Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 17, 2015
To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever. Revelation 5:13
We tend to think less of those who want us to think more of them. People who demand praise or require affirmation for every little action are emotionally unfit. An enlarged ego has to be told how much it is esteemed. A small ego esteems others better than itself (Romans 12:10). Yet, the Lord Almighty expects us to praise Him. Why? He is all sufficient, but God knows we are not—we are needy. When we praise Him our life perspective is healthy and we are motivated to pray.
Furthermore, the Lamb (Jesus) accompanies God the Father who sits on His heavenly throne, surrounded by His Spirit (Revelation 1:4). This heavenly expression of the triune God causes the spirit of Christ followers to exclaim accolades of: “praise, honor, glory and power for ever and ever.” Our home in heaven is a worship fest of God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit. Just the mention of the name Jesus stirs our soul to thanksgiving and wholehearted devotion. Praise points us to the Lamb who was slain for our soul’s salvation. Praise expresses gratitude.
John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Moreover, praising Jesus is our opportunity to tell people about Jesus. Just as we praise a film, “You have to see this movie” or a book, “This book will challenge your thinking and make you a better person”—thus we praise God so others might experience Him. “I still have issues, but since I trusted Jesus as my Savior I have forgiveness, peace and purpose.” We release our inner praise with outer thanksgiving to the Lord. Praise consummates our full appreciation of Christ.
What is the purpose of praise? It is soul alignment for those saved by the grace of God. It is offering up to our Lord and Savior—not what He needs—but what He deserves and desires. The Lord knows our praise of Him is what’s best for us. Praise Him for His majestic creation—for He is the Creator. Praise Him for His precious children—for He is their heavenly Father. Praise Him for His good gifts—for He is a generous Giver. Praise Him in the morning—praise Him in the noon time—praise Him when the sun goes down. Praise His holy name!
“Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name” (Psalm 30:4).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise you with my full devotion for the fullness of your love for me.
Application: How can my praise of God influence others to praise God?
Related Readings: Psalm 103:1, 146:1-2; Malachi 2:2; Luke 10:21; Romans 11:36; 1 Peter 2:9
Post/Tweet this today: We praise God so others might experience God. #praiseGod #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 4 minute music video- Hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
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Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
I can not find your translation of Romans 12:10. Is it OK to paraphrase the bible?
Dear Jimmy,
Thank you for taking the time to seek some clarity about the message and particular verse stated in “Purpose of Praise”.
The author, Boyd, was referencing Romans 12:10 as more of an explanation of the preceding statements (“A small ego esteems others better than itself.”). From time to time, as he writes, Boyd references scripture verses to help us understand these devotional statements are “back by” God’s Holy Word. Instead of writing out the whole verse, he sometimes leaves it to the reader to look up and connect the meaning.
Jimmy, please let me know if I have helped you understand or make it even more confusing. My email address is gwynne@wisdomhunters.com and I would love to continue to conversation if you would like.
Thank you again, for contacting us. We are grateful to have you in the Wisdom Hunter’s family.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s
will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18