10 Verses On Waiting On God and His Timing

Do you feel like Jesus is holding out on you? 

Know that He has a great plan for you. You may feel like Jesus is holding out on you. You may feel like he is staying away during your times you need Him the most. I don’t know Jesus’ plan for you, but I promise you that His plan is bigger than yours or mine. Trust him.

Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. - Psalm 25:5

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! - Psalm 31:14-15

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! - Psalm 37:7

"And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool! - Psalm 39:7-8

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. - Psalm 62:1-2

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. - Psalm 145:15-16

Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. - Isaiah 30:18

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31

Thus says the LORD: "In a time of favor I have answered you; in a day of salvation I have helped you. - Isaiah 49:8

For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end--it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. - Habakkuk 2:3

Want to stay reminded of the importance of waiting on God and His timing? Print our 10 Verses On Waiting On God and His Timing here. 

About the Author :

Carmen Miller is happily married mother of 5 and wife to Jarrad. As Founder of Whole Magazine, and Co-Founder of God Over Porn; Carmen's heart's passion is to see broken women made whole through the power of Jesus Christ.

Mothering Well When Your Child's Father Sins

First, let me say to those women who are considering divorce . . . wait! As I have worked with hundreds of single mom families, I have begun to really understand why God’s Word commands that marriage is for life. Most single moms will tell you “the grass is not greener on the other side.”

But how do you live in the day to day? What do you do when your husband or ex-husband is living an ungodly life right in front of your children? What do you say? What do you do?

You have to live the most godly life you can in front of your children and in front of their father. You run to God with all you have. Begin your day with prayer and pray often. Fill your head with truth from God’s Word. Ask a few trusted friends to confidentially pray for you. Be careful not to disrespect your children’s father in front of them or publicly. Pray for your children’s father–the very best thing for him and for your children is for him to follow Christ.  

Also keep in mind that if you’ve badmouthed him to everyone at church, it will make it very hard for him to return to or go to church. If your children’s father is acting like your enemy–do what God says–and love your enemy. Be kind. Your kids will notice this.   Rather than point out his sin to your children, let God do that.  

Spend time with your kids in the Word. Work it into everyday conversations. Take them to church. Surround them as much as possible with godly people and healthy marriages.   There will be times where you feel like you are losing. Your kids may think he is cool, they may rebel against your rules. They may cling to his “anything goes” rules . . . but hang in there. Be consistent. Allow Christ to live in you. More times than not, your children will eventually see the difference.  

You may be the unpopular parent for a while. Your kids may stray, they may make some bad choices themselves, but so many times I have seen those same kids come back to the truth their Mom not only taught them but lived in front of them. God in you is their best chance.  

Did you take any steps to honor your kid’s dad even though he made a bad choice that dramatically impacted all of you?

Yes. I realized that my kids will identify themselves with both parents. They want to know, “Am I like him?” For this reason, and because it is true, I try to help them know he had some great qualities. He had a great sense of humor. He loved animals. He genuinely loved people.

I am also intentional about pointing out ways they are different from him and more like me, or even better, like Christ. I am intentional about making sure to recognize where they make good choices in specific areas where he made bad choices. I always want them to feel free to talk to me about their father as much as they want to. The more I know what they are thinking, the better I can pray and work to refute lies with truth. 

Where can a mom whose husband is sinning turn to for help?

Surround yourself with truth. Turn off that talk show. Get away from ungodly friends and their advice. Run to God’s Word. Test everything. Get involved with a good, Bible-teaching church and find a few godly friends to confide in. Ask for prayer coverage. Don’t be a lone ranger. The enemy loves a lone ranger. You are on the front line of a spiritual battle, and it may very well be that the enemy has his sights set on your kids. Your child may be the next Billy Graham.   

Do all you can to cling to God and follow Him, and teach your kids to do the same. Our Father is the only way. He is still the miracle maker (Luke 1:37).  His Word urges you to be strong even in the face of uncertainty, hurt, and disappointment:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:6).  

He sees you. He loves you. His plans are still exceedingly, abundantly more than you can ask or imagine (Eph 3:20). Take one day at a time. I know it isn’t easy, but God chose you to be your kid’s mom. You are His instrument. You are His soldier, but you are also His beloved. Rest secure in Him (Deut 33:12).

Kim Jaggers is a Christian Speaker and Writer. Visit her website and read her story at More Than Chocolate.

