Rise Up and Praise Him: 365 Days of Praise

By Phil Barfoot

Rise Up and Praise Him is a unique and dynamic devotional book compiled by Dr. Phil Barfoot and written by 270 premiere Worship Pastors, Ministers of Music, and Christian University Professors across America. Each devotion presents a fresh and inspiring thought and scripture for the day designed to refresh, renew, and recharge the spiritual life of each reader.

The book is designed for private devotionals, choirs, worship teams, and small group study. As a private devotional, the reader can use the book as a daily devotional. As a group study devotional, there are two pertinent questions after each devotion that will encourage group discussion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098357061

Book preview

Copyright © 2020 by Phil Barfoot

All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

ISBN: 978-1-0983570-6-1

3326 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 140, Franklin, TN 37067

615-771-2665 | www.celebrationconcerttours.com | [e-mail]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A very special thanks to each of the following people for their support, love, encouragement, commitment and tireless dedication to make this book a reality…

MY WIFE SHERI

God has blessed me the BEST wife on the planet! My best friend, inspiration, coach, fellow-dreamer, partner, and the love of my life. A great big, huge thanks to Sheri for her support, patience and help with this book!

OUR FAMILY – AMY, AARON & ADAM

Not a day goes by that I don’t thank the Lord for our incredible children! They are such a blessing and inspiration to Sheri and I and are making a BIG difference in their world! We love them and are grateful for all God has done in and through their lives!

OUR TEAM AT CELEBRATION CONCERT TOURS/CELEBRATION MINISTRY STAFFING

I am so grateful for the extraordinary team God has given us to partner with in ministry. Whether it be taking choirs on tours around the world or recruiting just the right Worship Pastor or Senior Pastor for a church, these guys are awesome! Their assistance and help in preparing this book is appreciated from the bottom of my heart.

Here is how each of them contributed:

BRIAN POWERS – Art Design, Typesetting, Layout

SHERI BARFOOT, SHANNON ROLLINS & JORDAN MEREDITH – Copy editing & Formatting

JENNIFER SHELTON & TRAVIS SHELTON – Proofreading

CONTRIBUTORS

Kudos to all 270 contributors to this book! I thank God every day I have the privilege of partnering with these wonderful friends and colleagues! Grateful for the friendships, relationships, support, and encouragement of each of them. I love cheering them on in their awesome ministries!

PREFACE

Rise Up and Praise Him was created by 270 premiere Worship Pastors, Ministers of Music, and Christian University Professors across America. I am both humbled and grateful to count each of these contributors as wonderful friends and want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to each of them for taking the time to pour their Godly wisdom, insight, inspiration, and encouragement into each devotion.

One of the unique features of this book is its flexibility to be used as a private devotional book or as a group devotional. I encourage choirs, praise teams, orchestras, Sunday school classes, Bible studies and all types of groups to read through the devotions on the same schedule corporately as each one does individually during private study and devotional time.

Reading these devotions on the same schedule opens up the opportunity to share and discuss each other’s thoughts together in small or large group settings. As a group study devotional, there are two pertinent questions after each devotion that will encourage group discussion.

Whether you utilize this devotional book in your daily private time with the Lord or with your choir or ministry groups, my hope and prayer is that God would use its truth and spiritual insights to inspire, encourage, uplift, and bless all who read it!

God’s BEST to you as you Rise Up and Praise Him each morning!

Dr. Phil Barfoot, Editor

CONTENTS

WEEK 1

Monday, His Intimate Presence—Dr. Phil Barfoot

Tuesday, Praise—Phil Anderson

Wednesday, Ask Again—Dr. Phil Barfoot

Thursday, Lonely Places—Michael B. Anderson

Friday, The Word Sparks The Work—Christian Anders

Saturday, Fleeting Treasures—Jeremy J. Christ

Sunday, The Glory Of God—Michael B. Anderson

WEEK 2

Monday, Then What Happened?—Michael Adler

Tuesday, Above And Beyond—Scott Andrews

Wednesday, God Can Use You If You Go Lower—Ken Atkinson

Thursday, Approaching God With My Heart In Check—Lee Chewning

Friday, Church Jokes And Careless Worship—Michael Adler

Saturday, Lessons From The Grand Canyon—Tempa Bader

Sunday, Are You Plugged In?—Dr. Herb Armentrout

WEEK 3

Monday, The God Who Calms My Storms—Steve Holt

Tuesday, Be A Storyteller—Gary Anthony

Wednesday, The Gift Of Ministry—Joe Estes

Thursday, A Baker’s Invitation—Gary Anthony

Friday, Let Them See Christ In Me—Jeff Askew

Saturday, Learning To Say Yes—Lee Chewning

Sunday, Deceived—Marc Ivey

WEEK 4

Monday, Devote Yourselves To Prayer—Jeff Brazell

Tuesday, Keep Your Eyes Down The Road—Dan Baker

Wednesday, Let’s Be The Choir—Chason Farris

Thursday, A New Perspective—Dr. Don W. Barrick

Friday, Jesus Is In The House—Greg Childress

Saturday, Where Is My Focus?—Chad Crooks

Sunday, Here I Raise—Jeremy J. Christ

WEEK 5

Monday, Change Your Focus—Ron Cochran

Tuesday, If—Ed Cleveland

Wednesday, Ode To Joy!—Ron Cochran

Thursday, Help Me Jesus…Now!—Bill Cole

Friday, Joyful, Hopeful, And Prayerful—Craig Adams

Saturday, The Safest Place To Be—Christian Anders

Sunday, All The Poor And Powerless…Including Me—Andy Botts

WEEK 6

Monday, Rejoice!—Dr. Don W. Barrick

Tuesday, The Work Of God—Marco Barroso

Wednesday, Into The Sanctuary Of God—Dan Baker

Thursday, Knowing Jesus—Kevin Batson

Friday, My Adoption And My Inheritance—Kevin Batson

Saturday, Insights From Noah—Rhon Carter

Sunday, Storms—William Beck

WEEK 7

Monday, Living A Legacy—David Berryhill

Tuesday, I Am The Path—David Berryhill

Wednesday, Be Strong…And Work—Jeff Davis

Thursday, Holiness Is Intentional—John Brewer

Friday, Who Is In The Details?—C. Brian Biondo

Saturday, The Ear Of The Father—Trent Blackley

Sunday, What Are You Cultivating?—Andy Botts

WEEK 8

Monday, It’s Really Happening—Mark Blair

Tuesday, Moving Higher—Mark Blankenship

Wednesday, Enjoy The Silence—Dr. Matt Caine

Thursday, Acceptable Words….—Dr. Ronald E. Bowles

Friday, Sheltered, Safe And Secure—Glen D. Bohannon, Jr.

