Complete in Him

by Tammy Phillips
October 18, 2020

 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NKJV)

I do not t know what it is with God and Hampton Inns!   It was 5:30 AM in Memphis.   I was sitting in the lobby asking the Lord what He had to say.  I could not hear Him because there was a young well-dressed man preparing the continental breakfast and playing his music so loudly that I could not think.  To be honest, I was a little irritated, however, I did not want to say anything because he was blasting upbeat, praise music.  He was getting his praise on loudly and early.

After the young man finished his morning duties, he returned to the front desk of the lobby.  I gave him a few minutes and then called him.  I ask him what the Lord had been speaking to His heart this morning.  I explained to him that I had a hard time “hearing” the Lord this morning.  He laughed and said he understood.  He was writing a book. I questioned his subject.  He said it was about the miraculous working of God. 

The young man, Damian, was 35 years old.  I learned that three years ago he survived 45 days in the hospital from kidney failure.  He went just because he did not feel well.  He was admitted   because he had a temperature of 104.5.  They further found that his kidneys were only functioning at twenty percent. During his stay his kidneys stopped functioning altogether.  The Lord miraculously healed him.  He is now whole and healed. He is also pastor and after working all night he will go preach today.  He is full of praise, laughter and joy.

This morning the Lord took the irritant that got into my shell and turned it into a pearl of blessing.  A natural pearl begins its life inside an oyster’s shell when an intruder, such as a grain of sand or a parasite, slips in between one of the two shells of the oyster.  In order to protect itself from irritation, the oyster will quickly begin covering the uninvited visitor with layers of nacre also known as mother-of-pearl, coat the grain of sand until the iridescent gem is formed.  It usually takes 6 months to form a pearl.   All things are possible with God.  He anointed this situation with the oil of gladness and created a pearl blessing from the irritant in just minutes. 

What is irritating you today? 

I enCOURAGE you to give it to the Lord.  Let him do his miraculous work and turn your irritation into a pearl of blessing for you.

by Tammy Phillips
October 17,2020

“For you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God), (Exodus 34:14 NKJV)

Worship is adoration. 
Worship is respect.
Worship is extravagant love.
Worship is saying God you are number one.
Worship is singing, shouting, thanksgiving.
Worship is desiring to be in the presence of God.
Worship is complete submission.
Worship is bowing the knee.
Worship is kneeling to the King of Kings alone.
Worship is a mind occupied with God, first and foremost.

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the LORD [is] the great God, And the great King above all gods.
In His hand [are] the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills [are] His also.
The sea [is] His, for He made it; And His hands formed the dry [land].
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
For He [is] our God, And we [are] the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand. (Psalm 95:1-7 NKJV)

We shall worship no other god!

• • Spouse nor our house
  • Boys nor our toys
  • Wealth nor our health
  • Jobs nor our sobs
  • Pain nor our pleasure
  • Food nor our mood
  • Ball nor our mall
  • Me nor you

God is God.  He is good. He is full of grace.  “For the LORD your God [is] a consuming fire, a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 4:24 NKJV)
The LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

• • He is jealous. 
  • He is zealous.
  • He chose us.  
  • He took our shame.
  • He took our sin.
  • He bought us with his own blood.
  • He died so that we should not perish.
  • He took stripes for our healing.
  • He gave his life so we could live forever with Him.
  • He gave his only son for us.
  • He loves us.
  • He is jealous for us.

“He loves you so much that he cannot endure that anything should stand between your heart’s love and him. Be careful Christians, you that are married to Christ; remember, you are married to a jealous husband.”-Charles Spurgeon, March 29, 1863

I enCOURAGE you to “give to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering and come before Him. Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! (1 Chronicles 16:29 NKJV) Take great comfort in knowing that God is jealous for you.  He wants all of you.  Surrender to his great love. 

