Lyrical Friday - Forever

Good Friday to You!
As Christians, we dare not only celebrate the joy Easter is, but we celebrate the darkness of crucifiction. We celebrate that Christ endured humiliation, He endured stripes on His back by whips, He endured the gruesome cross, He endured the a confined and lonely grave, He endured the totality of death. We celebrate the gift of sacrifice. We celebrate true, undefiled, and, perfect love. We celebrate redemption. We celebrate freedom. We celebrate victory. We celebrate life. We celebrate a future and a hope. We celebrate joy. We celebrate laughter. We celebrate mercy. We celebrate grace.

In our celebration, we magnify He who is wholly and only worthy of all glory, all honor, all praise —Jesus! Jesus Forever!

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Forever by Kari Jobe is absolutely beautiful. And as a special treat, spoken word by Isaac Wimberley is icing on this cake. May your heart be moved to gratitude, surrender, and praise. God bless You Friend.

Forever, Kari Jobe

The moon and stars they wept
The morning sun was dead
The Savior of the world was fallen
His body on the cross
His blood poured out for us
The weight of every curse was broken

One final breath He gave
As Heaven looked away
The Son of God was laid in darkness
A battle in the grave
The war on death was waged
The power of hell forever broken

The ground began to shake
The stone was rolled away
His perfect love could not be overcome
Now death where is your sting
Our resurrected King has rendered you defeated

Forever, He is glorified
Forever, He is lifted high
Forever, He is risen
He is alive
He is alive

We sing Hallelujah x 3 The Lamb has overcome

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.

Matthew 28:1-10

blessed is...

photo credit myself

Admire/Envy

For wrath kills a foolish man, and envy slays a simple one. Job 5:2 

Don’t envy violent people
or copy their ways. 
Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,
but he offers his friendship to the godly. Proverbs 3:31-32

A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones. Proverbs 14:30

And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.Galatians 5:24-26

Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. Titus 3:1-8

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:13-18

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Peter 2:1-3

Follow/Imitate

Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:7-9 

The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But He loves him who follows righteousness. Proverbs 15:9 

He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21

Thus says the Lord God: “Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!Ezekiel 13:3

Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go." Matthew 8:19

Now when He [Jesus] got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. Matthew 8:23

And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.Matthew 10:38-39

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.Matthew 16:24-25

Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Mark 1:17-18

As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. Mark 2:14

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.Hebrews 6:11-12  

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. 3 John 1:33

Praise/Flatter

Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; 

a stranger, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2 

Her children rise up and call her blessed; 
Her husband also, and he praises her: 
“Many daughters have done well, 
But you excel them all.” 
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, 
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 
Give her of the fruit of her hands, 
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:28-30

Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing!
The faithful have vanished from the earth! 
Neighbors lie to each other, 
 speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts. 
May the Lord cut off their flattering lips
 and silence their boastful tongues.

Psalm 12:1-3

He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue. Proverbs 28:23

 A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet. Proverbs 29:5

 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.  But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. Jude 1:16-19

Lead/Manipulate

Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. Proverbs 12:24

When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. Proverbs 28:2 

So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. Mark 10:42-44

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy,let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:3-8

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Romans 12:18

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3-5 

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

    For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,

    For they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

    For they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

    For they shall be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful,

    For they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,

    For they shall see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers,

    For they shall be called sons of God. 

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

    For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. 

Matthew 5:3-12

Sentence Tuesday

The more touched you are by people's praises, 

The more devastated you will be by their criticisms. 

-Ben Courson 

photo credit 

Lyrical Friday - Wonderful

sunrise worship with friends / South Beach, Florida

oh happy day!
Yesterday I cried. Out of frustration, sadness, and an overwhelming sense of failure. In that vulnerable hour I had to make a phone call that devastated me. A good friend answered the phone and at the end of our conversation she prayed for me. Its crazy how immediately after sorrow was removed, and replaced with peace and laughter. That's when I burst out singing, " Creator... Sustainer... Abba... our Father.." but I couldn't think of the words in between.

