Sermon Illustrations on Adoration

Reflections: Running Dry

John 4:20

RUNNING DRY

I believe that if we are to be and to do for others what God means us to be

and to do, we must not let Adoration and Worship slip into second place, "For

it is the central service asked by God of human souls; and its neglect is

responsible for much lack of spiritual depth and power."

Perhaps we may find here the reason why we so often run dry. We do not give

time enough to what makes for depth, and so we are shallow; a wind, quite a

little wind, can ruffle our surface; a little hot sun, and all the moisture

in us evaporates. It should not be so.

-Amy Carmichael in "Edges of His Ways"

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*

I went to a George W. Bush rally last week, just a few days before the election. Tens of thousands of people gathered outside cheering, waving signs, wearing buttons. Secret Service men were everywhere talking into their ear pieces, scanning the crowd. There was an energy in the air as Bush spoke, but more than that, there was hope.

After the rally, crowds gathered waiting to get a glimpse, a hand shake, a photo of the big “W.” I was one of the groupies. I stood there for 45 minutes hoping he'd come by. Snipers stood on the roof of an adjacent building while local police patrolled the area. We waited patiently until he snuck out the back door in a black Suburban, waving through a half-open window. A dejected crowd walked away, dragging their Bush/Cheney signs.

As I stood amidst the throng of people, I realized this praise and adoration was for one man, who they hoped, possibly prayed, would be the next president of the United States. (And as I write this, we still don't know who won.) I don't know what one man can do for our country, but I know he can't save our souls.

So I was thinking, how many rallies do we hold for Jesus? Here is a God who became a man to save us from our sins. But how often do we put on a “Jesus Christ Saves” button? Do we have signs in our yard that say “Vote God, Jesus & Holy Spirit as Lord of Your Life?”

Now, I might be going off the deep end. But at Bush's rally I felt like I was a love-struck rock star fan waiting for the lead singer to give me his autograph. We give praise and adoration to singers, athletes, Hollywood stars and politicians. Where's the praise for God?

Looking through Psalms, I see how King David praised God in all circumstances, good or bad. “Praise be to the Lord” is said numerous times. He cried out to God, he thanked God, but mostly he pursued God, seeking the safe haven of his loving arms. David experienced daily the power, love and grace of our Savior. And God wants us to follow that same path of praise into his warm embrace.

Sure I was bummed I didn't get to shake Bush's hand, but it's not the end of the world. Thankfully, my salvation doesn't hinge on anybody's ability to run the country.

It's fun to have heroes, but they're just people, just like the rest of us. Our best praise should be reserved for the only God who cared enough to save us.

____________

==================

Version in sermon:

From a Campus Life magazine article by “Autumn”:

She went to a George W. Bush rally just a few days before the end of the 2000 election. Tens of thousands of people gathered outside cheering, waving signs, wearing buttons. Secret Service men were everywhere talking into their earpieces, scanning the crowd. There was an energy in the air as Bush spoke.

After the rally, crowds gathered waiting to get a glimpse, a handshake, a photo of the big “W.” Autumn was one of the groupies. She stood there for 45 minutes hoping he'd come by. They waited patiently until he sneaked out the back door in a black Suburban, waving through a half-open window. A dejected crowd walked away, dragging their Bush/Cheney signs.

As Autumn stood amidst the throng of people, she realized this praise and adoration was for one man, who they hoped, possibly prayed, would be the next president of the United States. She didn't know what one man can do for our country, but Autumn knew he couldn't save their souls.

So she began thinking, how many rallies do we hold for Jesus? Here is a God who became a man to save us from our sins. But how often do we put on a “Jesus Christ Saves” button? Do we have signs in our yard that say “Vote God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit as Lord of Your Life”? We give praise and adoration to singers, athletes, Hollywood stars and politicians. Where's the praise for God?

*

[Original illustration at this number was a duplicate of HolwickID #13476]

My Jesus, I Love Thee

Mark 15:17

1. My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine—

For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;

My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art Thou;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now.

2. I love Thee because Thou has first lovèd me

And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;

I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow:

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now.

3. I’ll love Thee in life, I will love thee in death,

And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;

And say when the death-dew lies cold on my brow,

“If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now.”

4. In mansions of glory and endless delight,

I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;

I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow,

“If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now.”

[Tune “Gordon”]

*

Fairest Lord Jesus

1. Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature,

O thou of God and man the Son,

Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,

Thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.

2. Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,

Robed in the blooming garb of spring:

Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer

Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

3. Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight,

And all the twinkling starry host:

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer

Than all the angels heaven can boast.

