Good Friends Talk Faith, Inspiration, and Life Verses

I didn’t choose my life verse.

It chose me.

And then a few years later, it chose Rev too.

Psalm 73:26 literally jumped off the page as I sat reading my Bible with a crumpled and defeated heart. Physically I was fine but emotionally I was wrecked. Then just a couple of years later, Rev’s physical heart was failing and we claimed this verse for him as well.

Whatever happens, God is our strength. The NLT says it this way…

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.

You and I can do “all things” through the One who gives strength.

I asked some friends to share their life verse and tell us why they claim those words as their own. I’ve been so blessed by their verses and their words. I know you will be too…

Good Friends Talk Faith, Inspiration, and Life Verses

Mary Dolan Flaherty @ SonRise Insights

I lived much of my life with a negative outlook and mindset. Today, I’m more aware of how I choose to look at and deal with situations, people, and life in general. It’s not enough to have a positive outlook. I need to have a Biblical view as well, or I won’t have complete and true peace. When I’m faced with a difficult decision to make or I’m tempted to sin or I am filled with self-doubt, I take a moment and ask myself, “Is this true? Is it noble (ethical, virtuous, moral)? Is it right? Pure? Lovely? Admirable? Praiseworthy or excellent?

When I focus upward instead of inward, my answer will come. And when I feel the peace of God from the God of peace (v7,v9) I know that even though I may be a long way from the way I’d like to be, I’ve come a long way from who I once was.

Alison Tiemeyer @ Bold Living Rooted in Grace

“This verse reminds me to do good constantly, to love others fully, to be present daily. There have been many times that I just wanted to give up as a blogger, a friend, a wife, and a Christian. But it’s not really about me or what I’m feeling. There is a future glory waiting, and that is why I can love well, live well, and be bold in how I share the gospel. The key is to never give up and to keep pressing into Jesus.”

Nicki Schroeder @ Showered in Grace

Life is filled with so many unfulfilled desires and dreams. In my world, this includes a very long, painful struggle with infertility. But the reality is, infertility or not, we all have struggles. We all need a Savior. And at the end of the day, it’s really just a matter of whether we can hold tight to the truth that God will use every struggle, every mess, every sadness, for His glory and His purposes. Even if we may not see it this side of heaven.

Melanie Redd @ Ministry of Hope

“No matter how long you have to wait or what you are waiting for… Waiting is hard! In the waiting, we can sometimes lose heart. Even King David had moments of discouragement as he had to wait. But, his hope never faltered in his God. We, too, can completely put our hope in our Father God. He will care for us. He will provide for us. He will strengthen our hearts. Waiting on Him is never in vain. Eventually, we will see His goodness right where we are living.”

Marva Smith @ Sun Sparkle Shine

Jer 29:11 gives me such hope. No matter what life takes us through we can take heart in knowing that God’s plans for us are good. When I look back on my life it is so clear that God had a good plan for me every step of the way, and His faithfulness in the past gives me hope for the beautiful future He has in store for me. Because I’ve seen this verse at work in my life, I can confidently share this hope with others.

Julie Moore @ The Hallway Initiative

“These were my life verses in college. Having led a fairly simple life up to that time, I found it easy to rejoice and give thanks (and sadly, I hadn’t yet learned to relate to others who were suffering). Years later, after my family and I had gone through several hardships, choosing joy became much, much harder. But when I keep in mind that this is the Lord’s will for me, He enables me to rejoice even when life is difficult.”

Valerie Murray @ Cord of 6

I tend to be a worrier. I love this verse because it reminds me that I can turn my worries into prayers and in return, the Lord will calm my anxious mind with His peace no matter what the situation. I’m always amazed at the peace He gives me because it truly is beyond my own understanding and capability. His peace gives me the assurance of His presence in my life and His love for me.

Dawn Klinge @ Above the Waves

Proverbs 3:5-6 became my life verse after I lost a baby to a miscarriage. It was a time of intense questioning and trying to figure out why bad things happen. I was listening to the radio in the car and song with the lyrics, “God is God, and I am not” came on one day. It was a song I had heard many times, but that truth sunk deep into my heart in a way that I hadn’t understood before, and I began to heal from the pain of my loss. This verse from Proverbs seemed to summarize that truth to me and it has remained very important to me.

SandraJ @ This Day God’s Way

I read this verse about 20 years ago and ‘just knew’ it was my life verse. It was as if a huge “Yes!” spoke to my heart. Little did I know the ‘why’ behind the verse. Later when unexplainable health issues hit me, I began to live the verse, trusting that, truly, “His paths are beyond tracing”

Horace Williams Jr. @ Pleasing to the Potter

When I was a child, I had to read my bible before coming downstairs for breakfast. I chose these two verses because they were a quick passage. It was not until a few years ago after I recommitted my life to Christ, that I realized that God wants me to trust Him in every situation no matter what. He is the only one who can see the big picture of my life. When I acknowledge Him in everything, He will guide me and grant me the wisdom I seek.

Lyli Dunbar @ 3-D Lessons for Life

Following after Christ is like running a marathon in the middle of a war zone. I must maintain a solider’s mentality and resolve to stay alert, to persevere, and to faithfully follow the path God has laid out or me. I want to finish strong and make my God proud.

Lauren Gaskill @ Lauren Gaskill Inspires

I love the idea of wearing love and faithfulness around my neck and writing them on my heart. Because without love and faith, what really matters in the end? All that we do must be done with love and in faith.

Lori Schumaker @ Moments of Hope

It is so difficult to choose just one verse, but when I became a Mom almost 15 years ago, Numbers 6:24-26 became one that settled deep in my heart. Each night, as I’d go kiss my precious sleeping babies, I’d pray over them and speak these words over their lives. And to this day, I still do it!

A huge thank you to my friends for inspiring and encouraging me
with faith, hope, and love.

Please take a moment to click over and visit their sites.
They will bless you!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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50 Ways to Show Gratitude to the People in Your Life

11 / 16 / 1611 / 10 / 17

I wasn’t feeling very thankful.

In my defense, I was pregnant and raging hormones were affecting my thinking. It seems silly in retrospect, but there I stood in the closet grumbling to myself as I moved Rev’s suits and dress pants from wire hangers back to suit hangers.

Kind of funny considering all the parenting tasks that were coming but…

That day, all I could think about was having to do something I’d reminded him about before. Everyone knows a suit loses its shape and wrinkles if it’s not on the right hanger.

And in the midst of my grumbling, I heard the Lord’s still quiet voice whisper…

“Would you prefer he wasn’t here?”

Wait! What?

NO!

God had blessed me with an amazing man. I had so many reasons to just be thankful and those six words have stayed with me forever. God’s gentle reminder . . . I could celebrate who Rev is and all the blessings he brings to my life or I can grumble about little things like hangers. I could build him up or tear him down. My choice.

Showing Gratitude is a Choice

You and I have a choice to make every day. We can focus on ourselves and grumble when the people around us aren’t meeting our expectations or we can focus on ways we are blessed through that person and show them gratitude.

I’ve compiled a list of 50 ways to show gratitude to your family, in your community, and around the world. With a few ways to thank God Himself. He placed you where you are for a reason and a wonderful way to thank Him is to live with gratitude right where you are.

One of my favorite gratitude quotes…

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” ~Henri Frederic Amiel

So let’s get started.

50 Ways to Show Gratitude to the People in Your Life

Show Gratitude at Home

Make a Gratitude Jar or Board – Name specific things that have happened or that someone has done for you.
Have a “Do Something for Someone Challenge” – It doesn’t have to be a big deal. Just encourage everyone to look for ways to do something nice each day without being asked.
Write a note to a family member telling them why you’re thankful for them.
Go around the table at dinner and list ways your family blessed you that day.
Say “Thank You” – Have fun with it. Make up a “thank you” song to sing to each other that’s unique to your family.
Do little things you know will make them happy.
Take time to listen to understand not just reply.
Be patient even in this crazy busy holiday season.
Forgive each other.
Take an interest in a family member’s hobby or passion.
Make saying “thank you” a priority before a gift can be used. Send a snail mail note or make a video and email it to the gift giver.
Enjoy a date night with your spouse each week.
Have one on one time with each child at least once a month.
Laugh together often.
Pray for family members at home and away.
Talk about what they learned from a bad situation and how they might be thankful for it.
Make a small handmade gift or card.
When you’re angry – stop and breathe before you speak.
Make home a no insult zone – even in humor.
Compliment more than you complain.

