THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS IS WORSHIP!

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Christmas is a time of joy and giving. Christians all over the world commemorate this occasion because "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son Jesus Christ that whosoever believes shall not perish but have everlasting life" - John 3:16 In our celebration, we proclaim the Good News with carols on the streets and we expressed God's love to the world with our gifts to the needy and the orphans. In the midst of all these activities, do you know that the spirit of Christmas is WORSHIP? All those who came to meet Jesus WORSHIPED... 

The Wise Men
"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." (Matthew 2:2)"On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh "

(Matthew 2:11 - note: worship before gifts)

The Angels

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men..." (Luke 2:13)

The Shepherds

"The shepherds returned, glorifying God for all the things they had heard and seen..." (Luke 2:20)

Simeon The Godly Man 

"... Simeon, who was a righteous and devout... Took Him in his arms and praised God..." (Luke 2:25-33)

The Prophetess Anna

"... She gave thanks to God..." (Luke 2:36-38)

We must remember Jesus not as a baby, but as our One and only LORD and SAVIOR - the greatest gift God has given to men. He gave His life for us. 

He suffered and died... His LOVE, His GRACE, His GLORY... The most precious gift men

have ever received - SALVATION! 

As we celebrate this year's Christmas, let us reserve the best gift for our Lord -WORSHIP. Right now join me in simple praise and worship from your heart and spirit... 

JESUS IS THE REASON for the season.

 CHRISTmas is all about CHRIST our SAVIOUR Who came to this world to save us (John 3:16) but the world has crossed & deleted the word CHRIST and replaced it with an "X" and called it Xmas

Blessed Christmas!

TPWC

#Christmas #Worship #Christ #Saviour #PrinceofPeace #TheWisemen #Angels #TheShepherds

THE PRAISE SERIES (PART 19) - PRAISING THE LORD IN HARD TIMES

Though the fig tree may not blossom,

Nor fruit be on the vines;

Though the labor of the olive may fail,

And the fields yield no food;

Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,

And there be no herd in the stalls—

18 

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

I will joy in the God of my salvation

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NKJV)

The verse in context shows that there were those who were complaining that God wasn't acting quickly enough. Habakkuk didn't understand either - he had questions and doubts. But though he began with complaint, he ended with rejoicing. Chapter 1:2 (NKJV) says, "O LORD, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear?" But at the end of the book Habakkuk says, "The LORD God is my strength;He will make my feet like deer’s feet,and He will make me walk on my high hills" (3:19 NKJV). He began by complaining and he ended by rejoicing. What happened between the beginning of the book of Habakkuk and the end? Some might say, "Obviously things must have changed." But did they? Look at chapter 3:17-18 (NKJV):"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines ... yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." The basis of complaining was still there. The very things Habakkuk had complained about - the fig tree wasn't blossoming, there was no fruit, no herd in the stalls - and yet he was rejoicing! He wasn't complaining now. What changed his mind?

We need to see the nature of Habakkuk's complaints:

1) He Complained about God's slowness:
"O Lord, how long shall I cry?" (1:2) Have you ever asked the question: why is God slow? One reason is that God sees the end from the beginning. Knowing how it's going to end up, He is in no hurry. Another reason is that time is on His side. The Bible says, "One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (2 Peter 3:8). God is in no hurry. He is patient.Very often we are glad that God is patient. Aren't there times when we thank Him for being slow to anger and rich in mercy? How would we like it if God stepped in the moment we sinned? The time comes later when we blush and say, "God, I am sorry. I was wrong."
And God says,"I knew you were wrong, but I knew you would eventually see it."
Then we say, "Thank you, Lord, for being so patient with me."

2) Habakkuk complained that God did nothing while injustice thrived:
"Why do You make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong?" (1:3) For a long time God didn't answer. He was in silent.

But then, at last, God stepped in. He told Habakkuk that He would send an evil nation, the Chaldeans, to destroy His people. There does come a time when God acts. One after another the prophets all hoped to see the coming of the Messiah, and eventually, after hundreds of years the Messiah came. As Paul put it:"When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, under the law" (Galations 4:4). 

