Several weeks ago, the backyard was covered in a spray of color. My spring flowers had been well-watered from the gentle rains and stood tall and proud of their beauty. They attracted many hummingbirds and the fragrance they gave forth was well worth the effort of caring for them. But as time slipped by, the flowers began to lose their vibrant colors. Before long, all that remained was an ugly evidence that the blooms were long past.
Since the fragrance was no longer detectable and the flowers had become an eyesore, I retreated to the garage to find my clippers. With clippers in hand, I sat and carefully cut the stem of each and every wilted flower in hopes of spurring the plants to bloom once again. Even if the plants did not, I was satisfied that the plants appeared much healthier with the dead parts removed.
Several days passed and I noticed the plants had produced another round of small buds. Obviously, removing the dead flowers and stems had allowed the plants to focus on producing new growth. In several days, I am expecting my yard to once again be filled with beautiful, fragrant flowers and the benefits that accompany them.
As I look forward to enjoying new flowers, I can't help but wonder what area of my own life needs pruning. While I am happy to bloom where I am planted, I often resist when the Master Gardener takes out his pruners to remove what was once beautiful and fragrant, but has lost its luster. Although the pruning is uncomfortable for a time, the result is a life that is able to bloom again, bring glory to the Father.
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that pruduces fruit so that it will produce more fruit."
John 15: 1-2, HCSB
Friday, June 11, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
While I'm Waiting
I can be a very impatient person. I know what I want and I am not one to sit around and wait for things to happen. I like to make things happen. I like to be in control. I get anxious when I am forced to wait.
Yet, waiting seems to be a part of my life everyday. I wait for my children. I wait for my husband. I even find myself waiting for people I do not even know. However, these times seem trivial when compared to some of the eternal things I find myself waiting for. You see, I often find myself waiting on God.
Today I am waiting on healing for a mentor and friend. I am waiting on deliverance from temptations that I cannot escape on my own. I am waiting on answers to prayers first prayed years ago. And the list goes on and on.
I look to the Scriptures to find encouragement. Early in the book of Genesis, I find I am not the only one who had to learn to patiently wait on God. Let me share a few examples-
Even if I cannot clearly see the path I must take, I still desire to walk obediently. I pray for a heart that will draw close to Him and offer sincere worship while I wait. Although I cannot know or begin to understand the details of His plan, I can rest assured in His purpose. Besides drawing encouragement from the examples in Scripture, I can also find countless verses that offer me hope and peace while I'm waiting.
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."
James 1:2-4 The Message
"I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."
Jeremiah 29:11 The Message
Yet, waiting seems to be a part of my life everyday. I wait for my children. I wait for my husband. I even find myself waiting for people I do not even know. However, these times seem trivial when compared to some of the eternal things I find myself waiting for. You see, I often find myself waiting on God.
Today I am waiting on healing for a mentor and friend. I am waiting on deliverance from temptations that I cannot escape on my own. I am waiting on answers to prayers first prayed years ago. And the list goes on and on.
I look to the Scriptures to find encouragement. Early in the book of Genesis, I find I am not the only one who had to learn to patiently wait on God. Let me share a few examples-
- Abraham waited 25 years before his promised son was conceived.
- Joseph waited 13 years for deliverance from slavery and imprisonment.
- Moses wonder why God has sparred his life for 80 years before God spoke to him from the burning bush to give him direction and purpose.
- The Hebrew people left Egypt after 430 years of waiting for God's mighty hand of deliverance.
Even if I cannot clearly see the path I must take, I still desire to walk obediently. I pray for a heart that will draw close to Him and offer sincere worship while I wait. Although I cannot know or begin to understand the details of His plan, I can rest assured in His purpose. Besides drawing encouragement from the examples in Scripture, I can also find countless verses that offer me hope and peace while I'm waiting.
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."
James 1:2-4 The Message
"I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."
Jeremiah 29:11 The Message
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Just Because
The other day I was caught by surprise. It was one of those small things in life that brightened my entire day. I was busy with my daily chores when my son came around the corner with a big smile on his face. He walked right up to me and gave me a huge hug. After returning the hug, I stepped back and looked in his sweet face. I waited for the request I knew was sure to come.
