Life Lines ~ THANKS & PRAISE

It seems that the theme for my week has been PRAISE. My heart and mind have been parked on PRAISE & THANKS to God!

This scripture in particular has been on my mind: "Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:8 NKJV)

The KJV uses "praise" in place of "thanks." Either way, thanksgiving and praise go hand in hand. Regardless of which you offer first, the other naturally follows! Try it. You'll see what I mean.

Many people are facing major decisions at this point in their lives. Of course, life is full of major DECISIONS. If you haven't had to make one, it just means you haven't lived very long. I just celebrated another birthday and I can tell you, I've lived long enough to have made a few major decisions! But like many of you, my husband and I are facing more ~ some of which will have to be made soon. Very soon.

I believe the reason the Spirit of God has placed the theme of PRAISE on my heart is because offering THANKS & PRAISE, regardless of your circumstances, prepares your heart to receive from God. To offer thanks & praise is a choice. A DECISION.

Consider these aspects of praise.

1 Chronicles 23:30 "...to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at evening..."

praise - halal (hah-lahl) Strong's #1984: To praise, to thank; rejoice, boast about someone. Halal is the root from which "hallelujah" is formed.

Psalm 63:3 "Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You."

praise - shabach (shah-vahch) Strong's #7623: To commend, praise; to adore; to glory in something; to still, quiet, or pacify someone. Shabach goes in two directions, "praising" and "calming."

Psalm 100:4 - "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise."

praise - tehillah (te-hil-lah) Strong's #8416: A celebration, a lauding of someone praise-worthy; the praise or exaltation of God; praises, songs of admiration.

Ephesians 1:6 - "...to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved."

praise - epainos (ep-ahee-noss) Strong's #1868: Approbation, commendation, approval, praise. Epainos expresses not only praise for what God does for us, but also for who He is, recognizing His glory.

No matter what is going on in your life at this moment, offer THANKS & PRAISE to Him alone in whom you live and move and have your being.

My Prayer:

"Abba Father,

Your Word tells me, 'You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.'

Despite mounting opposition, I choose to offer You thanksgiving & praise. I thank you for Who You are, for What You do, for how You choose to move in my life and that of my family. It is You who puts the boundaries in place. It is You who shakes the earth out of its place and its pillars tremble. It is You I trust with my life.

I confess I do not always readily offer up praise & thanks to You. Help me to have a quick tongue to speak of Your goodness and your faithfulness. Assist me in forming the words to bless You and exalt You. Form in me a heart of worship, a spirit of joy and a mind to think on Your most excellent ways.

Today, LORD, I thank YOU. I praise YOU. I worship YOU.

In the Name of Jesus, I pray.

AMEN."

May your heart be full of thanks and your mouth filled with praise,

Melanie