Show Gratitude in Your Community

Thank a friend for being there for you.
Donate unused clothes, food, toys, and household items to help those in need.
Serve at a shelter or senior center.
Carry $5 in your pocket to give to someone in need.
Let your children see you show gratitude to those who help you. – Servers, trash collectors, checkers, receptionists, etc.
Take a prayer walk in your neighborhood.
Give blood.
Teach a skill, language, or hobby at your community center.
Help a neighbor – babysit, cut the grass, shovel the walk, cook a meal, etc.
Invite someone to join your holiday celebration. – I have a friend who does this and says an added benefit is it puts everyone on their best behavior.
Help your children write a thank you note to babysitters, teachers, and pastors and pray for them.
Smile at strangers -“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” ~Mother Teresa

Show Gratitude Around the World

Sponsor a child through World Vision or Compassion Int.
Pack a Shoe Box for Operation Christmas Child.
Write a thank you note to a someone serving in the military – get ideas here.
Pray for those serving in missions.
Help a missionary with financial support.
Join Samaritan’s Purse Prayer Network.
Recycle and conserve energy . . . take care of the earth.
Go on a mission trip.

Show Gratitude to God

Make a list of family blessings and thank God together.
Read a Psalm and give thanks.
Live today – let go of the past and don’t worry about tomorrow.
Love and serve the people in your life.
Find 10 more ways to thank God here.

Show Gratitude Everywhere . . . Always

Always be honest and kind.
Be complimentary and encouraging.
Offer grace – don’t expect perfection.
Notice people – make eye contact.
Look for the best in people.

Just for Fun

♥ Look at someone and say, “You bless me!

I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:4

Finally…

Another reason to count our blessings and live with gratitude.

If the World were 100 People

If we looked at the earth’s population as if it were a small community of 100 people, it would look something like this…

Gender

48 male
52 female

RELIGION:

30 are Christian
70 are non-Christian

FOOD:

30 would always have enough to eat
50 would be malnourished
20 would be undernourished (1 would be dying of starvation)

FREEDOMS:

60 can’t speak, act according to their faith and conscience due to harassment, imprisonment, torture or death
40 live in a country designated as “free”
12 live in a war zone

EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY:

12 are unable to read
7 have a college degree
45 own a computer
40 have an internet connection

LIVING STANDARDS

33 live without basic sanitation
10 have no clean, safe water to drink

If you keep your food in a refrigerator and your clothes in a closet…
If you have a bed to sleep in and have a roof over your head…
If you have people who care about you…

You are abundantly blessed. I am too! May we faithfully thank and praise God by showing our gratitude and love to Him and the people He’s placed around us.

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12+ Things to be Thankful for When Life Hurts

11 / 14 / 169 / 26 / 20

You and I can be thankful "whatever happens." Not thankful for "whatever" but thankful for countless other blessings in the midst of "whatever."

Pray continually,and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NCV)

Really?

Whatever happens?

When I was curled up in the fetal position broken and feeling like I’d never feel happy again giving thanks was not a priority.

Slowly, I began finding reasons to be thankful . . . not for my circumstances but for my blessings. And I believe that’s how you and I can be thankful “whatever happens.” Not thankful for “whatever” but thankful for countless other blessings in the midst of “whatever.”

So, I want to share my list of things to be thankful for when life hurts with you!

12+ Things to be Thankful for When Life Hurts

1. Be Thankful for People

Whatever happens – there are people in your life who care about you. God put them around you because He loves you. Even the annoying ones are there to teach you something. And if you’re feeling lonely today. Look around. You are not alone. Reach out. Ask for help. Let God use people to bless you.

We have so much joy before our God because of you. We cannot thank him enough for all the joy we feel. 1 Thessalonians 3:9

2. Be Thankful for Provision

You have a roof over your head. You have food to eat and clothes to wear. You drink clean water. No, you may not have every want realized but I’m guessing, like me, you have more than you really need. Stop looking at what isn’t today and thank Him for what is.

My God will use His wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need.Glory to our God and Father forever and ever! Amen. Philippians 4:19–20

3. Be Thankful for Possibility

This moment is not the end. God is at work in you and in your circumstances. Keep an eternal perspective and thank God for being greater than your whatever.

Jesus looked at them and said, “For people this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

4. Be Thankful for Prayer

Prayer is an amazing gift. The God of the universe loves listening to your prayers. Take your whatever circumstances to Him and thank Him for the blessing of prayer.

When you pray, you should go into your room and close the door and pray to your Father who cannot be seen. Your Father can see what is done in secret, and he will reward you. Matthew 6:6

5. Be Thankful for Pardon

You don’t have to make amends or earn your forgiveness. By God’s grace, through Jesus, you and I can just tell God we’re sorry and ask Him to forgive and help us change and . . . we are forgiven. Wow!

But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9

6. Be Thankful for Patience

God is able to give you the patience you need to endure in any situation. Not by your strength but by the power of His Spirit you have all you need to live today.

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. Colossians 1:9

7. Be Thankful for Peace

God is able to give peace when life is in turmoil. Peace when peace seems impossible. Just ask Him to help you focus on Him and not on your whatever.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3

8. Be Thankful for Perseverance

God will give you the strength you need today and He will give you enough strength when tomorrow arrives. One day at a time, you can have all you need to persevere.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. Romans 5:3–4

9. Be Thankful for His Plan

You are here at God’s pleasure. He has a plan for you. A plan based on His love. You and I can be thankful for the hope we can find in that truth.

O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. Psalm 40:5

10. Be Thankful for His Power

God is in control. When your life is out of control you can trust the power of the One who created the world, raised Jesus from the dead, and holds you safely in His hand.

“O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! Great and powerful God, your name is the Lord All-Powerful.” Jeremiah 32:17,18b

11. Be Thankful for His Presence

God is with you whether it feels like it or not. He has given you the Holy Spirit who faithfully reminds you . . . God loves you and wants you to find your hope in His eternal promises.

For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. Romans 5:5

12. Be Thankful for His Promises

Not one of God’s promises is too good to be true. You can trust Him. He has kept every promise in the past and He will continue to keep His promises into the future.

Know then that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God. He keeps His promise and shows His loving-kindness to those who love Him and keep His Laws, even to a thousand family groups in the future. Deuteronomy 7:9

Bonus. Be Thankful – You are Precious to Him

He loves you! He calls you precious. The God of the universe knows everything about you and delights in you.

He will rescue the poor when they cry to Him; He will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them. Psalm 72:12–13

Jesus’ words are true. “In this world you will have trouble.”

He also says, “But take heart, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

When “whatever” happens and it’s hard to give thanks. Join me and read through this list. You and I have so many incredible eternal blessings that have the power to give hope and encouragement and reasons to give thanks.

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25 Quotes That Will Inspire You To Be Thankful

11 / 11 / 167 / 29 / 20

Do you ever need a little extra inspiration to jumpstart feelings of thankfulness?

I do.

Some days are just hard and as I look around it’s hard to feel thankful in the midst of so much chaos and confusion.

But there is always a reason to be thankful. Always.

God is great. He is on the throne. He forgives and gives. If He did nothing else . . . nothing else besides giving Jesus as Savior, that would be enough to be forever thankful.

If you’re having one of those days when your problems loom larger than your blessings stop for a minute and read through the following quotes and be inspired.

