Praise-Not Because But Although...

It is one thing to praise Him because all is well and everything going is your way, but, another to joyfully praise although everything seems to be going wrong and nothing seems to be going your way. We must learn to praise always- not because but even though. Habakkuk 3:17-19 in The Message reads this way: "Though the cherry trees don't blossom and the strawberries don't ripen, Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, I'm singing joyful praise to God. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God's Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain!" Praise that is not determined by favorable circumstances but rather, on complete faith, unwavering hope, and undying love for God! Not because of what we have or don't have, but in spite of good or bad, happy or sad, the song of joyful praise is sung. Don't let the praises stop!

Praise Raised...In Unison

Nothing is more powerful than a gathering of people to sing praises to God in unison. When hearts are joined together and the praises are elevated in celebration, voices raised to proclaim with expressive music the wonders of our God. God's presence is manifested most in this kind of atmosphere. Look at 2 Chronicles 5:13 (NIV) - The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: "He is good; his love endures forever." Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud... The temple was filled...We are that temple today - we will be filled with His presence when praise is raised in unison to God. He inhabits, is enthroned, is glorified in the fullness of His Majesty when we come together to praise. When we are in harmony and symphony like a well-conducted orchestra - there the Lord commands a blessing - even everlasting life! Raise the praise - United!

Praise The Lord

A few nights ago I was listening to some old music and I came across this great song (old school 1979) that is still relevant given our present situation. It was sung by the Imperials (Russ Taff lead vocals) and written by Brown Bannister and Mike Hudson. The song is 'PRAISE THE LORD.' I think it is a great example of the power that there is in praise - especially when facing a trying situation. If you have time, check out the video on You Tube of Russ Taff singing this song. Here are the lyrics:

When you're up against a struggle that shatters all your dreams
And your hope has been cruelly crushed by Satan's manifested schemes
And you feel the urge within you to submit to earthly fears
Don't let the faith you're standing on seem to disappear

Praise the Lord! He can work through those who praise Him
Praise the Lord! For our God inhabits praise
Praise the Lord! For the chains that seem to bind you
Serve only to remind you that they drop powerless behind you
When you Praise Him

Now Satan is a liar and he wants to make us think
That we are paupers when he knows himself
We're children of the King
So lift up the mighty shield of faith for the battle has been won
We know the Jesus Christ has risen so the work's already done

Praise the Lord!

Instrumental Praise

God loves music and musicians. He is the Chief Musician - the source of music. Praise can be instrumental. 1 Chronicles 23:5 - (NIV) - "Four thousand are to be gatekeepers and four thousand are to praise the LORD with the musical instruments I have provided for that purpose." God created us with the ability to offer musical praises. The Bible mentions percussion, string, and wind instruments. Rhythm, melody, and harmony with instruments can produce beautiful sounds that are pleasing to God's ears. We enjoy music because He enjoys music. 1 Chronicles15:5,6 (NIV) Asaph was the chief, Zechariah second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel. They were to play the lyres and harps, Asaph was to sound the cymbals, and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests were to blow the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God. If you play an instrument, no matter your level of skill, you can make sounds of praise and offer them to God. Praise Him with some GodTunes today.

Morning And Evening Praise

Morning is a good time to praise God and evening is also a good time to praise Him. 1 Chronicles 23:30 (NIV) - "They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD. They were to do the same in the evening..." I think that praise is a great way to start the day. When we get up, let our first thoughts and words be about God, His goodness, and His love. "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." Commit your heart and day to Him. "From the rising of the sun to the setting of the same, may His name be praised." As kids, we used to sing the praise chorus: Praise him in the morning, Praise him in the noontime, Praise him when the sun goes down. At the end of the day, before we go to bed, let us again reflect on Him. Were you blessed throughout the day with His provision and protection. Praise Him! Did you receive the gifts of His love? Acknowledge Him as the source with praise. For who He is and what He has done, praise Him in the morning and again in the evening.

