Praise Party

Praise Party

Revelation 19: After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a large crowd of people in heaven, saying, “Praise God! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God! ² True and just are his judgments! He has condemned the prostitute who was corrupting the earth with her immorality. God has punished her because she killed his servants.” ³ Again they shouted, “Praise God! The smoke from the flames that consume the great city goes up forever and ever!” ⁴ The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. They said, “Amen! Praise God!”

 

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As we approached the building, I could hear the music getting louder and louder. I had never been to a club, so it was a mystery to me. When I got in, lights were flashing, music was blaring and people were dancing all over the place. Everyone shouted with excitement at certain songs!

 

• I was elated!
• I was enamored!
• I shouted just like everyone else!

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard something he never heard before. He heard praise from every saved person who ever existed, along with the angels, elders and living creatures! This was no ordinary praise, it was a praise that was unrestrained!

 

My Observations:

• One day I will be able to praise GOD for my salvation and for GOD’s power.
• One day I will be able to praise GOD for getting rid of the thing that caused me to fall over and over throughout life.
• One day I will be able to agree with other people who are praising GOD!

 

Praising GOD seems boring to the world. I mean, temporary drunkenness, mixed with flashing lights, mixed with loud music with great beats must be better that praising GOD, right? Wrong! The praise mentioned here goes on forever and ever!

 

No more waking up to problems on Monday and needing to temporarily escape on Friday. No more wondering if things will work out or not. No more guessing if GOD is with me or not. This praise is permanent, unrestrained and full of relief! I look forward to, one day, truly praising GOD!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer could not describe the sound?
• Have you ever been so elated that you just wanted to shout with joy?
• Are you looking forward to one day being able to praise GOD for what HE has done for you, and not holding back from your praise?

Everything Craved

Everything Craved

Revelation 5: ¹¹ Again I looked, and I heard angels, thousands and millions of them! They stood around the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders, ¹² and sang in a loud voice:

“The Lamb who was killed is worthy
    to receive power, wealth, wisdom, and strength,
    honor, glory, and praise!”
¹³ And I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, in the world below, and in the sea—all living beings in the universe—and they were singing:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb,
    be praise and honor, glory and might,
    forever and ever!”

¹⁴ The four living creatures answered, “Amen!” And the elders fell down and worshiped.

 

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After struggling for years to pay my bills, it felt good to be able to pay for rent and a car payment. After a while, I was able to get a house and another new car because I got a “better” job. This wasn’t enough. I needed to be a decision maker so I climbed the corporate ladder in pursuit of a title.

 

• I tied a personal cause to it to justify the enormous amount of hours spent seeking power.
• I thought I needed a title to “help” other people.
• I thought “I” was the answer to other people’s problems and I needed to be strong.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, is given another look at the throne area where GOD sat and JESUS was standing. Thousands of millions of powerful angels surrounded the throne, possibly protecting it, but also engaged in worship. Another son was sang, this time with a chorus. The song was about JESUS receiving power, wealth, wisdom, and strength, honor, glory, and praise!”

 

My Observations:

• GOD is so powerful and I am so weak and I sometimes want the things JESUS deserves.
• GOD has everything and since HE is made of pure love, is willing to share it with me.
• JESUS did what no other could do and that is die for my sins and be raised from the dead.

 

All the things I want, JESUS has. I mean, I sometimes want power, wealth, wisdom, and strength, honor, glory, and praise!” I may even work a little longer and harder when I get even a couple of these items on the list. BUT JESUS is the only one who deserves these items.

 

JESUS did what no other being did, namely gave HIS life for HIS creation. HE is placed over everything. No power can come up against JESUS. The throne room scene by John shows the FATHER, the SON and the HOLY SPIRIT with all power, wealth, wisdom, and strength,  honor, glory, and praise!” My crave is to yield my desires to GOD.

 

Challenge

• Did the writer present the presence of GOD as a weakling?
• Have you ever thought GOD was a pushover because HE is showing you grace and mercy?
• Will you contemplate your view of power, wealth, wisdom, and strength,  honor, glory, and praise so you can give it to JESUS and HE will share it with you?

