GREAT is our GOD

"For great is The Lord, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be feared above all gods."

~1 Chronicles 16:25

There's nothing like the presence of God in your life to make you realize that everything else you put attention to is really worthless.  But how often do we give attention to God and his greatness?  I know for me,  I sometimes go through a whole day and give attention to everything but God.  I realize I am making idols of other things when I make my life about them and not about Him.  Sadly then, I miss out on the most exciting part about living…the greatness of God.

If you're at all like me, then the question is what we do?  I believe the answer is we do what King David did in 1 Chronicles 15 and 16.  He planned, prepared, placed, and worshipped.

1. Plan.  Have a plan of when and how you're going to take time each day for God.  
2. Prepare.  Prepare for that time with God by praying, gathering the things you need such as a bible, a notebook or journal, pens and pencils, etc.; and  prepare by setting up a place whether inside or outside your home to have that quality time with God.
3. Place.  Place yourself in God's presence during that time by acknowledging who He is, what He has done for you, what He expects of you, and who you are in Him.  
4. Praise.  I believe the more we worship God, the more he wants to show us his greatness.  Therefore, worship Him in that time. Great is our God!  He is worthy of praise!

I know I have to work more at making God the center of my life.  I know that I want my life to be about Him .  I pray that beginning with these four steps, idols will be removed and God will be where He belongs in my heart.  I pray, also, for you.

THaNksGiviNG Thursday...It Is Well

"It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night."

Psalm 92:1-2

I am deeply thankful for worship music.  It is what inspires me to be in the right mindset, it motivates me, it uplifts and encourages me, it brings me peace, and it gives me reason to give thanks and praise to God for all He has done and even what He has not done in my life.  If there's something you're in need of right now, turn on some worship music.  Let the Spirit fill you and guide you.  Most importantly, if anything, allow yourself to simply worship the Lord.  He is worthy of it.  

To give you a place to start, here is Kristene DiMarco & Bethel Music with "It is Well"... 

May God keep you always in His perfect peace.

WorshipFULLWednesday...How Can It Be

“For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed. He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. ... You must fear the Lord your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone.  He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done these mighty miracles that you have seen with your own eyes." ~Deuteronomy 10:18. 20-21

How can it be?  Because God is almighty and merciful. He is compassionate and gracious.  He is slow to anger and abundant in love.  Our God is the God of gods and Lord of lords.  He has done mighty miracles--the mightiest one being the salvation of our souls through the death and resurrection of His one and only beloved Son.  Cling to Him today!  Cling to His grace and His beauty.  Worship Him with all your heart and soul.  Happy Wednesday!  It's going to be a glorious day!

WorshipFULLWednesday...Great Is Our God by Young Oceans

Hallelujah!
It's a good thing to sing praise to our God;
praise is beautiful, praise is fitting.
God's the one who rebuilds Jerusalem,
who regathers Israel's scattered exiles.
He heals the heartbroken
and bandages their wounds.
He counts the stars
and assigns each a name.
Our Lord is great, with limitless strength;
we'll never comprehend what he knows and does.
God puts the fallen on their feet again 
and pushes the wicked into the ditch.
~Psalm 147:1-6 MSG

Great is our God and most worthy of praise.  Worship Him with a thankful heart today.  Thank Him for the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful.  His love is abundant and His mercy is endless.  Great is our God.

WorshipFULLWednesday...O For Grace by Brady Toops

" God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.  

So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins."

~Ephesians 1:5-7

As you lay your head down tonight on your pillow, rest knowing you have a heavenly Father who cares about your every breath, your every tear, your every heart beat.  He is your strength.  He is your help.  He is so rich in kindness and grace.  He is your answer.  

Worship

"Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"

Luke 4:8

The other day I had business in Dallas.  As I was being driven back to the airport, I noticed there were police in their cars stationed in every driveway and road for about a mile to the airport.  Then, once I checked-in, I discovered that my flight was delayed as well as every flight trying to leave within the hour.  I walked to my gate and sat down bewildered because many people were standing all along the windows.  After a few moments, excitement filled the gate area, and more people briskly walked toward the windows while reaching in their pockets and purses to pull out their phones.  My gaze followed them to the windows, and there landed the plane of the President of the United States with the President on board.  Ah!  Everything made sense.

What amazed me by all of the hubbub over the President was the thought of worship that entered my mind.  What an odd thought to have!  But I couldn't help noticing how people prepared the way for the president, so I thought about if I did that for God when it came to worship.  Do I block all the pathways that would give access to dangerous distractions?  Do I take time to stop all the traffic that may interfere with my worship?  Do I honor God with holy reverence?  Do I excitedly rush to see a glimpse of God?

I can't say yes to all of these questions, but I can say I have a whole new outlook on how I must honor my Lord when it comes to desiring His presence in my worship.  We have it in us to prepare a way to honor God.  May He continue to bring us ever in awe of His glory.