A String of Hosannas

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever. [Ps 107:1]

Sing to the LORD a new song,

for he has done marvelous things;

his right hand and his holy arm

have worked salvation for him.

The LORD has made his salvation known

and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

He has remembered his love

and his faithfulness to the house of Israel;

all the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation of our God.

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,

burst into jubilant song with music; [Ps 98:1-4]

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,

your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,

your justice like the great deep.

O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.

How priceless is your unfailing love!

Both high and low among men

find refuge in the shadow of your wings. [Ps 36:5-7]

I will sing of the LORD's great love forever;

with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known

through all generations.

I will declare that your love stands firm forever,

that you established your faithfulness

in heaven itself. [Ps 89:1-2]

A Weekly Posting of Praise from Scripture

Prayers of the Saints

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

Fill me with life anew
That I may love what Thou dost love,

And do what Thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will,

To do or to endure.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

Till I am wholly Thine,
Till all this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

So shall I never die;
But live with Thee the perfect life

Of Thine eternity.

Breathe on Me, Breath of God
~ Edwin Hatch

A Series of Prayer Quotes

Lavished!

It's easy in the everyday rush-of-life to forget the love of The Father. Sometimes its sheer existence is forgotten, let alone the immensity of it.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on
us, that we should be called children of God!" [1Jn 3:1a]

Notice: that is not a question; it's a statement. An exclamatory statement! That we are even called His child is lavish in itself. Consider all the blessing that comes with this family association and you have..........grace.

"And that is what we are!"

[1Jn 3:1b]

Does the busyness of your routine sometimes blur your vision, like a foggy mirror after a steamy shower? Does your spiritual genealogy get hazy and blend with the physical one? Recorded for our edification is this confirming statment of fact. Consider it our adoption notification.

"The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. " [1 Jn 3:1b]

Now, I know we don't have to travel far from home to be treated like anything but a child of God. Some experience mistreatment by simply placing their feet upon the floor when rising to a new day. It's not according to God's plan but it is a fact of our fallen state. But how can we really expect any less than what Love Himself received?

Ah, but what about me? Do I see others from heavens viewpoint? Do I recognize the kingdom stamp on another child of God? I'm afraid not. I'm unfair, impatient, judgmental, and unkind. But I have the hope to be changed into the likeness of Jesus. I have received the promised Agent of Change, the Holy Spirit.

"Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. [1Jn 3:3]

Having this hope in Him, an unwavering confidence in Him, means there is hope for me. It is His promise and His will and drives me toward purity of heart. It creates a desire to possess His love and express it to others.

I'll keep watching the skies for His appearing; that I might know Him and be made like Him. All the while remembering that I've been lavished!

My loving Father; I praise You for this love beyond all comprehension - showered upon us lavishly from Your grace. Build in me an awareness that I am Your child and to recognize others in the same light. I confess that I do not always treat them as such. Forgive me. Forgive us for not recognizing You as the holy Son of God. Help me to forgive the mistreatment received from others, as well. Transplant Your heart in mine that leads to loving righteousness and holiness. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Photo compliments of Planetka @ stock.xchng

Fruit of Faith

"Though the fig tree does not bud

and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails

and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen

and no cattle in the stalls,"

[Hab 3:17]

Praise ~ the fruit of faith. Faith has taught me to praise in all seasons. Although at times it begins with the lips then it seeps into the heart.

Does not the thunder cloud in the rain? The erupting mountain in the quake? The howl in the gusting wind? Would their language be considered creation-praise? Recognizable by their Maker?

Is not the God of the Universe also the God of my circumstance?

Is my faith contingent upon my circumstance? NO - for I know Whom I have believed!

He provides for the fruit, the flock, and the harvest (vs 17). Do I praise only in their abundance?

****

"YET I will rejoice in the LORD,

I will be joyful in God my Savior."

[Hab 3:18,emphasis added]

In the context of this verse, Habakkuk was trembling in fear facing impending judgment of the nation. He surrendered in humility to God's purpose and professed; "Yet I will rejoice."

****

"The Sovereign LORD is my strength;

he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

he enables me to go on the heights."

[Hab 3:19]

All of creation declares God's sovereignty; His word confirms it. Am I to question it? Am I to deny it's confession? The Holy Spirit must sing out to the Creator and the Word. United, they compel and receive just praise.

Raising eyes to the heavens, the Throne Room of Grace, one realizes that He has proven the faithfulness of His Fatherhood to provide for all His children.