Raise A Praise

Raise A Praise

Jude 1: ²⁴ To him who is able to keep you from falling and to bring you faultless and joyful before his glorious presence— ²⁵ to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, might, and authority, from all ages past, and now, and forever and ever! Amen.

 

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Being asked to be the best man in a wedding was an honor that came with expectations. One of which was to develop a toast to the bride and groom. It was a monumental day, so the toast had to have meaning, but mostly it needed to come from the heart.

 

• I said something about overcoming obstacles in the past.
• I also said something about the work it takes in the present.
• I wished them a wonderful future.

 

Jude finishes his letter upbeat. His note came with a lot of warnings about people who were deceivers pretending to be followers of CHRIST. These heave words may have needed some words of hope. Jude concluded his letter with a praise to GOD.

 

My Observations:

• When things look bleak, raise a praise to GOD.
• When difficulties arise, raise a praise to GOD.
• When you cannot see how this situation or that situation will end on a positive note, raise a praise to GOD.

 

Praising GOD is a weapon versus a feeling. I mean, the Enemy wants to take away my praise to GOD by placing temptation, evil plans against me and pain in my path, so I will close my lips from praising GOD. Little does he know that when I praise GOD in the middle of the storm, HE does remarkable things that causes the Devil to flee.

 

GOD sometimes takes the storm away or provides what I need during the storm so I can survive. HE hear my cry but loves when I sing a praise to HIM even before HE performs HIS miracle. I praise YOU LORD for all you have done, doing and will do in my life!

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the writer is thorough in this praise?
• Are you going through a difficult time?
• Will you use the weapon of praising GOD today without expectations so HIS wonderful plan will be made known to you in HIS time?

Offerings and Sacrifices

 

Offerings and Sacrifices

Hebrews 13: ¹⁰ The priests who serve in the Jewish place of worship have no right to eat any of the sacrifice on our altar. ¹¹ The Jewish high priest brings the blood of the animals into the Most Holy Place to offer it as a sacrifice for sins; but the bodies of the animals are burned outside the camp. ¹² For this reason Jesus also died outside the city, in order to purify the people from sin with his own blood. ¹³ Let us, then, go to him outside the camp and share his shame. ¹⁴ For there is no permanent city for us here on earth; we are looking for the city which is to come. ¹⁵ Let us, then, always offer praise to God as our sacrifice through Jesus, which is the offering presented by lips that confess him as Lord. ¹⁶ Do not forget to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God.

 

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“Can’t you get someone else to do it?” was my reply to the request. “No, we need your skills” was the reply to my pushback. I thought of ways to get out of doing the work being thrust upon me. “Perhaps we can outsource this” was my solution. “We need you” was the reply.

 

• I wanted someone else to do what I was supposed to do.
• I felt overloaded and wanted someone else to join in.
• I came up with a solution to pay someone to do what I was supposed to do.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, went into detail about offerings and sacrifices. He mentioned the reason for these was to atone for Jewish people. BUT JESUS, who died outside the city, offered HIS blood as a sacrifice for all.

 

My Observations:

• I can try to pay someone else to tell people about CHRIST, BUT GOD wants me to do it.
• I can try to outsource a singing group to praise GOD for me, BUT GOD wants my praise.
• I can try to give to a group who will serve others for me, BUT GOD wants me to serve.

 

Giving is good, BUT GOD wants more from me than cash. I mean, HE wants me to use my gifts and talents to tell people about JESUS and HE loves when I praise HIM daily! HE wants a direct and active relationship with me that helps me serve those who are hard to serve.

 

HE gives me strength to keep going when I feel like giving up. HE provides for those I cannot provide for. HE opens doors wide, just like HE opens eyes from being blind. I am glad GOD wants my offering of praise and my sacrifice of helping others.

 

Challenge

• What suggestions does the writer give that “pleases GOD?”
• Have you ever thought it was someone else’s responsibility to serve or tell people about CHRIST?
• Will you stop trying to outsource what GOD wants you to do today?

