Let me ask you this: when you think of spring, what comes to mind? New life? Growth? New opportunities? A bright future? Good change?

These are all things that are so often metaphorically attached to spring, according to most people. But what happens when spring brings pain for you instead? I want to talk a little bit about this today.

A few springs ago was what I used to consider one of the best times of my life. It was so full of what I thought was new, good change. It was exciting and just lovely! But now, because of a recent turn of events, those memories aren’t so sweet. In fact, when I think of them, they don’t bring back the joy they once did. They actually cut very deep if I allow them to. And I don’t want to allow them to!

You see, I’ve been fighting a battle in my thought life this week and one verse keeps coming to mind as I do. Perhaps you’ve heard it, but will you dwell on it with me right now?

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

To help myself focus on these things we’re called to think about, I made a note card that simply lists each of these things. Then I ask myself this whenever a painful memory or thought enters my mind: is what I’m thinking about true? Is it honorable? Just? Pure? Lovely? Commendable? Excellent? Worthy of praise? If the answer is no, I have to mentally force myself to STOP. And that’s not enough. I have to think about something else.

So what are some pure and lovely and just things I can go to mentally during these times? One word: Christ. I simply stop thinking about whatever is on my mind and focus on the fact that God sent his one and only son (John 3:16) to die for my sins. Then, when Jesus died and rose again, he left us here on the earth with a beautiful and wonderful gift: his Holy Spirit. And we are so blessed by that. And by the fact that we are given the Word of God to help us and instruct us (Romans 15:4).

The ESV Study Bible by Crossway provides a beautiful commentary on this verse in Philippians. Short and sweet, it says:

The Philippians are to fill their minds with things that will inspire worship of God and service to others.

I truly believe that we as believers, like the Philippians, are to do this very same thing.

Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely love spring! And here in Michigan, we have had an early spring and are enjoying long days with beautiful 75 degree weather. I already have freckles on my face and shoulders, which normally doesn’t happen until May! But this past week in particular has caught me off guard as challenging for my thought life. If you’re experiencing a battle in your own thought life, I pray you’ll use this technique. It’s transforming and it works! And when your brain is tired of thinking at all, just put on the song “Rise” by Kari Jobe. It will lift your spirits, I promise!

We will cry out Your renown
You are the God who has saved us
We will rise to praise You
We lift a glorious sound
You are the one who redeemed us
We will rise to praise You

Now, I’m ready to get back outside and enjoy my spring!

Jen

Let me ask you this: when you think of spring, what comes to mind? New life? Growth? New opportunities? A bright future? Good change?

These are all things that are so often metaphorically attached to spring, according to most people. But what happens when spring brings pain for you instead? I want to talk a little bit about this today.

A few springs ago was what I used to consider one of the best times of my life. It was so full of what I thought was new, good change. It was exciting and just lovely! But now, because of a recent turn of events, those memories aren’t so sweet. In fact, when I think of them, they don’t bring back the joy they once did. They actually cut very deep if I allow them to. And I don’t want to allow them to!

You see, I’ve been fighting a battle in my thought life this week and one verse keeps coming to mind as I do. Perhaps you’ve heard it, but will you dwell on it with me right now?

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

To help myself focus on these things we’re called to think about, I made a note card that simply lists each of these things. Then I ask myself this whenever a painful memory or thought enters my mind: is what I’m thinking about true? Is it honorable? Just? Pure? Lovely? Commendable? Excellent? Worthy of praise? If the answer is no, I have to mentally force myself to STOP. And that’s not enough. I have to think about something else.

So what are some pure and lovely and just things I can go to mentally during these times? One word: Christ. I simply stop thinking about whatever is on my mind and focus on the fact that God sent his one and only son (John 3:16) to die for my sins. Then, when Jesus died and rose again, he left us here on the earth with a beautiful and wonderful gift: his Holy Spirit. And we are so blessed by that. And by the fact that we are given the Word of God to help us and instruct us (Romans 15:4).

The ESV Study Bible by Crossway provides a beautiful commentary on this verse in Philippians. Short and sweet, it says:

The Philippians are to fill their minds with things that will inspire worship of God and service to others.

I truly believe that we as believers, like the Philippians, are to do this very same thing.

Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely love spring! And here in Michigan, we have had an early spring and are enjoying long days with beautiful 75 degree weather. I already have freckles on my face and shoulders, which normally doesn’t happen until May! But this past week in particular has caught me off guard as challenging for my thought life. If you’re experiencing a battle in your own thought life, I pray you’ll use this technique. It’s transforming and it works! And when your brain is tired of thinking at all, just put on the song “Rise” by Kari Jobe. It will lift your spirits, I promise!

We will cry out Your renown
You are the God who has saved us
We will rise to praise You
We lift a glorious sound
You are the one who redeemed us
We will rise to praise You

Now, I’m ready to get back outside and enjoy my spring!

Jen

With my tongue, I can become defiled

But when I take action and move in the spirit, I am everything!

I am a Worshipper

I am Warrior;

and I am a  Winner!

“I am Strong in the Lord!”  Eph 6:10

When I walked away…He pursued me. When I refused Him…He loved me.
When I used His name in vain…He forgave me. When I made a mess out of my life…He gave me another chance. When I hurt others…He gave them the strength to love me. When I hurt so bad I wanted to take my own life…He prevented me. When I couldn’t stop drinking…He took away my desire. When I had no strength left to go on…He gave me His. When I felt alone and unloved…He wanted and loved me. When I was scared…He comforted me. In a world of lies…He is my truth.

Christ our Lord…worthy of praise, worthy of honor, worthy of worship.

Our Lord…worthy of our love and all we have to give Him.

Christ our Lord gave us His all…that we may have all with Him. In Him we have life…for in us He lives. Let us praise Him every day…for every day is from Him. Let us give thanks to the Lord…for he is good.

Christ the author of life and love…should be the author of our lives.

g t h
6/12/10

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and in the day of eternity. Amen.” II Peter 3:18

Prophets foretold His birth centuries before it occurred.An angel appeared to His mother to announce the miracle of his conception.

His Father chose as His mother an unknown maiden with a heart inclined to God and ready to surrender herself to God’s will.

He left His heavenly home to come into a world that seemed to have no room for Him.

He was born in Bethlehem to fulfill prophecy of His royal birth.

And yet, He was born in the humblest of circumstances in order to identify fully with humankind and because He had no intention of becoming an earthly King.

His birth was celebrated by angels and accompanied by a phenomenal Heavenly star to proclaim His deity.

Modest working men were the first to hear of His coming, demonstrating that no wealth is necessary to know Him.

Wise men of wealth and position travelled from far away to bring gifts to Him and worship the One whose birth could be seen in the Heavens, showing that He was and is the King of Kings.

He astonished the learned scholars in the temple at a young age, demonstrating that He is the Word made flesh.

He healed sickness, demonstrating His compassion and His power over human frailty.

He raised the dead, demonstrating His power over death and the coming end of sorrow.

He multiplied the provisions of men, taking care of earthly need and demonstrating that God can take what we offer and do more with it that we could imagine.

He walked on water and calmed the storm, demonstrating His supremacy over all created things and what we call the “laws of nature.”

He taught with authority because He was the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

He taught profound truth through the simplicity of parables so that all people and even children could understand.

He wept at the sorrow of death and the rejection of God’s plan in demonstration of His incarnation.  He is Emmanuel, God with us,… in grief, in sorrow, in rejection, and in loss.

He demonstrated humility in washing the feet of His own disciples.

He foretold His own death and resurrection and the denial of one of His closest followers.

He chose God’s will for Himself and submitted to a mockery of a trial so that He could take our guilt.

He was beaten, despised, humiliated and condemned so that we could be redeemed.

He carried much more than a heavy wooden cross on His back.  He carried the weight of the sin of all mankind.

The hands that blessed and healed were nailed to a cross.

The beautiful feet that had carried the message of God’s love and mercy were pierced so that He could carry our sin to the mercy seat.

The heart that beat with more love than you or I could fathom was stilled as He gave up His life so that we could have life everlasting.

He commited His spirit to God and spoke the words of victory that echo through eternity:  “It is finished!”

“He was in the beginning with God, and with Him everything that was created was made.  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

He is life, and He came to give life.  And yet, he endured death, and darkness, and Hell.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

He did not stay in the tomb.   He was no longer there, for He had risen, just as He said.

He appeared to Mary, to his disciples, and to other followers.  He was not bound by death or by the walls of a tomb.  He is alive!

He told His followers that he must leave so that the Holy Spirit could come and inhabit the hearts of all believers.