We live in the time of the googles, and I found the song. Sure in enough, its a song I have played on shuffle many times from my phone. Brenton Brown is a present day Psalmist with a great ability to mix words and music to the tune of our hearts. The lyrics of Wonderful lifted my spirit and connected with the prayer I had just received. God had seen the need of my heart and faithfully met me there. He is Wonderful!

My prayer for you is that your strength would be renewed through the Psalm that inspired the lyrics, and the lyrics itself. May you long for the Lord and His courts, His presence, and His voice. With loving-kindness the Lord is drawing you to Him, respond with shouts of praise.

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, 
Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.  As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
They make it a spring; 

The rain also covers it with pools. 

They go from strength to strength; 

Each one appears before God in Zion.  

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah O God, behold our shield,
And look upon the face of Your anointed. 

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. 

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God 

Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; 

The Lord will give grace and glory; 

No good thing will He withhold 

From those who walk uprightly.  

O Lord of hosts, 

Blessed is the man who trusts in You! 

Psalm 84:5-12

Wonderful, Brenton Brown


Creator, sustainer
Our hearts were made for You
Our Abba, our Father
The home we're running to 

Drawn by Your kindness
Held by Your grace
Your generous mercy inspires songs of praise

Wonderful, wonderful
You're the one thing that we need
How we long for Your house
For the healing that it brings

Protector, provider
The God who calls us friend
Our shepherd, our shelter
We turn to You again

Drawn by Your kindness
Held by Your grace
Your generous mercy inspires songs of praise

Wonderful, wonderful
You're the one thing that we need
How we long for Your house
For the healing that it brings

Beautiful, beautiful
More than any other thing 
We were born for Your courts
For the presence of the king

You're all we need Lord
Jesus, our hearts were made for You
You're all we need Lord
Jesus, no other God will do
You're all we need Lord
Jesus, our hearts were made for You
You're all we need Lord
Jesus, Jesus

Beautiful

[photo credit]

Happy Monday! I am currently reading a Youversion plan: Praise in the Presence of God. It's 365 days consisting of a short read that pertains to a specific verse on the topic of praise. Today's read: 

[Beauty may not be your first thought when you get up in the morning and stare into the mirror. Stress, tragedy, or deep sorrow may have etched creases of weariness or suffering on your face. But make this experiment; prove God’s Word. Take that countenance, as it is, into the presence of the Lord day after day, in frequent, steadfast praise and worship. The prophet Isaiah says plainly what you will receive in return. He says the Messiah is sent specifically to console those who mourn with “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning” (Isaiah 61:3). That’s an oil that surpasses the anti-aging effects of the best cosmetics!]

Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful. Psalm 147:1 NKJV

Praise the Lord! How good to sing praises to our God!How delightful and how fitting! Psalm 147:1 NLT

I challenge us to dedicate five minutes of simply praising God every day. 

promise of the Spirit

Promise of the Spirit // by Jack Hayford (Check out this reading plan on YouVersion)

The blessing of being filled with the Holy Spirit is not for the sake of mere enjoyment. It is rejoicing, to be sure! But at the core of a life of growing discipleship with Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is what’s most important.

It is the Spirit who keeps the Word alive.

It is the Spirit who infuses prayer and praise with passion.

It is the Spirit who teaches and instructs.

It is the Spirit who brings gifts and giftedness for power-ministry.

It is the Spirit who will bring love, graciousness, and a spirit of unity to our hearts.

God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. Acts 2:32-33

[photo credit]

If you are interested in sound doctrine on the Holy Spirit, I recommend these: 

For an individual or home study: When The Spirit of God Moves

Reading: Spirit Rising, Fresh Power, The Holy Spirit, God's Promise of Power (a favorite of mine), Touched By His Spirit, Forgotten God, The Holy Spirit: Activating God's Power in Your Life, The Code of The Spirit. 

