"Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise." -Psalm 47: 6-7

When I Hear The Praises Start

We are created to praise and worship our Lord! "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139: 14) What can any of us do that God has not done? How awesome is His glory and splendor? "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?" (Job 38: 4-5) We cannot even begin to comprehend his awesomeness and power! What can any of us do to 'achieve' salvation? "But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord." (Jonah 2: 9) How can any of us find our way to God without His Son, Jesus? "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14: 6) Absolutely amazing! Just as the praise chorus we sing at Maple Grove goes..."Amazing love, how can it be, That you, My King would die for me? Amazing love, I know its true its my joy to honor You, In all I do, I honor You." (by the Newsboys).

So what does God want from us? What does He 'need?' He wants us, our hearts! He wants our fellowship. That we would live our lives for Him and give glory and honor to Him. God wants our praises! The great Christian artist Keith Green understood this when he wrote his song 'When I Hear The Praises Start.' Here are some of the lyrics from that great song:

My child, my child why are you striving
you can't add one thing to what's been done for you
I did it all while I was dying
Rest in your faith, my peace will come to you

For when I hear the praises start
I want to rain upon you
Blessings that will fill your heart
I see no stain upon you
Because you are my child and you know me
To me you're only holy
Nothing that you've done remains
Only what you do for Me

God wants our praises! "Therefore I will praise you among the nations O Lord; I will sing praises to your name." (Psalm 18: 49) Let your life be a praise to Him! For God truly desires your praise and fellowship...so that He can say to you 'When I hear the praises start..." Amen!

Take a moment and encourage someone this week.

I pray that all is well with you. Please let me know if you have any prayer concerns or praises. Have a great week and remember to smile :), the Lord loves you!

In Christ,

Shan D. Hartsough

"The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God and I will exalt him." -Exodus 15: 2

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