Fall Beauty Trends

This past week marked the first day of Fall, so it only seems appropriate to post the top beauty trends for the season that were seen on the runways. This season, it's all about extremes. It's either bright, bold colors, or it's barely there makeup. There's a trend for everybody out there right now to play with, and it's even more fun to mix some of these trends together. New seasons are all about new beginnings, so don't be afraid to get a little crazy and try something new to match the beautiful weather outside.

• Metallics. Metallic eye shadow was a huge trend on the runways this season. From looks ranging from gun metal grey, copper, bronze, even black, there is a metallic out there that will suit every woman's eye and skin color. These shades are incredibly chic, like the equivalent to a leather jacket, and scream confidence. This one is a trend I have to try this season!

• Bold Eyes. Also seen quite often were bold, thick lashes and bold cat eyeliner. It's very throwback and looks effortless. It's simple and yet makes a huge statement. Just take a liquid eyeliner and line the top lash lines, winging it out at the end. Next, top it off with 2-3 coats of mascara on the top and bottom lashes. It's that simple.

• Bold Colors. The last Fall beauty trend for eyes is bold colors. Think rich and saturated colors like emerald green, deep plums, electric blues, and even bolder colors like yellow and orange for the truly brave. As bold as the colors are though, the look is extremely versatile. You can do an all-over-the-lid look, or just a bold eyeliner on the top lash line. This trend works however you want it to.

• Glowy Skin. When the weather gets cold outside, our skin tends to get a little drier and dull looking. You can make sure this doesn't happen by applying moisturizer, avoiding the powder, and highlighting. Warm cheeks colors, like rosy pink, were on the runway a lot as well, adding radiance to the face. This trend is fun to mix with the others, like the bold eye shadow look, for example.

• Barely There Makeup. Completely opposite of the bold color trends is minimal makeup. It seems a little ridiculous to apply makeup only to look like you have nothing on, but it actually looks incredibly fresh, polished, and put together. And nothing screams confidence more than a woman who wears her own beauty as her makeup. Natural makeup is always in.

• Berry Lips. This trend is beautiful and super feminine. You can mix this trend with the cat eye look or the glowy skin, or both. You can even pair it with a beautiful shimmery brown eye shadow to really glam up the look. This one is pretty, romantic, great for every woman, every skin color, and every age. It's classic.

• Nude Nails. This trend is like the no-makeup makeup look. It's polished, classic, clean, and extremely pretty. Look for a nude polish that's a little more on the pink side. To make it extra special, use a super glossy top coat. You can even go a step further and add a glittery top coat to one nail, or just go crazy and apply it to all. 

These trends are all meant to be played with, so make sure to have fun with them!

About the Author :

Ashlyn is a small town girl with a big heart for family, laughter, and all things beautiful. This history nerd enjoys taking walks, yoga, delicious food, and of course, fashion and beauty. She desires most to see a world where women have true and deep relationships with themselves through Christ.

Always Present

Our life's journey takes us to all elevations. We have joy-filled mountain top experiences; marriage, birth of children and grandchildren, buying your first home or car, and successfully accomplishing goals.  But there are also seasons in life when we travel the valley floor, and experience challenges through losses of all kinds.  And with Jesus as our traveling companion, He makes life do-able.

When we are cresting high He makes the heights more brilliant and opens wide our understanding of spiritual things. He fills us to overflowing.  How we hunger for those times.  We feel Abba Father's presence, close and intimate.  It reminds me of how the disciples must have felt.  Jesus was present; life was intimately shared.  His lessons and his words were deeper than the ocean, inspiring and life changing.

Too often in life the path turns downward and we find ourselves walking through the wilderness.  Hope is fading.  Life seems to be ebbing.  The walk is endless, exhausting.  If it were a forest it would be rocky cliffs with high mountains to climb and overgrown with thorns. If it were a desert it would be blazing hot with no water, no tree for shade, and no hope of finding rest or sustenance.  Just loneliness. Fear. Doubt. Confusion. Hopelessness.  How well I remember feeling I would not make it another moment – let alone another day.

Regardless of what your wilderness looks and feels like one thing stays the same....the cry of our hearts.  “My God, my God – why have you forsaken me?”  Where are you?  I can't feel you?!  I cannot sense your nearness!  He has left me. Lord, answer me! Many ask why – why does God allow us to go through these wilderness experiences and these times when it feels as though he has abandoned us.  Why does he stay quiet?  Why doesn't he intervene in the midst of my pain and stop it sooner?  While I do not pretend to know all the answers to all of these questions the following word picture came to me in my mind regarding where Abba Father is when I cannot sense Him.

