Simply Praise
1 Ch. 29:13 “Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
(A monthly meditation considering our God)

Jesus; What A Gift!

“One starry night long ago, a Father’s gift was bestowed, upon a world who lie in darkness. In humbleness came the gift, frail as a new born baby. What joy the angels there proclaimed! Heavenly host are singing. Peace on earth good will toward men! Life anew He’s is bringing.”
This time of year can provide painful memories for me that if not checked find their way into my thoughts and that tends to drag me down. This can be dangerous! Struggles like these are not uncommon during this time of year. But we can be assured, and I am, that Jesus is greater than any heartache these thoughts might produce. Now for me, knowing His presence and His Spirit is living in me is the greatest gift of all. Yes seasons come and seasons go, just as people, friendships, love and such. But the one constant joy in my life has been, and always will be, Jesus. The one gift I never want to take for granted or exchange for something else. Yes, this time of year can be difficult for me and perhaps it’s the same for you. Its OK to cry, and feel and long for better days. But its important to remember Jesus isn’t a baby anymore, and He’s not dead, He is alive! And life anew He brings. What greater gift could anyone ask for. If you’re like me, and find yourself struggling with thoughts and emotions. Please hold on! In Hebrews 13:5b Jesus promises, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” May this be true of us towards Him.
Oh Lord of peace, comfort our souls, let us not fret o’er tomorrow. But help us lay our burdens down, and You, our refuge be. Help us fix our eyes on You, and hold us securely. Lead us through the struggles that would rob us of our joy, help us face each challenge knowing You are with us. (D.E.M)

Joyful Confidence (Book Of Prayers)

You, Lord, are all that I have, and you give me all that I need; my future is in your hands. How wonderful are your gifts to me; how good they are. I bless you, Lord, because you guide me. In the night also you instruct my heart. I am constantly aware of your presence; and, knowing that you are near, I cannot be shaken from my faith. So my soul is joyful, and I feel completely secure, under your protection. I am confident that you shall never abandon me. You show me the path of life, which leads to eternal bliss.

Teach Us (To) Pray

“And it came to pass, that, as he (Jesus) was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us (to )pray, as John also taught his disciples.” I was listening to a podcast recently on Luke 11:1-13 and the emphasis was on verse 1 where the disciple ask the Lord to teach us (to pray), not (how) to pray. And I never got that until now. You see I know how to pray, but I don’t always do it. I find that I am not seeking, and knocking as I should be, and I don’t know about you, but all I can do is share my heart. So as I thought on this verse and asked, why don’t I pray as much as I used to? it dawned on me that its not that I don’t believe God can do miracles, I know He can do all things. Its more like, why would He be concerned with my trivial trials. There are so many people who have greater needs than mine. I think it stems from discouragement. Like the constant waves that crash against the Cliffside, eventually there is a wearing away. I may not have what most would consider “Trials” but there are things that I face day by day that wear down my heart and burden my soul. There are even things that cause me to withdraw into an attitude of “whatever”. These can bring about a hindrance in ones desire to pray. Obviously, prayer is one of those things that to us, doesn’t seem to come naturally. It is something we need to be taught. Not just (How) to pray, but even greater, (To) pray and that, without ceasing! as the Word of God instructs us to. 1 Thessalonians 5:17. So, my prayer is - Lord, teach me to pray, no matter if I think its trivial or not, and to do it without ceasing. Amen D.E.M.

We Will Remember Thy Love More Than Wine

We remember thy love, O Jesus, as it was manifest to us in thy holy life, from the manger of Bethlehem to the garden of Gethsemane. We track thee from the cradle to the grave —for every word and deed of thine was love — and we rejoice in thy love, which death did not exhaust; thy love which shone resplendent in thy resurrection. We remember that burning fire of love which will never let thee hold thy peace until thy chosen ones be all safely housed.
Charles Spurgeon

For friends

Be pleased, O Lord, to remember my friends, all that have prayed for me, and all that have done me good. Do thou good to them, and return all their kindness double into their own bosom, rewarding them with blessings, and sanctifying them with thy graces, and bringing them to glory.

Clinging To the Gospel

How can we love life, when it holds so much bitterness and brings so much sorrow? Indeed, how can we call the daily struggle true life, when it brings physical pain and spiritual sadness in equal measure? Yet people cling to sinful activities as a source of comfort. They grasp desperately at the passing pleasures and vanities of the world. They do not readily abandon the desires of the body and the lusts of the eye. Lord, strengthen me with heavenly courage, that I may fight against pleasures and vanities that harm the soul. I do not expect or ask trials and sorrows should cease. I ask only that, in your strength, I resist the temptation to seek consolation in sin. For I know that only by clinging to the gospel of righteousness, and by grasping at your eternal grace, can I ever experience true and lasting joy.
Thomas A’ Kempis
1380-1471