4. Beautiful Saviour! Lord of all the nations!

Son of God and Son of Man!

Glory and honor, praise, adoration,

Now and forevermore be Thine!

[Tune “Crusaders’ Hymn”]

*

My Saviour's Love

Luke 22:42

1. I stand amazed in the presence

Of Jesus the Nazarene,

And wonder how he could love me,

A sinner, condemned, unclean.

Chorus

How marvelous! How wonderful!

And my song shall ever be:

How marvelous! How wonderful

Is my Saviour’s love for me!

2. For me it was in the garden

He prayed: “Not my will, but thine.”

He had no tears for his own griefs,

But sweat drops of blood for mine.

3. In pity angels beheld him,

And came from the world of light

To comfort him in the sorrows

He bore for my soul that night.

4. He took my sins and my sorrows,

He made them his very own;

He bore the burden to Calvary,

And suffered and died alone.

5. When with the ransomed in glory

His face I at last shall see,

‘Twill be my joy through the ages

To sing of his love for me.

*

We Will Glorify

1. We will glorify the King of kings,

we will glorify the Lamb;

We will glorify the Lord of lords,

who is the great "I AM"

2. Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty,

we will bow before His throne;

We will worship Him in righteousness,

we will worship Him alone.

3. He is the Lord of heaven, Lord of earth,

He is the Lord of all who live;

He is Lord above the universe,

all praise to Him we give.

4. Hallelujah to the King of kings,

Hallelujah to the Lamb;

Hallelujah to the Lord of lords,

who is the great "I AM"

*

Thy Loving Kindness

1. Thy loving kindness is better than life,

Thy loving kindness is better than life;

My lips shall praise Thee,

Thus will I bless Thee,

I will lift up my hands unto Thy name.

2. I lift my hands up unto Thy name,

I lift my hands up unto Thy name;

My lips shall praise Thee,

Thus will I bless Thee,

I will lift up my hands unto Thy name.

More Precious Than Silver

Lord, You are more precious than silver,

Lord, You are more costly than gold.

Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds,

And nothing I desire compares with You.

*

O Lord, You're Beautiful

O Lord, You're beautiful,

Your face is all I seek.

For when Your eyes are on this child,

Your grace abounds to me.

*

A Perfect Heart

Bless the Lord,

who reigns in beauty;

Bless the Lord,

who reigns in wisdom and with pow'r;

Bless the Lord,

who reigns my life with so much love;

He can make

a perfect heart.

*

Almighty King

1. I bow my knees, I bow my heart,

I bow my life before Thy throne

I lift my hands, I lift my eyes,

I lift my voice to Thee in song.

Chorus

O mighty King, almighty King,

I pledge my loyalty to the highest royalty,

O mighty King, almighty King.

I surrender all of me to Thy full authority.

Almighty King.

2. I give my praise, I give my love,

I give my soul and vow to serve.

I'll take Thy Word, I'll take Thy will,

I'll take Thy Name, to all the earth.

Exalted

Exalted!

You will ever be exalted!

You are worthy of honour and praise!

Adore You!

I will ever stand before You

to worship and praise You

all my days!

*

We Have Come Into His House

1. We have come into His house

and gathered in His name to worship Him.

We have come into His house

and gathered in His name to worship Him.

We have come into His house

and gathered in His name

to worship Christ the Lord.

Worship Him, Jesus Christ the Lord.

2. Let's forget about ourselves

and magnify the Lord, and praise His name.

Let's forget about ourselves

and magnify the Lord, and praise His name.

Let's forget about ourselves

and magnify the Lord,

and praise His holy name.

Worship Him, Jesus Christ the Lord.

3. Let us lift up our voices

and praise His holy name, He's coming soon.

Let us lift up our voices

and praise His holy name, He's coming soon.

Let us lift up our voices

and praise His holy name,

and worship Christ the Lord.

Worship Him, Jesus Christ the Lord.

*

We Worship and Adore Thee

We worship and adore Thee,

bowing down before Thee,

Songs of praises singing,

Hallelujahs ringing,

Hallelujah, Hallelujah,

Hallelujah, Amen!

*

Majesty

Majesty, worship His majesty,

Unto Jesus be all

glory, power and praise.

Majesty, kingdom authority

flow from His throne

unto His own,

His anthem raise.

So exalt, lift up on high

the name of Jesus.

Magnify, come glorify

Christ Jesus, the King.

Majesty, worship His majesty.

Jesus, who died, now glorified,

King of all kings.