When my son was younger, he loved to climb up on my lap. We would spend time snuggled up-talking, reading, and simply enjoying the time we had together. Although he blossomed in the attention he received from me, the affection was not one sided. My son got so much pleasure in showering me with love. My old journal has evidence of those days tucked within its pages. A dried flower he brought to me. A simple drawing he made of us. Special things he did to show me he loved me.
Over the years, as my son grew toward independence, things began to slowly change. His kisses all but disappeared. The tokens of affection I received were far less. His attention toward me became more self-serving. He needed me to drive him here and there. He needed me to wash his favorite shirt. Although his need of me was very obvious, his love for me was not. The hugs and kisses I did receive usually accompanied a request of some kind. I found myself longing for the days when his affection was given freely and without motive.
I couldn't help but wonder if my heavenly Father feels the same. How often do I take time to curl up on His lap just because of my desire to spend time with Him and shower Him with love? When I am honest, I must admit that I most often go to Him with needs and requests. While He knows I love Him, I wonder if He longs for days past when I was more giving with my affections.
How about you? Has your relationship with Christ lost its original passion and turned into something more self-serving? When was the last time you came to Him for no other reason but to spend time with Him and shower Him with love? While God doesn't begrudge our needs and petitions, He delights in a heart that comes to Him in purest worship and adoration.
I have made a renewed commitment to take time to daily curl up on His lap. He deserves more from me than a quickly spoken word of love coupled with yet another request. He alone is worthy of my greatest affection and praise. In addition, the affection is never one-sided. I find that in His lap I blossom the most. I always leave fuller than when I came.
When my son was younger, he loved to climb up on my lap. We would spend time snuggled up-talking, reading, and simply enjoying the time we had together. Although he blossomed in the attention he received from me, the affection was not one sided. My son got so much pleasure in showering me with love. My old journal has evidence of those days tucked within its pages. A dried flower he brought to me. A simple drawing he made of us. Special things he did to show me he loved me.
Over the years, as my son grew toward independence, things began to slowly change. His kisses all but disappeared. The tokens of affection I received were far less. His attention toward me became more self-serving. He needed me to drive him here and there. He needed me to wash his favorite shirt. Although his need of me was very obvious, his love for me was not. The hugs and kisses I did receive usually accompanied a request of some kind. I found myself longing for the days when his affection was given freely and without motive.
I couldn't help but wonder if my heavenly Father feels the same. How often do I take time to curl up on His lap just because of my desire to spend time with Him and shower Him with love? When I am honest, I must admit that I most often go to Him with needs and requests. While He knows I love Him, I wonder if He longs for days past when I was more giving with my affections.
How about you? Has your relationship with Christ lost its original passion and turned into something more self-serving? When was the last time you came to Him for no other reason but to spend time with Him and shower Him with love? While God doesn't begrudge our needs and petitions, He delights in a heart that comes to Him in purest worship and adoration.
I have made a renewed commitment to take time to daily curl up on His lap. He deserves more from me than a quickly spoken word of love coupled with yet another request. He alone is worthy of my greatest affection and praise. In addition, the affection is never one-sided. I find that in His lap I blossom the most. I always leave fuller than when I came.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Poison Ivy
Several mornings past, I woke up with a small irritation. I had a patch of skin that was dry and itchy. I smoothed on some of my favorite lotion and went on with my day. However, the lotion didn't seem to work and my area of irritation began to spread. By the end of the following day, it was clear to me that my problem was more serious than dry skin alone.
Much to my dismay, the small patch of dry skin grew into a much larger patch of red blisters that itched like crazy. This was no small irritation. It was poison ivy- a battle I had encountered before. I was bewildered. How did I manage to contract poison ivy?
A quick inventory of the last few days provided my answer. I remembered stepping off the walking trail at my local park to admire a flower I had not immediately recognized. Because I have known the evils of poison ivy in the past, I had been careful. I hadn't reached down to touch the flower. I knew better than that. I had only stepped close to take a peek. Apparently, because of my sensitivity, I should have remained on the trail.
