True Worshipers

The arena is filled to capacity and we're ready for sport! Loaded with a combustible enthusiasm, we display all manner of loyal expression for our team. We're not a bit bashful about it.

It's a conundrum to me that in the arena we yell, jump up and down and even hug the stranger next to us without inhibition, but when it comes to worshiping the one true God we often turn into blocks of wood! I wonder why.

This is not about me telling you what proper worship is. I am not suggesting we turn praise and worship time into a sporting event either.

I'm thinking of those times we feel like saying "amen" or "Hallelujah" and we don't. Or, those times we want to raise our hands up high but we barely lift one hand from our lap... off to the side. It's these promptings from the Holy Spirit, which we deny expression of that I am referring to. We, the slaves of righteousness shushing the Holy Spirit!

I took my wonder and went to the streets of Twitter for an opinion on the reason for our shyness. This response from Greenejc seemed to go right to the heart of the matter.

"Fear of man...or, namely, fear of man withdrawing his approval due to outrageous behavior...lifting hands, dancing, *gasp*"

None of us are going to be inspired of God to do anything inappropriate. Let us cast this fear away from us like a garment on fire! We know that our God alone is worthy of all praise and worship. He seeks it from us.

But the hour is coming and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. John 4:23

When reading through the Psalms it's not hard to understand how God knew and declared that David was a man after His own heart. He loved Him, he worshiped Him, wrote beautiful poetry and songs to Him.

Praise the LORD!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!
Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise Him with loud cymbals:
Praise Him with clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD!
Psalm 150

And all His people said.... Hallelujah! \o/



Lord, we are all different and you speak to us individually. Help us each, in our own ways to respond to the inspiration of expression you put within us. We love being nudged by you for praise and worship. You are worthy! We are grateful.


Photograph, Worship generously provided by: JesusFreak_129

If Memories Were Sparrows

I love writing prompts, especially those for poetry. When I came across The Great Poem Caper I couldn't resist throwing mine into the mix. The title was given but the rest was up to our own imagination. Thanks L.L. for the fun!

If
memories were sparrows

They would flit
in sparks
above our heads
or bounce
as rain
upon the ground

They'd be busy

Singing songs
and eating seeds
or flying
synchronized
like kites
on waves of heat

Or slowing down

Burrowing deep
into tangled brush
to hide
and huddle against
the blue pursed
lips of winter

If
memories were sparrows

I think my memories do all these things...


Next day note: All those who participated in "The Caper" have been featured in High Calling Blogs' piece, RAP: Poem Play. What a blessing...Go see!

Stop and Smell the Haiku

Living a life in balance (or trying to) means that every now and then I must break away from the routine. Give my brain a rest. Fling some Haiku out into the world!

least of all fairies
marionettes of color
givers of delight

emerald glories
until autumn shouts them down
one leaf at a time

licking and flicking
delicious frenzy of flame
smacking black remains

painted geisha face
adorned and for your pleasure
pick me she whispers

cute little tad poles
grow into ribbiting prey
that taste like chicken

ancient earth removes
its velvet hand and rivers
descend with a scream

I hope that you will take time to play today. It's okay. You don't have to explain.

The Tongue is a Fire

The Word says in Proverbs 18:21 that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Death and Life!

It's easy to understand how the testimony of witnesses, sentences of judges, doctrine of teachers or the spin of today's media can bring death or life to themselves or others. What about someone like me though? I'm just a regular person living a regular life. I work, come home, spend time with family, go to church on Sunday and start all over again on Monday. Could my words have as much power?

Yes. The Word is speaking of the tongue, not one's realm of influence. These verses convict the tongue as a thing capable like fire to destroy our world and us.

Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. James 3:5-6

Your own mouth condemns you, and not I; yes, your own lips testify against you. Job 15:6

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45

Wow! Let's dab our brows and move on to the life part.

The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. Psalm 37:30-31

The tongue of the wise promotes health. Proverbs 12:18b

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life. Proverbs 15:4a

Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles. Proverbs 21:23

That I should be equipped with such a device is fearsome. In my body, this instrument, a force wielded and empowered by what is contained within my own heart!

God says the heart of man is wicked and can't even be known. So if I can't even know what is in my own heart, how can I guard what proceeds from it? What shall I do? Thankfully, the following verse gives me the answer:

With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:10-11

God has given me His Word! I think I will fill my heart up with His heart; with His word. I can trust Him.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

If I truly want to be an instrument in God's hand; If I want to speak life and not death, it will be my passion to lay up the good treasure of God's Word in my heart.