I liken it to the parent or grandparent who is teaching a child to ride a bike.  As we teach and instruct we grab hold of the bike seat with a firm, steadying grip.  We run alongside of our dear little one and encourage and instruct on how to stay upright and steady and safe.  Back and forth we go, holding steadily and firmly, instilling confidence and strength.

But there comes a point when we have to let go.  With our heart in our throats we let go and watch our kid go like the wind.  Alone and wobbly, their sweaty, little hands grip the handle bars that careen back and forth a little too much for our well-being.  Now stop.  Where is the parent?  The good parent does not leave.  We are near – watching, praying and rooting our child forward on life's journey.

Here are a few lessons we can learn about Abba Father from this analogy.

• When we are wondering where God is remember: like a loving parent trotting behind the child, HE is never far away. All we have to do is call out his name and he is there.  Remember what your father has told you –
  Deuteronomy 3:16 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them.  FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU.  HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU.”

• Like any parent knows, we must release our child so they can ride alone.  When we release them it is with the hope that they will remain dependent upon that which we have taught them.  The ride involves learning what is truth and adhering to it.  When we do not, we crash.  Adhering to what we have been taught is crucial in keeping us on the straight and narrow path or to keep us upright and cruising along.  Remember – our dependence upon God alone is crucial -
  “But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.  Psalm 37:39-40

• Through the highs and lows of life, God is revealing himself to us.  He is using our life circumstances as the canvas upon which he can reveal his personality – his faithfulness and trustworthiness.  He desires that we trust Him without question.  As human parents, our desire is for our children to obey us without question because we know we teach them truth. To ensure safety and abundant life we teach and enforce in hopes that our children will not question the life-giving path in which we lead them.  In short, our children grow to have faith in us through our love and instruction.
  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  James 1:6

Unwavering Faith in our father's presence is important!  Besides what other option is there? 

“I'd rather walk in the dark with God. Than go alone in the light; I'd rather walk by faith with him. Than go alone by sight. - Anonymous”

About the Author :

Dori Cass is a wife of 29 years and mom to two adult children. She has spent her adult life active in Womens, Children's and Youth ministry. She finds that she writes a lot about faith which are the nuggets mined up out of a decade long journey in the wilderness walking with a husband whose life changed completely when he was injured on the job as a police officer. You can find her blog, Heaven's Confetti.

The Unmanageable Weight

When you think of the word unmanageable, what things come to mind?

What comes to my mind are many forms of weight that tend to become unmanageable when we are not allowing God to carry the heavy part of the load/weight/burden; spiritually, emotionally and physically.  We tend to think that our duty in life is to manage absolutely everything, perfectly.  Even well-meaning believers will tell you that it is your duty as a believer to be able to manage all things in your life and carry a heavier load than most others or unbelievers.  It seems as though the verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13),” has been distorted to make us believe that we should be able to do all things and there is no excuse or exception for the inability to do so, except that we are not doing enough or working as hard as we should at it.  When the verse clearly states, “through Christ,” It has everything to do with God working through us and nothing to do with our ability or might ('Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.-Zechariah 4:6).

 So why then do we always seem to take on the all the unmanageable weight which only leads us to feelings of frustration, failure, depression and loss of faith?

Recently, a sister in Christ told me the story I am about to share with you.  It was the encouragement that I needed desperately and the perspective that allowed me to see my part clearly.  I am unsure the origins of this story, but I know it will encourage many.

A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly, his room filled with light and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might.

This the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing it with all his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore, and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.

Noticing that the man was showing signs of discouragement, the devil decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man’s weary mind. “You have been pushing against this rock for a long time, and it hasn’t budged. Why kill yourself over this? You are never going to move it.” Thus, giving the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These troubling thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. “Why kill myself over this? Maybe I should just put in my time, giving just the minimum effort and that will be good enough."

He prayed, saying, “Lord, I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even been able to budge that rock. What is wrong? Why am I failing?”

The Lord responded compassionately, “My friend, when I asked you to serve me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so?”

“Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown, your hands are callused from constant pressure, and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. Yet you haven’t moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in my wisdom. This you have done. I, my friend, will now move the rock.”

Are you carrying or pushing an unmanageable load that God has never told you that you were supposed to carry?  Are you listening intently to what God is telling you to do or simply trying with all your might to push a rock that God never told you to move? 

