Thursday, April 30, 2020

30 Days of Praise - Day 30 - America and Our President



Father, I praise You for the United States of America.  You have abundantly "shed Your grace on us" as the song says.  We have been blessed beyond measure and much more than any other country in history.  I believe the Biblical principles on which we were founded have been our saving grace.

When we began as a country, the Bible was used as a basis for our laws.  Those cornerstones made a solid foundation that has endured until recently.  We have strayed from those guidelines.  No, we have thrown Your laws behind our backs as a country.  It happened gradually for a while, but over the last twenty years, we have been sliding with lightning speed into a great abyss.  You are our only hope now.  Unless we repent individually, and as a nation, we are doomed.

I have searched my heart and repented of all known sins and thank You for your loving forgiveness through Yeshua, our Messiah.  Now, I'm walking in Your commandments so that my prayers will not be hindered.  I'm interceding for my beloved country.  I'm praying for a revival of righteousness and justice.  I pray for people to return to obedience to Your laws and Your ways (Torah).  I beg Your mercy for the United States of America, but I know it will only happen as we are humbled through a holy fear of You, repentance for our sins, and obedience to Your Word.


I praise You for giving us a very unique president.  Donald J. Trump is a  man of principle,  a man who loves this country, and a man who is a relentless, mighty warrior.  He has worked tirelessly for the past four years to turn America around.  He's not perfect just as we all are not perfect.  But, he confesses openly his faith in You and is guiding us back to Your principles.  Because he is taking such a strong stand, he is being attacked viciously by the evil one.


We are in a spiritual war right now. A big, noisy battle is going on in our country and a silent war is going on in the spiritual realm.  We've been reminded many times by people in the know about this and told to put on our spiritual armor and to use our weapons of warfare*.


President Trump is fighting and we are fighting with him.  Every day, I pray for his safety and for him to be led in the path of righteousness and justice. Thank You for answering those prayers.   I believe he was born for such a time as this.  You are using him in many ways to save our country and our religious freedom in America, and I thank You for guiding him.

But, ultimately, our faith and our victory come from You, Father.  You deserve all the glory for what is happening and for the coming revival.  I praise You for the souls who will be saved and for the advancement of Your Kingdom.









* 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (KJV)

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ





 Ephesians 6:11-18 (KJV)
  
 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
  12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having
done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.


I  hope you'll leave a word of praise for our Heavenly Father in the comments below - even if it's just one word - Haleluyah!  Let's praise Him together every day during April.  
 Be sure to visit Day 1 to learn about my giveaway on May 1.   

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

30 Days of Praise Day 29 - Hope


*

Father, I praise You for hope.  You've been faithful to me since I was a little girl.  I often wonder how people function without knowing You and trusting You to work things out.

My trials and troubles have been many, and only one time did I lose hope.  I felt like You'd abandoned me because things didn't work out the way I wanted.  So, I decided not to talk to You anymore.  I will never forget the feeling I had when I didn't hear Your voice speaking to my heart.  It was horrible.  I felt lost and empty.

As I lay on my bed that night, I prayed for forgiveness and told You I never, ever wanted to go through not hearing Your voice again.

That night, You renewed my hope.  As time went on, things worked out much better than I ever dreamed they could.

I came out of that trial with a new perspective and the rock-solid belief that You will always work everything out for my good.  And You have ever since.  It's been twenty-five years and my hope is still in You.

Thank You for this comforting verse that I memorized over forty years ago:

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, 
to them who are the called according to his purpose.
(Romans 8:28  KJV)
~~~

I  hope you'll leave a word of praise for our Heavenly Father in the comments below - even if it's just one word - Haleluyah!  Let's praise Him together every day during April.  
 Be sure to visit Day 1 to learn about my giveaway on May 1.   

 I sometimes share my posts with these friends:


Tuesday, April 28, 2020

30Days of Praise Day 28 - Smiles



Father, I praise You for smiling faces.  I don't see as many now with people wearing masks to protect themselves from the coronavirus. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed seeing the expressions on faces when out and about.

I smile at people, but they don't smile back -- because they can't tell I'm smiling!!

So, thank You for these ideas You gave me today. I can raise my eyebrows, or wave, or just nod and say hello.  I can even paint or stitch a smile on my mask.  But the main thing is to connect!  Help me to reach out to the sad eyes until this pandemic ends.

I  hope you'll leave a word of praise for our Heavenly Father in the comments below - even if it's just one word - Haleluyah!  Let's praise Him together every day during April.  
 Be sure to visit Day 1 to learn about my giveaway on May 1.   

 I sometimes share my posts with these friends:




Monday, April 27, 2020

30 Days of Praise Day 27 - His Strength




Father, I praise You today for Your strength.  I know there are many who feel like they just can't make it through this quarantine.  People have lost jobs, some have experienced sicknes,s and even death, in their families.  The future looks grim when we hear the news talking about another long stay-at-home period.  Help us all to be patient and trust our president, and most of all, You.

Thank You for the lesson You taught me about how to turn to You when I feel like I can't go on.  That day taught me something no one can ever take away from me, and I praise You with my whole heart for your goodness and mercy and patience with me as I've learned this and many more wonderful things about You that no one can ever take away from me.

