Tag Archives: praise

June 2
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Uncategorized Aside

“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.” (John 12:42, NIV)

It is a natural desire to have the praise and affirmation of other people.

The people spoken of in today’s scripture passage loved Jesus, but they had a greater love for acceptance into the community (which was represented by the synagogue); and for the praise of those within that community.

As disciples of Jesus, our ambition is to seek the praise only of God. There are times when others will also praise the things we do that please God; and there are times when being a friend of God will make you an enemy of those you see every day. Particularly at such times, keep your eyes on God; grip His hand even tighter; and do your best to match His stride.

The preferences and the allegiances of other people is a crap-shoot. The love, grace, and faithfulness of God is a sure thing, but it requires an uncompromising commitment to Him from us. – Luther 

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March 18
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Uncategorized Aside

“Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” (James 5:13b, NIV)

James reminds us that the rhythm of a disciple’s life is not all labor and toil.  There are many periods of happiness and joy.  

As we ought to run to God when trouble arrives, we ought also to give thanks to God when our path is smooth, the weather is fair, and we are at peace with our neighbors.  

The natural person attributes the presence of these things to many sources other than to God, such as luck, one’s personal knowledge or skill, or the favor of others. The disciple sees only God (even when God is acting through others) as the source of all blessings.  

James recommends this response: Praise God in song.  Indeed, “praise God from Whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below. . . ”  – Luther

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February 24
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Uncategorized Aside

“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” (Psalm 100:2, KJV)

It is a sad day, indeed, when we — for reasons I cannot begin to fathom — stop singing.

We sing as children, and love it.  In fact, who among us doesn’t remember the songs we learned and used to sing as children?

We hear birds sing, and love it.  In fact, their melodies are particularly welcome in the early Spring, when we yearn for any sign of warmer weather.

Most of us are fans of other people’s singing; but God has given each one of us a voice, and He delights in hearing our voices in song.  You needn’t sing like Adele.  You needn’t sound like Sinatra.  

What to sing?  Sing of His faithfulness.  Sing of His love.  Sing of His greatness, His mercy, and His care of us.

Just sing. It is music to our heavenly Father.  – Luther

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