Appointed To Praise

David loved to praise God! When he returned the Ark of the Covenant back to the place he had prepared for it, he for the first time organized and appointed singers and musicians to offer praises to God 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 1 Chronicles 16:4 (NIV) - "He appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to make petition, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel:" This entire chapter shows the detail and care taken to insure that continual praise would be offered to God. Check it out. Verses 8,9 say he gave them further instruction: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts." Today, we who are saved have also been chosen and appointed to praise the Lord. We are assigned, designated, set apart, ordained, ordered, and commissioned to offer continual praise to our God. This is a great honor and priviledge. Don't forget: you have an appointment to praise!

Praise For His Promises

There are hundreds of promises that God makes to his children in the Bible. He is faithful to fulfill each and every one of them. 1 Kings 8:56,57 (NIV) - "Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses. May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us." Solomon spoke these words in his prayer of dedication for the temple he built to honor God. God's promises are good and today we can still count on Him to keep His word to us and to our children. Let us not forget to praise Him for those promises we have seen fulfilled in our lives as well as those we are trusting Him to keep. Jesus promised that we would never be left alone nor forsaken. God is with us and will continue to be with us to the end. Praise His Name!

He Is My Praise!

When you consider the Lord, who He is and What He has done - He becomes the object of our praise. Because we revere and respect Him and admire His mighty works, we not only direct our praise to Him, but He is the beginning and end of our praise. Consider Deuteronomy 10:20,21 (NIV) - "Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name. He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes." The same verses in the Message read as follows: "Reverently respect God, your God, serve him, hold tight to him, back up your promises with the authority of his name. He's your praise! He's your God! He did all these tremendous, these staggering things that you saw with your own eyes." It can't be any more simple or clearer that that. He is our praise! Remember that all praise, all honor, all glory belongs to Him! He is all in all! Praise Him!

Praise Warfare

In 2 Chronicles chapter 20, a story is told of a battle that is won by giving praise to God. Facing a vast army coming against him, Jehoshaphat consults the Lord and through the Spirit of the Lord and prophetic declaration is told that the battle is not his but the Lord's. The strategy he is given could seem ridiculous, however he obeys and acts by faith. Verses 21,22 (NIV) says: After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever." As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. God fights the battle and victory is obtained as they sing and praise the Lord. Are you facing an obstacle or battle that is bigger than what you are equipped to handle? Why not try praising the Lord and let Him fight the battle and defeat the enemy and triumph over the enemy. Praise is an awesome warfare tactic. Read the story in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30.

Total Praise

Today, I want to share with you the lyrics to a powerful praise song by Richard Smallwood -
'Total Praise'

Lord, I will lift mine eyes to the hills
Knowing my help is coming from You
Your peace You give me in time of the storm
You are the source of my strength
You are the strength of my life
I lift my hands in total praise to You
Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.

These are great words that acknowledge God as our helper, our source, our peace, and in the trying times that we find ourselves in, - it is good to look up to God and give Him total praise. Sing this in your heart and you will be strengthened.

Bringing Praise To Our Father

Our lifestyle and conduct observed by those around us can be the cause of directing praise to our Heavenly Father. Consider Jesus' words in Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) - "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." So today and everyday, let your light shine bright! People are watching us, from our family, to our co-workers, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. Are we representing our Father well? In loving others, being kind, doing good deeds, giving encouraging and uplifting words? When people notice positive, constructive behavior in our lives and compliment or praise us - that praise is to be directed to our Heavenly Father. Let your light shine and represent Him well.

Garment Of Praise

Jesus and the Message of the Gospel bring to us the declaration of the year of the Lord's favor. Along with that proclamation come several blessings. Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV) - "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor." We have been offered a garment of praise in replacement of a spirit of sorrow. Put on that garment of praise and display the wonderful promise of God. Wear it well - one size fits all.