Father, give us a mighty hunger for your Word. Exchange our wickedness for righteousness. Let the words we speak be full of life and grace and mercy. Remove the power of any deadly word gone forth from our hearts. May all glory and honor be Yours alone.


Note: My favorite Bible study tool is e-Sword.

Top Seven plus One

Not long ago my friend Lynn at Heading Home gave me a Proximity Award. She used her blog space to make mention of me; to point me out to others. I was (and still am) very honored. It has been my intention ever since then to do the same thing here.

It's very hard to select just a few! Nevertheless, here is my short list of those I want to shine a light on. In Alphabetical order:

Fresh Insights on Ancient Truths
Marja writes books and meditations that inspire. She has a very unique perspective that I find fascinating. I enjoy reading her posts very much because they truly do give me fresh insights. She also has a knack for coming over to my blog at just the right time with just the right word of encouragement. How do you do that? Many returns on the blessings you give Marja!

Heading Home
Lynn ministers to others with her devotions. Her servant's heart comes through in all that she writes and does. People are attracted to her because of her love. I know! Her focus is "Following God's compass as it points to the right path Home." Lynn, you mentor me without even knowing it. You are such a wonderful light in this dark world!

JayBee's Ways with Words
I love poetry and I must have my fill or else I perish! The poetic mind of Jack Brown is an amazing thing to me. I rub my hands together in delight whenever I see he's posted something new. I think he has a huge and wonderful heart to be able to bring forth such wonders. Go and see!

Living Journey
My new friend Vee writes about the church, politics, society, culture and so much more. When I discovered her work it was such a relief to find someone who sees some of what I see. She is like an arm around my shoulder, looking with me through the same window. The word of God is her cornerstone. She balances grit with compassion. I like that very much.

Middle Zone Musings
I haven't known Robert long but I want to make mention of him here because of his very generous heart. The first month of each year he promotes the blogs of others. He calls it Blogapalooza and it's a huge undertaking. He doesn't point out that it's a huge undertaking, I do! This is not a reciprocal post. He doesn't expect that. His site (when he's not "hat-tipping" others) is about..."Lessons learned from life".

The Blog of Nancy
I love Nancy's blog because it's original and creative. Like life, it's always changing. I am ever on the lookout for her new posts because I am always surprised, challenged, encouraged or enlightened about something. I love the way she expresses herself! Make sure you check out her photoblog when you visit too. I am confident that you won't leave her blog without making it a favorite. You-must-re-turn!

The Daily Walk
Ben writes with a "first love" perspective. He is very passionate about his relationship with God. He says... "Each day I find how good my God is and He teaches me new things every day. His love has truly captured me." It's this voice of Ben's that causes me to follow him and see what I might learn. His genuine and humble way is very refreshing to me.

Warren
Last but not least I want to say a word about someone who does not blog. You won't find him anywhere out there in cyberland. He is at home with me. He is doing many of the things that I should be doing. He frees me up to do everything that I need to do. He thinks that I am a writer. He has never once made me feel that I am spending too much time on the computer or made me feel guilty about running to and fro with this project or that meeting. Nope, just loving and supportive. A true soul-mate and friend. My husband Warren. Thanks honey! I love you.


Lord, I pray a blessing for each one here. These hearts, chasing after Your pleasure and will. Guide, protect, inspire and comfort them. All is dedicated to You!

Stand with Israel

Israel, surrounded by enemies; hated for being alive; hated for defending herself. The planet has become an arena. The whole world watching the spectacle played out before them in the sand.

I have a Twitter account and can go to the "real time results" area, search any word and get a live feed of conversation on that word. When Israel launched defensive operations in Gaza I went over to see what was being said.

There are no words to describe the ignorance and the hatred I read there. I wanted to respond with harsh words (I didn't but I sure wanted to!). I ranted and paced in my mind. I cried. I still cry.

What can I do? I can pray and I can ask others to pray. I can speak up within the opportunities available to me. That's what this post is about. Me, putting my little support heart up as an effort to make a difference.

If you would like to display a heart for Israel you may obtain one here. You will see other suggestions as to how you can help too. Do what you can!

Finally, I want to say that I know there are innocent lives in Gaza being affected. My heart goes out to them as well. We can and should pray for them too!


For thus says the LORD of hosts: He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye. Zech. 2:8


Note: In no way is this post a negative reflection on Twitter. I love Twittering!