Stand

Friday, July 24

2009-08-23T13:55:00.001-07:00

Good morning again my very wonderful friends :)

I've got to tell you, I really can't believe that it's been almost eight weeks since we started, and now it's time to wrap things up. I can say with total and complete assurance that this group is more than I could have hoped for as study partners and friends, and I'm thankful for the who the Lord brought into the picture as we explore this new format of Bible study. I'm really thankful for your participation, encouragement, and friendship. I'm already so excited to do this again! I hope we'll still be working alongside one another as we do!

Don't forget our get together coming soon, I'm looking forward to seeing you guys! Also please be praying about joining our next study, “Resolved” based on the Life of Peter. It's gonna be good. I'm just sayin. :)

Alright. That's right... you already know.

[Stop.] Spend some time on your knees before the One who sees you, loves you, and has equipped you to stand.

FOR DISCUSSION: How would YOU sum up how the Lord has equipped us to STAND?

We've talked about PRAISE and explored it in a new way. We've talked about perspective, perseverance, prayer, and so much more. Really I think it boils down to this: [Always.]

Know what you know.

Live what you know.

Share what you know.

Remember that you have a constant source of example, help, strength, and daily step-by-step guidance in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Please Read: Mark 2:1-12

This is a very well known story in which a few dear friends literally carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus for healing. Jesus did not immediately heal the “circumstances.” He healed the heart.

It always starts there. Always.

Know it. Live it. Share it. Our reality must always start with God as King... and bringing our circumstances and hearts to surrender. Offer yourself. Then you'll see a miracle.

Then.. Jesus told the man to [STAND UP.] But He didn't stop there. Without wasting one breath or stopping His sentence Jesus said “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”

Why not stand there for everyone to gaze upon the miracle? Why not let the man stay with the others to listen to all of the teachings of Jesus?

Because it was time to go forward.

It was time to go forward for all to see.

(v. 12) He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

It's knowing. It's living. It's sharing. And it's ALWAYS worship.

It's always a step forward. Revival is nothing more than a conscious effort to take one step forward with God each day. Start today. Revival is worship. WORSHIP IS... REVIVAL.

You've learned to stand, dear friend and greatly loved child of God.

Now it's time to get up, take your mat, and walk.

Share what you know.

*If you would like to be a part of starting small group Bible studies of Stand in your church, neighborhood or community please send me and e-mail at mary@the52project.org. We'll be able to discuss these possiblities when we meet in person as well.

We'd also LOVE to see your continued participation through the rest of the site even as this study ends! Please rejoice and share with us on the blog as often as you can. The Lord has used that ministry in a mighty way!

I'm so thankful for each of you! Have a wonderful weekend... discussions will remain open all weekend. You are each in my thoughts and prayer!

Love, Mary

2009-07-27T04:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone involved in this study. I have been learning so much both from the study and from other sources over the past couple of months. I guess what it all boils down to is this -- God is big. Huge. We can either recognize that or ignore Him, and our society tries to get us to choose the latter. After all, acknowledging a mighty God means that certain things should come as our response -- obedience, submission, humility. All things that we don't particularly like to do. But, even though we deserve it, God's ways aren't about beating us down and making us miserable (although, again, this is what society tries to tell us)! His rules are simply for our well-being (something we don't seem to handle very well when left to our own devices) and for eternal purposes (rather than instant earthly gratification). Following the path that God lays before us (rather than our own road) isn't easy -- after all, it's called the NARROW gate :) But it's not about us and what WE are able to do. If that's all it was, there'd be no sense in even trying. It's about what GOD can do THROUGH us when we allow it. Allow it by praising Him for who He is and what He does, even when all the details of our lives aren't happy. Allow it by breaking the status quo and seeking HIS will rather than automatically just doing what we want, think, or feel like doing. Allow it by changing our perspective - on what we think is important, on how we define our circumstances, on how we view our time here on earth. Allow it by following God and His guidance no matter what everyone around us thinks about it. The surrender of our will and our ego. It's simultaneously that simple and that difficult. But when I start thinking about how hard it is, I come full circle and again start thinking about how big God is ... and how submission is the ONLY reasonable response [read Revelation 4:3-8]. Please pray for me as I continue to struggle with submitting ... hope you all have a great rest of the summer!!

- Amy

Thursday, July 23

2009-07-23T20:26:00.001-07:00

Good morning :) I hope you're doing well this morning and that you've had some good time in prayer!

For today... (Drumroll please...) we'll be doing personal study on the word "share." :) Practical application, my friends! I'd suggest writing the verses you find on note cards... "meditate on them day and night" as they say :) You'll be so, so glad that you did!

SHARE.
You may want to try other words as well along this theme. Some suggestions are praise, act, speak, and tell.

In so doing, remember our key verse on this topic: (definitely note card and memorization worthy... just sayin!)

Philemon 6
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

Also remember: 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give reason for the hope that you have. But do it with gentleness and respect...

Happy studying to you! I KNOW that each and every day truly invested in your knowing, living, and sharing, will result in unspeakable joy!

TODAYS DISCUSSION BELOW IN PURPLE:

2009-07-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of verses that jumped out at me:

^"Do not forget to do good to others, and share with them, because such sacrifices please God". - Heb. 13:16

God is the One who made all things, and all things are for his glory. He wanted to have many children share his glory, so he made the One who leads people to salvation perfect through suffering. - Heb. 2:10

I like these verses for a couple of reasons. First, how UNFATHOMABLE is it that God wants to share the most awesome thing in all of existence - HIS GLORY - with us?! Wow. And to think that I don't want to share simple lil' earthly things with people sometimes! Although I also like that Hebrews 13:16 acknowledges that sharing isn't always easy - referring to it as a "sacrifice." Nonetheless it is so much less than God shares with us, and I'm so glad that we have an infinitely generous God. I take this for granted sometimes, but God doesn't have to be so generous with us, so faithful, so loving, so merciful. Lord, please remind me of the big picture - YOU and your awesome gifts to us - when I get caught up in whining about some of life's small details!

- Amy

2009-07-23T20:11:00.000-07:00

The verses that came to mind tonight when I was thinking about "sharing" are:

II Cor. 5:11 - Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men.
II Cor. 5:11 -
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

What I notice about these particular verses is that it's more of a pleading, almost a begging. It's not "shoving the Gospel down people's throats", but rather lovingly showing them God's compassion for them and HIS desire for a personal relationship with them.

- Lori

2009-07-23T17:55:00.001-07:00

I went back to Philippians to see what Paul had to say about sharing. What an awesome example of that! He wrote a book about rejoicing in the Lord while he was in prison!!!

~Philippians 1:14 -- "...and that most of the brethren, trusting the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear."

While the verse above talks about what we generally think of as sharing (speaking), the ones below focus on a different kind of sharing...

~Philippians 2:17-18 -- "But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me."

~Phil. 4:14 -- "Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction."

It struck me that seeking joy and sharing that with others is such a strong testimony. And it's just plain encouraging to other believers. What a blessing of being part of the body of Christ. =)

-MarySusan

Wednesday, July 22

2009-07-23T02:59:00.001-07:00

Good morning and happy coffee to you!

Wow thank you for the research you did on KNOW. It's so awesome to just sit and read what God teaches each one of us and learn from it. What an awesome thing He does teaching us individually, and yet grouping us together to learn from one another!

Today... we'll do the same thing on LIVE.

Ready... set... GO!

Make sure you take time to read through all of the submissions yesterday. Again, feel free to send in several verses, or only one. That's fine too!!! Whatever time permits. Don't forget the Bible Concordance found all the way on the bottom of this page. However if you have one in the back of the Bible it might serve you better for today. For some reason this one is not showing results for live, but you can try another word that is similar. My Bible concordance had ALOT of references.

Have a wonderful day asking God to reveal to YOU what HE means when He teaches us how to LIVE. You'll be so, so glad you did.

I'm praying for you today my friend!

* Will you take a moment today to visit the blog, read what others know and share something you know? And while you're at it... :) Have you checked out the prayer wall? Please feel free to send requests, and please pray for others. I had the incredible honor of meeting a precious friend last night who has requested prayer, and needs it so desperately. Please lift one another up as a family serving the Lord. Thank you for your friendship and your partnership! :)

TODAY'S DISCUSSION BELOW IN GREEN:

2009-07-23T02:00:00.000-07:00

Here's one of my favorites about what's LIVING:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a LIVING HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9

SO... no matter what I face as I LIVE... HE is my LIVING HOPE. :) Love it!!!

love, mary

2009-07-22T19:47:00.000-07:00

My LIFE hasn't exactly turned out how I expected . . .and I'm at a crucial point right now where I'm asking God to show me my purpose and to lead me into the specific areas where He's working and how He would have me serve. It's so easy to get bogged down and discouraged in the Czech Republic (where I live) and to lose focus. I truly want to live a "purpose-driven life" - that phrase just strikes a chord with me. As did the following verses:

Ps. 119:175 - "Let me LIVE that I may praise you . . ."
Mt. 22:32 - "He is not the God of the dead, but of the LIVING."
Rom. 12:1 - " . . .offer your bodies as LIVING sacrifices . . .this is your spiritual act of worship."
Deut. 30:19 - "This day . . .I have set before you LIFE and death, blessings and curses. Now choose LIFE so that you and your children may LIVE and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your LIFE."
Ps. 39:4-5 - " . . .let me know how fleeting is my LIFE . . .Each man's LIFE is but a breath . . ."Ps.104:33 - "I will sing to the Lord all my LIFE; I will sing praise to my God as long as I LIVE."
Jn. 10:10 - "I have come that they may have LIFE, and have it to the full."
Acts 20:24 - "However, I consider my LIFE worth nothing to me, if only I may complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
I Thes. 4:12 - "so that your daily LIFE may win the respect of outsiders . . ."
II Pet. 1:3 - "His divine power has given us everything we need for LIFE and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness."

God, please give me THAT kind of LIFE!!! - Lori

Tuesday, July 21

2009-07-22T02:57:00.001-07:00

Good Morning!

[Plant your feet.] Stop and pray. Let's make this a habit... always!

Where are you standing?

Throughout this study... I have learned so much from you, and I'm so thankful! In thinking through this study and the principles “Know what you know, Live what you know, Share what you know” it's been hitting me more and more that this theme seems very complete... and is a constant cycle that the Lord laid out. I hear it in almost every scripture now. I see it patterned for us in every passage. What is it about these principles that makes things so complete?

Then it hit me.

Father. Son. Holy Spirit.

Know. Live. Share.

Father: I AM. That's all you need to know. KNOW God. His character. His name. Know THAT. HE is truth.

Son: Jesus came to earth to show us... how to live... in direct correlation to the character of GOD!!! Wow. He didn't just “make bad people good. He made dead people live.” Jesus taught us a life that is set apart and different, focused and living in regards to the CHARACTER OF GOD and not looking at circumstances.

Holy Spirit: We were given the Holy Spirit to live IN children of God, ALWAYS. FOREVER. He helps us to share, and He reveals more to US of the truth that we speak, when we speak it out loud. He helps us to understand the word of God.

OH. MY. GOODNESS. Does anyone else understand how very amazing this is?!?! WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE!

Nothing he gives, nothing he asks, is incomplete. Ever. In fact His plans are already more complete than we can imagine, even before we're aware of them.

I KNOW that God has more for us than we are aware of now. I KNOW that He slowly opens our eyes as we seek Him. And so...

Will you commit to this pursuit of our great God together beyond this study? Today's assignment is simple.

Scroll down to the box at the very bottom of this page or open your Bible's concordance. Look up or type in the word “know.” If you want to continue in Psalms, the Study box at the end of the page hits Psalms on page 24.

For today's discussion: Simply list one (or more) verse that tells us something we can KNOW... and add your live and share. Its a simple yet life-changing pursuit. Let's make it a habit together today!

TODAY'S DISCUSSION BELOW IN BLUE:

2009-07-22T02:52:00.001-07:00

- Romans 5:3-4 - "We also have joy with our troubles, because we KNOW that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope."

I have been praying that God will change me - change my character. Change who I am, how I think, how I act. What this verse tells me is that God's ways are not always a walk in the park. He uses tough circumstances to change us, strengthen us - no pain, no gain. So what I KNOW is that I shouldn't expect any easy peasy answer to those prayers I've been praying. But when we make it to the other side of those difficult times in our lives, we are blessed with increased patience and character that God has grown in us through those experiences. I also like quick answers, so I'm having to learn patience and that, while the world is focused on instant gratification, God is focused on eternal gratification ...

- Amy

Oh and by the way, Mary, YES - i DO think the correlation between the know, live, share and Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is super awesome. Leave it to God to be awesome like that :)

- Amy

2009-07-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon! I read 1 John. This book was written for new Christians, and people just checking things out and trying to figure out if Jesus is real. Here is what he told them that they could KNOW in Chapter 5.

1 John 5:2 - This is how we KNOW that we love the children of God, if we love Him and keep His commandments. [we need to live and share what we know.]

1 John 5:12-13 - And this is the record, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that has the Son has life, and he that has not the Son has not life. These things I have written to you that believe, so that you may KNOW that you have eternal life, and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God. [we can have eternal life, but only through Jesus.]

1 John 5:14-15 - And this is the confidence that we have in Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us, and if we KNOW that He hears us, whatever we ask, we KNOW that we have the petitions we desired of Him. [He hears our prayers and answers them according to His will. Always.]

1 John 5:18 - We KNOW that whoever is born of God sins not, but he that is begotten of God keeps himself, and the wicked one touches him not. And we KNOW that we are of God, and whole world lieth in wickedness. [If we choose to be a child of God, we are to be different. To be set apart.]

1 John 5:20 - And we KNOW that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may KNOW Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in his Son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. [God sent Jesus because He wanted us to KNOW Him.]