"Look at the birds of the air;
they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they? "
[Mt 6:26]

Does His worthiness for worship ever feign? Is it dependent on the fruit of the trees? The answer has been spoken from antiquity and resounds through eternity.

"You are worthy, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

and by your will they were created

and have their being."

[Rv 4:11]

This seventeenth century prayer of George Herbert I have borrowed to beseech God's increase of thankfulness in my heart. May it speak to you.

Thou hast given so much to me,

Give one thing more -- a grateful heart;

Not thankful when it pleaseth me,

As if Thy blessings had spare days,

But such a heart whose pulse may be

Thy praise.

A String of Hosannas

Praise the LORD, O my soul.

O LORD my God, you are very great;

you are clothed with splendor and majesty. [Ps 104:1]

The earth is the LORD's,

and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the waters. [Ps 24:1-2]

O LORD God Almighty, who is like you?

You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
You rule over the surging sea;

when its waves mount up, you still them.
The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth;

you founded the world and all that is in it. [Ps 89:8-9,11]

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How awesome is the LORD Most High,

the great King over all the earth!
For God is the King of all the earth;

sing to him a psalm of praise. [Ps 47:2,7]

A Weekly Posting of Praise from Scripture

I Know the One Who Can!

I cannot make the sparrow fly,

Nor can I understand

What makes the clouds hang in the sky,

But I know One who can.

I cannot make the ocean waves

Dash forth against the land;

I cannot help the soul that craves,

But I know One who can.

I cannot hear the humble prayers

Of those of foreign clans;

I cannot ease their wants and cares,

But I know One who can.

I cannot lead the erring ones

With mine own trembling hand;

Nor yet restore the hope that's gone,

But I know One who can.

I cannot see the broken hearts

That long for joy again;

Nor can I mend the broken parts,

But I know One who can.

I cannot heal the many ills

That come so oft to man;

I cannot give the joy that fills,

But I know One who can.

I cannot know why trials fall

Within our life's short span;

But my God understands it all,

And He's the One who can!

~Bernie Smith

Trading Fear for Faith

Can you replace fear with faith when people conspire against you? When you're surrounded by enemies? Does confidence well up within to drown out anxiety from imposing danger?

David, history's greatest worship leader, recorded his overriding confidence even though he was surrounded by strife. He faced danger on every side:

• Attack from foe
• Threats of physical harm at the hands of evil men
• Overtaken by an army
• Waging war against him
• Enemies bearing false accusation
  

All unsuccessful. He stood firm.

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?
When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
[Psalm 27: 1-3]


No fear. The darkness of fear conquered by Light. Fortified walls that could not be breached offered protection from harm and any cause for fear.

What is the Source of his confidence? As his son, Solomon, wrote in Proverbs 3:26; "The LORD will by your confidence."

David only asks to dwell with the Lord and gaze upon his beauty. He chooses worship. Light dispelling dark. The presence of the Almighty casting out all fear.

He who dwells in God's presence maintains an abiding relationship with God Most High. The resulting confidence comes from their Dwelling Place. Psalm 91 shows us what that means:

• Live in His presence
• Rest in Him
• Trust in Him
• Acknowledge His Name
• Call on Him

In His presence, we are kept safe in trouble (Ps 27:5). David believed he would still see goodness even though none abounded at present.

David requests five things of God; to hear and be near; for God to teach him; lead him; and protect him (Ps 27:7,11-12).

Wait for the LORD;

be strong and take heart

and wait for the LORD.

[Ps 27:14]

He drew upon his faith to build up his faith. He was sure, therefore secure. He was able to wait because of his faith. Faith in the One That Saves. Waiting is only possible when you expect.

We are surrounded by enemies of our faith; spiritual battles ensue on every front; an accuser is at the ready to give false witness. Will we be fearful -- or worshipful? Will we dwell in the Lord's presence, calling on His Name, and wait for deliverance or be devoured by darkness?

Tough questions. Easy choices. This is my prayer for you:


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. [Rm 15:13] In the powerful, saving Name of Jesus, Amen.

Questions for Life

At this start of a new school year, I've been hearing the typical questions posed to high school students; "What do you plan on doing after graduation?" Also common to new college students; "What career path are you on?"

Both valid and reasonable questions one can expect at this stage of life.

There is another vital question of eternal consequence that everyone must eventually answer in their lifetime. I came across two more in my Bible reading this morning.

