Praise: November 23, 2012

TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2012.

PRAISE

DEFINITION:

Commend warmly; glorify the attributes of God.

SCRIPTURE:

Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude. Colossians 3:16.

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise. Psalm 145:3

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

 What better way to end a week and to begin a weekend then to talk about praise. The apostle Paul tells us, in this verse above found in Colossians, to admonish one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in our hearts to the Lord.

These words remind us of what we experienced when we visited Kenya for a two day conference with the pastors, church leaders, choirs and people from the some 75 churches we established their through our mission and the leadership of two dedicated missionaries, Rev. and Mrs. Rhoads.

Some of these people, who were the poorest of the poor, walked miles to attend this conference. But what we remember more than their poverty was the way they sang their praises to God. Although these people had very little of wordly treasures, the gratefulness of their hearts put us to shame in the way they praised God.

We have been in many places in our world where we visited programs we were assisting. So many times we would hear an individual humming a song. This was their way to praise God. They sang and worshipped God even though they had so little. (Read Psalm 145:3 above)

We also remember our association with a ministry helping to establish churches for the deaf in the Philippians. You will never be the same when you sit in one of their churches and see these dear deaf people singing praises to God in sign language. They did not let their physical handicap keep them from praising God and expressing the gratitude and joy in their hearts. No matter how worried or depressed you are feeling now, you can lift your spirits if you cultivate an attitude of praise.

When we think of God’s goodness to us and consider all He has done for us how can we not praise Him? When we are praising God we won’t be complaining about our problems. Think about what an impact and testimony it is to others when they see the joy believers have in the Lord.

When our children were young we often sang children’s songs of praise that they learned in Sunday school, as we were driving places in the car. Children need to learn to be grateful to God and they learn from you. Whether it is through song or conversation, let your joy for the Lord reverberate to others. You will be surprised as to how many you will encourage just by praising the Lord.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Joshua 24:15.

Choose for yourselves whom you will serve: as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

PRAYER:

Help me to continue to praise You today no matter what the day may bring. May my praising You whether even by humming a song or speaking an encouraging word to others bring honor to You and bless Your name. Lord, I praise You today for Your goodness to me. You are a great God and worthy of all praise. Help me to lead my children in praising You each day.