As I dug through my cabinet to find an appropriate remedy, I was reminded of my spiritual propensity to wander. Matthew 7:14 reads "narrow is the road that leads to life". I have committed to walk this road with Christ, yet I admit I have wandered from the path in attempt to look more closely at something that attracted my attention. More often than not, the times I wandered produced irritation and poison in my life.
In what area(s) are you most sensitive to the poisons of the world? When are you most prone to wander?
Honest reflection helped me identify other stretches in the journey that have been most peaceful. During those times, I have purposefully walked past many distractions. I was able to do so because my eyes were fixed upon the road ahead and on the One who led the way.
In addition, knowledge of the Word helps me to better prepare for the journey. Everything I'll ever need to walk along the narrow path is provided for me. While I read and apply the instructions God has shared with me, I also come to know my travel companion in a more real and intimate way. When I walk in awe of the One who has beckoned me come, I am not easily distracted by the things the world can offer.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
Psalm 119:9-10
Much to my dismay, the small patch of dry skin grew into a much larger patch of red blisters that itched like crazy. This was no small irritation. It was poison ivy- a battle I had encountered before. I was bewildered. How did I manage to contract poison ivy?
A quick inventory of the last few days provided my answer. I remembered stepping off the walking trail at my local park to admire a flower I had not immediately recognized. Because I have known the evils of poison ivy in the past, I had been careful. I hadn't reached down to touch the flower. I knew better than that. I had only stepped close to take a peek. Apparently, because of my sensitivity, I should have remained on the trail.
As I dug through my cabinet to find an appropriate remedy, I was reminded of my spiritual propensity to wander. Matthew 7:14 reads "narrow is the road that leads to life". I have committed to walk this road with Christ, yet I admit I have wandered from the path in attempt to look more closely at something that attracted my attention. More often than not, the times I wandered produced irritation and poison in my life.
In what area(s) are you most sensitive to the poisons of the world? When are you most prone to wander?
Honest reflection helped me identify other stretches in the journey that have been most peaceful. During those times, I have purposefully walked past many distractions. I was able to do so because my eyes were fixed upon the road ahead and on the One who led the way.
In addition, knowledge of the Word helps me to better prepare for the journey. Everything I'll ever need to walk along the narrow path is provided for me. While I read and apply the instructions God has shared with me, I also come to know my travel companion in a more real and intimate way. When I walk in awe of the One who has beckoned me come, I am not easily distracted by the things the world can offer.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
Psalm 119:9-10
Friday, April 30, 2010
In the Silence
As I was traveling the other day, I found myself in that place on the journey where the radio station I was listening to was starting to fade. Rather than push scan and search for another station, I simply pushed the 'off' button and drove a while in the silence. This is an unusual occurence for me. I much prefer to make the drive singing along to contemporary christian music or listening to a good program on the radio.
As I drove along in the silence, I became aware of noises my car was making. I could clearly hear a low humming. As I strained to hear the hum, I also noticed a faint ticking sound. I listened intently and began to worder if the sounds were normal. Was this the way my car always sounded? Should I be concerned? I had to admit that I didn't have a clue because I had not taken time to listen before.
As I continued on in the near silence, wondering if I would even make it to my destination, I couldn't help but think of my own life. As a mother that works full time, I am constantly on the go. I have a calendar that is bustling with family, work, and ministry-minded activities. These responsibilities, in addition to my studying and writing for Response to Grace Ministries, keep my days filled to the brim.
While I enjoy being busy and tend to thrive in this environment, I realized I very rarely take the time to put everything aside and sit in the silence. Sometimes the silence is unsettling. When I sit in the silence, I am forced to take notice of the things that are easily hidden in the noise of life. A hurt that I haven't allowed God to heal. An offense that I have refused to let go.
And while I am fearful of what I might learn about my innerself, I take courage in the fact that God is also there with me in the silence. In 1 Kings chapter 19, I am reminded how Elijah looked for Yahweh in the wind, but He was not there. Yahweh was not present in the earthquake or the fire. Instead, Yahweh presented Himself to Elijah and spoke to him in a gentle whisper.