About the Author :

Leilani is a single mom to a beautiful 4 year old little girl. She is in love with the Creator of the stars. Her mission is simple yet so big, to encourage and bring Jesus to all in need. To bring hope by loving people, writing, photography, music, poetry/spoken word and meeting people right where they are. Gods Grace is her air.

10 Verses For When You're Battling Discouragement and Depression

You aren’t the only one who has ever faced discouragement, despair, depression, uncertainty or has been perplexed as to why God did not work in your life in a certain way. You may be in the midst of God’s working and can’t see the big picture as He can. 

We can trust God's heart, even when we can’t trace His path. [click-to-tweet]

Today, I challenge you to open the Word of God and embrace these truths for yourself—they will offer you hope, peace, comfort and help to you over and over again! I Promise.

But you, God, shield me on all sides;You ground my feet, you lift my head high; With all my might I shout up to God, His answers thunder from the holy mountain. - Psalm 3:3

You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance; You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers. I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can’t thank you enough. - Psalm 30:11-12 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. - John 10:10

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken. - 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. - 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13


Can you share with us some verses that give you strength during these times?


PRINTABLE: Print 10 Verses For When You're Battling Discouragement and Depression out to keep as a reminder, or share with someone who needs extra encouragement today. 

About the Author :

Carmen Miller is happily married mother of 5 and wife to Jarrad. As Founder of Whole Magazine, and Co-Founder of God Over Porn; Carmen's heart's passion is to see broken women made whole through the power of Jesus Christ.

Mind the Gap

I had the humble privilege to live in the beautiful, venerable city of London for an entire academic year during my undergraduate career. As a little girl, I remember dreaming about the archaic and classical architecture looming above me, strolling down the medieval avenues, and experiencing the magical atmosphere that only exist amidst a city that is almost as old as the land itself. My experience didn't disappoint my childhood expectations. The city is gorgeous with new nooks and crannies to explore every day.  Travel to the continent was not difficult, but during the weekends I found myself merging with the London foot traffic and wandering along the old familiar paths of the city. I wanted to know everything about the city, its history, and its people; I wanted to be able to find my way around it blindfolded and to leave no stone un-turned.

One characteristic of the city that many visitors will point out is the overhead intercom voice that comes on every time the underground train comes into station. A crowd of hurried, frazzled suits wait impatiently behind a yellow line painted on the platform as that throaty, female voice calls out, “Mind the gap.” I heard that phrase so many times a day I began to hear it in my sleep. There is a reason for this cautionary warning as there really is quite a large gap between the platform of the station and that of the train. Gaps can be dangerous; whether they’re manifested in the material world or if they exist within our hearts.

When I gaze upon the cross, often I see only a large gap; a vast, gaping hole between who I am and who Christ is. It is said that the truth will set you free, so why do I feel as if I am constantly striving to catch up to some standard of goodness and holiness just to fall short time and time again? Todd Pickett, the Dean of Spiritual Development at Biola University, spoke to a group of Christian leaders about this “gap” that is usually exacerbated by our own faith. Morality and holiness become not an expression of love and grace but a standard to which we feel obligated to hold our selves to. Our faith, as it is expressed through lifestyle, action, and words becomes debilitating because we are trying to climb over a mountain of guilt, shame, and good intentions gone bad; even with dutiful prayer it seems backsliding is inevitable. We want so desperately to be what Jesus wants us to be that we become caught up in all the ways in which we are not what he wants us to be. It’s a terrifying prospect to harbor a deep love for someone and not be able to satisfyingly express that love so that it becomes real.

Paul goes into great depth about this subject in the book of Romans. What does it mean to receive grace? What do we do with it after we have received it? Paul claims that we do not reach righteousness or holiness by observing the Law; in other words we are not made like Christ because we are morally upstanding or because our lives paint the picture of suburban, white picket-fence Christianity. It is through this consciousness of morality that we know we are in desperate need of a Savior; we know right and wrong but we always find ourselves somewhere in between. Paul says that we all fall short of the glory of God, we all sin, we all experience the gap, but there is hope for us. We are justified freely by grace; grace has been given as a gift, no strings attached, no quid pro quo, and no exchange of goods necessary. We receive grace as a token of God’s love for us knowing that the next day we will continue to fall short (Romans 3:20-24).