25 Quotes That Will Inspire You To Be Thankful

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Psalm 105:1

Be Thankful – Defeat Entitlement and Discontent

“We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.” ~Harry Ironside

All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you. Psalm 145:10

“You can’t be grateful for something you feel entitled to.” ~Steven Furtick

Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

Be Thankful – See God in Everything

“We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts.” ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7

“This way of seeing our Father in everything makes life one long thanksgiving and gives a rest of heart, and, more than that, a gayety of spirit, that is unspeakable.” ~Hannah Whitall Smith

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Be Thankful – Trust God

O Lord, I am your servant; yes, I am your servant, born into your household; you have freed me from my chains.I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord. Psalm 116:16–17

“A thankful heart is one of the primary identifying characteristics of a believer. It stands in stark contrast to pride, selfishness, and worry. And it helps fortify the believer’s trust in the Lord and reliance of His provision, even in the toughest times. No matter how choppy the seas become, a believer’s heart is buoyed by constant praise and gratefulness to the Lord.” ~John MacArthur

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:57–58

Gratitude has a big job to do in us and our hearts. It is one of the chief ways that God infuses joy and resilience into the daily struggle of life.” ~Nancy Leigh DeMoss

So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son. Ephesians 1:6

Be Thankful – Make Today Better

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity….It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ~Melody Beattie

In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise His name! Tell the nations what He has done. Let them know how mighty He is! Isaiah 12:4

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” ~Denis Waitley

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

“A grateful heart is one that finds the countless blessings of God in the seemingly mundane everyday life.” ~Anonymous

Be Thankful – God Meets Every Need

“The more we understand God’s sovereignty, the more our prayers will be filled with thanksgiving.” ~R.C.Sproul

Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7

“{The soul} must forget about {understanding}, and abandon itself into the arms of love, and His Majesty will teach it what to do next; almost its whole work is to realize its unworthiness to receive such great good and to occupy itself in thanksgiving.” ~Mother Teresa

Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting! And all the people shouted “Amen!” and praised the Lord. 1 Chronicles 16:36

“The optimist says, the cup is half full. The pessimist says, the cup is half empty. The child of God says; My cup runneth over.” ~Anonymous

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. 1 Chronicles 16:8

Be Thankful – Forever and Always

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Revelations 7:12

The Bible tells us to “capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

So, take those negative bad day thoughts and replace them with something that will remind you:

You belong to the King of kings.
He loves you.
He is in control.
Nothing is beyond His ability.
Your future is secure.

That’s reason enough to be thankful.

Did you have a favorite quote? Did I miss your favorite thanksgiving quote? I’d love it if you would add it in the comments.

My favorite is – “A grateful heart is one that finds the countless blessings of God in the seemingly mundane everyday life.” ~Anonymous

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

10 of the Best Ways to Thank God

11 / 9 / 1611 / 7 / 16

You and I know God wants us to thank and praise Him but I sometimes wonder if I’m thanking Him the ways He wants.

I start my prayers with thank you and praise Him for who He is and what He does but are words enough.

David wrote:

Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. Psalm 50:14

Honestly, words don’t feel like much of a sacrifice. I can say “thank you” so easily and then just as easily go back to living in ways that don’t seem very thankful.

What does thankful living look like? Thankfulness that is sacrificial? Thankfulness that is God’s will and pleases Him.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:20

How are you with the “all circumstances” part? Not so good? Yeah, me too.

I wonder (you know I do that a lot) . . . maybe there are ways to thank God that go beyond simply speaking words. Ways to live with gratitude even when I don’t feel thankful for my circumstances.

10 of the Best Ways to Thank God

Obey Him.

If you add together the verses with the word “obey” and those reminding us to “listen” it’s close to a thousand. Faith leads to obedience as we thank God for the amazing gift of life in Jesus.

Everything you do or say should be done to obey Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus. Colossians 3:17

Worship Him.

Remember worship is…

Taking your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. (Romans 12:1)

We were made to worship – to thank and praise God, the One who loves us and gives us all we need for today and for always.

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12:28

Thank Him with music.

Make music. Sing praise. Music gives our thanks and praise emotion. So, make that “joyful noise” at home, in the car, at church . . . anywhere. Turn up the tunes and give thanks.

And each morning and evening they stood before the Lord to sing songs of thanks and praise to Him. 1 Chronicles 23:30

Pray to Him.

You pray and begin your prayers with words of thanks and praise. But let’s go beyond “thank you for all You do for me.” Let’s be specific. Naming God’s past provision and help not only thanks Him it can help prevent worry and fear.

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. Philippians 4:6

Love and Care for Others.

This is stewardship. Using what God has given us to bless others. God’s love is unfailing. His care is personal. You and I have all we need to love and care for the people around us.

Each of you has received a gift to use to serve others. Be good servants of God’s various gifts of grace. Anyone who speaks should speak words from God. Anyone who serves should serve with the strength God gives so that in everything God will be praised through Jesus Christ. Power and glory belong to him forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10–11

Surrender Everything to Him.

It’s hard to offer everything, isn’t it? It needs an eternal perspective and I so easily get caught up in what’s right in front of my face. Trusting God and surrendering everything to Him . . . that’s thanksgiving with faith.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Romans 12:1

Tell People about Who He Is and What He Does.

Tell your story. You’re a changed life, tell people about it. Tell them about forgiveness and freedom from fear . . . about love, hope, and joy. Thank God by telling others about His awesome blessings.

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. Psalm 9:1

Trust His Will.

Trust is reliance and confident expectation. Thank God for past blessings by trusting Him with your future. Follow where He leads. He has a plan and that plan includes you. Trust His love and follow where He leads.

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

Be Joyful.

Joy is contentment and satisfaction. Finding joy in God says that He is enough, that you and I are content and satisfied in Him.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Philippians 4:4,6

Make Everything You Do and Say an Offering of Thankfulness.

God loves you. His goodness and mercy cover you. Pay attention. Count your blessings. Live with gratitude. Make your life an offering of thanks in response to all God has done for you.

May you be filled with joy,always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people, who live in the light.For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son,who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:11–14

Oh, how I wish I didn’t get so caught up in myself. Maybe you wish that too.

I want my life to show that my is heart full of thanks.

I want to join David and say…

I trust God’s love forever and ever. God, I will thank You forever for what You have done. With those who worship you, I will trust You because You are good. Psalm 52:8–9

And with God’s help I will.

Will you pray with me?

Father, Thank you for your countless blessings. Because of Jesus, Your grace and mercy cover me every day. Your love surrounds me. May my life be an offering of thanks for who You are and all You do. I love you, Lord. I trust You. Help me obey and follow wherever You lead. In Jesus name. O pray. Amen.

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Finding Reasons to Be Thankful in All Circumstances

11 / 7 / 1611 / 7 / 16

I’m not proud of this…

I’ve had too many times in my life when all I could focus on was the problem. Like the eight years we struggled with secondary infertility, or when Rev was so sick, or when I allowed a problem with a child to consume my thoughts. And if I sat here for a few more minutes I could probably make a list that would fill the page.

Times I let my problems and fear become greater than my trust in God.

And today, I feel like that’s what I’m seeing in our nation.

Tomorrow our nation is going to elect a president.

And honestly, I can hardly read through my social media feed at the moment. I have friends on both sides of the aisle and they are fired up and afraid. It’s interesting to me how frightened so many seem to be at the thought of the other side “winning.”

“What if” seems to be the prevailing attitude.

We’re allowing fear and divisiveness to run rampant and we’re forgetting we have so much to be thankful for in this country.

You and I can be the change. We can start a revolution.

A Gratitude Revolution

We can be thankful for what we have and stop worrying about what we might not.

7 Things to be Thankful for About America and the Election

1. We Live in a Free Country.

All we have to do is look around the world to know what an amazing blessing it is to be an American citizen. So many have sacrificed themselves for our freedom. Thank God and thank those in service.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Thomas Jefferson

2. We are Free to Believe What We Want.

Look around. Notice all the different views, opinions, and beliefs shared on social media. Look at all the different churches, organizations, and groups. Celebrate that freedom, it’s a blessing.

“A free people, free to believe as we wish, free to speak our minds, free to raise our children as we see fit, will make no mistake about it, endure.” ~Nick Rahall

3. We Can Share Our Beliefs.

I hear people complaining about the limiting of the Christian voice and although I understand what they are saying . . . I still write a faith-sharing blog and openly talk about what I believe without fear.

It is possible we should do a better job of self-controlling the ways we communicate what we believe but what a blessing to be able to speak freely without fear.