• Jesus asked of His disciples; "Who do you say I am?" [Mt 16:13-16]

• Pilate asked the crowd; "What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" [Mt 27:22a]

• Jesus asked the Twelve; "You do not want to leave too, do you?" [John 6:60-69]

Does it seem likely to you that, in some form and at some point in time, each one of us will need to address these questions as well?

Read each passage in their context. Meditate on each of these. Envision a possible scenario in your life for each and imagine Jesus asking you for your answer. Ask God to search the depths of your heart. Ask Him to reveal your honest answer to each of these.

It might be difficult, possibly uncomfortable. Press on and allow God to peel back a layer of your heart to its core. There have been times they have stabbed at my heart and brought tears to my eyes. Tears of anguish and tears of joy.

Tough questions - your whole life depends on your answers. Now and later. I'm not sure they are that much harder than the other questions - considering the fact that I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up!

You are worthy, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

and by your will they were created

and have their being."

[Rev 4:11]

God of the Universe; You know my every thought. Search me and give me courage to ask the tough questions. Grant me enlightenment and understanding in determining these eternal answers. May my actions then reflect my words and my faith. I praise you Jesus, Mighty God, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Immanuel. I pray that all will have opportunity to know Your mercy, to hear; to ask; to answer, and receive the gift of salvation of our One and Only Savior. Amen

Photo provided by LostSeed.com (click to follow link)

Prayers of the Saints

Almighty God, Father of all mercies: We, thine unworthy servants, do give Thee most humble and hearty thanks for all Thy goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all men.

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We bless Thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for Thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.

And we beseech Thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to Thy service, and by walking before Thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with Thee and the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory, world without end.
Amen.

~Author Unknown

A Series of Prayer Quotes

The Door to Peace

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” [Gal 1:3-5]

"And he will be their peace. " [Mic 5:5]

Be still.

In the quiet you hear your heartbeat.

A knocking.

Jesus knocking.

Knocking on the door of your heart.

How often are you too busy to notice, to stop and open?

You open the door and let Him in.

He comes bearing heart-warming gifts.

Peace. Love. Joy.

Troubles melt away.

Cares dissolve.

Awashed in soothing grace.

Trust settles in.

Rest at His feet, hear Him whisper assurances over you.

Breathe in the very fragrance of Him.

The Beginning. The End.

All that is in-between is left in His hands.

I meditate on His peace. The peace He knew while asleep on a storm-ridden sea. His peace riding a donkey faced resolutely toward Jerusalem. His peace in the face of Pilate.

He became my peace with God. No longer hostile enemies. This blessed peace that comes from the security in my life that is in God through Christ. The unshakeable peace that comes from being reconciled to Him, the debt of my sin paid by His holy life.

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Infused with His peace. It fills the senses and carries me along.

Sent forth into this day - in His perfect peace.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” [Jn 14:27]

Faithful Father; Seeking first You and Your kingdom I am showered with kingdom riches. I praise You that Your promises are a reality in my life. May Your love permeate my life and leave the sweet fragrance of You along the way – leaving a calm in my wake. The best part of this day is having You before me, in this moment - always. To the glory of the King of Kings, Jesus my Lord. Amen.

Photo purchased from I Stock Photo.com

A String of Hosannas

I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.

My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears. [Ps 34:1-4]

You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning;

my God turns my darkness into light.

With your help I can advance against a troop

with my God I can scale a wall.

As for God, his way is perfect;

the word of the LORD is flawless.

He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

For who is God besides the LORD?

And who is the Rock except our God?

It is God who arms me with strength

and makes my way perfect.

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;

he enables me to stand on the heights.

He trains my hands for battle;

my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

You give me your shield of victory,

and your right hand sustains me;

you stoop down to make me great.

You broaden the path beneath me,

so that my ankles do not turn. [Ps 18:28-36]

Praise be to the LORD forever! Amen and Amen. [Ps 89:52]

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A Weekly Posting of Praise from Scripture

Comments on the Book of Jude

Such a little book sure packs a powerful punch! I was so captivated by the tremendous message of these few verses I was inspired to write down my own interpretations. I thought I would share my thoughts as a sort of commentary. Please feel free to comment and share your perspective.

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"Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, "

Vs 1) In a matter of just a few words we get such insight into Jude’s humility. He did not boast in his family association but considered himself a servant.

“To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ:”

Doesn’t it help to be reminded that we are loved by God? Nothing can separate us from his love (Rm 8:35-39). Time and again God has spoken his love to us. From the beginning of time he demonstrates it to us daily. We are also encouraged by the fact that it is the mighty Lord himself that keeps us. In the prayer recorded in John 17, Jesus mentions that he did not lose anyone that God had given him (except Judas, the one foretold in scripture). The closing doxology links to this opening statement in praising God for his ability to keep us.