*

Open Our Eyes

John 12:21

Open our eyes, Lord,

we want to see Jesus,

to reach out and touch Him,

and say that we love Him.

Open our ears, Lord,

and help us to listen.

Open our eyes, Lord,

we want to see Jesus.

*

How Majestic Is Your Name

O Lord our Lord,

how majestic is Your name

in all the earth.

O Lord our Lord,

how majestic is Your name

in all the earth.

O Lord, we praise Your name.

O Lord, we magnify Your name,

Prince of Peace,

Mighty God,

O Lord God Almighty!

How I Love You

John 14:6

1. How I love You!

You are the One!

How I love You!

You are the One for me.

2. I was so lost,

But You showed the way,

‘Cause you are the Way.

I was so lost, but

You showed the way to me.

3. I was lied to,

But You told the truth,

‘Cause you are the Truth.

I was lied to, but

You showed the truth to me.

4. I was dying,

But You gave me life,

‘Cause You are the Life.

I was dying, and

You gave your life for me.

5. How I love You!

You are the One!

How I love You!

You are the One for me.

6. Hallelujah!

You are the One!

Hallelujah!

You are the One for me.

*

Isn't the Love of Jesus Something Wonderful (chorus)

1. There will never be a sweeter story–

Story of the Saviour’s love divine,

Love that brought Him from the realms of glory

Just to save a sinful soul like mine.

Chorus:

Isn’t the love of Jesus

something wonderful,

wonderful, wonderful;

Oh isn’t the love of Jesus

something wonderful!

Wonderful it is to me.

2. Boundless as the universe around me,

Reaching to the farthest soul away–

Saving, keeping love it was that found me,

That is why my heart can truly say:

3. Love beyond our human comprehending,

Love of God in Christ – how can it be!

This will be my theme and never ending,

Great redeeming love of Calvary

#16991

*

I Just Came To Praise the Lord

I just came to praise the Lord,

I just came to praise the Lord;

I just came to praise His holy name,

I just came to praise the Lord.

I just came to thank the Lord,

I just came to thank the Lord;

I just came to praise His holy name,

I just came to thank the Lord.

I just came to love the Lord,

I just came to love the Lord;

I just came to praise His holy name,

I just came to love the Lord.

*

Father, I Adore You

John 1:1

1. Father, I adore You,

Lay my life before You —

How I love You!

2. Jesus, I adore You,

Lay my life before You —

How I love You!

3. Spirit, I adore You,

Lay my life before You —

How I love You!

*

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

1. Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,

God of glory, Lord of love;

Hearts unfold like flow'rs before Thee,

Hail Thee as the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,

Drive the dark of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness,

Fill us with the light of day!

2. All Thy works with joy surround Thee,

Earth and heav'n reflect Thy rays,

Stars and angels sing around Thee,

Centre of unbroken praise.

Field and forest, vale and mountain,

Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,

Chanting bird and flowing fountain

Call us to rejoice in Thee.

3. Thou are giving and forgiving,

Ever blessing, ever blest,

Wellspring of the joy of living,

Ocean depth of happy rest!

Thou the Father, Christ our Brother–

All who live in love are Thine;

Teach us how to love each other,

Lift us to the joy divine.

4. Mortals, join the mighty chorus

Which the morning stars began;

Father-love is reigning o'er us,

Brother-love binds man to man.

Ever singing, march we onward,

Victors in the midst of strife;

Joyful music lifts us sun-ward

In the triumph song of life.

[Tune “Hymn to Joy”]

*

O Come, Let Us Adore Him

Luke 2:15

1. O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

Christ the Lord.

2. We'll praise His name forever,

We'll praise His name forever,

Christ the Lord.

3. We'll give Him all the glory,

We'll give Him all the glory,

Christ the Lord.

4. For He alone is worthy,

For He alone is worthy,

Christ the Lord.

[Tune “Adeste Fideles”]

*

I Am His and He Is Mine

1. Loved with everlasting love,

Led by grace that love to know:

Spirit, breathing from above,

Thou hast taught me it is so!

Oh this full and perfect peace,

Oh this transport all divine –

In a love which cannot cease,

I am His and He is mine;

In a love which cannot cease,

I am His and He is mine.

2. Heav'n above is softer blue,

Earth around a sweeter green:

Something lives in ev'ry hue

Christless eyes have never seen!

Birds with gladder songs o'erflow,

Flow'rs with deeper beauties shine

Since I know, as now I know,

I am His and He is mine;

Since I know, as now I know,

I am His and He is mine.

3. Things that once were wild alarms

Cannot now disturb my rest:

Closed in everlasting arms,

Pillowed on the loving breast!

