Wonderful Jesus!

Tag: praise

• Who is Like You, O Lord?

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on March 5, 2021

  Exodus 15:11 – “Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? NKJV

  

  I was in New York at a conference when I heard Chris Tomlin’s song, “Our God”. I couldn’t get enough of that song! We sang it in every meeting, and when I came home, the first thing I wanted to know was, who wrote that song and how could I get it! Here are the words to the chorus:

  Our God is greater, our God is stronger
  God You are higher, than any other
  Our God is Healer, awesome in power
  Our God, Our God!

  The prayer of praise and worship is another prayer that focuses solely on God! Even greater than the prayer of thanksgiving is this time of pouring our love and affection on the Master.

  Some of the things that we can worship Him for are His holiness, His glory, His greatness, His majesty, His power, His creation and His faithfulness, to name a few!

  Our text is a verse that focuses on His greatness. After God delivered the children of Israel from Pharaoh, Moses sang this in a song:

  Exodus 15:11 – “Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? NKJV

  Is that the echo of your heart? Who is like our God? Who can do the wonders He does? Who is more glorious? There is no other! No, not one!

  Nehemiah uttered these words of worship to God:

  You alone are the Lord; You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, The earth and everything on it, the seas and all that is in them, and You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You. Nehemiah 9:6 – NKJV

  It’s appropriate that at some point in our life we worship Him for the angels spend time worshipping Him, and He hasn’t saved them! Sooner rather than later! More often, than not! He’s worthy!

  Jonah, while in the belly of the great fish spoke these words to the Father:

  “When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; And my prayer went up to You, into Your holy temple. “Those who regard worthless idols forsake their own Mercy. Jonah 2:7-8 – NKJV

  Jonah worshipped the merciful God when His soul was faint! Anytime, is a good time to stop and worship the Lord or give Him praise. When you do so, it’s praying, conversing with God, on another level! Here are some scriptures to get you started:

  Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, in His holy mountain. Psalm 48:1 – NKJV

  He is so great! He is awesome! Worthy to be praised! Worthy of honor!

  Psalm 77:13- Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; who is so great a God as our God?

  No one! Our God is the only true God! You’ll not find another! He’s greater! He’s stronger! He’s wiser! Our God!

  A personal favorite of my brother-in-law, Pastor Eric and one that comes to mind is:

  Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25 – NKJV

  Can’t you hear yourself worshipping Him and saying: You, O Lord, are the only One who can keep me from stumbling, and only You can present me before the Father, faultless! I worship You God my Savior, who alone is wise… and then throw some of this in there:

  O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, who have set Your glory above the heavens! Psalm 8:1 – NKJV

  Go ahead and worship Him for His excellent Name! The Name that is above every name!

  For the Lord is the great God, and the great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth; the heights of the hills are His also. The sea is His, for He made it; and His hands formed the dry land. Psalm 95:3-5 -NKJV

  If I had to stop and worship Him right now, I couldn’t do it without telling Him how good He is. I couldn’t go far with my words without saying how great is His love towards me. I would have to mention His faithfulness throughout my life!

  Sometimes in thinking about prayer, we can over complicate the manner. We can accomplish so much in prayer when we spend time in worship, adoring Him, offering Him praise, throwing in some gratefulness, and basically focusing on Him. Is He insecure and needs words of affirmation to get through His day? Not hardly! But He is God, Creator of the Universe! The Living God, Who was, and Is, and Is to Come! He is worthy! He deserves to be worshipped and honored. And as I blog, I realize I haven’t done it enough! Who is like our God? No one, that’s who? No one is greater, no one is stronger, no one is higher. I am overwhelmed with His love! I am awed by His creation! I am touched by His heart towards us! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in God, praise, Prayer, worship | 0 Comments | Tagged adoration, Attitude, faithfulness, God, holiness, Honor, Jonah, love, Moses, praise, Prayer, the Exodus, worship, worthy

• Time to Sing Again!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on December 30, 2020

  Psalm 137:1 – “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept when we remembered Zion. NKJV

  

  time-to-sing-again_-1-1.mp3

  The year of 2020 has been a year that many can’t wait to see come to an end. Don’t you remember the excitement for 2020, about a year ago? So many voices were shouting out that this year would be the year of greater vision, greater insight, greater anointing. Maybe for some, this was true; but as a nation, not so much!

  COVID-19 reared it’s vicious head on December 31, 2019. By the end of January it was declared a global health emergency. As we enter the year 2021, unfortunately, it is still dominating the news, our lives, the way we interact with one another, and basically, the way we interact with the world around us. Millions have been infected, hundreds of thousands have lost their lives, and they said there is more to come. Jobs and businesses have been dissolved, mortgages and rent payments have been missed. It’s a lot to take in. Thankfully, we now have vaccines, as we try to find a new normal amidst the pandemic and hope for getting our lives and economy stable again.

