Never Lose Your Praise!

I know how it feels to question life and the hurdles that come with it.  I know how it feels to wonder if the Lord hears your prayers.  I know how it feels to be betrayed by friends and even family members.  These are experiences many people cannot help you overcome.  These are the pains that the love and power of God must help you through.  My friend, in spite of what you experience in life, Never Lose Your Praise! The Bible declares in Isaiah 61:3 – To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.  There is something in your praise, which enables you to handle the daily challenges you experience.  Yes you know the attacks will come, but because of your praise you feel empowered to handle whatever it may be. 

What are you going through today?  What dilemma do you find yourself faced with?  Do you believe your praise is a weapon against the enemy?  Never Lose Your Praise! The Bible declares in Psalms 9:1 – I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Beloved, when you are able to praise the Lord, in spite of your current situation, you are sending two messages:

1. No matter what, you will trust in the Lord; and
2. No matter what, God is greater than whatever you are faced with.

On today, when things become overwhelming, keep a praise down within.

I’ve never made a fortune, and it’s probably too late now.
But I don’t worry about that much, I’m happy anyhow
And as I go along life’s way,
I’m reaping better than I sowed.
I’m drinking from my saucer,
‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven’t got a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going’s tough
But I’ve got loving ones all around me,
and that makes me rich enough.
I thank GOD for his blessings,
and the Mercies He’s bestowed.
I’m drinking from my saucer,
‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
and the sun peeped through again.

So LORD, help me not to gripe,
about the tough rows I have hoed.
I’m drinking from my saucer,
‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

If GOD gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough.
I’ll not ask for other blessings,
I’m already Blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy,
to help others bear their loads..
Then I’ll keep drinking from my saucer,
‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

When I think of how many people in this world have it worse
than I do, I realize just how BLESSED WE really are.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Are you living your life in such a way that when people (strangers or those that know you) see you or hear you speak, they can see Jesus reflected in you? Are you doing one thing and saying another? If so, my friend, this should not be so. In every aspect of our lives, whether it be at home, work, school, and during our “fun” time, we should strive to exemplify Jesus in every way.

Our manner of talk is one way we can either glorify or shame the name of Jesus. In James 3:10, the Bible teaches us that , “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” We can’t curse one person one moment and in the next breath, speak highly of another person.

Our relationships with other people is another way we can choose to either glorify or shame the name of Jesus. I John 4:20 says that, “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” The word brother in this verse does not only apply to our blood brother, but also our spiritual brothers and sisters. We must love everyone, no matter what, just as God does. He does not love the evil things we do, nor the things we condone that go against His word.

We cannot harbor ill-will towards anyone (Matt. 6:14-15); we must treat others as we want to be treated (Romans 13:9); nor are we to seek vengeance for any wrong done to us (Romans 12:17, 19).

There are many more aspects of reflecting Christ, but time nor space will permit me to list them all, but they can all be summed up in the ones mentioned. Because of our human frailties, and with Satan coming against us at every turn, even in the form of our family, friends, and loved ones, it is sometimes hard to reflect Christ in every way. God knows that, which is why He provided us with the avenue of prayer and forgiveness. His mercy and forgiveness is new towards us everyday.

Each day we face a new battle, and when we are faced with adversity, we must stop, think, and handle the situation the way God would have us to.

I Surrender All…this is definitely a song I love to sing at church, but it’s also the state of life I’m in now.  I can’t honestly say that I’ve ever been completely in that state, but I am now.  I’ve had to learn the hard way about carrying the weight of my burdens solely on my shoulders and not fully trusting the Lord to take care of it all.  I now have more health problems than I care to admit, some of which have me flirting with death.  But no more.  I’m surrendering it all to God.  He can handle everything much better than I can.

Meditate on the words of this song and let it minister to you as you surrender all.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples,”If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.””

MATTHEW 16:24

“Sin causes us to be self-centered, shifting our hearts from God to self. The essence of salvation is an about-face from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. The Christian must spend a lifetime denying self. Our great temptation will be to affirm ourselves while we follow Jesus. James and John did this when they chose to follow Jesus but asked for the two most prominent positions in Jesus’ kingdom (Mark 10:35-37). James and John wanted a discipleship that would not impede their personal desires and aspirations. Like them, we say, “”Lord, I want to be pleasing to you, but I want to stay where I am.”"

Self-centered people try to keep their lives unruffled and undisturbed, safe and secure. Our temptation is to give our time and effort to the goals of this world. Then, when we are successful in the world’s eyes, we seek to bring God into our world by honoring Him with our success. We may say, “”Now that I have succeeded in business [or sports, or politics, or with my family, or even Christian ministry], I want to give God the glory for it!”" God is not interested in receiving secondhand glory from our activity. God receives glory from His activity through our lives.

The world will entice you to adopt its goals and to invest in temporal things. Resist the temptation to pursue our own goals, asking God to bless them. Rather, deny yourself and join the activity of God as He reveals it to you.”

Remember, many will say in the last days “Lord Lord” did we not do this and that, and he shall say DEPART FROM ME I NEVER KNEW YOU!!!!!!!!

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Lamont Scott, a preacher and teacher of the word of God, is currently working with the youth at Farriss Drive Church of Christ in Huntsville, AL.