JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(1st Kings 3:9) "Give to Your servant an understanding heart … that I may discern between good and evil."
There is a story in the book of (1st Kings Chapter 3) about Solomon whom was King David’s son.
He was a good and righteous person whom loved God and had ascended to his fathers throne of leadership over the nation.
But he was faced with all kinds of challenges beyond his ability to deal with. (1st Kings 3:7-8).
But rather than shirk from responsibility, or try to bluff his way thru, Solomon went before God, and asked God for help (1st Kings 3:9)
Have you ever wondered why God made King Solomon the richest man in his day?
Here’s the answer: "God said … “Because you … have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself … but have asked for … understanding … I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.
And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days”. (1st Kings 3:11-13).
I find it interesting that when mankind humbles himself before God, admits his shortcomings, and asks, pleads, begs God for help in things that are beyond our control, God always steps in.
He did it for Gideon, He did it for King Saul when Saul first came to the throne. He did it for Moses, and Aaron. And He still does it for humanity today.
Before you ask God for material success, ask Him for wisdom and understanding.
When you have those two qualities, God can trust you with material success because He knows you’ll use it to do His will and glorify Him.
So what exactly is understanding?
It’s the sum total of knowledge and wisdom!
It’s the ability to interpret life as God does - to see what He sees in a person or situation.
In other words, understanding is the ability to see through God’s eyes, hear through His ears, think through His mind, and feel through His heart.
What’s the answer to marital conflict? Understanding!
What’s the answer to parent-teen conflict? Understanding!
What’s the answer to business conflict? Understanding!
What’s the answer to conflict between to neighbors? Understanding!
(Proverbs 4:7-8) says, "In all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor".
Don't just "do life because you can or because its there".
Seek Understanding!
Call on God, seek His will on the matter.
Let Him reveal to you the outcome of every situation your facing and choice you are making.
Get understanding!
Good Day!
(Mark 11:24) "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours".
I know some folks whom have spent weeks, months, even years praying about something that they still haven't received the answer to.
Many times they pour their heart out in tears wondering why not, and if God really does love them.
They will quote the Word like a mantra and say, "Lord, I know what Your Word says, so why isn’t it working for me"?
In order to get the result you’re praying for, I challenge you to a answer these three questions:
#1) Are you praying for God’s will?
Jesus said, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you" (John 15:7).
The word ‘abide’ speaks of intimacy and close connection.
It paints a picture of "home", the place where you experience provision and nurture.
When you have that kind of relationship with God, you’ll know His heart and His desires so well, that your will is going to line up with His will.
And as a result you’ll get what you ask for.
Don’t just "assume" that what you are praying for, is in line with God’s will.
(James 4:3) "You have not because you ask not, and when you ask, you ask amiss"
This verse addresses why prayers sometimes go unanswered.
James explains that the problem is not God’s unwillingness but the selfish motives behind the request.
When people pray primarily to satisfy their own desires, rather than seeking God’s guidance or purposes, their prayers are considered "amiss" or wrong
We should test our prayer by applying the ‘abiding principle’.
The time you spend in the presence of the One you love most becomes more important to you than the end result your hoping for.
Your prayers become less self seeking, and more the seeking of His will.
You don’t mind waiting, because you realize God’s timing is always perfect.
And when He chooses to say no to your request, you rejoice and say, "Then you’ve something better in mind for me, and I trust You".
Have you reached that point yet in your walk with Him?
#2) (Isaiah 58:6, 9) "Treat them fairly. Then, when you call the Lord will answer".
Many times we self-sabotage our prayers?
God told the Israelites the reason they weren’t getting answers to their prayers was because they were engaged in finger-pointing and criticism, back biting and gossip.
Have you been guilty of that?
It’s just as important to glorify God through the words you speak, (when you’re not praying), as when you are.
The Bible says there’s a direct link between having a critical, careless tongue, and not getting your prayers answered.
How you treat others, will determine how God treats you.
God lays it squarely on the line:
Here’s what He told His people to do in the book of Isaiah if they wanted to experience His blessing and answered prayers.