  Apparently that was not enough to throw our world into a frenzy, because in the midst of the pandemic came the riots against racial injustice. Not just in America, but around the world. People piling into the streets to demonstrate their anguish and frustration over the systemic racism became the norm for a greater part of our summer. In Australia, America, Europe, and Canada, citizens took to the streets to demonstrate their inability to sit around and continue to watch it happen to them and those around them.

  With all of that going on, can you believe that we still had the normal things to come at us: hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, fires, and earthquakes? Normal life situations in the home and on the job. Stuff just kept coming at us! It’s a lot to take in. It’s a lot to think about. It’s a lot to have to deal with!

  And then in America we had the election of all elections! Trump versus Biden! We have never paid such close attention to all the steps involved in the transitioning of power from one president to another as we have this time. Lawsuits, attacks on our democracy, Republicans against Democrats, and Democrats against Republicans. Accusations of a stolen presidency and claims to not give up the White House! Suicide bombing in a major city! Whew! I don’t know about you, but for me it has been a bit much! And 2021 isn’t looking to start out a whole lot brighter!

  The children of Israel were headed to captivity in Babylon. They stopped by a river of Babylon to rest for some reason, and while they were resting, the psalmist said they wept! They couldn’t believe they were in captivity. They couldn’t believe they had to leave Israel. They couldn’t believe that God hadn’t protected them although the prophets said that He would. (God actually said that they had been lied to). They experienced a lot of loss themselves. Loss of home and ancestral lands, loss of positions, finances, community standing, family members, and their freedom. They were stunned, overwhelmed, and sadly disappointed. Anybody feeling like that today? It was too much!

  Psalm 137:2-3 – We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst of it. For there those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, and those who plundered us requested mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” NKJV

  The children of Israel was in such a bad place, they didn’t want to sing anymore. As a matter of fact, their captives asked them to sing a song, but they had hung their harps on the trees and asked how were they supposed to sing the Lord’s songs in a strange land? Can you imagine the defeat they must have been experiencing at that time? The situation was real, the pain was real, the frustration was real, the loss was real, it was all real. And they didn’t have any reason to sing from their point of view!

  Situations, people, and life may change, but there is really nothing new under the sun. There are many people around the world today, after going through this year, feeling the same exact way. I was just reading someone’s Facebook post where she wrote that she hated 2020. I have heard people say they can’t wait til this year is done. They want it so over with! I understand the emotions behind the words. I understand the sentiment.

  But in Jeremiah 29, God told the children of Israel, through a letter:

  Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace. Jeremiah 29:5-7 – NKJV

  In other words, keep living! There’s nothing you can do about your current situation, He goes on to say in the letter. It’s going to last for 70 years. So don’t diminish, increase!

  These words spoke to my heart this week and I haven’t been able to shake them. With all that has been happening, and may continue to happen, (and God knows we don’t want to see this for another year, let alone 70 years) as believers, we can’t afford to sit down and weep. We can’t allow the circumstances of our world to get us so depressed that we lose our ability to sing praises to God. This has truly been a turbulent year, in many cases, we have experienced a lot of losses, but we made it through and can boldly look forward to the future with hope.

  It was in this letter that these words of encouragement are found:

  Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. NKJV

  Whatever 2021 holds, God has thoughts of peace towards us and not of evil. He has a future filled with hope in it for His people. That alone will give us a reason to sing again. Or maybe you need to hear these words from the Savior:

  “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. -John 14:27 -NKJV

  There are plenty of verses in the word that can bring you comfort, encouragement and strength. It’s time to hold tight to them and to sing like never before. You may be wondering, like the Israelites, how can we sing under these conditions? We may not know what 2021 will bring, but we know the One who will bring us into 2021. We have suffered in 2020, but, we can by faith, expect great victories in 2021. We’ve lost some things and some loved ones, but as we continue living in the midst of our challenges and adversities, we can look forward to greater things in Christ! And that’s reason enough to sing right there! Jesus, whom we have just celebrated for coming into the world, is still alive and well, and on the throne. He hasn’t left us, and He never will. We may not understand it all, but when we trust Him, we know He will bring us through and cause our hearts to sing again. Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in coronavirus, encouragement, Holiday Celebrations, Hope in God | 7 Comments | Tagged attacks, Attitude, coronavirus, encouragement, hard times, pandemic, Peace, praise, race riots, racial tensions, systemic racism, world pandemic

• The Spirit of Praise!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on December 9, 2020

  Luke 2:13-14 – “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” NKJV

  

  the-spirit-of-praise_.mp3

  I’ve been listening to Christmas music already! I am not a fan of the commercialization of Christmas, but I have to admit that I love the music of Christmas! There are a lot of anointed singers out there, but can I just say that I really enjoy listening to Mariah Carey’s “O Holy Night”? Don’t shoot me, if you don’t agree with my choice, but it is a beautiful song.

  Long ago, shepherds were watching their flocks at night. (I read a book recently of shepherds in Jerusalem in biblical times. It was a historical fiction, and I mention it because I never really thought much about this scene). In the book, the shepherds would bring the sheep in closer to their living space at night, and then someone would guard the sheep at night from predators.

