SCRIPTURE: Psalm 148:1-3 (CEB) – larger reading Psalm 148
Praise the LORD! Praise the
LORD from heaven! Praise God on the heights! Praise God, all of you who are his
messengers! Praise God, all of you who comprise his heavenly forces! Sun and
moon, praise God! All of you bright stars, praise God!
STORY:
The
Duke of Wellington, the British military leader who defeated Napoleon at
Waterloo, was not an easy man to serve under. He was brilliant, demanding, and
not one to shower his subordinates with compliments. Yet even Wellington
realized that his methods left something to be desired. In his old age a young
lady asked him what, if anything, he would do differently if he had his life to
live over again. Wellington thought for a moment, then replied. "I'd give more
praise," he said.
OBSERVATION:
Even God likes to be praised.
We too often take his presence for granted. We make huge assumptions that since
he enjoys showering us with blessings upon blessings that it will simply
continue without us acknowledging those blessings and giving him praise. The
psalmist calls us to give praise to God for all that he is and is doing. Let
everything in us praise the Lord!
If God likes to receive our
praises how much more do the people we share life with like to hear us give
praise to them, for them, and because of them? People, like God, are too often
taken for granted. We shouldn’t have to be reminded that our lives should be
praised centered.
Acknowledging others is
central to our witness. It lifts their spirits. Touches their souls. Furthers
the Kingdom of God. Our life should be lived as a Praise Agents for God. Just
make sure that it is sincere and not mere flattery.
I am reminded often what a
fantastic job my daughter and her husband are doing in raising our
granddaughter. Just last week my wife and I had her with us on a weeklong
cruise. There were only a couple of times that we needed to remind her to say
thank you. She is a marvelously spirit filled little lady. Praise is a part of
her life… and thanks to those who are raising her into a Praise Agent for God!
Praise begins by using a
person’s name. Notice the nametags that people wear in the store. Engage them
in conversation. If their name is unusual or if you aren’t sure how to
pronounce it, ask them. If it is unusual they will love to share the story as
to how they came to have particular name. Find ways to say thank you and praise
for them for taking the time to serve you. You will be amazed the reaction you
will receive.
Here’s to becoming the best
Praise Agents the King has working in his Kingdom!
PRAYER:
May we praise you with every
ounce of our being today. May we discover numerous ways to honor you, O God, with
the praise of our lips and heart. We would like to become Praise Agents for the
King. Pour out your Holy Spirit so that we will become all that you have
designed us to become.
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