"Stop oppressing those who work for you and treat them fairly … share your food with the hungry and … those who are helpless, poor, and destitute.
If you do these things, God will shed his own glorious light upon you.
He will heal you… your Godliness will lead you forward… goodness will
be a shield before you… and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind… then… when you call, the Lord will answer.
All you need to do is to stop oppressing the weak and stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors!
Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble!
Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be as bright as day.
And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too” (Isaiah 58:6-11).
Answered prayer is contingent upon two things: "your attitude" and "your actions" toward others.
#3) (Ephesians 5:2) "Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us".
The Bible says, "Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us".
Your mouth is a major part of your "love walk".
We fail to realize how much we can do for people by building them up with our words.
And we need to be even more careful not to say things that tear them down.
(Jeremiah 17:9) says "the heart is deceitful above all things" .
What vibes are you giving off?
What are you "putting out there"?
When we’re too busy to show love - we’re too busy period… and it’s time to examine our heart motives and attitudes.
How do we do that?
By examining our tongue, and what’s coming out of our mouth.
Do you remember the last time you went to the doctor and he asked you to open your mouth and say, ‘Aaah’?
The reason they ask you to do that is so they can examine your tongue.
Just like your tongue tells a physician a lot about your "physical health",
it can tell you a lot about your "spiritual health".
These three keys open up powerful opportunities for you to show others
who God really is.
It’s all a part of "Seeking first the Kingdom of God...and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33)
Good Day!
The time you spend in the presence of the One you love most becomes more important to you than the end result your hoping for.
Your prayers become less self seeking, and more the seeking of His will.
You don’t mind waiting, because you realize God’s timing is always perfect.
And when He chooses to say no to your request, you rejoice and say, "Then you’ve something better in mind for me, and I trust You".
Have you reached that point yet in your walk with Him?
#2) (Isaiah 58:6, 9) "Treat them fairly. Then, when you call the Lord will answer".
Many times we self-sabotage our prayers?
God told the Israelites the reason they weren’t getting answers to their prayers was because they were engaged in finger-pointing and criticism, back biting and gossip.
Have you been guilty of that?
It’s just as important to glorify God through the words you speak, (when you’re not praying), as when you are.
The Bible says there’s a direct link between having a critical, careless tongue, and not getting your prayers answered.
How you treat others, will determine how God treats you.
God lays it squarely on the line:
Here’s what He told His people to do in the book of Isaiah if they wanted to experience His blessing and answered prayers.
"Stop oppressing those who work for you and treat them fairly … share your food with the hungry and … those who are helpless, poor, and destitute.
If you do these things, God will shed his own glorious light upon you.
He will heal you… your Godliness will lead you forward… goodness will
be a shield before you… and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind… then… when you call, the Lord will answer.
All you need to do is to stop oppressing the weak and stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors!
Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble!
Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be as bright as day.
And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too” (Isaiah 58:6-11).
Answered prayer is contingent upon two things: "your attitude" and "your actions" toward others.
#3) (Ephesians 5:2) "Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us".
The Bible says, "Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us".
Your mouth is a major part of your "love walk".
We fail to realize how much we can do for people by building them up with our words.
And we need to be even more careful not to say things that tear them down.
(Jeremiah 17:9) says "the heart is deceitful above all things" .
What vibes are you giving off?
What are you "putting out there"?
When we’re too busy to show love - we’re too busy period… and it’s time to examine our heart motives and attitudes.
How do we do that?
By examining our tongue, and what’s coming out of our mouth.
Do you remember the last time you went to the doctor and he asked you to open your mouth and say, ‘Aaah’?
The reason they ask you to do that is so they can examine your tongue.
Just like your tongue tells a physician a lot about your "physical health",
it can tell you a lot about your "spiritual health".
These three keys open up powerful opportunities for you to show others
who God really is.
It’s all a part of "Seeking first the Kingdom of God...and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33)
Good Day!
