The POWER of PRAISE!

Isn't it amazing how when people begin to PRAISE the LORD, troubles seems to vanish and fall away? Isn't it amazing how when you are in the presence of those who PRAISE instead of complain your attitude changes and before you know it, you too are smiling?

Tonight, our pastor led us into an incredible service. He read Psalm 67 and then encouraged us to stand up and PRAISE the LORD! One by one, the PRAISES rang out through the sanctuary and one by one as PRAISES were lifted to God it felt as though the many burdens of the body of Christ were lifted also. There was great power in the PRAISES that were being offered to God. Brother Johnny said that there were to be no sad stories told, just simply PRAISES unto God, our Creator. As each person stood up and PRAISED God, my heart soared higher and higher. I felt the presence of God nearer and nearer! God truly does inhabit the PRAISES of His people! He was there in the midst as we PRAISED Him for His marvelous works, His goodness, His mercy, His Word, His love, His faithfulness, His death upon the cross for us and for everything He has done for us.

It was a sweet night and one that I'm grateful we had. As Psalm 67:3 says...

"Let the peoples PRAISE You, O God; Let all the peoples PRAISE You."

WE are all the peoples....You, me, our families, our neighbors, those across town, those across the ocean, those across the other side of the world....WE ALL ARE HIS PEOPLE and so, we are supposed to be PRAISING God in the good times and the bad. Regardless of our circumstances or how good or bad our lives are, GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE AND WORTHY TO BE PRAISED!!!

"Lord, as the storms of life come and go, as our lives are tossed to and fro through the tough times, and as we experience the wonder of life and living and the sweetness of being a child of God, let us remember in AND through it all.....

GOD IS TO BE PRAISED!! Hallelujah to the Lamb of God...We PRAISE YOU O KING!