Worship in the Wilderness

I stumbled across something in Psalm 63 this morning that deserves a comment or two. King David wrote these verses when he was on the run from Saul. The situation was so bad that David carried his parents, the two people he loved most in the world, to the King of Moab for protection. 

Saul chased after David like a madman, because that's what he was. David was still a young man (if not a teenager) when he fled for his life to the wilderness of Judea, which may have been the northern Negev. (The photo above is from the Negev.) As you can see, it's a barren land, nothing but rock and dirt. David accurately described it as "a dry and weary land where there is no water." 

There are two things about this psalm that surprise me. First, David described his location as dry, dusty, and without water, but his thirst was not for hydration. It was for the presence of God. 

Even in the worst situations, he longed for greater intimacy with his Lord. 

Is that what we most desire when we're in a personal crisis?

King David didn't whine or complain or insist that, as the anointed king of Israel, he should have better. Instead, he described himself as satisfied and joyful "in the shadow of Thy wings." He felt covered and protected by the close presence of God, and that was enough. 

In the most dangerous situation imaginable, on the run from a crazed murderer, he rejoiced in the closeness and protection of God.

Do we feel that closeness when we're in trouble?

Second, David's response to adversity was praise, not pouting. He lifted his hands in worship to God. His lips praised Him. He didn't waste time cowering in fear. 

Even in a barren and dangerous place, he trusted God to keep him safe.

Is praise our response to adversity?

I'd like to learn from David. Instead of whining, when times are hard, I need to worship. Instead of pouting when things don't work out like I expected, I should praise God. Why? Because I want the same joy David enjoyed. I want the same closeness to God he experienced.

What about you? Are you ready for more joy? more intimacy with God? Then do what David did. Take your eyes off your circumstances, lift up your heart and your hands, and put your focus on the One who is the giver and sustainer of life.

We have a choice...wallow in misery or rejoice despite the difficulty. Which will it  be? We decide, so let's choose praise. Let's choose joy.

"So I will bless Thee as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Thy name." Psalm 63:4 nasb

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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: The Tarnished Bed and the Great Stripping Away Day 

If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Middle East, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

The Praise Party Prayers and The Open Invitation

One of the topics I talk about when I'm teaching on prayer is the issue of "shopping list" prayers. I can't for a moment imagine that God likes them.  

You probably know this kind of prayer. I've prayed them myself. They go something like this... 

Hey, God. I need these twenty-two things. Hop to it. And thanks."

We don't verbalize our prayers in quite that way, of course, but it's the "bare bones" truth. 

If my son, Ryan, spoke to me in this way, he would not get a favorable response. I've prayed those prayers. I didn't get a favorable response, either.

It's taken years to develop my "style" of prayer, but it most often goes more like this...

"Hi, Dad. I can hear the birds outside my window and they're singing a great song today. And what an amazing sky you've painted. I love how you blend the blues. I loved it when you worked it out about that problem I mentioned yesterday, and how you worked in my friend's life. Wow. I can hardly believe it. You're amazing..." 

Technically, that's praise prayer. To me, it's just talking with my Dad and best friend about the great things He's doing.

I appreciate people thanking me when I've done something on their behalf, and God does, too. I don't think He gets enough of that from me, or from any of us. We could do a better job of gratitude. I could do a better job.

Do I ask God for things when I pray? Not always. 

I hate to admit that, because people ask me to pray for them pretty often. I do pray for them, but it might not always sound like people expect.

For example, sometimes I say, "I don't know what's best. I'm leaving that in your hands. I trust you with it." 

or, "Don't forget about ... We're still waiting on some help with that, Lord."

or, after going a little long on praise time, "I was going to talk to you about... but you know all about it anyway. We can't solve that for ourselves so we need your help." 

or, "I don't have any suggestions for you, but I wanted to tell you again how great you worked out my last problem... so I know you'll handle this..." 

Sometimes, I have the needs written on index cards as reminders, and I just hold them up before the Lord and say, "Lord, this..." with one card after another. 

It doesn't sound like most of the prayers we hear at church. I know. 

I believe God likes this kind of prayer. I know He does, in fact, because of the amazing ways He answers. 

Of course, I do pray quite a bit of the face to the ground, weeping my eyes out, begging God for my need and asking for a specific answer kind of prayer, too. That's important work. 

Most of my prayers these days, though, are much more about who God is and how great He is than asking Him for anything. That kind of prayer builds relationship. 