Praise and Thanksgiving

Praise and Thanksgiving

Ephesians 5: ¹⁸ Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead, be filled with the Spirit. ¹⁹ Speak to one another with the words of psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts. ²⁰ In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father.

 

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Parking in a tight parking lot, I carefully got out of my new vehicle. A careless guy opened his door quickly, nicking the paint on my new van. The newness was ruined and from that moment on, all I could see was the small dent and the nicked paint.

 

• I was focused only on the problem.
• All I could see was something to complain about.
• I replayed the action of the guy over and over, each time I saw the nick.

 

Paul gives everyone some advice for every situation. “Always give thanks for everything” were his difficult words. He had been beaten, jailed, chased and almost killed by those who opposed believing in JESUS. He had a lot to complain about, but gave a solid alternative.

 

My Observations

• Praise to GOD should be used as a cure of the problem.
• Seeing GOD’s  provision in my life takes practice.
• Giving thanks to GOD reduces my complaints and provides me with joy and cheer.

 

Staying in a state of complaining, worry and anger seems to be what the adversary wants. I mean, if I always have something to grouse about, I remain blind to the extreme blessings GOD has given me. I focus on the little problem and sometimes make it bigger in my mind each time I play out the words he or she may have said.

 

GOD gives me an alternative, namely praise and thanksgiving. HE doesn’t want me mad, sad or bad. HE provides in the middle of the storm and when problems seem to be at their greatest. I am thankful for all HE has done and I praise GOD for HIS greatness. Great is thy faithfulness!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer starts off the warning with “do not get drunk?”
• What problems have you focused on and played over in your mind over and over?
• Will you take a moment to praise GOD when your troubles pop up in your mind and give GOD thanks when you feel troubled today? 

Reasonable Purpose

Luke 8: ³⁸ Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, ³⁹ “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.

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“Please oh please let me get through this” I cried out to the LORD. It seemed like the storm had been prolonged, and I was very tired. On that same day all of the current situations cleared up. I told no one.

• There have been times when things went right and I did not praise GOD.
• There have been times when I got everything I asked for and told no one about GOD.
• There have been times when all my prayers were answered and I kept my praise to myself.

The man healed from being tormented by demons desired to follow JESUS, BUT GOD had a different plan. JESUS told him to “Return to your own house, and tell what great things GOD has done for you.” The man did so and now his life had purpose.

• When GOD brings me through trials HE wants me to tell everyone about HIS grace.
• When GOD rescues me HE wants me to tell everyone about HIS mercy.
• When GOD delivers me from small to large situations HE wants me to proclaim HIS love to everyone.

GOD wants me to be very vocal about HIS goodness. HE has delivered me time and time again. In fact, HE is busy delivering me through current trials! HE does not want me to grow weary and fills me up with HIS blessings. GOD is my refuge.

• Are you growing tired?
• Are you going through another trial?
• Can you remember the times GOD has delivered you over and over again so your faith can grow and get you through this trial?
• Will you tell people about the goodness of GOD today?

Hope Trust and Praise

Isaiah 12: In that day you will say:

“I will praise you, Lord.
    Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
    and you have comforted me.
² Surely God is my salvation;
    I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
    he has become my salvation.”
³ With joy you will draw water
    from the wells of salvation.

⁴ In that day you will say:

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
    make known among the nations what he has done,
    and proclaim that his name is exalted.
⁵ Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;
    let this be known to all the world.
⁶ Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
    for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

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As I heard what seemed to be the tenth piece of bad news, I felt worn down. I mean this problem and that problem were not getting resolved. Where can I put my trust?

• GOD wants me to put my hope in HIM.
• GOD wants me to believe HE is my comforter.
• GOD wants me to understand I do not have to be afraid because HE is ALWAYS with me.
• GOD wants me to let HIM be my strength and defense.

Praise is what I should do on a daily basis. In the middle of complaints and problems, I should yield myself to praise and excitement! GOD is absolutely amazing and wonderful! 

Daily Health

Psalm 150: ¹ Praise the Lord.

Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens.
² Praise him for his acts of power;
    praise him for his surpassing greatness.
³ Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
    praise him with the harp and lyre,
⁴ praise him with timbrel and dancing,
    praise him with the strings and pipe,
⁵ praise him with the clash of cymbals,
    praise him with resounding cymbals.

⁶ Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord

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Praise is not only a feeling, it is an action. I sometimes feel so elated that I just want to shout with glee. But there are other times where I don’t feel like praising so much. In fact there are times when I feel like complaining. BUT GOD wants me to praise.

• Praising GOD is great to do on a daily basis to keep my mind on “what is” versus “what isn’t.”
• Praising GOD when I don’t feel like it takes effort but helps me minimize the problem to something small.
• Praising GOD helps me focus on HIM and HIS power and HIS love, which in turn helps me understand I am in that same family.

It is time for praise! Like going to the gym, I may not feel like doing it but feel great when I finish. Praise should not be an option rather a time of day. I should not ask myself, “should I praise GOD when I’m going through whatever problem” rather I should ask myself, “what time am I going to praise GOD today.”

• Do you think praising GOD is a choice?
• Do you praise GOD only when you feel like it?
• Can you stop what you are doing right now and praise GOD?

Simple Praise takes Awareness

Psalm 52: ⁸ But I am like an olive tree
    flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love
    for ever and ever.
⁹ For what you have done I will always praise you
    in the presence of your faithful people.
And I will hope in your name,
    for your name is good.

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“Something” made me desire to plant an avocado tree in my house from an avocado pit. I followed the instructions meticulously. It took weeks for the first sprouts to appear and in about three months I had a twiggy looking plant. Not quite the plant I had hoped for. I nurtured it over the winter and it survived but only produced a few leaves.

I sat the plant outside in the summer. The very first day a huge thunderstorm came through. I watched the poor little twig blow around in the gale. The next day searing heat seemed to bake the pit from which the twig protruded. I stopped looking. It seemed harsh. Weeks later I noticed the plant had huge leaves and more on the way.

• Sometimes it’s hard to see why I am in the storm.
• Sometimes it seems like I barely growing and the wind is beating me up.
• Sometimes I feel like the searing heat of life is burning too much.

“For what you have done” are the words that caught my attention. This requires that I remember the things GOD has done which necessitates that I notice what GOD is doing. The difficult times are not there to break me because of my horrible failure of being human rather they are there to grow me. Each tempest that comes against me strengthens my weak dexterity. 

• GOD wants me to know HE loves me so HE takes me through the storm rather than around it.
• GOD knows exactly what it takes to grow me so HE places me in the position to squirm.
• GOD sends searing heat to burn off the things that are childish and the items that don’t belong.

It will take ten years for my avocado tree to reach maturity, but I notice the tree is flourishing. Only GOD can grow a tree. Only GOD can grow me. I will remember to praise GOD for the things HE is “doing” because I now notice them.

• Do you see GOD daily?
• Can you recognize that GOD is growing you because you asked to be taken to the next level?
• Will you let GOD blow the winds of life against you to mature you and bless you?
• Will you sing praise to GOD for choosing to grow you, HIS way?

Remember to Extol HIS work

Job 36: ²² “God is exalted in his power.
    Who is a teacher like him?
²³ Who has prescribed his ways for him,
    or said to him, ‘You have done wrong’?
²⁴ Remember to extol his work,
    which people have praised in song.
²⁵ All humanity has seen it;
    mortals gaze on it from afar.
²⁶ How great is God—beyond our understanding!
    The number of his years is past finding out.

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There was a chill in the air and I went outside. Stars seemed to show themselves one at a time until the sky, that appeared to be dark, was now full of glorious rays. During the day I could see animals scurrying around gather food they did not plant.

I slowly pulled back and noticed that GOD had put a lot of people in my life to help me and for me to help. My life is abundant!

• Are you praising GOD for what HE is doing in your life?
• Do you have a mind full of complaints?
• Can you change your complaints to praise?