  Imagine that it has been a long day, they have had dinner, and they are resting from their long day and preparing their minds for their long evening, when suddenly someone is standing before them. And not only has someone appeared before them out of nowhere, a stranger, but he is also surrounded by light. The Bible lets us know that the men were terrified. These men, who are out with a staff, walking the perimeter of their sheep pen all night to keep them safe, and they are suddenly terrified. This was no simple visitation of an angel!

  The angel speaks and says to the shepherds:

  “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12 – NKJV

  Don’t be afraid! Are you kidding me? You popped up out of nowhere, with a light shining around you, and you say don’t fear? I’m pretty sure that those words, didn’t calm the hearts of the shepherds. And if those words did, then the next thing that happened sent them right back into panic mode:

  Luke 2:13-14 – “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” NKJV

  Think about this for a minute. Was the praise team invited to this announcement? Maybe! God orchestrates well! But what I believe really happened was that at the announcement of the birth of the Son of God, they couldn’t contain their joy and their praise was so glorious, God pulled back the curtains of heaven and allowed the shepherds to see and hear what was happening. It was a day of glorious high praise! The song, “Angels We Have Heard on High” pales in comparison to the song the angels sung.

  Now, my focus isn’t on Christmas per se! It’s on Jesus! I believe that this time of the year is filled with so many songs, special to the occasion, sacred and secular, because it’s a time of high praise! When we stop and think about Jesus coming into this world, all that He did, and all that He is still doing, it ought to cause our hearts to spring forth in praise, just as it did with the angels!

  Many times throughout Jesus’ time on the earth, people had the same reaction to Him. Let’s look at a few:

  Bartimaeus was blind. Because he was blind, he had to sit on the side of the road and beg for a handout. But one day Jesus passed by and changed his life!

  Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Luke 18:42-43 -NKJV

  You don’t need your imagination to understand the overwhelming sense of praise that came upon Bartimaeus that day. Not only did he receive his sight, he also had an amazing encounter with Jesus, and he didn’t have to beg for bread anymore! That’ll get you up and shouting! I want to shout for him and his victory even now! Glory!!

  At another time, Jesus began ministering to the multitudes:

  Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel. Matthew 15:30-31 – NKJV

  This word “glorified” comes from the same root word that “praise” in our key text comes from, doxa. A spirit of praise overcame them as they watched God’s marvelous works happen right before their eyes.

  Recently, a friend called me and asked me to pray for her daughter who had a severe allergic reaction to something. They had already been to the hospital to have it checked out, but her daughter was still in great discomfort, and was actually the one who wanted me to pray. So I did! Not only did God relieve the itchy skin, but the very next day, her skin was completely cleared up. She texted me not long ago to tell me that she was still clear! I want you to know that I danced all day when I got the praise report! When God shows up, it’s time to praise!

  I just have to share one more, because Jesus is just so wonderful to me and I believe you’ll like this point:

  Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: “ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:37-38 – NKJV

  Even on his way to the cross, the people couldn’t help but give Him praise. As He entered Jerusalem, a spirit of praise swept through the crowd and they shouted with a loud voice the same message that the angels shouted at His birth! A praise of glory to the Highest, and peace this time in heaven!! They took up the cry of the angels without realizing it. It was so loud, that it made the Pharisees angry to think that a man could receive that much praise! First peace came to earth and now peace was returning to heaven! This is pretty awesome!!

  Of course, I couldn’t mention all of my examples in this one blog. It would be much longer than what I generally like to do. However, as I wrote about one example, another would come to mind. Not just biblical examples, but personal examples, of friends and family members, and church family members, and the body of Christ! He has done great things for us, and when we stop to think about Him in all of His goodness, the Spirit of praise is going to come upon you!

  I know some of us are having a tough time right now, but this blog was written with that in mind. Isaiah wrote, in a scripture that speaks of Jesus, that we are to put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. I won’t see my extended family this holiday season either, but I won’t let that get me down. I miss engaging with friends and family in person. I may never use zoom again when this is over, but today I am truly grateful for it! I can’t change anything about this holiday season except my attitude and outlook about it. And the same is true for you!

  Let’s embrace the spirit of praise that flows throughout this season. Sing your songs louder and longer. Dance around your bedroom or your home. Give Him glory for all that you can think of in your life and the lives of others, and soon the spirit of praise will be flowing through you! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in Christmas, God, Holiday Celebrations, Holy Spirit, Jesus | 0 Comments | Tagged Attitude, encouragement, God, hard times, Holy Spirit, Jesus, miraculous, praise, Prayer, spirit of praise, testimony

• His Name is Prince of Peace!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on October 1, 2020

  Isaiah 9:6 – “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” NKJV

  

  his-name-is-prince-of-peace.mp3

  On the day of His birth, the angels announced,

  “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14 -NKJV

  The Prince of Peace had come to the earth and it was simply glorious! The angel was speaking with the shepherds, telling them of the Child that was born. The One who was named, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace had arrived! They were listening in awe and fear, when as soon as the angel told them where to find the Child, the host of heavens burst out with praise! They couldn’t hold it any longer! Peace had been deposited on earth! Not one who had peace, but One who was, and is Peace. Jesus, the Prince of Peace! If they were afraid after seeing the angel, they must have almost passed out when the hosts arrived on the scene!