Saturday, What’s On The Inside?—Wayne Bridges

Sunday, The Beauty Of Unity—John Brewer

WEEK 9

Monday, Perceived Condition vs Projected Value—Rick Briscoe

Tuesday, Playing For The King—Dr. R. Tyler Brinson

Wednesday, The Value Of A Day—Dr. Phil Barfoot

Thursday, The Goodness Of God—Rob Britton

Friday, Remember Your Call—Rob Britton

Saturday, Are You Happy?—Jeff Brockelman

Sunday, With My Mouth…—Jeff Brockelman

WEEK 10

Monday, Be Strong And Contagious—Jason Millsaps

Tuesday, Empty Deceptions—Kirkwood Bullis

Wednesday, See Him Clearly—Chad Crooks

Thursday, Worship God—Jeff Brazell

Friday, Keeping Alert In Prayer—Kirkwood Bullis

Saturday, The Longest Advent Ever—Dr. Matt Caine

Sunday, Who Are You…Really?—Ken Brookins

WEEK 11

Monday, Be Still—David Butler

Tuesday, All In—Scott Bullman

Wednesday, Sing—David Butler

Thursday, The Savior’s Tears—Bill Cole

Friday, Investing In The Next Generation—Malachi Cole

Saturday, If The Lord Wills—Michael Cole

Sunday, Focusing On The Finish Line—Chris Copeland

WEEK 12

Monday, What Are You Doing?—Charles Colvin

Tuesday, Under His Wings—Stuart Condra

Wednesday, Many Gifts One Ministry—Scot Cameron

Thursday, Godliness With Contentment Part 1—Scott Connell

Friday, Godliness With Contentment Part 2—Scott Connell

Saturday, The Gift That Was Fit For A King—John Conrad

Sunday, To The Rescue—John Conrad

WEEK 13

Monday, For Such A Time As This—Barry Cook

Tuesday, Time Is Money—Barry Cook

Wednesday, God Is A Singing God—Rhon Carter

Thursday, Standing Alone—Chris Copeland

Friday, A Very Present Help In Trouble—Glenn Crosthwait

Saturday, Get The Fear Out—Greg Crane

Sunday, House Cleaning—Greg Crane

WEEK 14

Monday, When It’s Difficult To Forgive—Glenn Crosthwait

Tuesday, How Can I Sing In A Foreign Land?—Byron Cutrer

Wednesday, Worship Changes Everything—Phil Anderson

Thursday, Do I Really Know His Plans?—Alan Fath

Friday, Beautiful In Its Time—Jason Henson

Saturday, Shut Your Mouth—Alan Fath

Sunday, Lord, Hear My Prayer—Keith Ferguson

WEEK 15

Monday, Moments That Matter—Charles Darus

Tuesday, Are There Ever Certain Times?—Charles Darus

Wednesday, Yadah, Yadah, Yadah—Dr. Phil Barfoot

Thursday, It Won’t Always Be This Way—Jim E. Davis

Friday, Be Not Afraid—Tobin Davis

Saturday, Will You Worship?—Jonathan Green

Sunday, A Call To Steadfast Worship—Isaac Frasure

WEEK 16

Monday, Teach Us To Number Our Days—Tobin Davis

Tuesday, Experience Is The Best Teacher—Dr. Mark Deakins

Wednesday, Praise Him! Praise Hymn!—John Coulombe

Thursday, A Little Thought—Dr. Leo Day

Friday, Rooted In Him—Lee Deeds

Saturday, The Cure For Occasional Anxiety—Chris Diffey

Sunday, The Aroma Of Life—Todd W. Dubose

WEEK 17

Monday, Where’s The Power?—John Griffin

Tuesday, Comfort vs. Calling—Jesse Cash

Wednesday, A Joyful Noise—Jonathan Green

Thursday, God’s Shout In The Silence—Dr. Jon K. Duncan

Friday, Bow Down To Rise Up—Dr. David Elder

Saturday, Sing Over Me—Carey Dyer

Sunday, Connected Through Christ—Jeff Elkins

WEEK 18

Monday, I’m A Masterpiece? What??—Chris Ellenburg

Tuesday, Thirsty?—Chris Ellenburg

Wednesday, Am I A Human Being Or A Human Doing?—Mark Groves

Thursday, Do We Really Need To Gather?— Rev.Tim Ellis

Friday, It’s Your Breath In Our Lungs—David Dupree

Saturday, Idols? Not Me!—Jason Easley

Sunday, Growing And Waiting—Cliff Duren

WEEK 19

Monday, In His Image—Wayne Causey

Tuesday, The Four Keys—Chason Farris

Wednesday, Our Hearts Confidence—Dr. David A. Hasker

Thursday, In Need Of Grace…Compelled By Love—Troy Freeman

Friday, How Can I Keep From Singing?—Keith Ferguson

Saturday, Seeing With The Eyes Of Jesus—Ken Hartley

Sunday, Spending The Capital Of Yourself—Mickey Henderson

WEEK 20

Monday, God Is Always On Time—Jason Easley

Tuesday, Suddenly—Matt Higgs

Wednesday, Why Me?—Jason Breland

Thursday, Jars Of Clay—Mark Hill

Friday, Remember. Respond. Rest.—Matthan Hillberg

Saturday, Sharing In The Life And Love Of Christ—David Hook

Sunday, A Common Destiny Yet A Different Eternity—Aaron Hodges

WEEK 21

Monday, An Ebenezer Moment—Brian Bailey

Tuesday, Soul-Rest—David Hook

Wednesday, The Green Room Complex—Dr. David A. Hasker

Thursday, First Fruits On The Altar—Dr. Joseph Hopkins

Friday, Change The Way You Think—Mickey Henderson

Saturday, Both Cannot Coexist—Brett Fuller

Sunday, Break Down A Wall Today—Dr. Duane Funderburk

WEEK 22

Monday, Growing In Kindness—Dr. Duane Funderburk

