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Monthly Archives: July 2011

Recognizing Our Bondage

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In Galatians 4, Paul explains the difference between a slave and a child. He wanted to make sure the Galatians were enjoying the path made by Jesus Christ. The epistle to the Galatians shows other missionaries were in conflict with Paul at that time. The Jewish-Christians from Palestine had visited the congregations of the Galatians after Paul’s visit there and was trying to teach that what Paul had taught prior to them coming was not complete. They were trying to persuade some of the Galatians that salvation required observance of the laws of the Torah, which included circumcision. Paul writes to rebuke and to persuade the Galatians in this letter. Paul communicates in this letter that Christianity, with its emphasis on faith in Christ, is antithetical to religion which approaches God based on good works. He also argues that nothing can be added to Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin, nor circumcision or any other external religious forms.

Galatians 4:1-3

[1] Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
[2] But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
[3] Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

When we were in bondage of the elements of the world, as an heir I differed not from a slave, or in other words anyone else in bondage. When I was saved, I was set free from the bondages of sin, and brought forth from the slavery of being lost (and being in bondage to the world as well). That should excite anyone that has a relationship with God if you really begin to think about it long enough! If we cannot begin to learn to live as children of God and mature to be the people God wants us to be, we will continually be as slaves to sin!

Acts 15:8-11

[8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
[9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
[10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
[11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Galatians 4:4-7

[4] But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
[5] To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
[6] And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
[7] Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Jesus Christ was sent to redeem, we receive the redemption and adoption as sons, and if a son, then an heir of God through Jesus Christ.

Galatians 4:8-9

[8] Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
[9] But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

When we did not know God, it was our instinct to turn to which by nature were things other than God. So how in this world could we begin to turn back to what we were before after we start to know God or are known by God? I do not know about you, but I have no desire to go back into the bondage I was freed from!

Galatians 5:1

[1] Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Do not walk back into what you came out of!

In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he emphasizes in the passage below:

Romans 8:15-17.

[15] For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
[16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
[17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

We are accepted, and the victory comes when the kingdom is fully realized!

What’s The First Thing You Do?

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THE WORD

Luke 6:31 – And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Think about when you first wake up. You roll out of bed, hurry to get into the shower and start getting ready. You put your phone and wallet in your pockets/purses, grabbing your keys and hurry out the door …..wait! Plenty of times I am sure we have went throughout our entire day and wondered why things seemed to be harder than they had to be. Many times I often wondered why I have felt like I was not prepared like I could have been. By the time we realize what we should have done differently in a situation it is usually too late to change what has been done. All the suffering to our minds and others hearts could have been averted had we prepared with the game changer that God has given us to use for every trial: prayer! Prayer can help us be prepared for things that we can and cannot see. Through praying we also are able to keep a clear focus of our love and patience towards others. I say this giving caution: always take time for prayer. While worship brings you inside the gates of God’s presence know that prayer is the way into the inner courts of the anointing. Believe me, I speak from experience when I say this, it is definitely worth it! I could not tell you how much more fruitful life is including God in my life in the morning and not waiting until later. I need Him then too!

PUT INTO PRACTICE

Remember in the moment (rather than later) to include God in your prayers preparing you for the day ahead. A prayer of preparation is easier to pray than to have to ask God to forgive us for anything we could have avoided if we were properly being prepared! Remember to pray each day! And if you barely get out the door in time, make more time (get to bed earlier)! Let us honor God by giving him some of our valuable time! As you make your daily prayer life habit this same habit begins to produces replicated behavior. And as your behavior changes from your prayer life it becomes a part of your character. The person that you are is defined by what is within you. Let prayer be a part of you and allow it to be first in every situation and present difficulty that may come upon you. It is no wonder that Jesus handled walking through the trials of life as a human so well. He prayed!

Daily Readings From Becoming A Better You

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Although this was only a 90 day devotional from a larger book, it was still definitely worth the read! I’ve listened to the audiobook of this book as well and it is very encouraging to hear the personal touches that are added throughout the entire book. It’s one thing to just hear encouraging words, but it’s another thing to know that it’s a real person reaching out to you in encouragement!

The book is laid out very well with scripture readings at the beginning, with 5-6 paragraphs tied to a central point (and subpoints along the way). All end with a “today’s prayer” and “today’s thought to becoming a better you”. Regardless of the form of media that you use of a ministry tool, one thing has to be the most important: how you use it is how effective it is in your life. In reading these everyday, it was very useful and effective and helped me each day. On a more personal note, I would read these in the morning and it would help me to frame my mind around something other than what I was dreading ahead of me later in the day! Make any tool that you use that God has provided for you useful by using it to help you ward off every problem in your life!

And always remember when you are done with one, pass it on or recommend! That helps the ones who work so hard to write them!

Check out: Daily Readings From Becoming A Better You – ISBN 978-1-4165-7307-4

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Dear Graduate – Letters Of Wisdom

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I read this upon graduating college. It was given to me by my Aunt Kay. She has always been great about hooking me up with books and encouraging me to stay grounded in the Lord, and this was by far one of my favorites gifted to me!

