Let Everything that Has Breath...Praise the Lord!

What do you listen to first thing in the morning?

What is the last thing you listen to before going to sleep?

Read what David (via the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) instructs us to do:

Psalm 150

A Psalm of Praise.

    ¹Praise the LORD!
         Praise God in His sanctuary;
         Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
    ²Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
         Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
    ³Praise Him with trumpet sound;
         Praise Him with harp and lyre.
    ⁴Praise Him with timbrel and dancing;
         Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
    ⁵Praise Him with loud cymbals;
         Praise Him with resounding cymbals.
    ⁶Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
         Praise the LORD!

 

Ever have one of those "duh!" moments!?  I did today!!!  After reading the Blog below, in my heart I was like, what a great idea!  Why haven't I done this before?  Frank and I LOVE music.  And, we LOVE the Lord God Almighty!  What a great way to start/end our day!!!

 

Won't you join me with a little experiment?  Let's take the next 7 days (or, if you want, start on Sunday)...and start and end your day listening to Christian music.  If you don't have David Crowder Band CDs, go right now....(what are you waiting for!? go!)...download, upload, purchase, borrow, copy, etc.  Or, I highly recommend Chris Tomlin, Mercy Me, Casting Crowns, Toby Mac (for you uppitybeat-y people), Jeremy Camp, 4Him, Philips-Craig&Dean to start and finish your day!

 

After the 7 days, let me know how you did.  What you liked? What you didn't like?  Notice anything different?  Let me know!!!

 

A Youth Pastor friend of ours has instituted the policy that on all Youth trips, they only listen to Christian music.  I like that policy!  I do believe Frank and I will institute that policy with our Youth Group!  After all, that may be the only time teens hear Christian music, I mean, right!?

 

Also, just a side note regarding music...did you know that if you listen to Classical music, it improves brain function and memory retention?  Google it.  Seriously!

 

Read on...and, let me know if you will join me with this experiment!

 

The following is from "Hmmmm...Jonathan's Blog (found here) http://blog.thesource4ym.com/archive/2010/10/22/crowder-shines.aspx

 

Crowder Shines

I don't know if David Crowder can even fathom the amazing impact he has had on worship in the 21st century. He's not only filled arenas with jumping young people lifting their hands to God and rocked churches across the continent... he's given believers a tune to hum throughout the day. He's provided 'ammo' for worship.

I can remember the first time my wife heard the words to Everything Glorious and came in to me, "Jonathan, have you heard this?"... I think I teared up. A bunch of us were dialoguing about lyrics of today's music in the comment section of my blog about pop music earlier this week, and I mentioned, in a world where young girls constantly look in the mirror and think, "I'm ugly," Crowder provides a song that says:

You make everything glorious

And I am Yours

What does that make me?

So powerful.

Yesterday I was working on my parenting book in progress (5 chapters due today... I'm done with 6. Yeah!!!) and I was finishing up a chapter on "creating guidelines" in our homes. I listed some of my guidelines, one of which had to do with starting and ending the day with Christian music.

This has been an interesting experience in my house. We, like most people, enjoy secular music (The Fray, John Mayer, Five for Fighting...). And we allow secular music in our house that doesn't distract us from our relationship with God (The Fray and Five for Fighting are great... Mayer is an interesting one...). But we've also added this guideline of only allowing Christian music the first hour in the morning and the last hour at night. My kids were really whiney about it when we first discussed it years ago. But we discussed it and agreed on it as a family... and it's been powerful.

There's nothing like starting and ending your day with God's truth in your ears. If you haven't tried it... I encourage you to.

That said, Crowder is often in my ears. Call me picky or whiney... but I don't like a lot of Christian music. I'm constantly on the lookout for the good stuff. But Crowder, Dutton, Tomlin... and yes, even a few Toby Mac songs have been a huge help.

Yesterday Crowder blogged about a new video they made with a Lite Brite (hilarious description of trying to make the video with over 80 friends all "pegging" to make it happen). I love Crowder's videos. I'll never forget in the last year when I popped on iTunes to look at the Top 10 (something I regularly do) and saw his HOW HE LOVES video at #6 (amazing song and video). I thought, "Rock it Crowder!" So proud of him for making something so quality and so praiseworthy. Well... Crowder's at it again, this time to his song, Shine.

Other people are already blogging about it this morning... I won't repeat. But I encourage you to check out his blog, and check out this video. You'll be humming the song later... I promise. (I downloaded the whole album- I couldn't resist)

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Love in Christ,
--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/

Reputations, Brussel Sprouts and Lions (Oh My!)

