Friday, November 30, 2012

Rehearsal

Today is rehearsal day for my son and his bride. Tomorrow is their wedding day. They have planned and made preparations for their special occasion. They have prayed and worked hard to prepare for the days that will grow into years after they promise each other their love in a sacred covenant. Today they rehearse for the vow making ceremony.

Rehearsals take place for many occasions. Most often for entertainment productions. I suppose even a wedding is some sort of show put on by the Bride and Groom. Rehearsals are meant to make sure no major glitches are made. The couple and their families want it to be a picture perfect day. But what about for every day life?

Life is lived in moments that can knock us off our feet and our foundation if we are not prepared. But how do we prepare for unplanned events? Sickness, health, riches, poverty, births, deaths, and a multitude of other circumstances change life in an instant. They cannot be rehearsed, or can they?

The best rehearsal for life interruptions is to live every day focused on the end. That is what Jesus did. He looked beyond the cross to the glory that awaited Him. (Heb. 12:1-2). Today you may be rehearsing for the grandest day of your life, the day you meet Jesus face to face. You must know who Jesus is before you can practice meeting Him. For me, it means staying near His people, praying, and reading His word.

Father God, You are the giver of the best gift. You gave Jesus to lead and guide us. You await our coming to join You. Thank You for the wedding feast that awaits us in heaven. Thank You for giving Jesus as an example of how to rehearse even in the midst of life's turmoils. Today I ask You to bless Joseph and Katie as they join together to give You glory in their marriage. Be our vision for the journey ahead.

Monday, November 26, 2012

My Tribute

The other day, I listened to some old music I've had around for a while. One song gave me pause. The song, My Tribute, by Andrae Crouch, made me ask the question,just like the song says, "How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me?"

No words or deeds could equal His gift of Jesus to the world. The fact that nothing can measure up to God's great presence in our lives cannot be an excuse to keep our praise and thanksgiving silent. Our lives must be a continual effort to give our Lord thanks.He deserves it.

My thanks is my life lived for Jesus the best I am able. It will never be enough but I must try.

Holy Father, You are the Giver of all good things. You are the generous One who far exceeds what we deserve or can ever expect. You are worthy to be glorified! Thank You for the life You give me each day. Help me to live a life of gratitude. I want to give You glory even though it may fall short of what You deserve. I am Yours. I live thanks because of You.

My Tribute

Verse 1
How can I say thanks
For the things You have done for me,
Things so undeserved,
Yet You gave to prove Your love for me.
The voices of a million angels
Could not express my gratitude.
All that I am and ever hope to be,
I owe it all to Thee.

Chorus
To God be the glory,
To God be the glory,
To God be the glory,
For the things He has done.
With His blood He has saved me,
With His power He has raised me,
To God be the glory,
For the things He has done.


Verse 2
Just let me live my life,
Let it be pleasing, Lord, to Thee,
And if I gain any praise,
Let it go to Calvary.
With His blood He has saved me,
With His power He has raised me,
To God be the glory,
For the things He has done.

© 1971 Bud John Songs, Inc.
Words and Music by Andrae Crouch

Monday, November 19, 2012

100% Gratitude

Thankfulness was a virtue my parents stressed in their parenting. They expected my siblings and I to express our gratitude to others. We were taught to say “Thank
you,” at appropriate times, write thank you cards for gifts, and remember to pray our
thanks to God. I remember hearing over and over the story of the ten lepers Jesus healed. The lesson was, that we should be like the one who expressed his thanks, not like the other nine.

The scriptures tell us about a time when ten lepers called out for mercy from
Jesus. They needed healing from the disease, that not only debilitated their bodies, but also took away their families, jobs, reputations, and everything that made them
worthwhile as people. Lepers were sent away from society to die. Their only hope was to be healed by God. When Jesus sent the ten to see the priests, they seemed hurried away before they even looked for the signs of healing. When they did see the evidence of being disease free, I am sure they all were very happy and thankful. We do not know for certain, but it is possible that all ten shouted praise to God. Only one, however, returned to thank Jesus personally.

I wonder if God still gets only one out of ten of His children coming back to
express their gratitude. Do I fall into those statistics in regards to giving a personal thank you for only ten percent of my blessings? Certainly, some blessings go unnoticed by me. Every day He moves on my behalf without my asking. Sometimes I may not see His hand directing the course of events. Even so, it seems to me that it might be wise to thank God for all I don’t see as well as for all the things I do see.