This book is as it says in the title: literally a collection of great letters from Charles Swindoll. It’s not really a devotional style book because each chapter is essentially a letter. Every letter covers different topics, with each of them tied to God in a great way. A few of them include: ethics, determination, individuality, accountability, distinction, temptation, leadership, etc.

The letters all are in focus to a person that is about to launch out on life and provide sound Godly advice to areas that might have never been addressed before, and I recommend you include it in their gift pack if you ever are looking for something to add to their stuff to send them with to college or before their first job after college!

And always remember when you are done with one, pass it on or recommend! That helps the ones who work so hard to write them!

Check out: Dear Graduate: Letters Of Wisdom – ISBN 0-8499-5495-9

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Beating Life’s Storms

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Mark 4:1-2 – Jesus Teaching at the sea side

[1] And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
[2] And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

Mark 4:3-8 – Jesus giving the parable of the sower

[3] Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
[4] And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.
[5] And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
[6] But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
[7] And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
[8] And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

Mark 4:9-10 – The people began to question

[9] And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
[10] And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

Mark 4:11-33 – Christ brings out the deeper meaning of it

[11] And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
[12] That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
[13] And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
[14] The sower soweth the word.
[15] And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
[16] And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
[17] And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.
[18] And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
[19] And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
[20] And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
[21] And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
[22] For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
[23] If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
[24] And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
[25] For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
[26] And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
[27] And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
[28] For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
[29] But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
[30] And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
[31] It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
[32] But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
[33] And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.

Mark 4:34 – Christ broke it down further for his disciples

[34] But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

Mark 4:35 – Christ asked the disciples to come along across the waters

[35] And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

Mark 4:36-38 – As the winds blew down, they became worried

[36] And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
[37] And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
[38] And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

Mark 4:39 – Christ first rebuked the wind, then spoke to the sea

[39] And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Mark 4:40 – Jesus questions their faith

[40] And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Mark 4:41- The disciples realized His power

[41] And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

North of Jerusalem about 80 miles lies a body of water known as the sea of

Galilee. It is roughly 12 miles long and 7 miles wide. The sea is quite low at about 680 feet below sea level. The river Jordan flows through it on its way to the Dead Sea. It was the lake that Jesus knew as a child and young man. It was only 12 to 15 miles from this childhood home of Nazareth.

Jesus used the boat to get a few yards out so all could see and hear. As the heat became so great on the sea and the hills around the water, and considering that those hills were very high, this would allow cold air to rush in from above and create truly violent winds. These were the kind of storms they were experiencing as they went across. Jesus calming the storm was one of His demonstrated miracles of power over Nature.

It demonstrated the power of rebuke and how we need to put into practice rebuke AND speaking peace. Demonstrated Godly authority to the enemy AND faith in God bringing peace to your mind!

John 2:6-11 – Water Into Wine

[6] And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
[7] Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
[8] And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
[9] When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
[10] And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
[11] This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

When you read about the containers, let us put it into perspective:

1 firkin = 9 Gallons

1 Water pot = 2 or 3 firkins (18-27 Gallons per pot)

6 Water pots = 108-162 Possible Gallons of changed water!

The people that drew the water knew that it was truly a miracle. Not just because of the change of contents, but because of the volume of the change. Normally wine is a very long process and would take longer than literally a few spoken words. You can just consider that by the sacrifice of Jesus and grace of God that we are not the old covenant, but of that new wine of Christ!

My Utmost For His Highest

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When I began reading this book, I started thinking “this isn’t your average devotional book”. It is not. It was far more than that. The updated edition of Oswald Chambers work is truly a book about molding a person to become a better servant of God. I have gained great incite and understanding by being able to read from something that was written and then go out and search it more. It has a basic layout for a given day of bible verses and 3-4 strong paragraphs that get right to the point. It makes you grasp a hold of concepts like discipleship, being a true servant, sanctification, missionary work, etc. This was something that opened my eyes to some new things (as good books should do).  It’s a 365 day devotional, and is definitely one of my most recommended books for everyone.

And always remember when you are done with one, pass it on or recommend! That helps the ones who work so hard to write them!

Check out: My Utmost For His Highest – ISBN 0-929239-57-1

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Rest Remains

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Hebrews 4:9-12 – Rest Remains!

[9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
[10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
[11] Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

There remains therefore a rest to the people of God! We cannot enter into rest until we cease from our own works! It’s there for you if you are willing to come into rest!

Rest can only come for the children of God when we begin to surrender the things that keep us away from our focus to God. It’s hard to acknowledge things in this manner, but when done can truly unlock a powerful virtue within you! To be able to be in the middle of a trial and enter in the rest of God is far more of value than anything you could use to replace it! That should speak to each and every one of us!

Luke 6:35-38 – Rewards For The Benevolent!

[35] But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
[36] Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
[37] Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
[38] Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

There is rest for the benevolent! Learn to be selfless and your reward can be great. Learn to be merciful! When we learn to live with the mind of Christ, our quality of life as well as the qualities of our character will begin to change. We will begin to become strong witnesses of God and the clear distinction of separation from the world will be truly present in you.