This is how Praise Looks

1 Chronicles 29: ¹⁰ David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,

“Praise be to you, Lord,
    the God of our father Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting.
¹¹ Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
    and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
    for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
    you are exalted as head over all.
¹² Wealth and honor come from you;
    you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
    to exalt and give strength to all.
¹³ Now, our God, we give you thanks,
    and praise your glorious name.

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What I love about King David’s words of praise is he never mentions himself, only GOD. He praises GOD for the things I blame HIM for.  Yes, when I complain about my situation I blame GOD like HE doesn’t know what’s going on. When I complain I don’t have enough I blame GOD for giving wealth to those who squander it.

• GOD needs to be praised and that’s the end of the prayer.
• GOD needs to be exalted to GOD status in my mind, prayer and actions.
• GOD needs to be understood as the most powerful, the most glorious, the most magnificent, and the most high GOD.

GOD YOU are amazing!

Appointed to Praise

1 Chronicles 25: David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. Here is the list of the men who performed this service:

² From the sons of Asaph:

Zakkur, Joseph, Nethaniah and Asarelah. The sons of Asaph were under the supervision of Asaph, who prophesied under the king’s supervision.

³ As for Jeduthun, from his sons:

Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei,^[a] Hashabiah and Mattithiah, six in all, under the supervision of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied, using the harp in thanking and praising the Lord.

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“What is she so smiley about” I thought with a grumpy tone.  “There he goes again, standing up and lifting up his hands right on cue” I observed with a snippy attitude. These “Phony” people couldn’t be this happy in church. I think I will label them as hypocrites first because I know “something” has to be wrong with them.

• When I am grumpy I want others grumpy.
• When I am low I want a pity party.
• When I am mad at the world I want everyone around me to be mad.

CHRIST was falsely accused, slandered, beaten and murdered. HE had a very bad day! HE voluntarily selected this punishment, knowing HIS own creation would turn their backs on HIM. All of HIS friends who thought HE would be a political giant felt lost. That’s when the sadness and the grumpiness came out.

I can sympathize with the disciples. I mean what is there to praise about when “all hope” is lost? Well the problem was with the thought that “all hope” can be lost!

• JESUS died trusting that HE would be raised from the dead by the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT.
• JESUS knew HE was the only one who could save me and everyone who believes in HIM.
• JESUS got up with ALL power and is now building a better place for all who believe.

“All hope” was gained when JESUS arose, never to die again. HE is the reason I should assemble with others. HE is the reason I should sing loudly when I get there. HE is the reason I should learn more about what HE wants me to do. JESUS is the reason I should praise.

• Are you feeling lost?
• Do you feel grumpy?
• Can you recognize the blessings GOD has given you rather than pouting?
• Can you focus your praise on JESUS today?

Praise Instructions

1 Chronicles 16: ⁷ That day David first appointed Asaph and his associates to give praise to the Lord in this manner:

⁸ Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
    make known among the nations what he has done.

⁹ Sing to him, sing praise to him;
    tell of all his wonderful acts.

¹⁰ Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

¹¹ Look to the Lord and his strength;
    seek his face always.

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“What am I going to do now?” was my question as I looked at my totaled vehicle. A guy driving a jeep turned left in front of me and my old jalopy needed more distance to stop, probably because I was exceeding the speed limit. “I don’t have a car! How am I going to get to work?” were the first thoughts.

Looking back on this incident, I do not remember “caring” that one of the passengers flew out of the jeep and had a bloody head.

• When tough situations happen I want to hold a pity party for myself.
• When life is difficult I want to tell everyone about how difficult life is.
• When rough things happen I want instant relief before I can be “happy.”

It is difficult to “praise GOD” in the middle of the storm.  I mean, isn’t HE supposed to be the one who grants my wishes and makes me happy? Not at all!

• GOD wasn’t created for me, I was created for GOD and by GOD.
• GOD is supreme and is extremely worth of all praise.
• GOD appreciates when I look past the difficulty and see HIM with joyous eyes.

Giving GOD praise takes practice. I actually had to start small, as small as praising HIM for life’s mundane parts. I then began to notice larger and more times where I could see GOD at work in my life. The more I praised, the more I noticed GOD working in my life.