In Chapter 2, there were three things that consoled Habakkuk:
a) He could see that God saw what he saw:
The Lord answered him and said, "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it." (2:2 NKJV). What a relief to know that God see!
And that is what God said to Moses: "I have surely seen the affliction of my people" (Exodus 3:7). Nothing is more consoling than to know that God sees.
b) Habakkuk knew that though full intervention might not come as soon as he wanted: 
it would nevertheless definitely come (2:3). There is an appointed time. Maybe it's a little longer than we want it to be, but wait for it, it will come. That knowledge gave Habakkuk a good feeling.
c) The understanding that God imputes righteousness to the man or woman who lives by God's faithfulness (2:4). 
There are many things we may not understand and don't know why He haven't stepped in sooner. But we are trusting Him ... We sense that behind the clouds the sun is shinning and God sees us. He says, "I like it when you trust me that way."At the end of the book of Habakkuk the prophet is a changed man. We see his confidence in the strength of the Lord. (3:17-19). Are you looking for the fig tree to give figs before you can praise the Lord? Are you waiting for everything to fit in before you start praising the Lord? If that is so, then turn in your badge now and give up. As Proverbs 24:10 says,"If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!" Here Habakkuk who still had all these complaints but yet said, "I will rejoice"

Nothing changed outwardly. The basis for Habakkuk's complaints was still there, the injustices were still there. Nothing happened to them, but a lot happened to him. Habakkuk was given grace to trace the rainbow through the rain. Habakkuk saw something we all need to see: that grace will always be there to keep us one step ahead of the enemy. At the beginning when he talked about the Babylonians, he said,"Their horses are swifter than leopards" (1:8), but now he says, "God will make my feet like the feet of a deer." (3:19). Whereas horse can run fast, a deer can climb to places a horse cannot reach. As Moses said, " ...your strength will equal your days." (Deuteronomy 33:25). Things may not get better around us - but a lot can happen to us - and that changes everything!

(An extract from Worshiping God - R.T. Kendall)

THE PRAISE SERIES (PART 18) - PRAISE HIM FOR THOSE "BLACK DOTS!"

It is good to praise the LORD and make music to 

Your Name, O Most High, proclaiming Your love in the 

Morning and Your faithfulness at night, to the music 

of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp" 

Psalm 92:1-3

No matter what the source of the evil, if you are in God and surrounded by Him as by an atmosphere, all evil has to pass through Him before it comes to you. Therefore you can thank and praise God for everything that comes, not for the sin of it, but for what God will bring out of it and through it. May God make our lives thanksgiving and perpetual praise, then He will make everything a blessing. We once saw a man draw some black dots. We looked and could make nothing of them but an irregular assemblage of black dots. Then he drew a few lines, put in a few rests, then a clef at the beginning, and we saw these black dots were musical notes. On sounding them we were singing: 

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow,

Praise Him all creatures here below.

Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost"

There are many black dots and black spots in our lives, and we cannot understand why they are there or why God permitted them to come. But if we let God come into our lives, and adjust the dots in the proper way, and draw the lines He wants, and separate this from that, and put in the rests at the proper places; out of the black dots and spots in our lives He will make a glorious harmony. Let us not hinder Him in this glorious work! - C. H. P. 

"Would we know that the major chords were sweet,

If there were no minor key?

Would the painter's work be fair to our eyes,

Without shade on land or sea?"

"Would we know the meaning of happiness,

Would we feel that the day was bright,

If we'd never known what it was to grieve,

Nor gazed on the dark of night?"

Many men owe the grandeur of their lives to their tremendous difficulties.- C.H. Spurgeon When the musician presses the black keys on the great organ, the music is as sweet as when he touches the white ones, but to get the capacity of the instrument he must touch them all.- Selected
(An extract from - Streams In The Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowan)

THE PRAISE SERIES (PART 17) - PRAISE: A HIGHER PERSPECTIVE

Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!

Revelation 19:6-7

Are you beaten down by circumstances? The best antidote to our depression and anxiety is surprising to many. But those who have put into practice the prescription of Scripture have found an amazing truth: Praising God lifts us above our trials and remind us how He overcomes them.

Why does that works? It's a matter of perspective. When we focus on the turmoil of life and the weakness of our flesh, we get discouraged. When we focus on the problems of the day and the people who seems to oppress us, we get intimidated. 

Our praise remind us of who God is. As we praise Him, the threats and burdens that weigh us down grow smaller and He grows bigger - at least in our own eyes. The thought of an exalted God who is entirely on our side is an awesome inspiration.

