New Hope: Worship

Showing posts with label Worship. Show all posts

What Can I Sacrifice (or Surrender) for God?

This is what God is concerned about:

that we have hearts that say "Yes" to Him
that we sacrificially lay down our lives for Him and believe that it's worth it to do so

"For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God." Hebrews 13:14-16

God does not expect all of us to sacrifice the same thing. It will be different for each of us.

Maybe God wants you to sacrifice (or surrender):

a good paying career to do a Christian related job or ministry
your free time to spend more time ministering to your kids or serving God
your TV time to read devotions and the Bible to your children or yourself
your hobbies to spend more encouraging and supporting your husband
your bitterness and unforgiving attitude to pray for and encourage your husband
the trust that you place in your money in order to trust in God's provision for you
your worrying in order to step out and follow God's will for your life
your job in order to homeschool your children
materialism or your financial security in order to give more money to God
your past hurts to concentrate on Jesus and the needs of others
your personal dream to support your husband in his dream
an addiction to trust God to help you and comfort you

What is God calling you to sacrifice in your life?

Worship Video: Take My Life by Chris Tomlin

Do You Feel Like Giving Up?

Do you ever have one of those days, or months, where you just feel like giving up?

I have those - when my mind and spirit feels weak and I just don't feel like fighting. When I feel like I've gone through something for years and I've had enough of it. But I know that it is important to hang on. The Bible tells us to persevere. It's important to keep trusting God, even when we feel like things won't really work out. He can strengthen us and keep us going.

When I feel really down, I like to listen to songs that get my mind more focused on the Lord and what the truth is. These following video songs are great to listen to when you feel beaten down and weak. God can give us the strength we need to press on. Please don't give up.

Press On by Selah

Faith in You by Jami Smith

Everlasting God by Chris Tomlin

You Never Let Go by Matt Redman

Cry Out to Jesus by Third Day

Praise You in This Storm by Casting Crowns

You're Not Alone by Meredith Andrews

When Mama Prayed

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

My 11 year old loves this song and so do I.

Over the last year, I've been trying to pray consistently for my husband. Now it's time for me to get busy praying for my kids. I just love how Randy Travis expresses the importance of a mother's prayer in this song. Prayer does change things.

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children

Lyrics:
Daddy never went to church on Sunday
He said that's one thing I'll never do
But mama never gave up she said one day
He'll be sitting here beside of me and you
I can still hear mama softly talking
With her tears falling on her folded hands
So that Easter Sunday Daddy walked in
That's when I began to understand

When mama prayed, good things happen
When mama prayed, lives were changed
Not much more than five foot tall
But mountains big and small crumbled all away
When mama prayed

Seventeen and wild I hit the bottle
Doing anything I dang well please
Burning down life's highway at full throttle
While mama burned a candle on her knees
Then one night I came home half sober
I saw mama kneeling in the den
As I listened she and Jesus talked it over
And I knew my restless days were 'bout to end

When mama prayed, good things happen
When mama prayed, lives were changed
Not much more than five foot tall
But mountains big and small crumbled all away
When mama prayed

It isn't like every one of them got answered
But the times they weren't it seems to me were rare
You almost felt sorry for the devil
'Cause heaven knows he didn't have a prayer
When mama prayed

Not much more than five foot tall
But mountains big and small crumbled all away
When mama prayed
They crumbled all away
When mama prayed

Carry You to Jesus

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

I imagine most of you have already heard about the Chapman's tragedy, but for those who haven't...

Please lift up the Steven Curtis Chapman family in prayer.

They are hurting deeply. Maria, the youngest child in the family, died Wednesday. I can't even imagine the pain they are feeling.

"At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville, transported by Life Flight, but died of her injuries there." (from the official Steven Curtis Chapman site)

It is suggested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Maria's Miracle Fund at Shaohannah's Hope.

Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world.