“When we share our stories, what it does is, it opens up our hearts for other people to share their stories. And it gives us the sense that we are not alone on this journey.” ~Janine Shepherd

4. We Can Openly Practice Our Beliefs.

You and I are free to gather with other people who share our beliefs without fear of retribution from our government and we can live each day with applying those beliefs to everything we do.

“If what you believe doesn’t affect how you live, then it isn’t very important.” ~ Dick Nogleberg

5. We Can Exercise Those Beliefs by Voting.

Put your beliefs into practice tomorrow by voting. Pray. Don’t allow fear to guide you but know what each candidate stands for by reading their platform. Make an informed decision, not an emotional one. Celebrate the fact that you live in a country where you are free to cast your ballot.

“Democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” ~Winston Churchill

6. God is on the Throne.

God is sovereign today and He will still be sovereign the day after tomorrow even if the candidate you’re choosing is not on their way to the White House. Set your focus on Him and refuse to join in divisive dialogue.

From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit^[a] of God. Revelation 4:5

7. God Will Use the Outcome for His Plans and Purposes.

The outcome of the election may surprise you but it will not surprise God. He knows the beginning from the end and He will use whatever He allows and accomplish His will.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

Jesus promised we would have problems. Life will not always go the way we want it to go. You and I have to decide whether we trust God to be greater than our circumstances. Whether we believe He is able to use our circumstances and work something good out of them that will bring Him glory.

Have you read through the Old Testament lately?

In 1st and 2nd Kings there were 8 good kings and 11 bad kings. God used King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to accomplish His purposes. (Read the first eight chapters of Daniel.) God used the pagan King Cyrus, of Persia, to accomplish His plans for His people. (Read Isaiah 45)

God used King Herod to call a census to fulfill the promise of the Savior born in Bethlehem. And He used ungodly leaders to drive His people to their knees in prayer and to spread Christianity throughout the world.

I’m not promising the days ahead will be pleasant or easy, and I know we prefer pleasant and easy. I’m promising God will use this to accomplish His kingdom purposes.

I’ll be honest, I haven’t always believed . . . like the years when I failed to see His power at work in and through our problems.

And I was wrong!

God was always at work and wow, am I thankful for His patience and forgiveness.

I promise God’s power will never fail. Even when we can’t see it or don’t understand . . . God is in control.

What you can do!

Vote in faith without fear.

Pray for the president-elect to turn to God.
Pray for our nation to turn to God.
Stop listening to those wringing their hands and refuse to join them.
Shine His light – speak more about God and His glory than you do the election.
Ask God to show you how He is working in the world.
Look for ways to help in your community and support ministries that do the same.

Stop listening to the enemy who wants to incite fear.

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. John 10:10–11

Trust God. Build your life on Him.

Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7

And be thankful – God’s got this.

Always be joyful.Never stop praying.Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

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and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

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10 Wonderful Reasons Gratitude is Good for You

11 / 4 / 1611 / 6 / 16

Do you want to know something funny?

If you wanted, you could almost make gratitude a priority for purely selfish reasons.

Seriously, it’s that good for you!

10 Wonderful Reasons Gratitude is Good for You

Gratitude will make you happier.

You choose . . . appreciative or dissatisfied. I know which one can tank my mood in a heartbeat.

“Feeling and expressing gratitude turns our mental focus to the positive, which compensates for our brains’ natural tendency to focus on threats, worries, and negative aspects of life.” ~Psychology Today

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.” ~Denis Waitley

Gratitude will help you enjoy better relationships.

People enjoy the company of happy grateful people. Think about it. Who would prefer to spend your time with . . . someone who is happy and thankful or someone who grumbles and complains.

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” ~Albert Schweitzer

Gratitude will help you succeed at work.

People work harder if their efforts are appreciated and bosses are more likely to encourage employees who acknowledge their positive leadership.

“When we become more fully aware that our success is due in large measure to the loyalty, helpfulness, and encouragement we have received from others, our desire grows to pass on similar gifts. Gratitude spurs us on to prove ourselves worthy of what others have done for us. The spirit of gratitude is a powerful energizer.” ~Wilferd A. Peterson

Gratitude will make you more optimistic and hopeful.

People who are thankful have a better attitude about the future. As they enjoy and appreciate what they have, grateful people tend to worry less and look at life through a positive lens.

“Real life isn’t always going to be perfect or go our way, but the recurring acknowledgment of what is working in our lives can help us not only to survive but surmount our difficulties.” ~Sarah Ban Breathnach

Gratitude will increase your empathy and a willingness to help.

People who are thankful for what they tend to notice those who are less fortunate and are more inclined to offer help.

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” –Henri Frederic Amiel

Gratitude will make you more satisfied.

When you are thankful for what you have you end up being less concerned about what you don’t have.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ~Melody Beattie

Gratitude will make you more resilient.

Grateful people get over setbacks and disappointments more quickly than those who are unappreciative.

“Just an observation: it is impossible to be both grateful and depressed. Those with a grateful mindset tend to see the message in the mess. And even though life may knock them down, the grateful find reasons, if even small ones, to get up.” ~Steve Maraboli

Gratitude will lower your stress levels and make you less anxious.

Thankful people worry less. Celebrating what is going well in life helps them think less about the things that could potentially go wrong.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7

Gratitude will help you forgive.

People who are thankful for and celebrate God’s gift of forgiveness, let go of the past and learn from it, forgive others more easily, and have the strength to move on.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Gratitude will make you more attractive.

Thankful people smile more. Enough said!

“Gratitude paints little smiley faces on everything it touches.” ~Richelle E. Goodrich

10 wonderful reasons to be grateful.

So, what are you waiting for?

Thank God..

for His love.
for His grace and mercy.
for His faithful forgiveness.
for His provision.
for peace, hope, joy, patience, strength, and…

Thank your spouse…

for the little things they do.
for their love.
for their forgiveness.
for making you laugh.
for the blessings they bring to your family.

Thank you children…

for helping.
for being kind.
for making good choices.
for making you laugh.
for being a blessing to your family.

Thank your friends, your boss, your neighbors, and yes, even the stranger who helps you. You’ll be surprised at how much gratitude will bless you.

Here are a few simple ways to say “thank you.”

I appreciate your help.
I love the way you do that.
Thank you, that really made me happy.
Thank you for being there when I needed you.
That was wonderful. Thank you.
That was amazing. You bless me.

Okay, now it’s your turn…

What’s your favorite way to say “thank you?”

When has saying “thank you” been a huge blessing?

What’s your best reason for saying “Thank you?”

Now take a few minutes and before you show your gratitude to anyone else, tell God just how thankful you are for who He is and all He does.

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

Now it’s time for…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

[Tweet “I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! “]

Deb Wolf
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I’m excited to share the following posts with you this week.

One Thing You Can’t Ignore When Overcoming Shame

by Lori Schumaker

@ Searching for Moments

and

Who God Says You Are!

by Crystal Twaddell

@ Cultivating a Life of Intention and a Legacy of Hope

Thank you, Lori and Crystal, for partying with us!

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab the Button or link back to CMB.

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May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

Never Miss an Update

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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How to Change Your Life 7 Blessings a Day

11 / 2 / 163 / 17 / 19

It's time to make the expression of gratitude part of every day. Join me and take the gratitude challenge—count 7 blessings a day the rest of the year. #GratitudeJournal #Faith #CountYourBlessings

I sometimes wonder what more can be written about gratitude. Countless articles have been written about the ways gratitude can improve your health, bless your relationships, and turn the average day into a celebration.

And yet…

We’re still not very good at it, are we?

We don’t consistently express our gratitude to God or the people around us.

Even though we know grateful people are more satisfied, have stronger relationships, and are generally happier.

Don’t you want that for your children? For yourself?

It’s time to make the expression of gratitude part of every day. So, I’m inviting you to join me in taking a gratitude challenge for the rest of the year because really, why should this end with Thanksgiving day? We’re going to start by counting our blessings.

7 Blessings a Day – Gratitude Journal

Let’s grab our journals and list 7 blessings for which we’re grateful each day.

Better yet, let’s make it a family project and have everyone share one or two blessings to add to the list. Won’t it be fun to read through our blessings journal on New Year’s Eve?

And if you’re wondering how to begin…

Here are some questions and quotes to help.

