Enthusiastic Worship - original blog date : March 22, 2018

S.

Psalm 47:1-2

"Come everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to the Lord with joyful praise! For the Lord most high is awesome. He is the great king of all the earth."

O. Clap! Shout! This is an important aspect of worship. Worship is not to be in only a quiet, serene, contemplative setting; rather it is the striking of the drum, blowing the trumpet and shouts of praise. The word translated "clap" (Heb. Taqa) indicates energy and enthusiasm in worship.  

A. I respect those who enjoy a quiet and contemplative style of worship; and when I read and meditate, I do too. But when I am with others in a corporate setting and we are there to worship together, yes I want to sing, but I want to be up front, jumping, praising, shouting, clapping and giving God all of the adoration - because He is God, because He is awesome and He is Worthy!

P. Thank you Father for this word, taqa. I pray that my worship of you is filled with energy and enthusiasm and that it honors you; lifts up the name of Jesus and is accomplished by filling and power of the Holy Spirit.

You Will Do Greater Things - original blog date: Dec. 22, 2017

S. John 14:12-14

"I  tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am  going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."

O. When blessing comes in your work, service, or ministry, it is tempting to accept that this is "all" God has for you ... to find it easy to stop and rest, rather than keep your hand to the "plow." Instead, refuse to allow the blessings of God's grace on your work lead you to think that He may not be ready to do even more in your life. He does not call you to attempt to produce more, but to ask and believe Him for more - for greater works He has in store for us to receive and by His grace, achieve for His kingdom's purposes and glory. Keep your heart set and ready for the next advance of His kingdom.

A. I am excited to ask and see what the Lord has for in the next season of ministry approaching in 2018. I pray that you (reader) will also ask and trust Jesus do to even greater things in your life and service for Him this Christmas and into the New Year.

P. Thank you Lord for this wonderful word. Lord Jesus I ask that you will do even greater things in our life and service for you. 

Adding Value to Others

S. "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."

O. Jesus taught His disciples that rank, order, prominence is not really a thing to value. As ones proclaiming God's Kingdom, we should seek to SERVE others. Serving others is being thoughtful, allowing others to go first and to live a "self-less" lifestyle. .It is simply looking to add value to others.

A. I truly want  to develop this even more in my life. As I pray and think about a new season, I pray that I can be a person who adds value to others.

P. Father, thank you for this day and this Word. I pray that in whatever season of ministry you have for me, that I can serve, that I can benefit others spiritually, that I an be a person who ADDS VALUE that has Kingdom results!  Thank you Father. In Jesus' name!