Triple G – God’s Glorious Gospel

The other evening my husband and I were watching one of the food shows we enjoy, Guys Grocery Games, commonly referred to as “Triple G”. This is a competition between four contestants who are chefs. The competition involves 30 minutes to shop, prepare and plate a creation for the judges. At the beginning of each round, Guy will give a basic criteria for the item to be prepared. The contestants will have a few moments to begin considering the dish they will create. Just as they are about to begin shopping, a twist will be revealed that will cause the contestants to need to adjust and rethink the menu they had been planning. There are any number of categories for which these adjustments may need to be made. Two examples of these categories include all ingredients beginning with the same letter or one item from each aisle. With the addition of these twists, the contestants must begin rethinking their plan just as the word ‘go’ is spoken.

Jesus Christ is the bread of life. “Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).” (John 6:35 AMP) Our hurting world is waiting and needing to receive this bread. We have been entrusted with a greater Triple G - God’s Glorious Gospel. We who know Jesus are to take this bread to the hurting, hungry masses. He commands us to, “Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19 AMP) This assignment, given to each believer, delivers a delicious, nourishing meal to all who will listen. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7 AMP) We are to regularly tell others about the amazing love of God and the sacrifice of His Son that provides salvation to all who receive.

The contestants on the television show are often accomplished chefs who know how to be creative and prepare food. Likewise we are to study and learn how to not only live in the presence and knowledge of God, but also how to share it with others. There are books and Bible studies on how to share the basics of the gospel. We can also know and practice telling our own story of knowing Jesus. The apostle John began his letters to the churches stating that what he shared, he knew from personal experience. “What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah).” (1 John 1:3 AMP) To be genuine, we must also share our personal experience with the Lord. We may not have lived when Jesus lived on this earth, but we do walk through our daily lives knowing His presence. We are not required to share the gospel with our own strength and power. God provides all that we need. “But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 AMP)

As prepared as we may feel to share our faith, an encounter with someone can quickly go far differently than planned. A comment or question can initiate a new direction to the conversation. The intent of the conversation remains the salvation of Jesus Christ. The words that we use and direction that we take to relate this message is what changes. We do not need to fear these twists. We have the same promise that was given to the disciples who would be led before rulers. “For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour and moment what [you] ought to say.” (Luke 12:12 AMP) The planned conversation may change and the presentation be a little different, but the Holy Spirit will help us share the message of the love of God.

We are sharing God’s Glorious Gospel. This is our spiritual Triple G. It is not a game show, but an important mission. Whatever surprises change our plans, we present a delectable creation. “For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing:” (2 Corinthians 2:15 AMP) The flavor of the presentation may vary, yet the message remains the same. Jesus Christ is the bread of life and salvation for the world. We present Him and the world will, “O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP)

 Share the love of Jesus today. Many are hungry and waiting for this wonderful food.

Do Not Forget the Finishing Touches

Over the past months we have done a couple of minor remodel projects in our home. We set up some new video/bookshelves and then we brought a refrigerator/freezer in from our garage (where items in the refrigerator were freezing from the outdoor temperatures) and put it in our laundry room. Both of these projects required some building and modification of existing shelving and storage. It also required moving some items to other areas of the home or garage for storage. The end result of these projects has benefited our family in several ways. We now have easy access to often used items.

The last of these projects was finished a few weeks ago. As I look around my den today I still see some remnants of this remodeling time. There are a few tools sitting on the hearth of our fireplace. There are also some items on the desk that have never been properly put into their new storage space. These last few details still require our attention.

Along the path of our walk with God we will encounter many projects. Often the projects will be in the building of our own character. Like these home improvement projects, there may be some cutting here and moving there. Things that have long been a part of our lives may need to be shifted or taken completely out. The work may be labor-intensive and require repeated Scripture, trials and conversations with the Lord. Or it may be a simple one day job in which a single conversation of the Lord helps us to make the adjustments necessary to be useful to Him.

Throughout Scripture we find many teachings on growing into maturity. We do not want to stop short of the completed work.

The apostle Paul teaches on this topic. “Him we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One).” (Colossians 1:28 AMP) This is a process that will not be completed in a brief amount of time.

