Understanding the Effects of Praise Author: Bagonza Robert Summary It is important that we establish a lifestyle of praise. The devil wants us to focus on our problems; however, when we give God the praise, we defeat the enemy’s tactics and win the spiritual battle within our minds. There is always something we can find to worry about, but there is always something we can thank God for. Whatever we think about the most determines the direction of our lives. We can either praise God or complain and murmur. Which direction will you choose? ________________________________________ A. Three benefits of praise. 1. Praise builds your faith. 2. Praise defeats the devil. 3. Praise ministers to God. B. When we praise and worship God, we shift our thinking to His promises, and away from our problems (Proverbs 23:7). 1. Our thoughts determine the course of our lives. a. Our lives will go in the direction of whatever we think about the most. b. The devil attacks the mind, but praise stops him in his tracks. c. When we are going through trials, it is imperative that we praise God even more. d. Our lifestyle of praise and thanksgiving increases our faith (Colossians 2:6, 7; Psalm 34:1). C. The amount of time we spend praising God demonstrates where we are in our relationship with Him. 1. As Christians, our praise should be the driving force of our lives. Our lifestyle of praise should set us apart from everyone else. a. Praise will change our circumstances and restore whatever we have lost. b. We should be so filled with praise that it spills over into the lives of others, causing them to praise God with us. c. The devil wants our praise; he wants us to focus on negative things, which is why he is always attacking the mind with negative thoughts. d. We constantly fight a spiritual battle within our minds. Meditation of God’s promises, through praise, gives us the victory. e. There is always something to praise God about. We must guard ourselves against murmuring and complaining. f. Murmuring and complaining will cause a person to focus on the negative things in life. g. This is why maintaining an attitude of praise is so vital to success in the Christian life. Scripture References • Proverbs 23:7 • Colossians 2:6, 7 • Psalm 34 Bagonza Robert Senior Pastor Willow Creek Church.
Posted on: Mon, 02 Dec 2013 05:07:04 +0000
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