Wow, John knew who His God was... and thats my God too! The one true God! I'm so glad I can know that today. I hope you know Him too!!! :) - Lauren

2009-07-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

I looked at Philippians today for what we should know. I have been reading through it again recently because it is one of my favorite NT books. It is so rich in putting our mind on what is above, not the things around us.

A few verses stuck out to me...

3:8-- Paul states that KNOWING Christ Jesus was of surpassing value. I know...Nothing I can pursue in life or spend time doing is of greater worth than knowing my Savior. So...I need to always make my time with the Lord first. I cannot skip out on my daily communion with Him.

3:10-- Paul reminds us that we know Christ through our faith, not works. He wanted to not only know the Person of Christ, but also the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. I looked in The Bible Knowledge Commentary and found that the word "know" in verse 10 implies a knowledge by experience. Paul wanted to experience Christ's power as well as to suffer for Christ's sake. I know that I first of all need this kind of desire for the Lord's power in my life, and I need to tap into the power that is there (the Holy Spirit). So...I stopped and prayed that the Lord will help me understand His Word deeper and have the same kind of commitment that Paul did.

3:12-- Paul knew how to live contentedly whether he had little or much. I know there are times when I am not content, but need to be...so I thanked the Lord today for the many blessings he had given me (my husband, time with family, house, my dog =)...)

~MarySusan

2009-07-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

Good morning!
I decided to look at passages in Deut., one of my favorite books.

Deut.4:35 - God does things in our lives so we can better KNOW HIM. We know Him, we experience His work in our lives, then we share it with others. In response to that I will humble myself and share with you the things I pray about and how God answers! Yesterday God showed me He cares about the little details. This may seem like a silly example, but I was trying not to eat any sweets yesterday.I knew there were freshly baked brownies at home (yum!) but I also knew that I hadn't eaten enough fruits/vegetables during the day, so I prayed God would provide a way for me to make a healthy choice. I got home and what do you know - there on the counter were delicious, fresh peaches my uncle dropped by on his way back from South Carolina. I ate that big ole peach and "tasted and saw that the Lord is good".:)

Other "know" verses from Deut.: - 7:9 - God is faithful and keeps His covenant to 1000 generations who love and obey Him. They know Him. They live it. They share with the next generation.

8:5 - I KNOW God will discipline me when I go astray. This has always been a comforting thought to me. If I'm going in a direction that will prove harmful in the end, I WANT God to stop me. Frequently I pray God's rod AND staff (one prods the sheep along and the other hooks them around the neck when they go astray) will guide me.

31:13 - Children have to be TAUGHT the law; they must LEARN to fear the Lord. It does not come naturally to them. It is our responsibility to KNOW it, LIVE it, and SHARE it. I think one of the most effective ways to do this is through parenthood; as your children see your faith lived out on a daily basis, it will make an impact.

- Lori

Monday, July 20

2009-07-21T03:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday to you again, my friends! I hope you've had a wonderful weekend! I'm looking forward to digging into our last week of Stand with YOU! Last week for input and questions... if there is anything on your heart, please let us know!

I enjoyed our discussion on sharing. It is clear (and so awesome!!!) That sharing is:
1. For OUR benefit as well (Philemon 1:6) You should be active in sharing your faith, so that YOU will have a full understanding of the hope that you profess.
2. For the benefit of others. Check this one from Psalms out:

I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old - we will tell them to our children, we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds but would keep His commands. The would not be like our forefathers - a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to Him. Psalm 78:2,4,7-8

Today I want you to really hone in on something. We've talked at great detail about how the Lord has equipped you (history, His word, access to Him, etc.) trained you (your history, His word, example of others, perspective, praise, etc.) and gone before you, always seeing you as you STAND for Him. Now let's turn our gaze a bit and focus on this angle of it:

He has equipped you,
He has trained you,
He has gone before you,
He is the One who sees you.

The ability to KNOW God is for YOU. The ability to teach others is for YOU. The ability to see miracles is for YOU. The ability to share the Lord with others is for YOU. I Think very often we seperate ourselves from really, really KNOWING these things. We are raised to think a certain way, and to place different people into certain roles. I heard this story this weekend:

"A little boy wanted a bike very badly. He decided to pray about this, so he turned on the television to watch a pastor pray. After turning off the t.v. he ran upstairs to his room and prayed, 'Great Heavenly Father if it is in your Sovereign will and your great ways, and in your perfect time, would you please give me a bike? Amen.' After 2 days passed the boy thought that maybe he didn't do it quite right so he viewed another television evangelist and retreated a second time to his room with a better plan. This time he prayed: "Oh God today I lay claim to a bike. I know you will do it and it will be blue and I'd like it to be here within 24 hours. I lay claim to it today. Thank you God, Amen.' After two more days had passed his mother entered the little boys room to put away his laundry. She noticed that a small statue of Mary, the mother of Jesus which had belonged to the boys grandmother was missing. In it's place lay a note written in the boys handwriting saying, "Dear Jesus. If you ever want to see your mother again...."

:)

Cute way to say that we may sometimes, as we learn from and observe others miss the voice of God in our OWN PERSONAL LIVES. Let's obey the Lord in seeking, hearing, and learning from the counsel of others, but let's never TRADE it for what is best: Hearing His voice ourselves. That's one reason why it's so important to remember what He has done in your own life and to share it with others!

This is so important: Please check out these verses:
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have for I meditate on your statutes. I have more insight than all my teachers,more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word, I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Psalm 119:97-104

Please also read these: Especially notice the phrase "He enables me to STAND" :) Psalm 18:25-48, Psalm 16:7-8

The well-known apologist Ravi Zaccharias (WOW talk about a man who knows, loves and is instructed by the Lord!!!!) made me think through this... and it's an awesome change of perspective:

Jesus did not come to the earth to make bad people good. He is not in the business of focusing on behaviors, clothing, or appearance. Jesus came to this world to make dead people live. He came to give them a NEW LIFE. He came to open the eyes of the blind, open the ears of the deaf, and to set captives free!!! HALLELUJAH WHAT A SAVIOR!!!!

For today:
Are you living as if for a God who makes bad people good, or dead people live? Just how hard are you really seeking and applying the truth?

For discussion:
Let's give some bullet point outlines as to what our responsibilites are as children of God.

TODAY'S DISCUSSION BELOW IN PURPLE:

2009-07-20T19:36:00.001-07:00

Our responsibilities include:

- Obeying His commands & His guidance

- Studying the Bible & spending time in prayer in order to know His commands & receive His guidance

- Sharing what we know about Him with others

- Having faith in Him & trusting Him, even when things don't make sense or seem "fair" to us. He's God, we're not. Sometimes that has to be enough, even if we really want to know WHY things happen how they do.

- Caring for others around us (as He has commanded)

- Making Him the first priority in our lives -- before ourselves, our family, our jobs, our "hopes and dreams," everything. Easier said than done, but true nonetheless.

- Respect - although He is our father and friend, He is also a mighty God that created everything and is infinitely powerful. We should act accordingly.

- REAL commitment, not just lip service (I'm better at the latter, I must admit!). Yesterday my pastor said that, when he called the disciples, He didn't say "come, believe me." He said, "come, FOLLOW me." He wants every part of us (Rev. 3:16), even though we often tell ourselves that we're doing well if we carve out PART of our life for Him.

~ Amy

2009-07-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

- To actively pursue Him in every area of life. Reading His word, praying, and applying these things.

2009-07-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

Our responsibilities before God are to:
- be honest.
- apply what we believe to our lives.
- worship.
- be teachable.
- share with others.
- praise the Lord.

Friday, July 17

2009-07-20T04:04:00.000-07:00

His love endures forever.

We can ALWAYS sing a NEW SONG to the SAME GOD.

It never ceases to amaze me. [Praise The Lord!]

Please read Philemon 6, Psalm 34:1-8, Psalm 147.

For discussion:
Why is it necessary as some of you mentioned yesterday, to share and to praise [out loud]? Do you think it's a part of our own journey of standing... to share the Lord and help others up as well? Why or why not?

Lori mentioned that she planned to write her own Psalm this weekend. WHAT AN AWESOME IDEA. What a great opportunity to know it yourself, to do something about it that's out of your comfort zone, and to share! Will you join in? You do not have to share it if it's to personal, if you would like to we'd love to praise the Lord together with you .This would be a great stretching exercise for each of us and I'm guessing... it would make our Savior so happy. :) Pattern your Psalm after Psalm 136.[ It can be one line or many.] A line of testimony about your life or the character of God... followed by "His love endures forever." Then always keep it near you. Post it somewhere in your bedroom... or consider e-mailing it to a friend! Know. Live. Share. Have a wonderful weekend!!!

THIS WEEKEND'S DISCUSSION BELOW IN RED:

2009-07-17T20:21:00.001-07:00

Wow, thanks for the thoughts on praise, Lori & MarySusan. Before this study I don't think I ever thought of praise as more than the simple act of recognizing something God had done. There's SO much more to it, though, huh? Philemon 6 makes that clear. I think it's so cool how the things God commands us to do are only for our own benefit in the end. How sad, then, that we sometimes act like He's just trying to "spoil all the fun" that we would have if we did things our own way. HA!

I LOVE how Psalm 147 juxtaposes the statements about God's enormity & power with statements about His love & care for the brokenhearted, the humble, & the little bird. It seems to really capture the essence of WHY God is so amazing, so worthy of our praise -- the same GOD that is supreme over EVERYTHING - "He gives a command to the earth and it quickly obeys him (v.15)" - is the same God that cares about us. Now that truly is an AMAZING kind of love. It's sad that we get so used to the idea of God's love for us that we don't often marvel at the concept of it.

I also really love the first part of Psalm 34:8 - "EXAMINE and see how good the Lord is." In other words, TAKE A LOOK. I dare ya! You'll find out how good He is!

- Amy

2009-07-17T17:58:00.000-07:00

I think it's good for us when we share because 1.)When we explain things to others, it makes it more real to us 2.) When we share and the people we're sharing with have questions, it forces us to dig deeper and pursue answers 3.)I believe that when we share, God blesses with a special sense of His presence 4.)When we share, we're being obedient. Going to go work on my Lori version of Psalm 136! :) - Lori

2009-07-17T13:03:00.000-07:00

I think it is important to praise the Lord where others will hear (or see) it because it creates a memorial for the Lord. We still read about God's provision for the Israelites in so many ways. It gives us an example to follow, solidifies our knowledge that the Lord does keep His promises, helps us know how to pray, and encourages us when we face trials.When we verbalize what the Lord has done for us, it gives others the same encouragement to know that we serve a faithful God!

Praising God is something I am learning more to do, though it does take courage (it is not always a natural thing for me to speak up.) Sometimes I remind myself, "How can I expect God to continue to answer prayer and bless me if I don't praise Him when He does?". Furthermore, I am commanded to do it. =)

I love the idea of the personal psalm. It is a way to document the faithfulness of my God! My dad keeps a daily written list of things he is praying for in one column, and when God answers them, he moves them to another column. He always has written down answers to prayer and has a continuous list from which he can go back and praise God for. I am making it a goal (so now I am accountable -- YIKES!) to do more of this type of thing in order to more effectively praise God. ~MarySusan

Thursday, July 16

2009-07-17T03:10:00.001-07:00

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12

[Stop] and thank God that He is the Prince of Peace! He is the author and perfector of our Faith! That He provides a way for us to stand, regardless of our circumstances, and that He is even Lord of creation!

I love the order in this verse. First... we have the incredible gift of the opportunity to go out... walk toward... ANYTHING with joy and peace. It will lead us. Then, when we fix our minds on Jesus and allow that to happen, our circumstances and our surroundings react to that, rather than the other way around! Many times we base our mindset on what we see, our surroundings and our circumstances. I don't know about you, but I have an awfully hard time finding peace when I "go forth" that way. Knowing who God is brings peace.

Instead of the thornbush will grow a pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed. Isaiah 55:13

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, ALREADY being equipped and prepared with the joy and peace of the Lord before hard times come... pulling up those boots and finding it in the midst of suffering... these are undeniable realities that will bring glory to our Lord. And as usual, the blessing falls on us as well.

Do you really want to make a difference in the world for Christ? It seems to me that although we all have different callings, different places, etc. the common foundation is the pursuit of God in such a way, that we allow HIM to be KING, we allow His presence and His hand to be so large and undeniable in our lives that others have no choice, but to see God.

We can... and should... bring others into the presence of God by never leaving it ourselves.

We all have something to share.

For today: Please read Psalm 40 and Psalm 136.

His love endures forever. YOU are the apple of His eye.

For Discussion: How can we STAND in the love of God? We hear this phrase alot, let's bring it down to personal application. Does that seem to simple? Good. :) I'm so glad... and if not, that's ok. Just remember that sometimes the basic phrases and things we learn as a child are the ones we need to re-enter, understand and apply. I KNOW God loves us. EACH one of us. He made us. And so.....

*This study will finish in just a little over 1 week. We'll begin wrapping things up and bringing them to application and close... please jump in and let's finish this out well! It has been an honor studying with you!

TODAY'S DISCUSSION BELOW IN BLUE:

2009-07-16T20:32:00.001-07:00

I think that we can STAND in God's love by praising Him. Our praise acknowledges the ways in which He has shown His love to us. Our praise glorifies Him while remining US of what an awesome God He is and how awesome it is to be loved by such a God! Even when we feel like things are bad and that there's nothing "praiseworthy" in our life, we can certainly offer praise for God's character, His faithfulness, and the trust that we can place in Him to bring us through those times!

Psalm 40 takes praise one step further, though ... a step that I struggle with. It says that we're to praise God OUT LOUD. SHARE it. ANNOUNCE it. Definitely don't hide it or keep it to yourself! We live in such a "politically correct" world and don't want to make others uncomfortable or "put ourselves out there" in such a way. But how will the world know that our God is so awesome if they only hear us whine and complain? After all, we never ever hestitate to be negative out loud!

