The Power of Praise

Psalms 22:3 (KJV) But thou art holy, thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

            I read a book by Stormie O’Martian called The Prayer that Changes Everything. Her answer for problems is to praise and worship. Stormie says, “Worship is opening up the channel through which we communicate our love to God and God transmits His love to us.”[1]  

            My praise and worship has freed me from negative thoughts and emotions. I have had problems with memories of regrets: how much money I have wasted, my lack of compassion, problems with family. Someone told me to replace negative thoughts with good ones.  That didn’t work for me. I tried meditating on verses, but that was only a little more effective. After reading her book, I tried praising God. I bragged on God by listing the times He cared for me; I told Him how unbelievable it is to me that we can be partakers of His divine nature; I thanked him for hope in this life and the next through Jesus.

            Praise drowned out the evil thoughts.  I felt His love and peace, and didn’t have a problem with those thoughts the rest of the day.

            The Bible says God inhabits the praises of His people. Combining prayer, verses, and praise is a potent power, whatever the problem.

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[1] Stormie OMartian, Prayer that Changes Everything (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2004) Page 57.

No Wrong Time to Give Thanks

1 Thes. 5:8, in everything give thanks.

There is no wrong time to give thanks. Corrie ten Boom wrote in the Hiding Place that she and the other prisoners thanked God for fleas. It seems the fleas kept the guards away, and they could read her Bible in peace.

The Bible says God inhabits our praises.  It's easy to think of giving thanks for food and clothing. But are you thankful if you lose a ballgame so you can demonstrate good sportsmanship? Or how about giving up a chance to see a concert of your favorite singer, just so you can tutor a student in math? These are "sacrifice of praise" (Heb. 13:15) When we thank God, we are sacrificing ourselves so God will get the praise and glory.

We may not realize the accumulative impact of our giving thanks, but when it is a habit, we will receive blessings from it.

God's and Satan's Ways

Having peace in God's ways is like riding with someone who knows where we are going and has been there many times.

Satan's ways are like a roller coaster. When you are high up, you worry about falling off.  When you are in the valley, it looks like you will never be able to climb out of it.

The wicked says "I can separate the people from God with a few lies." God says,"What advantage is there in pride?" He also says, "I will show the wicked his lies, and use My bonds of love to hold My people closer to me." 

The wicked says "Why should I believe the Bible?" He is used to taking action through lies. He can't see the truth because he doesn't know the truth and can't recognize it. He uses just enough truth as bait to catch someone with itching ears.

The righteous speak a word in season to the weary. God's truth has hope in it: hope of newness of life through Him, hope of seeing loved one's again, hope that he will be a partake of His divine nature, and never be moved.

Grace

It seems like mercy is for the past and grace is for the future.

I was having a bad day about my regrets and this song says it all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgXYRV2B7Tk