Besides coming face to face with things of self that need attention, it is in the silence I come face to face with a Redeemer that is able to speak healing and wholeness into my life. If I am not willing to stay awhile in the silence, I will never experience the full extent of healing that is available to me there. While I am tempted to turn back and hide myself in the bustle of life, I know that the hard work that accompanies the silence will produce a harvest in my life. It is when I truly relinguish these hidden struggles to God, that I experience His power and know that He is God.
"Be still, and know that I am God"
Psalm 46:10a, NIV
As I drove along in the silence, I became aware of noises my car was making. I could clearly hear a low humming. As I strained to hear the hum, I also noticed a faint ticking sound. I listened intently and began to worder if the sounds were normal. Was this the way my car always sounded? Should I be concerned? I had to admit that I didn't have a clue because I had not taken time to listen before.
As I continued on in the near silence, wondering if I would even make it to my destination, I couldn't help but think of my own life. As a mother that works full time, I am constantly on the go. I have a calendar that is bustling with family, work, and ministry-minded activities. These responsibilities, in addition to my studying and writing for Response to Grace Ministries, keep my days filled to the brim.
While I enjoy being busy and tend to thrive in this environment, I realized I very rarely take the time to put everything aside and sit in the silence. Sometimes the silence is unsettling. When I sit in the silence, I am forced to take notice of the things that are easily hidden in the noise of life. A hurt that I haven't allowed God to heal. An offense that I have refused to let go.
And while I am fearful of what I might learn about my innerself, I take courage in the fact that God is also there with me in the silence. In 1 Kings chapter 19, I am reminded how Elijah looked for Yahweh in the wind, but He was not there. Yahweh was not present in the earthquake or the fire. Instead, Yahweh presented Himself to Elijah and spoke to him in a gentle whisper.
Besides coming face to face with things of self that need attention, it is in the silence I come face to face with a Redeemer that is able to speak healing and wholeness into my life. If I am not willing to stay awhile in the silence, I will never experience the full extent of healing that is available to me there. While I am tempted to turn back and hide myself in the bustle of life, I know that the hard work that accompanies the silence will produce a harvest in my life. It is when I truly relinguish these hidden struggles to God, that I experience His power and know that He is God.
"Be still, and know that I am God"
Psalm 46:10a, NIV
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Reconstruction Project
What has your response to grace looked like lately? Are you continually letting Christ make you more like Him? Are you finding the journey toward Christ-like character is a challenging one? I'm committed to growing in Christ, but I've found the work is not always easy. At times, it can be down right painful.
Today was one such day. Today, God was gracious enough to reveal to me my prideful spirit. I can't say I enjoyed it, but I did ask for it. Literally. Because my desire is to be like Christ, I have given Him full rein to move me from the place I currently reside to the place He desires and needs for me to be.
Therefore, God and I are working on a reconstruction project. Reconstruction is a specialty with God. He can take the barely-standing structure that humans call life and remodel it from the inside out. I discovered when I invited God to partner with me in change, He participated fully. When I told Him I wanted to be more like Him, He took me at my word.
Remodeling can be quite an undertaking. Believe me when I say looking at the deep places inside- my deepest longings, my fears, why I do the things I do- has uncovered an ugly mess. But He hasn't yet decided that I am not worth all the effort. And, I am not fearful that He will. He can see how beautiful the end project could be.
In fact, after the extremely hard work he had me do today, I am convinced even more that He loves me. He sees what I can be in Him and His dreams for me are far above and beyond what I can ever begin to imagine. This is why He is so good to reveal to me the real me. So I can continue to work towards what I am destined to become.
As I work day to day to complete the plans He has laid out for me, He is working on a construction project all His own. When my hard work is finally finished and my time on earth is done, I am moving into a mansion on a street made of gold that He completed just for me. I can hardly wait to get there!
I hope you will give Him permission to do a little remodeling in your life. The end product and the relationship you build as you work together are beyond compare.
"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Today was one such day. Today, God was gracious enough to reveal to me my prideful spirit. I can't say I enjoyed it, but I did ask for it. Literally. Because my desire is to be like Christ, I have given Him full rein to move me from the place I currently reside to the place He desires and needs for me to be.
