November 11, 2010
The Taste Berry
Today's Truth
Psalm 138:2 "I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name."
Friend to Friend
Alexander Whyte, the Scottish preacher, always began every prayer with praise. One brutally cold Sunday, his people filed into the church, wondering what the preacher could possibly find to praise God for on such a miserable day. Alexander Whyte stood, bowed his head and prayed, "O Lord, we thank Thee that it is not always like this."
Are there times when you don't feel like praising God? Honestly, our feelings are irrelevant when it comes to praising God. Praise is not about us. Praise is all about God. Praise is a deliberate choice and a learned habit that produces contentment and an attitude of gratitude.
In Philippians 4:11, the Apostle Paul writes, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." In this verse, "learned" means to be "educated by experience" and the word "content" means "contained." Paul's contentment was the result of the resources contained in his heart. In other words, Paul used his circumstances as tutors in the school of praise. He learned how to give God praise even when he was beaten, ridiculed, in prison and facing his own death. Paul's attitude did not reflect his circumstances. Paul made a deliberate choice to praise God - no matter what. Why? Because Paul knew that even when he did not understand God's process, he could trust God's heart.
Let's pretend for just a moment. Suppose I went to my local bank and tried to cash a personal check for a thousand dollars. I can assure you that when I presented that check to the teller, she would have burst out laughing. She knows what I have in my bank account. Now suppose Bill Gates walked into his bank and presented the teller with a personal check for a thousand dollars. I can assure you that the teller would not burst out laughing. In fact, she would promptly cash that check. She knows what Bill Gates has in his bank account.
When we come to Jesus Christ, all of His promises are credited to our spiritual account. And there is a money-back guarantee on every promise of God. That is why we can praise Him - no matter what.
Praise invites God to take up residence in the middle of whatever mess we are facing.
Psalm 22:3 "But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel."
Praise produces trust in God and strengthens our faith.
Psalm 42:11 "But, O my soul, don't be discouraged. Don't be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise him for all that he will do. He is my help! He is my God!"
In Africa, there is a fruit called the "taste berry" that literally changes a person's taste buds so that everything tastes sweet and pleasant. Sour fruit, even if eaten several hours after the taste berry, becomes sweet and delicious.
Praise is the "taste berry" for every Christian. Praise is more than emotions or spoken words, singing songs or lifting up hands in worship. True praise is the celebration of God, His power, His works and His greatness. Praise is the fruit of a committed heart and the tool of a life completely surrendered to God.
When we are discouraged, praise reminds us that there is hope in God.
When we are afraid, praise reminds us that no matter what happens, God is with us.
When we are lost, praise reminds us that God has already been where He is leading us.
When we are confused, praise reminds us that heaven is not in a panic.
Right now, girlfriend, lift up your head and praise your God. He is with you and He is more than enough.
Let's Pray
Father, I praise You for Your love and Your mercy. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I praise You for sending Jesus to die in my place, to pay for my sin. I praise You for the family and friends You have given me. I praise You for this ministry of Girlfriends in God and for every woman who reads each word. Please bless them and fill their hearts with Your presence and Your power as they praise You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Not it's Your Turn
Read the following verses of Scripture and fill in each blank.
I will praise God with ________________.
Psalm34:1 "I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace."
I will praise God with ________________.
Ephesians 5:19 "Speak to one another with psalms."
I will praise God with _____________.
Psalm 69:30 "Then I will praise God with my singing!"
I will praise God with my ____________.
2 Corinthians 5:15 "He died for all so that all who live--having received eternal life from him--might live no longer for themselves, to please themselves, but to spend their lives pleasing Christ who died and rose again for them."
More from the Girlfriends
I wish I could reach through the computer screen and give you a hug, girlfriend! No matter what you are facing, God is with you and so are we. You are not alone. I pray that God will become more real to you as you praise Him. We would love to pray for you and with you. E-mail your prayer requests to our team of prayer warriors.
Free resources are available on Mary's website.
Join women from across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, When an Ordinary Woman Meets an Extraordinary God. If you enroll now, you will also have access to all of the 2010 studies. Check it out!
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Originally published Thursday, 11 November 2010.
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