We don't find that perspective very often. We have subtly but persistently trained our minds to think negatively. We don't feel like praising God when the bills are overdue or our loved one is lying sick in the hospital. we don't even feel like praising Him when our lives have gotten mundane and we've become restless. Perhaps we mistakenly think our praise is based on how much power and love we've seen today. It isn't - or shouldn't be, at least. IT IS BASED ON WHO HE IS. AND HE IS WHO HE IS ALL THE TIME. For that we can praise Him. ALL THE TIME!

The more we praise Him, the more we see WHO HE IS and the more sincere our worship becomes. And our perspective jumps from one lowly, impossible place to the side of the God who reigns, both now and forever. Our praise opens our eyes to the truth of the situation:GOD RULES! 
An extract from : Worship The King by Chris Tiegreen
Have a blessed & victorious week!
TPWC

THE PRAISE SERIES (PART 16) - PRAISE HIM FOR THE VICTORY OVER OUR ENEMIES!

- PRAISE HIM - 

THE VICTORY YOU HAVE IN GOD 

OVER YOUR ENEMIES

Psalm 27:3 - Praise Him when an army comes against you

2Samuel 22:30 - Praise Him when you can overtake an entire troop

2 Chronicles 20:17 - Praise Him when He fights on your behalf

2 Chronicles 20:21 - Praise Him when you can defeat an overwhelming

Romans 8:31 - Praise Him when God is for you no one can stand against you

Psalm 7:6 - Praise Him when your enemies rage against you

Psalm 27:2-5 - Praise Him when your enemies come against you

Psalm 25:19 - when your enemies are many and are very cruel

Psalm 38: 19 - Praise Him when your enemies are multiplied and very strong

Psalm 69:4 - Praise Him when your enemies hate you without cause ...

Psalm 102:8 - Praise Him when your enemies speak against your all day long

Lamentation 3:52 -Praise Him when your enemies hunt 

you down without cause

1 Samuel 2:1 - Praise Him when you can smile at your enemies becuae of His salvation

Psalm 18:1-3 - Praise Him when you are delivered from your enemies

Psalm 9:3 - Praise Him when your enemies fall and perish at His presence

Psalm 18:3, 48 - Praise Him when you call on the Lord and are saved from your enemies

Psalm 23:5 - Praise Him when He prepares a table for you in the presence of your enemies

Psalm 25:2 - Praise Him when He will not allow your enemies to triump over you

Psalm 27:6 - Praise Him when He lifts your head above your enemies

Psalm 27:11 - Praise Him when He leads you on a smooth path in the face of your enemies

Psalm 41:2 - Praise Him when He stands against the will of your enemies

Psalm 119:98 - Praise Him when He makes you wiser than your enemies through His Word

Psalm 143:9 - Praise Him when He is a shelter from your enemies

Micah 7:8 - Praise Him when He lifts you and gives you light in the face of your enemies

2 Kings 17:39 - Praise Him when He delivers your from the hand of all your enemies

Zephaniah 3:14-15 - Praise Him when He turns back your enemies

Psalm 66:3 - Praise Him when His great power cause your enemies to cringe
(An extract from: The book - Praise Him - by Vivien Hibbert)

PRAISE THE LORD!

THE PRAISE SERIES (PART 15) - PRAISE HIM IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD

Then a voice came from the throne, saying, 

"Praise our God, all you His servants 

and those who fear Him, both small and great!" 

- Revelation 19:5 -

It is important to know that the Fear of God (honor and reverence) is entirely different from being afraid of God. The Fear of God has three basic components:

* To Know Him

* To Worship Him 

* To Obey Him

 

The fear of man will keep you from the fear of God - the fear of God will keep you from the fear of man (Proverbs 29:25)

"Holy fear is the key to God's sure foundation, unlocking the treasuries of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge ... We cannot expect to be admitted into His presence with an attitude of disrespect ... A person who fears God trembles at His Word and in His presence ... To fear God is to believe God. To believe God is to obey Him ... Holy fear gives God the place of glory, honor, reverence, thanksgiving, praise, and preeminence He deserves ..."