We all know that God can bring good out of the bad. We don't see the whole picture, that's where our faith is strengthened.
Let God be glorified despite this tragedy.

You Tube Video: Carry You to Jesus by Steven Curtis Chapman

You're Not Alone

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

I happened to stumble upon this song earlier this week - just when I needed to hear God say to me "You're Not Alone."

You Tube Video: You're Not Alone by Meredith Andrews

You're Not Alone Lyrics:

I search for love
When the night came and it closed in
I was alone
but you found me where I was hiding
and though I'll never ever be the same
It was the sweetest voice that called my name
singing

You're not alone
For I am here
let me wipe away every fear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest night
and I'm the one that's loved you all your life
All of your life

You cry yourself to sleep
cause the hurt is real
and the pain cuts deep
All hope seems lost
With heartache your closest friend
and everyone else long gone

You've had to face the music on your own
but there is a sweeter song that calls you home
sayin'

You're not alone
For I am here
let me wipe away your every tear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest nights
And I'm the one that's love you all your life
All your life

Faithful and true... Forever
For my love will carry you....

You're not alone
for I... I am here
let me wipe away every fear... Oh yeah
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through your darkest nights
Your darkest nights
And I'm the one that's loved you all your life
All of your life

Lord, I Have Faith In You

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

This song is awesome - it's the words that I want to say to the Lord. Sometimes I just don't get what's going on in life. Sometimes I wonder when it's going to change or get better. But I keep trusting Him. I want you to know Lord, that no matter what - I Have Faith in You.

You Tube Video: Faith in You by Jami Smith

When God Ran

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

I first heard this song back in 1988. I can't believe that I was able to find a You Tube video of Benny Hester singing this 20 year old song. This song was special to me when I was18 years old. I was so touched that God could love me this much. He doesn't leave us. We may ignore Him. But He's standing there with us trying to get our attention, waiting for us - still loving us. (I hope you have a tissue handy.)

When God Ran by Benny Hester

Turning to God for Comfort

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

Earlier this week, my sister was in the hospital fighting for the life of her 22-week old unborn baby - Sadie Grace. She was loosing amniotic fluid and was at risk for infection. It is possible that the baby could be born any time, however the baby is not completely developed and will probably not live if she is born this early. My sister is at home now and will be in bed until the baby is due. Her blood pressure has increased and the doctor is concerned that she may get preeclampsia.

I've been praying that God will comfort my sister's family with His peace. My two young nephews lost their father, last October, and they are afraid that their unborn baby sister may die too. With the news of this scary and uncertain time, I decided to turn to prayer and worship music for comfort.

Chris Tomlin's song, The Everlasting God, was very uplifting and comforting. God is our hope and our strong deliverer. He is a defender to the weak and He comforts those in need.

A 2-year-old Sings the Lord's Prayer

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

Lately, I have been feeling more convicted about doing better at raising my children as Christians. They go to church and youth group, but I feel like I should be doing more at home. They are growing up so fast and I want them well prepared for when they go out on their own.

For years, my son has enjoyed listening to Adventures in Odyssey on the radio. He has learned so many Biblical truths and character lessons through this show. My daughters haven't had the same enthusiasm about listening to it. They want to run around outside a 4:00. So this week, we started listening together on the Internet, right before bedtime. It has worked out well, so far. These episodes are quite entertaining for adults, too.

I'm also trying to add more impromptu family praying. Yesterday, the neighbor boy (from a non-Christian home) borrowed our Thou Shalt Laugh DVD. It's a Christian comedian DVD. He wanted to watch it with his Dad. Right after he left our house, I got the kids together and I prayed that the DVD would be a witness for this family.

I'd like to continue trying more ideas. I want Jesus and Christianity to be part of our family life throughout the day. Does anyone have any ideas for me? Please share.