Thar be no lions here. Sorry.  Well, if you want an endearing (and a little scary) video of a lion reuniting with some dear lady who rescued the lion, google "Lion hugs and kisses woman" on You Tube.  (No Frank, we cannot rescue nor befriend a lion; out cat, Cabbie, will have to do!)

 

There is a yummy recipe for Brussel Sprouts here:  http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/.  And, before you get all icky-gunk-foo-faced on me, I absolutely LOVE brussel sprouts.  If prepared correctly, they give off this nutty mellow flavor and are oh-so-good for you. Really, you should give them a chance or two or three. For those of you who are, let me say cooking challenged, you should check out the above crockpot blog.  Stephanie Odea has some great things to try and the best part about her recipes, they are for the crockpot and super easy to do!

 

Fierce lion hugging.

Yummy brussel spouts.

Your reputation as a Christian.

 

Today's PW Devotional begins a new section on Paul writing to the Colossians.  He reminds the Christians that they have been changed.  Their reputation should be that they're known as people who trust Jesus and love other Christians. Those two qualities are obvious in their lives.

Are those two qualities obvious in my life?  How about in your life?

 

Read on...and get ready to yelp a bit. God's Truth should pierce our hearts. 

 

As you read the "Do:" section below, do you hope you show up on someone's list?!  If you don't think you will, go back and read John 15.  Are you remaining in Jesus?  Are you in communion with Him?  Have His commands populated your heart and resulted in obedience?

 

Think about giving or receiving a beautiful arrangement of flowers.  Personally, I LOVE getting flowers!  And, I am quite zealous about rinsing them off and providing fresh water daily to try and keep them alive as long as possible.  However, the inevitable truth is that beautiful flower arrangement will die.  It has been cut off from the rose bush or plant source which continually provides nutrients for growth, endurance and stability.

 

Are you remaining in Jesus for spiritual nutrition?  Apart from Him, we'll die.

 

Read on...

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

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Changed: A New Rep Posted: 26 Oct 2010 01:00 AM PDT "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints." (Colossians 1:3-4) If you're a Christian — someone who has trusted in Jesus as the only way to be forgiven of your sins and spend forever in heaven with God — how has that changed you? I mean, how are you different inside and out than before you believed in Jesus? This week, we'll read someone else's mail to find out. Paul will describe a few of the ways the Christians in a town called Colosse have changed — and how they can expect to continue to be transformed. If we don't recognize some of these changes in ourselves, we should wonder why not. The first thing Paul writes is that these Christians have a new rep. They're known as people who trust Jesus and love other Christians. Those two qualities are obvious in their lives. Think: Is it obvious to anyone in your life that you trust Jesus and love other Christians? Do you think your youth group or your church has that reputation? Pray: Ask God to help you to have a reputation as someone who trusts in Jesus and loves other believers. Do: Write a quick list of 5 or so people you know who have a reputation for trusting Jesus and loving other Christians.

--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/

Regardless of Circumstances...Preach Christ

By this time in the Apostle Paul's ministry, he is imprisoned in Rome.  Don't know if you've read much about the prison system in Rome...but it wasn't a plush situation.  You didn't eat unless family or friends brought you food, etc.

 

I recently watched "The Count of Monte Cristo" again (the newest version).  When Edmond was wrongfully accused and thrown onto an island prison, death was certain.  He finally meets up with a Priest who teaches Edmond how to be a gentleman, scholar, expert swordsman, etc.  As Edmond grows in strength and knowledge, he becomes bent on escaping and executing revenge on all those who have wrongfully accused him.  I plan to read the book to find out of it ends the same way the movie does.

 

When you read the following passage from the Apostle Paul, you don't see any self concern.  Paul's only driving love and obsession, if you will, is to preach the Gospel.  He only sees the good that is resulting from his dire situation.  Read the following passage...

 

Philippians 1:12-30

(12)

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,

(13)

so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.

(14)

And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

(15)

Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.

(16)

The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.

(17)

The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.

(18)

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

(19)

for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,

(20)

as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

(21)

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

(22)

If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.

(23)

I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.

(24)

But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

(25)

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,

(26)

so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

(27)

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

(28)

and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.

(29)

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,

(30)

engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Wow!  I mean, uber WOW!

 

Let me loosely paraphrase this for you...Paul is rejoicing in his circumstances because whether he lives or dies, the gospel of Jesus Christ is being preached and this is bringing glory to God.  He is actually torn between living, and continuing to preach the Gospel and encourage the Christians or dying (vs. 23, ...and be with Christ, for that is far better)!

