3....2.....1......Countdown to 2012
Bringing in the PRAISE!
New Year, New You, New Habits, New JOY
Psalm 85:8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to their foolish ways.
Before we get all caught up in what goals "we" will set for the New Year, I propose we take time to sit quietly before the Lord listening to what He will speak, and then, CRANK UP THE PRAISE!
Praise ushers in His presence, because He promises to inhabit the praises of His people. His presence brings peace and blessed assurance of ALL His power and provision to dwell within us who trust in Him.
Psalm 103 sits in the center of the Word and is the heart of David crying out to His Lord,
"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. "
This is one of the first scriptures I ever memorized. Read the whole thing. It is just so full of JOY. To break it down, briefly," to bless" means to offer thanks, praise and affection, " all that is within me" suggests my very soul, my being, my will, my affections and attitudes, my time and my mind, the very best of who I am and all that I am.
My God deserves my best. Am I willing to sit quietly and patiently before Him? Am I willing each day to worship him with my time and my presence, can I give Him my full attention and submit my will to His, instead of rushing into the same old routine? This is the beginning of "newness". He is the Source.
If we desire a New Year, a fresh start, a new beginning, there is no better way than to spend time with the One Who makes all things new!
Just look at the benefits.....Psalm 103 continues, "Who forgives all your sins, heals all your diseases, rescues your life from the pit of destruction." Hallelujah. So far, so good. Jesus' perfect atonement has accomplished total salvation, and clothed us in His righteousness.
The result? The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. SLAM DUNK! Stir up the Holy Spirit within you and CRANK UP THE PRAISE. ( No, I am not a quiet person. This quietness describes anxiety-free resting in the love of God.)
Just take a look at Psalm 29:11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
He grants us Inward peace; the peace that surpasses all understanding. We can experience the calming peace of God in the midst of any storm when we dive into an intimacy and communication with the Living Lord of Heaven and Earth. Check it out. Step it up. His mercies are new every morning!
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things and FOR THY PLEASURE they are and were created. Rev 4:11
Put on the garment of praise! Let go of the cloak of despair. You were created to honor the King. Listen for His assignment each day.
Be willing to hear God. Hear his words of mercy and of peace. Whatever he should ask of you, yield to it. Whatever He says, believe it. Whatever He asks you to surrender, let it go.
God is our only resource. He is complete and faithful. We can have confidence in Him that whatever he should say, require or do would be right. Whatever he shall say will be to assure our peace, our blessedness and prosperity.
He loves His people. He has our welfare in mind. Jeremiah 29:11 I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. They area plans for peace and not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.
So, standing here today, looking both forward to a new year, and back over what has passed, let us center our thoughts on God who has loved us completely, and set us free by the cross of Christ, and will empower us to live for him each day.
Remember the wonders He has done, his miracles, and judgments he pronounced. 1 Chronicles 16:12
How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? Psalm 116:12
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in You? Psalm 85:6
Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11
Make that time with your LORD each day, dear Citizen of the Kingdom. Drink deeply and become overwhelmed by His splendor and His glory.
Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips will praise you, thus will I bless you while I live. I will lift up my hands unto your name. Psalm 63:3-4
Blessing for the New Year in Christ Jesus.
Lorraine is a Christian Speaker, Musician and Bible teacher. For lessons and inspiration, join the conversation at her blog at http://www.born2praise2.com/
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