The Continual Praise – 3 Ways to Bless the Lord at All Times

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How am I to praise God at all times? Am I to walk around singing and dancing all day? Am I to carry an instrument at all times to praise Him? Do I always have to be talking about something He’s done to show His praises? How is the Christian to live in continual praises?

I. Praise God in our Conversations (Psalm 34:1) – God’s praise can continually be in our mouths by the conversations that we have. Though every word does not have to be a declaration of praise, but our words should not distract others from God’s goodness and works. The Christians’ words are to be seasoned with God’s grace and wisdom, which is the same as offering praise unto the Lord (Ephesians 4:29)

II. Praise God in our Appearance (I Timothy 2:9-10) – Paul gave Timothy instructions for how the women were to dress. Their outer appearance was to match their testimony in Jesus Christ. Though Paul specifically addressed the women, we know that Christian men are to be modest in their outer appearance. This helps to adorn the gospel of Christ. When we possess a fitting outer image and good works, the gospel message is enhanced. We stated earlier that there are non-verbal ways to praise the Lord. Our outer appearance is also a non-verbal way that we offer praise unto God for His salvation and goodness towards us.

III. Praise God in Fellowship (Psalm 34:3) – David made an appeal that praise be done corporately. We demonstrate praise and honor to God when we have fruitful fellowship with other Christians (in and outside of the religious setting). Today, some claim to know God and have no fellowship with others. However, if our praise is to be perfected and acceptable, we have to have fellowship and communion with others. Our interaction is not limited to other Christians. We are to have fruitful interactions with unbelievers, which gives praise unto God. Remember Peter’s words.

It is through our godly conversation and appearance that we show forth the work of salvation in our lives to unbelievers. This is how we show forth His praises. It is through our personal witness of the work of Christ in our lives (I Peter 2:9). We are to say the right things, present ourselves the right way, and have fellowship with others in response to God’s works in our lives. Our lives should be lived in praise to Him for all He has done.

Well, there you have it. Until next time, remain faithful to Him who has called you, who will bring all things to pass. I have addressed this topic in detail in my book, “The Call to Worship” – Understanding the True Essence of Worship, which can be found at Amazon.com.

Speak to Me! – 5 Ways the Christian Hears from God

manThough it is a contested subject, the Christian can trust that God still speaks to personally to His people.  The Bible is full of many instances of God speaking in different ways. No one way is better than the other. God operates in variety. Therefore, He uses numerous ways to bring His word to us. He does this to comfort, correct, and encourage in our walk with Him. In the Bible, we find that God uses different means to bring His words to His people. Here is 5 (among many).

1. Inspiration of the Holy Spirit

The most common way that God speaks to the Christian is the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. God will speak to our minds and hearts through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will speak to us what God is saying. Jesus said that this is a sign of His coming.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13)

2. Dreams and Visions

Other common ways for God to speak to us is through dreams and visions. These are usually grouped together because each of these communicate God’s words through images. There are believers that consistently have dreams and visions.

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see VISIONS, and your old men shall DREAM dreams. (Joel 2:28 Emphasis mine)

Under the New Covenant, it is common for God to speak to believers in dreams and visions. Scripture shows us that God used dreams and visions to communicate with His people. Visions can be internal (in our spirits) and open (in clear view).

3. Prayer

One of the best ways to hear from God is during  prayer. Believers are instructed to be consistent in prayer. However, there are believers who receive things by the Spirit during prayer. Prayer is common because  attention and focus is placed solely on the Lord. In the scriptures, Daniel serves as an excellent example of God speaking in prayer. He and the three Hebrew boys (men) prayed that Daniel would receive Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.

Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation. Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. (Daniel 2:16-18)

4. Angels

Angels are sent by God to aid the believer. Both Testaments agree to the fact that God used angels to speak to His people. God used Gabriel in the New Testament to reveal to Mary of her purpose. While he communicated with her, he revealed prophetic information concerning her cousin.

And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. (Luke 1:36)

Some believe this occurrence is rare, but God is the one who chooses how to deliver His word to His people for ministry.

5. The Scriptures

The safest way that God speaks to us is through the Scriptures. Inspiration that contain scriptures prove to be rich and powerful. The word of God is a more sure word of prophecy. It will not change or alter.

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts.(2 Peter 1:19)

God will bring to mind passages of scripture to provide edification and insight for Christians. There are times when scriptures will come to mind for Christians to share with others also.

Well there you have it. Until next time, remain faith to Christ who is above all. If you would like more information concerning how God speaks, I have addressed it in detail in my book, “Prophetic Ministry, Misery, and Mishaps – Rediscovering the Purpose of the Prophetic Gift” at Amazon.com.