Chicago During Covid-19 #1

A sign, etched in stone, cries out God is worthy of glory.

May we who pass by pray, “Hallelujah! Amen.”

Palm Sunday in the City During COVID-19

Someone got up early to remember today’s meaning even though COVID-19 has locked the doors of our churches.

We paused as we passed by on our morning walk and took this picture to remind you to welcome Jesus to your city or town, to your heart and life.

Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven (Matthew 21:9).

High Praise

Praise God for his mighty deeds;
Praise him according to his excellent greatness (from Psalm 150:2).

Let the high praises of God be in our throats (from Psalm 149:6).

Praise the Lord

“Nothing pleases God more than praise as a part of our prayer life, and nothing blesses someone who prays as much as the praise that is offered.”*

It is good to praise the Lord (Psalm 92:1).

*Henry Cowman as quoted in Streams in the Desert, p.299.

Try Giving Thanks

“I had recently received bad news. Deep shadows of darkness seemed to cover my soul. I prayed but the darkness remained. Suddenly, one day, as I entered a friend’s home, I noticed these words: ‘Try giving thanks.’ I did, and in a moment every shadow was gone.”*

It is good to give thanks to the Lord (Psalm 92:1).

*adapted from L.B. Cowman who cited Henry B. Frost in Streams in the Desert, p. 299.

 

A Reason to Praise

I paused as we read Psalm 74:23: “The uproar of those who rise against Thee ascends continually.” I thought, “That’s awful. God deserves praise. Not insult.”

Later we sang, “Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne; Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own!*

May that be so!

*Matthew Bridges, Godfrey Thring, George Elvey, Crown Him with Many Crowns.

Speechless Praise

They stood
Surrounded
By beauty.

In silent stillness
They praised
God’s majesty.

There is a Creator.
His name is God.

Jesus Shall Reign!

As we sang, I imagined heaven. I almost heard the infant voices proclaiming their early blessings on his name.*

One day, our voices will join with those who never saw earth’s sun, forever to praise the Lord.

*adapted from Isaac Watts’ hymn,  Jesus Shall Reign.

 

 

Displeasure or Praise?

Jesus is wonderful. He does wonderful things. When He healed the sick, the Chief Priests were indignant and the children cried, “Hosanna (Matthew 21:14-15)!”

How do you respond to the wonderful things Jesus does for others? What if He forgives someone who has hurt you terribly?

Will your prayers be full of displeasure or praise?

Mercy Motivates Praise

I am a sinner. I received mercy.

My response? To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen (1 Timothy 1:17).