Greetings to you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ- THE Risen Saviour! This morning I am realizing that some days are a little harder to accept as – ‘this is the day that the Lord has made and I am going to be glad’. However this is a “given day” – a day of life given to us by God, a day of opportunities given to us to reflect His glory, a day given to us to enjoy all the blessings we have, and a day given to us to seek is face. I trust that you had a good weekend and Monday — with family, friends, and yourself. Today I will be praying for you, asking Father to surround you with health, strength, and a happy heart!
As I was driving along yesterday…in the rain…it occurred to me that over the past few weeks in our Monday noon hour prayer time we have been praying for revival – and in particular for the “rain” of the Spirit’s presence to fall in a downpour. I wondered to myself and even shared with my wife…perhaps we haven’t been specific enough in asking for “rain” and need to ask for Holy Spirit “rain” – well, you never know!
We have been using a new in our preparing for the Monday prayer time worship. The song seems to have touched a spiritual nerve and God has anointed those who have entered into the words they were singing. I thought that I would like to share the words with you. The melody is simple and engaging and allows the singer to make a declaration of faith principles. Here are the words of the ‘chorus’ and then a ‘bridge verse’: I’m gonna sing my way out of the valley-I’m gonna shout my way up to the mountain-I will take hold of the truth of Your promise-I’m gonna praise, I’m gonna praise-I’m gonna push through ’til every lie crumbles-I’m gonna dance in the midst of the rain-I’m gonna rest in the arms of the Father-I’m gonna praise, I’m gonna praise- Oh-ohh-ohhh, I’m gonna praise …. Fear and depression-Shame and confusion-You have to bow-You have to bow-All lesser things-That demand my attention-You have to bow-Oh, you have to bow – Corey Voss.
We have been discovering, as the songs suggest, the power of praise. This song really complements another one that we have been using that says: Praise is the highway to the throne of God-Praise is the highway to the heart of God-Praise is the highway to the move of God. – Chris Tomlin. Yes! there is power in praise! It doesn’t mean that there are no problems. It doesn’t even mean to deny the effect of difficulties. However when we sing God’s praises to the problems, difficulties, depression, shame, confusion, fear, doubts, challenges…we are affirming that we believe in a “higher power”!
Take a moment or two to look at what seems to be standing in your way, what’s sticking its tongue out at you, what seems to steal your peace …and start to “praise God” –sing it, shout it,dance, grab hold of God’s promises … and declare to whatever or whoever – “You must bow down to the power and majesty and compassion of my God!”
Have a blessed day!