The Importance of Praise and Worship

My husband and I have been reading from the Holy Word (The Bible) every day starting January 1st of this year. I cannot tell you what a change it has made in our life. Everyday we take turns reading the scripture for the day. I cannot believe we are almost done with the whole Book.

Yesterday we read from Psalms, Hebrews and Ezekiel. Both scriptures from Psalms and Hebrews mentioned the [sacrifice of praise]. It really stuck out for me knowing that sometimes it seems like a sacrifice, other times not at all. It all depends on what is going on in our lives I believe. I

If we are having a bad day, then it's more of a sacrifice it seems. But we always come out on the other side better off mentally and spiritually by offering up our sacrifice of praise and worship. And this is a continual thing. It shows to God our deep love we have for Him regardless of what is going around us.

During this Thanksgiving I am so blessed to still be living on this earth. I thank God for the little things like clean water and electricity, food. The basics. Everything else is just icing on the cake. But we have the cake and that's what counts. When we have Christ we have it all, everything we need to make it in the world today. I really hope that each and everyone has a most blessed Thanksgiving EVER in

2025. Make it memorable. May we all show love to all even those, who we don't agree completely with. To know Him is a blessing beyond compare. It's a miracle in itself.

Hebrews 13:15, which calls believers to offer a continual "sacrifice of praise," and Psalm 50:23, which states that "Whoever offers praise glorifies Me". Other relevant verses include 1 Peter 2:5 and 2:9, which discuss a "spiritual house" and a "royal priesthood" offering "spiritual sacrifices," and Psalm 107:22, which encourages the offering of "sacrifices of thanksgiving". 

The benefits of the sacrifice of praise include strengthening faith, honoring God, and seeing spiritual and emotional healing. This practice of praising God even in difficult times can also shift your perspective, bring His presence into a situation, and lead to breakthroughs. It is described as a way to change the atmosphere, bring a sense of joy, and serve as a "superpower" for believers.

 Benefits of the sacrifice of praise   

• Strengthens faith: 

  Praising God in hard times reinforces the belief in His goodness and power, helping to grow faith and trust. 

• Shifts perspective: 

  It helps to shift your focus from your circumstances to God, giving you a greater sense of control and His perspective on your situation. 

• Invites God's presence: 

  By giving praise, you are seen as honoring God, and it is believed that this brings His presence into your life, where there is "fullness of joy". 

• Promotes emotional and spiritual healing: 

  The act of praising can lead to emotional, mental, and spiritual healing and can help to improve your self-image by reducing pride and ego. 

• Changes the atmosphere: 

  Praising can change the atmosphere around you from one of disappointment and confusion to one of joy and victory. 

• Empowers spiritual warfare: 

  In a spiritual context, praise is described as a weapon that can silence accusers, break chains, and open doors. 

• Impacts others: 

  The sacrifice of praise can impact those who witness it, inspiring them to believe in the power of God. This was seen when the Philippian jailer was so amazed by the response of Paul and Silas that he converted to Christianity. 

God richly bless you and all you come in contact with during this season.

Trish Ray