~~~

Dear Gail-Friends, I want to share this story with a prayer that it will help You if You don't already know this wonderful truth about our Heavenly Father.

Have you ever been so weary that you couldn't take another step?  Maybe you feel that way right now.  Take heart, dear one.  You will get through, and He will give you His strength to press on.  All you have to do is ask Him.  Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.

If you're bone-tired and spirit weary, I hope this song will minister to you, as it has me, many, many times. His Strength Is Perfect by Michael W. Smith

The song was introduced to me about five years ago.  My oldest daughter was in the hospital emergency room in critical condition.  I hadn't slept in almost twenty-four hours. While her husband arranged for her admittance,  I sat with my head back against the wall, wondering how I'd be able to hold my head up one minute longer.  All I could pray was, "God, help me hold on."

A security guard walked into the room and sat a radio on the small desk near my chair.  He turned it on and walked away. The song played softly, and it was as if my Heavenly Father wrapped His arms around me in a gentle hug.  As I listened to the words, I felt His strength flow into my tired body and exhausted spirit.  I was renewed, and able to continue for several more hours until my daughter was admitted.

I learned a valuable lesson through that hard experience.  I learned about His enabling strength.  It is great, and it's available when we ask Him.  I'm so thankful He taught me this.  As with every hard thing I've gone through in life, I know something about HIM that no one can ever take away from me.

Please let me know if you need prayer right now for anything.  I'll be blessed to pray for you, Gail-Friends.

I  hope you'll leave a word of praise for our Heavenly Father in the comments below - even if it's just one word - Haleluyah!  Let's praise Him together every day during April.  
 Be sure to visit Day 1 to learn about my giveaway on May 1.   

 I sometimes share my posts with these friends:

Sunday, April 26, 2020

30 Days of Praise Day 26 - Birds



I praise You, Father, for birds  - for their beauty, their songs, and for the spiritual lessons they've taught me.  And I thank You for the new bird that visited the backyard feeder this week.  When I saw that flash of bright red, I knew I'd never seen it before, so I ran for my camera.  I was able to get several shots over the next few days, and I identified it as a male rose-breasted grosbeak.  They migrate to the tropics from Canada and the northern states during the winter.  I guess this one was headed back home.

Over the week, I watched the new bird fight for turf with the local woodpecker.  The redhead told the grosbeak, "This is MY favorite spot, so get outta here!"  The new guy would have none of it and fought back.  The woodpecker finally gave up.  It was interesting!


When I enlarged the photos, I noticed a definite pattern on the back of the grosbeak.  I've noticed this in many birds and know that it is for protection. I looked closely and saw what looks like a mask or the face of a black and white cat.  Father, it amazes me how You care for the birds enough to design them with protection in their feathers. 

It made me think of how You protect us, Your children.  You created us with protection, too.  We have an immune system that protects us from sickness.  Fevers burn to destroy the infection.  Our skin protects us, too.  I'm thinking of how our skin is different in different parts of our bodies.  Around our eyes, it is very thin, while on our feet it is very thick.  Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made, and I praise You for that, and I thank You for protecting us from the current plague -  the coronavirus.

You said to "consider the birds", and I thank You for my new feathered friend, and for giving this bird nerd another "bird blessing".

~~~
Dear Gail-Friends, I have a treat for you.  Here's a video of a male rose-breasted grosbeak for your enjoyment.  If you love birds like I do, you'll want to bookmark this website:  www.allaboutbirds.org

~~~~

 I hope you'll leave a word of praise for our Heavenly Father in the comments below - even if it's just one word - Haleluyah!  Let's praise Him together every day during April.  
 Be sure to visit Day 1 to learn about my giveaway on May 1.   

 I sometimes share my posts with these friends: 



Saturday, April 25, 2020

30 Days of Praise Day 25 - Laughter



This always makes me laugh


Father, I praise You for laughter. And I praise You and thank you for my husband who makes me laugh every day.  I vote him for the Best Person to Be Quarantined With Award.  Thank You that He wakes up every morning in a happy mood.  I've never known anybody who just thinks of jokes all day long, but that's what he does. Thank you for giving me my own personal rabbi AND my own personal comedian.*


I praise You for the internet, too.  I love watching cat and puppy videos, and finding things that make me smile or laugh out loud.  Laughter is good in times like these and here are some You've brought my way lately.





