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How are you all feeling about entering the 4th month of 2025 already!?! Time just keeps whizzing by. But, April is a great month as believers all over the world prepare to celebrate and worship the resurrection of Christ in more purposeful ways. In accordance with spring, we are renewed to acknowledge the hope, joy, beauty, power, and faithfulness of God through remembering the victory Jesus ensured for all who believe. Jesus endured the full wrath of God and the brutality of man to honor His Father and save those same humans from eternal suffering and separation from their Creator. One of my favorite passages during this season is Ephesians 1:19-21:
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"and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."
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When we worry about God keeping His promises to us, we can meditate on the truths of this passage. The same power that conquered death and resurrected Jesus from the grave is still working in us and will continue until our faith becomes sight. It is not our power but God's that keeps and seals us until our earthly life is through. That is definitely worth celebrating and offering our worship for. Wouldn't you agree?
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This past weekend I took a 2.5 hour road trip to see my sister in Arkansas and do some sourcing for my vintage business. My mind has been scattered and unsettled over some health issues in our family and the solo drive gave my mind some room for spiraling out of control. I had recently read through Psalm 89 and recalled this portion of the text (vs 17-19):
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"Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness. You are their glorious strength. It pleases you to make us strong."
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Friends, this is a beautiful passage about the power of worship and how God honors our sincere and humble praise. It pleases God to make us strong! He knows we are weak and delighting in Him and the truths of who He is ushers us into the light of His presence. I can't think of any place I'd rather be. He is my glorious strength, and when I begin to sink into fear and despair, time and time again, the act of worship has reoriented my heart with enduring faith. It moves me to remember. It calls me to surrender. The ministry of worship music soothes my weary soul.
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So that's what I did. I hit play on my favorite worship playlist and sang my heart out as I drove through the farming communities of NW Arkansas. Tears fell. Hope rose. There might have been some hand raising and head bopping too that only God and the cows could see. :)
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Were my problems solved? No, but because the power that raised Christ from the dead is still working in my life and those I love, I asked for healing and help. I let go of anxiety and asked for peace. He put things in perspective in my heart and mind.
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He called me to worship and I answered. In turn, He answered by increasing my strength to keep believing He cares and is working on our behalf. And He brought calm to my chaotic thoughts and fears.
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For all of this, I am thankful. And I know that the next time my faith waivers and my heart hurts, I can go to Him again, receiving new mercies and fresh grace to handle what may come.
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If you're struggling to trust...if you are fearful about the future...if you don't have joy...if you feel weak and doubtful...
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He wants to make you strong.
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Will you enter His presence by offering Him your humble praise? Will you find some gospel-centered music and join along?
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If you seek, you will find.
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Blessings, friends. Until next time.
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Your persevering sister in Christ,
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What's on my current playlist?
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Praise - Anthem Worship, Genavieve Linkowski
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What's on your worship playlist?
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Hit reply to this email and let me know! I'd love to find some new ones. :)
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Encouraging Podcast Episode!
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In this episode, Max reminds us that our greatest calling is to worship as Christians.
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My Book Links:
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Thanks for reading. See you soon!
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