 

When was the last time you were having a no good, awful day?  Was God glorified?  Were you rejoicing in spite of your circumstances?  Did people see the Gospel of Christ in you, even in the middle of your no good, awful day?

 

Regardless of our circumstances...preach Christ.  As Spurgeon said, "Share the Gospe, use words if necessary!"

 

Rejoice in your situation.

Stay faithful to Christ.

This earthly pitstop is so quick and fleeting in comparison with all of eternity!

Make each moment count for the glory of God and for the sake of Christ Jesus.

--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/

How are you gifted???

As we officially start the weekend, today's PW Devotional series talks about Spiritual Gifts.

 

Every person who has placed their faith in Jesus for salvation has at least one spiritual gift.  Don't get confused and think your natual talents are spiritual gifts.  God definitely created you and blessed you with abilities, talents AND when you're His in Christ, spiritual gifts.

In some churches many Christians place heavy emphasis on spiritual gifts.  Even growing up, I took "spiritual gifts analysis" tests and you know what I learned?  Not much, actually.

 

Spiritual gifts are provided by God to use within us for His purpose, His plan and the edification of the body (the church).  What is edification?  I could go all mom on you and tell you to look it up!  However, for your edification (see there how I just did that!?), I will add to your education and, enlighten you. :o)

 

And, I agree with you Katie, I hate definitions that use tenses of the word to define the word.  Grrr...if you look up "edification" it will say, the state of being edified.  Hence, I looked up the definition of the root word, "edify."

 

According to www.Merriam-Webster.com

Definition of EDIFY

1 archaic a : build b : establish

2 : to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge : uplift; also : enlighten, inform

Examples of EDIFY

1. These books will both entertain and edify readers.
2. <a family-oriented show that tried to edify the television audience as well as entertain it>

Origin of EDIFY

Middle English, from Anglo-French edifier, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin aedificare to instruct or improve spiritually, from Latin, to erect a house, from aedes temple, house; akin to Old English ād funeral pyre, Latin aestas summer

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to EDIFY

Synonyms: enlighten, educate, illume, illuminate, illumine, inspire, nurture

Related Words: elevate, ennoble, enrich, ensoul, lift, uplift; better, improve, regenerate, renew, transform; exalt, glorify, transfigure

Near Antonyms: confuse, perplex, puzzle; becloud, cloud, darken, obscure

Spiritual gifts are supposed to uplift, build up, improve (morally and/or spiritually) the body of Christ (the church).  So it is all about God using you to impact other believers in such a way as to improve them.  Leave them better than when you found them.

 

Read on...and, don't sweat the figuring out what your spiritual gift is.  Depending on the situation, God may choose to equip you with serveral for His glory, His purpose and the good of the person(s) and whatever the situation may be.  Keep remembering, it isn't about you.  Just be ready, willing and usable by God.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

And, if you don't have somewhere to worship this weekend...why not join with us at our little community Baptist Church?!  We'd love to have you!  Everything gets going around 9:00 a.m. and look for me!!!  I'll be sitting toward the back on the right side of the sanctuary.  In case you forgot:  Calvary Baptist Church, 2780 E. Wagner Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806.  Pastor Phil and the men will be away this weekend getting some spiritual food as they gather for the weekend at Pine Valley Christian Conference Center in San Diego County.  But, knowing our Elders...we're sure to have a great speaker on Sunday!

 

Hope to see you all there!

 

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

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Gifted: Don't Be Ignorant Posted: 04 Oct 2010 01:00 AM PDT "Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. . . . The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:1,12) The Bible describes a weird and wonderful thing that happens to every single person who puts his or her trust in Jesus Christ for salvation from sin. And, honestly, way too many of us are ignorant about it. Paul called this thing "spiritual gifts." It's the idea that we're each given the supernatural ability — through the power of God's Holy Spirit with us — to do certain things unnaturally well for a specific purpose. Three major passages describe some of these gifts. Some churches teach that all the gifts are still "active" today; others say some of the sign gifts were needed only while the church was being established. What we're going to focus on this week is not the what or how of spiritual gifts, but the why. What's the point of this crazy power God hands out to HIs people through His Spirit? Paul's metaphor: a human body. The church — all of us who say Jesus is Lord of all — is often called "Christ's body" in the New Testament. Like a human body, Paul writes, we've got lots of parts. That is, we're all parts of His body. In other words, I'm a toe; you're an eyelash, etc. See, I told you this was going to be a weird and wonderful idea. Think: What are some ways in which the church operates like a body? Pray: Ask God to help you get a better understand for why he gave you a spiritual gift. Do: Speed drill: List as many body parts as you can think of in 3 minutes. Go.