1. Who was nice to you today?

Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind. ~Henry James

2. What did you enjoy doing today?

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 6:9

3. Who helped you today?

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

4. Who did you help?

“There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.” ~Mandy Hale

5. What is the best thing that happened today?

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8

6. What simple thing made today a good day?

Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Each day proclaim the good news that He saves. 1 Chronicles 16:23

7. What did you learn today?

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ~Dr. Seuss

8. Who made you smile today? What did they do?

“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” ~Mother Teresa

9. What did you learn from a bad experience?

“People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. That is how character is built.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt.

10. How did technology make your life easier?

“Technology is anything invented after you were born.” ~Alan Kay

11. Who made you feel important today?

7 Effective Ways to Make Others Feel Important

1. Use their name.
2. Express sincere gratitude.
3. Do more listening than talking.
4. Talk more about them than about you.
5. Be authentically interested.
6. Be sincere in your praise.
7. Show you care. ~Roy T. Bennett

12. Who or what made you happy today?

“Those who are ‘beloved of the Lord’ must be the most happy and joyful people to be found anywhere upon the face of the earth.” ~Charles Spurgeon

13. What was your favorite taste, smell, touch, sight, or sound from the day?

Ears to hear and eyes to see—both are gifts from the Lord. Proverbs 20:12

14. What do you like about your neighborhood?

“When I am with a group of human beings committed to hanging in there through both the agony and the joy of community, I have a dim sense that I am participating in a phenomenon for which there is only one word….’glory.'” M. Scott Peck

15. Who forgave you? Who did you forgive?

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9

16. What did you do today you couldn’t do yesterday?

“Try, try, and try again. Never stop trying.” ~Lailah Gifty Akita

17. Who thanked you today? How did it make you feel?

“Feeling gratitude, and not expressing it, is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” ~William Arthur Ward

18. Who loves you? Who do you love?

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proudor rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

19. Where did you see God at work today?

“Will God ever ask you to do something you are not able to do? The answer is yes–all the time! It must be that way, for God’s glory and kingdom. If we function according to our ability alone, we get the glory; if we function according to the power of the Spirit within us, God gets the glory. He wants to reveal Himself to a watching world.” ~Henry Blackaby

20. What are you most thankful for today?

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Like worship, gratitude is not something you and I do occasionally. Gratitude. Thanksgiving is an attitude. It’s an offering given in response to all God has given us.

So, we’ll make a list of blessings and one more thing…

Stop and intentionally say thank you to someone every day. Send a note, card, or email. Make a phone call. Bake a batch of cookies. Be appreciative. I promise it will bless you more than you know.

That’s it!

A 7 Blessings Gratitude Journal and a Thank You!

You can do this. I can do it! And I believe it will change our lives and lives of those around us.

Let’s keep in touch. Tell me what you’re listing in your journal and how you’re saying “thank you.” We are stronger when we stand together; so, let’s cheer each other on.

Tell us the blessings you’re counting and how you’re saying thank you! Stay tuned. I’ll be sharing my blessings and thank yous throughout the month.

My favorite blessing today is a husband who makes me laugh every day. I think I’ll make his favorite dinner as a thank you.

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

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The Truth – There is More to Worship than You Think

10 / 28 / 1610 / 26 / 16

When I started my month-long study of worship, I wanted to know the what, why, when, and who of worship. Not why people gather together in churches on weekends or their preferred style of music but why you and I worship, what does worship look like in a believer’s life, and when followers of Jesus worship.

So, here’s a recap of all I learned this month…

Truth You Want to Know about Worship

The 1828 version of the Webster’s Dictionary defined worship as…

1. To adore; to pay divine honors to; to reverence with supreme respect and veneration.

2. To respect; to honor; to treat with civil reverence.

3. To honor with extravagant love and extreme submission.

My favorite…

Extravagant love and extreme submission…

Given to the One who alone is worthy of worship.

25 Promises – God is Worthy of All Worship

The “I AM.”
The One who insists He alone is worthy of worship and praise.

The One who is…

What promise gives you the most peace and joy?

Everyone wants joy but how do we get it.

How to Have More Joy – Make Obedience Worship

Every law and command from God comes from a heart of love.

Obedience is not a way to earn God’s love and favor. God has already given us His love and favor. Obedience is the worshipful loving response to everything He has already given.

So, I’m trying to change my thinking.
I don’t want to think of obedience as following God’s list of rules.
Going forward I want to think of obedience worship.

Why do you think it’s so hard to make obedience worship?

The world is full of things that compete for our worship.
So, I made a list of questions to help me know what I really worship.

You Need to Know What You Really Worship

The marketer’s goal is to make you and me believe we can and should have it all and there’s still a little wanting to be “like God” that has us giving adoration, honor, and extravagant love to “idols.”

A few things of the things I’m asking myself…

What do I need to be happy and satisfied?
What do I need to feel validated and successful?
Where do I invest myself most?

I squirmed a little until I realized – the goal of asking those questions isn’t guilt,
it’s acknowledgment, repentance, and change.

Change made possible because of Jesus, the One who told us “true
worshipers will worship God in spirit and truth.”

How to Worship God in Spirit and Truth

Worshipping God in spirit and truth means to worship Him with both heart and head.
It and comes from both knowing God and loving Him.

But how? What can you and I do to both know and love God?
What does worshipping Him in spirit and truth look like?

I found 4 Biblical ways to worship God in spirit and truth.

What do you think…
Why is it important to worship in spirit and truth?

And then there’s church…

What Do You Need to Worship God Community

In all honesty, I had more questions than answers.

Questions like…

When is the last time we as a church body asked God how He wants us to worship Him?

I wonder, have we made worship about us . . . about our preferences. Have we turned our time together into performances for people more than praises for the King of Glory?

What do you think?

Do you know anyone who gives a celebrity or church leader too much influence in their lives?

12 Reasons You Need to Reject Celebrity Worship

When I started writing this post I didn’t think I had a problem with celebrity worship because I don’t have anyone I follow, model, or celebrate. But some of the questions convicted me. Ouch!

I realized I’m guilty! I’ve placed too much value on what’s unimportant . . . things like appearance and stuff. I’m influenced by culture. Just like you are.

What do you think makes celebrity worship so appealing?

So, if like me you need help worshipping God alone, here are…

7 Powerful Verses to Help You Worship God

God knows you and I are contrary. He knows we’re not going to do life “right.” No part of it—including worship. So, He’s given us what we need. Examples. Words of worship in the Scriptures. Promises to remember

He is faithful and worthy of all our worship.

What is your favorite verse to lift up in worship?

If you need ideas to help make worship a lifestyle…

12 Simple Ways to Worship God Every Day

The lifestyle part of worship is hard, isn’t it? So many things can get in the way. Busyness. Discouragement. Distractions. But maybe we make worship too complicated. It’s time to every part of our lives and offer them to God as a daily act of worship.

What part of your routine can you turn into worship?

Even when life is hard…

When Life Makes it Hard to Worship – “Thy Will Be Done”

This is what happens when God used a song to get my attention and reminded me of the blessing of worshipping Him in all circumstances. He reminded me . . . any trouble this world offers is only temporary. Jesus already won the victory and sharing it with you and me.

When have you chosen to worship God through surrender?

Possible because you trust God’s amazing love.

When You Need to Remember God Loves You

Worship is our response to who God is and what He does. God is love.
Everything God does comes from an outpouring of His love.

It’s true, He is righteous and just, holy and beyond our understanding but worship . . . worship is giving God all we are and all we have simply because He loves us.

What reminds you of God’s love and inspires you to worship Him?

Like every other month, I learned more than I expected. I knew worship was more than just going to church on Sunday, but I guess I’d never really thought about it being a lifestyle.

So, I’ll close with my favorite verse from the month, my prayer…

God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Romans 12:1–2 (MSG)

Now it’s time for…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

[Tweet “I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! “]

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

I’m excited to share the following posts with you this week.

Prepared by Jesus to be Poured Out a Blessing

by Horace Williams Jr.

@ Pleasing to the Potter

Thank you, Horace, for partying with us!

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab the Button or link back to CMB.