YouVersion reading plans: Who Me, Gifted?, Celebrate, Praise in the Presence of God

example and praise

I spent some time in Psalm 71 this morning. Verse seven caught my attention above all others:

"My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection."

It caused me to measure up my life. Am I a representation of this verse to the world? Can others claim me as an example because God has been my strength and protection? It's an even bolder statement to claim for oneself. I think of the many times that lack of faith has not carried me through a trial but paralyzed me. Or when worry got the best of me, as in a rocking chair swaying back and forth but going nowhere. I am shamed by the thoughts of, "what if..." when I clearly knew what to say or what to do but did not do.

Oh wretched woman that I am.

I love the following verse:
"That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long."

I know the real me, the one that worries, the one whose faith wavers and even lacks it at times. I know me, the one who stares at the promises of God and dares to pray, "Lord will you really protect me?" Because I know me so well, that is why I can never stop praising Him. Praise, despite me, declares God's glorious strength and protection in my life. Praise reminds me that He is who He says He is. Praise speaks His promises and quiets my fears. Praise can, and praise will, mold me to be an example. So praise on dear friend and you too can be an example to many!

[photo credit]

known by name

As I emailed the ladies from my Bible study, I included a few words of encouragement. This too may be for you as much as it was for me this morning. So grab a cup of coffee, or tea, or hot chocolate and read on. 

[photo credit]

In the Bible there are many women who are mentioned but have no names. They are either identified by their location, their status and/or their condition. For example: A SAMARITAN woman, The WIDOW of Zeraphath, The woman with the ISSUE OF BLOOD. There are many more nameless and faceless women in the Bible.

You fill in the blank about yourself: 

The woman with the issue of __________. 

The wife of __________.

The Woman from __________. (this label could be your workplace)

I know that there are times when we feel like a nameless women. We even label others by what we see of them or their circumstance. If we focus on the label, we will miss out on a greater truth. These nameless women were not nameless to God. He knew each one by name and was intimately acquainted with their need. Though they had no names, God counted them worthy of mentioning them in His Word, using them for His purpose. He knew the name of the Samaritan woman, and though to the world she had a need for physical love, God saw her real need and He met her there. An outcast among her own people, she then became a bold witness for Christ. He knew the name of the Widow of Zeraphath. To the word she was just a poor widow with nothing to offer. But to God, she was a rich widow for her faith and obedience would prove that with God all things are possible. The woman with the issue of blood was also known by God, He knew her name. To the watching world her need was for healing but God knew that her real need was salvation. God knows you by name. 

He knows your need, your real need. He knows what you cry about. He knows what you worry about. He knows it all. Knowing everything about you He yearns to  speak comfort to you through His word. He longs for your presence in prayer. And He anxiously yet patiently waits for you to stop and worship Him. Through these three you will find hope, security, and deliverance. You are not nameless to God. Be blessed, you are known by name and your identity is found in Him. 

Birthday Surprise. It's Denise!

Hello there. Today's guest blogger is none other than my cousin Denise. She's no stranger to the Birthday Surprise tradition, and you can read her post "Trials and Adoration" here. Denise is one of the few people that I can trust and say is a woman of her word. May her story inspire and encourage you to choose contentment over bitterness.
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[photo credit]

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Bitterness and Contentment

It was 3:30 am again. I had to be up for work in a couple of hours and my head was throbbing, I was wide awake and I was losing all hope of falling asleep again. Laying there, staring into the darkness of my bedroom, thoughts began to swim through my head, and then, the tears came, burning my tired eyes. This was starting to become a daily thing. I couldn't stand it anymore. My life had been turned upside down and it felt like it had all happened overnight. Was this really happening? Was I still dreaming? Please God, let me fall back to sleep so I can wake up and this nightmare can be over.