(Genesis 2:25 "They were both naked... and were not ashamed"
It’s been said that “busyness” is today’s badge of success, but it’s not necessarily a perk when it comes to your marriage.
Despite the myriad of reasons you might need to slow down a bit, your spouse most likely needs you to be less busy too, in order to take care of yourself, take care of what matters, and be available for your marriage and family.
Whether it’s you or your spouse who needs to be less busy (and I’m guessing it’s both of you), we all could use ways to improve our marriage, family, and spiritual life, which inevitably happens when we become less stressed.
Adam and Eve had no secrets from each other. “They were both naked…and they were not ashamed.”
As a couple, they had the power to rule the world.
And that’s when Satan entered the picture and attacked!
What did he attack?
Their intimacy!
“The eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings” (Genesis 3:7)
The word intimacy means “to be open, transparent, and trusting.”
When Adam and Eve lost that, they started hiding from each other and from God.
Emotional and physical intimacy is the bedrock of any meaningful relationship.
Without it, relationships become shallow and unfulfilling.
We are afraid of revealing to others our fears, needs, insecurities, secrets, hopes, dreams, weird opinions, and our undesirable parts.
What’s the answer?
Learning to trust each other!
Learning to prefer one another!
Learning to give to one another!
And last but not least…learning to go before God with each other!
Our most honest moments are before the God who already knows everything about us.
When we share such moments, the barriers come down, our hearts become tender toward one another, and we move closer together.
"God said it is not good for man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18)
The reason is because He (or she) are stronger when they have each other, and together they can stand strong against the wiles of the enemy.
Intimacy between each other is the glue that makes that relationship strong!
In (Ecclesiastes 4:9)… God says that two people are more productive than one person.
Most people understand that to be true.
In verse 10, we are told that if one of the two falls down, the other one can help them.
In verse 11 we discover that two people sleeping together will be warmer.
That makes sense when there is no heat.
Then in verse 12 we are told that “two people can withstand someone who is very powerful better than one person can… better yet are three people together”.
I’ve seen that happen many time sin my life when I was facing issues that threatened to overwhelm me.
It was the strength I was able to gather standing in unity with my wife and faith in God, and the intimacy we shared that boosted my confidence… that ignited the faith that kept me and gave me strength… and yes the ability to stand and having done all to stand… “stand”… in the midst of the trials I was facing.
If your too busy to work on your relationship with your spouse, then your too busy period… and that is not a good thing.
Together the two of you, along with the indwelling Spirit of God… you can deal with and handle challenges that most people cave under.
But you can’t let the fires get cold!
(Revelation 2:4) God talks about the church the believer that has “lost their first love”… in this case with Him.
That love was lost, when “the believer the church”… got too busy with other things.
Don’t let your “first love” get cold with that special and significant other in your life.
Slow down… remember … and renew the intimacy that you first experienced with your spouse.
You’ll be amazed at the “new perspective” you will begin to see life with.
Good day!
(Ephesians 5:33) "Each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."
It seems every day is filled with the news of another marriage that has failed and a divorce is taking place.
There is a song I sing written by Steve and Annie Chapman whom have been a marriage counselling and enrichment team that perform across America.
That song is called "Broken Pieces" and it is true that America/Canada and the world, is filled with "broken pieces" today because of the many homes that have been decimated and torn apart because of divorce.
The Bible says, (Genesis 1:27). “Male and female He created them”.
God created women to be “more” than a slightly altered version of men.
Adam was all male; Eve was all female. They were aas different from each other as day is from night.
They thought, felt, talked, and acted differently, and as their gender dictates, so they should
Thier priorities differed.
They needed different things from each other.
And just as getting along under the same roof was essential for them, so it is for us now.
A great marriage calls for things like understanding, patience, unselfishness, mutual effort, and showing grace.
I like what I heard one married couple of 70 years say when I asked how they were able to stay married for such a long time.
They looked at each other with a sparkle in their eyes and then said we’ve learned to stay out of each other’s way and give each other space.
Following the Apostle Paul’s philosophy is fundamental to a happy marriage—the husband must understand that his wife needs his love, and the wife must understand that her husband needs her respect.
