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Index:
It
is
Well
with
My
Soul
The
Theft
of
Praise
and
Worship
An
Overview
of
Praise
and
Worship
Praise
as a
Process
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL - Worshipping Him just Because, Because, Because . . .
by Doug Stringer
True inner peace seems to be one of the rarest of human experiences. People seek it in material prosperity, but it is not found there. Alcoholics try in vain to drown their sorrows and find peace in a bottle. Others place their hope on finding the perfect sexual partner, but that kind of pleasure is always fleeting. And what about drugs, whether prescription or illegal? Yes, they are sometimes able to mimic a sense of well-being and peace, but do we really want our tranquility to be based on pills or injections?
Although we may chase for inner peace elsewhere, in Christ it is readily available to all of us who are God�s covenant partners. Jesus offers a depth of serenity that has nothing to do with our outward circumstances: �Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid� (John 14:27).
What does it look like to have this kind of peace that Jesus promises�peace that is not dependant upon our outward circumstances? Perhaps you have heard Horatio Spafford�s timeless hymn, �It Is Well With My Soul.� But few people know the amazing background of that song, an inspiring testimony of the inner peace available to us in Christ.
Born in 1828, Spafford became a successful lawyer and businessman in Chicago. He was a deeply religious man, active in his Presbyterian church as a Sunday school teacher and lay leader. Beginning in the 1870s, Spafford�s faith was tested by a chain of tragic events. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed a huge portion of the Spafford�s real estate investments. In 1873, a physician counseled the Spaffords to take an extended vacation for the sake of Mrs. Spafford�s health and the family�s well-being.
Knowing their dear friend Dwight L. Moody would be preaching in an evangelistic tour of England, the Spaffords decided to vacation there. Spafford�s wife, Anna, and their four daughters�Maggie, Tanetta, Annie, and Bessie�boarded an American ship named the S.S. Ville du Havre. Detained due to business, Mr. Spafford stayed behind but intended to follow his family in a few days.
On November 22, 1873, the Ville du Havre, sailing off the coast of Newfoundland, was struck by an English ship, the Lochearn, and sank in 12 minutes. Two hundred and twenty-six lives were lost, including the Spaffords� four daughters. After hours of floating in the chilly waters, Mrs. Spafford was rescued. Arriving in Wales, she cabled her husband with the short message, �Saved alone.� Receiving the horrifying news, Spafford left immediately by ship to join his wife.
Spafford asked the captain of the ship to notify him when they approached the approximate area where the Ville du Havre went down. Notified that they were nearing the scene of his daughters� tragic deaths, Spafford went down into his cabin and penned the words to �It Is Well with My Soul.� When the Spaffords eventually met up with Dwight L. Moody, Mr. Spafford told him quietly, �It is well. The will of God be done.�
Spafford found an inner peace in Christ that was totally at odds with his outward situation. Look at the awesome words of this beloved hymn:
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
�It is well, it is well with my soul.�
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Tho� Satan should buffet, tho� trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul.
My sin... O, the bliss of this glorious thought,
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,
�Even so� � it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul.
I have a friend named Francis in Malaysia who is an exceptionally successful and influential businessman, heading up one of the largest conglomerates of companies in Asia, based out of Kuala Lumpur. He travels easily in and out of offices of heads of state all over the world, palaces of kings and government leaders, and international summits on business and economics, yet he still takes time to reach out to the needy. He has been given the title �Tan Sri,� the highest title that can be bestowed on someone in his country. Spafford�s hymn is one of his favorite songs.
In 2003, over 50,000 people attended a concert sponsored by his company on the lawn of the Royal Crescent in Bath, U.K. In his address, Tan Sri honored heroes of the faith who helped shape the culture the spiritual culture of Bath, including George Whitfield and John Wesley. He also arranged for The Three Tenors to sing, �It Is Well With My Soul.�
Shortly before this book was published, Tan Sri experienced, like Spafford, a premature loss in his own life when his wife, Rose, went to be with Jesus after fighting a battle with cancer for seven years. A line of visitors and well-wishers, along with the media, stretched outside the house waiting to attend the funeral service, held at the family�s home. Rose had been a vivacious, popular television personality in Hong Kong before she and Francis married, and her homeland wept at her passing. Spafford�s hymn was sung at her funeral.
�When I learned about the grief sweeping Hong Kong, I began to understand that God is teaching me His ways,� said Tan Sri. God continues to be his peace.
The Peace Offering
Horatio Spafford and Tan Sri both discovered the peace in Christ that is not dependent upon any earthly circumstance. This is pictured in the Old Testament as the peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering. This offering is a vow of friendship and a spontaneous expression of one�s gratitude and commitment to God. The peace offering represents the intimate, peaceful fellowship Christians can have with the Father because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. The result of our fellowship with God and one another through this offering is a sweet aroma of peace.
There were three types of peace offerings: the praise, the vow, and the freewill. The Hebrew phrase for �peace offering� could be translated in various ways: fellowship offering, communion offering, shared offering, or well-being offering. Since it was appropriate to offer up a peace offering at any time, it was the most frequently offered of all the sacrifices.
Jesus is pictured in all of the Levitical sacrifices, including the peace offering. The cross has made a way for us to have intimate fellowship and sweet communion with God and with each other. This fellowship with the Lord, purchased for us on Calvary, is not a mediocre or second-rate kind of relationship. The Lord Jesus died to give us victory over sin and death, buying back creation�s original intent that we would walk with God in the cool of the garden. Through the awesome work of the cross, we can enjoy unbroken fellowship and total well-being!