 

 

by Tammy Phillips
October 1, 2020

 Let the redeemed of the LORD say [so], Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, (Psalm 107:2 NKJV)

On October 11,2020, I attended a peaceful protest on Nashville “Public” Square.  It was called Let Us Worship,  also been called a “super spreader event.  It was just that…
#SuperSpreadingJesus
#SuperSpreadingHope
#SuperSpreadingHealing
I heard on the news that I could receive a citation from the city of Nashville for participating.    I have had a few people question why I participated and why no masks.  (I carried a mask to this event and would have worn it out of respect, if others chose to wear a mask.)   Here is my why…

1. “For I know that my Redeemer lives.” (Job 19:25 NKJV).
   

Jesus paid for you and me. He redeemed us and bought us back.  He paid for our freedom with his life and blood.  We, as a Christian nation, have been silent and apathetic for far too long.  I know my Redeemer and I want everyone else to know him.

2. “Let the redeemed of the LORD say [so], Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, (Psalm 107:2 NKJV)

Our Bible clearly says let the redeemed say so.  I believe my attendance and this peaceful protest was me boldly standing up for my Lord.  Jesus says, “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32 NKJV) I want God to know that I was not ashamed of Him.  This was not a concert.  This was worship.  It was going before the throne of God with other brother and sisters in Christ and worshipping God.  We prayed and petitioned our Father for our state, every state, and this nation.  This for me was a business meeting with the Church before God.

3. “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.” (Proverbs 15:28 NKJV)

I have been praying about how to answer, “Why no masks?” I can only speak for myself. If I believed the masks worked, I would wear them all the time. ( I do follow the rules in stores, restaurants, doctors offices, and hospitals, etc.)   I know that when Jesus gave His life for us on the cross.  It was to SAVE us per John 3:17.   The Greek word saved is sozo.  It means to keep safe and sound; to deliver, protect, preserve, be made whole and complete; to rescue from danger or destruction; heal, restore to health, to save a suffering one from perishing one suffering from disease.   I believe Jesus is my Savior and Lord in all things.  He is my protection.   He is not just a ticket to heaven and eternal life to me. 

4. But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, For He shall receive me. Selah (Psalm 49:15 NKJV)

I am not scared, nor fearful of dying.   God has redeemed my soul, my mind and my body from the power of the grave. I will die a physical death if Jesus does not come back, but my spirit will live forever with my God.  I finally get what Paul said in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  Jesus bought our life and our freedom back.  I am tired of living in COVID jail.  Our rights are slowly being taken away from us and we are allowing it.  No more!  We have the right to freely worship. 

5. “Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name, which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, (Philippians 2:9-10 NKJV)

The word corona means crown.  I will not bow my knee to this disease.  I will not be in fear of it. I will not crown it and make it bigger than it is.  My Jesus is the only crown I will bow to.  The corona virus has to bow its name to the name of Jesus.  As well as every other disease, when we take the authority that Jesus passed to us as His disciples.  

 “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.  “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; “they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:16-18 NKJV)

6. “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you…And He who formed you… “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called [you] by your name; You are Mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will b] with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.  For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isaiah 43:1-3 NKJV).

I enCOURAGE you to trust Jesus as you Savior and Lord.  Trust Him alone.  Do not fear.   Walk in the freedom he paid for.   Amen.  #RESOLUTE2020

 

by Tammy Phillips
October 15, 2020

He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. 17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. 18 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay. (Psalm 18:16-18 KJV)

David wrote and sang the Psalm 18 song after the Lord delivered him from the hands of all his enemies and arch enemy, Saul.  Things had been really bad for ole David.   Picture him sitting on a rock by a river with his cowboy hat on strumming his guitar, writing the lyrics to this song.  (Here is what Psalm 18:16-18 might look like as a country song using KJV, NKJV, NLT, NIV, CSB and TIV, Tammy’s Interpretive version)

Sing along with King David and me.

He sent from above, He took me.
He reached down from heaven and rescued me.
He reached down from on high and took hold of me.

He drew me out of many waters.
He pulled me out of deep waters.

He delivered me from my strong enemy.
He rescued me from my powerful enemies.
He snatched me from my haters.

They were too strong for me

They prevented me in the day of my calamity.
They confronted me in the day of my disaster.
They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress.

But the LORD was my stay.