He told them what he would be doing while they were apart.  He is preparing a place in Heaven, reigning as Sovereign Lord at the right hand of God the Father, and praying for believers.

He gave them their mission:  “Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world.”

He is with us.  He is praying for us.  He is preparing a place for us.

He is still changing lives, touching hearts, and healing hurts.

He is the Savior of the world.

He is the Redeemer whose love for mankind could not be crucified.

He is the Lord of All.

He is the beginning and the end.

He is the Bridegroom.

He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.

He is the Living Water, bringing unquenchable life.

He is the King of glory, the hope of mankind, and the joy of man’s desiring.

He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

He is Jesus!

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This post originated in the heart of God before the foundation of the World.
The words were put together by Cynthia A. Boyd to proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Tenaciously hanging on to life after he fell from a ladder is Ian “Molly” Meldrum the often mocked but very passionate advocate for Australian popular music and a figure who has loomed large in the formative years of so many of my generation who grew up with Countdown. The accident that has laid him so low just shows how dangerous a place our homes can be and just how careful we all should be as we reach ah err “maturity”. Personally I hope that Meldrum makes a full recovery soon enough to celebrate Christmas with his family and friends . Which sort of brings me to what Christmas means to me as an atheist I have long been bemused by the iconography of this festival, I have loved and loathed some of the contemporary faux mythology about Santa Claus, the repeated and eternally re-enacted story of Jesus being born in a manger in Bethlehem but the one thing that still rings true is the self evident fact that it is  festival when we share love with those who are close to us and generosity to perfect strangers . What is not to like about that?  Its a spirit that needs nothing other worldly for substantiation and one that this unbeliever fully endorses.

Cheers Comrades

]]> http://worshipsounds.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/top-te-music-ministry-thankfulness-list/ Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:46:28 +0000 praise4ever http://worshipsounds.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/top-te-music-ministry-thankfulness-list/

Thankfulness blossoms best when watered daily.

Thankfulness isn’t only for November.  We can be thankful for all the ways that we are blessed all year long!

“Sing to the Lord with Thanksgiving; make melody to our God upon the lyre!
He covers the heavens with clouds,
He prepares rain for the earth,
He makes grass grow upon the hills.
He gives to the beasts their food,
and to the young ravens which cry.
His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor His pleasure in the legs of a man:
But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him,
in those who hope in His steadfast love.”

Psalm 147: 7 -11

TOP  TEN  year round Thankfulness list
for those in positions of Music Ministry leadership (and for those who support worship ministry through participation in worship and through encouragement):

(When we remember to be thankful, we count our blessings and multiply our praise!)

1.   A God of Love and Mercy
He is the One who has chosen to give His only Son so that we may know Him, have abundant life on earth, and live with Him eternally in Heaven.  He gives us a reason to sing, to play, and to praise Him.

2.   The gift of Music
Our creator God chose the beautiful gift of music to allow us to express the depths of feeling that words alone could never capture.   Through this, He gives us a glimpse of His creative work in our lives.   How beautiful Heaven must be!

3.  The body of Christ…His people!
Those who love, who serve, who give, who bless, who mourn with hope, who reach out to one another, who offer compassion, who forgive one another, who go, who pray, who worship, who weep with those in sorrow, who find joy, who seek the Lord, who long for righteousness, who rejoice in the truth, who overwhelm us with the beauty of their hearts…God’s people!

4.  The call to serve
We are still amazed to be broken vessels who seek to help other broken vessels worship our Creator and the Lover of our souls.

5.  Faithful volunteers in Music and Worship Ministry
We are not called to be Soloist in Chief.  We cannot do this alone.  We are called to lead others, to help them find the song of their praise.  From our Choir and Praise Team members to our Church Orchestra and Rhythm Section, to our (too often) unsung heroes in the Technical and Media booth, to those who work with Children, Youth and pre-schoolers in their Worship ministries. to those who work with interpretive arts such as banner-making, signing, or drama, every one of our Music and Worship Ministry volunteers is a blessing and a valuable member of the team!  Only with these faithful hearts joining the song can we offer to God the gift of harmony in praise.

6.  Accompanists
When years of training, a passion for excellence, a servant’s heart, and a director’s dream are all found in one person, we call that person an accompanist or instrumentalist.  Though the instruments they play may vary, their role is vital and supportive, enhancing every message in song.  These are the folks who have already been rehearsing and are prepared to play and accompany at a time when everyone else is just beginning to learn the song.