- Amy

2009-07-16T16:18:00.000-07:00

Am I allowed to post twice in one day?:) What I noticed about Is. 55:11 that I'd never seen before was the aspect of "going out"; and "being led"; with joy and peace . . .in other words, MOVING forward, GOING somewhere, by faith, not necessarily having all the answers, but plodding on . . .When I think of "standing in God's love", I think of Ephesians 3:16-19.

- Lori

2009-07-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

Verses that struck me out of Psalm 40:
vs. 3 - I'm curious what a "new song" means . ..is it a testimony of God's grace in my life? I love that that "new song" inspires others to trust in the Lord! That's what I want my life to do!
vs. 5 - again, recounting God's goodness VERBALLY
vs. 9 - again, PROCLAIMING what God has done!
vs.10 - this really hit me - I do not want to "hide" what God has done; I want to speak about Him freely, but in order to do that, I have to be daily IN His presence, SEEING Him work in my life so that I have something to share!The Lord be exalted! His love endures forever, through everything we go through, through our own histories! Sometime this weekend I'm going to write my own "Psalm 136" . . .the history of Lori, with "His love endures forever" after every event, to remind me that at every stage of my life, God has been there. - Lori

2009-07-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

It stuck out to me that David began Psalm 40 by saying that he waited patiently. A lot of times during trials we don't immediately get the answer we desire, but it is vital to keep waiting and praying. And quite often this takes a huge effort to take our eyes off of what is around us and shift them upward!

Man is blessed when he makes the Lord his trust. Not people, not circumstance, not programs, but the Lord. I can't count the number of times I have to remind myself to first go to the Lord and not someone or something else. David delighted to do God's will, and had the confidence to call on the Lord as his Helper and Deliverer. He gave praise to the Lord for Who He is and what He had done. Both passages today pointed to praising the Lord...for His lovingkindness is everlasting!

So...from what I can see from these chapters of God's direction to us, in order to STAND during difficult times means looking to, trusting, waiting on, and seeking the Lord. It all goes back to Him! - MarySusan

Wednesday, July 15

2009-07-16T03:29:00.001-07:00

Good Morning! I hope you're starting your day seeking peace... and enjoying it thoroughly. :) Don't miss your time in prayer today! I have come to realize something this year that was at first uncomfortable, but I've progressively found is indescribably wonderful. When God says or promises something... there are no exceptions. SO I have access to peace at all times... sometimes He wants us to wrestle with Him in order to find it. Sometimes we need to allow Him to change our hearts and perspective. And the outcome is always amazing!

Do you know what I found strange about the dictionary definition of peace? It seemed like (1.) as you said, it was unable to adequately describe inner peace, and (2.) more than half of the definitions centered around not being at war with another person.

Hmm. Could it be that all men struggle at peace, because it takes commitment to not be living against God? Could this definition actually be pretty realistic?

Could the reason for the lack of description of inner peace be because a secular world... who is always at war... can't experience it without being at peace with God?

Where do you stand?

Know it. Live it. Share it.

Blessed are the peacemakers. For they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9

Are you a peacemaker? MarySusan emphasized yesterday the need to know what you know... when we do that the evidence is enough for others to see that you do not serve yourself, AND to see that you live a life of victory!

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18

Do you know what I find interesting? How many times a book of the Bible (In the New Testament particularly) sends people out with peace as a benediction, stating that they are going forth to face troubles. How many times do we seek peace only when we hit a hard place? Or only when we're really suffering?

That's why learning to STAND is preparing. Knowing what you know... always. Having those boots on before the storms even come.

Read Isaiah 55

Notice especially: (v.12) You will go out with joy and by led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

What does that mean to you?

FOR DISCUSSION: Go back to Isaiah 55 and re-read verse 13. How can you summarize this incredible chapter? How can we be makers of peace not only in our own lives, but in the world around us?

TODAY'S DISCUSSION BELOW IN ORANGE:

2009-07-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

I love this passage! God gives mercy (which brings peace) when we seek Him. He does this because His ways and thoughts are higher than human ways and thoughts (which want and seek revenge). Mercy is part of God's character. His word is true and faithful and accomplishes what He desires. It is so easy to read a promise in Scripture and forget that it Almighty God's promise to ME, so I need to believe it and live in expectation of God's promise being fulfilled! Like Philippians 4:6-7...I will receive peace to guard my heart and mind when I present my requests to God with thanksgiving. I am learning more to look for God's blessing and share it with others. It's so important because then it becomes a memorial to our God! When we seek God's mercy and peace, claim His promises, and see Him work, then we gain a great testimony to share with others of the peace God brings.

-- MarySusan

2009-07-15T12:08:00.001-07:00

Submission. Its such a dirty word, right? But does it have to be? When I hear the word submission, I tend to cringe. To fight back, or run away. I've blamed it on my personality before. But I'd wager it has more to do with a sin nature than a personality...

When I read Isaiah 55, I see a theme of submission.
In verse 6, we are told to seek the Lord while He may be found. Not later. Now. Submit.
In verse 8, we are told that God's ways are not ours. We may not agree. That's okay. Submit.
In verse 9, God's ways are better than ours. Higher than ours. He sees the whole picture and has it all under control. Submit.
In verse 11, God will accomplish what He wants to accomplish. I don't have to understand it. Submit.

And the promise? In verses 12-13... peace... joy...and that instead of looking like a measly old thorn, we'll come out looking like a fir tree. I don't know about you, but I want that. I just don't often want the work of getting there. The whole submission part.

This is a HUGE struggle for me. I always think my way is the right way and I'm very stubborn about it (I know, this comes as a shocker to you all...). The one thing God keeps telling me over and over again is... don't fight me. You don't have to understand what I'm telling you to do. Your way is not better... submit to me. Will also mentioned it in the podcast (have you listened to that yet?!) sermon on Proverbs 3:5-6... trust God... and THEN your path will be straight. Submit and obey FIRST... and THEN see the blessing. Somehow I always think it should go the other way around... but I need to push hard into the character of the God that I serve, whether or not I understand the circumstances. And so... I need to live it BEFORE I see it.

Maybe this is super long and maybe its not making sense to anyone else, but this hit me like a ton of bricks today and I'm so glad. With my hard head, sometimes I need to be hit with bricks. :) - Lauren

Tuesday, July 14

2009-07-15T03:53:00.001-07:00

Peace.

Is it really possible?

Is it at all probable?

Yes. Without question.

Do you know the best way to find the inner rock, foundation, and core of peace? You guessed it. Same as always. Please spend a moment on your knees... then we'll dig through His word.

Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry. Psalm 34:14-15

Peace is for seeking. It's for pursuing. And it's worth it.

FOR TODAY: Please look up the following Scriptures and write down what they reveal about peace. Are you willing to seek? Know it. Live it. Share it on the discussion board. Think through how it already is applying to your life, and how you can "seek peace and pursue it" in your life, TODAY.

Psalm 119:165
Proverbs 14:30
Isaiah 26:3
John 14:27
John 16:33
Galatians 5:22
Philippians 4:7
2 Timothy 2:22

Please check out the dictionary's definition of peace. It didn't quite have the take on it I expected. What do you think? Can't wait to hear from you :) Have a wonderful day seeking the Prince of Peace.

Click Here to View Definition

TODAY'S DISCUSSION BELOW IN BLUE:

2009-07-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

I'll just share with you the notes I made as I meditated on the verses about "peace":

Effects of peace: prevents stumbling, gives life, keeps my heart from being troubled or fearful, guards my heart (emotions) and mind (thoughts).

Causes of peace: loving God's law, trusting in God; peace does NOT come from the world, peace is IN HIM, in the knowledge that in the end, HE WINS. It is a FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (not humanly generated).

Prerequisites for peace: steadfastness, purity, fleeing evil, conscious pursuit. In the world IS TROUBLE. God's peace is INCOMPREHENSIBLE. - Lori

2009-07-14T19:12:00.000-07:00

According to these verses, peace comes from obedience to God's laws, from not being envious of others, from trust & dependence on God. It comes from the salvation we've been given through Christ. It is a gift FROM and evidence OF the Holy Spirit in our life. God's peace is a peace that can exist when there is no reason to feel peaceful. It is something that we are commanded to pursue just as we pursue faith, love, and living right.

When Jesus tells the disciples in John 14:27 that He is leaving them with peace, He says: "I do not give to you as the world gives." This difference seems very evident when you compare the Biblical references to peace & the dictionary definition! While the peace Jesus promises transcends our situations, the "worldly" idea of peace is transitory & simply refers to the absence of war, annoyance, anxiety, etc.

Let's be realistic - there's really no getting rid of anxiety or annoyances in life. So much, then, for the idea of worldly peace! Thank GOD that His peace goes beyond circumstances. I think His kind of peace comes from prayer, obedience, and like MarySusan and Lauren said, having a focus and perspective that's centered on HIM. - Amy

2009-07-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

I was particularly struck today that we are commanded to seek peace. So many times I have to be reminded (a lot of times by other people)to do this. It really is a conscious effort to take my cares to the Lord and seek rest within my soul. I was excited to see Is. 26:3 today in a new light. Those who trust in the Lord with a steadfast mind (focusing on WHAT YOU KNOW!)are kept in peace by God. I too was disappointed with the dictionary definition in that they related peace mostly to not fighting with other people. True peace really is within. What a wonderful God we serve to trust Him with anything and receive peace in return! - MarySusan

2009-07-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

The dictionary definition was lacking a bit, I thought. I was kinda disappointed! All of the definitions of peace it used had to do with peace on the outside. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I think a lot of times we can appear to have peace on the outside but be anything but peaceful on the inside!

The peace in the scriptures is for those who keep their focus on God and dig into His word. Its a peace that we can't explain - it passes all understanding! And its a promise. I sure do love God's promises - because He always keeps them! I'm so glad that I can experience the peace of God when I fix my eyes on Him and rest in His control.

-Lauren

Monday, July 13

2009-07-14T03:12:00.000-07:00

Good morning my friends! It is so good to be together again in God's word every Monday! I hope you each had a wonderful weekend.

On Friday, I kept you reading for quite some time. Not today. You're welcome. If you missed Friday's discussion you should have time to go back and go through it. I hope it'll be an encouragement to you!

Read Psalm 40.
(Want an extra encouragement today? Read Psalm 33 as well.)

Notice especially:

I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to STAND. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3

Whether you have learned to stand yet or not, I hope that you have seen that He has surely give you "a firm place to STAND." What is your song?

Over and over... and OVER again the Psalmists use the phrase "Sing a new song unto the Lord." Have you ever stopped to think about what an incredible thing it is... that

We can ALWAYS sing a NEW song... to the SAME God.

Stop and think that through!

Moses sang a song to God. (Exodus 15:1-18) David sang songs to God (Psalms), and so did many others throughout Scripture. In Revelation, there will be another "new song" Revelation 5:9-10.

Now of course... you don't necessarily have to sing. Maybe a new song could be called a testimony. And BECAUSE of your testimony, spoke out loud... "May will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord." Know what you know. Live what you know. Share what you know. That's how others will see the reality of our AWESOME, WORTHY, HOLY GOD.

David sang a new song. Moses sang a new song. Mary, the mother of Jesus sang a new song. They were all just people. Literally people just like you and like me. The reason we can learn from them is because they pursued God... and they told others about it. And God did the IMPOSSIBLE in their lives.

Below is an incredible video that I hope and pray will be an encouragement to you today. That's my King. Do you KNOW HIM?

For Discussion:
What is your testimony? Let's use an outline of 3 like we did on Friday.
1. Where are you coming from... and what do you KNOW?
2. Where do you Stand right now?
3. What are you doing about what you know? (You do not have to share that if you're not comfortable with it. Just make sure you think it through. Gather a plan of action.) What do you know about God's character that gives you an assurance that He has plans for "a hope and a future" for YOU?

Why should we put so much emphasis on how to praise, and sing a new song? Because that my friends, is how we plant our feet. That is how we stand. And that is how others can Know Christ.

Sing a NEW SONG to our Great God!
"I sing a new song, but you are the same God.
Lord you have loved us all by name.
I sing a new song, but you are the same God
And your kingdom forever will reign."

TODAY'S DISCUSSION BELOW IN PURPLE:

2009-07-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

1. I am coming from a life that was completely and utterly DEFINED by myself and others... with rejection, abuse, and fear. God reached down and saved me.. . HE FREED me from ALL of those things. It 's funny I remember thinking that these would be life attributes that I would always struggle with. Not with God. FIRST He delivered me from my impossible self. Then He delivered me from impossible circumstances. I'm not sure I'll ever fully understand what He has done for me!

2. I stand on the fact that I Worship the One TRUE GOD. That HE CAN and does do the impossible. I stand on knowing that He loves even me. I stand on the promise for His hope and future. I Stand on the knowledge that I am a beloved child of the king and should act accordingly.

3. I am re-examining the "knowledge" that I have. I Am checking to see if my life matches the facts I proclaim. I am seeking hard after God, and trying to always go deeper than I was before. I am worshipping my King. I am serving others not only for them, but for my King. I am seeking to know Him more.

- anonymous

2009-07-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

1) I am coming from 10 years of ignoring God and pursuing whatever I wanted to pursue. I know that, a year and a half ago, God literally picked me up and put me in a whole new place. He opened my eyes to who He really is and how awesome and personal and life-changing that can be - not just in an emotional moment, but throughout a lifetime. Despite 10 years of growing up in a Christian school, I had never known God in that way.

2) Right now, I STAND on the fact that God is here, He is faithful, and He keeps His promises. I STAND on the fact that our faith is not blind, but built on a foundation that has proven itself to previous generations of Christians and skeptics alike. I STAND on the fact that God's way isn't always easy, but that life isn't all about following our feelings and emotions (i.e., "whatever feels good" or "whatever feels right"), regardless of the constant messages our culture sends us.

3) What I am trying to do about what I know is to live it -- not just on Sundays, Wednesdays, or during a devotional time or when talking to Christian friends. I have a loooooooooong way to go (a lifetime to be exact!), but it's what I know my goal should be.

