Category: praise

Attention to Details

On By vickleaIn praise, Scripture, testimony1 Comment

My husband constantly reminds me that I am a “detail person.” I notice things that others might not notice, like one thing out of place in a room full of things. He says I am a Type A personality and he is probably right. I think of it as modeling God because God pays attention to details. If you don’t believe me, read the description that He gave to Moses about how to prepare and set up the tabernacle.

Notice that word “exactly.” God had a plan and he trusts Moses to carry it out, exactly as He has shown him. God has a plan for each of us, too and we have to ask for directions daily about what we are to do that day to carry out His plan for us.

We are the Lord’s dwelling place here on earth, and just as He has exact plans for the tabernacle, He created each of us in a unique way and just the way He wants us to be. I used to question God’s wisdom in giving me defective lungs, one kidney and an extra rib. But I got over that a long time ago. What a blessing it is to be able to share with people that I didn’t even know I have a single kidney until I was in my 50’s. That single kidney has continued to do its job well, even though the doctors say I am in Stage 3 kidney failure. I go to see my nephrologist every few months (today is the day again!) who does lab work and encourages me to eat the foods my kidney will process and omit the foods that it can no longer handle. So, my diet is low sodium because of my stroke and low potassium and low nitrates because of my kidney. Do I miss not being able to have foods like potatoes and bananas and few carrots and salad mix? Honestly, not so much anymore. But when I first had to give them up, I was not a happy camper. Now, I am used to it. And I don’t think God made a mistake in creating me this way. It’s my “thorn in the flesh” that lets me be a better witness for Jesus. God is a God of details and the fact that I was born with one kidney was not a surprise to Him. When my kidney started not working as well, God didn’t say, “Really? That’s strange. I never expected that!” God knew that detail already and was prepared to bring me down this path of life, holding my hand and leading me the whole way, even during my whining phase.

I may not be 100% the way I would like to be, but I know that I am perfectly made in God’s eyes. Just as He told Moses how to make the tabernacle, God had a plan for how I would be made and it has been a good one for over seventy years. As I told my children, I am not leaving this earth until God tells me it’s time. He created me, established my number of days on the earth and my various health issues don’t change His plans for me.

God is not a mediocre Creator who halfway does His job and then sits back idly waiting for bad things to happen to what He created. Not at all! God pays attention to every detail and is an excellent and loving Creator. Much as I notice small details in rooms I have visited before, God notices every detail of our lives. He created each of us and called that creation. “Very good.” I want to use all of the time that He has given me on earth to glorify Him, giving Him praise for the wonderful work He did when He made me and the continued good work that He is doing daily in my soul as He reaches out to me daily and gives me His loving wisdom from His Word. May each of you remember to praise God today, thanking Him that you are His living tabernacle!

Appreciation for God’s Creation

On By vickleaIn gratitude, praise, Scripture4 Comments

God created. I believe and accept His gracious gifts that He has given us. I appreciate all that is around me, all that shows me God’s love and creativity.

The waves at Myrtle Beach, SC. Aren’t they gorgeous and powerful? The Bible says that God made these waves, separating the sky from the waters on earth and set the limits that the waves can go, this creating the beaches.

God created all of the trees and all of the plants that we use for food. He also created breathtaking flowers like this rose in my garden that blooms every spring and every fall.

I created this on Canva from a photo that our grandson sent us of Mount Fuji in Japan. God made the mountains, the valleys, all of the landforms that we enjoy. I really enjoy the mountains since I grew up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge.

And, finally, I appreciate that God made me and all of my family. The top photo is me and my husband on our 50th wedding anniversary. The middle photo is our children when they were very young. The bottom row includes our daughter’s five children, our son and his son, our son and his daughter, and our youngest son and his family. We are blessed indeed.

What are you appreciating today that God made?

“How Long, O Lord…?”

On By vickleaIn praise, prayer, Scripture2 Comments

Sometimes God answers our prayers right away, but I have found that most times, I am waiting for an answer and feeling a lot like David in Psalm 13 when he asked God this question. He didn’t expect a reply from God. Instead, he kept on being faithful. I think David knew that the answer would come in God’s time.

Sometimes it does feel as though God has turned away from us, but He never does. He is watching us all the time while we deliberate how we will respond to his delay. He is looking for people who will be faithful.

We have to keep trusting and in that trust, we need to rejoice. We are not rejoicing because all of our prayers are answered right away. I have said it before, and I repeat it here again. God is not a magic genie who instantly grants our requests. He has a reason for all He does and He has a plan for us. We rejoice because we know ultimately we have salvation and will live with Him for eternity. I keep reminding myself that this life is temporary. The aches, pains, heartaches and trials will all pass. God and salvation are forever!