Matthew 10:40-42 – Rewards For The Humble Servants!

[40] He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
[41] He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
[42] And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

When we lose our lives for Christ we find that eternal life! When we give to other fellow servants, we shall not lose our blessings! Amazing! If we can we learn to unlock this as individuals and as a church, the blessings will absolutely begin to flow in an abundance in your/our lives!

2 Timothy 2:10-13 – The Word Not Bound

[10] Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
[11] It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
[12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
[13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

The word of God is not bound. If we live, we live. If we deny, we deny. When we read into it like that, it paints a pretty simple picture. Let us learn to not be ashamed and not only come into acceptance but to start learning to advertise how wonderful God is in our lives!

2 Corinthians 4:15-18 – Light Afflictions!

[15] For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
[16] For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
[17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
[18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Our outward man will always come short and fail, but the spiritual person CAN continue! Those things that are not seen are eternal (and spiritual). We can through faith continue in life and have joy while we are here until we get to inherit those things far eternal!

Romans 8:18-26 – The Glory Will Be Revealed!

[18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
[19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
[20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
[21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
[22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
[23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
[24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
[25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
[26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

The spirit will help our infirmities! The infirmities are not worthy to be compared to the testimony and experiences that you will be able to speak of once you have conquered and came through!

1 Corinthians 15:24-26,46-58 – Staying True

[24] Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
[25] For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
[26] The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

[46] Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
[47] The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
[48] As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
[49] And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
[50] Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
[51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
[52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
[53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
[54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
[55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
[56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
[57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
[58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord! The church of today needs to step up and be the true example for the church of tomorrow. We cannot be the church of the past. Let God lead you into that new life! The Lord will come quickly, you better be ready!

Learn To Sever What Does Not Make It Better

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One part of life that is always evident is that there will always be things that we fall back on in the event of something that puts us on the defensive or our backs against the wall. There are plenty of people and situations out there that have and will provoke things in your life that simply should not be a part of who you are. This is something that is tough to realize in principle but when realized can be powerful to the building of your Godly life.

You see, there are those people and objects in your life that whether we see it or not could eventually lead us into things we never thought we would say or do. Sin and temptation comes in many ways and forms and is not exempt for anyone. I know it’s not easy to address the things that define our mistakes for any of us, but if we can begin to learn from them we can start to move forward.

As part of my testimony now, drugs and alcohol were a big part of my life once. God has now delivered me from many of my personal hardships (as well as those things) and for that I am very thankful! However, there were some adjustments in my lifestyle that had to happen. I had to begin to sever ties to the things that pulled me to those addictions. I will guarantee you that it will never be easy doing on your own, but I can also guarantee that you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you!

When we look back on our lives and all the things we have done, we cannot live in regret because we have zero control of the past. We can only pray for forgiveness now and move forward. We must begin to allow God to help me adjust our lives to the way they should be. And as we do, life begins to improve by severing the influences that pollute your ability to live in peace and joy in Christ.

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23

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A relative of mine passed this book on to me, and so I thought I would give it a shot. As most of us have I’m sure, I thought to myself “there’s not too much more a person could learn about Psalm 23” After reading it though, I can definitely say I was wrong!

Phillip Keller gives a perspective of Psalm 23 from the perspective of a real life shepherd. When you begin to read it, he explains traits and characteristics of a shepherd into detail and shares many of his own life experiences that begins to make it powerful. It makes you really consider how the Lord is our shepherd and is always watching over us and performs things for our good; even though as a flock we might not necessarily agree with the ways it’s done or how because we only see as the sheep.

It’s a very quick read, and you can find editions (like the one I received) that was in large print which made it easy on the eyes as well. If you are a fan of hearing great testimonies and experiences and reading about how amazing God is, read it!

And always remember when you are done with one, pass it on or recommend! That helps the ones who work so hard to write them!

Check out: A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 – ISBN 978-0-3102-6797-3

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Open the Eyes of My Heart: Songs 4 Worship Devotional, Volume 1

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When I finished this book, the only thing that I was thinking to myself was “I wish there was more!” This book contains 90 days worth of devotionals tied directly to older hymns or newer songs and has a very uplifting approach to merging worship and word together. Some of the songs I knew and some of them were new to me but I really enjoyed being able to simply read a lyric and letting its meaning encourage and uplift me.

There are even daily bible verses to read and what I would like to call “starter” prayers; those that should help you get those first few words out when we sometimes cannot find them to say.

In reading this book, I came to a powerful conclusion. A lot of times we completely separate praise and worship from the word of God; and to me they are different in the doing but not in the purpose. We have to learn and remember that they are both equally meaningful in practice and demonstration, so remember to use them to the best of your ability!

And always remember when you are done with one, pass it on or recommend! That helps the ones who work so hard to write them!

Check out: Open The Eyes Of My Heart: Songs 4 Worship Devotional, Volume 1 – ISBN 978-1-5914-5021-4

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