Dr. Emerson Eggerichs the founder of "Love and Respect Ministries" and the author of the book "Love and Respect", reminds us that men and women speak different "relationship languages", based on their "differing needs".
Yes, both need love and respect, but husbands feel loved when they’re given their wife’s "unconditional respect", and wives feel respected when they’re given their husband’s "unconditional love".
Notice that Paul’s words are not simply wise words of counsel but, "Divine orders" to be observed and obeyed.
The husband “must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
God doesn’t require him to "earn her respect" or her to "deserve" his love.
Jesus, our role model, respected and loved each of us "unconditionally" at the cost of His life.
And He calls us to do the same for each other.
As the author of marriage, God knows what really works; so we should follow His guidance at home.
Husbands, “love your wives! That’s and order!
Wives, honour, (respect) your husbands!
The world would say "not till they earn it".
But that’s not unconditional love!
“Unconditional love”, is flexible.
“Unconditional love”, seeks to meet the others need.
And every relationship has different needs!
That why a marriage and its intimacy should be kept private and treasured between a husband and wife.
I have learned much about love… not from experience or being in the midst of a relationship, but I have learned how to love my wife from the instruction of Gods word.
And the following is what it says, without exception or reservation.
(1st Corinthians 13:4-9) “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.”
In short, love never fails, love never gives up, love never quits.
True sometimes I have to take a deep breath, or go for a long walk... and at times we both may choose to disagree with each other on certain matters.
But when we do, there is the love guide lines or formula as written out in Corinthians thirteen... and when we are determined to love like the scripture describes in these 5 verses, we ultimately enjoy the fruits of loves labor!
I love so much what the bible teaches me about “unconditional love”, and how to love my wife.
Here is what it say’s.
(Ephesians 5:33) "Each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband".
I challenged myself several years ago to follow these commands from scripture.
Does it work you ask?
Well, let me say that Debbie and I have our Fiftieth Anniversary coming up next May.
So I guess the proof is in the pudding as they say.
Good day!
I love so much what the bible teaches me about “unconditional love”, and how to love my wife.
Here is what it say’s.
(Ephesians 5:33) "Each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband".
I challenged myself several years ago to follow these commands from scripture.
Does it work you ask?
Well, let me say that Debbie and I have our Fiftieth Anniversary coming up next May.
So I guess the proof is in the pudding as they say.
Good day!
(James 1:2) “Under pressure… your faith life shows its true colors”
This mornings text is a quote form the Message Bible that I really like to use when I am studying the scriptures for my spiritual growth.
It has a way of opening up the scriptures to help understand and get a fuller picture of what is being said.
I’ve also added the same scripture form the King James Version as well: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.”
Here is the New International version of the same verse: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
And the English Standard Version: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.”
Each version though being spoken slightly different brings a clearer picture of the intent of the writer.
That intent s to help us understand that the trials and testing of life are meant for a distinct purpose… they are not meaningless… but they are purposeful moments that God uses to strengthen our faith and character.
It takes a long time and an incredible amount of pressure to turn a worthless chunk of coal into a valuable diamond.
Eugene Pederson who gave us the Message Bible… (James 1:2) expanded the text in this way… “Consider it a sheer gift when tests and challenges come at you from all sides… under pressure your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.
So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so that you become mature and well developed, not deficient in any way” (James 1:2) Message Bible
Each translation of (James 1:2) is encouraging us to stand and don’t try to get out of the situation or circumstance prematurely.
When you can grasp the scriptural truth of what each version is saying... (that is that whenever your life is interrupted by problems or circumstance you didn’t anticipate)… you will begin to see Gods hand at work in all of it.
The truth is that your either in a trial right now, just coming out of one, or heading toward the next one.
James talks about “various trials” which come in every conceivable variety.
Like the junk mail you get in your mail box, some are addressed simply “To The Occupant”
Will Rogers once read a newspaper headline that said... “Innocent Bystander shot in New York”
He quipped jokingly and said, “How about that? All you have to do to get shot in New York is be innocent and stand by “
Meaning that… all you have to do is just “stand around and it can happen”.