Therefore, God and I are working on a reconstruction project. Reconstruction is a specialty with God. He can take the barely-standing structure that humans call life and remodel it from the inside out. I discovered when I invited God to partner with me in change, He participated fully. When I told Him I wanted to be more like Him, He took me at my word.
Remodeling can be quite an undertaking. Believe me when I say looking at the deep places inside- my deepest longings, my fears, why I do the things I do- has uncovered an ugly mess. But He hasn't yet decided that I am not worth all the effort. And, I am not fearful that He will. He can see how beautiful the end project could be.
In fact, after the extremely hard work he had me do today, I am convinced even more that He loves me. He sees what I can be in Him and His dreams for me are far above and beyond what I can ever begin to imagine. This is why He is so good to reveal to me the real me. So I can continue to work towards what I am destined to become.
As I work day to day to complete the plans He has laid out for me, He is working on a construction project all His own. When my hard work is finally finished and my time on earth is done, I am moving into a mansion on a street made of gold that He completed just for me. I can hardly wait to get there!
I hope you will give Him permission to do a little remodeling in your life. The end product and the relationship you build as you work together are beyond compare.
"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Response to Grace
Humans are people of conditioning and we are conditioned to respond. We respond to a change of temperature in a room. We respond when we hear an infant cry. We respond when someone hurts or offends us or when someone gives us an unexpected gift. Many times we respond openly and unashamedly. Other times, we try to hide our response because of fear or embarassment. However, no matter how hard we try, it is very difficult to withhold the actual response itself.
At some point in life, every person has an opportunity to respond to God's grace. Many people respond to God's invitation to grace as if it is an extravagant gift. Others turn away in offense because they are unwilling to admit thier need for mercy.
Although everyone must respond initially, the best response to grace is one that is never ending. A healthy and maturing relationship with Christ is demonstrated by infinite responses-God continues to offer His grace and we continue to respond.
A continued response to grace is most often demonstrated by visible changes in a life. When we truly accept God's grace and are filled with the power of the Holy Ghost, the old man within us begins to die. The habits, thoughts, and desires of the old self will no longer be able to live in agreement with the identity of the new nature. They will have to find another place to dwell.
Shedding our 'old clothes' and putting on garments of righteousness is just one continued response to grace. A greater love for God, His Word, and His Ways is another. When we accept this magnificient and unimagineable gift, we will want to better know the One who gives to us so generously. Our committment to experience Him on deeper levels demonstrates a continued response to grace.
Have you accepted God's abundant grace? Has He forgiven your sins, erased your failures, and pardoned your unfaithfulness? In addition, has He blessed you more than you ever thought possible? I know that I will never be able to thank Him for all He has done for me!
What has your response to His grace looked like thus far? Was your response a momentous but one-time occurrence that hasn't required much thought since? Or are you continuing to daily respond to the grace He offers? Take a minute and reflect on your responses. What evidence have they produced in your life? Responding to God's grace is a lifelong process. Continue to respond so He can continue to conform you to His image!
The LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. Isaiah 30:18
At some point in life, every person has an opportunity to respond to God's grace. Many people respond to God's invitation to grace as if it is an extravagant gift. Others turn away in offense because they are unwilling to admit thier need for mercy.
Although everyone must respond initially, the best response to grace is one that is never ending. A healthy and maturing relationship with Christ is demonstrated by infinite responses-God continues to offer His grace and we continue to respond.
A continued response to grace is most often demonstrated by visible changes in a life. When we truly accept God's grace and are filled with the power of the Holy Ghost, the old man within us begins to die. The habits, thoughts, and desires of the old self will no longer be able to live in agreement with the identity of the new nature. They will have to find another place to dwell.
Shedding our 'old clothes' and putting on garments of righteousness is just one continued response to grace. A greater love for God, His Word, and His Ways is another. When we accept this magnificient and unimagineable gift, we will want to better know the One who gives to us so generously. Our committment to experience Him on deeper levels demonstrates a continued response to grace.
Have you accepted God's abundant grace? Has He forgiven your sins, erased your failures, and pardoned your unfaithfulness? In addition, has He blessed you more than you ever thought possible? I know that I will never be able to thank Him for all He has done for me!
