How To Praise God’s Glory

September 5, 2018 Gracie

How Can We Bring Praise To God?

Have you ever had someone pray for you out loud and in the moment?

My husband and I experienced this recently when we told a friend about a big decision we were about to make.

We were on the phone with him when all of a sudden, he stopped us mid-conversation, and prayed for us right then and there.

While our friend prayed, I couldn’t help but smile as I listened to his words.

After he finished praying for us in Jesus’ name, I had a quiet thought.

What an encouraging way to display reverence to God’s glory.

To pray for others, in the moment, and out loud.

praising God's glory *Photo credit, Ben White.

Why Do We Wait?

So why do we wait to pray until the evening hours?

I wish I had an answer to that question.

I don’t know if we just forget to do it in the moment, or if it’s easier to wait until that night at bedtime.

But, why do we need to wait when we can pray for someone-in-need right then and there?

That kind of opportunity doesn’t present itself every day.

If you have the chance to bless someone else and bring praise to the Father, then why not do it?

There’s so much good advice in this short video.

Praising God’s Glory

In a passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus said to the crowds,

¹⁴“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that^[they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – *Matthew 5:14-16., (ESV).

We are called to be light in a very dark world. If you can pray for someone in the moment – do it!

Don’t hide your light.

Let it shine and point others towards our Father in Heaven.

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* Photo courtesy of Ben White on Unsplash
* Scripture quotation is from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Our Exceptional God

More Than You Know

July 18, 2018 Gracie

HE LOVES YOU MORE THAN YOU KNOW

Does God care about me

Are you struggling right now, feeling lost and hopeless?

Do you wonder if God even cares about you?

Atheists will tell you that He doesn’t even exist.

Agnostics offer no hope for the Eternal because they don’t have any themselves.

Don’t let the negativity of those who have no hope, destroy yours.

Why?

Because He does love and care about you.

Please take a moment and think about this.

more than you know

The kind of love the Father has for you is immeasurable.

That’s countless light-years further than “To the moon and back,” for all you bedtime-story-reading parents out there.

Psalm 86, a beautiful prayer of David, reminds of the holiness and greatness of our God.

⁴Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
⁵For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. – Psalm 86:4-5, (ESV).

His love is steadfast and unchanging. In fact, He can’t love you any more than He does right now.

There’s a song called “How Deep The Father’s Love For Us”, that was written by Stuart Townend.

Recently, I found a lovely version from Cameron and Kelly.

Do you need some encouragement today?

If you can, close your eyes, listen closely to the lyrics, and let them sink in.

He loves you more than you know.

Be encouraged.

You are a child of God. ♥

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Our Exceptional God

Celebrating The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ

March 28, 2018 Gracie

Easter 2018 Is Here!

Don’t you just love this time of year?

Easter is here

It’s so pretty outside.

But…

It’s not about the beautiful flowers.

It’s not about the dyed Easter eggs.

And most certainly, it’s not about the bunny.

We celebrate because it is through Christ’s death and resurrection that we, as repentant sinners, can have eternal life with Him.

Thank You, Father, for sending us Your Son! Matchless King

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Mere words can’t adequately describe the beauty and magnitude of what Christ did for us.

You are the Messiah.
You are the Righteous King.
Your timing is always perfect,
For each and every thing.

You are the Savior,
Our Living Sacrifice
Tho we justly deserve death,
You paid the ultimate price.

– Copyright March 28, 2018, Gracie Jane.

The Celebration That Never Ends

In Psalm 72, we see that Christ’s kingdom will one day reign over all, and every nation will serve Him.

¹⁷May his name endure forever,
    his fame continue as long as the sun!

    May people be blessed in him,
    all nations call him blessed! – Psalm 72:17, (ESV).

That is a message worth celebrating, not just on Easter, but every day of the year.

May your Easter be blessed!

Be blessed

Our Exceptional God

Bible Verses About Fear

March 21, 2018 Gracie

Fear Is Expecting The Worst Will Happen

What scares you the most?