Oh to lie forever here,

Doubt and care and self resign,

While He whispers in my ear –

I am His and He is mine;

While He whispers in my ear –

I am His and He is mine.

4. His forever, only His –

Who the Lord and me shall part?

Ah, with what a rest of bliss

Christ can fill the loving heart!

Heav'n and earth may fade and flee,

Firstborn light in gloom decline,

But while God and I shall be,

I am His and He is mine;

But while God and I shall be,

I am His and He is mine.

[Tune “Everlasting Love”]

*

Thou Art Worthy

1. Thou art worthy, Thou art worthy,

Thou art worthy, O Lord,

To receive glory, glory and honour,

Glory and honour and pow'r;

For Thou hast created,

Hast all things created,

Thou hast created all things,

And for Thy pleasure they are created:

Thou art worthy, O Lord!

2. Thou art worthy, Thou art worthy,

Thou art worthy, O Lamb,

To receive blessing, glory and honour,

And pow'r at the Father's right hand;

For Thou hast redeemed us,

Hast ransomed and cleaned us,

By Thy blood setting us free,

In white robes arrayed us, Kings and priests made us;

We are reigning in Thee!

[Verse 1: Pauline M. Mills; Verse 2: Tom Smail]

*

Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee

1. Jesus, the very thought of Thee

With sweetness fills my breast;

But sweeter far Thy face to see

And in Thy presence rest.

2. Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,

Nor can the mem'ry find

A sweeter sound than Thy blest name,

O Saviour of mankind.

3. O hope of ev'ry contrite heart,

O joy of all the meek,

To those who fall how kind Thou art!

How good to those who seek!

4. But what to those who find? Ah, this

Nor tongue nor pen can show —

The love of Jesus, what it is,

None but His loved ones know.

5. Jesus, our only joy be Thou,

As Thou our prize wilt be;

Jesus, be Thou our glory now

And through eternity.

[Tune “St Agnes”]

Holy, Holy

1. Holy, holy, holy, holy,

Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty;

And we lift our hearts before You

as a token of our love,

Holy, holy, holy, holy.

2. Gracious Father, gracious Father,

We’re so blest to be Your children,

gracious Father;

And we lift our heads before You

as a token of our love,

Gracious Father, gracious Father.

3. Precious Jesus, precious Jesus,

We’re so glad that You’ve redeemd us,

precious Jesus;

And we lift our hands before You

as a token of our love,

Precious Jesus, precious Jesus.

4. Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit,

Come and fill our hearts a new,

Holy Spirit;

And we lift our voice before You

as a token of our love,

Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit.

5. Hallelujah, Hallelujah,

Hallelujah, Hallelujah,

And we lift our hearts before You

as a token of our love,

Hallelujah, Hallelujah.

*

Jesus, I Am Resting

John 15:1

1. Jesus, I am resting, resting

In the joy of what Thou art;

I am finding out the greatness

Of Thy loving heart,

Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,

And Thy beauty fills my soul,

For by Thy transforming power

Thou hast made me whole.

2. Oh, how great Thy loving-kindness,

Vaster, broader than the sea!

Oh, how marvellous Thy goodness,

Lavished all on me!

Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,

Know what wealth of grace is Thine,

Know Thy certainty of promise,

And have made it mine.

3. Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,

I behold Thee as Thou art,

And Thy love, so pure, changeless,

Satisfies my heart –

Satisfies its deepest longings,

Meets, supplies its ev’ry need,

Compasseth me round with blessings:

Thine is love indeed!

4. Ever lift Thy face upon me

As I work and wait for Thee;

Resting ’neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,

Earth’s dark shadows flee.

Brightness of my Father’s glory,

Sunshine of my Father’s face,

Keep me ever trusting, resting,

Fill me with Thy grace.

Coda: Jesus, I am resting, resting

In the joy of what Thou art;

I am finding out the greatness

Of Thy loving heart.

[Tune: “Tranquility”]

*

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded (plus History)

Mark 15:17

1. O sacred Head, now wounded,

With grief and shame weighed down,

Now scornfully surrounded

With thorns, Thy only crown,

How art Thou pale with anguish,

With sore abuse and scorn!

How does that visage languish

Which one was bright as morn!

2. What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered

Was all for sinners' gain;

Mine, mine was the transgression,

But Thine the deadly pain.

Lo, here I fall, my Saviour!

`Tis I deserve Thy place;

Look on me with Thy favour,

Vouchsafe to me Thy grace.