And so it does with life’s trials!
Just stand by, and you will get hit.
But the truth is, and the fact remains that it takes adversity to produce spiritual maturity.
There’s and old proverb that says, “that which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”
Unfortunately maturity, wisdom, understanding doesn’t come any other way but thru trials and testing.
Jesus said in (John 16:33) “In this world you will have trouble… but take heart! I have overcome the world”.
Jesus was an overcomer, and because He lives in you today thru the power of the Holy Spirit, you to can be and are an overcomer as well.
So if your facing issues, trials, tests, and problems that are beyond your capability to handle, I encourage you to turn your face, turn your heart heaven ward, and ask God to be the answer to those issues.
In (Jeremiah 33:3) He tells us to “call upon Me and I will answer you”
In (Matthew 11:28) He says “come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest for your soul”
He also tells us in (John 14:12) “Greater things than these shall ye do after the Holy Spirit comes upon you”
Know this this morning!
“You are not alone!”
(Matthew 28:20) say’s “I will never leave you nor forsake you, lo I am with you always, even to the ends of the earth”
(Hebrews 10:35) tells us “Cast not away your confidence in Him that has a great recompense of reward”
God loves you!
He has a plan for you!
These trials your facing only come to make you strong in your faith… and in Him!
Good day!
(James 5:16) "Confess your faults one to another."
The art of "self control" is not an easy one.
It’s usually only when addicts “hit bottom”, that they’re willing to embrace a twelve-step program of recovery and submit to the guidance of a “sponsor” who will help them by holding them accountable.
Being accountable is a great way to establish discipline and self control.
Where did the twelve-step principles originate… from Scripture?
From the scripture that I’ve chosen for my meditation today, James writes that it should be common practice for Christians to confess our sins/faults to each other, and to pray for each other so that we may be healed.
There are times in life when we all need a shoulder to lean on.
Some Bible scholars read the word "healed" as a reference to healing from physical illness.
Others understand it to mean healing from discouragement, depression and spiritual weakness.
In either case, healing requires two things.
(James 5:16) tells us “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so the you may be healed, for the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective”
Confession as states here means “acknowledging sin honestly”… it means agreeing with Gods perspective on wrongdoing and turning away from it.
It is not about seeking absolution form another person, but about mutual support and intercession within the community of believers.
James offers no details about what this should look like in practice.
Are we to stand before the church congregation and announce all our sins from the prior week?
I don’t believe that is what he was suggesting!
More likely, James has in mind the idea of Christians being in “close relationship” with each other.
That’s one of the reasons that the bible teaches us “Not to forsake the assembling of our selves together (Hebrews10:25-27)
We need fellow believers with whom we can be vulnerable.
In that setting, each could acknowledge to the other what issues, faults, sins, are most difficult for them, and all could pray for each other to overcome them.
It seems likely, in the modern world, that very few Christians are practicing this in any specific way.
We are all just too afraid to be that vulnerable.
But James's instruction is extended to us today as much as it was for his original readers.
The church… (and I’m not talking about an institution or a building… but you and I the body of Christ)… would be a far healthier group if we prayed with and for each other in family love, to overcome our specific shortcomings and sins.
Again as James says… “prayer works!” (James 5:16) “the prayers of a righteous person is powerful and effective”
God listens and responds!
(Psalm 34:17): "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears… He delivers them from all their troubles."
(Proverbs 15:29): "The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous."
(Isaiah 65:24): "Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear."
(Jeremiah 29:12): "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."
((Psalm 118:21): “I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.”
These verses serve as a reminder that our prayers are valued, and God is always attentive to our needs and concerns.
They encourage us to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He hears us and responds to our prayers.
Think about it… Have all the years you’ve spent hiding your problem helped you overcome them or find victory?
If your honest, you will probably admit that the answer is no.
