We were created to praise Jesus! Since we are created in His image, there is a deep desire in each of us that longs for life giving words as well! Encourage others!

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! - Psalm 107:1

So often we come to the LORD with requests; almost the same way we used to sit down with the Sears catalog to pick out Christmas presents long, long ago. Now - I’m not saying that we shouldn’t lay our burdens at Christ’s feet. We absolutely should! What I am saying is this: we were created to PRAISE Him. We are to be reflections of His glory here on earth as well as in heaven; our lives bringing Him honor and praise. How often do we just get “down to business” instead of being overwhelmed by his presence, beauty, and mercy, while giving thanks to the LORD because of it?

My challenge is two-fold: because we are created in His image, there is a deep desire in each of us that longs for praise as well.

1. That we are deliberate in giving thanks to God - FOR HE IS GOOD!

2. That we are deliberate in giving praise to the ones closest to us. How they long for those life giving words!  How much we desire for our spouse and children to be our greatest cheerleaders. May we no longer yearn for the words, but be filled up with them!

Prayer: Dear Jesus, no words can adequately describe the awe that we feel for you. You created the universe and set the stars in place - and yet you care for US! Thank you for all the details you are intimately involved in. Thank you for using the pain and the suffering to make us more like you; and thank you the the pain only lasts as long as it does. Thank you for the JOY that comes in the morning. Thank you for choosing me; the worst of all sinners. Thank you for coming to die for each of us, and providing a way for us to be in right relationship with God. You are awesome, MIGHTY GOD, we kneel in awe of You!