Psalm 136 begins and ends with the words "give thanks".So, as we do just that today, here as those opening and closing verses and a song for the day.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lords of lords: His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
Worship made simple- some strings (in this case a piano) and a voice... Here's Don Moen.
This life has its major challenges and obstacles, disappointments and broken dreams.
Sometimes we're just up against exhaustion or frustration.
And sometimes we're up "against the powers of this dark world and the against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12)
Here's some one liners from Psalm 18 on this 18th day of November, written by David, a shepherd who came up against wild animals and warrior king who came up against enemies on every side.
I love you, O Lord, my strength. v.1 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. v.2 In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. v.6 He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under His feet. v.9 He reached down from on high and took hold of me: He drew me out of deep waters. v.16 He rescued me from _____ (fill in your own) v.17 With your [God's] help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. v.29
Let's go scale some walls : )
In Philippians, Paul starts this encouragement by saying:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--- (then continues) if anything is excellent or praiseworthy---think about such things.
As Leaders, the best way to move anything and anyone forward is to find whatever is good, working, or positive and go from there. And, this pure Bible wisdom applies: IF ANYTHING. There's always something, we just have to keep digging.
When I was a Disney Trainer, we had to simultaneously teach new Cast Members (our employees) how to be smiling and friendly to our Guests while at the same time, looking out for their safety and operating some complex rides (Space Mountain).
Some people mastered the people parts first, others the technical parts. Yet, they needed both to be successful. So we were trained to focus on what they were doing well, encourage them in it, and help them add to that the other dimension.
Out of that experience, a conversation grew that we still use and teach to other Leaders today. Here it is:
"_______(name), I can always can count on you to_______(smile at our Guests) and I appreciate that so much. then, PAUSE and let it sink in, then ask "Can I get you to do just one more little thing for me?" wait for the head-shake and share what's needed. "Remember to keep the line moving if it backs up."
This is also a great life skill for the people in our lives. Let's keep encouraging others by linking their whatevers to what they can be. Remember, we are changed little by little into His glory.
And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord,[who is] the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 Amplified Bible