Vs 3) Jude urges his readers to “contend for the faith” The Greek word for contend that is used here is the root word for the English translation agonize. This is the only time this word is used in the New Testament. It means to fight, earnestly struggle, labor fervently, or put forth great effort (as in wrestling).

By “faith” he is referring to sound teaching - that it must not to be compromised. The Body of Christ is to be vigilant in defending truth and godliness. False doctrine cannot be recognized apart from knowledge thereof.

“…godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.”

Vs 4) Promoting anything other than the true Gospel of Christ is a punishable sin regardless of God’s infinite grace. Lest we be led astray, it is imperative that we are able to recognize those among us that twist the Word of God to fit their own lifestyle.

Vs 5-7) A historical account of precedented judgment from unbelief and rebellion are then given as examples to divert repeated offenses. While I prefer to learn from the mistakes of others, I can’t say I always pay attention and avoid anguish. This record provides for our instruction but it also should produce a healthy, scriptural fear of the Lord. How else would we know that God’s own angels that were in his very presence were not immune to judgment if we don’t study His word for ourselves?

Vs 11) Notorious men of ill-repute from the Old Testament are next mentioned. Instead of the actions by the people of God we now see more into their character. Cain (Gen 4) had murderous anger issues resulting from jealousy. Balaam (Nu 22) was corrupt and greedy, choosing to profit as a prophet; he was a polytheist that encouraged others to worship idols. Korah, (Nu 16) out of selfish ambition, was envious of another’s power. By rebelling against Moses he was really rejecting God’s authority. These men were of God’s chosen people. As Jude is addressing the “called” it is important to remember that these sins lie within the heart of all men. As Jude goes on to remark in verse 15, Jesus will return to judge all men of their ungodly behavior.

“These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.”

Vs 16) I certainly can’t skip over this verse because I most certainly am guilty of these! I still have a tendency to criticize and complain. I've been boastful and practiced flattery. Thankfully, the Lord is not done with me yet! By the power of the Holy Spirit, in ever increasing measure, he is disciplining me to live by his leading rather than my own desires of the flesh. I can’t say I’ve yet attained it, but I do strive.

“But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.”

Vs 17) Here he lends further instruction and yet another reason of importance to stay in the Word; to remember the apostles teaching. Living in these last times with scoffers, skeptics, and mockers living for themselves and causing divisions among us it is imperative to remain in the faith. Having been written approximately 60-65 A.D., we are that much closer to the end of time.

Vs 20) I immediately think of Ephesians 6:18 when I read his closing exhortation to pray in the Spirit. Prayer keeps us linked to the Trinity and alive and working within us to know and accomplish his will.

Vs 21) Here he tells us to keep ourselves in God’s love, another reference to abiding in him, which means we are to share in the process with God (as we were told in verse 1 that God’s keeps us in his love). Jerry Bridges writes in his book The Practice of Godliness that: “Though the power for godly character comes from Christ, the responsibility for developing and displaying that character is ours……The Bible teaches both total responsibility and total dependence in all aspects of the Christian life.”

“as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”

This brings to my mind a bride waiting for a white limo to whisk her away to her long awaited honeymoon. It is in his mercy he will return.

“Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”

Vs 22-23) I glean strong imagery from his choice wording here of my responsibility (mercifully) toward others. The far-reaching effects of sin into everything that comes in its contact. Reminded, too, that I am to hate the sin but not the sinner.

Vs 24) A closing of deserving praise to Jehovah-God; extolling the blessings he endows:

“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”

Welcome Cross

'Tis my happiness below

Not to live without the cross,

But the Saviour's power to know,

Sanctifying every loss:

Trials must and will befall;

But with humble faith to see

Love inscribed upon them all,

This is happiness to me.

God in Israel sows the seeds

Of affliction, pain, and toil;

These spring up and choke the weeds

Which would else o'erspread the soil:

Trials make the promise sweet,

Trials give new life to prayer;

Trials bring me to His feet,

Lay me low, and keep me there.

The Complete Poetical Works of William Cowper,esq.
By William Cowper
Published by D. Appleton & company, 1854
Original from the University of Michigan
Digitized Nov 23, 2005

And

Olney Hymns

By Rev. John Newton
with William Cowper and other hymnodists

Book III, #16
W. Oliver, London, 1779
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/newton/olneyhymns.html

Psalm 107 - Prayer Results Proven

The author of this psalm calls the redeemed to give thanks to the Lord. He adds to the psalter a song of praise for the freed exiles to celebrate God’s deliverance from distress.