3. What language shall I borrow

To thank Thee, dearest Friend,

For this Thy dying sorrow,

Thy pity without end?

O make me Thine forever!

And should I fainting be,

Lord, let me never, never

Outlive my love to Thee!

[Tune “Passion Chorale”]

In 1090, in the department of Bourgogne (Burgundy) in eastern France, near the border of Switzerland, was born one Bernard. His parents were of the Burgundian land-owning aristocracy, and he was one of five brothers and one sister. From his parents he learned a deep respect for mercy, justice and layal affection for others. Both parents were virtuous, taking seriously both faith and morals. His mother's influence on his life has been compared to that of Monica on her son Augustine.

At 22, he entered a monastery at Citeaux, and three years later was sent to found a monastery at Clairvaux. During his 63-year life he suffered ill-health, including hypertension, anemia and migraine. Nevertheless he was greatly influential in the 12th century church. He was characterized as loving godly wisdom, zealous against threats to the faith, and impulsive to accept things without properly evaluating them. Unfortunately he gave too great a status to the virgin Mary, but on the other hand had no problem with directly criticizing in a letter to Pope Innocent II. Probably sometime before 1130 he wrote this hymn in Latin.

In the early 1600’s this was translated into German by Paul Gerhardt and set to the music of Hans Leo Hassler who had lived a few years previously. Later, Johann Sebastian Bach harmonized this music. In the early to mid-1800’s it was further translated from the German into English by James W. Alexander.

Truly this hymn has stood the test of time!

[RGH; main source, Encyclopaedia Britannica]

*

O How I Love Jesus

1. There is a name I love to hear,

I love to sing its worth;

It sounds like music in my ear,

The sweetest name on earth.

Chorus

O how I love Jesus,

Because He first loved me!

2. It tells me of a Saviour’s love,

Who died to set me free;

It tells me of His precious blood,

The sinner’s perfect plea.

3. It tells me what my Father hath

In store for ev’ry day,

And, though I tread a darksome path,

Yields sunshine all the way.

4. It tells of One whose loving heart

Can feel my deepest woe;

Who in each sorrow bears a part

That none can bear below.

*

Limp Hands Or Loving Hearts

John 4:23

"Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God," begins the quote by Archbishop William Temple, which I have often recited.

The submission of all our nature to God. Do we understand this, let alone surrender to it? What an incredible statement! The submission of all our nature to God must encompass, as Temple reminds us, the conscience, the mind, the imagination, the heart, and the will. In short, worship is bringing all of ourselves in adoration to God. As the Psalm writer put it: Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name.

This type of worship does not come naturally to us as humans, does it? I don't know if you have ever taken the time to study Michelangelo's famous painting of God reaching out to Adam. It is such an interesting and telling picture. God's arm is outstretched. Every muscle on His face is contorted and the hand is reaching out as far as possible to make contact with man. One might assume that Adam is also struggling earnestly to touch God. Quite the contrary. Adam lackadaisically lets a limpish hand dangle with apathy in an attitude that seems to say, "If it meets, it meets." How well Adam's character reflects the contrasting inclinations of the heart. Certainly there are times - albeit few - when we realize our need for God and our absolute lostness without Him. But for the most part, we let a limp hand dangle at our side and do not even bother to lift it.

Jesus makes it clear that God is seeking worshippers. In his famous interaction with the woman at the well he said, "... the true worshippers ... worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks." In other words, God is seeking those who love Him with all that they are, with both their hearts and their minds. Author John Piper says it simply: "Strong affections for God rooted in truth are the bone and marrow of biblical worship."

May I ask you, friend, how is your worship? Are you worshipping with all that is within you, with deep affection, mindful of who God is? Let us paint ourselves into Michelangelo's picture and replace Adam's response to God with an arm outstretched toward Him, a heart full of love for Him and a mind full of His truth.

_________________________

*

Glorify Thy Name

1. Father, we love You,

We worship and adore You

Glorify Thy name in all the earth.

Glorify Thy name,

Glorify Thy name in all the earth.

2. Jesus, ...

3. Spirit, …

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Luke 1:32

Jesus,

name above all names,

beautiful Saviour,

glorious Lord.

Emmanuel,

God is with us,

blessed Redeemer,

Living Word.

*

Emmanuel

Emmanuel,

His name is called

Emmanuel.

God is with us,

revealed in us,

His name is called

Emmanuel.

*

I Love You, Lord

I love You, Lord,

and I lift my voice

to worship You,

O my soul rejoice.

Take joy, my King,

in what You hear,

May it be a sweet,

sweet sound in Your ear.

