Category: Praise

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Get Ready – It’s Coming

I know that we have quite a few new readers of the morning blog so I need to give you fair warning.

It’s Coming!

What is it? It’s the month of praise and thanksgiving!

I like to give thanks all year long but in November I focus on Scriptures of gratitude and praise. Each day I will be choosing a few of my favorite verses and sharing them with you but I just couldn’t wait. This morning we’ll focus our minds on praise as well.

“I will always praise the Lord. 2 With all my heart, I will praise the Lord. Let all who are helpless, listen and be glad. 3 Honor the Lord with me! Celebrate his great name.” Psalm 34:1-3 CEV

It’s time to praise and celebrate the great name of the Lord! Break out the confetti, or in Bible days, the palm branches and sing and dance because the Lord is good.

Several years ago I challenged myself to keep a “gratitude” journal for the month of November. I would write down three things each day I was grateful for.

I no longer do it just for November, I keep it all year long. In chapter 34 of Psalms, King David lists several things people should be grateful for. Let’s look at a few of them (I strongly encourage you to read the entire chapter).

“I was a nobody, but I prayed, and the Lord saved me  from all my troubles.” verse 6 CEV

I’m so thankful that God doesn’t limit His goodness and salvation to just the elite. His heart is open to all.

“Discover for yourself  that the Lord is kind. Come to him for protection, and you will be glad.” verse 8 CEV

We need to take a few moments to focus on and be grateful for the Lord’s kindness and protection. Yesterday, did you have any close calls or near misses when it came to your safety? Be glad that the Lord was there for you – covering you with His protection.

“When his people pray for help, he listens and rescues them from their troubles. 18 The Lord is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope.” verses 17&18 CEV

I’m so thankful that the Lord isn’t deaf. He listens when we pray and He brings us out of our discouragement and hopeless. He replaces them with His peace and joy!

There you have it! Three things to be grateful for. Let God’s word create an attitude of gratitude all month long.

Are you ready?

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A Rock Concert

Last week Dave and I took a day trip to the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert National Parks which are located in northeast Arizona. I remember going there as a child, I think I was probably six or seven.

Back then, I don’t remember a curio shop or a museum, I just remember the big petrified trees. We could walk right up to these massive rock trees and climb on them. It was so much fun.

Now there are Ranger Stations that you enter through, a museum and signs that tell you not to take any of the rocks. They give you a map with different locations marked on the road describing what you’re seeing and the significance of it. It’s just as beautiful as it was sixty years ago but the childhood fascination was gone.

I told the ranger that I had been here many years ago and he laughed when he said “the rocks are still here”. Very true.

Since April we have been to many places with large and interesting rock formations. Even the campground we are hosting at has a variety of boulders and rock outcroppings, some right in our own campsite.

This morning I remembered the words of Jesus when the Pharisees told him that He should stop the people from praising Him.

“They said, ‘Welcome! God bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory to God!’ 39 Some of the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell your followers not to say these things.” 40 But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if my followers didn’t say them, these stones would shout them.” Luke 19:38-40 ERV

He said that if the people didn’t praise Him the rocks would cry out in praise. Imagine that a “rock” band, all singing the praises of our God. Adds new meaning to the term rock concert, doesn’t it?

I wrote in my journal this morning, “Lord, I want to join the rocks in their praise of You. I will be a part of that concert”.

“The heavens keep telling
    the wonders of God,
    and the skies declare
    what he has done.
2 Each day informs
    the following day;
    each night announces
    to the next.
3 They don’t speak a word,
    and there is never
    the sound of a voice.
4 Yet their message reaches
    all the earth,
    and it travels
    around the world.” Psalm 19:1-4 CEV

Join our rock band – join me and all of creation as we praise our Heavenly Father, join us as we praise Jesus, our Lord, and as we thank the Holy Spirit for being our Comforter and Teacher.

Tell yours friends you have been to the greatest rock concert of all times!

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Gilded Skies

I am far from a song writer, but I certainly appreciate the way they put words together to paint a picture.

