Praise is defined in Merriam-Wester's Dictionary as to express a favorable judgment of; to glorify (a god or saint) especially by the attribution of perfections. When praising God, we speak well of Him. We physically and vocally express our appreciation for all the great things and the many blessings He has provided for us. It is important for us to do this in our everyday lives in order to keep an open relationship with the Father. God loves for his creations to praise Him (Psalm 150:6).
Some people wonder when is a good time to praise God? The answer: ALL THE TIME! We should praise God when we're happy and peaceful. We should also praise God when we're upset and going through problems of everyday life. It's important of praise God especially during the hard times. Think about how many times you've gone through problems, yet God continued to bless you in other ways. You may not have gotten the promotion that you desired, but God still provided - you weren't fired. Maybe you can't get a car at this time, but God still provides with the bus line, and/or family and friends that gladly take you where you need to go.
Another thing about God: He's a jealous God. Exodus 20:2-4 states, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below." God is the only true God, and He wants us to remember that He's the only one that we pray to, and give praise to.
We need to take time and smell the sweet scent of our mighty Rose of Sharon (Song of Solomon 2:1). God is so good to us; how dare we not take time to praise Him, when He takes time to think of us (Psalm 139:17-18)? Not only should we take the time to praise God, we should not be ashamed of how we praise Him. One person may shout, another person may cry, another may even wave their hands. However way you praise God, it is pleasing to Him as long as it is a real, genuine praise. So the next time you feel the urge to stand up in church and just shout to the top of your lungs THANK YOU GOD, do it! Don't worry about whose looking at you, or if the person next to you doesn't shout with you. God wants to hear from you, so go ahead and praise Him.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Praise & Worship
I was born and raised in a United Methodist church. I learned about the Apostle's Creed, what Communion is all about, and I learned some of the most meaningful congregational hymns. When I was about 24, I received my calling to be a Missionary. I told my former Pastor about it, and he tried to insult me by calling my assignment a 'vocation'. After my meeting with him, I went home to look up the word 'vocation'. Could you believe that he called my 'calling', and 'calling'? It was at the moment that I realized that the man that I looked up to, really didn't know what he was talking about. I decided that I can't be under the leadership of a man who didn't think before he spoke, and I joined a Baptist church.
Under new leadership, I was introduced to Praise & Worship. I was used to singing with the congregation at the beginning of service, but this was different. For me, I felt like I was getting closer to God. I was taking an opportunity to tell God how I feel, regardless of what other people were doing. It was my time with God, and everyone around me felt the same way. I stayed at the church for four years, then I went back to my United Methodist church to work with the music ministry.
I ended up joining the church again, and I was welcomed back with open arms. Although I was coming home, I was still feeling empty. I missed that 'me time' with God. I missed standing up with my hands stretched up to God. I missed singing worship songs, and openly expressing myself without the congregation staring and figuring out what's wrong with me. I got to a point where I would sing myself to worship, then leave the sanctuary and go to the chapel so I can openly worship without people's stares. Don't get me wrong; I'm at a point where if you want to look, go ahead and look. At the same time, I miss the moments where the whole congregation would just fall into worship; I miss when we would just let go and not worry about time constraints. That's when I decided to go worship in the chapel alone, and let the congregation get what they want from the service. As time passed, the Holy Spirit came to me and told me that I should share my worship with the congregation. I also realized that there were church members my age who were ready to receive something different from the services. Praise & Worship has been a part of our church services since February of this year, and I am the Praise Team Leader. I knew that it would be a lot of work, but I feel that I was finally ready to take the responsibility. Besides, Praise & Worship is my true 'vocation'. lol
Under new leadership, I was introduced to Praise & Worship. I was used to singing with the congregation at the beginning of service, but this was different. For me, I felt like I was getting closer to God. I was taking an opportunity to tell God how I feel, regardless of what other people were doing. It was my time with God, and everyone around me felt the same way. I stayed at the church for four years, then I went back to my United Methodist church to work with the music ministry.
I ended up joining the church again, and I was welcomed back with open arms. Although I was coming home, I was still feeling empty. I missed that 'me time' with God. I missed standing up with my hands stretched up to God. I missed singing worship songs, and openly expressing myself without the congregation staring and figuring out what's wrong with me. I got to a point where I would sing myself to worship, then leave the sanctuary and go to the chapel so I can openly worship without people's stares. Don't get me wrong; I'm at a point where if you want to look, go ahead and look. At the same time, I miss the moments where the whole congregation would just fall into worship; I miss when we would just let go and not worry about time constraints. That's when I decided to go worship in the chapel alone, and let the congregation get what they want from the service. As time passed, the Holy Spirit came to me and told me that I should share my worship with the congregation. I also realized that there were church members my age who were ready to receive something different from the services. Praise & Worship has been a part of our church services since February of this year, and I am the Praise Team Leader. I knew that it would be a lot of work, but I feel that I was finally ready to take the responsibility. Besides, Praise & Worship is my true 'vocation'. lol
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