7.  Encouragers
Though none of us depend upon accolades or actively seek them, an encouraging word lifts our spirits.   Most touching to our hearts is to know that a message in song has touched the heart of someone else.

8.  The songs
Choosing a favorite song would be like choosing which drop of water fell first into the sea.   There are so many.  We have the privelege of living with words and music of profound beauty and a depth of spiritual insight.   Our lives are constantly impacted by messages of hope, grace, love, mercy, power, and eternity….

9.  New mercies every day, grace in infinite abundance to cover all of our short-comings and sin, and God’s help to gain victory in our journey to become more like Jesus
We need closeness in our relationship with God, a need for closeness that is made all the more apparent by anything that reminds us of our own humanity.   We need Jesus.  We need cleansing, forgiveness, the heart of a worshipper, the soul of a seeker, and a willingness to lay down our burdens before Him and carry His cross.

10.  Surrender and vulnerability
Only through our willingness to place our talents in God’s hands and recognize that they are all His gifts to be used for His glory can we ever truly minister.  For Worship Leaders, Choir Directors, Ministers of Music and Worship, Choir members, Orchestra members, Praise Teams, Praise bands, rhythm sections, drama and movement teams, technical teams, accompanists, ….. for all who lead in worship in any way…..surrender is our highest goal.

11.  A worshipping congregation
God inhabits the praises of His people!  The scriptures never say that God only inhabits the praises of those who are a part of the Music and Worship leadership team.  It is important that all of our hearts join together in worship.  The holy moments that take place when God meets us where we are, at the point of our need, and is enthroned on our praise… words fail…

12.  A supportive and worshipping Pastor and Ministerial Staff
What a joy it is to serve with others who love the Lord and have a passion to seek Him and to worship Him.

Here is a song of Praise and Thanksgiving for you!  Click this link to hear our Soundcloud Publisher’s Demo of Travis’ choral anthem, “Give Thanks to the Lord”, published by Shawnee Press.

http://soundcloud.com/travis-l-boyd/give-thanks-to-the-lord-ttbb

“Praise the Lord! O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 106:1

“Praise the Lord!
For it is good to sing praises to our God;
for He is gracious, and a song of praise is seemly.
The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
He gathers the outcasts of Israel.
He heals the broken-hearted
and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars,
He gives to all of them their names.
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
His understanding is beyond measure.”

Psalm 147: 1 – 5

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Post written by Cynthia A. Boyd

Don’t miss our  FREE  CHORAL  ANTHEM  PDF offer!   Check out the blog post entitled, “Free Choral Anthem PDF for Your  Choir or Ensemble”

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Do you know Jesus? 

The decision to ask Jesus to come into your heart and life as your Lord and Savior is the best decision you could ever make!  The one true God is ready to give you forgiveness and eternal life as soon as you understand your need for Him and believe on the name of His only Son, Jesus, for your salvation.  Here’s a blog page link to help you find the answers to your questions about Jesus.  http://www.worshipsounds.wordpress.com/do-you-know-jesus/

“And they sang a new song saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.’” (NKJV)

“And they sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.’”(NASB)

“And they sang a new song with these words: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For You were slaughtered, and Your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.’”(NLT)

“And [now] they sing a new song, saying ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and break the seals that are on it, for You were slain (sacrificed), and with Your blood You purchased men unto God from every tribe and language and people and nation.’”(AMP)

“And they sang a new song: ‘Worthy! Take the scroll, open it’s seals. Slain! Paying in blood, you brought men and women, bought them back from all over the earth, bought them back for God.’”(MSG)

“Den dey sing one new song, dat say, ‘you do One dat get do right For take do paper, broke da wax kine seal, an open um. Cuz dey wen kill you jalike one sacrifice, an you wen bleed and mahke, fo pay da price fo bring peopo back to God, from every ohana, and language, and peopo, an country.’”(Da Jesus Book)

Adore Him!

Bless the name of the Lord!

Come into His presence with thanksgiving.

Delight in Him!

Embrace the cross of daily surrender.

Forgive.

Give Him the glory due His name.

He alone is worthy!

Incline your heart to Him.

Just listen for His voice.

Know that the Lord is God.

