Part 4
James 3:2-5 NIV We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. (3) When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. (4) Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. (5) Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
What Is Praise?
Commend – means that we entrust ourselves to His care and recommend that others do the same.
Psalms 9:10 NIV Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalms 16:1 NIV Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.
Express approval or favor on someone.
Psalms 23:1-6 NIV A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. (2) He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, (3) he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. (4) Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (5) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (6) Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Glorify – To identify the good points of someone.
Psalms 103:1-5 NKJV A Psalm Of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! (2) Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: (3) Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, (4) Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, (5) Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
When Do We Praise?
Psalms 34:1 NLT I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.
- In the good times.
1 Chronicles 17:20 NKJV (20) O LORD, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
- In the bad times.
Acts 16:25-26 NKJV But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. (26) Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.
- In the routine, in-between times.
Psalms 118:24 NKJV This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
- In public and in private.
Psalms 122:1 NKJV I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD.”
- Directly to God and indirectly to others.
Psalms 9:1 NLT I will praise You, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things You have done.
Psalms 34:1-6 NKJV I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (2) My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. (3) Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. (4) I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. (5) They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. (6) This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.
Some of us need a new praise!
Your most effective testimony is about the things that God has done for you this week, yesterday or this morning.