*

All Hail, King Jesus!

All hail, King Jesus!

All hail, Emmanuel.

King of kings,

Lord of lords,

Bright Morning Star!

And throughout eternity

I’ll sing Your praises;

And I’ll reign with You

throughout eternity.

*

Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus

Wonderful, wonderful Jesus,

Who can compare with Thee!

Wonderful, wonderful Jesus,

Fairer than all art Thou to me!

Wonderful, wonderful Jesus,

Oh how my soul loves Thee!

Fairer than all the fairest,

Jesus, art Thou to me!

At A Loss For Words In Prayer

Psalms 71:8

Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day. — Psalm 71:8 — read Psalm 71:1-8

As a pastor, a preacher, and now as a writer, Bob Hostetler has worked with words. He confesses, “I’m not often at a loss for words. I’ve always been able to hold up my end of a conversation without difficulty — except when it comes to prayer — and especially when I attempt to express my praise to God.”

Bob’s not alone. Many of us have trouble getting started with our praise to the Lord. One idea that might help is to anchor our praise to a Scripture passage that expresses an attribute of God, such as His holiness or His justice.

Here are a few of God’s attributes to help you get started in learning to praise Him:

·

• He is the one true and living God (Isa. 45:5).

• He is almighty, all-powerful, and faithful (Ps. 89:8).

• He is just and righteous (Rom. 3:26).

• He is our protector (Ps. 62:7).

• He is loving (1 Jn. 4:16).

I’m sure you can think of many Scripture passages that express attributes of our God. As you read the Bible each day, look for what it tells you about Him. Then I’m sure you’ll not be at a loss for words as you praise the Lord for who He is. — DCE

Give me a spirit of praise, dear Lord,

That I may adore Your name,

Sing praise from the depths of a grateful heart

To the One who is always the same. — Dawe

You can never praise God too much.

For God Is …

He is the First and Last,

the Beginning and the End!

He is the keeper of Creation

and the Creator of all!

He keeps the Architect of the universe

and the Manager of all times.

He always was, He always is,

and He always will be…

Unmoved, Unchanged,

Undefeated, and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!

He was pierced and eased pain!

He was persecuted and brought freedom!

He was dead and brought life!

He is risen and brings power!

He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can’t understand him,

The armies can’t defeat Him,

The schools can’t explain Him,

and the leaders can’t ignore Him.

Herod couldn’t kill Him,

The Pharisees couldn’t confuse Him,

and The people couldn’t hold Him!

Nero couldn’t crush Him,

Hitler couldn’t silence Him,

The New Age can’t replace Him,

and Donahue can’t explain Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.

He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.

He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.

His ways are right,

His word is eternal,

His will is unchanging,

and His mind is on me!

He is my Redeemer,

He is my Savior,

He is my Guide,

and He is my Peace!

He is my Joy,

He is my comfort,

He is my Lord,

and He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love,

His burden is light,

and His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,

the power of the powerful,

the ancient of days,

the ruler of rulers,

the leader of leaders,

the overseer of the overcomers,

and the sovereign Lord of all

that was and is and is to come.

And if that seems impressive to you,

try this for size.

His goal is a relationship with ME!

He will never leave me, never forsake me,

never mislead me, never forget me,

never overlook me,

and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!

When I fail, He forgives!

When I am weak, He is strong!

When I am lost, He is the way!

When I am afraid, He is my courage!

When I stumble, He steadies me!

When I am hurt, He heals me!

When I am broken, He mends me!

When I am blind, He leads me!

When I am hungry, He feeds me!

When I face trials, He is with me!

When I face persecution, He shields me!

When I face problems, He comforts me!

When I face loss, He provides for me!

When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody, everywhere,

every time, and every way.

He is God,

He is faithful.

I am His, and He is mine!

My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world. So, if

you’re wondering why I feel so secure, understand this…

He said it and that settles it.

God is in control,

I am on His side,

and that means all is well with my soul.

Everyday is a blessing — for GOD IS!

Fairest Lord Jesus

1. Fairest Lord Jesus! Ruler of all nature!

O Thou of God and man the Son!

Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honour,

Thou my soul's glory, joy and crown!

2. Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,

Robed in the blooming garb of spring;

Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,

Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

3. Fair is the sunshine, Fairer still the moonlight,

And all the twinkling starry host:

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer

Than all the angels heav’n can boast.

4. Beautiful Saviour! Lord of the nations!

Son of God and Son of Man!

Glory and honour, Praise, adorations

Now and forevermore be Thine!