Just One

Over the hill is a small cottage with its thatch roof and cobblestone walls decorated in a blanket of fresh winter snow. The warm glow emanating from the frosty windows gave the sense of peace to the wayfaring man who gazed from across the meadow, just beyond the frozen brook. He wondered about the people who lived there. He wondered, did they love? He imagined sitting in front of the warm fire as night pressed on. He imagined joy as the morning sun peered in, lighting up every corner.
He imagined the faces of children waking up with Christmas cheer singing songs with happy hearts. But His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of soft cries. As the wayfaring man drew closer to the cottage, the cries grew louder. For all that he imagined from the distant view, was not what was before him. The fire grew small, too small to warm the people who sat around the hearth. There are no merry voices to welcome the morning sun. Winter’s cold and sorrow touch upon every one, except for the wayfaring man who gazed into the sky, whispered up a prayer, then knocked upon the door. Silently he turned to be seen no more. When the door was opened what treasure did they see. Stacks of wood and food enough for winters needs. This was truly an act of God! Said the smallest of them all. With agreement and hearts of joy, their voices lifted in praise, they sang until the morn as the sun break in with its golden rays. Every darkness fleeing because of the love one man gave. D.E.M


The God Of Your Heart

Read Psalm 147:1-11; The God of the galaxies is also the God of the brokenhearted. That’s what David tells us in verses 3 and 4: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.” The contrast we see in these two verses—between the heavens and the broken heart—ought to encourage us. God made the heavens. He spoke and it was done. His creation stood steadfast. The God who made the heavens is concerned about your broken heart. Others may not be concerned, but God is. He’s not so far away that He doesn’t know your heart is hurting. He’s not so great that He can’t stoop down to you when you are pained, weeping and looking for help. Yes, the God of the heavens is the God of your heart. The God who numbers and names the stars knows your needs. He knows all about you, and thus He is able to meet your every need. The God who controls the planets in their orbits is able to take the pieces of your broken heart and put them together again. He will heal your broken heart, provided you give Him all the pieces and yield to His tender love. “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite” (v.5). His love and understanding are limitless. His power is great. He can do what needs to be done. The One who set the galaxies in motion is the same One who addresses your needs. There is no limit to God’s love, His understanding or His power. Perhaps you have a broken heart today. Give Him the pieces and let Him heal your heart. (Prayer, Praise & Promises, Warren Wiersbe)

A Psalm of David

O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the heavens. When I consider thy heavens, the works of thy fingers, the moon and stars which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou has put all things under his feet. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Psalm 8:1, 3-6,9

The Christmas Thing

My grandmother sat
On Christmas morning
Mending overalls.
A tall tree glittered,
A hen was roasting,
And the room was merry
With dolls and balls,
So why was she mending
Overalls?
The air is magic
On Christmas morning
And it isn't a time
For doing chores.
We had given her
A brooch that glittered
After anxious searching's
Of ten cent stores
So why was she working
At everyday chores?
I didn't know then
But I learned much later
That Christmas magic
Goes through and through
The fabric of living
Love, threading her needle,
Made mending
The Christmas-thing to do.
Jane Merchant

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

So on with the coat, the gloves, and the cap
Out in the cold about ready to snap.
I went to K-Mart and stood in that line
From 8:35 'til a quarter past nine.
'Twas the night before Christmas and as I looked round my tent,
I couldn't believe all the money I'd spent
For trains and dolls, for trinkets and toys
Some for the girls and some for the boys.
I looked round once more to be sure things were right;
The kids were all in bed for the night.
I set up the track for the train I bought Ted,
The train went round twice and the battery went dead.
I put on my cap, my gloves, and my coat;
I went to Ames and over to Zayre.
You guessed it my friend, no batteries there!
As I left the store a thought came to me,
I had one in the remote of the color TV.
Well, I placed that remote in my wife's favorite chair
I was ready for Christmas with hours to spare.
When out came my wife and punched that remote
And then said to me, "The TV's broke!"
As I came to the checkout, my heart leaped with glee --
There was that one lonesome battery just waiting for me.
When from my behind I seen this hand slip
And grab that battery with a real tight grip.
I wheeled around and what did I see?
This giant of a man glaring down at me.
Well, I remembered an ad I had seen on TV
Buy a Big Mac, get your batteries free.
So, I bought me a burger I didn't want...
They were out of batteries, so on with hunt.
I finally found one at Servi-Star,
Paid for my purchase and made for my car.
When I entered the door of my humble shack,
My wife said, "What's this battery for I found in a sack?"
I was out there in the press, the push, and the greed
To buy me a battery I didn't even need.
At last I relaxed in my easy chair,
When this still small voice came out of somewhere.
“You're ready for Christmas with toys, tinsel, and tree
You've got it all together, but what about me?"
I fell on my knees and cried, "God, what have I done?"
I got caught up in the madness and neglected your Son.
The best gift of all you've given for free
Your Son, Jesus Christ, for sinners like me.
You sent Him to suffer the shame and the loss,
To shed his life's blood for me on the cross.
Well friend, I'll never forget ere I rest 'neath the sod,
The greatest of gifts is given by God.

Pastor Jim Kamerer

We Will Be Glad, and Rejoice in Thee

O sweet Lord Jesus, thou art the present portion of thy people, favour us this year with such a sense of thy preciousness, that from its first to its last day we may be glad and rejoice in thee. Let January open with joy in the Lord, and December close with gladness in Jesus.
Charles Spurgeon