When God tells you "no", praise Him. 


I know that's probably the last thing you wanted to hear. But, that's the best thing that I can tell you. When we really want something that is outside of God's will for us, it truly is best to obey the Lord. Do not, let me go ahead and repeat that, do not, under any circumstances, go outside of the will of God. 


If you know the Lord has told you "no", accept His "no" as the final answer. There is no need to waste time petitioning the Lord, and going after Him with different angles. You know how kids approach their parents with the same question phrased differently? Kingdom kids do that too. Although earthly parents may compromise and change their minds because their kids are so cute and cleaver, God is not wishy-washy. If He said "no", He means it. 


So, how do you move forward after accepting the "no" from the Lord? 


I admit that sometimes I get stuck here. I hear "no", I accept "no" and then I ask, "now what?" 


The answer is to praise God. If you're praising, depression, sadness, joylessness and doubt can't wear your down. They can't even catch up to you!  


Praise in the midst of a disappointing "no" is easy when you believe in your heart that God knows what's best for you. You can praise God in the midst of His "no" when you accept that His plan for your life is much better and thorough than your own plan for your life. "No" is easier to swallow when you have faith and trust in God. 


You may not understand why God said "no." Sometimes, it really is not for us to understand, just to obey. So, don't get hung up on that. Accept that God's ways are not our own ways. If we could figure out what was best for us, then why would we need a Savior? We don't always know - but God does. 


So, the next time God tells you know, don't get mad, upset, depressed or dejected. Don't worry or obsess. Just praise God! Say to yourself: "While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being!" (Psalm 146:2)

Storm clouds of inclement health were looming. I went to bed not feeling well but I had a praise on my lips as I prayed for better health. I woke up with a melody in my heart this morning – feeling better. As I pondered this miracle while driving this morning, the lyrics to Casting Crowns “Praise You in This Storm” sprung forth. Here they are if you are unfamiliar with the song.

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

I think this song is very appropriate to where we are in our economy, our lives, and our faith right now. And, I love that it reminds us that despite the situations that we encounter and the drama that may fill our hours, we are to still, in the midst of the storm, listen for Him – His still small voice will reassure us when we need comforting. He’s with us. He has never forgotten us and never will. He can no more forget us than a nursing mother can forget her child sucking at her breast – and even if she somehow does, He never will. He will not forsake us. He cares for us. And, well, that’s enough to praise Him in your storm.

He may not respond when you want Him to, but that does not mean that He’s not aware of your situation. Give Him Praise. Remember how He has brought you through other trials. Give Him Praise. No matter what, give Him praise in the midst of your storm!

I have a two-year-old nephew who likes to say “oooh, noooooo!” It’s so cute! He will say this all day with no variation in intensity. The child is a star in the making – for the Lord of course. His enthusiasm toward his proclamation got me to thinking more about commitment.

He commits to saying his joyful phrase all day long…like a preacher. You can call him up and he will tell you the phrase just like the day before. I don’t know how his mother feels about hearing the phrase all day long, but I think it’s a demonstration of having a one-track mind (in a good way – be ye not doubleminded!).

I believe this one-tracked mind is focused on Christ – committed to Christ – for the rest of his days – and we pray that they’ll be a plenty since he’s so young now. And I believe that God would have us be the same way. Committed to him – wholeheartedly. Not committed on one day and then loving the world the next day. How can God get any glory out of our doublemindedness? Everything we’re about should be for his glory.

So, when you think about doing the things you ought not do, think about my nephew and say “OH NOOOOO.” Quickly pray and ask the Lord to lead you in the right way. Ask Him to help you so that your flesh is defeated and your spirit takes the win.

When you want to give up, or feel things are too hard – just tell that devil “OH NOOOOO” because God has brought you too far to turn around now. Like Marvin Sapp, go on and praise Him in advance. You may not know where God is taking you but you’ve got to know that He has not brought you this far to leave you – so stop all the whining about what you can’t do and get on with the program. Praise Him and watch Him work.

Tell the devil, “OH NOOOOOOOOO” and tell the Lord “YES”, like Shekinah Glory Ministries. Go on and sing your song – and hit ‘dem notes like in the song…go on, nobody is listening but the Lord and He accepts any joyful noise made unto Him.

Have a great weekend Saints!

Music ministers to me. No matter what I am doing, at some point, a song may pop in my head that speaks to my direct situation or provides some wisdom and guidance that I can use in my counseling. I love the ministry of music.

That’s why it is so important that we pay attention to music today. Music has a way of getting into our very spirits. When we listen to God-glorifying music, we are prone to respond in worship. When we listen to devil-glorifying music – the same applies.