Where is an old hymn, “May Jesus Christ Be Praised”, that often fills my heart and sets my mind singing.

When morning gilds the skies

My heart, awakening, cries

May Jesus Christ be praised.

A like at work and prayer,

To Jesus I repair

May Jesus Christ be praised.

There is no better way to start the day than with praise!

Before we are tainted with the news, emails and text messages; before we see our daily schedule or pay the bills, first and foremost we should set our days on a course of gratitude.

On mornings’ like today, it would be real easy for me to start my day complaining. The internet signal has been so weak that each time I try to connect to a different app the connection drops and I have to wait minutes, yes minutes, to reestablish the connection. 

Somehow, I don’t think the Lord’s wants me to get frustrated when telling you about His love and goodness. 

“I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NIV

Let delays be an anthem of praise.  If you’re stuck in traffic, praise the Lord for keeping you safe on the highways. If you are waiting for an appointment praise God that your situation isn’t life threatening and you can afford to wait.

Look for opportunities to bless those around you who are also feeling the pressure and frustration of waiting. Praise God for His blessings, seen and unseen. His hand of protection is on you and He is directing the path before you.

“In their hearts humans plan their course,
    but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV

Look to the skies and praise God that He has blessed you with another day!

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In the Middle of the Night

I am so done with allergy season!

The last few days have been windy which keeps the pollen stirred up. I haven’t been bothered like this in years. The last two nights I have laid awake staring at the ceiling while trying to breathe.

So what do you do in the middle of the night?

Well, I pray. There are many needs of family and friends that can be carried into the Father’s throne room, laid at His feet and left there. It’s important to remember that – don’t carry them back out. Leave them all at His feet. He can handle them much better than we can.

“Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ERV

Another thing that fills those night hours is song.

“I will honor the Lord at all times. His praise will always be in my mouth. 2 My soul will be proud to tell about the Lord. Let those who suffer hear it and be filled with joy. 3 Give great honor to the Lord with me. Let us praise His name together.” Psalm 34:1-3 NLV

My song of choice last night was “Good, Good Father” by Chris Tomlin. I have a large repertoire of praise songs and hymns stored in my head but last night I kept circling back to these lyrics.

Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think you’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night
And you tell me that you’re pleased, and that I’m never alone

You’re a Good, Good Father
It’s who you are, It’s who you are, It’s who you are
And I’m loved by you
It’s who I am, It’s who I am, It’s who I am

Oh, I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I’ve known we’re all searching
For answers only you provide
Cause you know just what we need
Before we say a word

You’re a Good, Good Father
It’s who you are, It’s who you are, It’s who you are
And I’m loved by you
It’s who I am, It’s who I am, It’s who I am

Join me as I continue in my praise of the Lord.

“Sing a new song to the Lord! Everyone on this earth, sing praises to the Lord, 2 sing and praise his name. Day after day announce, “The Lord has saved us!” 3 Tell every nation on earth, “The Lord is wonderful and does marvelous things! 4 The Lord is great and deserves
our greatest praise! He is the only God worthy of our worship. 5 Other nations worship idols, but the Lord created the heavens. 6 Give honor and praise to the Lord, whose power and beauty fill his holy temple.” 7 Tell everyone of every nation, “Praise the glorious power  of the Lord. 8 He is wonderful!” Psalm 96:1-8 CEV

Oh…He is such a good, good Father! He dearly loves us and has only the best planned for our lives!

In the middle of the night praise Him!

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God is Great!

The first thing I did this morning was look up and say “thank You”!

Before the sun rises my heart is already praising my heavenly Father for His love and His greatness. Before the first birds sing their morning song my heart is expressing my gratitude for His goodness. Before the coyotes break the silence my heart is spilling over with the joy of knowing I am loved unconditionally by the Father.

Great are You, Lord!

Some days can get us down; there is no denying we face challenges, some greater than others. However, there is nothing that is greater than our God!