  He also killed the bull and the ram as sacrifices of peace offerings, which were for the people…Then the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people, and fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces. Leviticus 9:18,23-24 NKJV

  In the Old Testament, God instituted the peace offerings. This peace offering was said to be for the people. The sacrifice provided the meat for a communion meal for the people, after they had performed the sin offering, and the atonement offering. It is special to note, that after we repent of our sins, and are cleansed by His Blood, we have the ability to rest in His peace and have communion with the Father! The peace offering, was in fact, representative of what the Prince of Peace came to the earth for; to restore peace between God the Father and mankind, that we might have sweet communion with Him. After this particular peace offering, the glory of God filled the place, as it did when the Prince of Peace had come! Wonderful Jesus!

  The way He came, is the way He left, with an announcement of peace. Before He was crucified, He told His disciples:

  Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 NKJV

  The Prince of Peace left His peace for His disciples. He said His peace was not of this world and that we are not to allow our hearts to be troubled or to allow it to be afraid. How can we live daily, with all that goes on around us, and not be troubled, and sometimes afraid? He told us it’s possible because He is our peace!

  We sing the chorus:

  This peace I have, the world didn’t give it to me,
  This peace I have, the world didn’t give it to me,
  This peace I have, the world didn’t give it to me,
  the world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away!

  Yet, all too often, we do allow the world to take it away from us. Financial crisis, health crisis, pandemic, marital issues, relationship issues, work issues, and the list can go on and on. However, this simple chorus echoes Jesus message to us: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid!” Why?

  For He Himself is our peace…Ephesians 2:14 – NKJV

  David said,

  I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 – NKJV

  Isn’t that something? He said that he was going to lie down in peace, and get a good night’s sleep. How? Because the Lord made him to dwell in safety, and the Lord was his peace! Oh, that we can come to such a place in Peace, that we can lay down and get some good sleep. Have you been missing out on sleep lately? Are you restless and can’t seem to enjoy life? Are you worried to the point of staying up til the wee hours of the morning? No sleep, no peace! Know Peace, know sleep!

  This “mini-series” has been to remind us of who Jesus is to us! Sometimes we can get focused on all that is going on around us, and forget the awesomeness of the One we call Lord. As I sit here blogging, thinking of this verse, I rejoice in the One called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace!

  I leave you with Jesus, the Prince of Peace, words:

  These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NKJV

  We can have peace, because He, Prince of Peace, is our Peace! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in His Name, Jesus, Peace | 3 Comments | Tagged Attitude, encouragemnt, Handling difficulties, Jesus, Peace, praise, relationships, sacrifices, the Glory of the Lord

• The Weapon of Praise!

  Posted at 4:33 pm by wonderfuljesus8, on August 1, 2020

  Psalm 8:2 – Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. NIV

  

  the-weapon-of-praise_-2.mp3

  prayer-for-salvation-2.m4a

  I’ve been blogging about weapons that are effective in stopping the enemy! I have blogged about the weapon of our salvation, the weapon of the Blood of Jesus, and the weapon of holiness. In this blog, I want to talk about the weapon of praise!

  The psalmist, David, stated that praise establishes a stronghold (a tower) against our enemies. Can you imagine yourself building a tower, with your praise, that the enemy cannot get over? Hopefully, when you finish reading this blog, you will do just that! In the KJV of the Bible the translators used the word “strength” and not “praise” in this verse. However, to be clear that the psalmist is referring to praise, in this verse, let’s look at how Jesus quoted it in the book of Matthew. In Matthew 21:16 – “And (the Pharisees)said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?” NKJV

  When I think of both of these words, (praise and strength) it causes me to draw the conclusion that our strength against the enemy lies in our praise! Get this picture in your mind: The enemy is on the attack, in some form or fashion, then you begin to praise God, and you start constructing a tower with your praise! The longer you praise, the higher the tower, the higher the tower, the harder it is for the enemy to access you! I like that picture!!

  The word praise is sometimes translated as “boast” meaning to boast in the Lord and what He has done, and to boast in who He is! Praise can be carried out in a number of ways:

  • We can praise Him in the dance!
  • We call praise Him with song!
  • We can just walk around and praise Him for who He is
  • We can sit and praise Him for what He has done in our lives
  • We can bow before Him and give Him praise just because we feel like it
  • We can praise Him at church or at home
  • We can praise Him with or without music
  • We can praise Him in the Spirit

  Choose one! Better yet, try them all! The next time the enemy goes on a rampage, praise God like never before!