 There are nine fruit of the spirit. “But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].” Galatians 5:22-23 (AMP) Sometimes we may wish we could work on six or seven and leave two or three of them to wait a while longer. However we are instructed to allow the Holy Spirit develop all of these in our lives.

In his second letter to the churches, Peter gave a list of instructions for spiritual growth. “For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence), And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety), And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7 AMP) It may be tempting to stop somewhere along that list and consider ourselves mature enough. Yet the Lord wishes us to grow completely and fully into that perfect Christian love.

So we must remember that God wants to do a complete work in us. He is not content to leave things partially done. “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever—forsake not the works of Your own hands.” (Psalm 138:8 AMP) We must persevere and allow the Lord to finish the work He has started in us. “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” (Philippians 1:6 AMP)

 If you have been tempted to settle for the work that God has already done in your life, please reconsider. Allow Him to place His finishing touches on your beautiful new life.

We Have a Better Solution Available

Over the last couple of days, I have been working on my gift of a “Diaper Tricycle” for a baby shower. This extremely practical gift is both fun and adorable. The “tricycle” consists of diapers, receiving blankets, bibs, booties and a bottle. All of these items are useful to a new mom. Wrapping each separately would make a wonderful gift. Put together in this creative way makes it all the more special. Shopping for and finding the perfect mix of safari themed items has been fun. Blankets with a mix of safari animals, bibs and booties with monkeys, a little bit of time and instructions from the Internet, and the “tricycle” quickly took shape.

As I stood back and inspected my final product, I felt as though the handlebars were a little bit droopy. The “trike” was so cute that I was unwilling to allow even this minor flaw. Considering what would help straighten my handlebars, I thought of a package of straws that were tucked away in one of my kitchen drawers. I began to search through those drawers of seldom used, but necessary, items. I did not immediately come across the straws, but I found something much better. In one of these drawers was a package of short, wooden skewers. These have been left over from a finger food party that I had catered. (To be honest I had not thought of these in a long time and did not even remember they were in that drawer.) The skewers were the perfect length to straighten the blanket and bootie handlebars.

How many times have we have situations that arise that require just a little bit of attention. We think things through and come up with our version of the solution. Without ever consulting the Lord we move ahead with what we think will work best. This can often lead to less than stellar results. If we will take a moment to pray and seek the Lord, even on the little things in life, we will often find that He has a much better solution just waiting to be found.

Life outlooks change when we begin to seek God. When Jesus spoke in what is commonly termed “The Sermon on the Mount” He instructed people on a better way. (See Matthew 5:38 – 48) In place of vengeance He taught love. The apostle Paul also taught this when he wrote, “But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all—love].” (1 Corinthians 12:31 AMP) This line precedes what is often referred to as the love chapter. The Scriptures make it clear that love supersedes any logical response to circumstances.

What about the smaller decisions of life? Having walked with God for a while, we may have learned to respond to life’s trials with thanksgiving and forgiveness. We may be, to the best of our ability, following the principles that the Bible teaches. We may attempt to allow love guide us. Yet every day we have choices to make as to the words we will speak in the action we will take. Do we stop to consult the wisdom of our Creator?

God is concerned about every area of life. When we have decisions to make or need help in a situation, the Holy Spirit is there with a ready answer for us. We are told several times in Scripture to call upon the Lord. “Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).”(Jeremiah 33:3 AMP) In times of trouble we can call. “He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” (Psalm 91:15 AMP) When we need wisdom we can ask. “If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5 AMP)

So we have no good reason to attempt to reason things out on our own. Our way may be adequate, or even good, but God always has a better way. “As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him.” (Psalm 18:30 AMP) He is also willing to share His way with us.  So why should we struggle in our own strength?

Pray and ask for the Lord’s help in all things. You also can say, “I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me [Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them]!” (Psalm 57:2 AMP)

Excitement at the Door

Lying quietly in the sun beside the sliding glass doors that lead to our deck is a favorite pastime of Beamer and Kari. Whether sleeping, looking out the window or keeping a keen eye to see if I may drop a morsel of food while I work in the kitchen, these pups enjoy that peaceful spot. Suddenly the distinct sound of an anticipatory whine comes from extremely alert dogs. Prancing and jumping at the door soon follow. As excitement increases, Kari begins leaping in the air at more than twice her height. (The paw prints on the glass door attest to her acrobatic feat.) Something has been moving in or behind our back yard.