Bible verses about fear

Is it a fear of heights, or maybe a fear of spiders?

Perhaps the fear of dying?

As you know, there are many dangers out there, real or imagined, that have the potential to scare us.

When these fearful thoughts come to mind, it’s often stressful, even emotional at times.

For some unfortunate people, fear can even be debilitating.

Can you imagine being too scared to walk out of your own house?

It’s a real thing.

Trusting God

When my husband went through his heart complications last year, I’ll never forget sitting for hours at the hospital waiting for news.

When the doctor came out later to tell me that the procedure was a success, I burst into tears of relief.

Thankfully, I had two dear friends sitting with me for hours to support and encourage me the whole time.

Earlier, a couple of members from our church came and prayed with us before the procedure began.

It does help to have support from others in times of uncertainty and fear.

An encouraging hug from someone close can comfort you during anxious times.

The spiritual comfort we need most of all are the encouraging words found in Scripture.

There are Bible verses specifically about fear that can help.

You can find them online, but I have one resource for you right here:

https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/fear-bible-verses/

Why not consider writing down some of these suggested fear verses on index cards?

I have placed several in various places around my house and office.

¹⁹When the cares of my heart are many,
your consolations cheer my soul. – Psalm 94:19, (ESV).

What If

The “what if” game we sometimes play in our heads are enough to drive anyone crazy with worry.

It’s a game we can’t win.

When the “what if” game is rooted in fear, our human nature tends to consume us with thoughts of the worst possible outcomes.

Dr. Woodrow Kroll

I don’t know about you, but this amazing song from MercyMe brings me comfort.

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**Dr. Woodrow Kroll, Bible teacher and preacher, quotation, as quoted, from Christianquotes.info.

Our Exceptional God

Narcissists Hurt

February 13, 2018 Gracie

Why Do Narcissists Want To Hurt You?

That’s a good question.

Did you know that almost two million online search results pull up when you look into the roots of this common personality disorder? Many websites exist to offer you advice and consolation.

Narcissists hurt

Is There a Narcissist in Your Life?

No doubt, the world is full of narcissists – I’m sure you know at least one.

I’m talking about those challenging, life-disrupting people who feel that the world is all about them. You’d better feel that way too, or else you’ll feel the consequences of their displeasure.

Worse yet, if you’re not in their pocket, stroking their ego, then “you’re” the one with the problem.

If you question a narcissist and their motives, you hear things back like:

I don’t remember saying that.

You’re paranoid.

If this sounds familiar, you have a very tough road ahead, and I’m sorry you’re having to deal with it.

What Can You Do About The Narcissist in Your Life?

I’m not a therapist, and every situation is different.

I do encourage you to research the subject as much as you can.

Even more importantly, I encourage you to pray about it. Talk it over with God. He is listening.

You may be wondering, should you put the “No Contact” rule into effect to protect your own well-being?

That might work in some cases if you only see the narcissist occasionally. (However, that would be pretty difficult if the narcissist is your boss.)

Another question: Even though you’re constantly the target who is talked about in the office or elsewhere, as a Christian, do you have to just take it?

Again, a difficult and sometimes emotional question to answer.

A Helpful Website

I was doing some research on narcissism and came across a website that may be helpful to you.

The best part? It talks about narcissism from a Biblical perspective.

Narcissist Traits – They Stumble A Lot

The narcissist is full of pride, but also deep inside (where no one can see) the narcissist is also insecure.

Pray for God’s strength and guidance and that you will know when it’s time to leave the relationship, if your circumstances permit.

Know also that, some day, in God’s providence, truth and justice will be served.

Dear child of God, in the eyes of our Heavenly Father:

You are greatly loved

You have value

God will place joyful people in your life if you ask Him.

Surround yourself with others who genuinely love, respect, and care about you. It’s the best feeling!

³Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4, (ESV).

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Our Exceptional God

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