[Tune “Crusaders’ Hymn”]

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No Satisfying Substitute

John 6:60

We come now to what is without question the topmost rung of the ladder which the psalmist began to ascend when he entered the sanctuary of God. Here, in view of his experience, he can do nothing but give himself to the adoration of God. This is what he says: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you” (Psalm 73:25). The inevitable consequence of working through our problems in the presence of God is that we worship Him.

Countless times I have seen people fall upon their knees at the end of a profitable counselling session and worship God. In fact, this is one of the great purposes of Christian counselling — to enlighten people about their spiritual resources and help free them to draw closer to God. The psalmist has found that there is no one in earth or heaven who can do for him what God has done. He has come to realise that when he plays truant with the Almighty there is simply no way in which he can make sense of life; that, as Othello put it: “Chaos is come again.”

Have you come to this same place in your own life? Can you say that you have seen through everything in this life and have come to the conclusion that nothing can satisfy you but God? Then you are in the happy position of the disciples who, pausing to consider how they could replace Jesus, said “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” They saw, as hopefully you have seen, that there is no satisfying substitute for Jesus.

PRAYER:

O Father, how can I ever be grateful enough for the realisation that no one can do for me what You can do? You are my centre and my circumference; I begin and end with You. May the wonder of it go deep within me today and every day. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:— Jer. 2:1-13; Isa. 55:1-3

1. What had the children of Israel done?

2. What did God offer them?

All That Thrills My Soul

1. Who can cheer the heart like Jesus,

By His presence all divine?

True and tender, pure and precious,

O how blest to call Him mine!

Chorus

All that thrills my soul is Jesus,

He is more than life to me;

And the fairest of ten thousand

In my blessed Lord I see.

2. Love of Christ so freely given,

Grace of God beyond degree,

Mercy higher than the heaven,

Deeper than the deepest sea!

3. Ev’ry need His hand supplying–

Ev’ry good in Him I see;

On His strength divine relying–

He is all in all to me.

4. By the crystal flowing river

With the ransomed I will sing,

And forever and forever

Praise and glorify the King.

Sole Desire

You’re the sole desire of my heart.

Still more ev’ry passing day,

As things of earth just fade away,

I come to know the joy of loving You.

You’re the sole desire of my heart.

Lord speak to me, I’m standing still,

I come to hear, reveal Your will,

I’ll listen to Your voice and then obey.

You’re the sole desire of my heart.

From Wounds To Worlds

Psalms 147:3

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. — Psalm 147:3. 4.

We must read these two verses without a break and feel the force of the contrast. From stars to sighs is a deep descent! From worlds to wounds is a distance which only infinite compassion can bridge. Yet He who acts a surgeon’s part with wounded hearts marshals the heavenly host and reads the muster-roll of the suns and their majestic systems. 0 Lord, it is good to praise Thee as ruling the stars, but it is pleasant to adore Thee as healing the broken in heart. — C. H. Spurgeon.

My Father cares for all things, the great things and the small:

There’s not a single sparrow unnoticed in its fall.

He shapes, and guides and governs things near, and those afar;

The pebble that I tread on, and the most distant star. — M. I. Reich.

Impulsive Power of Love

Ephesians 6:24

Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. — Ephesians 6:24.

Love to Christ smooths the path of duty, and wings the feet to travel it; it is the bow which impels the arrow of obedience; it is the mainspring moving the wheels of duty; it is the strong arm tugging the oar of diligence. -— Spurgeon.

We love Thee for the glorious worth

Which in Thyself we see:

We love Thee for the shameful cross

Endured so patiently. — Joseph Stennet.

Starting With A Hug

What does a cat have when it comes out of a litter box? — Sandy Claws. Ugh!

We have a cat who came to us as a stray, but we believe he must have had a good home because he is very loving. He has a peculiar but nice habit. When we give him breakfast, even though he is hungry, he won’t eat until you hold him and love him. He actually puts his arms around your neck and hugs you. Hey guys, wouldn’t that be a good way to start your day — with your wife, not the cat! It may make a difference in both of your days.

Someone is looking over your shoulder. As I write this, the kitty is lying next to the keyboard and watching me type. He watches my every move and then falls asleep. Actually someone is looking over our shoulder. His name is God. He does watch our every move, but He doesn’t fall asleep. He dotes over us like the loving Father He is. Yes, He sees enough of our flaws that we should be concerned over being the person He would like us to be. But, don’t let that make you walk around all day with your head held low constantly fretting about whether you are doing OK. Wanting to please God should be a way of life for us, not a dread.