Dear Heavenly Father, You have been so very kind to me. You give me much
more than I ever ask. Your heart is big with generosity. Please forgive me for not
recognizing all Your gifts. Heal my blindness. Open my eyes to see You in my every day.
Thank You for it all.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Follow Me

"Follow me, Grommers!" Abi came searching for me. She wanted me to play with her. Her command was wreathed in a big grin, and as I stood to go with her, she bounced away saying over and over, "Follow me! Follow me, Grommers!"

Abi asks me to trail her everywhere; outside to play, dancing in the living room, or to the car for a ride to the store. She leads, and I tag along after that bouncing delightful imp. It is fun to follow her!

I think Jesus must have called His disciples with a smile. I can imagine Him say, "Follow Me," and then walk away with a spring in his step and an air of excitement for the adventure that lay ahead. No wonder they dropped everything to become His disciples. I don't think anyone would have kept in step with even Jesus, if He asked in solemn and serious tones. We Christians have proved that doesn't work!

Jesus knows the final destination is glorious happiness and joy for His followers. He leads us to a better place. Yes, He knows that the way will be difficult, but the final reward is worth it. That is why He asks us to follow him with joy! Can you see His smile at calling you to join him on the journey? I can!

Will you follow me? I am following Jesus. I am filled with excitement about the journey, because Jesus is with us in Spirit every step of the way. Let's go together! We can smile, laugh and maybe even cry, but always knowing that there are amazing things ahead!

Father, God, You sent Jesus to call us to follow Him back to You! I am excited to see You! You are so Good! Forgive me when I have not been the Christ-Follower that makes the trip back to You a delight for others. Thank You for spreading a path of joy before me when I see You in all things. Let my smile be a light for others to follow. Let them find You through me.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Election Thoughts

I am convinced that our beloved country is running far away from its Christian roots. Yesterday's election was difficult. The polls prove that we are sharply divided in what direction we should take. The presidential winner proves that our country is aiming for a freedom without boundaries.

It is apparent to me that the men who are representing my country and my state have a different world view than I do. They believe the world should be a place where God might be tolerated (only if He is not the God of Christians), but He is not to direct us in any way. My world view is that God, our Creator, is much wiser and more capable than man to set up guidelines for our lives. It is through Him that good prevails. His Word is the foundation on which we should stand.

So what is a Christian to do? I believe that since our home is in heaven, and we are here for just a short time, we must do the work God has asked us to do. We must occupy, stand our ground, be good stewards and do our part to further the Kingdom of God through the Good News of Jesus Christ. Above all of that, we must love one another.

Today is another day in living my life in line with God's word, even when the rest of our country or world goes the other way.

Father God, You have annointed and appointed our President as either our leader to bring us closer to You, or to lead us further into judgement for our turning away from You. It is Your will that presides. We have been complacent in our standing firm for our country's foundation in Your word. Forgive us. Thank You for allowing us to live here in America! Thank You for our rights, privileges, and opportunities to influence through our vote. I pray that our voices will be heard even in our loss. I ask You to make a way for us to work together towards You.

Friday, November 2, 2012

A Sign of Thanks

O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His loving kindness is everlasting.
1 Chronicles 16:34

“We cannot bless God without Him first blessing us.” Unknown (maybe Spurgeon)



My Grandlady, Abi, sends her Mom off to work each day with three kisses blown from her tiny fingertips. In the evening, she leaves with three kisses blown towards me. It is a precious moment of showing love and a special connection we have with her.

When I worship my Savior, one of my favorite signs is the one for “Thank You.” It is a simple movement, like blowing someone a kiss. My voice speaks the words or my mind thinks the thought of the goodness and wonder of our Lord. My fingertips touch my lips and then reach out to the heavens. In this simple movement my gratitude is deepened.My prayer of thanksgiving is sent to the Father on the wings of a kiss.

Interpreting praise and worship songs through sign language and movement gives me a greater sense of being in the presence of God and communicating with Him in a personal way. Someone once told me that it was like dancing before the Lord. It is a
joyful expression of what is in my heart as I sing words extolling His praise.

Goodness reaches down to me through the touch of my Heavenly Father. My sign of thanks reaches toward heaven and the nail scarred hand of my Savior. Thanksgiving has connected my heart to God.

Father God, You are high and lifted up! You are the King and deserving of my heart-filled gratitude spoken in praise. I send my thanks for Your goodness born on the wings of a kiss and fingertips reaching out to You alone.


By Carolynn J. Scully @2012