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Uncontained Praise

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.”
Luke 19:38–40
Because we live in a world that has been cursed by sin, we cannot fully comprehend how the original creation worked together in perfect harmony to praise and glorify God. There are still traces of His design that can be found by those with eyes to see. David wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1). The things we see in the natural world are only a shadow of what once was, and what one day will be.
All that God made was designed to praise Him. “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD” (Psalm 150:6). But the height of God’s creation was man, and it is our special purpose and duty to sound forth His praises. Truly we have much for which to be thankful. The grace of God freely given to us is worthy of eternal and unending praise, and that is just the beginning of the benefits we receive from our loving Father in Heaven.
Just as it was in Jesus’ day, if we praise Him as we should, there will probably be some who think it too extreme—but it is not. No amount of praise from our lips can ever be enough. No words of thanks and gratitude can express what we owe to Him, but we should take every opportunity to tell others the wonderful things God has done for us. The praise of a grateful heart cannot be contained. It overflows like a rushing spring that all can see and hear.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Do not make the stones cry out praise to God because you are silent about His greatness and glory.

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…Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. --1 Thessalonians 5:18 If you live in America, you are blessed to live in one of the most wonderful nations in the world. But these are difficult times right now. And as we celebrate Labor Day, and the productivity of the American worker, I’m mindful of many who have lost jobs as a result of our troubled economy. So today, if you’re one of the many people across our nation who’s lost their job, I want to bless you with some words that I pray will strengthen you and help you draw closer to God. And if you haven’t lost your job, I hope these words are an encouragement for you as well. The apostle Paul knew a thing or two about suffering and trials. And it was Paul who gave us today’s verse while he was in prison suffering for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Isn’t that amazing? From across the ages, Paul is coaching us from a dark and dingy cell, pointing us to the only source of true strength, hope, and provision. Are you without a job? Then Paul says, “Give thanks.” Do you have a job? Then give thanks! You see, in every circumstance, we are called to have humble hearts and grateful spirits. This Labor Day, whether you are blessed with a job or are waiting on God’s provision, it’s time to be grateful. God is at work on your behalf. So give thanks!   IN EVERY CIRCUSTANCE, HAVE A HUMBLE HEART AND A GRATEFUL SPIRIT.