WOW Factor in Meditation

3/25/13 Just finished Anne Lamott's, Help, Thanks, Wow--the three essentials of prayers and though I don't always agree with her "theology," that gal has a way with words. Pastor Cole alluded to her book title in yesterday's Palm Sunday message during our "Festival of Praise." He concludes that "praise" is the "wow" of prayer. He quoted C.S. Lewis, definition of praise. Praise is inner health made audible.
So.....this week's meditation will be on "praise" verses. Verses which for me are easy to find in my "old" Bible because they are marked in purple, per Kay Arthur's instruction in the first Bible Study I ever attended.

Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 150:6, KJV)

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:1-5, NIV)

In KJV, word "bless," translation is used---but as applied to God, bless means to praise, implying a strong love & affection for him as well as a sense of gratitude. It's the chosen translation for "10,000 Reasons" song (Matt Redman) so naturally I love that version too!

A Mom and her special needs son join in the WOW of worship

Sing to the Lord a new song,.....for he has done marvelous things; Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. (Psalm 98:1 & 4, KJV)

The entire service was full of the WOW of praise---from scripture readings to songs. A "wow" factor that has me continuing to meditate praise worthy scriptures.

ABCs---the basics

6/27/11 ABCs. The basics. Today’s meditation is just that. Choose one that speaks to your heart. Focus on one ABC all week or one each day of the week. Look up the complete verse (s). (Clicking here http://www.biblegateway.com/ & typing the Bible passage citation in the search line will take you right to it, in any version you want.)

Always Be a Comforter…..as you have been comforted. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

Always Beckon Children….. to the Lord. (Matthew 19:13-15)

Always Balance Commitments…..by allowing Him to direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:6)

Always Be Compassionate….fill your heart with lovingkindness for others .(Colossians 3:12)

Always Be Content…..wanting what you already have and knowing that God will never leave you. (Hebrews 13:5)

Always Bless Christ….with all that is within you and your life will be renewed. (Psalm 103:1-5)

Always Boast in Christ….not in your own accomplishments. (1 Corinthians 1:30-31) (Ephesians 1: 8-9)

Remember none of these basics is possible in and of yourself. But God….. Always Be Confident in Him, not your own flesh (Phil. 3:3), because you are His workmanship and He is able to guard all that you have entrusted to Him. (2 Timothy 1:12)