Most Christians believe that praising God and being thankful is good; however, many think it is optional. Some Christians only praise God when their circumstances are good and they have a reason to thank Him. The truth is that praising God is not an option. Praise has a powerful effect on the believer, the devil, and on God. It is our highest calling. God pronounced a curse on the children of Israel because they didnt praise Him (Deut. 28:47-50). Even though we are not under the Law, this verse tells us that God wants us to have joyful and thankful hearts. Hebrews 1:9 tells us that praising God at all times is part of the normal Christian life because He has anointed us with the oil of gladness. When we praise God, we are acknowledging that it is not our own efforts that produce blessings and prosperity. Praise makes us humble and receive more from God. Thanksgiving is also a way to abound in faith. Any time we operate in a high degree of faith, praise is present. (See Colossians 2:6-7). What some people often neglect is that they can increase their faith with praise, and their answers will come more quickly. By focusing on your problems instead of praising God, you become self-centered and proud. Praise forces you to get your attention on God and off your problems. When we pray, we should begin with praise and end with praise. The Lords prayer gives us this example, also Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to make our requests known with thanksgivng. Praise will build you up spiritually and keep you from crumbling, for the joy of the LORD is your strength (Neh. 8:10). Apostle Paul was persecuted and suffered far more than most of us, yet he praised God and the power of God was released. Praise will push you into the spiritual realm to see what God has done for you and has in stock for you. Praising God is also a powerful weapon against the devil as well. In the book of Matthew 21:16, at the time of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), Jesus quotes from Psalm 8:2, when he quoted this verse, he interchanged the words perfected praise for ordained strength. This is a tremendous revelation: Praise is strength (Neh. 8:10)! Some people are so involved in spiritual warfare that their attention is on the devil more than on God. There is a place for fighting and resisting the devil, but focusing too much on the devil is not good. In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat went into battle singing and praising God, the Lord set an ambush, and their enemies were defeated. Why does praise defeat Satan? Satans sin was jealousy. He is still driven by jealousy today (Isa. 14:13-14). Even if he cant get people to worship him, his goal is to keep people from worshipping God. He seeks to draw attention away from God. When we worship God, we thwart Satans plan. The medical profession says that a person who is joyful is more healthy than a person who is morbid and depressed. Praise stops a negative attitude. Prayer: Give unto me the garment of praise oh Lord and help me to appreciate you even for things Youve not done. Happy New Month
Posted on: Sun, 02 Feb 2014 15:24:03 +0000
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