I have been in the deep waters of depression, hurt, lack, sickness, and sadness.  I know you have too.  The enemy has pursued me.  He has tried to destroy or steal my life, my family and my children.  I have and continue to fight the good fight of faith against the enemy and his cohorts.  Through it all I have turned my face to the LORD and have found that He is faithful.  He has saved every time, in every circumstance and from every evil.  If I was writing the next lyrics to the song, it would go like this…

But the Lord was my stay.
My Support
My Protector

The Lord is who I leaned on
The Lord is who I relied on
The Lord is who I could trust

The Lord is my Stay.

I enCOURAGE you to sing Psalm 18 to the Lord.  It will elevate your spirit and encourage your soul.  Worship and praise will lift you out of the deep, dark places.  Verse 19 of the song : “He also brought me out into a broad place;  He delivered me because He delights in me.” 

 “I will call upon the LORD, [who is worthy] to be praised; So, shall I be saved from my enemies”. (Psalm 18:3 NKJV)

 

 

 

 

by Tammy Phillips
October 14, 2020

Somedays there is just nothing to say, but God!

But God shall be with you (Genesis 48:21)
But God meant it for good, not evil (Genesis 50:20)
But God led (Exodus 13:18)
But God said to me (1 Chronicles 28:3)
But God will redeem my soul (Psalm 49:15)
But God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26)
But God overthrows the wicked (Proverbs 21:12)
But God only forgives sins (Mark 2:7)
But God knows your heart (Luke 16:15)
But God raised him from the dead: (Acts 13:30)
But God commends his love toward us (Romans 5:8)
But God chose the foolish things of the world to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27)
But God chose the weak things of the world to confound the mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27)
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10)
But God gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6)
But God hath called us to peace (1 Corinthians 7:15)
But God is faithful (1 Corinthians 10:13)
But God gave the inheritance to Abraham by promise (Galatians 3:18)
But God who is rich in mercy, for with His great love, He loved us (Ephesians 2:4)
But God has given us his Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 4:8)
But the LORD shall endure forever (Psalm 9:7)
But the LORD was my stay. (Psalm 18:18)
But the LORD upholds the righteous. (Psalm 37:17)
But the LORD is my defense and the rock of my refuge. (Psalm 94:22)
But the LORD made the heavens (Psalm 96:5)
But the LORD helped me (Psalm 118:13)
But the LORD directs my steps (Proverbs 16:9)
But the LORD shall be an everlasting light and your God, your glory. (Isaiah 60:19)
But the LORD is the true God, He is the living God, and an everlasting king (Jeremiah 10:10)
But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible One (Jeremiah 20:11 KJV)
But the LORD will be the hope of his people (Joel 3:16 KJV)
But the LORD is faithful, who will establish you, and keep you from evil.
(2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV)

I enCOURAGE you each day to find God’s word for you.  However, when you cannot quite find the right word, just boldly say, “BUT GOD!”  Name above all names covers it all.

by Tammy Phillips
October 13, 2020

 “And don’t forget to do good [and be kind] and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God”. -Hebrews 13:16 NLT

On Kris’ birthday a peaceful protest occurred in downtown Nashville on Public Square.  It was called #LetUsWorship.  Nashville was its forty third stop. I wanted to attend, but it was Kris’ birthday.   I mentioned to him about going because I knew he had to work to do.   In no way did I want to dishonor him on his day, nor make him fill less loved.  As a follower of Christ, his words to me were, “I told you that I am not taking on God.”  He knows God is my number one.  I am so thankful for his unwavering support of anything that God calls me to do.

Last minute, I volunteered to partner with the event, serve on the prayer team and support the local coordinator.  I arrived early to help but could never connect with the ground coordinator. I found a spot, out of the way, on the shallow courthouse steps that formed the base of the make-shift stage.  It was the perfect place to participate in the event and watch people arrive.  I prayed and watched. 