BTW, I think praise is the coolest thing if you think about it. Maybe I've said this before, but who else but God could create something that accomplishes so many things at once?! So cool and so efficient! Praise 1) is something that God is worthy of, and for that reason alone we should do it 2) It tells others - in an active way - how AWESOME God is and what they're missing out on if they don't know Him and 3) it reminds US about God's greatness and thereby encourages us to keep pursuing Him and 4) It helps us keep a positive attitude in a world of pessimism! And He is continuously doing awesome things, making it easy to sing a NEW song of praise!

- Amy

Friday, July 10

2009-07-13T03:35:00.000-07:00

Good morning, How's it goin... and Happy Friday to my wonderful friends! :) I hope you're doing well today! Thank you so much for praying about my computer situation. I still don't know if they will be able to retrieve my saved files (etc.) but I hope to know by the end of the day. But I KNOW God is good and a crashed computer is nothing when He is directing a process. As a result I can say that I'm not in the least bit concerned. And no, I'm not just saying that! Thank you Lord!!! :) I was reminded how blessed I am to have Lauren's help as well. She jumped right in there... and even brought an AWESOME translation of Psalm 50:23 that I hadn't seen before that was such an encouragement and challenge to me yesterday!

READY TO PLANT YOUR FEET TODAY?!? Then... spend some time on your knees. Grab your Bible!!! (And of course, your coffee... ahem.)

Today, I had planned to wrap up our discussion of praise under the topic of "The Joy of Singing a New Song Unto the Lord" before we hit our next topic... of peace [Selah]. Sounds good, huh? However, this morning as I've been in His word and through my notes the Lord has changed my direction to a far more uncomfortable subject. I started to tip-toe around an apology here... and was immediately reminded that every step that brings us closer to God... that leads to the before-mentioned joy and peace... is worthy of thanking the Lord for! So. Dig in deep today. PLANT YOUR FEET. Don't run away. We'll still start with praise! :)

Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Psalm 105:1

Did you see that? Know. Live. Share. -> WORSHIP

We've already discussed the Know and Live sides of praise... which in turn both lead to sharing. Charles Stanley fit this verse into 3 sections : (1.) Praise God for former mercies. (2.) Pray for further mercies. (3.) Publish His famous mercies.

[STOP.] Have you done that today?!? Please take a moment to stop and Live it. Then, Share it. Let's practice those 3 steps for our discussion today:
FOR DISCUSSION:
1. Former Mercies
2. Pray for further Mercies.
3. Publish His famous mercies.

Ok, ready? Here we go. PLEASE READ PSALM 106.

Wow. There's alot there, isn't there? So. We're going to hit just a few basic themes. Please take some time this weekend to take these things very seriously... and implement them in our lives. We are called to be set apart, we are loved by a holy God. He HAS EQUIPPED US with everything we need (*2 Corinthians 9:8) to live as children of God. So let's dig deep into abundant life!

1. (v.1). The verse starts with "Praise ye the Lord". That means YOU. The reader. Praise the Lord for who He is. Praise Him for what's being told to you. This verse again reaches past, present and future. Always start... everything... with praise of the Lord!

2. (v.6). We have sinned. We all have... we all do. [End of argument!] There are only those who admit it, and those who don't. One can grow... one stays in the same place. Who will you choose to be today? Will you, as illustrated in verse 6, allow your reality to be tied to the reality of our ancestors, in order to learn from their mistakes, their realizations, and their victories? These men and women, from long before our comprehension served the same God that we do now. Remember: Hebrews 13:7-8 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. The only way to grow is through the weeding process. Will you stop and go back on your knees... NOW... and spend some time as a child before an awesome, holy God? Confess those things in your life that you are aware of... ask Him to reveal what you aren't... and do you know how you can make sure it won't just be a prayer? Come up with an action plan, right there, on your knees, between you and your God. Then take some time to think through your past. Weed out any unconfessed sin. Allow Him to wipe your slate clean... WOW WHAT A PRIVELEDGE!!! What grace, what love. He always forgives. (1 John 1:9).

[KNOW WHAT YOU KNOW] We've talked alot about Knowing God. Today.. .know what you know.. about yourself. It brings things into perspective, into full circle. Do you want resolve to not just voice empty prayers? Then allow them to sink into your own heart. Remember where you came from... How the Lord has led you out.. and be reminded that He still intends to lead you further to abundant life. (Philippians 1:6)

3. (v.7-29) We've talked often about the Israelites wallowing in their circumstances, rather than remembering the character of their God. Have you ever specifically praised Him for the history in the Bible? Have you stopped to witness, remember, and pull together God's hand in your own life? Will you stop and journal these things this weekend? THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. Why should God continue to reveal Himself to people who don't even recognize, fully appreciate, or glorify His holy name?? READ JOHN 3:12. Jesus asks an inquisitive, wise, seeker of the Lord (ALL GOOD THINGS!) How Nicodemus thinks He can possibly understand heavenly things if he doesn't invest Himself in learning what earthly things Jesus has already showed Him to get His attention? We always want bigger and better... when it is already here in the first place. We just haven't invested ourselves. Think back to The 5.2 Story. Immediately after the miracle of provision, Jesus had to withdraw from the crowd because "They wanted to make Him a King." But... He already was a King!!! The people just weren't willing to recognize the difference, willing to accept that He knew more, and that He was far BETTER than an earthly King! Their worship was wrapped up in what THEY wanted! Remember. That's how you can KNOW HIM. That's how we open the door to seeing Him more. NOW.

4. (v.30) The sincerity of one man saved a multitude. How many times have we heard of God doing this?!?! Plant your feet. STAND. Learn sincerity through reality. YOU can be that person. TODAY.

5. Praise the Lord. Let ALL the people say "AMEN!" Praise Him for what He's done in the past. Praise Him for what He's doing today in allowing the priveldge of grace, mercy, and forgiveness through repentence. Praise Him that it IS His working, today. Now praise Him for what He can and will do as a result! Go forth with JOY. HE is in front of you now!!! Don't ever go back to the days where you didn't remember.

Have a wonderful weekend... I'm praying for a fresh start for each one of us! He will ALWAYS take us deeper when we ask.

DISCUSSION IN RED:

2009-07-13T02:50:00.000-07:00

I'm so thankful ...

1) That God has promised that if we seek Him we WILL find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). I'm so confused about a number of things right now but am holding on to that promise. It's not up to us or about us -- we just have to be WILLING. We are only to SEEK (wholeheartedly). Then it is God who changes things - changes US (Phil. 1:6)

2) I'm so thankful that we can TRUST that promise because of how God has proven Himself in the Bible and throughout history. I am so thankful that it is not a BLIND faith at all. There is so much evidence to STAND on, there's actually only a small amount of faith needed when we take the time to ponder all the evidence ...

2009-07-12T19:14:00.000-07:00

1.I remember as a 15-year old girl on my first "open air evangelism" venture seeing a group of teenagers - rebellious, taunting, even scary-looking,and it was as if God said to me, "Lori, that is what I saved you FROM. That could be YOU".I was reminded of that experience today when our pastor said something similar. I was saved at a young age and never really went through a period of "rebellion", but because of that, I've always prayed for God to protect my heart from the sin of pride, which is every bit as bad.So tonight I'm thankful for what God saved me from, and for the fact that He extended even more grace by sparing me the heartache of overcoming addiction, sinful habits, etc. Praise God - it's all Him, and none of me.

2. Dear God, I praise you for the way I see you at work in the lives of people. I thank you for so many godly believers from whom I can learn and glean truth and encouragement. I pray for your grace and the ministry of your Holy Spirit for this coming year, when we go back to the Czech Republic and are faced with such an ungodly environment, little encouragement, lots of opportunities to be salt and light. Please show us your glory and your work in the lives of people around us THERE.

3. I also love Psalm 106. I especially love the part about Phinehas. Dear God, please help ME to be a Phinehas in this generation. Because of MY life, I pray that you would be glorified and that people's souls would be spared.

- Lori

2009-07-10T19:17:00.000-07:00

I praise You Lord that my life in you is not random at all. You have ordered my life just like the way You ordered your creation.

I praise you Lord for my grandmother, parents, siblings, relatives and friends that encourage me to remain faithful because you are faithful, your Word is faithful!

I praise You Lord for Who you are.

I praise You Lord that I am not a stranger in Your Kingdom...

I thank You Lord that I can be honest to You....that I don't have to pretend because You are my God and you know my heart deeply. Thank you Lord Jesus....Thank you and I love you!

-Michelle

2009-07-10T13:09:00.001-07:00

1. I know without a doubt that I would not be here today if it was not for Christ. When I was 18, I went through a very hard time in my life when my father chose to leave our family. Looking back, I can honestly say that it was the lowest and darkest point of my life. God's love softened my heart. He pulled me out of the miry clay and set my feet upon a rock. As Mary said, He is a father to the fatherless - and the only one who will truly always be faithful and love unconditionally. He ransomed my heart from a very dark place and I will forever be grateful.

2. Father, thank you for calling me your friend. I am so thankful for the ability to come into your presence and so humbled that you want that from me. Make me more like you. I want to see you better than I ever have before - even if I have to walk through fire to get to that point. Search me, try me, refine me, reveal yourself to me. Take me deeper. I love you.

3. I know that my God is the same God who knocked down the walls of Jericho without dynamite or tools. I know that I serve a God who made a bush burned and not be consumed. I know that my God is the God who can make five fish and two loaves of bread feed thousands. Unexplainable, indescribable... amazing. Praise His name!

- Lauren

2009-07-10T09:01:00.000-07:00

1. I can look back on a few times in my life specifically when the Lord truly carried me. He taught me a few years ago through a trial that HE is my portion, my all-sufficient God, my rock, and my strength. People can not fill a heart with peace like God can. God faithfully helped me cope with each day, and I learned the amazing power of God's Word! God was merciful to teach me the need to go directly to Him and His Word when fears arise in my heart. I praise you Lord that your grace is sufficient!

2. Dear Gracious Father, thank you for being a merciful God. You showed mercy to the undeserving Israelites and you bestow mercy to me though I do not deserve it. I ask for your continued mercy in my life and also for our nation. Lord, thank you that you are love and a sustaining merciful God. Please help me to glorify you with my life. Amen.

3. I love the history of the Bible! God's mercy with the Israelites amazes me! He delivered them from slavery in Egypt through the miraculous ten plagues, led them through the desert providing food through manna and quail, and water from rocks. He continuously gave mercy in spite of complaints (what a reminder to me not to complain). He allowed them to be a great nation for years in spite of bad decisions. Thank you Lord, that you are still the same merciful God today!

- MarySusan

2009-07-10T02:43:00.002-07:00

1. The Lord carried and fathered my family when my dad died when I was a teenager. He has loved, protected, and I believe given an extra measure of mercy and His kindess in our lives. I can say I truly KNOW He is a father to the fatherless. I KNOW that He is the "lover of my soul" that He sees me, that HE knows me, and He guides me. He has done this in the big things, being a single mother for 3 years, losing our home, losing my father... and each daily reality and battle that was tied up in the duration of these things. I WOULD NOT BE HERE... if it weren't for the grace and the REALITY of my God and Father. He is so good... I KNOW HE works ALL THINGS together for good. Thank you Lord.

2. Dear Father, I thank you so much for all of these things and for WHO you are... I know that your character is the source of all of these things, not vice versa. Please open my eyes, even if it hurts, to see you MORE today. Please continue to guide, direct, and lead asI KNOW you can. Thank you for loving me. I want more of you, each and every day.

3. I BELIEVE.. and I KNOW that God parted the Red Sea! I KNOW that the events outlined in Psalm 106 are HISTORICAL. They are not a story. I KNOW that I've seen the same power of the God who does the impossible work in my life. And I'm hungry to see more! I KNOW that there are many who don't know about these things He has done. EVEN IF He never did anything else... He'd be worthy of our undying praise. And yet.. .HE promises that He is forever more the same, that His grace, mercy, love and power are UNENDING.

PRAISE YE THE LORD!!!
-Mary

Thursday, July 9

2009-07-10T02:43:00.001-07:00

Good morning, friend! I hope you've had a good time [on your knees] this morning (have you tried that yet?). Got your coffee and your Bible?! This is going to be a great day.

We've been talking this week about praising. I've been so blessed to praise with you. We've talked about how praise is necessary for us to maintain a proper focus and perspective. And to fix our eyes on Jesus. We've also studied the example of Christ - knowing what He knew about the character of the God He served - and choosing to praise - even when the circumstances didn't line up.

Lets look back at the verse we started with yesterday.
"Whoever offers praise glorifies me: and to him that orders his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God." Psalm 50:23 There is a different version posted on yesterday's discussion if you would like to read that as well.

Our praise points others to Christ. Friends, sometimes we are the only glimpse of Jesus that others see on this side of eternity. If we claim to KNOW an awesome God worthy of praise, shouldn't we be praising Him at all times?!

Please read Psalm 78:3 and Psalm 89:1. The Psalmist was clear that our praises should extend to all generations. Our children should know this God that we serve...people who come after us should know... because of our praise! I don't know about you, but when I'm at home with my child, there are a lot of times that I'm not praisin' my God. But shouldn't I be?!