• Are you going through difficult times?
• Do you feel you have to wait until the difficulty is complete in order to praise GOD?
• Does everything have to be worked out “your way” in order for GOD to receive your praise?
• Can you stop holding back your praise and sing, proclaim or look to the LORD and HIS strength?

Sometimes GOD just needs to be praised!

David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. ² He said:

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
³     my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
    from violent people you save me.

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³¹ “As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
³² For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
³³ It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.
³⁴ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights.
³⁵ He trains my hands for battle;
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁶ You make your saving help my shield;
    your help has made^[i] me great.
³⁷ You provide a broad path for my feet,
    so that my ankles do not give way.

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This is the day in which JESUS was handed over and falsely accused. Preachers, ministers, deacons, deaconesses and elders of the church were the primary accusers of GOD in the flesh saying HE is not GOD. Their expectation of a worldly leader had not been met.

Instead of praising HIM for all of the miracles HE performed, they accused HIM of trickery and deceit. HE said nothing and absorbed the pain hurled at HIM as HIS own creation looked at HIM with wrongful eyes.

• GOD should be praised not blamed.
• GOD should be exalted not hidden.
• GOD should be talked about not implied.

Saying the name JESUS has power. Just speaking HIS name out loud has far more meaning than any “helps” program that could come from any church. Praising GOD means nothing else matters at this moment.

• Are you praising GOD?
• Can you stop asking HIM for stuff for one day and praise HIM?
• Won’t you focus your attention on GOD’s worthiness to be praised instead of looking at what’s going on around you?
• Can you open your mouth and say “JESUS thank YOU for being my savior”?

Giving is an act of praise

Deuteronomy 26: ⁸ So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders. ⁹ He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; ¹⁰ and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me.” Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him. 

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Spring was finally here! I wasn’t excited about the trees blooming or a warm breeze gently blowing on my face. It was bonus season!  This particular year I was going to take the vacation of a lifetime. I mean it was going to be first class all the way around! I think I watched my account daily to make sure I could pull the trigger on purchasing multiple tickets to some of the finest places!

• When I have plenty I sometimes forget to give first and plan later.
• When I have plenty I sometimes think it’s all mine.
• When I have plenty I sometimes believe I deserve a break from all of “my” hard work.

It’s amazing how easy it is to think my bank account is “mine.” When it has a lot, I start thinking about some great exotic places I haven’t been and some nice toys I can now afford. I then have more conversations about fine dining, entertainment, better schools and gadgets. But what does GOD want?

• GOD wants me to remember where my wealth comes from so I won’t become arrogant.
• GOD wants me to remember HE is in control of my bank account even when it is low.
• GOD wants me to remember to give when I have plenty and give when I little in order to break the grip of fear money can place me in.

GOD wants me to celebrate the fact that HE is the provider, not me!  HE wants laughter and smiles and celebration rather than giving out of obligation with a staunch, somber, teary eyed face. By taking the firstfruits off of what I make, I am showing GOD that I trust HIM to do what is necessary to provide for me. 

HE can give me plenty and HE can take riches away, but that shouldn’t change my celebration of HIS provision!

• Do you feel you can’t give right now because you don’t have much?
• Do you feel you can’t give right now because you have too much?
• Are you saving up for more stuff?
• Can you give and praise GOD about your giving?
• Won’t you put your trust in GOD instead of your bank account?

Praising GOD is worth it

Exodus 15:

² “The Lord is my strength and my defense;
    he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
    my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
³ The Lord is a warrior;
    the Lord is his name.

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Suitcases filled the car and we were on our way. Vacation was finally here and the drive was part of the fun. About an hour or so into the drive a very strange light appeared on the dashboard that could not be ignored. Soon after, the vehicle began to slow to a crawl. I move over to the shoulder and we called around trying to find the nearest dealer we could be towed to.

Three Thousand Six Hundred was the quote for a new transmission, but the service manager dug a little deeper and saw our impeccable maintenance history. He said “you don’t have to pay anything.” We sung a wonderful song!