[inlinkz_linkup id=673074 mode=1]

May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

Never Miss an Update

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

When You Need to Remember – God Loves You

10 / 26 / 1610 / 24 / 16

Why do you worship God?

Seriously, stop for a minute and think about it . . . why do you worship God?

Do you worship Him because…

You were brought up that way?
The Bible tells says you should?
You like getting together with like-minded people?
It’s good for your children?
You don’t know it just seems like a good idea?

Something to think about, isn’t it?

There is a good answer. One that may even become a good reply to anyone who asks you why you’re a Christian or why you go to church.

I worship because God loves…

Worship is our response to who God is and what He does, and God is love. Everything God does comes from an outpouring of His love.

It’s true, He is righteous and just, holy and beyond our understanding but worship . . . worship is giving God all we are and all we have simply because He loves us.

[Tweet “When you and I worship we are giving God all we are and all we have simply because He loves us.”]

Do you remember the last verse of the hymn – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

That’s worship. Our response to God’s love.

You may not feel very lovable today. Maybe you’re discouraged, lonely, and hurting. Maybe life is just really hard right now and you’re having a hard time feeling the truth of just how very much your Father God loves you.

I want to remind you just how precious you are to the God of the universe. The One who is the beginning and the end. The One who needs nothing from you but still wants a relationship with you. Who wants to meet your every need now and eternally.

When You Need to Remember – God Loves You

1 John 4:8–10

God is love.

God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

God gave His one and only Son to suffer and die for your sins and mine.

Don’t you love the words? “God showed how much He loved us…”

Unimaginable sacrifice so you and I could be forgiven and spared an eternity of the punishment we deserve for our selfish disobedience. And we’ve done nothing to deserve it. Nothing.

But God chose to love anyway . . . because it’s who He is.

That’s love! Real love. God’s love.

Romans 8:37–39

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The enemy of your soul wants you to believe you are too guilty and your sins too great to be forgiven. But it is impossible for you to be separated from God’s love and forgiveness through Jesus. You are secure in His saving grace.

No power. Nothing the enemy can do. Absolutely nothing can make God stop loving you.

Ephesians 1:3–5

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.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.

God decided in advance to adopt you into His family through Jesus.

Did you read that? It gives Him great pleasure to call you are His child. He chose you . . . you were on His mind before the creation of the world and promises that every spiritual blessing you have in Christ Jesus will last forever.

Ephesians 3:17–19

I pray that Christ will live in your hearts by faith and that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is.Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fullness of God.

God’s love for you is total and complete.

I love the explanation of these verses in the Life Application Bible:

God’s love is wide—it covers the breadth of our own experience and reaches out to the whole world. It is long—it continues the length of our lives. It is high—rising to the heights of our celebration and elation. His love is deep—reaching to the depths of discouragement, despair, and even death.

That’s a reason to worship!

Psalm 136:2–3

Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love lasts forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love lasts forever.

God’s love for you is unchanging. It is faithful, true and lasting. His love does not depend on your performance nor will it end if you fail.

The love you and I crave is found in the heart of God . . . Father, Son, and Spirit.

And that my dear friends, is a reason to celebrate. It is why we worship God with surrendered lives.

The next time someone asks you, “Why do you worship God?”

You can answer, “I love God because God is love and He loves and cares for me. I’ve seen His love in Jesus and it has changed me. Worship is my response to God’s love.”

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When Life Makes it Hard to Worship – “Thy Will Be Done”

10 / 24 / 1610 / 23 / 16

I googled Why Should You Worship When You Don’t Feel Like it and wasn’t surprised to find millions of possibilities. What I did find interesting was that most of the things listed on the early pages had to do with not feeling like going to church.

And I get it. That’s an issue. But we’ve determined this month that worship is so much more than sitting in a row for an hour or so each week.

So, the question remains . . . why should you worship when you don’t feel like it? When life is hard. When you’re worried or heartbroken. When you’re disappointed. Let’s be honest here—when you feel like God has let you down in some way.

Today we’re going to look at reasons why we should worship when it isn’t coming naturally or flowing freely.

The other day, I was driving home from having coffee with a friend and blasting my Christian radio stations. I have the buttons set up on my car radio so I can quickly switch from our local Christian station to The Message on XM radio.

Hillary Scott’s song, “Thy Will” started playing.

I love that song and sang along with full-on abandon just a little while earlier.; so, when it started playing again I decided to find out what was playing on the other station.

You guessed it…

Hillary Scott’s – Thy Will.

I just started laughing, said, “Okay Lord, I get it,” and sang along.

Thy Will Be Done.

Hillary wrote, “Thy Will” following painful and devastating circumstances.

And worship is hard when we’re hurting—when His will doesn’t line up with ours.

But look at Job…

He had it all and then he didn’t. But what does he say?

He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” Job 1:21

Praise the name of the Lord!

If you’re like me, Job’s situation may be the very reason you struggle with the words, “Thy will be done.” I spent decades terrified God’s will for me would include devastating loss. So I held back just a little . . . afraid of the cost of complete surrender.

But all the fear, anxiety, and holding back didn’t prevent loss. God allowed some really tough stuff.

And I learned something.

When I turn to Him, completely surrendered with nothing left to offer but my broken mess . . . God shows up.

Rick Warren, who lost his 27-year-old son to suicide, wrote…

“Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days – when your heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you’re out of options, when the pain is great – and you turn to God alone.”

It’s true!

You and I can take our broken surrendered souls to God in worship and receive the gift of His comfort and healing peace.

Jesus taught the words, “Thy will be done,” in the Lord’s Prayer.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

And then prayed them again in the Garden of Gethsemane.

“My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” Matthew 26:42

Remember worship is “taking your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.” Romans 12:1–2 (MSG)

Worship says, “Thy will be done.”

It’s hard. No one wants to suffer. All we have to do is look around to know…

In this world, you will have trouble. John 16:33

We’re afraid. We worry and try to control.

But the rest of the verse makes worship both possible and a blessing.

I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world, you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world.

Have peace. Be brave. Jesus has defeated the world.

Any trouble this world offers is only temporary. Jesus has already won the victory and He’s sharing it with you and me.

God calls us:

Friend – John 15:15
Free – Romans 8:2, Galatians 5:1
Accepted and Loved – Ephesians 1:3–6
Chosen – Colossians 3:12
A New Creation – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Child – Galatians 4:7
Citizen of Heaven – Philippians 3:20
Blessed – Ephesians 1:3
Loved – 1 Thessalonians 1:4

That’s why we worship and how we are able to say, “Thy will be done.”

I’ll admit if I had my way I’d end suffering and set up world peace but in this sinful world faith often gets lazy when life is easy.

So, you and I trust the Sovereign God. The One who sees the beginning from the end and knew it would take the death and resurrection of His only Son to save us and knows every life that will be touched and transformed when you and I worship Him by saying, “Thy will be done.”

Elisabeth Elliot said…

“I realized that the deepest spiritual lessons are not learned by His letting us have our way in the end, but by His making us wait, bearing with us in love and patience until we are able to honestly to pray what He taught His disciples to pray: Thy will be done. Acceptance of whatever this means is the great victory of faith that overcomes the world.”

Her husband, Jim, was only 28-years-old when he died in 1956 while serving in the mission field in Ecuador. Elizabeth didn’t join him in heaven until last year.

When you and I worship through our suffering, when life is hard when we don’t feel like it . . . people notice.

God is glorified and lives are touched by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Susannah Spurgeon, wife of Charles, who spent the majority of her adult life with an undiagnosed debilitating illness wrote…

” . . . the moment we come into any trial or difficulty, our first thought should be, not how soon can we escape from it, or how we may lessen the pain we shall suffer from it, but how can we best glorify God in it . . .”

and

“How wise should we be if, with joyful certainty, we accepted each unfolding of His will as a proof of His faithfulness and love!”

I’m humbled by these saints who have gone before me leaving an example of faithful worship through suffering. By God’s grace and with His help I will worship Him and sing, “Thy Will” Be Done.