It's a kind of "here's our situation, our eyes are on you" prayer. (2 Chronicles 20)

I've told you all this to tell you about Praise Party Prayers. I don't do this often enough, but it's a lot of fun. Sometimes, I spend an entire day without asking God for anything. It's a prayer-filled day in which all prayer is either thanksgiving or praise. No asking allowed. 

I call it a Praise Party.

I'm having one of those days today, and, wherever you are, I'm inviting you to join me. (In case you've already done some asking, just start your Praise Party now...)

It will do something amazing in your heart and plant a sense of gratitude deeper than you can imagine... so what are you waiting for? 

It's a Praise Party Day, and you're invited...

"Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord..." Psalm 150:6

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Please like and share to extend our digital reach...

In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Untoasted Frozen Bread and the Unrepentant Heart

If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Jordan, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

#Jesus

When God Listens

King David was in desperate straits. He described himself as "afflicted and needy". He needed help and he knew the only One who could give him that help was God Himself.

David's prayer of desperation in Psalm 86 includes a term that's interesting. 

"Incline your ear, O, Lord, and answer me; 

For I am afflicted and needy."

Psalm 86:1 nasb

The Hebrew word used here is natah and literally means to stretch out or bend down. The idea is of one who leans down to listen carefully.

The image is of a father whose young child is pulling on his clothing, tugging at the hem of the garment saying, "Listen to me, Daddy." Like any good father would do, he leans down to see what the child has to say.

When His children pray, that's what God does. He inclines His ear, leans over, stretches down to listen. He pays attention.

It's a concept I will never fully comprehend, but God, who sustains the entire universe, knows everything that happens at the exact instant that it happens. He knows our innermost thoughts. At the same time, He listens intently to the prayers of His children when they pray.

When I pray. When you pray.

Whatever our need, He listens. Whatever our words.

Imagine His delight when we tug at His hand, saying, "Listen, Daddy," and, when He leans close to hear, we tell Him, "I love you!" 

For today, let's do just that. As you beseech God with your "Listen, Daddy" plea, delight Him with our words of love. Words of thanks. Words of praise. 

He knows our needs. He wants our love. Let's give it to Him today.

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In case you missed yesterday's post, here's the link: The Psalm That Made Me Laugh (http://leannahollis.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-psalm-that-made-me-laugh.html)
#prayer #praise #whenwepray

The Thanker Job: Cultivating a Habit of Thanksgiving

King David wanted to build a house for God, but God assigned that job to a "man of rest". Solomon, would build the temple. David wasn't sure his son was up to the job. Solomon was too young and inexperienced to tackle the work David most wanted, so he made a plan.

David would completely design the temple and the work flow and assignments. He would gather all the building materials and the workmen. One everything was collected, he would trust Solomon to put them all together. 

When the temple was built, the Levites wouldn't have to carry around the implements, so David assigned them a new job. They were to be the official "thankers" and "praisers".

"And they are to stand every morning to thank and to praise the Lord, and likewise every evening." 1 Chronicles 23:30 nasb

I read those words and was reminded of Exodus 19:6, in which God told Moses that Israel would be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation." 

David may have assigned the job of morning and evening praise and thanksgiving to the Levites, but I believe God has assigned that job to us all.

I read those words in 1 Chronicles 23 yesterday and immediately began to make my morning list of thanksgiving and praise. I started with the goodness of God and the ways He has shown Himself faithful to me. I continued with thanksgiving for my family and the people with whom He has surrounded me. 

The list of thanksgiving and praise was long and sweet. As the day wore on, I continued to think of things to add to my list. I was still giving thanks and praise when time for the evening praise and thanksgiving rolled around.

This morning, I had even more things for which to give thanks and I realized that, when we cultivate a habit of thanksgiving and praise to our Lord, it changes us and makes us focus on the good in our lives. It brings more joy, more contentment, more peace.

This is a habit I plan to keep. Morning and evening thanksgiving and praise. It's such a nice way to start the day. Why not try it? I've set an alarm for every twelve hours so I can be sure to do the job that must be done.

Professional thanker. Professional Praiser. Jobs worth having. Help wanted. Apply on your knees.
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If you've considering participating in the Hosea study, it's not too late to join. All ages. Men and women alike have joined. We'd love to have you. Visit http//lessonsindiscipleship.blogspot.com and get started today!
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In case you missed this:
Yesterday's post: Writing Fiction and Handing Off Pain
http://leannahollis.blogspot.com/2016/05/writing-fiction-and-handing-off-pain.html

Update on the Bible study: 
 My Latest Adventure 
(https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H646&t=KJV)
#givethanks #praise #linesfromleanna

Sending the seventy, part 29

Turning to the disciples, He said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see, for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them. " (Luke 10:23-24 NASB)

Jesus had been speaking to the seventy sent-ones. He turned "to the disciples" to continue speaking. The word here does not make it entirely clear. He may have turned to the twelve apostles but the word translated as "disciples" is also used in Scripture for anyone who is "both a pupil and an adherent" of Jesus, meaning they not only learn the words of Jesus but obey them. These disciples had not only seen the miracles but also understood at some level that they were a manifestation of Almighty God.  They understood that Jesus was not just the Son of Man, but also the Son of God.