Tuesday, Keep It In The Short Grass—Tim Fus

Wednesday, Practice Makes Perfect—Jason Henson

Thursday, Reciting The Gospel—Andy Hammond

Friday, Finding The Will Of God—Rocky L. Gillmore

Saturday, I Blew It—Bradley Gray

Sunday, I Love Change—Bradley Gray

WEEK 23

Monday, Grace Greater Than Our Sin—John Griffin

Tuesday, Boys And Boxers—Shawn E. Gross

Wednesday, Approach His Throne—Brad Jett

Thursday, Quality Time With God—Tim Gunter

Friday, Liberty and Freedom—Mike Harland

Saturday, Full Of Faith—Robert Hargrove

Sunday, What Does Your Worship Smell Like?—Aaron Hodges

WEEK 24

Monday, A Daily Do-Over—Larry Harrison

Tuesday, Get In The Boat!—Larry Harrison

Wednesday, Did You Allow God To Speak Into Your Plans?—Chip Leake

Thursday, Remembering The Faithfulness Of God—Justin Hornsby

Friday, Everyday Blessings!—Rev. Bill Howard, III

Saturday, Be Silent—Aaron C. Hufty, D.M.A.

Sunday, The Sufficiency Of Grace— Aaron C. Hufty, D.M.A.

WEEK 25

Monday, Are You Producing Fruit?—Carlos Ichter

Tuesday, Christ In You, The Hope Of Glory—Carlos Ichter

Wednesday, Personal Doctrine—Thearon Landrum

Thursday, Pardon The Interruption—Angela Irby

Friday, Who Is God To You?—Brett Hendrickson

Saturday, God Is Able!—Dr. Wayne Grothman

Sunday, Location, Location, Location—Dr. Luke Gambill

WEEK 26

Monday, A Holy Exchange—Andy Johnson

Tuesday, The Antidote And The Soundtrack—Ross Johnson

Wednesday, He Is Gone—Pastor Chip Loop

Thursday, Fill My Cup, Lord—Terry Jolley

Friday, Do We Know Who Is Watching?—Terry Jolley

Saturday, Make Me A Servant, Humble And Meek—David Jones

Sunday, Precious Lord, Hear My Cry—David Jones

WEEK 27

Monday, Created To Sing—Marshall Key

Tuesday, Basking In God’s Care—Samuel D. Jones, Jr.

Wednesday, In Spirit And Truth—Ken Hartley

Thursday, Dependent—Marshall Key

Friday, River Stones To Remember—Steve Holt

Saturday, Holiness-A Suggestion?—Allen Kimberlin

Sunday, A Four-Letter Word…—Bridgette Hammers

WEEK 28

Monday, Planted—Butch King

Tuesday, Full But Starving—Kevin King

Wednesday, Timeless Immediacy—Dr. Ronald A. Matthews

Thursday, Joy For Sorrow—Justin Kintzel

Friday, No Complaining—Dr. Danny Koonce

Saturday, Hear Our Praises Rise To You—Randy Kirby

Sunday, Render Unto Ceasar—Larry Kusic

WEEK 29

Monday, Once For All—Caleb Lain

Tuesday, The Priority Of The Gospel—Rob LaLiberte

Wednesday, A Kingdom Impact—Brett Fuller

Thursday, When The Music Fades—Rob LaLiberte

Friday, Father Knows Best—Shelvin Lamb

Saturday, A Well-Tempered Heart—Rich Langston

Sunday, Who Are You?—Scott Lee

WEEK 30

Monday, The Cry Of A Heart—Ross Johnson

Tuesday, Lord Give Me The Faith Of Elijah—Jon Lugo

Wednesday, Singing With A Mask—Dr. Randy Lind

Thursday, Jesus At The Center—Dennis Livingston

Friday, Devotion—Rev. Dr. Kenton Lee

Saturday, A Lesson From The Basics Of Golf—Rick McKinney

Sunday, Walking In A New Pair Of Shoes— Chip Loop

WEEK 31

Monday, Sunlight Between Raindrops—John Cavicchio

Tuesday, The Eighth Day—John Cavicchio

Wednesday, How’s Your Aroma?—Wayne Causey

Thursday, The Essential Work of Worship—Dr. James L. Melton

Friday, But God—Tim Magill

Saturday, Fulfilling My Purpose—James Passman

Sunday, The Clock Is Ticking—Rod Maples

WEEK 32

Monday, Does God Really Mean What He Says? Pt 1—Don Marsh

Tuesday, Does God Really Mean What He Says? Pt 2—Don Marsh

Wednesday, Unity—Dr. Slater Murphy

Thursday, Our Gift – His Presence—Mark Maier

Friday, He Giveth More Grace—Kenneth H. Martin

Saturday, Favor In The Midst Of Chaos—Herbert Mashami

Sunday, Silence—Chris Mason

WEEK 33

Monday, Beyond The Veil—Dr. Gary Mathena

Tuesday, God Of The Ages—Dr. Gary Mathena

Wednesday, We Carry Our Sanctuary—Austin Neal

Thursday, Sometimes It Takes A Mountain—Mark S. Mathes

Friday, The Mission: Worship!—Joshua McClain

Saturday, Imitating The Father And His Love—Cullen L. McDaniel

Sunday, Are You A Real Fan?—Keith McGee

WEEK 34

Monday, Miracles Still Happen—Roger McGee

Tuesday, Sippin’ From The Saucer—Joe McKinney

Wednesday, How’s Your Worship?—Arlene Nembhard

Thursday, Live For God’s Glory Not Your Own—Keith McMinn

Friday, Shattered Glass—Jonathan McKenzie

Saturday, Safe In The Shelter—Angela Irby

Sunday, Drifting Along With The Tumbling Tumbleweeds—Bobie Miller

WEEK 35

Monday, Be Strong In The Lord—Larry Mize

Tuesday, Rest—Bart Morrison

Wednesday, Praise Is The Offering—Andy Newsome

Thursday, My Needs = His Glory—Loren Minnick, Jr.