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12 Simple Ways to Worship God Every Day

10 / 21 / 162 / 21 / 20

Worship is so much more than going to church on Sunday. It's a way of life! Filling each day with simple ways to worship and praise God for His love. #Worship #Faith #WaystoWorship #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #Jesus

“Since the days of our first parents in the Garden of Eden, worship has walked a tightrope between lifestyle and liturgy. When God walked in the Garden with His first children in the cool of the day, Adam and Eve worshiped Him as we should—without interruption. The Creator and His creatures experienced a continual, ongoing exchange of provision and praise. God provided everything Adam and Eve needed, and they responded with praise—with gratitude, reverence, honor, submission, and holy fear.” ~David Jeremiah

The lifestyle part of worship is hard, isn’t it? So many things get in the way.

Busyness.
Discouragement.
Distractions.

I want my life to be that offering of worship Paul wrote about…

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Romans 12:1–2 (MSG)

With God’s help, I’d like to add these simple ways to worship and make (that ongoing exchange of provision and praise) part of every day.

12 Simple Ways to Worship God Every Day

1. Start the day with God.

Before I get out of bed, I want to spend 5 minutes thinking about the blessing of knowing that God is present in every part of my day.

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Psalm 46:10

2. Get down on your knees to pray.

There is something about humbly kneeling to pray that changes my attitude from self to submission. That’s worship. I want to be intentional about kneeling for prayer several times a week.

Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for He is our God. We are the people He watches over, the flock under his care. Psalm 95:6–7

3. Write 7 things you’re thankful for every day.

The number 7 stands for completion throughout the Bible. Writing 7 things I’m thankful for just seems like the perfect way to remember God’s completely perfect provision.

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

4. Be awe-mazed at who God is and what He does.

I want to watch for miracles. Write down answers to prayer. Notice the variety in creation. Pay attention to the ways God is working around you. And celebrate who He is and all He does.

Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim Your greatness. Psalm 145:6

5. Sing and dance like David.

I love this one … turn up the praise music and dance with joy.

I don’t dance in the car but I do love to sing and it’s hard to be impatient with other drivers when my heart is filled with worship.

Your kids will love it if you sing and dance with them, too!

And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. 2 Samuel 6:14

They should praise Him with dancing. They should sing praises to Him with tambourines and harps. Psalm 149:3

6. Take a fast from grumbling.

Most of us don’t realize how much we grumble and complain.

So, I’m making it a goal to set aside specific times when I will absolutely refuse to be negative. I will surrender the junk in my life to God, do what I can, and do my best to shine…

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:14–15

7. Read a Psalm to start the day.

So many of the Psalms are pure worship and they consistently remind me of who God is and all He does. And He’s still doing it all today. Tomorrow looks good too! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Psalm 19:7–8

8, Intentionally surrender your day to God.

A dear friend taught me this morning prayer…

Lord, I have surrendered this day to You. I will follow where You guide and do Your will as You reveal it to me. Please help me to fulfill this promise that my life might glorify You alone. Amen.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

9. Go outside and take a walk—enjoy God’s creation.

It’s so easy to get distracted by entertainment, social media, and life’s demands. I need to remember to take a break and enjoy the beauty that’s right outside my door.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. Psalm 19:1–2

10. Remember blessing anniversaries and celebrate the moments of God’s grace.

This is another favorite … we mark our calendar and celebrate blessing anniversaries like the Children of Israel celebrated the Passover. A few ideas are … Baptism birthdays. The day you met your spouse. The day you got engaged. The day you received good news from the doctor. Etc.

I will remember the things the Lord has done. Yes, I will remember the powerful works of long ago. I will think of all Your work and keep in mind all the great things You have done. Psalm 77:11–12

11. Worship God by loving the people in Your life.

You and I were for this time and place. One of the ways I can show God my love and worship is to intentionally love the people in my life.

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34

12. Take care of yourself.

If you’re like me, it’s easy to put self-care on the bottom of your to-do list. But God made you and me. He cares and provides for us. He loves us.

We can honor and worship Him by getting enough rest, eating well and staying fit. Then we can be fully equipped to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to the Father.

Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You. Psalm 143:8

I sometimes think I make worship too complicated.

I want to include simple ways to worship that take my ordinary everyday life and offer it to God as a daily act of worship and love.

Care to join me?

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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7 Powerful Scriptures to Help You Worship God

10 / 19 / 1610 / 19 / 16

I walk outside in the morning and lift my eyes. Trees blow in the breeze as clouds drift across the sky. Birds sing as squirrels and chipmunks scurry and I stop for just a moment to watch my little world and worship the Creator.

The One who alone is worthy of my praise.

Then I start my day and busyness creeps in and my thoughts wander (not always in a good or worshipful way) and I fail again to give Him my all.

Like Paul, the good I want to do, well . . . I just don’t do it.

I know there is nothing good in me, that is, in my flesh. For I want to do good but I do not. Romans 7:18

I want to be completely surrendered to God’s love . . . to give Him my heart, mind, soul, and strength. But in the daily, in the living, I fail to worship Him fully and faithfully.

Look at this quote from Brother Lawrence…

“To worship God is to admit that we are entirely contrary to Him and that He is willing to make us like Himself.”

Don’t you love that?

God already knows you and I are contrary. He knows we’re not going to do life “right”not any part of it—even worship.

So, He’s given us what we need. Examples. Words of worship in the Scriptures to get us started.

Because…

“Worship is our response to the overtures of love from the heart of the Father.” ~Richard J. Foster

7 Powerful Scriptures to Help You Worship God

Psalm 103:1-4

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name.
Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.

It is believed David wrote Psalm 103 later in life because it is written with humble awareness of God’s amazing grace and tender mercy.

No sin too great. No sinner too flawed. God redeems broken people and that alone is reason to worship Him.

Isaiah 25:1

I honor you and praise You because You have done amazing things.
You have always done what you said you would do; You have done what you planned long ago.

God keeps His promises.

We can count on it in a world where we can’t count on much. God’s promises are faithful and true. Isaiah said it . . . God always does what He says He will do.

What promise are you holding close today? You can count on God. He keeps His promises.

Psalm 63:3–4, 7–8

Because Your love is better than life, I will praise You.
I will praise You as long as I live. I will lift up my hands in prayer to Your name.

Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to You; Your strong right hand holds me securely.

Scholars believe Psalm 63 was written while David was in the wilderness running from his son, Absalom, and those who were attempting to dethrone him.

Can you imagine? Stopping and writing a song of praise while you’re running for your life from your own child.

No matter what is going on in your life . . . God is there. He loves you. He will never leave you. Cling to Him, His mighty strong right hand is holding you securely.

Ephesians 3:20–21

Now to Him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Paul wrote this from a Roman prison. Why was he imprisoned? For preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

When you are discouraged or afraid because of the way Christians are being persecuted around the world remember, God is on the throne. He is at work and able to accomplish far more than we could ever ask or imagine.

Exodus 15:1-3

“I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously; He has hurled both horse and rider into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory.
This is my God, and I will praise Him—my father’s God, and I will exalt Him!
The Lord is a warrior; Yahweh is His name!

Imagine yourself trapped next to a sea and you see your enemy coming for you when the waters part. You cross safely to the other side and then those chasing you are destroyed as the waters return to normal.

Exodus 15 is Moses’ “Song of Deliverance.”

Are you going through a storm? Do you feel like your enemies are gaining on you? Are fear and anxiety making it hard to worship?

God is with you. He is the God of miracles. Stop and worship Him. He is able.

Psalm 100

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before Him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation.

Any collection of worship verses has to include Psalm 100. It’s a favorite. We don’t know who wrote it but many believe it was written as a call to worship for the restored Temple.

The Lord God made you and claims you as His own. He is good and His love is unfailing. This is a great Word to write in your journal so you have it close when life makes it hard to find words of worship. No matter the circumstances God is worthy of our worship and praise.

Revelation 4:11

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power.
For You created all things, and they exist because You created what You pleased.”

And the song will continue for all eternity.

You were created because it pleased God to create you. He wants a relationship with you.

Imagine that . . . the God of the universe loves you and wants a relationship with you.

I can’t think of a better reason to praise and worship Him today, tomorrow and forever.