The disciples had heard about and seen miraculous things. People had been healed of disease and distress. Lives had been changed. Hearts had turned toward God. Jesus told those who had seen, not just with their eyes but also with their hearts, that they were blessed. The word translated as blessed is makarios and comes from two root words meaning long and length. In a sense, the blessing that comes from seeing the mighty works of God are both long and lengthy, they "stick with us." 

Isn't that what time spent in the presence of God should do? Seeing Him at work should not just change those who receive the miraculous, but also those who stand in the presence of that miracle. Seeing God at work should change us, but does it? When we see Him work in our lives, do we take note and remember it, continuing to praise and thank Him for what He has done? When we see the evidence of His hand in the changed lives around us, do we celebrate it long after the initial glow has passed? 

Recently, a pastor asked for people to share praises in a worship service I attended. Almost all of the people present kept silent. At last, someone mentioned one of the attributes of God. Someone else mentioned another. Most of us (including me, I'm ashamed to say) kept silent. It wasn't that we hadn't seen God do wonderful things. For whatever reason, we refused to speak it. In retrospect, I had spent the last two days praising God for all He had done for me. How did I dare to keep silent? After the service, I was terribly convicted that I, who know so much better, had not done my part. Next time, I will.

He who blesses us in long and lengthy ways deserves our most enthusiastic thanks and praise. We must be sure that we celebrate the One who is so generous with us. Don't hold back. Speak out, shout out, sing out. Let the world know that our Savior lives, reigns, and is still in the miracle business. Praise His Holy Name!

An early thanksgiving

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17 NASB)

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises to our God on the lyre, (Psalms 147:7 NASB)

Today is a day of thanksgiving and praise for me. We will get back to Luke tomorrow, but today is a wow day and I'm spending the day recognizing what God has done and thanking Him for it. 

After 46 days, the blog has had just a few shy of 5,000 views. (By the end of today, it will likely be over 5,000) God has done it. He's given me the words to write and has drawn people to the blog. The stories of lives that have been touched are just thrilling to me. If you haven't heard me say this yet, let me assure you that it has nothing to do with me (except as the typist/plow horse) and everything to do with God. 

Even more amazing to me is that 93 days ago, I wrote the first Luke devotional. In  those 93 days, an entire book has been written, formatted, reformatted several times due to computer glitches, and published as an ebook (a completely new format for me). Everything that was critical worked so smoothly, from obtaining ISBN's to LLCN's (the registration numbers books need) to learning the Kindle format to the upload. When the book was uploaded last night, I received a message back that said the number of misspelled words was zero! He equipped me and trained me and helped me, and He did it in record time. Just for comparison, my last book took ten years to complete. 

I'm later than usual with the post today, and I apologize. I was too excited to sleep last night, and my sister and I had to be up long before dawn to make it to the Charity Sale at Belk. She needed shoes for her son Ben's wedding and I needed a dress for it.  That's a praise all it's own, but a story for another day. 

I want you all to know how much I appreciate your prayers, your encouragement, your kindness. These last few weeks have been so very hard as I struggled to balance my medical practice, the farm, the blog, all my boards and committees, as well as life in general, with writing, editing, and formatting the book. I didn't think I could do it. Actually, I knew I couldn't. God, however, had a plan and He accomplished what He started. 

The Road to Bethlehem went live on Amazon as a Kindle book at 3am today. Please pray now that God will use it to accomplish all He intended. There are thousands, well probably millions, of parents who are broken hearted over the spiritual condition of their children. One of the key words for the book is prodigal so perhaps those parents will find it and get a fresh infusion of hope. There is a brief section at the end that speaks to the parents of prodigals and offers them the opportunity to pray for their children in the same way we have. I promised a dedicated website for parents of prodigals by Dec. 1, so your prayers are needed as I begin yet another whirlwind of work. 

Today, we are thanking God for His faithfulness and the hope He has given us. We are praying, as always, for our children, but today we are also praying for the parents of prodigals who are desperate for the hope that only God can give as well their children who are one bent knee from redemption.