Happy? Sing Praise

One of the best ways to express a cheerful, joyful, and happy heart is to sing praises to God. That is precisely what we are encouraged to do in James 5:13 (NIV) - "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise." If you are suffering, hurting, troubled, being tried and tested - pray! If you are experiencing favor, blessings, happiness, and overflowing joy - sing songs of praise! Singing praises to God is uplifting, strengthening, and will multiply your joy. Not only will you be blessed, but, so will those that hear your praise and participate with you. Whether you are singing in the shower, in your car, as you walk through your day, or along with the praise team and congregation at church - let the praises ring out! It's not about how beautiful and polished your singing voice is but, rather, about how full your heart is with praises that just need to be let out. Sing out your praises today!

Perfect Praise

Matthew 21:16 (AMP) - "And they said to Him, Do You hear what these are saying? And Jesus replied to them, Yes; have you never read, Out of the mouths of babes and unweaned infants You have made (provided) perfect praise?" Babies, infants, and children so naturally and normally express joy and delight- they raise their voices, shout and dance, displaying their happiness. They are not self-conscious. They don't have to be taught nor prompted to respond conditionally in praise. On several occasions Jesus makes reference to the beauty of being childlike (not childish) when it comes to spiritual (kingdom of God) matters. As adults, we become too concerned with what others will think, what we look like, perception and religious protocol. It is refreshing to see the simple and sincere expressions of children at play. Let us be more childlike and praise without reservation but in full wonder and delight at being loved by God and rejoice in the joy of being in His presence.

Sacrifice Of Praise

To sacrifice means to offer up, give up, or surrender. We please God when offer up praises from our lips to Him. Hebrews 13:15 (AMP) - "Through (Jesus) Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name." In the same way that a tree bears fruit after its kind, (apple, peach, orange, etc.), so a grateful heart offers utterances of praise the give glory to God. It is so important the we 'acknowledge' (make known) God, - who He is, what He has done, and what He means to us. The focus of praise is on the recipient and not on the giver of the praise. We shine the spotlight on Jesus when we offer up our praises, whether spoken or sung, from our lips. Let us open our mouths and declare our praises to our faithful, wonderful, merciful, kind and loving, awesome God!

Midnight Praise

It's easy to praise when everything is going well, the sun is shining, no serious problems or worries, job is secure, bills are paid, enough money, car's running, friends are near, every one's healthy, - praise the Lord! But what happens to your praise when adversity arises and trouble takes over? Acts 16 shows two brothers in such a trying situation who in spite of the contrary circumstances they were experiencing, busted out with some midnight praise! Verse 25 (CEV) says - "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to God, while the other prisoners listened." Our boys had been unjustly arrested, falsely charged, badly beaten, and thrown into prison. Recipe for a "feel sorry for me" pity party. "Ouch, I'm hurting, how about you?" But instead, they prayed and praised! God heard as well as the prisoners around them...and well, you know the rest of the story... (If not, read Acts, chapter 16). What is your midnight situation? Try prayer and praise and see what happens.

Worthy Of Praise

Philippians 4:8 (NLT) - "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Some things are worthy of praise, others are not. It is important that we fill our hearts and minds with those things that are worthy of praise. We become negative and pessimistic when our thoughts are focused on things that are untrue, dishonorable, unrighteous, impure, unlovely, and undesirable - things that are not excellent nor praiseworthy. Our thoughts then influence the words that our mouth speaks and we find ourselves speaking destructive rather that constructive and life-giving words. The Message puts the same verse this way: "Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." Think praiseworthy thoughts, Speak praiseworthy words.

Praise Continually

Psalm 34:1 (NKJV) - " I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Praise is to be an ongoing thing in our lives. If your heart is filled with God and his goodness, out of that abundance, praises will come forth. Our words can be life and encouragement for ourselves as well as others when they speak uplifting praises to God. If we keep our affection on things above and our relationship with God, what comes out of our mouths will be a fountain of life. Our mouths are to utter blessings and praise and not curses and negativity. We praise Him in good times and bad times, when we start our day and when we are at day's end, when things go our way and when they don't, in sunshine and in rain, regardless of circumstances we bless the Lord. He is always worthy of our praise. Keep the praises coming continually.