--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/

Dogs vs. Cats

Howdy Blog/Devotional Readers!

Miss me? :o)

 

Work has been beyond crazy busy lately.  And then, Frank and I had the wonderful opportunity to go hang out with about 2000 other Youth Leaders for the National Youth Workers' Convention in San Diego, CA.  It was a mini vaca as well!

 

How are you doing with your pursuit of Lady Wisdom?

 

Way back in the pre-dawn existence of time, I attend Christian Heritage College (now, San Diego Christian College, in El Cajon, CA).  Toward the end of my college stint, I became best friends with Debbie Pederson.  At first, when we "knew" of each other, we didn't really think much of the other.  Deb thought I was a haughty, tall (couldn't help that one - I was 5'9", she was 5'4"), aloof female who couldn't care less about anyone.  As it turns out, I was shy (honestly!) and quietly observing life around me.  I really didn't think or feel I was better than anyone else.  And, because Deb was bustling with energy, charm and an infectious, toothy grin, I gravitated toward her.  Somewhat like a cat lazily watching a butterfly flit just beyond reach from one splash of color to the next.

 

My third year in college, was the year Deb and I were RAs (Residence Assistants).  So, we were thrown together and eventually became fast friends.  She was alarmed and surprised to find I was quite witty and not conceited after all! :o)  In essence, I made her laugh (which is what she enjoys the most!).

 

We used to joke around about the Garfield comic strip.  We would liken her to Odie, the bursting with energy, eager pup and me to Garfield, the lazy, "we are not amused," cynical critic on life in general and Odie in particular.  We'd sit at meal times and I'd prop my chin on my hands and watch Deb flit around in animated conversations with those at the table.   She'd engage me from time to time...but I'd mostly watch, observe and offer occasional witty comments.  Truth be known, I wasn't comfortable with plumbing the depths of my soul or intellect, and happier floating on the surface of superficial comments.  I was afraid to show people who I really was, in fear they wouldn't like me.

 

Frank and I spent some time with Deb while we were at the NYWC this past weekend.  I did remark on the funny observation that we have two cats and Deb has two dogs.  I have grown, ah, let us just say, "fluffy," while Deb has retrained her energy into healthy living and working out.  In too many ways to ignore, we have become Garfield and Odie.

 

Secret - I'm really a dog person.  I never truly liked cats until I met Frank.  Frank makes the cats he adopts into dogcats, if you will.  So, I think I still don't really like cats...just Frank-influenced cats.

 

However, from a maintenance point of view, cats are the superior pet.  They groom themselves, cover up their "toilet" with sand, and, are just as happy eating bugs as catfood.  They are independent and seek you out on their own terms.  You, generally, cannot call a cat like you would a dog.  Cats are creatures of satisfying their own curiosity...and, if you happen to be the object of their curiosity, they will come to you.  If you own a cat (and, remember, I own two)...try gazing deeply into their eyes and eventually have your thoughts turn to cold repitilian lizards living inside of them waiting to devour you when you're asleep (oh wait, that's the show "V"!).  Creepy.

 

Seriously.

 

Dogs, on the other hand, are eager to please, always happy to see you and want to get as close as possible to you when they want to nap.  For the most part, they are quite trainable, obedient and willing to wait all day for your eventual return.

 

Some folks might attribute wisdom to cats and foolishness to dogs.  These, of course, are attributing human characteristics to animals.

 

I wonder.

 

I wonder how wise we'd become if we pursued Lady Wisdom like eager puppies, instead of "know-it-all" cats.

 

Read on to see the end result of pursing Lady Wisdom.

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

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Wisdom Says: Wisdom Favors Posted: 15 Sep 2010 01:00 AM PDT "For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death." (Proverbs 8:35-36) Lady Wisdom concludes her 36-verse plea for our lifelong attention with these words. She won't hide, but we must seek. And our search brings huge rewards. Those who find wisdom — those who live wisely by living life from God's perspective — they find favor from God. This favor comes in at least two flavors. On the one hand, living with Wisdom brings practical, natural rewards. People who don't jump off cliffs are less likely to fall to their deaths. People who don't tell lies are more likely to earn trust and closeness in relationships. The natural benefits of wise living are endless. But God's favor is supernatural, as well. To seek out His wisdom — and live by it — is an act of humility. It's saying, "I don't know nearly enough on my own; I need God's help; I need to understand God's way." He promises to lift up everyone who humbles him- or herself before Him in this way. Think: Do you think it's intolerant for Wisdom to say that hating her is the same as loving death? Is it true? Pray: Ask God to help grow your appetite for His wisdom. Do: Read Proverbs 11.

--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/