Here I am again this week.  We talked about praising the Lord in the message this week.  And I cannot stress enough the need for this.  Too often in my prayers (yes, even in my own prayers), I focus a majority of the time on requests- lists of things I need from God.  But God needs (and rightly deserves) our praise.  Praise shows our gratitude and appreciation of all the things God has done and given us.  Praise should be the first and foremost in our prayers and time with God.  The list of what God has done for us is always greater than the list of requests we ask for in our prayers.  Let me say that again.  The list of what He has done for us is always greater than the list of requests we ask for in our prayers.  So our praise should take more time then the time asking for things we want from God.  How often has that happened in your daily prayer time?  I would encourage you this week to spend more time praising God than asking from God.

I missed last week because I was at conference for most of the week.  It was a good time of fellowship, worship, and business.  It is was an experience that little can measure up to.  I found it a time of refreshing and renewal.  The conference devotions spoke to where I am at and the praise lifted my spirit.  I hope that everyone who reads this gets this  kind of experience every so often in their spiritual walk.

I have been camping the first part of this week and so this is getting posted on the 4th.  The fourth of July is a very big celebration and like most people we try to go to a parade and watch fireworks.  My wife always makes the boys wear patriotic colors.  And I am studying for next week’s sermon on Psalm 2 which speaks about the King.  Whether about David or Jesus, this psalm has some patriotic undertones.  And if you have been reading the news this week, there is more fighting and protests and upheaval in Washington DC.  It is hard to celebrate America when there is so much fighting.  I know we are in the election season and I know it will only get worse over the next 16 months, but I want to pause and thank God that 243 years ago, some brave men believed that all men are created equal.  And no matter how history is twisted this idea is based on the Godly principle found in the Bible.  So thank you God for you love and care of us and this country.  Allow us to see that today as we celebrate our independence.

I just got back from vacation this week.  My family and I went up to Buffalo, NY to visit with family.  And we once again traveled a few miles north to Niagara Falls.  This is my fourth time to see Niagara Falls, but I am still stunned and amazed by it’s wonder and power.  On this trip we did something I had never done before: I rode on a boat that travels up the river into the mist generated by the plunging water and I got to see the falls from a whole new perspective.  And from that new perspective, my perception of it only increased.  The same is true about God.  Our views on God’s greatness leave us stunned and amazed by his wonder and power.  And getting a new or different perspective will only increase that; especially if we get an opportunity to see Him closer to us.

Our Missionary speaker this week was telling us some of the tools he uses in his work overseas.  One of those tools was American football.  I liked when he asked our congregation, whose majority is over 65 years old, “How many of you play football? . . .  Well you can now!” and he went on by explaining that we can play football because he plays football in his ministry and we can be a part of that ministry when we pray or support his work overseas.  I can proudly say that I play football.  Isn’t wonderful that we can support others all around the world through our prayers and fiances.  God is using us to play football!

It is a sad and yet joyous week here at Groveland Missionary Church.  A member from our church lost his battle with Pneumonia.  But we know that he is rejoicing in heaven today and so we are happy he has a new, healthy, resurrected body.  I reminds be of a verse in the last 2 chapters of the Bible where Jesus says, “Behold I make all things new” (Rev 21:5).  We who are God’s children will be reunited with Him when our earth ravished bodies lie cold in the ground and we will be with the Lord forever.  Praise the Lord.

Today is my youngest son’s birthday.  I preached on his namesake yesterday.  The number one characteristic that is mentioned about the Caleb in the Bible is that he fully trusted in the Lord.  This is a grand characteristic.  And it is one that I hope my son will take away from his namesake.  It is one that I hope is said about my life.  In fact, I hope that all who read this will strive to make true in your life.  Fully trusting in the Lord is not easy. Caleb had to overcome peer-pressure, sinful surroundings, and literal giants.  And God allowed him to win and be successful because of his trust.  How fully are you trusting in the Lord?

Calling all warriors.  You know who you are.  Especially if you listened to this week’s sermon.  God has given us all the strength we need to fight in the battle He has given each of us.  Not battle is too great for him.  So trust Him for your warrior strength and accomplish the task God has placed before you.