Friday, Holy, Holy, Holy—Dr. Brad Moffett

Saturday, All—G. Randy Monroe

Sunday, Ready For The Climb—G. Randy Monroe

WEEK 36

Monday, Fingerprints Of Ministry—Michael Moore

Tuesday, Treasure The Word—Andy Newsome

Wednesday, The Hallelujah Calling—Joe A. Fitzpatrick

Thursday, The Best Protection—Roger McGee

Friday, Your Full Weight—Joel Mott

Saturday, Investment Advice—Dr. Slater Murphy

Sunday, His Eye Is On The Sparrow—Ron Myers

WEEK 37

Monday, He Knows Your Name—Shawn Myers

Tuesday, Welling Up In You—Austin Neal

Wednesday, Be The Shepherd—Dr. Jerry Newman

Thursday, Life-Giving Hope—Arlene Nembhard

Friday, Where’s Your Focus—Steve Phillips

Saturday, Yet The Lord—W. Scott Orndorff

Sunday, Rejoice And Shout For Joy—Rob Flint

WEEK 38

Monday, Delighting in Discipline—Clay Owens

Tuesday, Out Of The Ashes—Dr. Gary Matthews

Wednesday, Living A Blue Ribbon Life—Dr. Randy Lind

Thursday, Ever-Enduring Love—Clay Owens

Friday, Let’s All Just Call—Donnie Page

Saturday, Redeemed And Rejoicing!—Donnie Page

Sunday, What’s That Smell?—Tim Magill

WEEK 39

Monday, It Is Only Right … To Love—Chris Pauley

Tuesday, Hear My Cry, Oh God—Marcia Peterson

Wednesday, Be An Encourager!—Steve Phillips

Thursday, What’s On The Inside Will Come Out—Marty Pierce

Friday, The Love Factor—Dr. Paul T. Plew

Saturday, Resting In His Authority—Aaron Pouncey

Sunday, Order My Steps—Glenn Price

WEEK 40

Monday, Who Am I Really?—Kevin Price

Tuesday, Wash Your Hands!—Tony Price

Wednesday, The Secret Sauce—Tommy Quinn

Thursday, Unauthorized Fire—John Frank Reeve

Friday, The Father Heart Of God—Gary Rhodes

Saturday, The Power Of Words—Marty Richardson

Sunday, A Possibility Or A Promise—Matt Perkins

WEEK 41

Monday, This Storm Will Pass—Matt Perkins

Tuesday, It’s Not About Us—Mike Ricks

Wednesday, Do Something!—Phil Romine

Thursday, Learning How To Love—Carl Setterlind

Friday, Our Father’s Blessing—Dr. Randy Sheeks

Saturday, Are Your Wires Crossed?—Dr. Scott Shepherd

Sunday, The Great Commandment—Bill Shiflett

WEEK 42

Monday, How Music Affects Our Lives—Andre Simon

Tuesday, Peace Be Still—Robert Smart

Wednesday, The Best Decision To Make When Suffering—Matt Rouse

Thursday, The Best Way To Worship—Matt Rouse

Friday, Comparison Is The Death Of Contentment—Joshua T. Savage

Saturday, Speak To Your Mountain—Jonathan Sawyer

Sunday, Do Not Worry—David Scherler

WEEK 43

Monday, Not My Battle—Bryan Skinner

Tuesday, Fix Your Eyes On Jesus—Jon Skelley

Wednesday, Glory Revealed—Billy Orton

Thursday, The Heart Of A Shepherd—Bryan Skinner

Friday, The Poison Of Practical Atheism—Dr. Todd F. Stearns

Saturday, Look Up!—Chad E. Smith

Sunday, How’s Your Heart?— Dr. Matthew Slemp

WEEK 44

Monday, The Miraculous And The Mundane—John Stegemerten

Tuesday, Endurance Training—Dr. Matthew Slemp

Wednesday, Balancing Worship And Work—Rob Maddox

Thursday, To All Generations—Jeff Stotts

Friday, Legos In The Dark—Jeff Stith

Saturday, You Matter—Andy Johnson

Sunday, Where There Is Hope—Jeff Stith

WEEK 45

Monday, Sing It Loud—Dwaine Stroud

Tuesday, Shine The Light—Josh Sullins

Wednesday, What Is In Your Hand?—Rick Stone

Thursday, Wordless Prayers—Josh Sullins

Friday, Many Will See My Worship And Trust In Him—Chuck Sullivan

Saturday, Worshiping God In The Midst Of A Plague—Thomas M. Sunderland

Sunday, Casting Crowns—Mark Swadley

WEEK 46

Monday, Lord Of All—Brett Sutherland

Tuesday, Put On Christ—Brett Sutherland

Wednesday, Dad’s Shoes—Dr. Phil Barfoot

Thursday, This Should Not Be!— Dr. Todd F. Stearns

Friday, Worship Is A Counter Cultural Lifestyle—Dr. Jerry Newman

Saturday, Praise From Prison—David Oliver

Sunday, He Will Do It—Jeffrey Nordin

WEEK 47

Monday, Doors Of Access—Ron Norton

Tuesday, Finally…Rejoice!—Eric Yeldell

Wednesday, Who Is The Vintner?—Clint Kimmel

Thursday, He Is Worthy!—Mark Swadley

Friday, We Are All Called To Be PIE—Andy Swanner

Saturday, Dream. Do. Repeat.—Jim Symons

Sunday, Can You Hear Me Now?—David Tatum

WEEK 48

Monday, Sowing And Reaping—David N. Thomas

Tuesday, Living Content—David Oliver

Wednesday, Fresh Fruit—Vernon Thornton

Thursday, The Power Of God’s Presence—Jon Tyner

Friday, Run The Race—Jon Tyner

Saturday, Give Thanks To God!—Tom Tillman

Sunday, Still There; There Still—Dr. Ron Upton

WEEK 49

Monday, Sing As One Voice—Ken Van Cura

Tuesday, What Do You Depend On? —Ken Van Cura

Wednesday, The Rest Of The Story—Dr. Ron Upton

Thursday, Never Alone—Pat Van Dyke

Friday, The Holiness Of God—Kory Van Matre

Saturday, God Knows My Name—Jim Van Matre

Sunday, Divine Encounters—Nathan Ward

WEEK 50

Monday, Crown Him Lord Of All—Andy Swanner

Tuesday, Looking For Jesus—J.K. Weger

Wednesday, Generosity By Choice—Tim Whedbee

Thursday, It Starts With A Smile—Christopher Vlasek

Friday, Only One Thing Remains—Bradley White

Saturday, More Like Him—Pauline Waller

Sunday, Patiently Waiting—David Whittington

WEEK 51

Monday, Provider—Bradley White

Tuesday, Joy!—Dale Wilbur

Wednesday, Run To God!—Dale Wilbur

Thursday, Encouragement For You And For Others—Mark Willard

Friday, Tune My Heart To Sing Thy Praise—John H. Williams

Saturday, When Life Gets Hard—John H. Williams

Sunday, Safe And Sound—Josh Walls

WEEK 52