Magnify the Lord!

New every morning are His mercies.

Offer all that you are.

Praise Him!

Quietly wait for Him.

Rejoice in the Lord always!

Sing Praise to the Lord!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Unsearchable are His judgements.

Victory is His!

Worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness.

eXalt the name of the Lord!

Yield your heart to Him.

Zealous for God…

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Post written by Cynthia A. Boyd

Boydbrain Music   http://www.boydbrainmusic.com 

Music for your Choir, Orchestra, Ensembles, Congregational Praise, and Soloists

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Do you know Jesus? 

The decision to ask Jesus to come into your heart and life as your Lord and Savior is the best decision you could ever make!  The one true God is ready to give you forgiveness and eternal life as soon as you understand your need for Him and believe on the name of His only Son, Jesus, for your salvation.  Here’s a blog page link to help you find the answers to your questions about Jesus.  http://www.worshipsounds.wordpress.com/do-you-know-jesus/

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It takes more than a talent to participate faithfully in these ministries!  It takes someone who not only has the ability but also has the love or passion for this area of ministry and is willing to guard their availability in order to be a faithful participant.  These wonderful folks add so much life and spirit to all that they do, in addition to their excellence in prepartion for sharing their gifts.   Whether your church has a special recognitions Sunday set aside or not, it’s ALWAYS good to let these people know how much you appreciate them!  So, share a little love with the people who bless your life this week!   Then, let your music/tech/drama/decorating committee & special production support (costumes, sets, publicity) people know that you appreciate their efforts when you attend the Christmas production and special programs this year.   Tell your child’s Sunday School or Choir or Missions teacher (as well as your own!) how much you appreciate them.  Spread the love!  Tell folks you’re glad to see them!   Let’s appreciate the gift of salvation in Christ every moment of every day and appreciate the people who are committed to making our church the best that it can be every time we have the opportunity!  A special day is great, but appreciating these fine people one day of the year would be like only complimenting and saying ‘I love you’ to your spouse once a year…say, on Valentines Day.  Not a good idea, right?   You can help to continually encourage and build up the body of Christ, spurring one another on to good works!

First Baptist Church Duluth Adult Choir, Youth (SWAT) Choir & teams, Golden Notes, Handbell ringers, Orchestra, Praise Teams, Tech Team, Rhythm Section, group accompanists, Drama Team, Decorating Committee, and all who will help with production tasks, WE APPRECIATE YOU!   We think you are the best and love you all!   Each of you contributes so much!  You are valued, loved, appreciated, & treasured!   As you use your God-given gifts, you are a BLESSING!

Here’s a link to the facebook page about this event:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/National-Choir-Appreciation-Sunday/250302075020204?sk=info

Blessings and melody, love and joy to you all!

Travis and Cindy Boyd
WorshipSounds Music
http:www.worshipsounds.com

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Click photo above to go directly to our WorshipSounds Music website.

WorshipSounds Music
Biblically sound lyrics, memorable and meaningful music
Quality, Affordable Music for your Choir, Orchestra, Ensembles, Soloists, and Congregation

Our music has been sung and recorded by:

The Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma, The Singing Churchwomen of Oklahoma, The Oklahoma Baptist Symphony, The Sons of Jubal, The Jubalheirs, The Farrells, Debra Eden, The Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters, InOvation, and The Choral Guild of Atlanta.

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Do you know Jesus? 

The decision to ask Jesus to come into your heart and life as your Lord and Savior is the best decision you could ever make!  The one true God is ready to give you forgiveness and eternal life as soon as you understand your need for Him and believe on the name of His only Son, Jesus, for your salvation.  Here’s a blog page link to help you find the answers to your questions about Jesus.  http://www.worshipsounds.wordpress.com/do-you-know-jesus/

What did you think?

If you’re like me you probably thought that the silence meant the outcome wasn’t on the money – it was not acceptable - then discouragement sets in.

Why?

We often think there’s a spectrum of encouragement where we can swing from mild encouragement to exuberant out-of-this-world encouragement, depending on the quality of the job that was done. The reality, though, is that encouragement is simply black and white, there is no grey. We are either encouraging someone, or they are being discouraged. Because in the absence of encouragement there is only discouragement.