The Psalmist says in 4:8 (niv), “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” That’s very reassuring and can be said by any one of us if we do our best to be faithful to Him.

Impulsive Power of Love

Ephesians 6:24

Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. — Ephesians 6:24.

Love to Christ smooths the path of duty, and wings the feet to travel it; it is the bow which impels the arrow of obedience; it is the mainspring moving the wheels of duty; it is the strong arm tugging the oar of diligence. -— Spurgeon.

We love Thee for the glorious worth

Which in Thyself we see:

We love Thee for the shameful cross

Endured so patiently. — Joseph Stennet.

Limp Hands Or Loving Hearts

John 4:23

"Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God," begins the quote by Archbishop William Temple, which I have often recited.

The submission of all our nature to God. Do we understand this, let alone surrender to it? What an incredible statement! The submission of all our nature to God must encompass, as Temple reminds us, the conscience, the mind, the imagination, the heart, and the will. In short, worship is bringing all of ourselves in adoration to God. As the Psalm writer put it: Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name.

This type of worship does not come naturally to us as humans, does it? I don't know if you have ever taken the time to study Michelangelo's famous painting of God reaching out to Adam. It is such an interesting and telling picture. God's arm is outstretched. Every muscle on His face is contorted and the hand is reaching out as far as possible to make contact with man. One might assume that Adam is also struggling earnestly to touch God. Quite the contrary. Adam lackadaisically lets a limpish hand dangle with apathy in an attitude that seems to say, "If it meets, it meets." How well Adam's character reflects the contrasting inclinations of the heart. Certainly there are times - albeit few - when we realize our need for God and our absolute lostness without Him. But for the most part, we let a limp hand dangle at our side and do not even bother to lift it.

Jesus makes it clear that God is seeking worshippers. In his famous interaction with the woman at the well he said, "... the true worshippers ... worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks." In other words, God is seeking those who love Him with all that they are, with both their hearts and their minds. Author John Piper says it simply: "Strong affections for God rooted in truth are the bone and marrow of biblical worship."

May I ask you, friend, how is your worship? Are you worshipping with all that is within you, with deep affection, mindful of who God is? Let us paint ourselves into Michelangelo's picture and replace Adam's response to God with an arm outstretched toward Him, a heart full of love for Him and a mind full of His truth.

_________________________

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Starting With A Hug

What does a cat have when it comes out of a litter box? — Sandy Claws. Ugh!

We have a cat who came to us as a stray, but we believe he must have had a good home because he is very loving. He has a peculiar but nice habit. When we give him breakfast, even though he is hungry, he won’t eat until you hold him and love him. He actually puts his arms around your neck and hugs you. Hey guys, wouldn’t that be a good way to start your day — with your wife, not the cat! It may make a difference in both of your days.

Someone is looking over your shoulder. As I write this, the kitty is lying next to the keyboard and watching me type. He watches my every move and then falls asleep. Actually someone is looking over our shoulder. His name is God. He does watch our every move, but He doesn’t fall asleep. He dotes over us like the loving Father He is. Yes, He sees enough of our flaws that we should be concerned over being the person He would like us to be. But, don’t let that make you walk around all day with your head held low constantly fretting about whether you are doing OK. Wanting to please God should be a way of life for us, not a dread.

The Psalmist says in 4:8 (niv), “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” That’s very reassuring and can be said by any one of us if we do our best to be faithful to Him.

Jesus, I Am Resting

John 15:1

1. Jesus, I am resting, resting

In the joy of what Thou art;

I am finding out the greatness

Of Thy loving heart,

Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,

And Thy beauty fills my soul,

For by Thy transforming power

Thou hast made me whole.

2. Oh, how great Thy loving-kindness,

Vaster, broader than the sea!

Oh, how marvellous Thy goodness,

Lavished all on me!

Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,

Know what wealth of grace is Thine,

Know Thy certainty of promise,

And have made it mine.

3. Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,

I behold Thee as Thou art,

And Thy love, so pure, changeless,

Satisfies my heart –

Satisfies its deepest longings,

Meets, supplies its ev’ry need,

Compasseth me round with blessings:

Thine is love indeed!

4. Ever lift Thy face upon me

As I work and wait for Thee;

Resting ’neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,

Earth’s dark shadows flee.

Brightness of my Father’s glory,

Sunshine of my Father’s face,

Keep me ever trusting, resting,

Fill me with Thy grace.

Coda: Jesus, I am resting, resting

In the joy of what Thou art;

I am finding out the greatness

Of Thy loving heart.

[Tune: “Tranquility”]

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56 Sermon Illustrations on Adoration