Praise God! Jesus Is Risen!

Today, Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead! Because he has risen, we have hope, we can face the past, the present and the future, all fear is gone - because he lives! 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV) declares - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..." We praise God for the Gospel (Good News), the death of Jesus on the cross for our sins, his burial in a borrowed garden tomb, and his resurrection from the dead on the third day. That is the reason we enjoy the forgiveness of our sins, a new life, a new hope, - all made possible by Jesus' triumph over death. We live because He lives! Praise God today and forevermore!

Declare His Praises!

Let's take a look at this verse in 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." We are called to open our mouths, and whether through speech or song, declare His praises! Notice what it says about us, His children, that gives us the right to proclaim His excellence. 1) We have been chosen by Him. 2) We are kings and priests. 3) We are set apart or sanctified for Him (Made Holy). 4) We are His people - He purchased us. 5) He took us out of darkness and brought us into marvelous light. For all of these reasons - we have the privilege and right to praise Him, to exalt Him, to declare His virtue. So we fulfill our calling every time we sing or speak praises to our God. Praise Him!

"Doxology"

A doxology is a short hymn of praise to God. It comes from the Greek words doxa which means glory or praise and logos which means words or to speak. It is a sung declaration that acknowledges God as the source of every good and perfect gift or blessing. Sing His praises! Give God Honor and Glory for who He is and for all that He does. Praise will give you a proper perspective on life. From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, let His Name be praised!

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost...

Praise Word # 7 - 'Shabach'

The seventh and final Hebrew word used for praise is Shabach. Two examples of verses that use this word are in Psalm 63:3 (NIV) - "Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you." And Psalm 117:1 (NIV) - "Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples." Shabach means: To shout in a loud tone with joy; to glory, to commend, to declare triumph or victory (extol). This is the unreserved, unashamed, full-blown shout of praise to God. Nothing held back, the Shabach praise lets everyone know the LORD is your God. No secret whispers, but rather, full volume declarations and shouts of victory and glory. God is worthy of such praise. Once in a while, just open up and let out a shout of praise. Praise the Lord!

Praise Word # 6 - 'Towdah'

The sixth Hebrew word for praise is Towdah. A couple of example of its use are in Psalm 50:23 (NIV) - "He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way..." And Psalm 63:4 (NIV) - "I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands." Towdah means: To extend the hands to receive and give. It is also used to refer to thank offerings and peace offerings. With our hands extended, we receive, and we also open our hands and extend our arms to give. It is not uncommon to see people extend their hands at a ball game or concert as expressive gestures - whether joining the crowd in doing the wave or simply personally extending your hands. Children naturally extend their hands when playing, but we as adults are sometimes too self-conscious and hold back. Offer God expressions of thanksgiving and peace. Try extending your hands. You need to in order to receive and you need to in order to give. Praise the Lord!

Praise Word # 5 - 'Yadah'

The fifth Hebrew word for praise is Yadah. An example of the use of this word is in Psalm 106:1 (NIV) - "Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." Yadah means: Hands raised and moving in an in and out manner. It also means confessing (or agreement) and thanksgiving. This kind of praise acknowledges God's attributes such as His goodness, mercy, lovingkindness, faithfulness, and verbally and physically expresses gratefulness. The uplifted and waving of hands communicate joyful thanksgiving. Are you grateful today for God always being with you and for you? Give thanks and praise Him!

Praise Word # 4 - 'Tehillah'

The fourth Hebrew word for praise is Tehillah. (sounds like tequila) :) A couple of examples of its use are in Psalm 30:12 (NIV) - "...that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will thank you forever." And Psalm 35:18 (NIV) - "I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you." Tehillah means: To sing hymns, to make a public declaration of glory, to laud or to brag on, to make noise or commotion. When you praise God in this way you are not hiding, not being secretive nor remaining silent, but rather, you are going public with your expressions of admiration and thanksgiving. Hymns exalt and declare the works and attributes of God. If you have something to say about God, don't keep it inside, let it out! - Sing it! Make some noise! - declare it! - Praise the Lord!