By the time I reach the door to let them out, I can see nothing that would cause this excitement. Both dogs race toward the back corner of the yard. I’m assuming that a rabbit or a squirrel had caught their attention and then swiftly fled. There is an easement behind our yard where children often play or people walk their pets, but I would most likely have been able to catch a glimpse if that had been what my animals had seen. This had been more subtle and quick.  Laughing at the excitement level that Kari had displayed, I returned to what I had been doing and allowed the dogs to spend some time outside.             

We can enjoy time just resting in the presence of God. Worship music may be playing or the Scriptures may be open before our eyes. Then just as suddenly, the truth that we had not seen before can be spoken to our hearts by the Holy Spirit. God’s presence suddenly seems more real and intense. Do we display the same exuberance with which Kari jumped into the air when that animal caught her eye? Does our heart leap causing us to desire to understand everything that this gentle whisper entails? Even before his birth, John (the Baptist) had this reaction to the presence of Jesus who was also yet to be born into this world. “And it occurred that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb,” (Luke 1:41AMP) There was an excitement at the entrance of the tangible presence of God.

As born-again believers we have the presence of the Holy Spirit abiding in our lives every day. This is a source of hope, contentment and joy. “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11 AMP) At times the Lord will speak clearly to our hearts. We may be rereading a familiar Scripture and suddenly see a truth that had not previously been obvious. We may suddenly know the direction to go in an area that we have been praying. There are so many ways that the Holy Spirit may enlighten us. When we see something clearly, do we get excited and run after it? Is our excitement uncontainable to the point that our inner man leaps into the air?

We have a great example in Scripture of a young boy who responded well when hearing the voice of God. Young Samuel was a servant of Eli, the priest. (See 1 Samuel 3:4–10) We see his exuberant response the first time he heard God call his name. “When the Lord called, Samuel! And he answered, Here I am. He ran to Eli and said, Here I am, for you called me.” (1 Samuel 3:4-5a AMP) Even before the young Samuel knew he was hearing from God he jumped up and ran to answer. Could this exuberance of youth be part of what Jesus was referring to when he commanded us to come as children? We know that he desires we trust like a children, but I wonder if there wasn’t just a little bit more when He said, “And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all].” (Matthew 18:3 AMP)

As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, we should never lose that same excitement of hearing His voice. Whenever something appears to “jump off the page” at us, we need to be ready to “jump up” to pursue it and find the full meaning of what is there for us. The critter that captured Kari’s attention was elusive, but God will never withhold His truth from our pursuit. He is waiting to see if we will chase after it. Will this be our response to a glimpse of truth? “My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You; Your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8 AMP)

When God speaks to your, heart leap with excitement and chase hard after all He wishes to teach you. “Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit;” (1 Thessalonians 5:19 AMP) Pursue Him instead.