(Extracts from : The Fear Of The Lord - John Bevere)

THE FEAR OF GOD

*Psalm 22:23 - Praise Him when you fear God

*Revelation 14:7 - Praise Him and fear Him for He is a just God

*Revelation 15:4 - Praise Him and fear Him all nations and all people

*Malachi 3:16 - Praise Him for He hears those who fear Him and writes their names in His book

*Psalm 145:19 - Praise Him for He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him

*Psalm 147:11 - Praise Him for He delights in those who fear Him

*Psalm 85:9 - Praise Him for His salvation is near those who fear Him

*Psalm 115:13 - Praise Him for He blesses those who fear Him

*Luke 1:50 - Praise Him for His mercy is for those who fear Him

*Psalm 33:18 - Praise Him for His eyes are on all those who fear Him

*Ecclesiastes 8:12 - Praise Him for all goes well for those who fear Him (Deuteronomy 5:29)

*Proverbs 22:4 - Praise Him for He grants riches, honor and life to those who fear Him 

*Deuteronomy 6:2 - Praise Him for He gives longer life to those who fear Him (Prov 10:27)

*Acts 13:26 - Praise Him when you fear Him and you hear of His salvation

*Psalm 128:1 - Praise Him when you fear Him and you are able to walk in His ways

*2 Corinthians 7:1 - Praise Him when you fear Him and you are able to perfect holiness

*Proverbs 14:26 - Praise Him when you fear Him and you gain confidence

*Proverbs 14:27 - Praise Him when you fear Him and you find a fountain of life

*Psalm 31:19 - Praise Him when you fear Him and you find His great goodness

*Psalm 25:14 - Praise Him when you fear Him and you discover His secrets

*Isaiah 33:6 - Praise Him you fear Him and you learn the key to His treasure

*Psalm 103:11, 17 - Praise Him when you fear Him and you receive His mercy (Luke 1:50)

*Psalm 103:13 - Praise Him when you fear Him and you receive His compassion

*Psalm 111:10 - Praise Him when you fear Him and you come into His wisdom (Prov 9:10)

*Psalm 34:7 - Praise Him when you fear Him and you know angels are stationed all around you

*Psalm 34:9 - Praise Him when you fear Him and you have no need

*2 Kings 17:39 - Praise Him when you fear Him and He delivers you from all your enemies

*Revelation 11:18 - Praise Him when you fear Him and He rewards you

*Acts 10:35 - Praise Him and fear Him all nations, then He will accept you

*Revelation 15:4 - Praise Him and fear Him all nations, for He alone is holy

*Ecclesiastes 12:13 - Praise Him and fear Him for this is the whole duty of every man

*Psalm 25:14 - Praise Him for His secrets are given to those who fear Him

*Proverbs 3:32 - Praise Him for His secrets are given to those who fear Him

An extract from - Praise Him by Viven Hibbert

Blessings - TPWC

The reverential fear of the Lord is the key to unlock God's wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). Reward of God's wisdom is for those who choose to submit to the Lord and obey His command - TWPC

THE PRAISE SERIES (PART 14) - PRAISE THE NAME OF JESUS

PRAISE THE NAME OF JESUS 

Genesis 2: 4 - Praise Him our Lord God
Genesis 14: 18-20 - Praise Him our God Most High
Genesis 15:2 - Praise Him Our Master, Lord
Genesis 16:13 - Praise Him our God who Sees
Genesis 17:1-2 - Praise Him our Almighty, All Sufficient
Genesis 22:13-14 - Praise Him our Provider
Genesis 49:24 - Praise Him our Mighty One
Exodus 3:14 - Praise Him our Self-Existent One
Exodus 15:3 - Praise Him our Warrior
Exodus 15:22-26 - Praise Him our Healer and Restorer
Exodus 17:8-16 - Praise Him our Banner

Exodus 34:14 - Praise Him our Jealous God
Leviticus 20:8 - Praise Him our Sanctifier
Deuteronomy 4:24 - Praise Him our Consuming Fire
Deuteronomy 32:8 - Praise Him our Most High
Judges 6:4 - Praise Him our Peace
Ruth 3:9 to 4:14 - Praise Him our Kinsman - Redeemer
2 Samuel 22:2 - Praise Him our Rock
2 Samuel 22:29 - Praise Him our Keeper
Psalms 2:2 - Praise Him our Anointed One
Psalms 3:3 - Praise Him our Shield

Psalms 7:8 - Praise Him our Judge
Psalms 7:9 - Praise Him our Righteous One
Psalms 10:16 - Praise Him our King
Psalms 18:2 - Praise Him our Horn of Salvation