One hour before the event, I was politely asked to move at sound check because videographers would use this space and three feet in front of the steps to do their jobs.  I obliged, moved aside and stood up against a fence.  Soon after, a young woman dressed in a purple sweater and a woman in athletic apparel including tennis shoes plopped in on “my spot.”  Immediately, they were asked to move, too.  Purple sweater announced that older woman was “handicapped.”  They had told me that they had not planned well because old woman had a bum knee.  What they did not know was that my knee was in the process of being healed, but I never said a word.  I also did not suggest that maybe they should occupy one of the many park benches surrounding public square.  Like me, they wanted to be front, but not center.  Purple encouraged older to disobey the stagehands request, stay seated and not to move.  Older told purple to keep the three feet space clear so that they would not be made to move. They took authority of that space.  I crucified my flesh and said nothing.  You better believe I wanted to say: “Get out of my seat! I have been here for an hour. Listen and obey.”  Neither of them was acting Christ like, I decided that maybe I should.  I “put on Christ.”   I resolved to be kind, do good, and keep my mouth shut.  Praised God, I did. 

Oddly enough, Purple did not even know who Sean Feucht, the worship leader, was.  I pointed him out to her.  They quietly sat by and observed as worship began.  To my knowledge, they did not sing, say, or pray; they watched.  We worshipped.  We prayed for our city, state, and nation.  When Sean invited people to follow Jesus who was one of the first people to step out and run to the call?  PURPLE!    Thank God, I chose the High Road this time!  I got to watch the coolest miracle of God happen right before my eyes.  Holy Spirit had wooed another soul back to Him!

I enCOURAGE you to be kind and do good.  Share with those in need.  It pleases our Dad.  Kris reminded me about ministering to the one WHO IS SITTING BESIDE YOU?

*Let me confess, within 24 hours of this event, I was unkind to someone for no reason other than being tired. No excuse! Gratefully, they ignored my ugly.  I have confessed my sin to God and them. I know that I am forgiven and that is why I need Jesus.  Thank God, He is not done with me nor you yet!

 

by Tammy Phillips
October 12, 2020

“But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ (Luke 10:5 NKJV)

Sometimes God’s whisper into our spirit is so gentle that we hear it, but we do not completely get it.  Look at the God Whispers in reference to Luke 10:5 over the last two weeks:

1. I came across this verse the week of September 28^th, after a friend opened her mountain home to a group of us to go and pray. I regretted not speaking this verse over her home. 
2. A little later, the same sister who opened her home to us spoke the same verse to me.(I never shared my regrets to her, until now.)
3. October 11^th, I was praying with a warrior at church about two tumultuous situations. Honestly, not even knowing how to pray. Holy Spirit brought this scripture to mind so we could speak peace into those homes! Peace into the broken places.
4. October 11^th, a young woman came up with her entire family for prayer at church. Her request? Peace!  We spoke peace to her house.
5. I was thinking about this verse again this morning.I was reminded of our U.S. Congress and some friends that are waring there.   I finally got it!  I hear you, Lord.  Your Peace is the answer every time.  I speak, “Peace to the House of Representatives and to the U.S. Senate.  I speak peace to the Tennessee General Assembly!  Prince of Peace you are welcome!”

Peace is the answer! Jesus is the answer!  Jesus is the Prince of Peace!  Peace is the Hebrew word shalom.  It is everything.  It means whole; health; complete; safe; sound; prosperity; wellness; quiet.  Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27 KJV)

Peace described in this verse is the Greek word eirēne, meaning, tranquil state exempt from rage and war, harmony, good order, security, safety, prosperity, rest plus being set as one again, wholeness.  Peace is peace.

The Hebrews used it as a blessing: “Peace be to you!” (Judges 6:23 and Daniel 10:19) Over 16 times writers in the New testament greets the reader with “Grace and peace be to you!”

I enCOURAGE you with these words, “May the Prince of Peace have free reign in your house! “PEACE BE TO YOUR HOUSE!” PEACE BE TO YOU! Wholeness! Completeness! Health! Safety! Security!  Soundness!  Prosperity!  Wellness! Quiet! Harmony! Good order!  Be set as one again!  Peace to this house!”

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord!” (2 Peter 1:2 NKJV)

by Tammy Phillips
October 11, 2020

And the Lord said to Moses, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14 NKJV)

As I told you yesterday, I had committed to do the APSU Scholarship 5K Virtual Run.  I did not really want to do it, but I had given my word.  I resolved to honor my commitment.   I decided I would spend the minutes praying for Austin Peay State University, the Peay-ple (students, faculty and staff) for the Peay president and various other things.  In other words, I invited the Presence of God, Holy Spirit to run the race with me.  