Praise Him with me again. [I know what you're thinking... "but we just DID this!" But my friends, that is the beauty of it... we can never run out of things to praise our God about!] He is SO worthy.
Love,
Lauren

2009-07-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me new and awesome things when I take the time to learn them. Thank you for a good day at work (which is a big deal right now) & a 3-day weekend. Thank you for family that loves and supports me. Thank you for the awesome way that you make things in nature and in biology grow - flowers, babies, baby animals. It's SO cool! Thank you for caring about the small things, even while at the same time you hold the entire universe together. HOW AWESOME. Thank you for the examples of strong believers You have given me. Have a great weekend, everyone. Keep us updated on the computer situation, Mary! I will be praying ... :) - Amy

2009-07-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

Special Prayer Request:
This morning the computer that holds ALL files and photos collected for The 5.2 Project over the course of this entire year... crashed. COMPLETELY. Will you please pray that the tech people at Best Buy.. (or anywhere) can fish the files off?!!? AND REGARDLESS... I'm praising the Lord that I don't have to be anxious, that He's in control... and maybe He just wants us to redo, and even better. :) (gulp)

Thank you Lord for friends that I can go to for prayer, who desire to follow you! Thank you Lord that nothing catches you by suprise and you always have everything all worked out in advance. Thank you that you're the most amazing, real, and loving Father imaginable. Thank you for protecting my children in their crazy summer days and sicknesses. ;) Thank you for grace. Thank you for JOY that surpasses understanding! Thank you for loving even me :)

-Mary

2009-07-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

I praise God for 4 Christian grandparents who are still living and who pray for me regularly.

I praise God that 10 years ago,He led me OUT of elementary education and into secondary education and TESL which, I am finding this summer as I teach 1st and 2nd graders, was a very WISE move.:)

I praise God for jobs that allow us to spend our summers in the States.

I praise God for 3 Muslim children who got saved this past week at my grandparents' church's vacation Bible school.

I praise God for the way my husband loves my nephews how endearing it is to watch him play with them.

I praise God for a 3-day weekend! - Lori

2009-07-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed doing this every day so much! It hasn’t gotten old at all but instead, convicted/challenged me to something I have severely lacked lately!!

God I praise you because you have known every thought I have ever had, and love me just the same!

I thank you for allowing me the privilege of hearing about you all throughout my life. I am so blessed to have so many Godly influences in my life!

I praise you for the cool breeze outside. The gentle reminder that you are here for me and you want me to enjoy the little things you created.

I praise you for my health. The fact I have been so healthy and able to do so much in my lifetime has been a wonderful blessing!

Thank you for walking this wretched earth and be an example we can follow!! We truly are not alone and that is such a comfort!

- Kari

Wednesday, July 8

2009-07-09T05:35:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, July 8

He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he [prepares the way] so that I may show Him the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23

[Stop.] Let's live what we know. We can't really start anymore... until we stop and go to the One we're following, the One we KNOW is trustworthy. Stop and thank Him for His trustworthiness this morning. Thank Him for His direction.

Those who KNOW your name will trust in you, for you Lord have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10

Praise His name.What is His name? THE GREAT I AM. The First and the Last. The One who's name encompasses... everything... and that's more than enough for us to KNOW.

[FOLLOW THE LORD] How many times have you heard/said this phrase? Have you stopped to think what it really means? It's not our responsibility to follow and base our life off of only the things He does or our circumstances. It's Knowing His name. Knowing His character.We take ownership ... we stake our claim... we know what we know... we connect our lives to His reality... when we praise the Lord.

Jesus thanked God for an "insufficent" solution to a HUGE problem. Why? Because He KNEW God's character. He KNEW and had been listening to God's voice. He KNEW what He was supposed to do... and He thanked God for who God IS ... right over and beyond His physical circumstances. And what happened as a result?!? That's right... a miracle. God was pleased. God was glorified. And as a result, thousands saw God.Does that mean that because God can do something... we have the right to assume He WILL? No. Jesus was listening to God's voice. He knew what God was asking of Him, and He obeyed. He thanked God for what He knew He was able to do. Then He trusted. Don't you think part of faith, praise, and submission should mean that we're willing to risk thanking Him, placing all praise on Him, REGARDLESS of what He chooses to do with it... because we CAN KNOW that God is working all things together for good?!?? Sometimes that means another bad outcome... in order to continue to move direction to ultimate victory. Don't you want to go down that road praising the God that you're following to victory? Don't you want to trust that you don't have to know the plans, you just get to obey... THAT is the road where you'll see a miracle!The passage we looked at in John shows Jesus again illustrating these things for us. Jesus claimed something big He knew about God. It sticks out as not "going with" the rest of the passage. Then... He literally got down on His knees... and worshiped His father by washing the feet of the man who would betray Him... out of thanks, acknowledgement, and trust in the character of the Lord.

Read Luke 7:1-10Another awesome example. I love that the people approached Jesus with "how worthy" the centurion was for Jesus to come and help him. Jesus went. Then, the centurion explained how UNWORTHY He was. God was pleased. God was glorified. And... that's right... a miracle.FOR DISCUSSION: Let's define praise. And then let's do it!I'm amazed at how many words I'm finding are all found within. Such as thanks, submission, and faith. What do you think?Look back at our opening verse. Know Him today. Praise Him. Share it!You will be blessed.

***AN AWESOME OPPORTUNITY FOR TODAY.Late last night Will posted episode 3 of The 5.2 Podcast. I didn't know details of what he was putting on there. It's awesome. There's a clip from a pastor teaching in a GREAT WAY about some of what we're talking about today. Then Will brought out some very honest and real application... it'll be an encouragement to you and that clip will dig further into these concepts. The podcast isn't very long... check it out and feel free to add that in your discussion today:http://www.the52project.com/the-52-podcast.phpYou can listen to it right on the website, or download it on itunes. It's free. :)

So... we talked about KNOWING we need to praise... and why... need to mull it over more?!? Go right ahead and discuss that still!! We've approached how we LIVE it... jump right in!!! And don't forget to praise Him today! Have a WONDERFUL day. KNOW that God made this day... and has a plan for it! And He is good. :) Thank you Lord!TODAY'S DISCUSSION BELOW IN ORANGE:

2009-07-09T02:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you Lord for forgiving my sins. Always. Thank you Lord for providing a plan for me to conquer sin. Always. Thank you Lord for your patience and gentleness. Thank you that I can look back at the past and see how you have changed me and saved me from myself. Thank you for the way my kids hug me. :) Thank you for guarding and protecting them. Thank you for friends!
- Mary

2009-07-08T21:59:00.000-07:00

I think everything we've been talking about is really sinking in with me now -- praise has NOTHING to do with our circumstances and EVERYTHING to do with our God and his constant, unchanging character. How AWESOME is it that His character is unchanging and is so solid to STAND on in the midst of our ever-changing lives!

I'm thankful that my husband's job is not changing his schedule after all, so he will not be asked to work on Sundays.
I am thankful that my small group leader spoke about a subject I really needed to hear about tonight.
I am thankful for a good day at work today.
I am thankful for having a life that is blessed from almost every direction.

-Amy

2009-07-08T17:14:00.001-07:00

Wow. I love the 5.2 story. I never noticed before that Jesus thanked God for the "provision" FIRST. Amy, Kari, and Mary all pointed it out. He knew that it wasn't enough. But He knew the character of the One that He served. Wow.

One thing that I keep experiencing... and that I think God is trying to beat into my head :) is that He doesn't always ask you to do things that make sense. [Loving those people who are a pain in the backside, tithing when you don't think you have enough money to pay bills, trusting that a good God allows kids to suffer major illnesses, living right while those who don't "prosper"... etc...] But sometimes we just have to have faith in His character and thank Him for what we do KNOW. And just let go of what we don't know. Praise Him for what we know, and have faith from there. SUCH a HARD lesson for me to learn, but SO awesome and WORTH IT.

I want to praise God today for:
1. Giving me the Bible... an OLD book that teaches me something NEW every day.
2. Providing for ALL of my needs - emotional, physical, spiritual.
3. Protecting me from SO much.
4. Giving us pleasures to enjoy - creation, children, food, family, love, and so much more.
5. Grace. I don't deserve it.

My God is awesome. The end. :) - Lauren

2009-07-08T11:54:00.001-07:00

I want to praise Him for...
1. my beautiful, healthy children
2. warm summer days
3. His victories!
4. loving friends and family
5. Awesome, glorious Creation around us all the time

-Marie

2009-07-08T11:16:00.001-07:00

“Jesus thanked God for an insufficient amount because He knew God’s character and that this must be what God wanted.” – Wow, I love that thought. If only I had even an ounce of that faith. Acting on the fact that Christ gets the praise no matter what circumstance comes up because He will make that way into an awesome way for someone to see His glory!

I know who God is and that He will let NOTHING contradict that. As a result, I can thank Him for EVERY situation He places me, whether I ‘like it’ or not, because I know that He will get the attention and glory He deserves through my actions and obedience to Him. That’s what life is about anyway. And so…

Thank you God for directing each moment of my life. Thank you for the blood that you shed, even though I feel like I abuse the privilege you have given me, I am so grateful that your love remains the same. Thank you Lord for never letting go of me. I am SAFE in the palm of your hand no matter what comes my way. Thank you for bringing SO MANY Godly people in my life to encourage me and help me as I live this life. Thank you for giving us your word so that we can see your perfect example. Thank you for helping us understand it better.

- Kari

2009-07-08T09:55:00.001-07:00

I praise God that He is the Creator of all.
I praise God that He is love and that He first loved me.
I praise God for His simple plan of salvation.
I praise God for my husband and for working in both of our lives.
I praise God for being worthy of my praise and proving Himself in my life even though He didn't have to.
I praise God for the ability to trust my life to Him.
I praise God that He is the one true God and that one day we will all bow at His feet.
-MarySusan

Tuesday, July 7

2009-07-08T03:33:00.001-07:00

Praise the LORD. How GOOD it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him! Psalm 147:1

Yes, it is so good to praise God with you!

Let's plant our feet. [Stop and pray]. Thank God for being the Great Teacher, the Merciful King, and ask for His guidance today.

The book of Psalms invests quite alot of time in teaching, encouraging, and illustrating [PRAISE]. I love that. I love that the book where we read the thoughts of even a suffering man, is the book intertwined with praise to God. Surely... there is alot to be learned here.

[This week will you join me in offering praise daily... out loud... together? Just 5 things a day (or more. :) I also added an invitation and submission box on the homepage of The 5.2 Website for others. Let's praise the Lord together! It's knowing, living, and sharing!]

Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. Psalm 50:14-15

Ok check this verse out... dig in. It's just awesome...
He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show Him the salvation of God.
Psalm 50:23

Did you see it? What comes first? The rescue... or the praise?

Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and all that move in them, for God will save Zion. Psalm 69:34-35

But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. Psalm 71:14-15

Read: Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus taught us how to pray. How does He begin?

Read: John 6:1-15... The story of the 5.2. Jesus is God. He came to earth as God and man. Why did He lift up the food then and give thanks... to God? What was He teaching us?

Read: Psalm 77 This is an awesome illustration of a suffering Psalmist... deciding to stand and planting his feet.

Read: John 13:1-7
In verse, 1 and 3... it says "JESUS KNEW." Verse 4 holds an... "And so..." How does our Savior live what He knows? Did the things that He knew and responded to have anything to do with His circumstances?

How then should we pray?

How then should we live?

How then should we share?

[For you: What is your game-plan... for TODAY?]

The Lord will indeed give what is good and our land will yield it's harvest. Righteousness goes before Him, and prepares the way for His steps. Psalm 85:12-13

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, O Lord, who walk in the light of your presence. They rejoice in your name all day long, they exult in your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength and by your favor you exult our horn. Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord, our King to the Holy One of Israel. Psalm 89:15-16

DISCUSSION BELOW IN BLUE... DON'T FORGET TO PRAISE THE LORD!

2009-07-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

WOW, I had never focused in on the fact that Jesus, first and foremost, thanked God for the loaves and fishes -- BEFORE they had been multiplied. In other words, while they were still seemingly inadequate to ever meet the needs of the crowd. Perhaps that was just because Jesus knew what God was about to do? Not exactly. I think he knew that God would meet His needs, which is the SAME thing WE can know about our situations ... and so we can offer thanks regardless of our circumstances, knowing and trusting in God's faithfulness and provision (back to Psalm 50:23). What an awesome lesson!

I am so thankful for ...
- The many things God has been teaching me through this study & the forum it has provided.
- Pictures - yes, photographs. They make me happy!
- That I have enough money to pay my bills.
- That I have a steady and reliable job.
- That I only have to work 40 hours each week, when so many other people in the world work much, much more.
- That even when it's a horrible day, at the most it can only last 24 hours and then I have a fresh start with a new day. What an awesome way to create time!
- That many times when I don't know what to do about a situation, it "resolves itself."
- That God doesn't give me more than I can handle (because that's not much! :)

- Amy

2009-07-07T18:39:00.000-07:00

I want to praise God for His ability to know all, see, all, and yet still have mercy on all.

I want to praise God for being willing to allow us to know Him. I know that we don't deserve His mercy.

I want to praise God for loving us individually. For desiring and allowing relationships.

I want to praise God for making the earth beautiful... for going above and beyond.

I want to praise God for JOY. For LAUGHTER and that even in hard times He shows us how to grow stronger.

I want to praise God for children.

I want to praise God for His design. That we look out for each other... that "no man is an island." And that He is the first and the last.

I want to praise God for being so worthy of all of our praise!

2009-07-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

Admittedly I started off the morning griping to God . . .Several of these passages struck a chord with me. I need to start with prayer praising God. I need to thank God for my food (and for many other blessings). I need to thank God regardless of my circumstances. Jesus KNEW that God had sent Him to earth for a purpose and that He had all power, and so He SERVED . . .I want to thank God for my summer job (which is what I was griping about this morning). I thank God for this time to spend with my family. I thank God for my husband. I thank God for safety and health. I thank God for the time to relax today! - Lori

2009-07-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

I want to praise the Lord for the forgiveness He gives despite whether we deserve it.
I want to praise the Lord that He always has the perfect portion to give me, and that I KNOW I can handle it through Him.
I want to praise God for blessing me with an amazing, god-loving, ministry minded husband.
I want to praise God that Drew and I both have jobs that keeps us sheltered and healthy.
I want to praise God because He loves orphans in Thailand,lepers in India, Adulterers in America, and cannibals in Africa JUST AS MUCH as He loves me. God's pretty cool like that. :)
-Kari

2009-07-07T04:09:00.000-07:00

I want to praise the Lord for the sunshine this morning.