 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.(Proverbs 17:22)
~~~

*Dear Gail-Friends:  I have to share some of the funny things he says and does.

He has a huge collection of hats - one for every occasion! Some have quotations that come with them.  Like his British pith helmet.  He wears that one for British events.  He strikes a pose, looks off into the distance, and quotes Rudyard Kipling, "In the Inja climes where I spent me times a'ssoldiering for her Majesty the Queen.  The bravest wog what I ever knew was the beastie, Gunga Din."   I crack up!

Here he is with his Samurai warrior helmet (and a Dollar Tree sword).  I joke that we use it as a salad bowl when he's not wearing it.  He brings this one out when he watches movies about Japan.

Image may contain: Jem Golden
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I could go on and on about his shenanigans, but I'll just point you to other posts about him and other people that make me laugh.  Just click HERE

~~~
 I hope you'll leave a word of praise for our Heavenly Father in the comments below - even if it's just one word - Haleluyah!  Let's praise Him together every day during April.  
 Be sure to visit Day 1 to learn about my giveaway on May 1.   

 I sometimes share my posts with these friends: 








Friday, April 24, 2020

30 days of Praise - Day 24 - Family

*


Father, I praise You for my GREAT BIG family.  I've been blessed with hundreds of family members.  I had fifty-two aunts and uncles**, and countless cousins. (Well, I could count them, but I don't have time right now.) I thank You for the closeness we enjoyed over the years even though we haven't always lived near each other.  We had many wonderful family reunions and countless visits together.  I praise You that I still have one uncle (on Daddy's side) and one aunt (on Mama's side) still living.  Talking with my uncle is almost like talking with my daddy - such a blessing. 


These are just a few of my great BIG family at a reunion in 2016

I praise You for my own two daughters and their husbands, and my grandson.  Oh, the JOY they all have brought to my life.  Being a grandmother has taught me a whole new level of love and I praise You that I've been able to experience it.  Thank You that we got to spend time with them this past week.  We had a picnic in the park and then watched the rocket launch.

my all-time favorite pic of our grandson -- he's almost eleven now!
I praise You for my dear husband, my soul-mate that I found late in life.  So far, we've enjoyed a precious fourteen happy years of marriage.  I'm especially thankful for this because I never ever planned to marry again after two divorces.  But You had other plans and brought us together after forty years of separation.*** You knew we were meant for each other back then, but we had to have some rough edges smoothed out in the meantime.  We're so grateful to be together.
Our wedding day

And I praise You for our mishpocha at the synagogue.  We are a loving, caring family and I sure do miss them.  We're praying for this quarantine to end soon so that we can be together again.