Something is not intuitive about receiving the grace of God just to squander it the next day. It is here that we must abandon ourselves to the power of God. This journey and quest of redemption is not all about us as individuals or how we measure up to the standards of an arbitrary benchmark that at the end of the day does nothing to pronounce the transforming power of God. The world looks not to our ability to do everything right in order to know God but looks to our humility in the face our sins in order to know God. In 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 Paul boasts about his weaknesses because it is there that the power of Christ is most profound. Our imperfections and downfalls give opportunities for the redemption of Christ and carve out space for the grace of God. Christ resides in those dark places of our soul and our beauty as God’s creation comes from our dependence upon Him; a sweet submission to perfect love.  

Our imperfections do not create the gap between our hearts and the cross, but serve as the bridge between Christ’s healing love and our own desperate desires. Our wounds and shortcomings bring us closer to Christ and closer to the cross for Christ came not to condemn the world but to save it. What use is there of a savior who has no one to save? So be quiet little heart, and know that God’s grace is sufficient for you. May your God go before you in all things and cover you with a saving grace that fills you with a quiet, still love.  

About the Author :

Sarah Dannemiller is a crazy-confused post-grad from central Indiana who is a curious, fun-loving individual doing her best to leave a legacy of love and laughter. She might have the tendency to obsess over words, corny jokes, and delicious cookie-dough ice cream! But she has a passion for justice, believes in this world, and the good work that God is doing in it.

A Life of Praise

"Praise is not only devotion but also testimony, both an exalting of God and a proclamation that seeks to draw others into the worship of God." 

-Samuel E. Balentine 

For the past few weeks now, I've been reading a book titled The Mission of God's People, by Christopher J. Wright. Earlier this week, I discovered my favorite chapter of the book. It's chapter fourteen, and it focuses on living a life of worship. I want to share with you some of Wright's, as well as my own insights in regards to the true meaning of worship and what it looks like to praise God in full. 

To start, I want us to recognize that our lives are an act of worship. Now, I want us to reflect on who we worship. In other words, are the lives that we're living- right here, right now- reflections of God, or of self?

My dear sisters, no other name is to be lifted high but His. No other name is worthy of our worship but that of our Almighty Father. And when we praise Him, we should go all out. Not just every Sunday when we show up to church, but every day, for all of our days as He continues to breathe life into our hearts.

Here's the thing: A song has already been written just for you, and if you tune your ears to the Composer's voice, you'll hear it; He'll sing it to you. We are to live our lives out of worship alongside the glorious melody of this beautiful song. Your song.

But it doesn't end there!

We are called to sing our songs together. The melodies of our songs are harmonious. They were written for each of us to be sung in unison by each of us as we keep our eyes on the Director. God not only wants the praise of individuals, but also that of His whole orchestra in unison. Imagine what it would look like to tune the people of God's kingdom to hear their songs. Imagine what it would sound like to sing our songs together.

We were created for praise. 

"...everyone who is called by my name,

whom I created for my glory, 

whom I formed and made," (Isaiah 43:7, NIV).

"...my people, my chosen,

the people I formed for myself

that they may proclaim my praise," (Isaiah 43:20-21, NIV).

We were redeemed for praise.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory," (Ephesians 1:3-14, NIV).

And finally, we are witnesses through praise.

"Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples," (Psalm 96:1-3, NIV).

Our call to worship is an invitation to be passionate, loud, vigorous and harmonious as we sing in adoration to our King and celebrate His mighty works and supremacy. We must take advantage of all we have and utilize these things so that we may love louder, live brighter and sing at the top of our lungs to the world of our sovereign God and King!

Every aspect of God's creation is directed to praise the Lord. Look at all He has done and all He is doing. Reflect on what's yet to come. This is why we praise Him. This is why we live for Him; because He is the source of life, and He invites us to be a part of this story; His story.

Sing to the Lord, for He is good.

Ladies, our lives of praise here on earth give us tiny glimpses of the celebration in Heaven that awaits us. It's time to tune in to God's voice so that He can sing your song and you can dance your dance. Welcome Him with praise.

May our hearts sing Your anthem, God. May our words be a sign. We are here for YOU.

About the Author :

Emily Lauren Townsend is a 21 year old southern girl who has a heart for loving Jesus, loving others, and serving the world. She is currently pursuing a career in ministry as she continues to fall madly in love with Jesus by the day. Emily Lauren has a heart for worship and women's ministry. Her daily dose of life consists of a little bit of coffee and a whole lot of Jesus. You can find her sharing her delight in Jesus by following @DaughterofDelight on Instagram.