Shout! Really, Come On!

How many times have you shouted at someone across the parking lot? Have you shouted at your kids or other family member?
When was the last time you shouted to the Lord? I had not attended a worship service in over a month. This one particular Sunday, I woke up early to talk the Lord over a cup of hot coffee. As I was sitting in bed waiting for Him to talk to me, I heard; "Get up and go to church." Like a child I whined at His comment, "But I don't want to." He said, "Go to church to praise me for I am the reason you should go." Well I pulled myself out of bed and into the hot shower. As I began to get dressed, I decided to go to church and have a date with Jesus.  Here we go.
I was welcomed by my fellow brothers and sisters. It was like having a family reunion. The greetings were warm and inviting because when they said they missed me and were glad to see me, I felt their genuine love. The hugs were warm and inviting like a warm cup of hot chocolate on a cold windy day. It really melted my heart and overwhelmed me with a blessing from heaven.
The teaching was on praising God. Psalm 100:1 "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!"
Our pastor instructed us to do him a favor by standing up. He divided the church into five sections, next he instructed us that as he pointed to each section we were to shout to the Lord "Praise the Lord!" We went the first round and everyone in the congregation seemed a little uncomfortable as the shouts were not as loud as they could have been.
So, our pastor instructed us to try again. The next time around we were to raise our hands, shout, and shout loud. This time, he pointed in random rounds and the shouts and praises got louder and stronger. When the section was weak, he let us know it with love. It was exhilarating, refreshing, and cheerful.
Isn't that how church services are supposed to be though?
Most of us on Sunday mornings dread getting out of bed because it's our one day off. We go to church because it is in our routine. But God is so extra-ordinary, worthy to be praised, worth us SHOUTING His name. Yet, we are too good to do it.
There are many reasons why we should "Shout to the Lord!"  His name is above ALL names, He provides for our every need, He leads us into peace, He guides us to make right decisions, He keeps us from harm when we don't even know it, and He died for us so we would escape the claws of sin and death.
Singing a hymn gives Him praise, turning on your radio (91.3 Hope FM) and singing praise and worship songs to Him about Him must please His heart. He wants to hear from you and me through our prayers and praise.
So as you are driving along in your car, vacuuming for the tenth time, or working long hours, take time to shout to the Lord praises for ALL He has done for you. This is the time of season for us to reflect on what we are thankful for, so take time to thank the One that has given you All that you have.

~Be encouraged by knowing there are those on the street that do not have what you have; be thankful for the small things as well. 

Bah Humbug! ~ What Is The Meaning of This Season?

I must be getting older because I am becoming the Ebenezer Scrooge of my life. Although I am not greedy, white knuckled, or angry with the world I am not looking forward to this season of having a happy face when I am not feeling happy. It may be that I am getting older, the hormones might be shifting, and life just is not as it use to be.  Soon families will gather together as a family reunion. Songs will be sung, hot chocolates and home baked goodies made while the kids are playing, the men are watching television and the ladies are in the kitchen busy or out shopping.
My heart is crying over to the ones that don't have anyone. The elders of the church  that families are no longer near, the widowed wife and orphaned children, the homeless and poor that are trying their best to put a smile on their face and push through their pain.
I've often tried to make new traditions and stick to them yet that has not happened. I've tried to say that decorating the house isn't as important as the true meaning of the holidays.
I know people that concentrate more on the commercial side of the holidays and others that want to take Christmas out of the world. What a struggle!
This is not a surprise to God, just us. Now, go and make the best of it!
"Make the best of it?" That is difficult to do when we live in a world that is all about "ME."
It is difficult too when your family doesn't want to include you in their festivities and you don't want to impose on other's family time. I am truly trying to find the happy medium as my heart struggles with the insanity.
Perhaps it is a need to get back to the basics and ask "what does this season mean to me?" or "What does this season mean to you?"
I know that my Lord's purpose was to live and die for me and you. I know that the story of Mary and Joseph was a great provision for what faith can do. I know that we should always give good will towards men, not just during this season. I know that Emmanuel came as a reminder that no one is alone.
It is easy to say what this season is not about, but why ponder on the negative? I can say that I am grateful to see families lives change for the better. I pray that they take this season and truly celebrate it with joy and laughter through tears for the greatness done in their lives.

So just for today, my 'Bah humbug!" attitude is altering to "God Bless Us Everyone!"

~Be encouraged to make good memories that will last a life time and record them so they become your treasures!