our synagogue family a few years back - at Yom Kippur
 ~~~
*I don't have a source for this graphic.

** Dear Gail-Friends, you're probably thinking I added wrong, but I sure didn't.  My daddy had thirteen siblings, and my mama did, too.  So, thirteen plus a spouse for each is twenty-six.  Multiply that by two and you have fifty-two aunts and uncles.  Wow - right?

*** We dated when I was in high school.

I hope you'll leave a word of praise for our Heavenly Father in the comments below - even if it's just one word - Haleluyah!  Let's praise Him together every day during April.  
 Be sure to visit Day 1 to learn about my giveaway on May 1.   

 I sometimes share my posts with these friends: 


Thursday, April 23, 2020

30 Days of Praise Day 23 - Freedom



Father, I praise You for freedom.  This pandemic has made me aware of so many things I took for granted.  I miss going shopping on a whim. Visiting with neighbors and family.  Hugs - oh, how I miss hugging a friend or loved one when we meet or part. Going out to lunch or dinner.  Walking on the beach. Taking a vacation.  I especially miss worshipping with mishpocha at the synagogue.

Every year when we celebrate Passover, we're reminded of our freedoms as we remember the escape of Israelites from Egypt's slavery.  This year has accentuated that and made me more thankful for our freedoms in America.  We value it highly and are not content to be contained indeterminably.  I praise You for giving us a president for such a time as this.  He understands our desire to be free and he's working toward that end.  God bless him for working so hard to find solutions and encourage us with hope.  Guide him with Your might to walk in the path of righteousness and justice.

* I don't have a source for this graphic



I hope you'll leave a word of praise for our Heavenly Father in the comments below - even if it's just one word - Haleluyah!  Let's praise Him together every day during April.  
 Be sure to visit Day 1 to learn about my giveaway on May 1.   

 I sometimes share my posts with these friends: 

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

30 Days of Praise Day 22 - Peace


*
 
Father, I praise You for the peace You've brought to my life . . . especially during this pandemic. I haven't always been peaceful.  I used to worry, fret, and be anxious about many things.  Your Word has taught me to cast my cares on You and trust You to work things out -- in Your time and in Your way. 

I prize peace above all.  In my mind.  In my home. In my relationships.  Thank You for teaching me over the years how to achieve that peace.

Praise is a big part of it.  When something comes up that steals my peace, I've learned to turn to Your Word for comfort and guidance.  I've learned to accept the things I can't change and to change the things I can.  Your guidance shows me how to do that.  Then I praise You for the knowledge that You are in control and You will guide me through a problem.

I thank You for this wonderful passage from Philippians 4:4-8

 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.


**

* I don't have a source for this graphic
** graphic used by permission from MiYah Music on Facebook


I hope you'll leave a word of praise for our Heavenly Father in the comments below - even if it's just one word - Haleluyah!  Let's praise Him together every day during April.  
 Be sure to visit Day 1 to learn about my giveaway on May 1.   



Tuesday, April 21, 2020

30 Days of Praise Day 21 - The Power of Praise


Father, thank You for showing me the power of praise.  You taught me that when I feel down, heavy-laden, or low, I can lift my spirits by praising You.  It works so well, but I have to be reminded of it sometimes. . . especially if I listen to the news.   I praise You for showing me this passage in Isaiah 61:3

 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 trees of righteousness,
 the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.


Playing praise music, singing, dancing, raising my hands, waving flags and banners are all things I do at home and at our synagogue to defeat the "spirit" of heaviness.  You've shown me that those low feelings are attacks of the enemy.  My weapon is "the garment" of praise.  I have to pick it up and put it on. That garment of praise can be as simple as saying, "Haleluyah!"   You taught me to put post-it-notes around my house to remind me of this promise.

So, during this pandemic/quarantine, I've chosen to praise You.  It's not hard to do when I look around me and begin to count the overwhelming blessings You shower on us all.  You deserve all praise - more than this world full of people could ever give.  Haleluyah!

I hope you'll leave a word of praise for our Heavenly Father in the comments below - even if it's just one word - Haleluyah!  Let's praise Him together every day during April.  
 Be sure to visit Day 1 to learn about my giveaway on May 1.   




Monday, April 20, 2020

30 Days of Praise Day 20 - Stillness


Father, I praise You for this time of stillness during the coronavirus quarantine. Being still has been a blessing in so many ways.  I've had some sweet times on my porch and in my prayer place.  Your Word has been an encouragement and You've shown me things no one can take away from me.

I've had phone calls with friends and family that I haven't talked to in ages.  Ordinarily, I'm too busy for long conversations.  Thank You for this blessing, Father.

I praise You for my dear, wonderful husband.  I couldn't have a better companion for this quarantine.  He makes me laugh every day, and we've enjoyed being together - taking rides, watching birds, and puttering in the garden.  We've done things we're usually too busy to do.  Having this time of stillness has given us more sweet prayer times together, too.  I've enjoyed riding in the car, listening to music, and giving You praise for the blessings in our lives.

Thank You for giving us this sweet time of stillness together and with You.



I hope you'll leave a word of praise for our Heavenly Father in the comments below - even if it's just one word - Haleluyah!  Let's praise Him together every day during April.  
 Be sure to visit Day 1 to learn about my giveaway on May 1.   




Sunday, April 19, 2020

30 Days of Praise Day 19 - Health

**

Father, I praise You that I can see . . . and hear . . . and walk . . . and talk . . . and think . . . and that I have strength.  Oh, Father, I don't take it for granted.  It all comes by Your hand.  Thank You for my life!!!  I've lived to be an old woman and I praise You for my body that works . . . and my mind that is strong.  I just want to give You glory!  Haleluyah!

Thank You for doctors . . . and medicines, both healing drugs and healing plants . . . all healing comes by your mercy.  Thank You for doctors and surgeries . . . treatments and hospitals . . . these are from your grace, too.  One of Your names is Rapha (Healer).  It's who You are.

Father, I pray You will heal the people affected by this coronavirus - and destroy this plague.  Heal people and heal our world.  Restore us to complete health, mentally, physically and spiritually.  The world needs healing and You are the Healer.  I pray people will be pressed into You, and bow the knee to You, and recognize that all blessings flow from Your power.  I pray for a revival . . . a healing revival.


** I don't know the source for this graphic.

I hope you'll leave a word of praise for our Heavenly Father in the comments below - even if it's just one word - Haleluyah!  Let's praise Him together every day during April.  
 Be sure to visit Day 1 to learn about my giveaway on May 1.   


**I do not know the source for this graphic



Saturday, April 18, 2020

30 Days of Praise Day 18 - Guidance



**


Father, I praise You for Your guidance.  It's one of our most precious promises as believers.  When I acknowledge You - seek Your Word and Your Will - be still and listen to You, You always show me what to do.  The ability to hear Your voice didn't happen overnight.   Studying Your Word helped me learn Your will and Your ways.  You always lead me in the paths of righteousness.  Of that, I am most sure.  I thank You for these promises about Your guidance:


He guides me in paths of righteousness
    for His Name’s sake.
(Psalm 23:3  TLV)

Seek His will in all you do, 
and He will show you which path to take.
(Proverbs 3:6  NLT) 

My son, obey your father’s command,
and don’t abandon your mother’s teaching.  
Bind them always on your heart,
tie them around your neck. 
When you walk, they will lead you;
when you lie down, they will watch over you;
and when you wake up, they will talk with you.  
For the mitzvah is a lamp, Torah is light,
and reproofs that discipline are the way to life.
(Proverbs 6:20-23 CJB)


I hope you'll leave a word of praise for our Heavenly Father in the comments below - even if it's just one word - Haleluyah!  Let's praise Him together every day during April.  
 Be sure to visit Day 1 to learn about my giveaway on May 1.   


**I do not know the source for this graphic



Friday, April 17, 2020

30 Days of Praise Day 17 - My Wealth




I am RICH! FILTHY RICH ! Blessed so abundantly that I sometimes weep for JOY at the blessings HE has poured out on my life! HALLELUYAH!  Thank You, Father, that my wealth is not in my bank account, houses, or land, or my stock portfolio.  My wealth is in YOU!  You are my source - for EVERYTHING I need.  I praise You for the lesson You taught me when I lost everything.
~~~
I used to think my job was my source - but a series of events taught me differently.  I had to have an operation and couldn't work for eight weeks.  When I went back to work, I was told they were hiring my "friend" I'd brought in to take my place while I recovered from surgery.   Along with this, before the surgery, my husband had divorced me, and I had to move out of my beautiful home.  So, I lost my husband, my health, then my job, and then my home. That was when I learned how rich I was/am.

