How to Praise When We Don’t Feel Like It

Faith, Prayer, Psalm

Psalm 8 O Lord, our Lord,     how majestic is your name in all the earth! Nothing says Pentecostal to this Baptist girl more than praise hands. Only at concerts or at friends’ churches did I get to experience the praise hands while growing up. When I say “experience,” I mean watching. My hands just didn’t naturally lift high in worship. Praise hands are amazing. It is such a beautiful picture of a heart posture. But I don’t need praise hands to praise…

A Joy-Filled Reading Plan

Bible Reading Plan, Bible Study Tools, Faith, Free Resources, Prayer, Psalm, Resources

As I shared the other day…. God is working in our lives, and it is reason enough to rejoice when we know God is working in other people’s lives. And if our work seems futile, don’t worry. I’ve felt sometimes “ministries” I’ve endeavored to pursue have flopped and been such a waste of time. Adoption for one. Everyday I feel like I messed it up. I didn’t trust God when we were in China. I struggled for so many months,…

Three Steps to Joy

Bible Study Tools, Devotional, Faith

Joy. Sometimes I fight for her like a warrior. Sometimes I give up and let her go. Joy doesn’t seem to stay, especially during these winter months. So many times I want JOY, but what is the cost? Am I sacrificing the right things? I want joy, so I get up early but then feel tired because I didn’t go to bed early. I try to manipulate my little people – turning on the T.V. or getting games started. But somehow they…

How to Have Peace, When Life is Out of Control

Faith

Jesus also knew we would fear, so He said: “Let not your heart be troubled.” How?! How do we have peace, when life is out of control? The answer is simple, easy, and yet so very difficult to remember. Call. Know. Be Silent. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!     You have given me relief when I was in distress.     Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?     How…