Psalms 22:19 - Praise Him our Strength
Psalms 23 - Praise Him our Shepherd
Psalms 27:1 - Praise Him our Light and Salvation
Psalms 29:3 - Praise Him our God of Glory
Psalms 32:7 - Praise Him our Hiding Place
Psalms 94:22 - Praise Him our Defender
Psalms 121:5 - Praise Him our Keeper
Proverbs 8 - Praise Him our Wisdom
Proverbs 18:10 - Praise Him our Strong Tower
Song of Songs - Praise Him our Bridegroom
Song of Songs 2:1 - Praise Him our Rose of Sharon

Song of Songs 2:1 - Praise Him our Lily of the Valley
Isaiah 1:24 - Praise Him our Lord of Hosts
Isaiah 7:14 - Praise Him our Immanuel (Matthew 1:23)
Isaiah 9:6 - Praise Him our Counsellor
Isaiah 9:6 - Praise Him our Everlasting Father
Isaiah 9:6 - Praise Him our Prince of Peace
Isaiah 25:4 - Praise Him our Refuge
Isaiah 43:3 - Praise Him our Saviour
Isaiah 44:6 - Praise Him our First and Last
Isaiah 51:15 - Praise Him our Lord of Hosts
Isaiah 53:3 - Praise Him our Man of Sorrows
Isaiah 59:20 - Praise Him our Redeemer
Isaiah 64:8 - Praise Him our Potter
Jeremiah 23:5-6 - Praise Him our Righteousness
Lamentations 3:22-23 - Praise Him our Faithful One
Ezekiel 48:35 - Praise Him our God Who is There
Hosea 2:16, 19-20 - Praise Him our Husband
Micah 5:2 - Praise Him our Ruler
Haggai 2:7 - Praise Him our Desire of Nations
Zechariah 6:12 - Praise Him our Branch

Malachi 3:3 - Praise Him our Refiner
Malachi 4:2 - Praise Him our Sun of Righteousness
Matthew 8:20 Praise Him our Son of Man
Matthew 9:27 - Praise Him our Son of David
Luke 1:31 - Praise Him our Jesus
Luke 1:78 - Praise Him our Dayspring
Luke 4:23 - Praise Him our Physician
John 1:1 - Praise Him our Word
John 1:29, 36 - Praise Him our Lamb of God

John 1:32 - Praise Him our Dove
John 1:38 - Praise Him our Rabbi
John 1:41 - Praise Him our Messiah
John 6:14 - Praise Him our Prophet
John 7:37-39 - Praise Him our Water
John 10:7-9 - Praise Him our Door
John 14:17 - Praise Him our Spirit of Truth
John 14:26 - Praise Him our Comforter (2 Corinthians 1:3)
Acts 2:1-2 - Praise Him our Wind
Romans 8:15 - Praise Him our Abba
Romans 15:12 - Praise Him our Root of Jesse
1 Corinthians 15:45 - Praise Him our Last Adam
Ephesians 1:22 - Praise Him our Head
Ephesians 2:20 - Praise Him our Cornerstone
1 Timothy 2:5 - Praise Him our Mediator

1 Timothy 6:15 - Praise Him our Potentate
Hebrews 4:14 - Praise Him our Great High Priest
Hebrews 12:2 - Praise Him our Author and Finisher of Faith
Hebrews 12:29 - Praise Him our Fire
1 Peter 2:25 - Praise Him our Bishop of our Souls
1 Peter 5:10 - Praise Him our God of all Grace
2 Peter 1:19 - Praise Him our Morning Star
1 John 2:1 - Praise Him our Advocate
3 John 1:4, 8 - Praise Him our Truth
Revelation 1:8 - Praise Him our Alpha and Omega
Revelation 1:17 - Praise Him our First and Last

Revelation 3:14 - Praise Him our Faithful and True Witness
Revelation 3:14 - Praise Him our Beginning
Revelation 5: 5 - Praise Him our Lion of Judah
Revelation 7:2 - Praise Him our Living God
Revelation 15:3 - Praise Him our King of saints
Revelation 19:3 - Praise Him our Word of God
Revelation 19: 11 - Praise Him our Faithful and True
Revelation 19:13 - Praise Him our word
Revelation 19:16 - Praise Him our King of kings
Revelation 19:16 - Praise Him our Lord of lords
Revelation 22:16 - Praise Him our Morning Star

(An extract from: Praise Him by Vivien Hebbert)