Tag Archives: praise

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)

There is no simpler prescription for human joy than the one Paul wrote for the Thessalonian disciples.

As children of God, if we have no reason to rejoice, we aren’t paying attention to all of the wonderful people, places, and things that God has created.

If we have no one for whom to pray other than ourselves, we aren’t paying attention in the places God has stationed us for the purpose of knowing how to pray for others in their distress.

If our hearts lack gratitude, we aren’t paying attention to the blessings we receive without a thought (and without a “thank you”).

When we don’t pay attention, we cheat ourselves of the opportunity to be a dancing light in the darkness; a partner with God in the transformation of a human life; and a source of joy to our heavenly Father.

Take less notice of yourself, and greater notice of the situations and the persons around you with the perspective of God, and your life will become a joyful, holy adventure!  – Luther

Tagged , , , ,

Tagged , , , ,

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.”  (1 Chronicles 16:8, NIV)

Today’s scripture is taken from the first words spoken by the priests that served before the ark of the covenant of God.  The ark was the physical representation — a reminder, if you will — of the presence of God.

These words were prescribed by David, and are as good today for us as they were thousands of years ago for the Children of Israel.

First, we are invited to “give praise to the Lord.”  May all that we do speak well of our heavenly Father.

Next, we are to proclaim His name: That is, to “advertise” the reality of God.  There are many forms of advertising.  Some of it is active, and some of it is passive; but all forms carry a message.  Are we proclaiming His name, or are we hiding our relationship to God as if it is of no consequence to us?

Third, our advertising has the purpose of making known to the nations — that is, those who know not God — what God has done for you.  This is your story, and no one should be able to tell your story as well as you.

Today, let your life be an advertisement for the goodness of God.  – Luther

Tagged , , ,