“When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe…” (Matthew 9:8 in the New International Version of the Holy Bible). This Scripture is refering to the miracle that Jesus performed for a paralyzed man who stood up, picked up his mat and started walking home. No one in the small town of Capernaum in northern Galilee had ever witnessed anything like this before! And furthermore, Jesus not only healed the man He also told him he was forgiven. Can you imagine seeing this happen with your own eyes? The crowd that day were awed by the power of God on display before them – healing and forgiveness all at one time! We are overwhelmed today by awe inspiring advances in science and technology. We’ve become so accustomed to phenominal inventions and medical breakthoughs that we tend to lose our sense of wonder. We must be careful not to lose our sense of awe when it comes to God. Does His power and majesty still take your breath away?
Prayer: Lord, forgive me if the world that I live in has numbed me to the wonder of who You are. Let my heart and mind be captured again by the awe of Your mighty acts. Amen.
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called tress of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible). As a child I remember laying out what I would wear to school the next day. By doing so it made the process easier the next morning. If I got up late I was prepared and knew ahead of time what to put on. As I dress each day and put on my spiritual armor I have added the garment of praise. It helps my day go better. When I put on this garment I find praising God and bringing Him glory almost comes naturally. In the natural what you put on can be comfortable or binding. I choose not to be bogged down with the spirit of heaviness but put on the garment of praise which is so much more comfortable. It makes everything easier. Those around me benefit when I choose to praise. My attitude and spirit are lighter. Get rid of that heavy garment and put on the garment of praise! By doing so, you will glorify God. What have you chosen to wear today? I choose the garment of praise. It’s light and carefree.
Prayer: Lord, I’m so glad You offered me the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. So much of this life is heavy duty and can wear on my nerves; but when I’m praising You everything just goes better with praise!
“Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 29:1-2 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible). We have something to offer God. How amazing is that? The Creator of the heavens and the earth desires my praise!
Prayer: I lift my voice in praise and adoration to You, O Lord! May everything I say and do bring You glory and honor. Let my heart be pure and blameless as I offer You my praise. I will exalt Your Name forever and ever. Amen.