  The Old Testament reference that comes to mind involves Jehoshaphat! There was an army of people who came up against the king and the people of Judah. When the king heard, he called a fast and prayed. The Lord gave the king a promise, a prophetic word, that he would not have to fight in the battle, and Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah, gave Him praise. The next morning, when they got up, Jehoshaphat called for another time of praise. Here’s what verse 22 states: “Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated!” Now how powerful of an example is that? Yes, they had fasted and prayed, and that caused them to hear from God! But when they began to praise Him, God defeated their enemies!

  Now, if you have been following me, you know I have to give you at least one more scriptural proof of praise silencing the enemy!

  The verse that keeps resonating in my heart and spirit is found in Isaiah 61. Although these are the words that Jesus said He fulfilled in Luke 4, there is a part that illustrates the victory through praise. Isaiah wrote, “put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness”. What is the spirit of heaviness but an oppressive spirit from the devil? Isaiah said, when it comes, clothe yourself in praise! Get up from your place of “woe is me” and get in a position of “Lord, You are good! You’ve been better than good!” Hallelujah!

  Everyone may not be able to “apply the Blood of Jesus” in faith as soon as you learn about it, but you can start praising Him right now and be extremely effective against the attacks of your enemy!

  In Psalm 30:12, the psalmist wrote, “You have turned for me mourning into dancing; you have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, to the end that my glory may sing praise to you and not be silent. O lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!” What was David mourning over? Why was he in sackcloth? Who knows? Much had happened in his life before this point. It could have simply been that God had denied him the honor of building His temple because he had so much blood on his hands. Yet, when David was dedicating his home to the Lord, he began to give God praise and said, “you have turned my mourning into dancing”.

  My sister died many years ago. I hadn’t seen her in decades. One day I was just talking to the Lord when I said, “Father, I don’t want the next time I see Jeannie to be at her funeral.” That’s it! That’s all I said. Not long after that, Jeannie contacted me, came and spent a couple weeks with my family and I, and went back to California. She died shortly after. As I was beginning to allow grief to set in, God reminded me of what He had just done for me. I want you to know, I had such a spirit of praise in my heart at the funeral, it was almost embarrassing. However, I shared with my family that day about why my heart was not heavy, and I had to leave it there! He turned my mourning into dancing!

  I can give you example after example of the power of praise over the enemy. When we are praising God, the enemy runs away, because he can’t stand to be in a place where praise to God is going on. Also, when you praise God, you don’t have time to think about what the enemy is saying and doing, thereby, silencing him! And don’t forget that tower that is built when you give God praise! It’s blocks the enemy’s access to you!

  Let’s say that you are not in a place to even give Him praise right now. It happens! At this time, you just put on some praise music, and just be in the atmosphere of praise. It worked for Saul. When the evil spirit came upon him, David was called in to play some music for him. It was probably one of David’s psalms that he played for Saul, because the enemy left. He didn’t want to hear it. Not even in instrumental form!

  David wrote, “Let the poor and needy praise your name,” in Psalm 74. There is no state, no condition, in which we cannot give God praise. The best praise will come from your lips. Sometimes, it will have to be a sacrifice of praise more than a praise party. However it starts out, know that your praise is a powerful weapon against the enemy! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in Deliverance, praise, the devil, weapons of warfare | 0 Comments | Tagged attacks, David, Deliverance, encouragement, hard times, Jehoshaphat, Jesus, praise, Spiritual warfare, the devil, the enemy, victory, worship

• You Are God’s Garden!

  Posted at 9:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on April 16, 2020

  1 Corinthians 3:9 -For we are God’s fellow workers [His servants working together]; you are God’s cultivated field [His garden, His vineyard], God’s building. AMP

  

  The phrase, “you are God’s garden” has been turning over in my mind for the past few days; and you’ve guessed it, I had to blog about it.

  In verse 6 of this same chapter, Paul wrote, “I did the planting, Apollos did the watering, but it was God who gave the increase”.

  Look at the image of the garden! It’s gorgeous! I wouldn’t want the responsibility of it, but I would love to view it every day. That’s an image of you, from heaven’s point of view. It’s how He sees you! Growing more beautiful every day, with vibrant colors, and a variety of flowers, you are a God’s garden!

  Who decides what is planted in this garden? Paul said that he did the planting. Paul was the one who sowed the seed of God’s word to the Corinthian believers. God’s word, His promises, are the seed for your garden. The planting in your garden is based on the word that you hear, read, study, or embrace. Although He sees the end product, beautiful, luscious, vibrant, and well groomed, ultimately, you are responsible for the seed that is planted in your garden. Remember, Jesus said that the seed sown was the word of God.