“So David praised the Lord in front of all the people. He said, “Honor and thanks be to You, O Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever. 11 O Lord, You have great power, shining-greatness and strength. Yes, everything in heaven and on earth belongs to You. You are the King, O Lord. And You are honored as head over all. 12 Both riches and honor come from You. You rule over all. Power and strength are in Your hand. The power is in Your hand to make great and to give strength to all. 13 So now, our God, we thank You. We praise Your great and honored name.” I Chronicles 29:10-13 NLV

The picture I used in this morning’s blog is one I took on Christmas Eve morning while we were camping. I think the reason I enjoy camping as much as I do is because it reminds me of the greatness and goodness of the One who tells me His love is everlasting. The grandeur of the landscape; the majestic colors of the sky; the intricate design of the flowers and the trees all confirm His love for me.

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” Matthew 6:25-26 NLT

Sunday morning we sang a song during our on-line church service that truly describes my heart’s praise: Great Are You Lord by Jason David Ingram, David Leonard, Leslie Jordan

You give life, You are love
You bring light to the darkness
You give hope, You restore
Every heart that is broken
And great are You, Lord

It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
We pour out our praise
It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise to You only

Start the day right. Join with me in praising the Father for His greatness. There is no greater love than His!

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Join the Chorus

I love music!

I grew up singing in church, was a part of the youth choir and also Glee Club and Women’s Chorus in Junior High and High School. I’ve even had fun Christmas Carolling. I really like musicals and one of my favorite musical offerings over the past few years has been “flash mob” performances. I would love to be there as an innocent bystander when the mall or the plaza erupt in song.

I’m so encouraged when I read in the Bible “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord”. All of us are included in that admonition. We don’t have to be well trained vocalists like the Three Tenors and most of us would probably never win American Idol (when it was still on) but we can all make a joyful noise.

The Jewish people had songs for every occasion. They sang as they walked through the desert, they sang after battle, they sang at dedications. They sang! The book of Psalms is a song book. Young David sang to his sheep, he sang while hiding from his enemies in a cave, he sang and danced when the ark of the covenant was returned to Jerusalem.

“They sang songs of praise and thanksgiving, taking turns in singing each part. They sang, ‘The LORD is good. His faithful love will last forever.’ Then all the people cheered—they gave a loud shout and praised the LORD because the foundation of the LORD’S Temple had been laid.” Ezra 3:11

They sang while they were working and when their work was done. Their hearts were full of gratitude and they sang. I can’t help but think that Jewish life would have been like a scene from “Fiddler on the Roof”. Conversation and singing intertwined.

The people we find singing in the verses above were working on rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. They were overcome with joy because of the progress. They couldn’t contain the gladness in their hearts. They were rejoicing because the foundation of the temple had been laid, which meant that God would be dwelling with them once again. You see, they felt that the presence of God was with them because He lived in the Holy of Holies in the temple and rebuidling the temple meant that God had a place to live once again.

We should be giving thanks every day because we have been promised that God’s presence is always with us – never leaving us or forsaking us – His presence dwells within us when we are in Christ. That’s reason to give praise.

“Each one sang their part”. I’ll sing my part today and I hope you will too.

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Sweet Perfume

I was reading a verse that I have taught on numerous times this morning and a greater understanding of that verse jumped off the page.

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in victory through Christ. God uses us to spread his knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 NLV

My oldest granddaughter and I share this verse with just one word – ALWAYS! In the King James version it is translated “always triumph”. And that’s what I have taught on many times but this morning’s focus was on the second half of the verse.

The sweet perfume.

When I read those words I was reminded of Mary, who came in to a dinner where Jesus was enjoying the evening’s repasse with his disciples and Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Lazarus was her brother. She wanted to honor Jesus. He had caused her brother to triumph over death.

In her hands she carried a box of expensive perfume. Mary poured the perfume on Jesus’ feet and then wiped them with her hair. The fragrance filled the room. Judas Iscariot protested that the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus silenced him and said that her actions were actually preparing him for his burial.

