Praise: Proclaiming the Glory of God – Day 4 Kingdom Creator

Posted on June 25, 2024 by Jill English Johnston

Praise the Lord, everything he has created,
everything in all his kingdom.
Psalm 103:22

Whether big or whether small,
Ever praising through it all.

Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father. But not a kingdom of military might and strength, nor one enforced through control, coercion, and violence, nor focused on accumulating power, wealth, or influence. Rather, his Kingdom values surrendered living, sacrificial love for others, kindness, gentleness, and extending generosity, peace and justice to the oppressed, the poor, and the downtrodden.


We are called to seek the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father above all else through the way we live, trusting him to provide for us (Matthew 6:33). He is the King of nations, great and full of power (Jeremiah 10:6-7), yet doing good for his people out of kindness, compassion and love (Isaiah 63:7). Our Father gives us Jesus, our King, whom he has set above all rulers, authorities, powers, and leaders—in this world and the world to come (Ephesians 1:21).


Pause and take time to see the people around you today. Consider their situations, whether they are struggling, unfairly treated, or being taken advantage of. Notice any pain, sorrow, or hardships they may be experiencing. What might our Father be speaking to you in this moment?

Praise our Heavenly Father for his heart of kindness, compassion, and love for his people. Praise him for his Son, Jesus, the One who reigns his good Kingdom.


Pray.

Heavenly Father,
You are the Kingdom Creator.
Even when I’m overwhelmed, may my praise for you rise up.
Amen.

For the story behind Praise: Proclaiming the Glory of God, visit the first blog in the Praise series.

If you’d like to see all the books currently available in my Be Still series, visit my Be Still page.

All the books in the Be Still series are available on Amazon. Visit my author page Jill English Johnston.

Grace and Peace

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Praise: Proclaiming the Glory of God – Day 3 Earth Builder

Posted on June 18, 2024 by Jill English Johnston

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
Psalm 100:1

Nature showing awesome glory,
Always telling of your story.

God writes his story on every heart, if we only pause to read it. He also writes his story throughout creation, if only we pause to see it. From the beauty of spring’s wildflowers carpeting a meadow, to the splendor of summer’s rainbow painted across the sky, to the grandeur of autumn’s gold splashed up a mountainside. God writes his story.

Since the creation of the world, God’s story, power, and character have been clearly seen in what he has made (Romans 1:20). By his wisdom, he laid the earth’s foundations and by his understanding he set the heavens in place (Proverbs 3:19). He then gave breath and life to the people and the creatures he created, everything that walks the earth (Isaiah 42:5). He is also the one who gives us Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Pause and take time to admire something beautiful in nature today. Consider the colors, whether vibrant or muted, varied or solid, and the way sunlight plays on the details. If you can, feel the textures. Notice any sound it makes or any scent it has. What might our Father be speaking to you in this moment?

Praise our Heavenly Father for the amazing variety, diversity, and artistry of his creation. Praise him for Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith.

Pray.

Heavenly Father,
You are the Earth Builder.
Give me eyes to see your beauty today.
Amen.

For the story behind Praise: Proclaiming the Glory of God, visit the first blog in the Praise series.

If you’d like to see all the books currently available in my Be Still series, visit my Be Still page.

All the books in the Be Still series are available on Amazon. Visit my author page Jill English Johnston.

Grace and Peace

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Praise: Proclaiming the Glory of God – Day 2 Day Maker

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Jill English Johnston

This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

Giving warmth and gladness bright,
Bringing forth your wondrous light.


Some days are designed for us to work and some designed to rest. Some days are filled with laughter and some are filled with tears. Some days are celebrated and some are mourned. Some days are meant for quiet and some are meant for conversations. But no matter the day, it is a day that our Heavenly Father has made.

He has made everything beautiful at just the right time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). He made all of our days, for both work and for rest (Exodus 20:8-11), and he teaches us to account for them and seek wisdom in each one (Psalm 90:12). He is the one who plans our days, recording every one (Psalm 139:16). He  is also the one who gives us Jesus, the Dayspring, who guides us in the way of peace and brings the light of day in our darkest night (Luke 1:78-79).