Monday, The Lord Is With You—Matthew White

Tuesday, What Do You Smell Like?—Steve White

Wednesday, The Sacrifice Of Worship—Terry Williams

Thursday, Faith Walkers—Dr. David Wilson

Friday, The Question That Everyone Asks—Todd Wilson

Saturday, Don’t Dare Compare!—Joe Ziegler

Sunday, Appearances Versus Authenticity—Brad Woods

WEEK 53

Monday, Three Principles Of Conflict Resolution—Rev. Nick Weaver

Week 1 – Monday

HIS INTIMATE PRESENCE

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give

thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love

endures forever, His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV)

I love Psalm 100, verses 4 and 5! Psalm 100 gives us a Divine pattern for entering the presence of God… kind of like a Divine GPS system guiding us into His holy presence.

There is a natural progression that leads us from thanksgiving to praise to worship. I like to call it the pathway to God’s presence. What the Psalmist is referring to here is the manifest, intimate presence of God. We all know that God is omnipresent, He’s everywhere at once. He’s in New Jersey, New England, New York, and Newfoundland all at the same time! However, there is a major difference between the omnipresence of God and the manifest presence of God.

On the day of Pentecost, when the 120 believers gathered in the upper room, they experienced more than just God’s omnipresence. There was no doubt that they were participants in the manifest presence of Almighty God.

Today, I encourage you to enter His gates with thanksgiving - Thank Him for His faithfulness and all that He has provided for and done in your life. May you have the spirit of the 1 leper in Luke 17 who came back to thank Jesus for his healing. The other 9 were healed physically, but because this leper gave thanks, Jesus not only healed him physically, but threw in salvation along with it!

Then… Enter His courts with praise – Praise Him for who He is: Savior, Redeemer, Creator, Healer, Provider, King of kings, Lord of lords, etc., etc. Both our thanks and our praise are an act of our will. We will to do these things, regardless of how we feel.

Then… As an act of the Father’s will, allow Him to wrap His loving arms around you and draw you into His warm embrace – the manifest, intimate presence of our Holy God!

1. How can I experience the intimate presence of God today? As I lead others, I realize I cannot take people where I have not been.

2. How would you explain the difference between the omnipresence and manifest presence of God?

~

Lord Jesus, I long for Your manifest, intimate presence! Help me today to

have a heart full of thanksgiving and praise and then spend the day in Your

awesome, loving, and intimate presence! In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

Dr. Phil Barfoot

CEO/President

Celebration Concert Tours International

Celebration Ministry Staffing, Franklin, TN

Week 1 – Tuesday

PRAISE

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness

no one can fathom.

Psalm 145:3 (NIV)

The simplest way to define ‘praise’ is to say it is bragging on! Praising God is to brag on God! To compliment God! To talk about how great, how wonderful, how loving, how merciful, how incredible, how awesome and how powerful He is! Praise is talking about God to God! It is not talking about me or you or any of our needs…not even our love for Him.

When one says that he does not feel like praising, it is immediately known that he does not understand what praising God is about! It has nothing to do with emotions at all. Hebrews 13:15, NIV: …let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. The ‘sacrifice of praise’ is often defined as something that is difficult to do because everything is not perfect, therefore making it a great sacrifice to praise God. It is almost as though this poor victimized human is struggling to do some noble thing. That is not praising God because that is not about God. The sacrifice of praise means what has been prepared as the best and the purest that you can offer to God! It has nothing to do with what is going on with us or in our lives!

When your life is bad…God is still good! When your life is sad…God is still the Comforter! When your life is confusing and everything is in disarray…God is still peace! When you feel unstable…God is still the Rock, Mighty God! When you feel lost…God is still the Chief Shepherd. When you face physical battles…God is still the Great Physician. When you feel unloved and rejected…God is still loving, omnipresent and refusing to forsake!

Your life doesn’t change who God is. He is unchangeable! He is forever Great and Glorious! Therefore, you can always talk about how Great and Glorious God is! Praise is talking about Him…to Him! Become a Praiser! Keep your eyes on Him because you know who He is. How can you help but praise Him?

The Old Testament book of Psalms is filled with praises to God. Can you identify three scriptures of praise to God written during difficult times in the life of the psalmist? Write your own psalm of praise to God during a time of emotional upheaval in your life or ministry.

1. Choose to praise God when you are happy or sad or scared…it has nothing to do with your emotions…but everything to do with Him!