“Jesus answered, “Don’t stop her. It was right for her to save this perfume for today—the day for me to be prepared for burial.” John 12:7 ERV

Mary left that place with the odor of sweet perfume in her hair. I’m sure that when she went to the marketplace the next day, Mary took with her that sweet smell of her worship of the Lord. I’m sure that when asked “what’s that fragrance you are wearing” she told of Jesus and her encounter with Him. She spread the knowledge of relationship with the Lord, the triumph over death.

The sweet smelling perfume!

Another thought that came to mind was the instruction that the Lord gave in the Old Testament about the sacrifices they offered.

“I am building a temple where the Lord my God will be worshiped. Sweet-smelling incense will be burned there, and sacred bread will be offered to him. Worshipers will offer sacrifices to the Lord every morning and evening, every Sabbath, and on the first day of each month, as well as during all our religious festivals. These things will be done for all time, just as the Lord has commanded.” II Chronicles 2:4 CEV

Sweet-smelling incense was a part of the sacrifice offering.

When the Jewish people smelled the incense they knew that sacrifices were being made. Praise and repentance were taking place and the sweet odor from the incense made them aware of what the Lord had done. When their children or foreigners in their midst ask “what’s that sweet smell” they were able to tell of their wonderful God who delivered them from Egypt and helped them defeat their enemies.

I believe that this is what Paul is referring to here as he writes to the Christians in the church at Corinth. When the world sees the victories that we experience in Christ, we always triumph, our praise of God and His power rises like a sweet-smelling perfume. And when people ask “why do you always have such a sweet disposition” “why don’t you worry or fret” we can share the knowledge of God who always causes us to triumph!

Let the sweet smell of God’s love and goodness permeate the atmosphere of your world.

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Always in Season

What season is it at your place?

I see friends are starting to post pictures of their fall decor. I love the cornstalks, changing leaves, pumpkins and the mums but here in Arizona fall weather hasn’t quite come. Even in our more moderate climate, we are still have ninety degree days but our mornings are cooling off so I know fall is coming.

But there are other seasons to acknowledge. The summer garden is ready for harvest; fruit trees are producing and need to be picked. Apples, peaches, pears are all waiting to be turned into pies, jams and placed in canning jars.

For the outdoorsman dove season is open and turkey season is following right behind. Hunting camps are being set up and the thought of morning coffee over a campfire is alluring.

For some, this a season of transition and change. Our grandson had his first day of in-class kindergarten yesterday. New jobs, new schools, new marriages, new adjustments. Several of our friends lost their loved ones to illness last year and so this is a time of monumental change for them.

But there is something that is always in season – gratitude!

“Thank the Lord for his faithful love and for the amazing things he does for people.” Psalm 107:31 ERV

Gratitude never goes out of season; it’s never out of style.

“I will give You thanks with all my heart. I will sing praises to You in front of the gods. 2 I will bow down toward Your holy house. And I will give thanks to Your name for Your loving-kindness and Your truth. For You have honored Your Word because of what Your name is. 3 You answered me on the day I called. You gave me strength in my soul.

4 O Lord, all the kings of the earth will give thanks to You when they have heard the words of Your mouth. 5 And they will sing of the ways of the Lord. For the shining beauty of the Lord is great. 6 For even if the Lord is honored, He thinks about those who have no pride. But He knows the proud from far away. 7 Even if I walk into trouble, You will keep my life safe. You will put out Your hand against the anger of those who hate me. And Your right hand will save me. 8 The Lord will finish the work He started for me. O Lord, Your loving-kindness lasts forever. Do not turn away from the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138 NLV

I hope you enter this day seeing it as a new season, a time to plant gratitude and harvest joy!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

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Happy Annivers-Day!

I’m not sure if I should say Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary, so let’s make it Happy AnniversDay.

Three years ago today my first blog appeared on www.arizonakristi.com – WOW! A very dear friend of mine had been reading my morning posts on Facebook for quite and while and he said to me, “Kristi, you should have a blog so that your writings can be shared with more people than just your friends on Facebook”. It was taken back by his statement. I had been sharing, almost daily, on Facebook for the past eight years at that time. And had never thought about it being anything more. So I think my comment to him was “I wouldn’t know where to start”.

