipped with special fluorescent tubes that mimic the sun’s beneficial rays.
  • Yes, it’s that dreaded eight letter word, but regular exercise is a natural and healthy way to counter feelings of depression. Vigorous exercise releases a hormone called endorphins which elevate your mood and make you feel happy.
  • Avoid coffee. Caffeine can cause you to feel stressed and anxious. Green tea, a natural antidepressant, is a healthy alternative. Loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, it improves brain function, fat loss, and potentially lowers the risk of cancer, Type II Diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Drinking a cup of green tea an hour or so before bedtime will serve as a wholesome sleep aide and relax you.
  • Eat plenty of fruit and fiber. Fruit is also a natural antidepressant. Whole grains, brown rice, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and whole wheat pasta are all good choices as they aid in the release of serotonin, a brain chemical that plays a significant role in mood, anxiety, and happiness.

And lastly…

  • Yes, I said—sing. A 2013 article in Time magazine stated that singing has been scientifically proven to lower stress and relieve anxiety. When we sing our brain releases endorphins and oxytocin, both hormones found to reduce depression. The additional good news is…you don’t have to be a good singer to reap the healthy benefits of singing.

Scripture substantiates the fact that singing is an excellent antidote for depression. In Psalm 42:5, David is in a mental and emotional battle to rise above his negative emotions.

“Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God—soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God” (MSG).

David spoke to his soul, reminded himself of the goodness of God and returned to praising him.

I have a dear friend who has a unique way of measuring her level of despondency. Though times in her life may be tough, I will often hear her say, “But the little bird in my heart is still singing.”

Is the little bird in your heart singing today? If not, help him out. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord and watch your spirits soar.

Praising Him,

Starr