  Another important ingredient to the well being of a garden is water. Paul said Apollos watered. Apollos came after Paul and watered that seed that Paul had planted. This analogy was based on the ministry they were cultivating in Corinth; but for us, it’s about our own personal garden, our heart. So your garden needs water. This is where you allow the Holy Spirit to help you in the growth of the word. As you meditate on the word of God, rehearse, pray it, sing it, rejoice over it, you are watering your garden. David loved God’s word! He was always watering his garden with the word, “oh how I love your law, it’s the meditation of my heart, thy word have I hid in my heart, your word is forever settled in my heart.”

  When you plant God’s word in your heart, His promises, you need to water that seed to see it produce what you are expecting and believing Him for. The word for healing could be, “Father, you wounded Jesus for my transgressions and with His stripes I was healed. I’m so grateful for that. I rejoice in that truth and accept that truth over my symptoms! Thank you! Thank you for driving sickness and disease away from me. Thank you for saying healing is my bread! You are so wonderful to me like that! I receive your medicine, oh God, and I know it is done!”

  Then, God gives the increase! When we are cultivating the word of God in our hearts, and watering it with praise, thanksgiving, and meditation, that’s the end of our responsibility. Now, you trust God to bring increase into your garden. Healing, peace, blessings, favor, mercy, whatever you are believing for! He watches over His word to perform it!

  Right now, you don’t see the beautiful garden of your heart, that God sees. You may only see a dry and parched land. But it’s not too late to begin sowing seed and pouring water into your garden. Trust the Holy Spirit to assist you in the redesigning of your garden. Let Him help you pick out your plants: healing, peace, deliverance, love, joy, and whatever else that will cause your garden to be something that others will enjoy! That you will flourish within!

  You! Are! God’s! Garden! Work with Him to make you something that will last for all eternity! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in Believers, Healing, the Word of God | 0 Comments | Tagged 1 Corinthians 3:9, encouragemnt, God’s garden, Healing, Holy Spirit, praise, trust in God, word of God

• Show Forth His Excellency!

  Posted at 4:11 am by wonderfuljesus8, on December 2, 2019

  1 Peter 2:9 – But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

  This verse is packed with the wonderful benefits afforded the believer. I’d like to remind you once again what Peter is saying to us about who were are:

  • A chosen generation-as such, we get the benefit of His protection and access to His kingdom. We are also share the same status with the Father that Jesus has.

  • A royal priesthood- a kingly priesthood. We’ve been elevated to not only sonship, but royalty that identifies us as being kings. And in our kingly status, we offer up sacrifices to the King of kings.

  • A holy nation-we are holy because His holiness comes into contact with us (after we are redeemed) causing us to be holy. And because He is holy, He places a demand on us to also live a life that exemplifies holiness.

  • God’s own special possession-acquired by our Heavenly Father with the precious Blood of Jesus and made to be His treasured possession.

  Now we get to the good stuff! Why would He do all of this for us? Why would He take “a wretch, a dirty ole sinner, a good for nothing slouch” and place him or her in His wonderful kingdom, giving us the status of a king priest, the status of Jesus, and call us His holy, treasured possession? Well, first and foremost because He loves us.

  Many people say they found the Lord, when in actuality He was never lost. We were the ones lost, and He sent Jesus to give His life’s blood at Calvary to redeem us because of that love. So that’s the first and most important reason. And although I have brought that point out before, it needed to be made again. Oh how He loves you and me!!

  But according to this verse in 1 Peter, chapter 2, He did all of this that we might show forth His praises! Even if I didn’t do a word study on this part, I think it’s pretty clear what is being stating in this verse. But let’s check it out anyway!

  The Greek word, “exangello” is used in this verse and literally means “to tell out, proclaim abroad, to publish completely”. The Greek word for praise is “arete” and doesn’t mean praise as we think of it; but it means virtue, or excellence.

  We weren’t given this citizenship in the kingdom to just go around saying praise God, although that’s fine; but all of this was done that we might spread abroad or publish completely God’s excellency. One commentator wrote that this word “arete” is better translated “wonderful deeds”. Looking at it from that perspective, our very lives are to be a proclamation of the wonderful deeds of a loving God, our Father!

  Another thing about the Father, is He reigns supreme over all, and His Excellency has a lot to do with place or position of power. We proclaim His greatness, His power, His wonderful deeds, His excellency. I love to read Christian historical fiction, and I am most drawn by the era of the aristocrats: dukes, earls, lords and ladies. The finery, the social system, the status and power of the aristocrats, when they weren’t the villains, is quite impressive. But more impressive than that, is the excellency of our God. Isaiah said it like this, “They shall see the glory of the Lord, the excellency of our God.” (Isaiah 35) How? Through us proclaiming it!

  So if you’ve been one of those whiny Christians that have spent time saying, “You never know what God will do!” Or, “I was better off when I was in the world!” Or any of those negative things that make it sound as if being a Christian is boring, difficult, a hardship, or not worth it, you need to stop it! And then you need to get acquainted with His Excellency King Jesus so that you can experience the God that loves you so deeply!

  In my next blog I will complete this verse! You don’t want to miss it! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in 1 Peter 2:9, Believers, Christian, God, Victorious Living | 0 Comments | Tagged 1 Peter 2:9, encouragemnt, Jesus, praise

• A Royal Priesthood!