I want to praise the Lord for a family to wake up to.

I want to praise the Lord that I can pray to Him this morning... that He guides me... and He hears me.

I want to praise the Lord that He has a plan for today.

I want to praise the Lord for giving me opportunities to share Him with others.

I want to praise the Lord that He is so PRAISEWORTHY in His character... even beyond what He DOES.

I want to praise the Lord that He is a redeemer... and that He's still working on me!

- Mary

Monday, July 6

2009-07-07T03:30:00.001-07:00

Good Monday to YOU! I'm going to go straight into an awesome gift from God's Word for you to kick off your week! You're welcome! :)

Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord who counsels me, even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:5-8,11

[STOP] You've got something to thank God for! He is so awesome. Don't miss a chance to praise Him!

This weekend's discussion was, as usual, so encouraging. We are promised joy. And it is worth pursuing [HARD].

However. To pursue joy, we don't pursue... joy. We pursue [GOD]... joy is just the cherry on the ice cream! Remember a couple of days back? "The JOY of [THE LORD IS] your STRENGTH."

Do you feel like I'm re-emphasizing the same points over and over?!? Good. I'm ok with that. I don't think we can ever go to far with this concept.

This weekend I was talking with my wonderful mom who explained how "the outcome" of her praying.. has such an awesome perspective. She said instead of saying "God, I know you're in control, but this situation is so frustrating!!!" we can say... "God, this situation is so frustrating!! and I KNOW YOU are in control!!!" (She said it much better of course :) But you get the point.) It's practical application to life-changing truth.

We talked some on Friday about where we should be standing, if we hope to claim the promises of God. Do we live like God is God?!? Like He is Holy? Take a look at Psalm 2. Where do the "Kings and the people of the earth take their [stand]?"

God is a God of unending mercy. Of amazing grace, and of greater love than we can fathom. His mercies are new every morning.

And we are sinners in need of Savior.

And when we accept Christ we are children of God, forgiven, free, and clay. We need molding, shaping, redeeming, and teaching.

We need to REMEMBER who our God IS. (Hebrews 13:7-8)

We need to ACT accordingly.
"... in view of God's mercy... offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - This is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1

We can rejoice that we are living, changing, and being loved by the God who has an awesome purpose and plan, and who we can trust to be faithful.
For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! Nor only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5:10-11
I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

OK I'm going to get the point. (ahem.) For the last couple of weeks we've established some things that we KNOW.

There is NO great joy, peace, strength, or abundant life than that which is found in changing our perspective to focus on the character of God. [PERIOD].

The ["sacrifices"] God requires are:
1. Obedience. (Live what you know.)
2. Praise. (Know... and SHARE what you know.)
- For your benefit
- and for the benefit of others.

Why are these things "sacrifices?" Because they are not always natural. We naturally want to serve ourselves. These take... that's right it's comin'... a change of perspective and the WILL to follow through. (Psalm 1:2 But His delight (his WILL) is in the law of the Lord, and on this law he meditates day and night.)

Let me ask you this. Would it make any difference to others.. or to you... if you only were willing to praise God or to obey... when it's easy or natural? No. Would you grow as much? No.

We'll be wrapping this study up in a few short weeks. :( Let's take these last few weeks and dig in with all we've got. These next few topics are SO EXCITING. Because our God... is SO. EXCITING.

FOR TODAY: Let's offer the sacrifice of praise! Praise God OUT LOUD today... where ever you are, and here on the discussion board. You don't even have to include your name, and there is no limit to how much you can write.

LET'S JUST PRAISE THE LORD!!! HE IS WORTHY.

2009-07-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

Praise God that He never gives me what I deserve.
Praise God that He gave me an amazing husband who is TRULY my better half.
Praise God that He has given me health - physical and emotional.
\Praise God that my needs are ALWAYS met.
Praise God that I have a loving, patient, forgiving, & supportive family.
Praise God that He lead my family to an awesome church.
Praise God that He knows what I need before I ever even know I need it.
Praise God that He brought me back to Him in such an amazing way that it's undeniably HIM that did it (and YES, I get excited about it)!
Praise God that He is reliable even when we aren't.
Praise God that we know He is faithful and never have to wonder or think twice about that.
Praise God that He has given us some things purely for enjoyment and relaxation.
Praise God that He is creative and imaginative and that we get to see & enjoy that in His creation.

God is completely and utterly beyond all comprehension AMAZING. His love for us, quite honestly, makes NO SENSE. There's NO REASON that He should love us except that to say that THAT'S WHAT MAKES HIM SO AWESOME, SO WORTHY OF PRAISE AND OBEDIENCE. THAT'S WHAT MAKES HIM GOD. When I think about all these things, it shames me to think of the ways I spend my time, my energy, my life. So PRAISE GOD that, in His mercy, He will even help us change that.

-Amy

2009-07-06T18:08:00.000-07:00

I praise the Lord for my 2-year old nephew's reminder today, something he learned in church this past week: "Praise the LORD, Aunt!" (He says Lord more like "Lawd", it is SO CUTE). He also sings, "There's no God like Jehovah" . . .from the mouths of babes, He has ordained praise!!! - Lori

2009-07-06T12:34:00.000-07:00

I want to praise God for His patience. He puts up with me. Always.

I want to praise God for never changing. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I can count on Him. Always.

I want to praise God for creating children. They are such a gift! Always.

I want to praise God for providing. On His timetable (which IS the right one). Always.

I want to praise God for being enough for me. Always.

I want to praise God for defeating sin. For banishing death and separation from God. Always.

I want to praise God for friends who challenge me to know Him more. They are a blessing. Always.

I want to praise God for trials. Even when I don't like them. They are teaching me something and making me more like Him. Always.

I want to praise God for not only tolerating me, but for pursuing me. And loving me deeply, without condition. No matter what. Always.

I could go on forever... Maybe I will! :) - Lauren

2009-07-06T09:11:00.001-07:00

I PRAISE HIM for the quiet time of each morning

I PRAISE HIM for The Project 52

I PRAISE HIM for the gift of my 91 yr old mother

I PRAISE HIM for the upcoming wedding of my beautiful granddaughter

I PRAISE HIM for my husband, my children and their families

I PRAISE HIM for all He is doing in my life

I PRAISE HIM for all He has done in my life

I PRAISE HIM for all the unknown things He is going to do in my life and my families' lives

I PRAISE HIM for all the trials He had brought me through

I PRAISE HIM for my strenghts and my weaknesses

I PRAISE HIM for new friends He has brought to me

I PRAISE HIM for my church

I PRAISE Him for the freedom He has given me through His Son, Jesus Christ

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name" Hebrews 13:15

I am so gratetful for the wonderful privilege of praising our Heavenly Father. WORTHY IS HIS NAME!

-Donna

2009-07-06T04:11:00.000-07:00

I want to praise the Lord for my family.

I praise the Lord for our health.

I praise the Lord for another beautiful day.

I praise the Lord for a hope and a future.

I praise the Lord that He would know me... and love me.

I praise the Lord that He is a Father.

I praise the Lord that I KNOW He answers prayer.

I praise the Lord that I can TRUST Him, even with my greatest fears.

I praise the Lord that HE is in control of this day and that He already knows what tomorrow will bring. I praise Him that He prepares me TODAY for tomorrow.

I praise the Lord for giving us His word, and that it is living and active... we can always learn from it.

I praise the Lord that HE has not given us " A spirit of fear, but of power of love and a sound mind."

I praise the Lord for creating families.

I praise the Lord that His way always works out best. Even when we don't think it will or we don't want to obey. It always works out best.

I praise the Lord that after three years of my husband leaving and being gone, my family is together, loving one another, and learning more about our great God together. ONLY HE COULD DO THAT!

I praise God that He is a KING. and He is MY KING.

I praise God that His mercies are new everyday.

I praise God that NO ONE is beyond His reach. NO. ONE.

I praise God for giving us friends to grow alongside with.

I praise God that I know I could go on and on and on and on...

I LOVE MY GOD.

Friday, July 3

2009-07-06T03:25:00.001-07:00

UPDATE: I hope you're having a wonderful weekend!!! If you haven't already... please check out "I AM FREE" in honor of the 4th of July... and our freedom. It's all about Standing... really. :) http://www.the52project.com/i-am-free.php

If you haven't already done Friday's study please go for it... I know it's longer but that's because there's so much good stuff there!!! Can't wait to meet again tomorrow. :)

Hi Guys!!! Hope you're doing great today! Friday... weekend... if that doesn't do it for ya grab some coffee! :) I wanted to remind you all to check out the website today, alot has been added including the July Edition of the Journal. Pass the site along to share the Lord! There's nothing to gain here but more of our God... and I don't know about you but I sure don't want to miss that!!! Also don't forget to submit your name on the homepage to receive The 5.2 Newsletter via e-mail. :)

NOW: Here's a treat for you:

You have filled my heart with greater joy than when grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:7-8

He has filled our hearts with greater joy! Have you allowed it to infiltrate your life? He [alone] makes us dwell in safety. That in and of itself gives me great joy. Feeling safe can be hard to come by at times! What a wonderful God. Such power and majesty, and yet He makes us feel SAFE. GREATER JOY. Hmm. Reminds me of our discussion about truth. There is the truth of our human reality... and another truth of God. There is also a happiness of our human reality... yet there is a GREATER JOY of God! What an incredible thing to think about! O How He loves us!

Here's another verse about joy that we've mention before in this study:

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3

Do you remember WHAT the joy set before Jesus was, that would motivate Him to endure so much? IT WAS YOU. That's right. [Stop and thank your Savior!]

Ok. Let's "pivot" again. Discussions yesterday were right on the mark. (Don't worry Lauren, you got exactly what we were going for in the passage!) The respect for the Lord was unparalleled by any that I am used to seeing or showing today. I think that we live in a society where God... is equated with a glorified Santa Claus. I really do. Let's stop this weekend and think it through. Dig for the greater truth... so that you can KNOW the greater joy. Let's put things back in context again, shall we? First, scroll down and read the three verses that Amy posted yesterday. (Thanks Amy!) Now. Go back to the first verse we read this morning. Let's put it in context.

Read Psalm 4.

Especially notice: [6] KNOW that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him.

How do we KNOW... [VERB FORM...greater truth] that the Lord has set us apart? In other words, how should we LIVE what we KNOW here?

[5] Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.

What are [right sacrifices]?
Psalm 57:1, Romans 12:1, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 5

Are you getting what I'm going for here?? It's NOT the answer you're used to hearing. It's wherever you are today... just digging one step deeper to LIVE what you KNOW.

For Discussion: We've talked alot about the life God promises. What is expected of us? Where should we STAND to embrace the fullness of abundant life in Christ? Here are some words we've mentioned... all of them important. Let's write out here this weekend: HOW WE CAN LIVE THEM. [Redeemed, friend, child, seen, perspective, worshipper.]

Have you tried kneeling to pray yet? Have you made it a habit? Please go before your Awesome Heavenly Father on your knees just once today. You will be blessed through submitting yourself to Him. Guaranteed.

Live your life in worship of your God. Today. We are ALL worshippers. The term is not set aside for Christians. Our lives are all lived in respect for someone or something. He has given us greater joy. Greater love. Greater life. Let's LOVE HIM DEEPER TODAY. Again... We are the ones who come away blessed. Life abundant my friends! GREATER... JOY.

Instead of your shame you will have a double portion, and instead of humiliation they will shout for joy over their portion. Therefore they will possess a double portion in their land, everlasting joy will be theirs. Isaiah 61:7

Friends, please don't live another day without taking a step forward to STAND in Christ! Give Him the worship and honor He deserves. He is God. LOVE HIM ON PURPOSE.

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Philippians 3:12

But we are NOT of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe [KNOW] and are saved. Hebrews 10:39

BE FILLED WITH JOY TODAY! HE HAS TAKEN HOLD OF US!!! LET'S PRESS FORWARD TO TAKE HOLD OF HIM!

THIS WEEKEND'S DISCUSSION BELOW IN BLUE:

2009-07-05T19:07:00.000-07:00

These are some powerful verses. But what I'm learning is that there are SO SO many powerful verses - just waiting for us to jump in and read them. They were there all along. I just wasn't there in God's Word to read them. Along the same line as what Mary, Donna, and Lauren have said, these verses make it very clear what our purpose and focus should be in life - EVERY DAY, ALL the time. It's easy to go to church on Sundays, be part of a small group, and maybe even do a daily Bible study and then feel that you've put in your effort - that you're living how you "should be" living. Quite honestly I think the deceiver uses that feeling to keep us from going deeper. But do I live EVERY day striving toward God, toward seeking the purposes He has for me? As I get closer to 30, I'm quite frankly starting to freak out about my life. Life seems to be speeding by ... days, weeks, months pass in a total blur. So much so that I don't even seem to know if things happened a few days ago or a few weeks ago. I'm starting to get this desperate feeling that I had better make sure that whatever I am going to do in life - career, children, etc. etc. - I had better get it rollin' before the chance is gone. What I realized today is that this should be all the more true spiritually. If I just go through every day "going through the motions," time will keep moving on without anything meaningful ever happening. I must embrace every single day - live it intentionally, live it on purpose, and live it seeking God and his purposes. Live it with a sense of desperation, if you will, that life is short and we must embrace the time we have because there is much to do. Easier said than done in a world of distractions, but a goal I want to strive for nonetheless (Phil 3:12). Please pray for me as I try to make this change in my life, because it will only be through Him, no doubt about that! - Amy

2009-07-04T03:29:00.001-07:00

I love Psalm 5:4, "For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee." Another verse that stood out to me was Psalm 4:3-4, "But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call unto Him. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah."