Repeat That Please

When I was in college there was a professor who always began the semester by informing the students that anything repeated more than once was extremely important. What this meant was that the information would most definitely be on the test, and that we needed to truly understand the concept not just be able to repeat the information.
This is often true in life. As a parent I considered any information that I had repeated to my son to be taken in and adhered to. Although all of my directions and commands required his attention, that which was repeated was all the more important.
Scripture is full of important direction for our lives. We have direct commands from God, as in the law and many of the teachings of Jesus. We also have examples from the lives of those who have gone before us. If you want to be a leader you follow the examples of godly leaders such as Moses, Joshua and Paul. (Following Jesus goes unsaid. He is our greatest leader.) If you want to have a heart that seeks after God, you follow the example of King David.
A constant throughout David's life was worship. Whether he was in the fields with the sheep; living in caves while running from King Saul; or living in the opulent palace in Jerusalem; he was a man of praise. Many of the Psalms that he wrote were during those times when his life circumstances seemed to be at their lowest. Throughout every stage of his life, David remained a man who searched out God's will and remembered the Lord’s great and mighty works. In addition to this he spent much time contemplating just how great God is.
In “Continual Time for Food and Medicine” (3/18/2015) I mentioned that in Psalm 136, David repeats one single line 26 times. In every verse this line is repeated. “…for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.” King David may be reminding himself of this truth in hard times. Whatever his motivation David chose to repeat this line over and over again. He began the Psalm by acknowledging the attributes of God’s greatness in creation. He then continued to show times in which God mightily intervened to bring deliverance in Israel’s history. With each line David repeated, “…for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.”  26 times should be enough for us to take notice and truly believe this statement.
Using my college professor’s model, we should sit up and take notice of this characteristic of Almighty God. We will find this concept extremely important to have remembered when we face life’s tests. When challenges arise will we ask God why he has allowed these difficult events to occur? Will we suddenly look at life with no clue as to the proper response? Or will we remember King David’s declaration? “…for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.” “…for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.” This declaration should be repeated over and over again in our hearts until it is the first words we speak when pressure hits. “…for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45b AMP)
In order for this verse to become a reality in our inner man, we must not simply remember the words. Rote memorization can sometimes replicate a correct answer on a written test, but to truly find value in the knowledge memorized, we must go beyond the mere words. Understanding comes as we seek out and study a concept. The term mercy and loving-kindness actually appears in the amplified version of Scripture 136 times. I would say that that is quite a bit of repeat. It also shows that David was not the only one who understood this characteristic of God’s nature. It also encourages us that we can likewise experience the enduring mercy and loving-kindness of our heavenly father.
In pleasant times, “…His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.” In difficult times, “…His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.” When we feel God’s presence, “…His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.” When we wonder if God even sees us, “…His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.”

Ponder this truth until it becomes deeply rooted in your heart and it will become your first response when the tests of life arise. “…for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.”

Why Are My Slippers Outside Again?

I absolutely love my two dogs, Beamer and Kari. They are playful and fun-loving but each has his and her own quirks and bad habits.

Beamer wants to have something in his mouth every time he goes outside. This item is preferably a toy, but can be a pair of socks, slippers or just about anything ‘mouth size’ that has been left within his reach. These items may be found on the floor, chairs, sofas, or even tables if he is being especially naughty. We are constantly retrieving things either from his mouth at the door or from the backyard. Since my slippers are frequently left on the floor of the den, I often find myself searching for at least one of them. They are often on a table or shelf where my husband has placed them after rescuing them from Beamer’s mouth. This morning I saw a pair sitting on the deck just a few feet from the back door. My first thought was, “What are my slippers doing outside?” I immediately realized how silly this question was. I knew exactly what the slippers were doing outside and who had dropped them there. Beamer is the thief and transplant king of all small, unattended items.

I have an option to blame Beamer for taking my slippers outside or to acknowledge my own lack of responsibility to put them away. Do I play the victim and become frustrated by his actions or do I begin protecting my belongings by putting them out of his reach. Knowing his behavior patterns, I must begin to guard my slippers.

God has provided a great treasure in His word. When we do not intently consider God’s word to us, the enemy will come and steal it away. Jesus told parable of a man sowing seed. (See Matthew chapter 13) In this parable, seed is dropped on the path and the birds steal it away. Jesus compares this path to people who hear the word of God but do not understand it. Because they do not understand, and do not seek to understand, the value of the word is stolen away by the enemy of our souls. When we are inattentive to what God is attempting to show us, we will not experience the work that our loving Father wishes to do in our lives.

God may reveal a truth to our hearts in a very special way. He may also point out areas of our lives in which He wishes to make correction. When we do not take the time to ponder and seek out what God is speaking specifically to us, it is like leaving that instruction from God on the floor of our spiritual house. Here the enemy can come and steal the thought away. It may be days, weeks or even years before we return to truly learn the lesson that God intended to teach us. Sometimes we never will.