While we wait for an answer, a good use of our time would be to praise God and remind ourselves of all that He has already done for us. God has been good to me! My life is a living testimony of His goodness, grace and mercy, and for that I can sing even as I wait. So, how long? As long as it takes. Because when the answer comes, I can rest fully assured that it will be the right answer at the right time and for the right reasons.

Jesus Is the Peace

On By vickleaIn Christmas, Holidays, praise, Scripture, testimony, YouVersion App1 Comment

From YouVersion Bible App, “Advent, Day 12”

Peace to the Ends of the Earth

When we remember the story of Jesus’ birth, it’s easy to focus on the manger, the wise men, and the ornate gifts. We imagine the bright star the wise men followed and the peace, joy, and anticipation they must have felt.

If we’re not careful, we can forget about some of the influential events that were happening at the same time.

Scripture tells us that as the wise men were following the star, they stopped to talk with King Herod. The men asked him, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” They learned that according to the chief priests and teachers, the promised Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem.

King Herod asked the men to report back with Jesus’ location. After the wise men made it to Jesus, they returned home on a different route because of a dream warning them not to go back to Herod.

Jesus and His family fled to Egypt to seek refuge from the schemes of the king, who had plans to harm Jesus. When the king heard, he was furious and gave orders to kill all the young boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding areas.

During this time, these communities and towns would have likely been scared and overwhelmed. Peace was probably the last thing they were thinking about or experiencing.

This year, the same might be true for you. Peace might feel impossible. Life circumstances, world events, grief, and relational tensions can all take the front seat. If this season is difficult for you, or if peace feels out of reach, remember you’re not alone.

Through Jesus, we have true peace—a state of wholeness, calm, and renewal between God and His people. At the time of His birth, people were expecting the Savior of the world to be a fierce warrior who would use violence to bring justice and rescue God’s people.

While Jesus brought about justice and rescue, it was through love and compassion. And instead of being a source of violence, He allowed Himself to be crucified on a cross to save us from our sin. He received all of the hate and pain the world had to offer. With His resurrection, the power of violence, hatred, and division suffered a fatal blow.

Jesus’ life brought us peace that only God can give, and He shares it with us. In John 14:27 NIV, Jesus says:

“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.”

The peace Jesus gives us isn’t fake or fabricated. It’s not ignoring the problems around us. And it isn’t disengaging with people who might irritate you.

The peace Jesus gives us is a true gift that brings us closer to people around us. It steadies our racing minds, it calms our inner turmoil, and it reminds us who is in control. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, remembering that He is in control this holiday season—and always—we experience the deep peace He promises to provide.

Pause and Pray

Gracious Father, thank You for bringing Your Son to earth all those years ago as a way to make peace between one another and with You. Please help me to be a peacemaker who reflects Your patience, kindness, and compassion to everyone I meet. I want to be someone who brings a sense of wholeness, calm, and renewal to every situation and relationship in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

My Thoughts

I really need some peace today! It’s not that my day is going badly but that I am anxious about a visit to my sister next week. In fact, I got good news from my nephrologist this morning. For the first time in several years, my kidney function improved…only slightly, but I will take it!

Now, about my visit. My sister is a diehard Democrat, and for her anyone who voted for Trump is a traitor to the nation and to her personally. She has decreed that after the inauguration, if President Trump does as he says and goes against all she believes (like transgender surgeries and abortions and all of the other liberal hoo-hah), then she will no longer have anything to do with any of us who voted for him. That seems a little radical, right? And not exactly a peaceful move. Nevertheless, I hope to use my visit to practice being a peacemaker. I never argue with her about her views when she lectures me about why she is right. I just sit silently. I hope that the topics don’t come up, but she usually brings them up when we are eating together. So, this year, I hope to use scripture to explain why I feel the way I do and voted the way I did instead of giving her a silent pass. I want her to know that I love her but Jesus is the only way to peace, no matter who is in the Oval Office. He is in control, even in the tumultuous times of liberal media overload about how bad the next four years will be. That’s my plan and I pray it will works out. I leave on Monday and return on the Saturday before Christmas. Prayers appreciated, my friends. And one more praise for a good kidney report! Thank you, Lord, for that unexpected surprise!

What Is Man?

On By vickleaIn praise, Scripture, VideoLeave a comment

We are the culmination of God’s creative work. When the Lord God created earth and everything on it, mankind was His last and ultimate creation. About man, God said, “It is very good.”

On Monday night at Bible study, as our group waited for the lesson to begin, this photo was the view from the picture window. Isn’t is amazing? God’s creation never ceases to amaze me with its stunning display of color and how everything flows together beautifully. When I see a sunset like this, I am reminded of how very much God loves each of us. We are all special to Him, uniquely created to fulfill a purpose in His plan. I don’t know about you, but my reaction is one of awe and gratitude that the God of the Universe, the One who made this gorgeous sky for us to enjoy, knows me by name and loves me. And He loves you the same way!