  Posted at 2:41 am by wonderfuljesus8, on November 19, 2019

  1 Peter 2:9 – But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

  What does it mean to be a royal priesthood? Most of us sing about it and even quote this scripture, but we don’t really give it much thought. I’d like to explore it a little bit with you today.

  Let’s look at the term royal. The Hebrew word “basileios” is rendered “a king” in this verse and is not the word “basilikos” which means “belonging to a king, or royal”. So it is more fitting to say that Peter was saying that we are “a kingly priesthood” or a priesthood made of kings. In Revelation, John said that He made us “kings and priests…” Both had a revelation from God the Father of the marvelous truths of what became our inheritance in Christ! This is deeper than I have time or space to cover. Just wetting your appetite!

  Then there is priesthood! Without going too much into historical detail, Aaron began the priesthood. He and his descendants served as priests in Israel, ministering in the Tabernacle of the Wilderness until the first temple was constructed. Their primary function was to serve as mediators between God and man, and to offer up offerings and sacrifices to God. Are you getting excited yet?

  As believers we actually can go to God and be mediators for others. When you lead someone to the Lord, you are a mediator between the sinner and the Father. Of course, we know and understand that Jesus is the Ultimate Mediator for all of us, but He allows us to mediate on others behalf. When we pray for others, our intercession is an act of mediation. We are given the awesome responsibility of going to God and asking Him to move in the life, situation, or circumstance of another individual. And because we are priests, we don’t have to go to a priest, pastor, prophet or anyone else to get God’s attention! I am not knocking the wonderful men and women of God who stand in the ministry gifts, I’ve been truly blessed by many of them, but I don’t have to have them go to God for me, because I have access to go on my own. And so do you! But then, I am pretty sure you understand that already!

  Then there is the responsibility of sacrifices. What kinds of sacrifices are we responsible for as priests. A few come immediately to my mind. First, we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to Him, holy and acceptable (Romans 12:1)! And then there is the sacrifice of praise that we are to offer to Him (Hebrews 13:15). Another sacrifice is offerings to the Lord! Did you know sacrifice and offerings are paired together frequently in the Word, especially in the Old Testament? We are to give offerings to the Lord as part of our priestly duties. Have you ever made the connection before between offerings, praise, worship, and a life submitted to the Lord as priestly? Well, it is! And if you are already doing these things, keep up the good work!! And if you are not, get busy king-priest, your assignment is waiting for you!

  One last thing about the priesthood. In verse 5 of the same chapter, Peter refers to a holy priesthood. So the priesthood of kings is to be holy before the Lord. As a holy priesthood we offer spiritual sacrifices before the Lord, but as a royal priesthood we show forth the Lord’s excellence. I once heard Joel Osteen share a testimony about a king. He said that a certain king enjoyed playing golf and had invited a celebrity golfer (don’t remember the name) to play golf with him in his kingdom. They played golf together and it was an enjoyable experience for both. Then the king told the golfer he wanted to do something for him. Well, the golfer was thinking that maybe the king would buy him a new set of golf clubs, but the king purchased him an entire golf club! The place, not the sticks!! The point, if we are kings, we need to start thinking like kings!!! Our King is great and greatly to be praised. There is none like Him. He’s no wimp and He doesn’t think small!!

  Both the Old and the New Testaments reveal the position that God desires of His people. We’ve fallen short of who we are, and just like the Israelites we have shunned our position of king priests and allowed others to stand in our place! Shout, “No more, Father! I am willing accept to accept the call to king priesthood!” I know I am! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in 1 Peter 2:9, Christian, Jesus, Victorious Living | 6 Comments | Tagged 1 Peter 2:9, God, Jesus, king, praise, priest, Victorious Living, victory

• A Praise Break!

  Posted at 11:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on September 3, 2019

  Psalm 48:1 -Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.

  Yesterday was quite the day! Between phone calls and texts I spent quite a bit of time interceding with and for my family and friends. And God was faithful as always! It seemed that truly the enemy was up to no good! But before the day was done, the victories had been won!

  And when I woke up this morning!! Glory be to God! I had rest in my soul, peace of mind, and praise on my lips. As I walked around outside I was quiet, taking in the beauty of the morning that God had given to me. Knowing that the people we prayed for yesterday was better because of Jesus! Knowing that the devil was not victorious on yesterday with all of his stuff. Knowing that we serve the true and living God. Then I began to praise Him!!

  My heart rejoices in the truth that He is great! He is greater than the devil! He is greater than circumstances! He is greater than situations! He is greater than bad news! He is greater than our disappointments! He is greater than sickness! He is greater than disease! He is greater than lack! He is greater than debt! He is greater than death! He is greater than the storms-natural and spiritual! He is greater than divorce! He is greater than abandonment! He is greater than pain! He is greater than racism! He is greater than politics! He is greater than anything that we can ever experience in this life time! He is greater!!