Finally, a quote to inspire you…

“Many Spirit-filled authors have exhausted the thesaurus in order to describe God with the glory He deserves. His perfect holiness, by definition, assures us that our words can’t contain Him. Isn’t it a comfort to worship a God we cannot exaggerate?” ~Francis Chan

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12 Reasons Why You Need to Reject Celebrity Worship

10 / 17 / 1610 / 17 / 16

Who do you worship?

You know, this is my place to ask questions, to wonder…

And today, I’m wondering about celebrity worship. Not the “syndrome” that affects some but the fascination that influences so many.

Admiring people for their abilities and accomplishments isn’t a bad thing when it motivates and inspires us to do and be our best.

But…

When you and I glorify and model some media version of who they are, well . . . we have a problem.

There are dozens of celebrity gossip magazines, television shows, and online destinations. People want to know what the rich and famous wear, how they dress, what they believe, and where they live.

And I wonder why?

At what point do you and I give the rich and famous too much influence in our lives?

And at what point is celebrity worship harmful to society?

The following conversation took place during place as Satan tempted Jesus…

Then the devil took Him [Jesus] up and revealed to Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”

Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.’” Luke 4:5–8

So…

12 Reasons Why You Need to Reject Celebrity Worship

Plus questions I want to ask myself…

1. It counterfeits our idea of beauty.

Do I compare my appearance and the people around me to the air-brushed images of celebrities I admire?

It is not fancy hair, gold jewelry, or fine clothes that should make you beautiful. No, your beauty should come from within you—the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that will never be destroyed and is very precious to God. 1 Peter 3:3–4

2. It leads to coveting what you think you’re missing.

Do I buy things I don’t need simply because they are endorsed by my favorite celebrity?

Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:4

3. It glorifies wealth and materialism.

Do I neglect my time with God and/or my family to make more money and have more stuff? Do I favor people who dress and live more comfortably over those who don’t?

Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! Ecclesiastes 5:10

4. It contributes to personal dissatisfaction.

Do I feel like my appearance, wardrobe, home, car, and position are lacking when I watch television, read magazines, and scroll through social media?

So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. Ecclesiastes 2:24

4. It perverts our thoughts about God’s commands and Godly values.

Have I adjusted my beliefs about God’s will because celebrities and my friends say they are outdated and no longer applicable?

When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God [worship Him with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is almighty God] and keep His commandments, for this applies to every person. Ecclesiastes 12:13

5. It gives significance to celebrity opinions without knowledge of their character.

Am I influenced by the political and religious views of people I see on a screen or read about rather than praying and asking God to reveal His truth and will to me?

Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to Him and what is perfect. Romans 12:2

6. It inspires an obsession for fame and fortune.

Do I neglect the eternal for the temporary?

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 1 John 2:15–16

7. It endorses the desire to be served and not to serve.

Do I admire and aspire to live a pampered and indulged lifestyle?

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10

8. It becomes an extreme waste of time.

How much time do I spend watching television, scrolling through social media, reading celebrity and lifestyle magazines, and talking about all the above?

Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. Psalm 39:4

9. It promotes personal comparisons and leads to criticism.

Do I compare myself and my children to friends and neighbors? Do I play fashion police and publicly or privately criticize those who don’t conform to current trends?

We do not compare ourselves with those who think they are good. They compare themselves with themselves. They decide what they think is good or bad and compare themselves with those ideas. They are foolish. 2 Corinthians 10:12

11. It distorts our views about our personal talents and abilities.

Do I complain and question why God made me this way? Do I give up rather than trying to be the best version of me for God’s glory?

You made my whole being; you formed me in my mother’s body. I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well. Psalm 139:13–14

12. It interferes with pure Godly worship.

Have I ignored God’s truth and believed the age-old lie that He is holding out on me . . . that He is not enough? Who or what am I really worshipping?

You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about His relationship with you. Exodus 34:14

Oh Friends, when I started writing this I didn’t think I had a problem with celebrity worship because I don’t have anyone I follow, model, or celebrate. But some of those questions really convicted me.

I realize I’m guilty! I’ve placed too much value on what’s unimportant . . . things like appearance and stuff. I’m influenced by the culture in which we live. Just like you are.

But it’s not too late.

I can limit celebrity worship and influence, I can…

Ask – Pray and ask God to forgive me for worshipping anything or anyone besides Him and ask Him to help and guide me going forward.

Seek – Turn to His Word for truth and compare every through, opinion, or word of advice against His promise that lasts forever.

The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8

Do – Obediently follow His will as He reveals it to me . . . even when it doesn’t trend with culture.

Will you pray with me?

Father, forgive me. Help me worship You alone. Help me follow You alone. Help me know Your truth and obey Your will as You reveal it to me even when it goes against what the rich and powerful think or what society promotes. I need Your help to keep my eyes on things eternal when the temporary shouts so loud. I need You, Lord. Amen.

Leave your prayer requests…

and pray for others who have left requests.

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What Do You Need to Worship God in Community

10 / 14 / 1610 / 14 / 16

I remember the pastor who said he hoped he was dead before the next new hymnal was introduced . . . all the complaining and arguing convinced him that he never wanted to do it again.

I remember the woman who said she’d leave our church if I didn’t add more Christmas songs to the services during the month of December.

I’ve seen churches split over a dispute about whether or not services should stay the way they’ve been for years (traditional) or change to a newer model (contemporary).

How you and I worship in community has always been a source of disagreement…

Hymnal or no hymnal.
Organ or drums and guitars.
Choir or praise team.
English, Latin, or German.
Formal liturgy or flexible format.
Hands raised or hands folded.
Stand, sit, kneel, etc.

If you remember and have survived one or more of these battles you’re most likely nodding and cringing a little, because although we might be able to laugh about it later in the moment, it’s ugly and hurtful.

So today, as I take a look at how to worship God together, I’ll be honest with you . . . I have way more questions than answers.

And the first question is…

When is the last time we as a church body asked God how He wants us to worship Him?

I wonder, have we made worship about us . . . about our preferences. Have we turned our time together into performances for people more than praises for the King of Glory?

I don’t know. It’s just something I’m throwing out there. Something to think about.

When I read through parts of the Old Testament, God was very detailed in His instructions about worship and sacrifice. But we know less about the worship practices of the early church and very few specifics for the church today.

So, let’s do some digging and see if we can learn more…

What Do You Need to Worship God in Community

1. Speak

Praise

Praise the Lord for the glory of His name; worship the Lord because He is holy. Psalm 29:12

So I will praise you, Lord, among the nations. I will sing praises to your name. Psalm 18:49

So through Jesus let us always offer to God our sacrifice of praise, coming from lips that speak His name. Hebrews 13:15

Prayer

Give thanks to the Lord and pray to Him. Tell the nations what He has done. 1 Chronicles 16:8

Then if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, if they will pray and seek me and stop their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Then Jesus used this story to teach His followers that they should always pray and never lose hope. Luke 18:1ff

2. Listen

Read the Word

The grass dies and the flowers fall, but the word of our God will live forever. Isaiah 40:8

God’s word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts. Hebrews 4:12

You can trust this: Every word that God speaks is true. God is a safe place for those who go to Him. Proverbs 30:5

Teach and Explain the Word

Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. Psalm 86:11

Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16–173. Do

3. Do

Make Disciples, Baptize, and Share The Lord’s Supper

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19–20

For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then He broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and His people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until He comes again. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26

Serve

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. Matthew 20:28

God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10

Love

“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27

Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. Romans 13:10

But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it,so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 1 Corinthians 12:24–25

Community worship is not about you or me and our preferences.

It is about God’s redeemed people coming together to speak His praise, to listen to and learn from His Word, to grow and serve together, and to love each other as He loves us.

How each community of believers puts these things will be as unique as the people themselves but before we get caught up in traditions, marketing, and preferences maybe, just maybe it’s time for us as a community to stop arguing and seek God’s will.

I wonder what our churches would look like if we insisted on praying persistently until He directed us as to how He wants us to worship and serve Him in community.

Now it’s time for…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

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Deb Wolf
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I’m excited to share the following posts with you this week.

Lost in the Backcountry

by Julie

@ Unmasking the Mess

and

Lesson Learned While Riding a Tandem Bike

by Angela

@ Setting My Intention

Thank you, Julie and Angela, for partying with us!

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab the Button or link back to CMB.

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May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

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I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…