If I don’t hear that the project I delivered was acceptable, then I will assume it was unacceptable. If I don’t hear that the support I offered was welcomed, then I will assume it was unwelcome. If I don’t hear that the task I completed was correct, then I will assume it was incorrect. All these assumptions bring forth discouragement.

In the absence of encouragement there is only discouragement.

The only way to overcome this is to encourage, to stimulate hope and confidence, to inspire. Now I’m not talking about flattery, I’m talking about actually looking for and finding something that is worthy of encouragement. Find the one thing (if there is only one – there could be many more!) that the person did well and tell them.

People (yep, you and me!) thrive on encouragement, people grow and people will grow others. The fruit borne by a seed of encouragement can only be more encouragement and the amazing thing is that when we encourage others, we too will feel encouraged!

So the next time someone does something, anything, find something worthy of praise and say it!

Let Hope Rise 2011.

Many thanks to Richard Kobakian for the inspiration for this post.

Subscribe to LetHopeRise2011 by Email

As we were walking, I decided to translate the sermon to Lisa which seemed like a prep sermon before Ramadan comes. And as I translated it line by line, the stuff that was said left Lisa and I speechless. Wherever this may have come come from, regardless of who said it, Lisa and I couldn’t help feeling that someone out there could be encouraged by what was being said.

Including us..

This is what was said:

“Keep an open connection between you and God. Keep an open connection with Him always.
Don’t try and make an event out of it.
And Don’t just connect with him in times of celebrations or events or when you have to.
And when you connect, let it not just be out of mindless routine words but from the depths of your heart. When in sin, come to Him. Don’t.. don’t you ever take it to bed with you and wallow in your shame. But when you do, come to God, take it to Him, for His mercy and forgiveness is more than enough to cover you.”

Can somebody say amen?

23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day.
24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
25 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
27 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.

I hope and pray this scripture will speak to you and facilitate a daily relationship with God. I encourage you to go beyond just reading these passages. Read them, re-read them, meditate, and pray on them. Discern for yourself what God is saying to you through the scripture. When and how you do that is entirely up to you. — Kelly Parker

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).

The emphasis in these verses is notion the outcome of the decisions, but on the attitude of the decision maker:

• Delight yourself in the Lord.
• Commit your way to the Lord.
• Trust in Him.
• Rest in the Lord.
• Wait patiently for Him.
• Fret not yourself.
• God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him.

There will be happy times, crisis times, even tragic times. Let me emphasize that these verses stress the attitude of the decision maker rather than evaluation of the immediate outcome of a decision or an event. It takes months or even years to see how all things work together.

The Bible verses in this chapter have been assembled with an emphasis on the management of your mind. You can choose what will linger there. You can have a depraved mind–or a wholesome mind. If you seek to please God with the use of your mind, you will be able to describe yourself as did the prophet Jeremiah:

Take to heart some classic advice from the apostle Paul on the management of your mind:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things (Phil. 4:6-8). -Henry Brandt.  Visit him at www.BiblicalCounselingInsight.com

Guidelines for how to be a Woman of God

Proverbs 31:10-31

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. (PRICELESS) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. (TRUSTWORTHY) She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. (ECONOMICALLY CONSCIOUS) She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. (FOOD PROVIDER) She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. (INDUSTRIOUS) She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. (STRONG, MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY) She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. (WISE, PREPARED) She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. (CONSTRUCTIVE) She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. (HOSPITIBLE, CHARITIBLE) She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. (CLOTHING PROVIDER) She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. (MODEST, PRESENTABLE) Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. (SUPPORTS HER HUSBAND) She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. (PROFITABLE) Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. (ENDURES, PATIENT) She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. (CAREFUL TO SPEAK, EDIFIES) She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. (RESPONSIBLE) Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. (WORTHY OF PRAISE AND HOUNOR) Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. (ABOVE MEASURE) Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. (HUMBLE, GOD FEARING) Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. (FRUITFUL, REPUTABLE) KJV

In parentheses I summarized each verse with an attribute. These are the characteristics that become a virtuous woman. As Christian woman, we should strive to include in our character as many of these as possible. As the Bride of Christ, all of us should be conscious of the need to become more like the virtuous woman. While it may seem daunting or even impossible, this passage wasn’t put in the Bible for us to glorify the unknown virtuous woman, but to give guidelines for us to become a virtuous or godly woman for with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) As women, wives, mothers, daughters, and even men that are apart of the Body or Bride of Christ, let us all become “virtuous women”.