Give God a Round of Applause! - Girlfriends in God - January 12, 2015
January 12, 2015
Give God a Round of Applause!
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
Clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph and songs of joy(Psalm 47:1 Amplified Version).
Friend to Friend
Steve and I boarded a cog train for a scenic ride to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is the most visited mountain in North American—a hiker’s paradise. But since going up and down my stairs at home is about as much hiking as I like to do, we opted for the train to chug us to the top.
This stately mountain stands as a majestic backdrop to Colorado Springs and the Garden of the Gods rock formations. As we clicked along the 8.9 miles of railway, a tour guide pointed out various areas of interest and wildlife along the way. Suddenly, the train slowed to a crawl and a chorus of ooohs and aaahs rumbled through the boxcars. In hushed silence, we gazed at a herd of boghorn sheep congregating to our right.
The six-foot male grayish-brown rams with white fluffy rumps gathered in a circle like spectators at a boxing match. Two males stood head-to-head in the center of the ring, eyeing each other with studied determination. Smaller female rams with diminutive spiked horns grazed nonplussed over to the side. It seems it was mating season and the males were vying for the ladies’ attention.
A crack filled the air as the two males ran toward each other and furiously butted heads. With front feet leaving the ground, the hefty rams twisted and turned interlocking horns until one retreated from battle. The sound of cameras clicking mixed with cracking rams horns, as we dared not interfere with the ritual of thousands of years. Time and time again the males butted heads with one thing on their minds—the right to spawn with the seemingly disinterested females grazing nearby and trot away with the spoils. (Oh, we ladies can be so coy at time.)
After viewing this incredible display of God’s creation, the train continued its trek up the mountain and the onlookers broke out in cheers. The tour guide enthusiastically shouted, “Folks, I want you to give yourself a big hand! I’ve never seen such a display on any of my trips up the mountain. Give yourselves a round of applause for seeing this magnificent sight today!” The entire coach broke out in wild cheers, applause, and congratulatory back slaps. Well not the entire coach.
I looked at Steve and said, “Why in the world would we give ourselves applause? Why are these people clapping? We had absolutely nothing to do with it. God placed that in front of us for our enjoyment. He allowed a sneak peek at His divine creation. All we did was decide to get on the train.”
Then I heard God speak to my heart. Happens all the time.
Oh friend, God has given us so many blessings. How silly we are to think we have earned or deserve any of it. Even our paychecks are a product of our God-given ability to do a job and our God-given blessing to have a job. It is all about Him from start to finish.
As we begin this New Year, let’s give God the round of applause He deserves for each and every blessing of each and every day!
Let’s Pray
(As you pray today, consider standing to your feet and giving God a hearty round of applause. The Bible calls this a praise offering! Clap your hands all you people!)
Dear Lord, I am speechless because of Your goodness to me. So today, I stand, lift my hands, and offer up a rip-roaring round of praise-clapping hands to You!
In Jesus’ Name!
Amen!
Now It’s Your Turn
When was the last time you took credit for something God did in your life? Boy, that was a personal question, wasn’t it? I’m asking myself that very question too.
As you go throughout the day, make a list of all the reasons God deserves your applause.
If you have children, ask them to do the same. Then at mealtime, share your lists. Consider giving God a round of applause as a family!
More from the Girlfriends
Today’s devotion was adapted from my book I’m Not Good Enough…and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves. If you’ve believed the enemy’s lies that you are not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, talented enough…or simply just not enough period, then this book is for you. It is time to overcome the lies of the enemy with the promises of God. You are who God says you are! You have what God says you have! You are His holy, chosen, forgiven, and dearly loved child that is equipped by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and enveloped by Jesus Christ. Now that’s a truth worth repeating.
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