The right sacrifice is a clean heart... a life that is set apart... a walk with God. And it shouldn't be a chore... we should choose to be set apart because we are called, but also because we want to be different. A sacrifice is something you are willing to give up... out of love... for something greater. We should love God so much that it motivates us to live differently... to want no part of the sin that once held us bondage... because we are CHILDREN of God... CHOSEN... LOVED.... CALLED to a different life... to change our PERSPECTIVE... to be both a FRIEND and a CHILD of God. How humbling and powerful. I am so thankful!

I want to praise the Lord because He is the redeemer. He redeemed me once and for all on the cross, but He continues to redeem me when I fall into sin now. He was willing to make the sacrifice for me, and I want to offer Him my life in return. -Lauren

2009-07-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

THE HAPPINESS OF THOSE WHO TRUST IN THE LORD

PSALM 34:1-8 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. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears, They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. The poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. Oh taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who trusts in HIM!

A quote that I love and want to SHARE:

"I would prefer one mouthful of Christ's love

and one sip of His fellowship

than a whole world of carnal delights.

- Charles Spurgeon

We must determine in our hearts today that we will live out our God given assignments as we continue to offer to Him our thanks and praises even in the midst of all things, no matter how busy we are, no matter what our circumstances. This is God's will for all of us. We should encourage one another, share our joy, share our love for our Heavenly Father....Be encouraged dears ones: THE BEST IS YET TO COME! -Donna

Thursday, July 2

2009-07-03T03:19:00.000-07:00

Back Again!!! I've got to say though.. and I'm sure you'd join me in it... that I've love to keep digging deeper with Lauren... I think it's so awesome the way the Lord led her and the way that she explained it! One of my favorite parts of this study is being able to learn from the discussion that you guys put in... I love the way that things are broken down. So PLEASE... don't stop! I understand that some readers are intimated from participating ... don't be. We're all in this thing together! You don't even have to leave your name if you're not comfortable... let's just seek the Lord together!

Have you stopped to thank the Lord today for who He is? Please do... plant your feet. That's how we Stand.

Let's take JOY for another day. I like joy. Don't you? :) Check this out:

"... The joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10b

PLANT YOUR FEET.
So many times we think our purpose, our hope, and our ability are found in ["The joy..."] or ["your strength."]

But it's not.

The key to joy is found in the middle of the verse.

[The Lord IS]

That, my friends, is the pivot point. We don't STAND in the joy... we don't stand in the strength... until we STAND in the KNOWLEDGE of who our God is. Go back and think through the verses that Lauren pointed out. You can rejoice in today... No. Matter. What. Rejoice.. because the reality of God has granted you joy. Rejoice because you have the hope and the ability for strength... rejoice that God invites, allows, and affords for you to stand firm in Him!

For today: Read Nehemiah 8 (the context for today's verse.) I love this chapter of the Bible! Think it through... plant your feet... apply it today.

For discussion: How would you describe the reverence for the Lord here??? Why don't we see and experience this same reverence? Do you think it's necessary? And so... what can we do about that... TODAY? Do you think it's possible for us to truly enjoy the DELIGHT of verse 10... unless we can apply the rest of the chapter to ourselves in some way as well?

Hard stuff. So... completely... WORTH IT.

Can't wait to hear from you! Please at the very least share one line of JOY in the Lord! We'll post it here and on the praise blog as well. KNOW it. LIVE it. SHARE it. I am praising Him with you... and for you!

TODAY'S DISCUSSION BELOW IN RED:

2009-07-03T03:16:00.001-07:00

Forgot to put my praise! How embarassing when we've been talking about how important praising God is :) ... This week God gave me patience and the ability to handle some stressful situations that could have otherwise made me have a meltdown. He has also given me an awesome support system and other resources to help me with such situations! - Amy

2009-07-03T03:15:00.000-07:00

The thing that stands out to me about reverence in this passage is how much deeper their respect for God's Word was than ours seems to be today. We seem to have replaced reverence with a "God is my buddy" kind of viewpoint these days. Not to say that God isn't our friend -- in fact, that's quite a Biblical concept within context. What I mean is that, in our politically correct society, we seem to want to think about God's forgiveness, love, etc. but totally gloss over His hatred of sin, His justice, and His punishment. And I think -- no, I KNOW that reverence is important. It's a concept that God keeps bringing across my path recently. A couple of weeks ago I memorized Proverbs 1:7 - "Knowledge begins with respect for the Lord, but fools hate wisdom and discipline." Hmm ... makes ya think that respecting God is pretty foundational. One simple idea as to how to keep in the mindset of reverence? Reading the Bible regularly. The amazing things it says and reveals about God are a constant reminder of how big and awesome he is and how tiny we are. Coming from that perspective (there's the "p" word again!!), we can experience TRUE JOY -- the kind of joy that comes from recognizing who God is, who we are, what we deserve, and what we are getting instead of what we deserve because of salvation through Christ.

Psalm 112:1 - "Happy are those who respect the Lord."

Proverbs 19:23 - "Those who respect the Lord will live and be satisfied, unbothered by trouble."

Psalm 128:1- "Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him."
- Amy

2009-07-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

I love Nehemiah 8:6, "And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground."

We don't often worship God like that (at least I don't). But He is worthy. He deserves that. And so much more. This was such a rebuke to me - that I'm far too often more concerned with what others think than with just loving and knowing and experiencing God. And I miss out on the joy because of that.

I'm not gonna lie... I'm not sure I fully understood the rest of the chapter there but that was a big lesson for me in that one verse. :)

-Lauren

2009-07-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

Me again... I know I know. I'm talking alot. I've been outta town... sorry. :) I keep thinking about Amy's post yesterday. Did you read it? It was awesome. :) Back to that perspective thing again. Always. More and more I think there's a different level to REALITY in who God is... as opposed to our surface level "who we are" that we're not fully aware of... and we need to keep looking for. It's like the "Impossible Prayer Wall." NO! We're not saying the requests are impossible! We're saying we're handing them over... acknowleding that He can and we can't... and that NOTHING is impossible with Him!!! Are my dots even connecting?!? Or am I talking alot. Outta town. Tired and babbly. My poor husband. :) Hope you guys have a GREAT DAY! love mary

2009-07-02T06:28:00.000-07:00

I have JOY this morning that God is EMMANUEL . . that He is with me everywhere I go. My life is so "topsy-turvy", flitting back and forth between two countries, but God is with me and ALWAYS the same . ..a very stabilizing fact.:) RE: reverence . . .what I see in the passage is the leaders' desire for the people to UNDERSTAND the Word of God (they read CLEARLY, they EXPLAINED the meaning).Also, the people stood and listened, for hours and hours, to God's Word. Finally, they were OBEDIENT.I have to go right now but look forward to digging into this passage further!!! - Lori

Wednesday, July 1

2009-07-02T03:19:00.001-07:00

Good morning!!! Got your coffee and your Bible?! Awesome.

Please [stop] and praise God for something today. Ask Him to take you deeper than you've ever been before.

I so enjoy studying with you.

Lets get started!
Joy. Rejoicing. In the midst of difficult circumstances.

Are you kidding me?! No, my friends. I'm serious. We can have joy in the midst of a storm. In fact, it gives us strength and enables us to STAND.

Got your shovel out? Ready to dig deep with me?

Psalm 118:24 says "This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." I've heard this verse a zillion times. But I never realized before the actual CONTEXT of this verse. The verses before it say… "I will praise you because you have heard me and become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Are you processing this? That verse is referring to the crucifixion of Christ… and that day brings us joy. Hmm. How does that work?!

Flip over to John 16:20-22. Jesus is speaking to His disciples here. Read what He says.

Now turn to Phillipians 4:4. Wrap it up today with Psalm 16:11.

Ready for your homework?

What is this joy that we read about so often through the Psalms? These people went through some TOUGH circumstances [David – rough marriage – adultery – loss of a child – people that wanted to kill him, etc.]! How are they rejoicing?!

Does having joy change the reality of our circumstances? Does it make them less painful?

Go deeper. What is the joy that Jesus speaks of when He states that there is a joy that the world can't take away? How do we maintain that focus?

Think. Tie everything we've been learning so far together. Blessed… knowing what you know… praising… joy… standing…how do they all connect? Push yourself.

I can't wait to hear your thoughts. I've really enjoyed sharing with you all this week. Mary will be back at it tomorrow and I'm looking forward to continuing to learn alongside you all.

Love,
Lauren

2009-07-02T03:14:00.000-07:00

HE is my CORNERSTONE! Wow I LOVE that!! I'm so glad that you brought out the context of these verses, especially with this discussion. It's amazing how the crucifixion, the worst suffering imaginable, of our Savior, is the reference here, that He has become our cornerstone. Isn't it amazing how often when we look back at terrible circumstances... if we have turned to Christ in the midst of them, they become cornerstones of our lives as well?

The discussions this week have really reminded me that worship... praising the Lord... is a discipline, not just an emotion. It is our cornerstone. Because HE is our cornerstone. We can always go deeper with God... and therefore we can always find greater joy.

Wow. Thank you Lord!

-Mary

2009-07-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

I think the joy that these verses are referring to is not the joy that comes from good circumstances or earthly pleasures, but from knowing that, through Christ, we have a way out - a way to be rescued - "I will praise you because you have heard me and become my salvation." Yes, my circumstances can be really, really bad sometimes. But WOW how exciting that this isn't all there is to our existence! How exciting that there is a Creator that cares, loves us, and has prepared a place for us in eternity (if we accept salvation through Jesus) where all the suffering and bad circumstances will be no more! Now THAT is a reason to have joy in the midst of bad times. I also think that the joy these verses are referring to is joy that happens from knowing that God will care for me IN SPITE OF my current circumstances. Again, how AWESOME is it to know that, no matter how things turn out in any given situation, God will care for me? Phil. 4:6 - "Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks." So ACTUALLY, if you look at it from the perspective of these verses, bad circumstances aren't times when we should force ourselves to praise God simply because it's something we know we should do (although that's kinda true) ... Bad times are when we can be grateful for God from a whole different angle, recognizing how much worse things would be without Him & that, one day, this too shall pass and we get to spend eternity in paradise with our Savior! No matter what happens to us and what the world throws our way throughout life, THAT is a reality and a reason for joy that no one can lessen or take away! Hope this makes sense, I know I get long-winded - just ask my husband :) - Amy

2009-07-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

The joy that the world cannot take away is the joy of God's presence. When I know without a shadow of a doubt that I'm right in the middle of God's will, experiencing His blessing, it is somehow "easier" to go through the trials and struggles. I KNOW that God works things all together for the good of those who love Him. I KNOW that He will be with me through whatever I may face. These FACTS don't diminish the reality, but they make the reality bearable. - Lori

Tuesday, June 30

2009-06-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

Wow… the responses from you all were such a blessing to me, and I'm sure they encouraged others as well. Let me highlight a few of our discussion points:

Mary - Lately I've realized that I'M the one who NEEDS it. I need to say ... and to hear myself say... and to hear other people say... who God REALLY is. To make Him a part of ALL of our reality... and to place ourselves in submission to Him.

Kari - I think a part of praising God with our whole heart would be praising/thanking Him for what we KNOW to be true in our lives even when things are difficult or not going our way. It’s not picking and choosing when we thank Him.

Amy - It provides us with an amazing amount of PERSPECTIVE - yes, I may have a bad day. Yes, bad things may happen in my life. Yes, I may feel angry, sad, overwhelmed, lonely, etc. etc. BUT praise reminds us that God has done (and continues to do) some truly awesome things and that He must be bigger than all those other things!!

Thank you all for you input! After reading through the discussion – I saw that we came to one major point – that we NEED to praise – that it is essential for us to maintain the proper attitude and focus.

[Stop.] Praise God right now for something you KNOW about Him. Ask Him to teach you today. Ask Him to take you deeper than you've ever been before. Thank Him for what you know He can do.

Now…Focus, attitude, perspective. What is that supposed to be again?! Here are a few verses to ponder:Psalm 16:8-9, 11, Psalm 32:11, Psalm 33:1, John 15:11, James 1:2

Question for today: What should our attitude/focus be? How does praise help to "fix" our hearts in that perspective? Lets get the basic foundation laid today… we'll dig deeper tomorrow. [Get your shovels ready.]

Finally… practice your praisin'! Send an email with something you KNOW about God to the5.2project@gmail.com and lets praise the Lord together! And because Mary would indeed kill me for another girly day…

TODAY'S DISCUSSION BELOW IN GREEN:

2009-06-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

Our focus should be on fostering our CHARACTER -- as in obedience to God (John 15:10-11), faith and patience (James 1:2), doing what is right (Psalm 33:1), living a holy life (Psalm 16:11), and having the Lord close by our side (Psalm 16:8). The verses Lauren listed also refer to praising God, but notice that the context in which they refer to it -- "BECAUSE He is close by my side, I will not be hurt. SO I rejoice ..." "BEING WITH YOU will fill me with joy." "Sing all you WHOSE HEARTS ARE RIGHT." "Sing to the Lord, YOU WHO DO WHAT IS RIGHT." These verses don't talk about praising God if and when things are "good" in your life. They talk about making the conscious choice to praise God because of WHO HE IS and THE THINGS HE CONTINUALLY DOES FOR US -- things of eternal significance (His being close by our side & protecting us) rather than transient things (such as earthy possessions, etc.). But it's reeeeeeeeeeeally hard to focus on eternal things versus material things, as our world seems to be obsessed with materialism. So what's the solution to that problem? Glad you asked :) I think maybe it's PRAISE ... if we praise how God teaches us to praise (again, back to the the verses Lauren listed) it helps fix our perspective. What an awesome God who built in so many "fringe benefits" to us praising Him! How completely cool :) Thank you, God. - Amy

2009-06-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

Last night when I went to bed I was distraught about a particular situation in my life and when I woke up, the first thing I wanted to do was to log on to STAND and be encouraged, put my perspective aright. When I discovered the computer wasn't working I opted to read Psalm 30 and Psalm 130, since today is the 30th, and the following verses were a particular comfort to me: Ps. 130:5 - I should put my hope in the LORD, not in my circumstances or even in the possibility of the situation getting better. Ps. 30:5,11 - God turns weeping into dancing and although weeping lasts a little while, JOY comes in the morning . . .I did see a tiny bit of progress this morning in the circumstances I've been praying about but I'm trying not to put my hope in THAT, but in God, who is bigger than my circumstances. I'm reminded of Paul and Silas in prison . . .while in chains, they just started praising God, and everyone around them was affected. May I have THAT kind of attitude!!! - Lori

2009-06-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

These verses are so cool... I love that such a major thing that the Lord requires of us, brings joy on OUR part. What an awesome and loving God we serve! Another verse that came to my mind about perspective is Psalm 121:1 "I lift up my eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help... my help comes from the Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth." We have to lift up our eyes... always above our problems (hills.. mountains... jerks... you know. :) I've found that it's very often impossible to focus on our circumstances when we do this, which is very often why I think we drag our feet. We want to wallow in the here and now. There's a difference between dealing with a change of perspective and a handing off of control to the One who is worthy of praise above every circumstance... and wallowing. They are vastly different.