The course I chose was around a gorgeous lake in our neighborhood.  The loop was right at a half-mile.  Eight rounds and a little bit and I would accomplish my goal.  I began the Virtual 5k before the sun peaked above the horizon.  I started at a pretty fast pace to achieve my goal.  I realized after a few laps that I was not going to be able to keep that pace and that I needed to take slow down and take a pause.  This revelation happened as the sun began to reveal itself.  God masterfully painted the sky in my favorite colors. The masterpiece in the east changed each time I reached the west end of the loop.   He taught me that it was ok to take a pause and catch my breath.  It is ok to rest in the race of life. We have all heard, “Life is a marathon, not a sprint.  Train for endurance not speed. Pace yourself accordingly.”   

How comforting are the words of the Lord in Exodus 33:14, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  He is with us and He gives us pause, the rest.  Where are you at in your marathon?

Overcoming sickness?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Fighting Cancer?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Battling sleepless nights?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

In the midst of a sudden passing of a loved one or friend?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Writing a big paper or presenting a project at work?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Lost dream job and  looking for  new path?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Dredging your way through school?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Buying groceries and preparing a meal?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Struggling to make ends meet?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Running a race that you do not want to run?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

I encourage you to take comfort in that the Presence of the Lord will go with you.  He will give you rest. There is nothing we can to do, go through, attempt to accomplish nor anywhere you can go that the Lord’s Presence will not go with you.  He is running right with alongside. He keeps His word.  He will give you pause and let you catch your breath.

 

 

by Tammy Phillips
October 10, 2020

“…Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV)

By definition, I “ran” my second 5k of the year, earlier this week.  Kris ran it in 28:13 minutes!  My goal was for my average pace to beat his completion time.  I won 22:48 mi/min!  LOL!

Let me make this clear, the very last thing that I wanted to talk to you about on a rainy, fall, Saturday morning is running.  I would have preferred to be snuggled in my big chair reading a book. However, I could not “run” away from the subject.  I have always thought of myself as very competitive, but not as a runner.  However, I have come to realize we all runners in life.  Hope this sheds light on what it means to run. 

Here are a few definitions from Websters Dictionary1828…  

RUN:

• To move or pass in almost any manner
• To move rapidly, by leaps or long quick steps
• To use the legs in moving; to step
• To move in a hurry
• To flow in any manner, slowly or rapidly
• To be liquid or fluid, as in water
• To be fusible, to melt. As in fire 
• To flow, as words, language or periods.
• To have a course or direction.
• To pass in thought, speech or practice;
• To have a track or course.
• To have a certain direction.
• To grow exuberantly.
• To dart; to shoot; as a meteor in the sky.
• To drive; to force.
• To crush; to overthrow; to overbear.(http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/run)

The Blue Letter Bible’s definition of run:  to walk hastily; to exert oneself, strive hard; to spend one’s strength in performing or attaining something (https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G5143&t=KJV)

Peteni Kuzwayo is editor of Run For Wealth, a blog established with the mission of helping people “Run A Fulfilling Life Race”.  Kuzwayo has run over 20 Marathons, 10 Ultra-marathons and 4 Comrades Marathons. He is also the Nike Run Club Coach in JHB, South Africa.  According to an article by Kuzwayo ,  “Why Runners Are More Likely To Be Successful” who set goals; value time; are highly disciplined;  know how to overcome obstacles;  build networks and relationships; are part of  a team where you can  learn from the strongest and be encouraged; understand that failure is a transition to success. (https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/11-reasons-why-runners-are-more-likely-successful.html)

Sounds like Peteni might have gotten a few success tips from God’s Instruction Manual when writing his article.  Whether we are running a 5k, a marathon or competing on the course of life:

“…Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV)

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes [for the prize] is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a perishable crown, but we [for] an imperishable [crown].  Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. (1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NKJV)

We are told to run at least two different time in the passages above.  After picking apart the scriptures, this is how I see we are to run:

• Run the race set before you.
• Run with endurance and patience.
• Run exercising self-control in all things.
• Run as one trained.
• Run looking at Jesus.
• Run like Jesus, the Finisher.
• Run with purpose in every step.
• Run with confidence.
• Run with determination
• Run resolutely.
• Run bravely.
• Run with a goal.
• Run to finish.
• Run to take down.
• Run to win the prize.