“Goodness of God” by Cece Winans

Where Is Your Faith?

On By vickleaIn praise, Scripture, Video3 Comments

First, I must admit that the days before an election have found me anxious and fearful for the future of our nation. Over and over again, God has spoken quietly to my heart and told me to have peace, that He is sovereign and in control and nothing is impossible for Him. But it was not until this morning that I had a real breakthrough.

After the strong storm came up and Jesus awakened and calmed the storm, Jesus’s words to His disciples, those who had been following Him and seeing all of His miracles, were, “Where is your faith?” That is what He asked me this morning. If my faith is in a man to lead this nation and help us to become more moral again, then my faith is in the wrong thing. If my faith is in a party or a church leader or anything or anyone that is not God, then my faith is misplaced. The same God who commands the winds and waves commands the whole world and He can take care of the United States or judge it or whatever He want to do. Whatever God chooses to do is part of His ultimate plan and I can neither change His mind or divert Him from His plan. So, instead of being afraid in the rocking boat, I am choosing to do as Jesus did, to be at peace and to rest, trusting that the Father has it all under control.

As a side note, another interesting thing I got from my devotional this morning is the times Jesus healed and told the person not to tell others. Jesus wants us to focus on the majesty of God, on His glory, grace and mercy, not on the miracles He does for us. Yes, they are numerous and they happen every day. Sometimes we aren’t even aware of what God has done for us in any given day. But the focus of our lives should not only be on what God has done for us, although gratitude is important. Our focus should on our response to what God has done. Are we truly in awe of Him and His power and actions for us? Are we honestly thankful or do we just take Him and His work for granted? Do we tell others the testimony of how He has changed our lives and we are not the same? Or do we only talk about miraculous healing? I am not saying that miracles are not important; they are, but they are not the reason we seek God, or at least I hope that isn’t the reason. God wants a relationship with us, not for what He can do for us, but just because He loves us and wants us to love Him because He is our God. God is not our personal genie (I said the same thing in a previous post long ago.) There is no magic bottle that we can rub and summon the Lord God. He is always there, right beside us, listening to us and waiting for us to come into a right relationship with Him, one of respect and genuine amazement at who He is, yet He still notices us and all the little details of our lives. Our God is truly an awesome God!

Our God Is An Awesome God-Michael W. Smith

Bless the Lord

On By vickleaIn praise, Scripture, Video1 Comment

Think about what it means to bless the Lord at ALL times. When we are on the mountaintop looking down at all of our past troubles, I think it’s easier for us to bless the Lord. What about when we are in the middle of the valley experience and the top of the mountain seems far away or even unattainable? Do we still bless the Lord then? Are we still praising Him when we walk through the dark forest of our lives, not knowing where our next step might lead but aware of danger or circumstances beyond our control all around us? Note that this verse starts with a choice…I will. We choose to bless God at all times, to never let praise be far from us. With the praise of God continually coming from our lips, the situations we face won’t seem so daunting or scary. We know He is right there with us, in that valley and those dark woods.

I wish I could say that I have arrived at the place where I always make the right choice to praise God in spite of circumstances. But, that wouldn’t be true. I am a work in progress and sometimes the Spirit has to remind me to stop whining and to praise. That’s where the joy is found…right where God is. The Bible consistently exhorts God’s people to praise. So, if you need God right where you are, choose to praise.

I Will Bless The Lord-Josue Avila

Have a blessed Sunday…go to church and worship and bless His Holy Name!

Worship, A Glimpse of Heaven

On By vickleaIn praise, Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/49366/day/2

During the isolation period of the pandemic, I missed going to church. I missed the sermons, the friends there and the atmosphere of being in the place I should be. What I missed most was the corporate worship…all of us there for the purpose of giving thanks to God and praising Him for who He is and what He has done. I missed church yesterday because our church was having an outdoor service that is hard for me to attend due to health issues. So, my husband and I watched the livestream from home. The sermon was great! Seeing all of the people was nice, too. I enjoyed the worship service and even sang along to some of the songs. But it just wasn’t the same as being there. I encourage you to find a church home and to enjoy the fellowship of believers just like you. It truly is a small taste of Heaven on earth!

Be Rooted in Faith: Choose Praise

On By vickleaIn praise, Scripture, YouVersion App3 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/49366/day/1

Some days it’s harder to praise than others, but I choose to praise God every day. Not because I am feeling like everything is great. No…because He is worthy, every day! God doesn’t change just because my circumstances do. He is still the same, reaching out to me, comforting me and helping me to see things from His perspective. Choose praise…it will make a big difference in how your day goes!