The Stones Will Cry Out

Yesterday was wonderful.  All day, it seemed thunder rolled in the heavens all around us.  We didn’t get much rain like other parts of the area received and for that I am thankful, but the sounds and sight of lightening, I find inspiring!  (And, yes, that may make me a little odd, but I do love a good thunderstorm!)   It reminds me there is a God who is in control of the universe which He created.  He is magnificent and it is right to praise Him.  Yet there are times when we forget or simply choose not to. 

Jesus told the Pharisees that if people didn't praise him then the stones would cry out.   I have a hard time picturing stones speaking like Jesus described in the scripture, yet I have a hard time picturing God speaking through a burning bush, as well; but I know it is truth.  

As I thought about the visual of stones speaking, my mind starting thinking about other sounds that, while I don’t necessarily think as “speaking” could be considered articulating or at the very least communicating something worth listening to!  When giant waves hit the shore at the ocean isn’t there a roaring that can cause humans to find it difficult to hear another person speak?  When lightning strikes a tree or other inanimate object can you not hear the strike?  When thunder rolls and crashes in the heavens can the sound not be deafening?  When a volcano erupts isn’t there a great rumbling and wailing before it spews ash into the air?  Can you not hear a great wind when it blows or even howls during a hurricane, blizzard or tornado? Do not giant waterfalls roar with great strength and power?   

Do the birds not sing, and  squirrels make tiny barking sounds, while whales and dolphins call out to each other?  Crickets chirp and the hummingbird squeaks while his wings whirr in the air at an amazing speed. Can you not hear the dog bark or tiny kitten mew?  The list of unlikely objects creating a sound and animals speaking seems to be endless.  Why, then, does it seem unlikely that stones would cry out to a worthy God if we humans did not? 

We are much more valuable to God than a stone.  Shouldn’t we, then, consider it a blessing to be able to praise our Almighty God?  Why do we shrink from this gift?  I wish I knew and I’m as guilty as the next person!  But this verse reminds me that praise is right, praise is proper and praise is an offering that gives God great pleasure.  

I hope you find everyday this a week a reason to celebrate and then remember to give praise and thanksgiving to a worthy, living God!

When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:  "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"  Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"  "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." Luke 19:37-40

A Thankful Heart

            Have you ever made a list of things for which you could give thanks?  Oddly, I think many people would have an easier time making a list of the things wrong in their life!  I sat down one day and actually began making a list and was amazed as I reflected on how good God has been to me!

            I begin with my God, first and foremost, my husband, children (all five!), grandchildren (10 and one on the way), our home, and our “things.”    But well before our “things” I place our church family, pastor, great gospel music, food on the table, the ability to place words on paper that someone else may find encouraging and on and on and on.  The truth is, as I said before, God has been good to me!

            Do you ever wonder how a person who has much negativity can find joy in life?  There are those who refuse to see the good in each day and rather focus on the trials or setbacks that have occurred.  I’ve had my share of both and can relate to the feeling of “just feeling rotten!”  Thankfully (another good reason to give thanks) I seldom reach a point of complete despair!  I prefer to look for the silver lining or if a detour is necessary, consider it “the scenic route!”  

            What about you?  How do you look at life?  Are you thankful for the little things?  Can you remember the last time you were thankful for green grass, a blue sky, or rain?  Rain, or the lack thereof in this area, has become very important.  We were so dry for so long.  Thank the Lord for the rain.  It was wonderful over the weekend to hear gentle rainfall in the middle of the night.  What an amazing, peaceful sound to hear when you’re only about half awake!   

            I’m thankful for the mornings.  I know there are many people who are night owls.  I’m not one of them.  My preference is to wake early, preferably right after sunrise (although I don’t do it all the time) and with cup of coffee in hand, enjoy the early morning sounds of the chickadees chattering, orioles singing, robins chirping and all of nature waking, while gazing at the beautiful sky as the sun peeks over the trees, and watching the squirrels flit from one branch to another, feeling a gentle breeze and admiring the flowers as they turn their faces to the sun.  What wonder!  Just to think of it makes me smile!  What a gift we have in the beauty of nature.  

            Tonight if you find yourself in a state of sleeplessness, tossing and turning because your mind won’t shut down, consider all you have to be thankful for.  Start naming them one by one.  It’s a grand way to fall to sleep.  You might have to turn some corners in your mind as you work around what might have been a bad day, bad week, or even a few (or many) bad years.  But good is out there….and there is much to be thankful for!

It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High,  Psalm 92:1

Sing With Gusto!

           Yesterday one of my little granddaughters was in a room by herself when suddenly we heard her singing a song with all the gusto she could muster.   It was precious because she was totally uninhibited by anyone or anything and just wanted to express her joy.  While her song was a combination of several songs she learned from Vacation Bible School and Christian radio, and didn’t have all the words right as we know them, she was singing with her heart. That’s what’s important.

           Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all could express ourselves without worrying about what someone else thinks?  It's certain we all won't all agree all the time but there is no need for anger and harsh words when we feel differently.  There are times, however, when it is necessary to take a stand.  In fact, I’ve learned recently that when you don’t take a stand for Jesus, aren’t you also denying him?  I was horrified at the thought, because it’s true, and I’m certain there have been times in my life when I didn’t say, “Whoa!  Wait a minute, ……!”

           Recently there has been much to do about the stand Chick Fil A  took regarding the traditional family union of one woman and one man.  I admire them for taking a stand on something that in our quickly deteriorating world, causes much contention.  There is joy in taking a stand when you know you can base your beliefs on the word of God.

        Just as my granddaughter expresses her joy without any reservation, we should be able to express our joy about our faith in a God who loves us.  We should be able, without hesitation or inhibition to say, “Hear me oh kings and rulers of this world!  I will sing to the Lord and give him praise” with great joy. 

"Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I will sing to the LORD, I will sing; I will make music to the LORD, the God of Israel.      Judges 5:3