2. Choose to praise God in your good times and bad times, during loss and gain…it has nothing to do with your life…but everything to do with Him!

~

My Father, the Almighty I AM, I bring to You today the best praise I

have to honor Your greatness! I applaud Your unchangeable love,

mercy, and grace. I praise You with the fruit of my lips!

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Phil Anderson

Worship Pastor

Jesup Church of God, Jesup, GA

Week 1 – Wednesday

ASK AGAIN

You do not have because you do not ask God.

James 4:2 (NIV)

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:2 (ESV)

Many years ago, my friend David Ritter and I wrote a song titled Ask the Father. There is a line in it that says: He offers us the very power to move the hand of God. When you think about it, that’s exactly what prayer is! When we pray, we have the unbelievable opportunity to move God’s hand to our situation. James 4:2 warns us You do not have because you do not ask God.

God’s sovereignty can sometimes be a mystery to us. The fact is, God always hears and answers our prayers; not always like we expect or want Him to, but His answer is always for our good. Some Christians feel as if God is going to do what He wants regardless of our prayers. That is simply not true! He offers each one of us the ability to move God’s hand through our sincere and honest prayers.

Sometimes it takes longer than we’d like for God to respond to our requests that have been bathed in prayer. In Matthew 9:20-22, there is a story of a woman who had been subject to bleeding for 12 long years. There is no doubt she continued steadfastly in prayer as today’s scripture admonishes. She never gave up, but when she finally saw Jesus, she knew if she could only touch His cloak she would be healed. After 12 years of faithful praying, she touched His cloak as He walked by. Jesus turned to her and said, Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you! … and the woman was healed in that moment.

Fast forward to last week. Rebecca J. Peck and I were privileged to write a song titled Ask Again. Here’s the chorus:

Ask again when you’ve almost given up. Ask again when the road is getting rough.

Nothing is impossible when you give it all to Him. Ask again, for your Father knows your need. Ask again, find the courage to believe. This might be when your miracle begins, so ask again!

So…for that pain that won’t go away…ask again. For that loved one you have been praying over for years to come to Christ…ask again. For the broken relationships that need to be mended…ask again. He is the God of second chances and the God of renewal, restoration, refreshing, and response.

1. Did you realize that you have the opportunity to move the hand of God by your prayers today?

2. What are some prayers you have been praying for many years that seem to have no answer? Don’t give up on these prayers! God is still in control and knows just what you need…and when.

~

Father, help me to continue steadfastly in seeking You and never give up on the

promise that You hear and answer our prayers. Give me the faith to believe,

without doubt, that You have me in the palm of Your hand and that You care for

every aspect of my life. Amen.

Dr. Phil Barfoot

CEO/President

Celebration Concert Tours International

Celebration Ministry Staffing, Franklin, TN

Week 1 – Thursday

LONELY PLACES

Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; Will you not

be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,

rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19 (NAS)

If you’re feeling alone, bewildered, or oppressed; you are not alone. God has not abandoned you, and He is not punishing you. It just may be that you are being tested, refined, and prepared for what He has next for you. I call these times the wilderness.

The wilderness is the lack of the tangible presence of God. The Bible reminds us that God is omnipresent (Psalms 139:7-12). The manifest presence of God is readily perceived by the senses to make evident or certain by showing or displaying. The lack of God’s manifest presence is what sometimes erroneously causes us to think that God is not present.

Deuteronomy 8:2 shows us that God uses the wilderness time to test, train and prepare us (Romans 5:3-5). God uses these turbulent times in our journey to sharpen us and to give us hope.

John Bevere has created a declaration to remind us of the purpose of the wilderness in our lives… "I am not just going through the wilderness, I am growing through the wilderness."

Remember from scripture some of the many we have seen who went through the wilderness and then experienced God’s greatness in new ways: Moses, Joseph, David, Job, and Jesus all experienced the wilderness in order for God to take them to great heights.

Remember this…

-God will finish what He started in me (Philippians 1:6).

-God is preparing me for what He has planned for me (Romans 8:28).

-God is with me (Hebrew13:5).

1. What character is God building in you right now?

2. How can you glorify God in your personal wilderness experience?

~

Lord, give us the ears to hear Your Spirit and the eyes to see Your glory

and lead me through the wilderness to all the fullness of life You have

for me. Amen.

Michael B. Anderson

Associate Pastor for Worship & Technology

Grace Pointe Marietta, Marietta, GA

Week 1 – Friday

THE WORD SPARKS THE WORK

When the seventh month came, and the children of Israel were in the

towns, the people gathered as one man to Jerusalem. Then arose

Jeshua the son of Jozadak, with his fellow priests, and Zerubbabel the

son of Shealtiel with his kinsmen, and they built the altar of the God of

Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it.

Ezra 3:1-2a (ESV)

I was fortunate enough to graduate from Louisiana State University. I grew up and continue to minister in this college town. One of the best benefits of growing up here is the ability to participate in the extreme fandom of the LSU Tiger Football Team. A fascinating thing happens every Saturday when LSU plays in Tiger Stadium. Anytime something significant happens in the game, the Golden Band from Tigerland plays a particular song. At the instant that song starts, 100,000 fans instantly join in with some sort of cheer or dance. One note sparks action for 100,000 people.

In Ezra, the returning Israelites are faced with some opposition to their God-given task of rebuilding the altar and temple. When the time came for the festival that recognizes and recounts God’s faithfulness, the people gathered in their new land. This gathering and observance in Ezra 3:1 sparked immediate action on the part of Zerubbabel and others to get to work. Much like the crowd in Tiger Stadium, the Israelites received their cue to get to work. The same is true for us today.

When we hear the Word of God, it should spark us to action. Like Zerubbabel and the Israelites, we have a mission from God that requires action. Reading, reflecting and observing God’s Word informs and initiates our actions to advance His Kingdom. It’s time to get to work!

1. How often are you reading, listening and studying God’s Word?

2. What actions can you take after hearing God’s Word today?

~

Lord, stir my heart to put feet to my faith today. Open my eyes to see the

places I can take steps of action that spring forth from the truth of Your

Word. It is my desire to show the world who You are by what I do.