Pause and take time to reflect on your day yesterday. Consider what kind of day it was, whether hectic or relaxing, busy or unproductive, stressful or inspiring. Notice any thoughts feelings, and reactions the day produced. What might our Father be speaking to you in this moment?

Praise our Heavenly Father for the gift of every day, knowing that no matter what it brings, he is in it. Praise him for his Son, Jesus, our Dayspring.

Pray.

Heavenly Father,
You are the Day Maker.
Let the way I live my life always proclaim your glory..
Amen.

For the story behind Praise: Proclaiming the Glory of God, visit the first blog in the Praise series.

If you’d like to see all the books currently available in my Be Still series, visit my Be Still page.

All the books in the Be Still series are available on Amazon. Visit my author page Jill English Johnston.

Grace and Peace

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Praise: Proclaiming the Glory of God – Day 1 Sky Crafter

Posted on June 4, 2024 by Jill English Johnston

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
Psalm 19:1-2

As dawn spreads out her golden rays,
She fills the sky with endless praise.

Every morning the sun rises. The time may be early or late, depending on the season. But the sun rises. The skies may be cloudy or clear. But the sun rises. The colors may be vibrant and red, grey and rain laden, or simply orange melting into blue. But the sun rises. And with it, a new day begins.

As glorious as the sun is as it rises each day—bringing light and life to the world—our Heavenly Father is more so. He is the one who crafted the skies, the clouds, the sun, the moon, the stars. From his mouth he spoke the heavenly lights into existence (Genesis 1:14-18). He set them in motion, and he calls the stars by name (Isaiah 40:26). He is the one who gives the sun to light the day (Jeremiah 31:35). He is also the one who gives us Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness, who brings healing, freedom, and joy (Malachi 4:2).

Pause and take time to watch a sunrise today. Consider the early morning light playing on the clouds and the landscape. Listen to the early morning sounds. Notice any scents on the early morning air. What might our Father be speaking to you in this moment?

Praise our Heavenly Father for his glory, his craftsmanship, and his creativity. Praise him for his Son, Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness.

Pray.

Heavenly Father,
You are the Praise Maker.
Teach me how to praise you every day and in every way.
Amen.

For the story behind Praise: Proclaiming the Glory of God, visit the first blog in the Praise series.

If you’d like to see all the books currently available in my Be Still series, visit my Be Still page.

All the books in the Be Still series are available on Amazon. Visit my author page Jill English Johnston.

Grace and Peace

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Praise: Proclaiming the Glory of God; an introduction

Posted on May 28, 2024 by Jill English Johnston

Let all that I am praise the Lord;

may I never forget the good things he does for me.

Psalm 103:2

What is praise? Have you considered this question before? Praise is both a verb and a noun. As a verb, we actively expresses warm approval or admiration of someone or something. In our faith context, we actively express our respect and gratitude toward our Heavenly Father. As a noun, it’s the expression of approval, admiration, respect and gratitude for someone or something. Other words we use along with praise are worship, glorify, honor, exalt, and revere.

Why do we praise? Praising God provides a means for us to shift our perspective from our circumstances, our trials, and our struggles to the love of our Heavenly Father. As we praise, we remember the blessings, the gifts, the care, and the provision he has for us. Our faith grows as praise inspires us to continue to trust that he will never leave us or forsake us.

How do we praise? Let us count the ways. We can praise through song, and prayer; we can praise silently or audibly, we can praise during stillness and activity. Our praises can spring up in the ordinary and in the extraordinary, in our daily tasks and in our rest.

Join me as we continue our journey in Praise: Proclaiming the Glory of God.

For the story behind Praise: Proclaiming the Glory of God, visit the first blog in the Praise series.

If you’d like to see all the books currently available in my Be Still series, visit my Be Still page.

All the books in the Be Still series are available on Amazon. Visit my author page Jill English Johnston.

Grace and Peace

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