After the surgery, I was in so much pain.  All I could do was lie in bed and pray.  My mother came for a week to help me,  then my daughter, Amanda, took over and our church friends brought meals.  I call them all my ministering angels, sent from God.

When I went to the divorce court ( a week after surgery, in a wheelchair), the judge ruled my ex-husband had to pay me a lump sum of money.  That was just enough to pay my expenses for eight weeks while I was recovering from surgery.  While I was recovering, I also received unexpected money from totally unexpected sources.

When I told my landlord my situation, I received a dramatic reduction in monthly house payments and was able to stay in the house for a few more months.

On the day I returned to work, I was told they no longer needed me.  I applied for another job that same day and was hired immediately.
 
Can I get a Haleluyah?!!!  As you can see, my faithful God met every need during this trial, and I give him all the praise and glory!

All of this taught me that my loving Heavenly Father was my source.  All I need comes by His gracious hands.  I could tell you many other stories of how He's provided for me, not just money, but so much more.  He can make a way where there seems to be no way.  I have to shout HALELUYAH every time I think about all He's done for me.

So, if you are wondering how you will make it through this pandemic because you've lost your job...or maybe you haven't received your stimulus check (like me) . . .  turn to God.  Pray about it.  Trust Him to help you.  He loves His children and promised to meet their needs.  Here's His wonder-full promise:
Moreover, my God will fill every need of yours 
according to his glorious wealth, 
in union with the Messiah Yeshua.  
(Phillippians 4:19 CJB)

If you don't know Him - you can.  Here's how:
Repent -- turn away from your sins (following your own will and ways).
Accept Yeshua (Jesus) as the payment for those sins.
Believe and receive His gift of forgiveness.
Turn your will and your life over to God and make a decision to follow Him and His ways going forward.  
Read the Bible and talk to Him daily.
Listen to Him speaking to you as you read and pray. 


I pray for you, dear Gail-Friends, to know how much He loves you and desires to bless you.  He will help you through this pandemic trial and you will learn things about Him that no one can ever take away from you.


I hope you'll leave a word of praise for our Heavenly Father in the comments below - even if it's just one word - Haleluyah!  Let's praise Him together every day during April.  
 Be sure to visit Day 1 to learn about my giveaway on May 1.