Amen.

Christian Anders

Worship Pastor

Istrouma Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, LA

Week 1 – Saturday

FLEETING TREASURES

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit

their soul?

Mark 8:36 (NIV)

Pursuing the American Dream seems like a worthy cause. We are intelligent beings, created by God, and wired to work and achieve lofty goals. That God-given desire often compels us to do astounding things. My Pastor often says, You can admire, but don't always need to acquire. That's wise counsel considering many of us are relentless in our pursuit of money and possessions and ultimately living beyond our means. We are spirited and capable of extraordinary accomplishments because we have a Creator who has unimaginable creativity and whose ways and thoughts are much higher than ours.

Even though the American Dream is an honorable mission, we were placed here for a grander purpose. Our value and worth aren't found in our careers, cars, houses, and hefty bank accounts or our abilities. We are not here to make our names famous. We were created to make HIS name famous. We're made in His image to do just that, for His glory.

1. Do we want to spend our lives chasing after empty pleasures?

2. Do we want to trade an eternal inheritance for fleeting treasures? Let's be people who find our identity in Christ. He is our hope. In Him, we'll discover the riches of His glory.

~

You alone, Lord, can satisfy. Help me to live for Your glory. Amen.

Jeremy J. Christ

Music Minister

Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria, LA

Week 1 – Sunday

THE GLORY OF GOD

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty; the whole earth is full

of His glory.

Isaiah 6:3 (NIV)

If you’re reading this devotional, the chances are good that you lead worship…either as a Worship Pastor, choir member, band or vocal team member, maybe a technician or member of the congregation. Your primary role is to worship God. You can’t lead others to places that you have not yourself been. Your secondary role is to create a worship atmosphere that invites participants to meet God is His holiness and glory.

God’s glory is the total manifestation of all His attributes. His ever-presence, His power, His strength, His wisdom, His faithfulness, His perfection, His justice…there are so many more…all are part of His glory. In fact, His glory is what will make Heaven what it will be.

On earth, the glory of God is shaded. Sin has made man think that he can steal part of God’s glory for Himself. See how man laughs at God, thinking they have the truth themselves?

The Bible begins with God’s glory and ends with God’s glory. In Genesis, we see His glory in creation. In Psalms, The heavens declare the glory of God. And in Revelation, God’s glory is culminated and displayed in the New Heaven and New earth.

The whole earth is full of His glory. (Isaiah. 6:3).

1. How will you experience the glory of God?

2. How will you lead others to see His glory?

~

May we see Your glory in every direction we turn, O God. May your

glory be displayed through our lives. Amen.

Michael B. Anderson

Associate Pastor for Worship & Technology

Grace Pointe Marietta, Marietta, GA

Week 2 – Monday

THEN WHAT HAPPENED?

We beheld His glory

John 1:14 (KJV)

Since before we were married, my wife Linda has used that simple three-word phrase to ignite conversation between the two of us. I could be immersed deep in some profound thought like When was the last time I had the oil changed in my truck? and she'll just bust in with, THEN what happened? I'm thinking, Then what happened?…. to WHAT?

Were we talking? Was I saying something and somehow forgot that there were words coming out of my mouth? Yes, I know you ladies are rolling your eyes and thinking MEN. I do actually get it now. I know that she values not just the art of storytelling, but the connection that comes from knowing my heart. She knows that with just a little prompting, a good story lies somewhere in there between my thoughts of oil changes and other pressing issues. Here's where the lesson lies for those of us who serve as Worship Leaders. The narrative of the gospel is truly the greatest story ever told and one of the great miracles of that great story is that YOU are one of the characters in God's script.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us has SUCH power and carries with it the essence of our faith. It is the gospel story that begs to be retold over and over again.

Remember that each week when you stand before a room full of people, there are many who have encountered challenges of every size and shape. Many of the folks in your church have come with far more questions than they have answers. Many of them want to know where Jesus is working out His story in them.

The final answer to Then what happened? will be at our heavenly destination when we stand before the throne of God and can literally say, We beheld His glory. But until then, God has called us to share the good news to all men. Keep on telling the gospel story through your worship choices, through the narrative you weave and as you walk out your life with God's people.

1. Do I love to tell the story?

2. Am I looking for ways to tell God’s story?

~

Lord, may our hearts always be that we love to tell Your story, that we

live to narrate the goodness of our God to this world and that our lives

are living letters, declaring and announcing our living King. In Jesus’

name, Amen.

Michael Adler

Worship Arts Pastor

Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Birmingham, AL

Week 2 – Tuesday

ABOVE AND BEYOND

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly (above and

beyond) all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.

Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV)

I grew up in a military home with my two younger brothers. Our Dad was a Captain in the United States Air Force and we were his troops. The norm was never allowed in anything we did. We had to go above and beyond. All military brats and those that have served our great country are familiar with this mantra. Those that did above and beyond move up, those that didn’t…don’t. My Dad taught me that everything I needed to accomplish a task was inside of me. Dad had equipped me. I did have the wherewithal to see the completion of a task.

As a young boy I hated it, but as I grew older, I begin to see some advantages. My Dad was a Captain and rank had its privileges. Being the oldest son of a Captain turned out to have its share of privileges as well. My favorite phrase became, that’s the Captain’s son. Going above and beyond began to make perfect sense to me and became a lifestyle. Thanks Dad!

As I matured as a Christian (and I am still in that process), I learned of another Son who is able to do exceedingly abundantly, one who died for me and you so that we might possess the power that works in us - the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19). Through the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have been given the wherewithal to complete the task - our journey as Christians. As Captain Andrews expected no less than perfection from his children, Jesus, God’s Son, expects much from us. Knowing all the while we are not perfect, He has equipped us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Just because we are imperfect, the goal is no less worthy of our best effort. The norm is not allowed. We must, for a lost and dying world, go above and beyond. May people say about you and me, that’s a child of the King!

