MichaelBelieve

This is my very first blog. Hopefully the message is clear and enjoyable.

What is praise? A quick google search listed these definitions.....

• an expression of approval and commendation; "he always appreciated praise for his work"
• express approval of; "The parents praised their children for their academic performance"
• offering words of homage as an act of worship; "they sang a hymn of praise to God"

The last one listed seems to be the most fitting allthough they all apply.

We are all called upon to praise God. It is an often overlooked part of my life as I struggle with the daily activities and get lost in my own troubles. I hope by writing this I can be inspired by God's word to praise the Lord in all I do and see more of the Lords hands in all of life.

In Strongs Bible Concordance, the word "praise" "praised" "praises" and "praising" are listed over two hundred times. I started to count them but figured that would be a good ballpark figure. Since it is mentioned that many times in the Bible, it has to be very very important!

Genesis 29:35 is the first use of the word. "And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, NOW I WILL PRAISE THE LORD. Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she stopped bearing." Isn't it interesting that the first mention of praise in the Bible was over the birth of Judah? Judah was the tribe or family that would lead to King David, King Solomon and of course our Lord and Savior Jesus.

The last use of the word praise in the Bible is in Revelation 19:5. "Then a voice came from the throne,saying 'Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!" What a fantastic last verse!

I hope anyone that reads this feels the urge to praise our Lord Jesus. We all have so many things to be thankful for. Even if our health is bad or financial troubles or even loneliness, we have the assurance of heaven by repenting and having faith in Jesus.

Dear Lord, thank you for all the blessings you have sent me in my life. The people and things I have been able to do have been clearly a blessing from you. I thank you for allowing me to know you. I love you and hope I can get into the center of your will. I pray this blog will help someone in their journey. I pray for all these things in Jesus name....Amen!