Bring Me to Life

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

YouTube Video: Bring Me to Life

Written by Bebo Norman and Jason Ingram

I am a barren land
And it’s all I can do to stand
I am thirsty, I am thirsty

Father, reach out Your hand
I have given all that I can
Still I’m sinking, I’m still sinking

I want to run into the deep
And let the deep call out to me
I want to lose myself in Your love

So let it rain down over me
As I fall down to my knees
Let the ocean rise to meet me
I need You to bring me to life

Well of eternal things
Endless is all the life You bring
Be the water that I long for

And show me Your Kingdom Come
Father and let Your will be done
Here in me as it is in Heaven

Dear Lord,

I need you to bring me to life. I want to get fired up - to become passionate about serving You and to follow Your will for me. You are the One I need. I should deeply desire Your love, Your comfort, Your strength. I need to go to You for everything.

© 2006 Appstreet Music (ASCAP) / New Spring (ASCAP). All rights for the world on behalf of Appstreet Music (ASCAP) administered by New Spring (ASCAP). / Peertunes, Ltd./GrangeHill Music/J Ingram (SESAC)

Everybody Has a Seed to Sow

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

What would happen if we all witnessed - to the people in our own little area of the world? Many of us want to leave the evangelizing up to the "Called" or to the missionaries. But, I don't think that is what Jesus intended for us to do. He said: "And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Michael W. Smith & African Children's Choir

What can you do?

Deliver Church Event Fliers or Holiday Gift Bags to Your Neighbors?
Help Christian Orphan Ministries?
Witness through the Internet?
Minister to the Neighbor Kids?
Pass Out Tracts?
Start a Bible Study at Work or Home?
Start a Play Group at a Church to attract neighborhood women?
Volunteer to Help at Church Evangelistic Events?

You can search through hundreds of ideas and find one that fits with your personality at Easy to Evangelize.com

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Easter Ideas for the Family

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

Manger to the Cross

Thank you Jesus. You were born to die - to save the lost, to set us free, to give us eternal life.

Group Games for Easter

Easter Crafts

Easter Facts

Read about the history of Easter at Annie's Easter History Page.
The history of Easter Candy.
The history of the White House Easter Egg Roll.

Miscellaneous

Worship While Blogging

I've had some really neat worship times while blogging. Some of my Christian blogging friends occasionally put YouTube worship videos on their blog. It provides an opportunity for me to listen to beautiful music that pleases The Lord. If I know the words, then I sing along. Sometimes the song inspires me to pray.

Would you like to worship God while you blog? Here are some blog post links where you can find Christian worship videos.

Sweetly Broken at Monkey Giggles

Who Am I at Seasons of My Heart

Wonderful, Merciful Savior at The Life of a Christian Housewife

My Savior, My God at Downstowngirl

To God Be the Glory at Yesu Garden

(Fish Image by ChristArt.com)

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Angry at God?

I've met a few women, lately, who are feeling angry toward God. After Googling "angry at God" I found out that there are many people feeling this way and expressing it on the Internet.

My suggestion is to call people who know what they are talking about. The Hope for the Heart Call Center has counselors available 24 hours a day to receive your call. Tell them that you are angry with God. They will listen and care and offer you hope. 1-800-488-HOPE (4673). It's Free.

This life that we live on earth is not how God intended it to be. When sin entered, because of Satan, the perfect plan got all messed up. And it won't be perfect again, until heaven. God allows bad things to happen, but he also gives many blessings. I wonder how much tragedy He spares us from experiencing. It's easy for us humans to focus on sufferings. We tend to forget about the undeserved blessings that we receive.

I don't fully understand God or His ways. But, I have chosen to trust Him despite the bad things in my life. I've had my share of sorrows, and I expect many more in the future. My favorite song is Blessed Be Your Name. It's a song about Praising God when life is good and Praising Him when life is bad. It's about recognizing that He gives blessings and He takes them away. It's about choosing to always say - "Blessed Be Your Name", no matter what the circumstance.

Above is a YouTube video of this song. Here are the lyrics to Blessed Be Your Name.