The LORD Sits

For our honeymoon my wife and I were blessed with a trip to Paris. While we were there, we visited the Palace of Versailles. Once the center of political power, Versailles is now France’s foremost tourist attraction. Besides it’s sheer grandeur, one thing stuck with me about that palace: the thrones.

It is there that I learned what a throne represents. I mean, of course I knew that a throne represented power. It is obvious that to have people come to you is a demonstration of power. But, it is absolute power to have people come to you as you remain seated.

Ever thought of that before?

The Throne of God is mentioned several times throughout scripture. I won’t bombard you with all of them. Most famously it is described by Ezekiel (chapter 1). I’d like to mention also that the angel Gabriel refers to the Throne of God in Luke 1:32-33 because… he should know, he’s been there. He’s actually seen it!

God is mentioned as “sitting” multiple times as well.

• “The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.” – Psalms 29:10

• “He that sits in the heavens laughs” (at the futile efforts of man’s rebellion) – Psalms 2:4

• “Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high?” – Psalms 113:5

Sitting on His Throne, God is The Absolute Power. He is the Power of the Power. There is none above and all below. Yet, He makes Himself low to guide and love His fragile creation.

In your quiet time with the LORD today, reflect on our God’s astounding ability to speak stars into being and also whisper encouragement to His children all in the same all-powerful breath. He does so with perfect love from His magnificent Throne.

God Bless!

The LORD Will Fight

I get tired.

Far too often the struggle gets the best of me.

I'm so human and humans are weak and flawed. However, there is someone we can turn to who is not weak and who is not flawed. Exodus 14:14 tells us that the "LORD" will fight for us. When you see the Lord written in all caps like that, it means YHWH; the one true Creator God. It's refering to the God through which all things are. (Thanks to Rev. Dr. David Cyphers for that explanation.)

If the Author of the Universe will fight for us, let's let him. God has never, nor never will fail and He won't fail you.

God Bless!

#YHWH #AuthorofSalvation #GodMyRock #GodMyStrength #GodMyShield

Fill Your Ears

What are you listening to? Is it Country? Rap? Zydeco? Well, whichever genre it is, (I believe you said Zydeco), ask yourself this: what are they singing about?

I would say that 80% of all songs are about love. That's understandable. It'srelatable. People are always going to be falling in and out of love. As Neil says, "Love on the rocks, ain't no big surprise."

5% is about stuff; cars, money, and bling. We love our stuff and even write songs about how much of it we have collected. "It's all about the Benjamins" Right?

5% is about self; Look how cool I am! Those of the dreaded "I'm Too Sexy" variety.

That leaves 5% to sing about... who knows what?! I have no idea what these songs are even about. Dire Straits won a Grammy in '85 for "Money for Nothing," and I'm telling you its about someone who works at MTV, installs things, and has conversations with no one in particular. Sounds like real life, but sing a song about it? "I love that song!" "Me too, but what do any of those lyrics actually mean?" "Beats me. But I like it!"

Granted, I have no references for those numbers. Its just my personal opinion from a lifetime of being (what I would call) "more than a casual listener."

We listen to music because it makes us feel something. We like the beat. It gets our blood flowing. We connect with the songwriting. Man, some songs even get stuck in our heads!

So, if we are constantly filling our ears with something, shouldn't that something be about how much we love God? Shouldn't it be about how thankful we are that He sent His only Son? Shouldn't it be Praise?!

If you are a serious Christ Follower and you are not listening to Christian music, then you are really missing out. It's like adding a whole new dimension to your worship! Want to Practice the Presence of God? Listen to Christian music. It will help you stay focused throughout the day.

If you are listening to music that isn't about Praising God, then you are wasting your time. It might be fun. It might be catchy. But ultimately it does nothing. Our main purpose on this planet is to Praise God. Why would you fill your ears with anything but Praise music?

God Bless!
#PraiseMusic #ChristianMusic