Praise Word # 3 - 'Zamar'

The third Hebrew word for praise is "Zamar." It is a term that relates to music and singing. An example of its use is in Psalm 21:13 (NIV) - "Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might." Zamar means: Instrumental praise - To sing, make music and dance. It also means to strike or touch with the fingers. Music is a wonderful way to celebrate and praise God. It is a universal language that everyone can understand. Whether strumming a stringed instrument, playing a drum or percussive instrument, or a brass or woodwind instrument; the sounds produced can be offered as praise to God. Melody, harmony and rhythm form pleasing songs to which we can sing to the Lord or dance before Him. I am so grateful to God that I can sit at a piano or keyboard and with my fingers make sounds of praise to express to Him what I am feeling; joy or melancholy, and in doing so communicate what is in my heart. Praise God with music daily if you play an instrument or bless Him with music from your IPod. Sing, dance and praise the Lord!

Praise Word # 2 - 'Halal'

The second Hebrew word for praise is Halal. This is the root word for Hallelujah which means Praise to the LORD or Jehova. An example of its use is in Psalm 9:1 (NIV) - "I will praise you O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders." Halal means: To boast or glory, to celebrate, to express jubilation. It also means to shine or "show off." It is great to respond to the wonders of God with a joyful "hallelujah!" When we praise God or brag of His works it is the same as someone celebrating or showcasing someone he or she is proud of. We don't boast or glory in ourselves but we do express our joy that comes from our relationship to our Great God! I think that kind of "showing off" is OK. If you are in awe of God's wonders and your heart is full, praise the Lord!

Praise Word # 1 - 'Barak'

In the Hebrew language there are 7 words that are used to describe praise to God. The first word is Barak. It is used in Psalm 103:1,2 (NIV) - "Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-" This word means: "to bless" - to declare greatness, to bend the knee, to confer great affection upon. The psalmist goes on to list some of the many benefits that we should never forget and always praise God for. He reminds us that God forgives all our sins, heals all our diseases, redeems our life from the pit, crowns us with love and compassion, and satisfies our desires with good things. These are all wonderful blessings that God gives to us in his graciousness and abounding love. In difficult times we tend to focus on what we don't have or what is missing from our lives instead of praising God for all that he has given us and done for us. Praise refocuses our eyes on God's goodness. Let's praise Him for all his benefits toward us.

Praise The LORD!

Praise the Lord! This expression is echoed throughout the Psalms. Psalm 150:6 (NIV) "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!" The Hebrew phrase Hallelu Yah - Praise the LORD! If you are breathing today, (that is a good thing - even if the air is a little smoggy) you should praise the Lord! There is so much to praise Him for. All creation praises Him. We should join them in shouting praise to our God. We will be examining the 7 Hebrew words for praise in the next few posts. I leave you today with some of the lyrics from Matt Redman's song of Praise:

Praise You in the morning, Praise You in the evening,
Praise You when I'm young and when I'm old.
Praise You when I'm laughing, Praise You when I'm grieving,
Praise You every season of the soul.
If we could see how much You're worth,
Your power, Your might, Your endless love,
Then surely we would never cease to praise.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Let's Talk About Praise!

Everywhere we go these days you can hear talk that is negative, words of doom and gloom that feed people's fear. I want to spend the next few days in this month of April talking about the importance of giving Praise to God! What we talk about and Who we talk about has a profound influence on our attitude and outlook. I choose to praise God no matter what is happening. The Bible is filled with expressions of praises offered to God in the midst of good and bad times. So, let's take a look at the importance of a heart filled with praise for God and His goodness. Let praises be spoken and sung from our lips. The dictionary defines praise as: the act of expressing approval or admiration; commendation; to offer grateful homage to God, as in words or song; to glorify, exalt, honor, extol, and applaud. I believe our hearts will be strengthened and uplifted as we examine the praises offered to God in the Bible and find ourselves joining with those who daily Praise the Lord! Let's praise Him together!