Burning Desire to Praise

What is it about a sunset or sunrise that takes our breaths away? The glistening glow hanging overhead captures us. It is the hand that controls it that grabs my attention.

I stand in its grandeur - I stand in awe - I stand and allow the view to penetrate my soul.

My eyes receive its glorious splendor

My body swells with emotion - - not only of its magnificence but of its love - - yes a love for the one who created it.

The colors sift through my flesh - floating deep within - like a cloud. It is lovely in every way.

I praise Him oh my soul!

I picture Him there 

The great artist from above painting on His large canvas

The mountain burns like fire

I feel its warmth  

The heavens, the sky, the clouds - - they all praise him 

I praise Him

"Praise the Lord. 

Praise the Lord, you his servants;
praise the name of the Lord.
Let the name of the Lord be praised,
both now and forevermore. 
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the Lord is to be praised.

The Lord is exalted over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens. 
Who is like the Lord our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high,  
who stoops down to look
on the heavens and the earth?"

Psalm 113

A Call Worth Making

This past week while working on a chapter for my book, I read something I had read a million times, worked through something I had heard preached more than once, and understood the miracle of the moment - yet again. But this time something struck me in a different way.

Lazarus died and was raised from the dead.  With great authority - Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”  (John 11:43 NIV)  Lazarus came forward without hesitation. While driving home that day I thought about the details of that moment. In the silence I heard God say, "I can do the same for others."

"You can do what Lord, " I asked.

"Speak it - Proclaim it - Believe it, " He said.

Suddenly I heard the words being shouted at me, "Come out! Come out!"

I understood this, I had heard it said before, I believe it can happen - but this time it was different. God said fill in the blank   "                       Come out!"

Whatever it is that we are struggling with - having a hard time living with - "Come Out!"

Sickness - Fear, Depression - "Come Out!"

Sadness - Loss - Isolation - "Come Out!"

Insecurities - Anger - Disappointments - "Come out!"

Bitterness - Jealousy - Anxiety - "Come Out!"

Rise up and speak it with conviction and an overwhelming desire to have it. Speak it in Jesus' Name! Through Christ it can happen. Want it - fight for it. Jesus wants to free us from the dark tomb where we have kept those things buried and raise us up to live - just like he did for Lazarus. Make the call my friend -

I can't imagine what went through Lazarus' mind when he walked out of the dark tomb and into the glorious light. Now that was a moment worth living.

May Your Journey Be Filled With Living