So, an important step toward freedom, deliverance, self control... is having someone in your life who understands you, who cares for you, who wants to see you set free, who will stand by you, who will identify with your struggle, and who knows how to keep your confidence.
And it needs to be someone you trust and respect… otherwise you won’t take them seriously and you will always have doubts that will be a seed to continued mistrust.
There must be an agreement between you that you’ll work together until lasting change takes place.
That means finding someone who won’t be shocked by your problem and who won’t “shame” you, no matter what.
It’s the broken whom become masters at mending, so find someone who has won the same battle you are fighting.
Why do you need to share your struggle with someone?
Because we are only as “sick” as the secrets we keep!
In (Matthew 18:19-20) Jesus said, “If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven... for where two or three come together in my name, there am I in the midst of them”
By opening up to another person and asking for help, you’ve taken a major step toward self control and victory in life.
In closing this morning… let me say that I am here if you ever need someone to talk to… “someone who is swift to hear and slow to speak”.
Thanks to technology today I am only a phone call or a short note away.
I am here if you need someone to talk to... you can fond my contact info by going to my web site at (www.jackjackson.ca)
But better still, ask God to send someone into your path whom you can open up to and whom you can trust to help you work thru these issues that cause us so much confusion and trouble in life.
Someone whom will stand by you and hold you accountable… a shoulder you can lean on.
(Matthew 11:28) “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest for your souls”
Good day!
(Isaiah 61:3) "The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness."
Praise works like a magnifying glass.
It causes what you’re focusing on to get bigger, to be “magnified.”
David said, “Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:3-4).
It’s a mistake to wait until you’ve no problems, fewer problems or your problems are solved before you praise the Lord.
Praise is one of the great scriptural keys to problem solving because it gets your focus on God, the problem solver.
Charles Spurgeon said, “My happiest moments are when I am worshipping God, really adoring the Lord Jesus Christ. In that worship I forget the cares of the church and everything else.
To me it is the nearest approach to what it will be like in heaven.”
God has promised you “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.”
It works like this.
When you begin to praise Him with a heavy heart, you experience a new sense of hope and joy.
The song writer wrote, "and the things of earth grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace".
Through worship, we are reminded that God is bigger than the situation you face; that He’s not only capable of managing your concerns… but willing, wanting, and waiting to.
In (Psalm 119:164 ) The Psalmist wrote, “Seven times a day I praise You”.
So start filling your day with praise.
Don’t just take coffee breaks and tea breaks, take “praise breaks.”
David set the pattern in (Psalm 108:2) “Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.”
David determines to rouse musical instruments—and even the dawn itself—to celebrate God.
The verse models purposeful, early, wholehearted praise.
So why Launch the Day with Praise?
Praise focuses our minds on truth, not emotions
– Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
– Praise anchors us to the unchanging character of God rather than the uncertainties of the day.
– Aligns our hearts with God’s mercies that are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
– Each dawn is fresh evidence of the Lord’s covenant
faithfulness; praising Him acknowledges that gift.
Praise Sets a pattern Jesus modeled
– Mark 1:35: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and went out to a solitary place, where He prayed.”
– If the sinless Son prioritized early worship, we can trust it is essential for us.
Praise invites the Spirit’s filling for the hours ahead
– Ephesians 5:18-20 links being filled with the Spirit to “speaking to one another with psalms… singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord.”
– Morning praise opens conduit for guidance, strength, and joy.
Praise guards against anxiety and complaint
– Philippians 4:4-7 ties rejoicing in the Lord to freedom from anxious thoughts.
– When gratitude is the first word of the day, grumbling finds little room.
Begin to praise God for two things:
(1) His attributes. His power, love, grace, favor, guidance, etc.
(2) His acts. Recall His goodness to you. Go ahead; take off the spirit of heaviness and put on the garment of praise.
In (1st Corinthians 1:31) Paul writes “as it is written… let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.
Man seems to have no problem boasting about His own exploits, but I would rather boast about the goodness of God, the faithfulness of God.
So today take some “praise breaks”.
Give thanks and boast to others, tell someone around you how good God is.
Good Day!