Today we are His redeemed that declare praise for God’s sovereignty over every affliction and His intervention when we cry out in crises.

Whether the cause was rebellion; from forces of creation; from man’s abuse and oppression; or due to physical illness, again, and again, and again, and yet again God responded out of His great love.

Consider the predicaments and troubles mentioned here. Have you ever suffered either physically, spiritually, or emotionally in such a manner:

• Wander in a wasteland not able to find a place of rest (vs 4-5)
• Been overtaken by darkness and gloom (vs 10-12)
• Suffered because of your own foolish rebellion (vs 17)
• Caught in a storm (vs 23-27)
• Have your sin cause desolation (vs 33-34)
• Suffer any calamity (vs 39-40)
  

“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.” [Ps 107:13]

They prayed to the God of Reversals and here are His results:

• They were lost and God led them on a straight path home
• Held captive, God brought them into the light and freed them
• The tempest raged, the winds howled and God provided a calm haven. In their weakness and confusion, He guided them along. Verse 27 states they were "at their wits end." They had nothing left in them. Overcome by the peril, they couldn’t think clearly to find a way out.
• From the effects of evil, God brought restoration and made them fruitful.
• From loss, prosperity; from sorrow, rejoicing
  

“give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men,” [Ps 107:8]

If any of these are a present experience, offer praise in hope. If you have known any of these troubles in the past, offer praise in remembrance.

I pray that in faith, you will know your prayers are heard and acted upon. Let us continually offer praise for divine deliverance and intervention - acknowledging Him in all our ways and giving thanks for His loving results.

“Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD.” [Ps 107:43]

God satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry (vs 9) and restores prosperity (vs 38) but so much more than that! Tucked in verse 20 is the foretelling jewel of the very Gospel account.

“He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.”

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Gathered from the east, west, north and south, this is our redemption story! The greater the peril, the greater the praise!

Elohim; Creator and Lord of everything, I praise You for Your goodness and enduring love. Generation upon generation You are our Help, Protector; and Provider in every circumstance. My hope and trust is in You. May I ever sing the redemption song. In the name of Jesus, my Savior. Amen.

A String of Hosannas

We give thanks to you, O God,

we give thanks, for your Name is near;

men tell of your wonderful deeds. [Ps 75:1]

Great are the works of the LORD;

they are pondered by all who delight in them.

The works of his hands are faithful and just;

all his precepts are trustworthy.

They are steadfast for ever and ever,

done in faithfulness and uprightness.

He provided redemption for his people;

he ordained his covenant forever—

holy and awesome is his name. [Ps 111:2,7-9]

My mouth will tell of your righteousness,

of your salvation all day long,

though I know not its measure.

I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD;

I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone. [Ps 71:15-16]

Praise the LORD!

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever. [Ps 106:1]

A Weekly Posting of Praise from Scripture

Prayers of the Saints

"Lord Jesus, I believe you did die to set me free, not only in the future, but now and here.

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I believe you are stronger than sin, and that you can keep me, even me, in my extreme of weakness, from falling in its snares or yielding obedience to its commands.

And Lord, I am going to trust you to keep me. I have tried keeping myself, and have failed, and failed most grievously. I am absolutely helpless. So now I will trust you.

I give myself to you. I keep back no reserves. Body, soul, and spirit, I present myself to you as a piece of clay, to be fashioned into anything your love and your wisdom shall choose. And now I am yours.

I believe you do accept that which I present to you; I believe that this poor, weak, foolish heart has been taken possession of by you; and that you have, even at this very moment, begun to work in me to will and to do of your good pleasure.

I trust you utterly, and trust you now."

— Hannah Whitall Smith

A Series of Prayer Quotes

On the Offensive

"Show me your ways, O LORD,

teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long."

[Ps 25:4-5]

The Sword of the Lord - His Word - cuts the ropes that binds ones heart. Shreds the lies in ones mind. Slashes deeply into the darkness of this world to reveal His glorious light.

Cutting loose the binding tethers to this world. Smashing shackles to the old self. Thrashing thorns that choke out faith.

Cutting conviction deep into the soul. Everything laid bare before holy eyes, exposed to healing grace.

The Spirit of Power gives strength to wield the Sword of Truth. Gleaming from it's blade a reflection of Calvary's Cross. His Word untangling the cords of accusation and breaking each chain of bondage. The Son emerges that I might live out His salvation for another victorious day. His Truth has set me free.