Except it wasn't a nightmare, it was very real. I had lost my mother, and my father was marrying a much younger woman, even younger than I. Too many things were happening around me that I could not control. And every time I thought one trial had finished, another one immediately took its place. Everything was spinning out of control and I couldn't make it stop. The truth was, I couldn't stop it, not any of it. This was my new life and I was going to have to live with it, or stay miserable, stressed out, broken and wounded. The good news is that there was a way out and I knew it. I realized that the one who saved me, the one who had been there for me through everything, was still there. My God, who loved me dearly, was waiting with His arms wide open. He would be my comfort, my strength, my sanity.

Everything happened so fast, I should have been grieving but instead I was dealing with things beyond my control. There were times when my emotions took hold of me and I could barely breathe. I realized that if I let my emotions continue to control me, I wouldn't be able to breathe again.

More than any other emotions, what took over me the most was bitterness and anger. I think what shocked me was how quickly it all had happened. I didn't understand why or how it was happening, I just wanted someone to make it stop. However, deep down, I knew that all of this would be used for God’s glory. 

I felt like I couldn't trust anyone else on this earth. My real father was my God. He loved me more than anything. Isaiah 43:1-4, became my passage during this time.

“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.” ~Isaiah 43:1-4

I have a God who loves me and I couldn’t be more content in that thought. He loves me dearly. He can get me through anything. He was more real to me than He ever had been. He did not want me to be bitter and resentful. By holding onto my emotions and feeling bitter towards those around me, I was only hurting myself. No one else was losing sleep over this except me. But most of all it was hurting my testimony. How could I show the love of Christ and be an example to others if all they saw in me was sadness and anger. This is not the way God wants me to feel. It wasn’t easy but by staying in the word of God and keeping an open relationship with Him, everything became better. He spoke to me and comforted me tremendously. I was His daughter, His princess.  I was able to sleep at night and my bitterness slowly melted away. I was able to face things I never thought I would be able to face before and I was able to come home at night and actually enjoy being there. My situation did not change but my attitude toward it did.

We need to be content in all our circumstances. They are there to mold us and make us stronger. I heard a pastor use this analogy this week, he mentioned that when he was a child, his mother would bake and she would have all the ingredients laid out on the counter. He proceeded to try each one, the sugar, the oil, the flour, etc. He said he remembers trying each ingredient one by one. Individually, they tasted horrible, they were not appetizing at all. But when his mother put the ingredients together and baked them, they were delicious. When we look at each of our circumstances individually, they seem horrible, they are not good, but when you look at your life as a whole, these are the things that have made you who you are today, they have made something good.

In the end, I learned that I need to praise God no matter what, whether I am up or down. He loves me and knows what is best for me, even if I don’t understand it. He suffered for me, more than anything I will ever go through on this earth. If there is a situation that you are in that you feel you can’t control, surrender it to God, let Him handle it. If there is a person that you need to forgive, pray for them. You will be surprised at how much your attitude and heart changes toward a person when you are asking for God to work in them. Most of all, never stop worshiping Jesus. He loves you.

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” ~ Colossians 3:12-15

Lyrical Friday - You Alone We Praise

Happy Friday!
I heard this song for the first time last week and could not get it out of my head (for good reason). My friends who were with me couldn't stop singing it. And I am pretty sure that after listening to it, you won't either. Enjoy and praise the One who alone is worthy of our praise.
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You Alone We Praise, Ocean's Edge School of Worship

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King of Kings and Lord of Lords
You alone are powerful
You reign in love, You reign in love
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The One who is and is to come
Great I Am, The Holy One
You reign in love, You reign in love
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You Alone We Praise, Oh
You Alone We Praise
=
Jesus Christ, the Risen One
You have saved us by Your blood
We're overcome, by Your love-
There is no One who is like You
There is no One like our God!