Jump ahead a couple months and I received an email asking me what I thought about a few different names. I asked “for what”? To which he replied “for your blog”. I told him I really didn’t think I had the time to devote to learning how to create a blog and he said “not to worry”.

A few weeks later he sent me the website link and said if I liked it he would make it live. And as they said, the rest is history. Thanks Tom! On July 15, 2017 I posted the first teaching to arizonakristi.com

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin” Zechariah 4:10 NLT

I am humbled to say that I know God has given me an ability to present His word in a practical, easy-to-understand way. It is a labor of love to share with you each day, it’s my calling and I am blessed to be able to share my heart.

In the past three years the blog has been read almost 32,000 times. Each morning a good number of you receive it directly to your email. Others have chosen to follow Kristi’s Morning Devotional page on Facebook and we also have a presence on Twitter and Linked-In. THANK YOU!

In November of 2018 my first book, The Best Gifts of Christmas, was published through Amazon and many of you purchased copies. THANK YOU! It’s a thirty-one day Advent devotional for the month of December. It’s a reminder of the wonderful gifts the Lord blesses us with each day.

By September of this year my second book, Like A Diamond, will be released. It’s in the final stages of editing now before it goes to publishing. Our life in Christ has many facets, Like A Diamond. This book gives us some insight to those as we develop in our walk with the Lord. I will be sharing more information on availability later this summer.

Over the next few months I will be working on creating a Spanish translation page. Please pray with me as the blog continues to develop. The goal is reach as many people as possible with the Good News of who we are in Christ. The Lord is also opening doors for me to speak to churches and other groups.

I have something to ask of you. If you have enjoyed reading the morning blogs and if they have helped you or encouraged you would you please consider sharing the site with your friends? They can follow the page on social media or receive it directly to their email each day by subscribing on the home page of the site.

My goal is to reach as many Christians as I can with the message that we have been called to be good will ambassadors for Christ while we’re here on this planet. We have been equipped by the transforming power of God. The world needs the message that God wants to be at peace with them and Christians need to know that we have ability to share that message.

“I pray that the God of peace will give you every good thing you need so that you can do what he wants. God is the one who raised from death our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of his sheep. He raised him because Jesus sacrificed his blood to begin the new agreement that never ends. I pray that God will work through Jesus Christ to do the things in us that please him. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21 ERV

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Have Fun!

Have you ever been around a small child with the giggles? It’s infectious! Sometimes they giggle at the most inappropriate time but if you try to stop them, it doesn’t work. The giggles get louder and before long you are joining in.

They see life in a different light. Unencumbered by what’s right to society they find joy in the little things. I remember our oldest daughter began laughing uncontrollably after seeing my mother put a jello mold on a plate. The wiggling mass tickled her funny bone and before I knew it Mom and I were joining her in the laughter.

The joyful heart of a child. Their innocence allows them to be free and happy.

I’ve often pictured the scene in the Bible where the children came to Jesus. I’m sure He had been teaching the adults and everyone was listening intently. After all, this was the Teacher. But the kids could only sit still so long and then they had to run and play, they had to enjoy the beautiful day and the people around them.

Surely Jesus would want to join in their playtime.

“But let me run loose and free, celebrating God’s great work, Every bone in my body laughing, singing, “God, there’s no one like you. You put the down-and-out on their feet and protect the unprotected from bullies!” Psalm 35:9-10 MSG

The disciples must have been trying to keep some semblance of order and they scolded the children. However, Jesus welcomed them and told them to “Come”. He then used their carefree attitude and visible trust to teach the adults a lesson.

“But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” Matthew 19:14 ERV

Trusting, innocent, joyful and full of life is how God wants us to be. We all need to be more childlike! Trust the Father to take care of all our needs, free from prejudice and judgment, expend every once of energy living to the full and find the joy in being alive.

“I will sing for joy in God, explode in praise from deep in my soul! He dressed me up in a suit of salvation,  he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jeweled tiara.” Isaiah 61:10 MSG

Now – go have fun and enjoy the day! Jesus loves to hear us laugh.

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