1. When was the last time you went above and beyond for the cause of Christ?

2. What is God’s norm for you?

~

Lord, thank You for providing Your son that I might be able to be all I

can be for Your glory. Thank You for being the power in my life. Help

me to go above and beyond for You. Amen.

Scott Andrews

Worship Pastor

First Baptist, Sevierville, TN

Week 2 – Wednesday

GOD CAN USE YOU IF YOU GO LOWER

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others

more significant than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3 (ESV)

Pride is the common denominator of all sin. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12)

In scripture, there are good and bad examples of pride. Paul commends the churches for keeping the faith. (2 Corinthians 7:4) But the vast majority of references to pride in the scriptures are negative.

Humility does not over-value oneself, or devalue others, seeks God’s guidance. Sinful pride is an exalted opinion of self, self-righteousness, arrogance, condescension. Pride, arrogance, an evil way, and a perverse mouth I hate. (Proverbs 8:13). God continually tells us He hates pride. Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord… (Proverbs 16:5). An abomination is a thing that causes disgust or hatred.

These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look… (Proverbs 6:16). It’s first on the list. The sin of pride does not come without consequences. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). God doesn’t simply look away, He willfully, opposes the proud. God says repeatedly that if you are filled with sinful human pride, then He’s against you.

God is sovereign and He competes with no one. He will not give up His glory. All pride is rooted in an attempt to usurp God’s glory. We have a choice!

Pride. It’s an abomination. It’s the opposite of Christlikeness. This side of heaven, it’s a daily battle, a daily surrender, a moment by moment choosing to be humble. It’s not in our nature to be humble. Our hearts are deceitfully wicked.

1. Is it pride when you cut someone off in traffic, or you get angry when they cut you off? ( me first ).

2. Is it pride when you get angry and bad-mouth a co-worker because they got the promotion and you didn’t? ( I deserve better ).

~

Father in Heaven, show us the pride in ourselves and forgive us. Guide

us daily in Your paths, choosing humility and Christlikeness. Work in us

and through us for Your exaltation and glory. Amen.

Ken Atkinson

Worship Pastor

First Daytona, Daytona Beach, FL

Week 2 – Thursday

APPROACHING GOD WITH MY HEART IN CHECK

"They said to me, ‘Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in

great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates

have been burned with fire.’ When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For

some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.’ Then I said:

‘LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of

love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, let your ear be attentive

and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before You day and

night for Your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including

myself and my father’s family, have committed against You. We have acted very

wickedly toward You. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and

laws You gave Your servant Moses.’"

Nehemiah 1:3-7 (ESV)

As we look at the first part of Nehemiah's well-known prayer today, we see a very pointed focus. Though Nehemiah felt he had a vision and a very clear task before him, he genuinely approached God and displayed for those around him, and even us today, an attitude of humility.

In verse 5, Nehemiah begins with an acknowledgment of who God is. Jesus Himself modeled this for us in Matthew 6:8. He speaks of our God's might and greatness. He even goes on to acknowledge the faithfulness of God. His belief that God is who He says He is, was critical to the request and action that was to follow. He believes God can accomplish anything and that He will keep His word when commissioning His servants. He believes God will do what says He will do.

Nehemiah offered this prayer with a request in mind, but he models for us an important first step. He acknowledges his sin and comes before the Lord in confession and repentance. He remembers the commands of the Lord and brings his sin before God, requesting forgiveness. Again, Jesus teaches this way to approach God in The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:12).

Today, let us first acknowledge the greatness and might of our God. Next, we bring before Him our sin in confession and repentance. Because of His complete forgiveness and for redeeming our souls, we fall before Him in true adoration. Now, our hearts are humbled towards selflessness and positioned to listen to His voice and to offer our petitions.

1. Do you often approach God in this manner, or is it by urgent request? What do you model for those that hear you pray aloud?

2. What is God teaching you about prayer and how is that impacting your faith?

~

There is none like You, my redeeming King. I am in awe of Your holiness and

grace towards me. I know I have failed, and my desire is to walk in Your

forgiveness. Thank you for forgiving me, freeing me, adopting me, and using me

to exalt You in this life. I surrender to You today. Lead me, Jesus. Amen.

Lee Chewning

Pastor of Worship

Calvary Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, NC

Week 2 – Friday

CHURCH JOKES AND CARELESS WORSHIP

If then I am a father, where is My honor? Says the Lord of Hosts to you,

O Priests, who despise My name. But you say, "How have we

despised Your name?"

Malachi 1:6b (ESV)

A guy came up to me last weekend grinning from ear to ear, well-meaning and obviously proud of what he was about to say. He began with I got a great joke for you. These two guys walked up to Saint Peter at the pearly gates and…

What he didn’t know was that I hate church jokes. I don’t hate church jokes because I’m super spiritual and they are beneath me. I hate church jokes because they are just bad jokes AND because I have such a high regard for The Church. I hate church jokes so much that when the punchline is over, I’m not even sure what my face reads. I’m speechless.

As they were growing up, our four very creative boys could take any line from anywhere and make up a song and then sing it on repeat all day long, so we had to set rules: we can’t sing songs that make fun of Jesus. No Jesus jokes either. Same reasons. (By the way, I also hate music jokes. Don’t ever begin a sentence with me that sounds anything like Gonna be in big treble around here.)

So, I ask this question of our choir at some point every year because I think it is important enough to repeat on a regular basis. Is there a place or a word or a thought that you once called holy that you have now forgotten and it is now routine; or even worse, mundane?

It’s not a sin to tell a bad joke and it may not be a sin to sing a song without thinking about it or meaning it, but Jesus had some strong words about just going through the motions. He called it Vain Repetition and we could call it CARELESS WORSHIP.

1. Are there places that we once considered sacred that now have no meaning?

2. Am I bringing my best offering, not so that I or my offering may be seen, but that Christ may be seen in my worship?

~

Lord, we want our prayer to be Your prayer, that from the rising of the

sun to the setting of the same, YOUR NAME WOULD BE GREAT

AMONG THE NATIONS … and in every place a pure offering would be

laid at Your feet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Michael Adler

Worship Arts