  And because He is greater, He is greatly to be praised! I praise Him because of all the answered prayers on yesterday! I praise Him because when we call on Him He answers us! I praise Him because we have been access to Him through the Blood! I praise Him because He desires to communicate with us!

  And then I just praise Him because He is worthy of the praise! He is worthy because He is God all by Himself! I praise Him because He is the Alpha and the Omega! I praise Him because He is the Most High God! I praise Him because He is Almighty! I praise Him because no foe can stand before Him!

  I praise Him because the gospel is being preached through every means possible. I praise Him for pastors, teachers, evangelists, preachers and all those who carry the good news to the lost and the people of God! I praise Him because He has given His angels charge over me to protect me in all my ways!

  I praise Him because He first loved me! I praise Him for family and good friends! I praise Him for life and that more abundantly! I praise Him for strength in my body! I praise Him for giving me this blog! I praise Him for every like, every comment, and every follower! I praise Him because He works all things out for my good! I praise Him because no weapon formed against me shall prosper! I praise Him because He is my King, my Master, my ABBA Father! I praise Him for you!! I may be all over the place in this blog, but I am sure of one thing: I give Him praise! I give Him praise! Now take time for your own praise break! Wonderful Jesus!!

  Posted in Christian, praise, Victorious Living | 0 Comments | Tagged Christian, Jesus, praise

• God of Our Lord Jesus Christ!

  Posted at 2:01 am by wonderfuljesus8, on March 22, 2019

  Ephesians 1:17- “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.”

  Tonight I am in a mood to give God some praise! So much is happening and going on in the world, in my sphere of life, and in general. I just feel like giving Him some praise!!!

  Having said that, as I was reading again in Ephesians, a verse leaped out at me. Yes, they actually seem to leap at me!

  Paul referred to our Heavenly Father as the God of our Lord Jesus Christ! That’s an amazing truth that we need to remind ourselves of every now and again: the God we call Father, is the same God that Jesus was and is in communion with! Of course, we understand that they are one in the same, but I just like how much Paul was always mindful of Jesus!

  Even in the opening of Ephesians Paul writes about God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

  Paul wanted it understood that while he was talking about God, he was definitely talking about the Lord Jesus Christ and His connection to God our Father!

  We are living in a day when the name of Jesus is taboo. We can mention God, but not Jesus! But Paul is making it crystal clear that he was talking about the God of the Lord Jesus Christ!

  So as I read through these verses that Paul wrote, I couldn’t help but get a little excited that I am serving the same God that Jesus presented to the world when He was here in earthly ministry. The same God who worked miracles at Jesus’ word, is my God!

  The same God who healed the sick, He is still healing the sick today! I have been a recipient of that healing grace, and so many others! In His Name, Jesus, I have seen pain leave people’s bodies, sickness go away, health be restored! I thank you today, God my Father, the Father of Glory! I thank You for Jesus!

  The God that provided fish, at the word of Jesus, even though Peter had fished all night and caught nothing, is the same God who is my Provider! The One who makes sure that I have a job whenever I need or want to work! The One who makes the 90% go further than the 100% ever could have gone! Yes! I give You praise!! It is still at Jesus’ word that when they say no job exist, Jesus calmly says yes it does!

  The One who is My Shepherd, who is always leading and guiding me, and even prepares a table before me in the Presence of my enemies! Yes and amen! Literally, I have seen You do this time and again! Personal protection from Jesus, when the enemy rears his ugly head is worth the battle! I give You praise, O Lord my God, Father of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

  This blog, is an insufficient space for me to properly give praise to my God and to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! But for just a few minutes, I wanted to!

  Lord, thank You most importantly for being there for me, when no one else is or even can be! And thank You Lord for understanding me better than I understand myself, and still loving me. And thank You, for Your grace and tender mercies that are evident in my life! And thank you for my wonderful family (husband, daughters, siblings, siblings-in-law, nieces, nephews, etc..) I thank You, Lord!

  For today may not have been my happiest day, and it may not have been my most productive day! And if the truth be told, it may not have even been my most spiritual day, but when it is all said and done, I know that I am still treasured by You! So, I thank you Father! For during the good times, the challenging times, the prosperous times, and whatever times, I take great comfort and strength in knowing that You are with me.

  So, I wanted to stop for one day, and say, thank You, God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ and me, for all that You have done, all that You are doing, and all that You have in store for me! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in Ephesians study, praise, Victorious Living, worship | 3 Comments | Tagged Jesus, praise

• Search for:

• Recent Posts

  • Who is Like You, O Lord?
  • Getting It Right!
  • Lord, I Thank You!
  • The Curse of Ham?
  • A Heritage of Faith!

• Categories

  • Victorious Living (104)
  • Jesus (97)
  • Christian (67)
  • Believers (57)
  • God (42)
  • Faith (37)
  • encouragement (36)
  • Healing (24)
  • testimony (20)
  • Holy Spirit (20)