OR. Um.. it's because we gotta know what we know. Praise entails... LIVING IT. AND sharing it. All... in.. one.

Another cool thing is that praising the Lord and having an attitude of thankfulness is pleasantly "Distracting" to others around us too. What an awesome way to share the Lord then saying why we love Him and why we know He's real?!? Praise brings God to a personal level. It changes our perspective... and through stating it verbally... we take ownership of what we know.

I want to praise the Lord that He loves me. :) I want to praise Him that He is a creator of all things.. of each of us... of our families. I want to praise Him that He hears our prayers, that He sees us, and that He answers our prayers. I want to praise Him that His ways are higher than ours... and that His plans are greater. He is so good!!! Sorry for babbling. Ahem. love, mary

Monday, June 29

2009-06-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

Good morning, friends! I hope you were as blessed as I was after reading the Psalms this weekend! Mary is traveling this week, so for the next few days, I am your fearless leader. Please… try to contain your excitement!!! I know its Monday. But hold on to your seats… or computer desks… because we're kicking off the week with some talk about praisin' the Lord.

What is praise exactly?! Let me [or the dictionary, rather] define it for you:the act of expressing approval or admiration or commendation. the offering of grateful homage in words or song, as an act of worship. Why are we discussing praise today, you ask? Well, its all throughout the Psalms for one thing. Here are some scriptures to consider: Psalm 34:1, Psalm 89:1, Psalm 92:1-2, Psalm 96. The book of Psalms ends with this statement: "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord!"

Ready for your homework questions? What does it mean to praise the Lord? WHY do we praise Him? HOW can we praise him?Want to dig deeper? In Psalm 138:1, David states, "I will praise thee with my whole heart." What does he mean by "with my whole heart?" Does it stand to reason that we sometimes praise with only part of our hearts? Is that okay?

[Stop now.] Before you dig in, thank God for who He is to you. Even if you don't know much about Him. And ask Him to teach you something awesome today.

Chime in and let us know your thoughts. Use the comment box on the page, or email your submission to the5.2project@gmail.com. It can even be anonymous. I just want to hear from you. [do i sound desperate enough?!]
So thankful for you all.

Lauren

Now… lets get to praisin' talk! And because Mary left ME in charge…and because hot pink was not an option on blogger...

MONDAY'S DISCUSSION IN PURPLE:

2009-06-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

Lauren - You're a blessing in more ways than one. Which is why I'm going to overlook the pink and purple. Ahem. :) I love this girl!!! Thank you for taking over!

PRAISE... lately I've realized that most of my life I've thought that we should praise God for God's sake. Because it helped Him somehow. Lately I've realized that I'M The one who NEEDS it. I need to say ... and to hear myself say... and to hear other people say... who God REALLY is. To make Him a part of ALL of our reality... and to place ourselves in submission to Him.

I also think that of course God is SO WORTHY. I think that part of the reason that we don't see more of who He really is, is because sometimes we don't state enough what we already know, and what He has already done. I've realized before that I'll neglect to thank and praise Him for answered prayers.. but sail on to asking Him for something else. Wow. That's not good.

I also believe that we can praise God with our lives... we worship Him and praise Him through a good attitude when it's not warrented, a kind word when it's not deserved, all directed in thanksgiving to God that we have HIM above our circumstances... and we want to live that way.

Hmm. Got some praisin comin on. :) I want to praise God for seeing answered prayer on THIS PAGE. I want to praise God for the fact that God's word ALWAYS has something new to reveal... and things that dig deep and change lives. I want to praise God for the bond of friendship that I've experienced through this particular study!! I want to praise God for His mercies that are new every morning. I want to praise God for my family as I'm away on vacation and reminded of the PURE JOY of family.... and as I can look back and see what He's done in our lives since last summer! I want to praise God that He has given us the ability to STAND when it doesn't even make sense. I want to praise God that we can ALWAYS have something to praise Him for!!! And herein lies the proof of the need for praise... having just written this paragraph I am tempted to go on for pages... I'm so excited about who my God is... I'm humbled and amazed that
He would love me... and I want to see Him more!!! Please always keep sharing your praise on this blog... throughout the study... as often as you can!! Please make praising the Lord a DISCIPLINE... especially when you can share it with others!!!

I'm so thankful for you guys. :) :) :) love, mary

2009-06-29T19:48:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to praise God & how do we praise ---> I think that praise is any form of acknowledging God's acts or attributes. I think we praise can Him through words or actions. I'm better at the words part than the actions part (but as my mother always told me, ACTIONS speak louder than WORDS! :) ... By actions, I mean acknowledging God's power, strength, and awesomeness through things we do and choices we make. Call me strange, but it seems to me that obeying God's commands is one way to recognize and show gratitude for all He does for us - in other words, praising Him with our lives! (something I certainly need to work on ...)

Why do we praise ---> As I'm thinking about this question, several things come to mind: 1) we praise because God is holy, absolutely WORTHY of it (Psalm 96:4), and deserves it! ... 2) It is one way that we can tell others about how AWESOME God is, and they need to know! ... 3) It forces us to reflect on everything God continually does for us rather than never really taking the time to think about it ... 4) It provides us with an amazing amount of PERSPECTIVE - yes, I may have a bad day. Yes, bad things may happen in my life. Yes, I may feel angry, sad, overwhelmed, lonely, etc. etc. BUT praise reminds us that God has done (and continues to do) some truly awesome things and that He must be bigger than all those other things!!

p.s. - Kari - what awesome news! I will be praying for the youth group!! - Amy

2009-06-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

Praise is something that I often take for granted. Sure I thank God for things He has done but I overlook so much that He has done, especially the things that don’t go my way. The first verse Lauren mentioned was “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” That was a conviction and challenge for me because that isn’t something I do all the time. Even with the blog I can know something and type it out without actually praising Him for that. Well, this past week I have been praising God and it’s something that ONLY God can do…

We took our teenagers to Gatlinburg for a youth conference (my husband is the youth pastor)this past week and we were kind of apprehensive about it. Drew and I were praying that God would turn our youth group upside down like only He can do. Our youth group is taught about God so often but we don’t see much fruit from their lives. Well, we knew this trip could be huge and sure enough it was. Not only did they actually enjoy praising God by the end of the week (not something we see very often) but we saw them encouraging each other (the group was very split and even a little racist) and have heard of them spending time alone with God (which they have told us they don’t even crack their Bibles open). One of our teens actually was frustrated when she was put into the hospital for an asthma attack because she forgot her Bible when the ambulance picked her up so she couldn’t do her devotions. You can’t tell me that that isn’t a God thing. He spoke to all of our teenagers in a 4 day period. Yup, God was there and He is still with each one of us. Now we can just pray that they remember how awesome it is to be near Jesus and stay there!

I think a part of praising God with our whole heart would be praising/thanking Him for what we KNOW to be true in our lives even when things are difficult or not going our way. It’s not picking and choosing when we thank Him (like I stated above I have a habit of doing), but rather thanking Him constantly for everything in our lives. Because without Him, we are nothing.

-Kari

2009-06-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

Another "praise": Ondra and I arrived safely in Roanoke on Saturday night. We have already been blessed and refreshed in our time with family in the past two days and the opportunity to be under solid Biblical teaching at Shenandoah. Thanks for your prayers!!! Another praise - just before we left, Ondra found out he has a job next year at the international school where I teach! This is perfect because we'll be able to commute together every day, saving me a couple hours a day in commute time. Yay! - Lori

2009-06-29T08:32:00.001-07:00

Here is a praise: Thank you all for praying! Mom enjoyed every minute of her trip and she tolerated the ride very well! She enjoyed visiting with her family and everyone was so glad she was able to come! Thank you for praying for a good day! I KNOW God is in the details!

-Marlene

Friday, June 26

2009-06-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

What do you know?

This weekend I want to simply enjoy who our AWESOME GOD IS with you.

All are invited to join… whether you’ve participated in the study up to this point or not.
What is your favorite Psalm? (Or PsalmS?) And why?

How can you know, live and share the Lord as a result of what you read?

Jump in… Yes.. this IS for YOU. Let’s just take a step to praise the Lord out loud together today! Fire away!

Know it. Live it. Share it.

THIS WEEKEND'S DISCUSSIONS BELOW IN RED:

2009-06-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

Psalm 25

OK, so I'm just a *little* last minute, but nonetheless wanted to share a Psalm that I really like -

- In Psalm 25, David asks God: "Lord, tell me your ways. Show me how to live. Guide me in your truth." It says: "Are there those who respect the Lord? He will point them to the best way. They will enjoy a good life . . . My eyes are always looking to the Lord for help . . . Look at how many enemies I have! See how much they hate me! Protect me and save me . . . My hope is in you . . ." There's SO much in this chapter! To me, it is a guidebook, so to speak, for where and how to ask for God's guidance. And if we truly seek it, He will surely provide us with it. And Psalm 19:7-9 assures us that God's guidance is beyond comparison -- "The teachings of the Lord are perfect; they give new strength. The rules of the Lord can be trusted; they make plain people wise. The orders of the Lord are right; they make people happy. The commands of the Lord are pure; they light up the way." It's all right there. The only thing left for us to provide is some effort (which we - myself included - often balk at), & we're already assured success before we even begin. - Amy

2009-06-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

Psalm 103

"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 forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul."

This Psalm is one of my favorites because it has reminded me over and over again that no matter what I do or where I go, God is ready, willing, and able to forgive me of EVERY sin I have ever committed. He forgives it all. (v.3) He is always willing to show me mercy. (v.8) He hasn't given me the punishment I deserve for my sins, but rather shown me His everlasting mercy and grace. (v.10-11) He doesn't keep a list of my sins and bring them up later (v. 12)He knows I struggle and He knows I may fall. (v. 13-16) And yet He is still willing to extend to me all the mercy I need. (v.17-18) I love how this Psalm begins by telling me to "Bless the Lord", and ends the same way.

-Brandon

2009-06-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

Psalm 8 (1) O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.

Psalm 27 (1)The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27 (4)One thing I ask of the Lord all the days of my life; to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

Psalm 40 (1-5)I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, O Lord, my God are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.

Psalm 40 (8)I desire to do your will, O my God, your law is within my heart.

Loving Him,
Donna

2009-06-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

Psalm 39:1-7

"I said to myself, I'm going to quit complaining! I'll keep quiet, especially when the ungodly are around me. But as I stood there silently the turmoil within me grew to the bursting point. The more I mused, the hotter the fires inside. Then at last I spoke, and pled with God: Lord, help me to realize how brief my time on earth will be. Help me to know that I am here for but a moment more. My life is no longer than my hand! My whole lifetime is but a moment to you. Proud man! Frail as breath! A shadow! And all his busy rushing ends in nothing. He heaps up riches for someone else to spend. And so, Lord, my only hope is in you." NLT

I can't say this is my favorite Psalm. There are just too many for me to choose a favorite. I would have to say the whole book is pretty much my favorite. :) I do love the above, though. I know it's kind've talking about how time flies and how I need my time focused. I get that and I do daily struggle with being ridiculous busy doing a whole of nothing for eternity. But for some reason, my mind tends to stop on the first part and leads me to something I struggle with at times.

I'm all about justice. I want things to be fair, though they rarely seem to be. I want the mean, and hateful, and greedy, and spiteful to pay for their "crimes." I want the hurt, the weak, the sad, and the tries-really-hard to thrive. What I often forget is that little me only sees the outside, above-the-surface stuff. The mean and hateful are often also hurt and sad; the greedy and spiteful are usually desperate for something just out of their reach. And most upsetting to admit to myself? I am usually every day a shocking compilation of all of the above. How can I be hateful and greedy AND trying really hard? And how can I possibly judge anyone else for their choices when nearly every day I have done something or at least THOUGHT something that I'd rather no one else know. This is why I am so grateful that God is God, and he is in charge.

PERSPECTIVE is one of my favorite words and something that I pray for regularly. With perspective I have no choice but to remain focused on HIM. I am calmer, kinder, and even more hopeful. I am so thankful that my God wants to show us all mercy and grace. - - Justice… ick! Not so much fun when it's pointed in MY direction! - Renee

2009-06-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

Psalm 73:23-26

But even so, you love me! You are holding my right hand! You will keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel; and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven. Whom have I in heaven but you? And I desire no one on earth as much as you! My health fails; my spirits droop, yet God remains! He is the strength of my heart; he is mine forever!

Now this one is waay up on my favorite list… Do I even need to explain why? THE God of all gods is my ALL in ALL. Yaay God! :)

2009-06-28T10:33:00.001-07:00

Psalm 3:4-6

I cried out to the Lord, and he heard me from his Temple in Jerusalem. Then I lay down and slept in peace and woke up safely, for the Lord was watching over me. And now, although ten thousand enemies surround me on every side, I am not afraid.