Sunday Sermon 20/5/2018: Praise.
TOPIC
Praise
MEMORY VERSE
Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation." - Psalm 111.1
BIBLE TEXT
Psalm 150: 1-6
We always talk about "praising God," and God has given that as a commandment to all living things to praise Him (Psalm 150:6). The word "praise" means yadah in Hebrew, which means praise, thanksgiving or confession. Another words use to describe "praise" is zamar meaning sing praise, and halal (the root of hallelujah) which means praise or honour. All these words are conveying the same information which meaning thanksgiving, honour and commendation.
Praise is the act of giving thanks to God for what He has done in our lives. It is the act of showing appreciation to God for his wonderful works o our behalf. God does so many awesome and miraculous works so therefore, He deserves to be praised and He only.
The book of Psalm is well loaded with songs that we can use to praise God such as Psalm 9:2, Psalm 18:3 etc. We should praise God for who He is and for His wonderful works. (Psalm 21:13)
Jesus was praised in the New Testament such as (Mattew 8:2; 21:16; 28:17). Jesus accepted praise like God. The first church in Jerusalem placed focus on thanksgiving (Act 2:42-43). The leaders in the church at Antioch then prayed, thanked and fasted when they wanted to appoint Paul and Barnabas into the ministry (Act 13:1-5). Paul's letter include section of praise to God. (1 Timothy 3:14-16; Philippians 1:3-11)
So many verses of the scriptures has commanded us to praise the Lord. Angels and the hosts of Heaven has also commanded to praise God.(Psalm 89:5; 103:20; 148:2). All living creatures on earth are commanded to praise God.
We can praise God in various ways such as singing (Isaiah 12:5), shouting (Psalm 33:1), dancing (Psalm 150:4) and with musical instruments (Chronicles 13:8)
However, sometimes, God did not come through the way you expected. When we are facing one challenge or the other such as financial problem, marital problem and lot more praising God in such situation require sacrifice. When we table before God, a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15), this shows that despite the challenges will are facing we still believe that God is good to us and worthy to be praised (Psalm 135:2). When we praise God in time of difficulties, problems, challenges or persecution. God is honoured, and our faith grows deeper (Malachi 3:13-17; Job 13:15).
So far we are still living, no matter the situation, we should always give thanks to God. Praise is a powerful weapon. If prayer doesn't work, try praise.