• Sometimes I have to go through the pain in order to sing praise to GOD.
• Sometimes I have to go through problems in order to praise GOD.
• Sometimes I have to have trouble in my life in order to praise GOD.

I actually should praise HIM before HE delivers me from my trouble. HE has delivered me over and over again so I should look forward to watching HIS might unfurl before me. Praising GOD doesn’t manipulate HIM into my positive outcome rather it shows my allegiance to HIM in accepting HIS route.

HIS plan is best and I can praise HIM for it. I must admit, I do sing a little louder when HE does deliver me from pain!

• Are you waiting for delivery?
• Are you going through a difficult time?
• Can you stop and take a moment to praise GOD right now, thanking HIM for HIS method of delivery?

A song of praise

Revelation 15: They held harps given them by God ³ and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb:

“Great and marvelous are your deeds,
     Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
     King of the nations.
⁴ Who will not fear you, Lord,
     and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
    and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

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Today is a great opportunity for me to praise GOD. He does some great things in my life and I am richly blessed. Everything HE decides for me is alright to me. HE is the ultimate leader whom I fear.

I place HIM in the position of GOD rather than thinking HE is equal to or beneath me so HIS name is above any action I will take. One day I will worship HIM when I can see HIM but for now I worship HIM in faith.

Every prayer is heard

Revelation 8: ³ Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne. 

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After reading this passage of scripture, it makes me want to change my prayers.  I mean some of my conversations with GOD are full of complaints of how things are not going the way “I” want them to. I wonder if I need to change my perspective on prayer.

• GOD is sovereign which means HE has the highest authority over me and my wishes.
• GOD is all knowing which means HE knows when I am requesting something harmful that I think is innocent.
• GOD is everywhere which means HE knows about the person who wants to harm me as well as those who will provide relief.
• GOD is all powerful which means HE is far more than a wish granter rather HE is a “will” maker.
• GOD is all seeing which means HE sees right through my plans.

My prayers need to praise GOD while petitioning HIM to change the situation. JESUS showed many times that HE was moved by the difficult circumstances humans face. Somehow my prayer translates to faith in the one who can do something about the situation. My prayers should not be wasted on complaints rather they should point to GOD’s majesty.

• How do you speak to GOD?
• Are you treating HIM as a common human or as GOD?
• Can you praise GOD in the middle of your circumstance?

I believe in prayer

James 5: ¹³ Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.

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“My shift is almost over” I thought to myself. Some guys entered the bowling alley with surly attitudes and summoned me “around the corner” to ask a question about an item we were selling. With glass case separating us I sort of felt safe but something was wrong this time.

Some guys distracted my coworkers at the front while I, the lone sheep, remained split from the flock. When they pulled out the gun I knew I had no place to run. I hadn’t been to church in a while, nor had I talked to GOD very much but that was the first thing on my mind!

• It’s amazing how fast I run towards GOD when I’m in trouble.
• It’s amazing how much I beg GOD for help when I’m sick.
• It’s amazing how much I seek GOD when something is wrong.

Prayer is exactly what GOD wants on a regular basis but I have used it simply to get out of situations. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with praying during dire situations. In fact that’s exactly what I should be doing. What I’m saying is prayer shouldn’t be the last thing I do rather in most instances it’s the “only” thing I should be doing.

• I should pray when I’m in trouble and GOD will calm me in the midst of the storm.
• I should pray when things are going well and GOD will keep me from temptations that easily tear me from HIM.
• I should pray when others are sick or down and GOD will heal them and forgive them.

Prayer is extremely powerful when used unselfishly. Prayer coupled with the right motive and right attitude outdoes any action I can conjure up. When I pray I’m actually saying to GOD I accept whatever outcome YOU choose rather than trying to manipulate HIM. HE always answers a prayer where HE is the center and that’s a good thing!

• Are you in trouble?
• Are you happy?
• Are you sick?
• Can you pray a prayer of praise before you ask HIM to fix your problem?
• Won’t you use prayer more often just to have a nice conversation with GOD?