Lyrical Friday - Burn

Hello Lovelies!
I am so excited to introduce you to Torches. I downloaded the EP off of iTunes this morning and have not stopped playing it. It is my personal believe that every one should download it too. After all, it only cost $2.97. Yea, that was a shameless plug for my friend who is the male vocalist. Spread the word, Torches EP is out!
Be a Facebook Fan!
Follow them on Twitter.
Follow them on Tumblr.
Youtube views.
And most important of all, iTunes... shop for Torches. Now you can tell your friends that you bought Torches. What'a convo starter.
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Moving on to lyrical business. The lyrics to 'Burn' are powerful. This is my prayer and now my anthem. May your heart burn as you turn to Lord, through this wonderfully made song.
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Burn, Torches

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Let our hearts always praise our king
With every breathe and song we sing
Let our love pour out for truth
Let it speak and let it move
Till our hearts are consumed by you
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we will burn
We will burn for you
Through the darkness
As we yearn 
As we yearn for you
With our hearts and
Let every breath we breathe 
And every song we sing 
Let them burn
Let them burn for you
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In the dark the lost and hurt
We will stand with hearts that burn
Every tribe and nation sing
Every tongue will confess your king
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In our love (with every song we get to sing)
In our hope (with every breath we get to breathe)
In our hearts (with every chance we get to be)
We will burn (let us burn)

Lyrical Friday - 10,000 Reasons

Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations. He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. Sing to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of a psalm, with trumpets and the sound of a horn; shout joyfully before the Lord, the King. Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it; let the rivers clap their hands. Let the hills be joyful together before the Lord. Psalm 98:1-8 

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Happy Friday! 

What is a blessing?

Here are a few words that describe a blessing: approval, adoption, acceptance, espousal, support, backing, patronage, championship, backup, admiration, appreciation, reward, reinforcement, boon, good fortune, mercy, thanksgiving, grace, orison, petition, prayer,  benison. Are these not words that describe our relationship with the Lord? Has He not shown is approval of us? He has adopted us as sons and daughters. He has accepted us into His family, His works and Heaven. Espousal, reward, good fortune, mercy and grace are just at the surface of all the benefits He gives us. He is our patronage, backup, support, prayer and petition. We are made champions, victorious and more than conquers in Him. Are we not blessed? It is only right that we would bless Him and His holy name. 

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At times, blessing His name comes easy and rolls off our lips. But there will be dark times, where we can not even mutter a word, much less bless the Lord. I know the feeling. I have experienced that it is only in blessing the Lord that our battle will be won. We may not see immediate deliverance to our present troubles nor may our gloom be lifted right away but hope, strength and joy will arise in the midst of craziness. So continue blessing the Lord. Bless the Lord in your home, in your car, with a friend, in your congregation and anywhere else you may be found. No matter how far off you may be from the Lord, praise Him there. If your heart has hardened and you can't find it in you to bless His name, reach out to someone to cry out to God for you and with you. The Lord has been good, it may be that a change of perspective is what you need. Bless the Lord as you count your blessings. 

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10,000 Reasons, Matt Redman 

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The Lord lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
Let the God of my salvation be exalted.
⁴⁷ It is God who avenges me, and subdues the peoples under me; He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles, and sing praises to Your name. Psalm 18:46-49
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Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:6-7
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Blessed be the Lord, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city! For I said in my haste, "I am cut off from before Your eyes”; nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You. Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:21-24
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I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:1-3
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By this I know that You are well pleased with me, because my enemy does not triumph over me. As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and set me before Your face forever. blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen. Psalm 41:11-13
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Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! Bless God in the congregations, the Lord, from the fountain of Israel. Psalm 68:19, 26
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Blessed be the Lord forevermore! Amen and Amen. Psalm 89:52
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Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. Psalm 96:1-6
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Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. Psalm 103:1-6
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Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul! Psalm 103:20-22
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Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire. Psalm 104:1-4
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Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the Gentiles, to give thanks to Your holy name, to triumph in Your praise. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord! Psalm 106:46-47
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The dead do not praise the Lord, nor any who go down into silence. But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord! Psalm 115:16-17
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Blessed be the Lord, Who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Psalm 124:6-7 
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Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who by night stand in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. Psalm 134:1-2 
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Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle— My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer,
My shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me. Psalm 144:1-2
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*Read and meditate on Psalm 104