Now, I know that some of you just shrugged or had an adverse reaction to my last statement. But, it’s still true. Pay attention to what you listen to and then watch how you respond.

When you listen to praise music, don’t you just find yourself glorifying God by clapping your hands or singing along? Now, compare that to when you find yourself listening to non-Christian radio or songs.

If that song has a strong beat, other parts of your body begin to move – check out what’s moving….

When I used to listen to secular music, it was easy to move from the two-step (you know that side-to-side thing we do when we are warming up to take over the dance floor) – anyway – I could move from the two-step to full-fledged dances that I would not dare do in church in front of an assembly of worshippers. Hmmmm. My flesh and spirit were not agreeing. So, I had to cut that type of dancing lose. I was a young Christian then and well, the Holy Spirit had to teach me that I should and could do better than that with the body that God gave me. And, back then, my body could really move!

Now, not so much. But, with age comes wisdom!!!

On GMA this morning, there was a discussion on lyrics that on the surface appeared innocent but in actuality were far from innocent. They mentioned Brittany Spears’ song that is #35 right now on the Billboards – I missed the title of the song – sorry. And, then they gave the classic example of Puff the Magic Dragon. And, well, everyone knows what was going on there.

Children were listening to these songs and figuring out the meaning. Pre-teens, y’all.

So, please, be careful about what you let minister to you. It can shape your direction in a way that you do not need to be going.

The value of our words is rather pricey. Just think – if I tell you that you look nice on a day that you feel like you look bad, then those words will minister to you. They have value to you on that day.

Okay – perhaps a silly example. But, you understand what I mean. Words have the power to lift up or destroy. Words have power to affirm or deny.

As a child, I was always happy when someone, anyone, paid the slightest bit of positive attention towards me. That person’s words would hang with me. I needed to be affirmed and reassured of my worth. And, I believe that the Lord would send people to tell me these positive things. Some I believed – some I would not believe – but that’s another blog post. That was an internal issue that I struggled with and is no reflection on the one being used of God to bless me.

You see, words are very important – pricey if you will. So we have to spend them wisely. We have to make sure that we are communicating when we open our mouths – not just spouting out because we can. I had to learn this as well. I used to use my mouth for evil. If it seemed to me that you were out to hurt me or trying to back me in a corner, my mouth would come out swinging, er, spouting. Thank God for deliverance! Thank God for spiritual growth. Now, I know better. I know that my words have to be used for good – for communication. When I use my words for good, God gets glorified. And, now I find, that when I am submissive to Him, He allows me to use my mouth to encourage others – to communicate to them their worth in God. I get to pour forth the pricey ointment of praise on those in need.

So, today, make an effort to chose your words carefully. You have the power to help, heal or hurt all wrapped up in the power of your tongue. I hope that you will use your power to communicate for the glory of God.

Life can hand you some hard knocks. There have been pointed times in my life where I felt like I was all alone and that no one cared for me. There have been times in my life when I wondered why I existed and what my purpose was. There have been times in my life when every breath that I breathed felt like some cruel joke because all I wanted to do was to die. Life can hand you some hard knocks.

But, thanks be to God, I got to know the Creator.

I found out that although my life has had some trying times, that God knows, and He cares. I found out that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I found out that from the beginning of time, He has known me. I found out just how much He loves me and that even on my worst day, having an opportunity to praise Him makes life worth living.

The Holiday season can bring about depression in some people who don't have "Hallmark" or "Cosby" family and friends. Whatever circumstance brought you to the point where you feel alone and isolated, I want to tell you today that you are not alone. You are worthy in God's sight. You were uniquely formed and created by the Master. And, whether or not you have someone to share your life's details with, God loves you. He knows all about you and He cares for you.

So, approach this season thinking about what you have and not about what you don't have. Think about the fact that this is the day that the Lord has made and you have another opportunity to worship Him.

It is a brand new week. Praise God.

I have much to look forward to this week. My friend Angela is going to post pictures from her mission trip to Malta. Her blog is here.

My friend Sandy will be celebrating a birthday this week. It’s a blessing to see another year.

Another friend has made it home after being away for almost 2 months for business. God delivered him there and back.

I have a job to go to which gives me money to pay the numerous bills that come my way.

I plan to go run errands and go to meetings this week.

I don’t have anything “big” going on. But, I praise God for all the things that He has and is doing. I am realizing that worship is not just in the big things but it is in the rudimentary things of life that compose every single day. Each day is a good day to be in the presence of the Lord. Each day is a good day no matter what happens because it is the Lord that gives us each day.