If we do not understand the lesson God is drawing our hearts to, we must listen and search for truth. The best way is to compare Scripture to other Scripture. We can look at works written by other Christians who have studied the same areas. But most importantly of all, we have the Holy Spirit who resides within us. Jesus promised His followers, “But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.” (John 14:26 AMP) We can learn all things from the Holy Spirit. When understanding seems difficult, we also have this promise. “If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5 AMP)

If we are at a place that God is shining the light of His word on an area in life that we need to change, we must not hold on too tightly to where we are. Change is always difficult. When God-led, change is always preferable. We must not hold onto things in an attempt to keep them as they are. Whether we are to let go of sin or simply follow God in a new direction, obedience is key. “For He is our God and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice, Harden not your hearts as at Meribah and as at Massah in the day of temptation in the wilderness,” (Psalm 95:7-8 AMP) We do not wish to set down the will of God for our reluctance to move forward with Him.

So when we have ‘aha’ moments that we know God wishes to speak to our hearts, we must receive them as gifts. We must not walk away leaving them behind without pondering, coming to full understanding and then obeying what we have heard the Almighty speak. If we treat the word carelessly and leave these lessons behind, without obtaining full value, the enemy is ready to snatch them up and run out the door with them. These lessons can leave our mind and heart quickly if we do not pay close heed to receive them. Sometimes we may not even know that they are gone. And other times we will wonder how we let that get away from us.

So as you read the Scriptures, treat them with deep respect. When God speaks to your heart, determine to learn all that He intends to reveal and make this an active part of your life. Do not put down the precious teachings of God where the enemy can snatch them away.

Continual Time for Food and Medicine

When we first brought our son, who had been born prematurely, home from the hospital he was three months old and weighed only 4 lbs. 8 oz. He arrived at our home with oxygen tanks, heart and breathing monitors, a feeding tube and a series of medications. After a little more than three months in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, we were totally thrilled to finally have our baby home.

Because of his limited breathing ability and other medical needs connected to his early arrival into this world, Jon required a strict feeding and medication schedule. Although he would voraciously attempt to drink the milk offered him, his lung power gave out after only a minute or two. For this reason he was fed by both mouth and tube every few hours. His medications were also to be given at very specific times. In order to keep up with this rigid schedule, we set multiple alarm clocks to alert us, both day and night, to provide the food and medicine that our tiny son required to survive. By receiving this regimented, constant care he not only survived but had thrived and gained more than 2 pounds by his eight week checkup.

Jesus Christ, the Word that became flesh, is the bread of life. “Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).” (John 6:35 AMP)  The Word of God also compares a joyful heart to medicine. “A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22 AMP) Like my young son we also have a great need for the bread of life and the medicine of joy in our lives. Do we act with the same diligence with which my husband and I set alarm clocks to alert us to Jon’s needs? What have we set in place in our lives to ensure that we never go too long between feedings?

Spending time reading in Psalms triggered a deep desire to live as King David’s example encourages us. “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1 AMP) Looking in the New Testament we find the apostle Paul has a similar sentiment. “Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 AMP) “Continually” “at all times” and “unceasing” are pretty definite and challenging descriptors. Making that work in our lives is not always easy.

So I began an experiment. I set a one hour snooze alarm on my cell phone. Instead of turning the alarm off when I awake in the morning, I press the snooze button. Then one hour later the alarm will go off again. It is a reminder to take just a moment to praise and thank the Lord for who He is and what He has done in my life. Taking a moment to consider the greatness of the character of God, is an awesome encouragement. Remembering what He has done in my life brings courage for the future. Praising Him for who He is and thanking Him for what He has done both nourishes and heals a hungry, sick soul.

Daily life is full of challenges. There are demands on every one of us. As we give out for the Lord we find ourselves needing to be refueled and restored. A praising, thankful heart is the best way to look not at what is being taken from us by the needs of others, but all that is being given to us by our gracious, heavenly father. Psalm 136 repeats the same line 26 times. For every thought that the psalmist pours his heart out to God he repeats, “…for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.” We can be continually nourished and strengthened simply by remembering that one line. But there is so much more to praise and thank Him for.

If you like, join the experiment and actually set an alarm to remind yourself to praise and thank the Lord. Daily remind yourself to eat of God’s word and take the medicine of joy. You will not only survive, but you will thrive.

(I do turn the alarm off at that last hour before bedtime. I have also accidentally hit the dismiss button and found myself sad and having missed an opportunity to praise.)