Praising God

Good Morning!

I wonder how many of my readers are parents? I was thinking this morning about the number of people I see who are afraid to sing out in a traditional church setting. Oh, I know you are self-conscious … but I think when we are praising God we shouldn’t be bashful or reticent. I think we should sing by letter … you know “open up and let her fly”.

But what if the sound you make isn’t pretty? Well, that is why I asked how many of you are parents. You see, as a parent I know that when it’s our child, our hearing / seeing changes. We want to encourage our child so we overlook the off key; the misstep; the foible and find the place for applause and encouragement. We enjoy seeing our child try to do his or her best … and it is good enough.

Well, remember, God is our Father. He sees our heart – He recognizes when we are doing our best. And He loves the effort. So don’t be afraid to praise God with all your heart and soul.

Isaiah 12 (English Standard Version)
The LORD Is My Strength and My Song
1You[a] will say in that day:"I will give thanks to you, O LORD,
for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away,
that you might comfort me.
2"Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the LORD GOD[b] is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation."
3 With joy you[c] will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 And you will say in that day:

"Give thanks to the LORD,
call upon his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples,
proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 "Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously;
let this be made known[d] in all the earth.
6Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
for great in your[e] midst is the Holy One of Israel."
Footnotes:
a. Isaiah 12:1 The Hebrew for you is singular in verse 1
b. Isaiah 12:2 Hebrew for Yah, the LORD
c. Isaiah 12:3 The Hebrew for you is plural in verses 3, 4
d. Isaiah 12:5 Or this is made known
e. Isaiah 12:6 The Hebrew for your in verse 6 is singular, referring to the inhabitant of Zion


Agape’


Mr. Jim