I enCOURAGE you to RUN!  Take one step at a time, one foot in front of another. 

by Tammy Phillips
October 9, 2020

I was raised in Athens, Georgia, meaning there is only one college football team, the University of Georgia Bulldogs!  I have cheered for them since I was five.  I was trained to raise both arms high above my shoulders towards heaven, signifying touch down or victory.   It meant our team had overcome the enemy, scored or won.    I think we taught our boys the same sign from the crib.  Sadly, it was not for the red team of God, nor for the ‘dawgs, but for the orange team. 

I regret that I did not know until recently that this action was first, mentioned in the Bible.  It is a sign of reverence to God.  We can find two interesting definitions of praise In Psalm 111:1, “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with [my] whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.”

The first “praise” in Psalm 111:1 is the Hebrew word, “hallel,” which means to shine; to make a show, to boast; to be clamorously foolish; to rave; to celebrate; glory, to act mad.

The second “praise” in this verse is the Hebrew word, “yadah,” meaning to hold out the hand; throw at; to revere with extended hands.  When we raise our hands in praise, I see it as we are raising our arms with the overcoming victory sign towards heaven.  

How many of us act crazy and throw our hands in “praise” when out team scores, but have never dared raise our hands in the congregation to offer God praise?    We will not miss a game of our favorite team.  We fill stadiums in proud, praise of our idols, but what about God? As for me, I am mad at baseball!  I still like football, but I love God.  He gets my praise first, now.  You know, Satan stole this idea from God’s playbook.

The same thing happened with the “V” sign, a sign made by pointing the first two fingers up in a V-shape, with palm of the hand facing outward.  It is used as a symbol of victory or peace. The enemy used a simple twist of hand with palm facing inward to turn a positive symbol negative. 

“The use of ‘V’ as a symbolic message and rallying emblem of defiant resistance to tyranny was first proposed by Victor de Laveleye.  De Laveleye worked for the BBC during the war. In his broadcast on January 14, 1941, he proposed what became the ‘V’ campaign.  And seven months later, Winston Churchill followed.  In a speech, Churchill announced an effort to actively promote the V campaign throughout Europe. ‘The V sign is the symbol of the unconquerable will of the occupied territories and a portent of the fate awaiting Nazi tyranny,’ he said. ‘So long as the people continue to refuse all collaboration with the invader, it is sure his cause will perish, and that Europe will be liberated.’  The V campaign was heavily publicized by the BBC and was popular throughout Europe. And it soon became a symbol for all Western European resistance during the conflict, with Vs painted on walls and over Nazi posters. It was an unlikely stroke of genius that united and inspired.”   (https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/on-this-day-in-1941-v-for-victory-sent-a-clear-message-to-the-nazis/)

In. WWII, the enemy, Germany, could not remove all the occupied campaign signs so they copied, stole and adopted the V sign as a German symbol. 

A retrofit and reconstruction of Churchills words to accommodate our current Christian stance: 

The V sign or peace sign is the symbol of the unconquerable spirit of the territories that we occupy as children of the Almighty God and a portent of the fate awaiting the enemies of God.  As long as we refuse all collaboration with Satan and his cohorts, it is sure his cause will perish!  Prison doors will be opened to the bound, the brokenhearted will be healed, and the captives will be liberated! The Prince of Peace reigns and overcame, delivering healing, wholeness, and completeness!  He said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”(John 14:27 KJV)

I enCOURAGE you that when new terrors arise, when death and disease threaten, victoriously, say Jesus!   When troubles come and we are inwardly tossed by temptation and obstacles, choose our Father’s loving arms.  When Satan attempts to disturb, distract, divert, disquiet, disconcert, disorder, delude and discombobulate our souls, remember, Christ is the Prince of Peace! Be resolute! Throw up your arms in victory!  Raise the V!  

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ…my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:57-58 NKJV)