I want you to know today that no matter your circumstances and no matter what happens, you have an opportunity today to appreciate all that God is doing in your life. Tomorrow is not promised. Yesterday is gone. All we have is right here and right now. And, because I have even this, I praise God.

Your prayers for my presentation were answered. God did a mighty work and I am soooo glad that everything went as well as it did and now that it is OVER. Whew! Thank you Jesus!!!

One of my coworkers sent this video to me. Some of you may have seen it, others may not. At any rate, I felt it work sharing again. So, enjoy! And, then think to yourself - will you be among the absent? If you cannot be counted in that number, please leave me a message or contact me via my email address so that I can share Jesus with you. I want you to know the work of our Savior and to be among the raptured. Salvation is yours if you will receive Him.

I've got quite a busy week ahead of me. Lots to do - little time to get it all done. But, I am just going to go on record now to tell you that God is so good. He is so faithful. And, I am believing even right now that everything that needs to get done will be completed to the glory of God. I will have peace as I make the necessary preparations, do the work and present the findings. I thank God today for His power and His anointing - His equipping of me for such a time as this.

I've been praise-happy lately. And, you know what - God is worthy of it all. He is worthy of even more than what I've given. He is worth praise all day, every day. I believe that. And, that's what I'm going to Heaven to do.

If you were to look back over your life in the past week - can you not see the hand of God in everything? I can. And, I make this declaration. He is worthy! Worthy! Worthy! of all of my worship and all of my praise.

So, as you start this week, start it with HIGH praise for God. He inhabits the praises of His people. And, He is praise-worthy!

Today has been a good day. I think about everything that God has allowed me to experience today and I just have to take a praise break and say thank-you!

Today, I woke up after a peaceful night’s sleep. You see, the night before, I had a nightmare but after praying specifically last night against unpleasant dreams, I slept through the night last night with no problems. I woke up rested. I give God glory.

Today, I got dressed – by myself – no assistance needed. I thank God for the activity of my limbs and still clothing me daily in my right mind.

Then, I left the home that He gave me and jumped in the car that He provided for me to come to a job that I only have by the grace of God. I can testify that He is a mighty provider! Everything I have is sufficient to meet my NEEDS! I serve an awesome God.

All day long, I have been working – to the glory of God! And this evening, I will work more – again to the glory of God. I have the God-given ability to think and to produce for the benefit of my company, yes, but more importantly, for the benefit of my God.

And lastly, as I simply prayed over my lunch today, I became a witness for the Lord. Oh the opportunities that He gives to us!

So, today has been a good day. Precious Lord, I tell you THANK YOU!!!

I am soaking in the moment. I am sitting now waiting for a meeting to start. My jetlagged body is doing much better today despite the noisy construction that interrupted my sleep and this quite country side. I can only praise God for the miracle of this day.

Yesterday, I spent multiple hours flying over the Atlantic Ocean and then driving to this remote location to join together with colleagues from all over the world. What an experience. I can only praise God!

Today is scheduled to be a long one. We have so much to do and so little time to get everything done. But, I will not rush. This setting cannot be about rushing. In fact, everyone around me seems to be taking their own sweet time to do their duties. I could learn something. I can only praise God!

Even though my finely quaffed hair will soon be falling, losing all of its curls and my finely pressed white blouse will surely not stand up to this heat and humidity, I can only praise God. He has been good to me and still loves me no matter how I look.

I can only praise God for His goodness and mercy. He is the only One responsible for my being here right now. My prayer is this – that I will continue to live in this moment, relying solely on Him.

It’s Friday and I’m pretty excited about that (again). I have something that I really want to do this weekend – rest! I told you all about my back injury in my other post. But, I thank God that there is power in prayer. I am feeling so much better – and I can move around a lot better now. It was looking like a snail may beat me at a race the other day! But, now I have something close to my normal gait and 100% recovery IS on the way. Thank you for the prayers and to God be the glory!

This weekend, I will not be walking around the city in my new found health. No, instead, I am going to take the time to really rest. I know you may think I mean watching television and spending quality time with my couch. But I mean rest in a different sense. I will be resting with my Lord. My spirit needs refreshing and so I am going to spend some extra time in His presence.

I am reminded that this is the time of year that He did all that was necessary to reconcile us back to the Father. He demonstrated His majesty, He taught, He took our sins upon Himself, He suffered, bled and died and rose from the grave. He did it all for you and me. So, yes, I am going to be resting with Him this weekend – in His presence – giving Him my time. He’s worthy to be praised!

I know that when I come out of this time with Him that I will be stronger and will be better able to carry out the tasks that He has assigned for me. I will be changed because I rested in Him. Won’t you rest in Him too?