FLOURISHING FAITH!

How does one recognize "flourishing faith" these days? 

Flourishing like a palm tree....flourishing in the courts of our God. 

(Psalm 92:12-13)

Think thrive.

Delighting in the LORD. 

Yielding fruit. (Psalm 1:3) Even in old age. (Psalm 92:14)

Think Biblical optimism. Living your best life regardless of circumstances.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD (Jeremiah 17:7, NKJV) 

Trusting God at all times is a base camp for a flourishing faith!

Never be lulled into self-sufficiency.

Exercise daily "trust-steps" to the straight path. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Make the LORD your trust. (Psalm 40:4)

Many will see the LORD in your flourishing and put their trust in the LORD.

PERPETUAL WORSHIP!

SUNRISE!

From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised! (Psalm 113:3)

View from breakfast table

May we all become "ablaze for the glory of God." (My Utmost for His Highest, 12/27)

Blessed as Hosea said, "Let us press on to know the LORD; His going out is sure as the dawn;...." 

Blessed be the name of the LORD from sunrise to sunset!

SOLACE FROM PSALMS!

Looking to the Lord for help can be as simple as a glance from my prayer chair out the window and up past the treetops to the mountains.

The help can come from the One who made those mountains.

What is God's help and why do i need it? 

Simply put, I need Him as I am praying for others.

Assistance. Reassurance.

I will raise my eyes to the mountains;

 From where will my help come? (Psalm 121:1, NASB)

I know He provides help.....needed spiritual refreshment. 

Think shade. In His Presence, He keeps, guards and protects. (Psalm 121:5)

Praying for others whom we love can be draining. But God can lift us as we look to Him. 

Solace is found. A cool breeze from the refreshing shade, only He can provide.

1, 2, 3….............

8/19/10……………look at Me. (Me meaning the Lord) That’s been my customary reaction to spiritual things----sort of like a “rule.” Instead of 3 strikes you’re out, when something intersects with my life 3 times that means, a heads up for ole Dots.

As a result, I’ve been meditating in Psalm 71. This is a psalm of lament that expresses the faith of an older person, who has trusted God for many years but is still feeling attacked whether verbally or physically or both. I, as well as most folks, can understand his need for God as a refuge.

As I first began meditating on this psalm, I was indeed seeking solace---and not because of aging or gray hairs. (v. 18) My strength, both physical and emotional was spent. I was hurt. I needed a rock, refuge, Someone trustworthy on whom to lean.

On Sunday, Cole concluded his sermon suggesting this psalm for consideration---that for me was affirmation #2. I decided to camp out there a little longer. Affirmation #3 came in the Tuesday’s Upper room devotional reading, Psalm 71:17-21. God began to change my focus. He has been with me when I (Isaiah 43:2) “passed through the waters….and was not overwhelmed.” (I only temporarily felt as if I were drowning) This new focus in the same psalm reminds me that there is none like God---God who has seen me through many troubles and calamities will revive me again. Now I must continue to proclaim his wondrous deeds and ask him, “ do not forsake me until I proclaim your might to another generation.” (Psalm 71:18) My grands come to mind.

The Upper room gives a L2L (Link2Life) as way to encourage practical application of the scripture’s teaching. I’m calling mine D2D (Dare to Dance) to encourage myself and others to dare to go forth and dance (celebrate) these life truths with others. I’m going to pick up the phone and call a friend.

1,2,3….and....1,2,3……………….doesn’t it make you want to dance.