As we celebrate thanksgiving and take advantage of black Friday and cyber Monday shopping, let’s remember the words of Apostle Paul: Cease not to give thanks… (Ephesians 1:16).
Thanks giving is grateful or appreciative acknowledgment of God.It means to show appreciation and gratitude.
You see, whatever we show appreciation, we give the proper value and whatever we appreciate, appreciates also.
Praise is the way we show appreciation to God. He is worthy of our praise. Scriptures admonishes us to offer the sacrifice of praise constantly.
Sacrifice of praise is the fruit of our lips or that which originates or comes from our lips. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews13:15).
Under the old covenant when Israel encountered challenges, they could not overcome. The priest would offer sacrifices to God to bring Him on the scene and God would stop the attack of the enemy.
As a new covenant believer, we are a priest of God. No other sacrifice can be offered. Jesus offered the ultimate blood sacrifice. As a priest, we offer the sacrifice of praise. Praise is more than just words or songs. It’s loaded with power.
Scriptures declare, O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger(Psalms 8:1-2).
Jesus echoed this verse of scripture, saying, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise (Matthew 21:16).
According to the above texts, strength and praise are the same. God ordained praise to stop the adversary. So when we praise God, the enemy is stopped in his tracks. Hallelujah!!!
You see, when we praise God, we bring him on the scene: But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest/enthroned in the praises of Israel (Psalms 22:3).
Remember, Paul and Silas prison saga? They did not despair, rather …at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God (praising God), and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.”(Acts 16:25-26) Hallelujah!!!
Until next week, remember, humbly receive the engrafted word — It is able to save you!!!
By Emmanuel Emeke Asiwe
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