What has your response to His grace looked like thus far? Was your response a momentous but one-time occurrence that hasn't required much thought since? Or are you continuing to daily respond to the grace He offers? Take a minute and reflect on your responses. What evidence have they produced in your life? Responding to God's grace is a lifelong process. Continue to respond so He can continue to conform you to His image!
The LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. Isaiah 30:18
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Pala Praise
I have always enjoyed corporate worship. I love to lift my voice with others in praise to a Magnificent God. I love when God responds to our praise by descending on a congregation in such a sweet and even tangible way. To bask in His Presence is like no other feeling in this world. Where else can one experience such unimagineable love and sweet peace? Unfortunately, I do not experience this sweet escape everytime I enter the doors of my local church.
There have been many times when I've entered into corporate worship and my mind is far from Him. In those times, the worship my voice sends up doesn't result in a sweet experience with Him. Afterward, I walk away unchanged and empty-handed. I have discovered that an extraordinary encounter with God almost always begins with my sacrifice of extraordinary praise. According to John Kohlenberger's A Concise Dictionary of Hebrew, pala is a word that means "to separate, distinguish, to be wonderful; wondrous things." In scripture, pala is used primarily of God to denote the fact that He does things that are beyond the bounds of human powers or expectations. However, it can also be used to describe the actions and attitudes of man. If I long to encounter God in a life-changing way, I have to be willing to demonstrate pala praise.
I must be willing to separate myself solely unto Him; pushing all the cares of life from my focus until He is all I see. When I am able to accomplish this, the praise coming from my heart is a truly wondrous thing. But how is it that these moments of purest worship seem to be scattered in between so many times of mediocrity? It is because other things become the object of my infatuation. I obsess over earthly things and forget that I belong to a kingdom that is not of this world. During those times, Jesus subtly slips from my adoration to an obligation. When this happens, my worship becomes more of a struggle and less of an experience.
My Redeemer has already proven Himself to be Wondrous. The earth abounds with wonderful things He has created. I am a living example of His love and mercy; two unexplainable and wonderful things. Although He continues to bestow blessings on me, it is He alone who is worthy of wonderful and distinguished things! He deserves more of me than I have yet to give him. Who am I to dare approach this King with words that are spoken absentmindedly and without pure intent? Lord help me to always come before You with a pure heart, full of gratitude, and with a willingness to give you pala praise.
O LORD GOD Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
Psalm 89:8
There have been many times when I've entered into corporate worship and my mind is far from Him. In those times, the worship my voice sends up doesn't result in a sweet experience with Him. Afterward, I walk away unchanged and empty-handed. I have discovered that an extraordinary encounter with God almost always begins with my sacrifice of extraordinary praise. According to John Kohlenberger's A Concise Dictionary of Hebrew, pala is a word that means "to separate, distinguish, to be wonderful; wondrous things." In scripture, pala is used primarily of God to denote the fact that He does things that are beyond the bounds of human powers or expectations. However, it can also be used to describe the actions and attitudes of man. If I long to encounter God in a life-changing way, I have to be willing to demonstrate pala praise.
I must be willing to separate myself solely unto Him; pushing all the cares of life from my focus until He is all I see. When I am able to accomplish this, the praise coming from my heart is a truly wondrous thing. But how is it that these moments of purest worship seem to be scattered in between so many times of mediocrity? It is because other things become the object of my infatuation. I obsess over earthly things and forget that I belong to a kingdom that is not of this world. During those times, Jesus subtly slips from my adoration to an obligation. When this happens, my worship becomes more of a struggle and less of an experience.
My Redeemer has already proven Himself to be Wondrous. The earth abounds with wonderful things He has created. I am a living example of His love and mercy; two unexplainable and wonderful things. Although He continues to bestow blessings on me, it is He alone who is worthy of wonderful and distinguished things! He deserves more of me than I have yet to give him. Who am I to dare approach this King with words that are spoken absentmindedly and without pure intent? Lord help me to always come before You with a pure heart, full of gratitude, and with a willingness to give you pala praise.
O LORD GOD Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
Psalm 89:8
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