Proverbs 18:21

The tongue has the power of life and death.

Bob sat across the table from me, newspaper covering all but the top of his forehead. He read aloud. “Full-time worship leader wanted.” Then he looked to me. “You can do that”, he said. That four-word phrase was literally responsible for launching my ministry career. Words are incredibly powerful. Today, make it a point to use yours to encourage. Ask God for wisdom and know that your words might just help someone find their way.

PSALM 138:1

I will give You thanks with all my heart!

As a kid, I remember listening to family go round the Thanksgiving dinner table stating what they were thankful for. My turn, I would nervously blurt something like “MASHED POTATOES!”. “Lame!” I thought, my turn spent and I wanted to say so much more. However, God knew what I WANTED to say. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “It’s  not a matter of words so much as a matter of heart”. Today, from a grateful heart, give thanks.

Ephesians 3:20

“Now glory be to God, who by His mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of — infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.”

Perhaps God has placed a dream on your heart. Apprehensive, even doubtful, you go for it. You stretch yourself beyond what you thought you were ever capable of. You lift more than you’ve ever lifted, only to fall short, stopped quickly in your tracks, dream unfulfilled. Remember the greatest good can often be met with the greatest adversity. Worship today by getting back up. Step out in faith. Trust God for details and go again.

Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)

Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant.
If they watch every cloud, they never harvest. 

I was eleven. Uncle Tim and I stood in the church hall as the last of the Sunday school kids took their seats. “Say, nephew”, he said. “When will you sing that song for us?” “Someday,” I replied. He smiled. “You know, someday never comes. How about now?” Realizing he was right, I sang the song. It’s true. “Someday” never comes. Worship today by seizing this time, this moment. and make a difference for Jesus.

Psalm 57:7

My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast.  I will sing and make music.

Sitting with a young composition student, I help him find his way as he places note after note, phrase after phrase, on the staff. He asks a question, I make a suggestion. He responds. I’m reminded: our lives are like compositions formed by choices we make, how we react to what happens around us, and our response to God as He gently nudges us to move forward or rethink. Pen ready? Make today’s composition amazing.

Psalm 139: 14

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.

Do you know that you are a result of God’s divine creation? Do you know how special you really are; how uniquely made; how gifted? Are you aware of how much potential you have; how much you can love; what you can do; who you can touch; what a difference you can make? Worship today by thanking God for how He has made you. Then use what He has given you to change the world.

Psalm 62:1

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.

The Colorado Rockies boast 53 peaks exceeding 14,000 feet. My wife and I have had the privilege of climbing a few. Staying focused on the goal has been vital to reaching each summit along with carefully choosing our steps. But more important than these; rest. Life can be very much like climbing a mountain. Worship today by staying focused on your goal and choosing your steps wisely. But above all, remember to rest in Jesus.

From Psalm 13

Throughout the Psalms, like a roller-coaster out of control, David rejoices in God’s presence and then a few phrases later, asks how much longer it will be until He remembers him again. Can you relate? When trials come, it’s easy for us to forget what “safe in the Savior’s arms” feels like. Worship today by trusting in His unfailing love. Remember what He’s already done for you and there you’ll find Him holding you close.

2 Chronicles 15:7

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.

Fred, after his first screen test, stood before an unimpressed crew. “I’m sorry,” the director said, “but you can’t sing, and you certainly can’t dance.” Those words, while disappointing, didn’t stop Mr. Fred Astaire from becoming one of the most famous singer/dancers in history. Opinions, while meant for good, can often be discouraging. Worship today by following your heart and what God has clearly placed before you. Trust Him for direction and never give up.

Isaiah 55:12
For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace.

It’s rare that we understand what God’s tomorrow for us looks like. Even when we catch only the fringes of His ways, He is the best! And when He seems to have withdrawn from us altogether, He is there and He promises us that “we will go out with joy and be led forth with peace.” As you worship today, be encouraged. God is for you and all of creation is shouting, “He is faithful!”