Category: Spiritual Growth

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THE RED SEA RULES STUDY :: DON’T FORGET TO PRAISE HIM

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED FRIDAY OF THE MONTH.

In THE RED SEA RULES series we’re using the wonderful book by Robert J. Morgan as our guideline for a deep study of Exodus 14. Join me on the fourth Friday of each month in 2020 as we apply Morgan’s “10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times” to our lives today.

RED SEA RULE 10: Don’t forget to praise Him. 

Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and spoke, saying: “I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea! The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.” ~ Exodus 15: 1-2

This glorious song of rescue, considered by many to be the oldest example of the Hebrew language, is an important part of Israel’s faith even today. In this triumphant moment, with a recurring first-person narrative, the children of Israel lift their voice as one in praise to God. It’s no accident that it is the first recorded song in Scripture!

 

You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. ~ Psalm 22:3

After a long dark night the nation of liberated slaves had miraculously been saved from the Pharaoh’s mighty army. Their faith in God had been vindicated. God was not just a historical memory from their fathers. He was now their personal savior.

What can we learn about praising God from this song today?

      • Praise God for who He is.

The Lord is my strength and song.

He is my God, and I will praise Him.

My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

      • Praise God for what He does.

He has triumphed gloriously.

The horse and rider are thrown into the sea.

He has become my salvation.

“…praise and worship are the sand and cement that hold the bricks in place along life’s daily pathway.” ~ Robert J. Morgan

God often allows us to go through challenging situations. Maybe He is hoping they will give us an opportunity to praise Him? Let’s not wait to delivered from a crisis before we praise God.

With Matt Redman let’s list the 10,000 Reasons why we should be praising God in the middle of our Red Sea journey.

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THE NEW LIFE SERIES :: BE THANKFUL

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In THE NEW LIFE series we’re studying one of my favorite chapters in the Bible: Colossians 3:1-17. As you will see this is a rich chapter full of valuable life transforming lessons. Join me on the third Friday of each month in 2020 for this in-depth Bible study with real world applications.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.~ Colossians 3:15

In today’s verse Paul encourages us to let God’s peace rule our hearts. Because we are members of the body of Christ we are called to live in peace. And then should always be thankful.

Umpire of Peace

The word rule in this scripture comes from the language of athletics and refers to an umpire or referee. Our hearts are often the center of conflicting feelings and emotions–hopes and fears, love and jealousy. Paul is telling us to let the umpire of peace choose between the conflicting elements. Which choice will bring peace to our soul or our relationships?

Life of Peace

Having received Christ as our Savior we are now members of His mystical body, the Church. And as such we are called to live peaceful lives. Lives that are peaceful are free from anxiety, fear or worry.

Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7

With the peace of Christ ruling our hearts we will truly able to be thankful. Here are three things we should all be thankful for:

  • God has chosen us. We should be so thankful that God has chosen us to be a part of His forever family.

You are the people of God; He loved you and chose you for His own. ~ Colossians 3:12

  • God’s gift of Christ. We should be forever thankful for the gift of Christ’s sacrifice which allows us to have relationship with our heavenly Father.

Praise God for his astonishing gift, which is far too great for words! ~ 2 Corinthians 9:15

  • God’s gift of life. We should be thankful for all the things we’ve been given: God’s Word, air, food, water, shelter, sun, rain, family, friends, flowers, dogs, ice cream… for all things!

And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Ephesians 5:20

 Join me in a worship of gratefulness with this awesome song  by  Elevation Worship

Elevation