God of Truth; I praise You, O Lord, for You have set the captives free by Your Word! I thank You for the freedom Your living Word gives each disciple. Strengthen our countenance to stand firm in Your truth of who we are in Christ. May Your Word prosper in us that we might give you praise and honor. In the name of Truth, Christ Jesus I pray. Amen.

"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said,

"If you hold to my teaching,

you are really my disciples.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.""

[Jn 8:31-32]

Life's Unexpected Alterations

As God covered the deep Creation waters; so, too, is my small space of occupancy. A God that has managed the fate of nations and resolved complex kingdoms is not taxed with the trials of my household.

Producing faith of great worth, these trials allow God to be seen and to shine in our lives. The resulting heavenly gold enriches the disciple with faith to share.

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Clothed with Christ and emboldened by God's promises I embrace this day.

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o'erflow;
For I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
John Rippon, A Selection of Hymns from the Best Authors

Father of All Mercy; You are more than I can possibly fathom. Your love and grace never fail me. In faith I wade behind into the unknown of this day. In hope I anticipate tasting the blessed fruit of this test. Thank You for Your guidance and presence. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Seasonal Faith Builders

Each season of life has it's character building events.

I seem to have naturally developed a particular (possibly peculiar) strategy over time.

It began sometime ago and several circumstances back when God would bring a certain Bible verse to my attention that would apply appropriately to the given situation at hand. I would commit it to heart and God would strengthen and encourage me with each remembrance.
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The next occasion He provided a Psalm and a song to add to a fresh verse. The last time around I added a little slogan.

Now, for each season of life, there are 4 things I search out and assign:

A Bible Verse

A Psalm

A Song

A Slogan

Combined with intense prayer and fasting this method personally realizes maximum faith application.
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Allow me to provide an example. In my current circumstance I find myself drawing upon:

• Proverbs 3:5-7
  
• Psalm 62:1-2
  
• I Will Not Be Moved by Natalie Grant
  
• I will cry out, I will bow down, but I will not be moved. (Not necessarily original. It was inspired by the above song; thank you Natalie!)

Works for me. If it's based in Christ and aids endurance, I'm all for it! Would this qualify as heavenly armor?

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. [Eph 6:13-18]

Armed with an uplifting, undergirding word from the Lord carries me along to the next calm. I praise the Holy Spirit for stirring the deep living waters of Christ within and for giving when I have need.

When the storm has passed (and they always do) and past verses are read or songs are heard again it gives me another occasion to rejoice, praising God for past deeds of grace and to again give thanks for being all I need - no matter the season.

For now, by God's hand, I will not be moved. Only He knows what the next effort may require, but thankfully He provides all the armor I need.

"For everything that was written in the past

was written to teach us, so that

through endurance and the encouragement

of the Scriptures we might have hope."

[Rm 15:4]

Dear Righteous God; I give thanks upon every remembrance of each past victory You have claimed on my behalf. May Your praise be continually on my lips and Your Word etched in my heart. I praise You for Your saving grace. Thank You for Your abundant provision in this, my time of need and for the way You have already worked this out. In the victorious Name of Christ my Lord, Amen.

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To watch the Natalie Grant music video click here (pause music on player at bottom of screen first)

A String of Hosannas

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness

and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. [Ps 7:17]

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;

I will tell of all your wonders.

I will be glad and rejoice in you;

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. [Ps 9:1-2]

I will praise you forever for what you have done;

in your name I will hope, for your name is good.

I will praise you in the presence of your saints. [Ps 52:9]

Praise be to his glorious name forever;

may the whole earth be filled with his glory.

Amen and Amen. [Ps 72:19]

A Weekly Posting of Praise from Scripture

Prayers of the Saints

"O Heavenly Father, give me a heart like the heart of Jesus Christ, a heart more ready to minister than to be ministered unto, a heart moved by compassion towards the weak and the oppressed, a heart set upon the coming of They kingdom in the world of men.

Grant, O Father, that Thy lovingkindness in causing my own lines in pleasant places may not make me less sensitive to the needs of others less privileged, but rather more incline me to lay their burdens upon my own heart.And if any adversity should befall myself, then let me not brood upon my own sorrows, as if I alone in the world were suffering, but rather let me busy myself in the compassionate service of all who need my help. Thus let the power of my Lord Christ be strong within me and His peace invade my spirit. Amen."

John Baillie ~ A Diary of Private Prayer

A Series of Prayer Quotes