The word used for �peace� in Leviticus 3 is associated with the Hebrew noun shalom. Shalom is a wonderful word that includes a wide spectrum of meaning: peace, prosperity, completeness, wholeness, and well-being. It is also sometimes associated with the verb shalam, meaning to be completed, ready, to remain healthy, unharmed, to make intact, complete, make restitution, to recompense, reward, to restore, replace, to finish, to compensate or to fill up that which is lacking. Do you see the fantastic implications of this? The presence of our Lord Jesus provides us with peace, wholeness, well-being�or whatever else may be lacking in our lives.
It is impossible to grasp this great truth without breaking out into praise and gratitude! The peace offering thus was offered as an expression of gratitude and commitment. It was a spontaneous offering given by the free will of the worshipper. While the other offerings were to be given for particular reasons or under specific circumstances, situations, or times of day, the peace offering was simply offered at the discretion of the worshipper. It was fully based on the worshipper�s personal sense of devotion and adoration to the Lord.
Do you see how precious this is? Instead of being born of compulsion or obligation, this offering speaks of a spontaneous, heartfelt love relationship with the Lord. It stems not from duty, but from choice. It flows not from the law, and not even out of need, but from grace.
We worship Him because, because, because�because of who He is and what He has already done, not for what we want Him to do.
Tan Sri once shared how the Lord spoke to his heart once while he had his hands raised in worship during a church service.
�Francis, why do you worship me?�
A little bit confused by the question, he answered, �I�m in church, Lord. That�s what we do in church.�
The still small voice of the Lord continued. �But why do you really worship me? Is it because of what I can do for you? What you can get from me?�
Suddenly, Tan Sri knew what the Lord was trying to say. Being a man of means and influence, he himself would sometimes wonder why people wanted relationship with him. Was it because of what he could for them? Was it because they wanted something from him?
In 1991 as I was passing through Malaysia on my way back from ministering in Viet Nam. While there, I got a call from the Full Gospel Businessmen in Malaysia asking if I would address a group of people for one of their meetings. I humbly accepted. At this first meeting, I met a very distinguished gentleman who introduced himself and began to explain who he was and the influence he has. It was Tan Sri. I recognized quickly he was not telling me these things out of pride, but to make a point. As a young believer in Christ, he did not know who he could really trust.
While I was speaking to the group, Tan Sri had felt something leap inside of him that he thought was the Holy Spirit telling him we were to connect. We have been friends now for years because of the common trust based in Christ and a common compassion for the needs of others. But even at that first meeting, I said to him: �I prefer that you not consider giving money to myself or the ministry.� In the back of my mind, I thought, �Doug, why would you say this? You know the ministry has needs.� But I wanted Tan Sri to know he could trust me, that I wanted to be his friend for who he was, not for what he could do for me. I wanted to be his friend, just because� My own life and the ministry have since benefited in ways we had not imagined, and Tan Sri has been a friend and a blessing to many others serving the Lord as well.
The Lord loves our worship and our fellowship when it is given freely. We have a volunteer who often brings her children to the office when she comes to serve. Whenever these three little girls see me, their eyes light up and they come running to greet me and hug me. It�s totally spontaneous, not because of anything I do for them. They love to spend time with me, just because�
That�s what God wants from us, too. He wants us to come to Him spontaneously, not out of duty or compulsion. He wants us to fellowship with Him, to trust Him. He wants us to worship Him for who He is to us, not for what He can do for us.
The Lord is saying through the peace offering, �Come and enjoy fellowship with Me any time you want. My arms are always open to receive you and enjoy your heartfelt company!� God�s invitation to the worshipper through the peace offering was an open-door policy. Instead of being based on complicated religious requirements, it was an open-ended invitation to come and talk, sing, laugh, cry, mourn, dance, or weep.
It�s an invitation to fellowship with Him and to worship Him�because, because, because�
This teaching is an excerpt from Doug�s forthcoming book, Born to Die: The Work of the Cross, The Power of The Resurrection. For more teachings and articles, visit www.dougstringer.com.
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The
Theft
of
Praise
and
Worship
I
want
to
consider
one
of
the
sternest
warnings
from
past
history.
The
lesson
most
obvious
is
predicated
on
the
fact
that,
to a
large
degree,
the
church
has
suffered
a
theft
of
one
of
its
most
valuable
treasures,
namely
praise.
At
some
time
in
its
not-too-distant
past
the
church
was
victimized.
The
result
is
that
praise
is
no
longer
central
in
its
program.
If
it
were
no
more
serious
than
the
loss
of a
precious
commodity,
that
would
be
one
thing.
The
fact
is
�In
the
wake
of
its
loss
there
has
come
an
atmosphere
so
foreign
to
praise
that
there
is
both
a
fear
of
biblical
praise
and
resistance
to
it.
A.
W.
Tozer
indicated
this
profound
loss
of
this
facet
of
the
church�s
treasures
when
he
entitled
his
little
book
Worship-The
Missing
Jewel
of
the
Church.
The
crown
jewels
of
the
church
have
been
stolen.
The
old
ship,
the
church,
has
been
the
victim
of
piracy
on
the
high
seas
of
time.
The
devil
has
stolen
praise
and
worship.
Out
of
the
past
comes
a
parable
of
this
theft.
In 1
Kings
10:14-15
we
are
informed
that
Solomon,
at
the
peak
of
his
splendor,
received
about
twenty-three
metric
tones
of
gold
in
revenue
each
year.
This
did
not
include
revenues
from
merchants
and
traders
from
all
the
Arabian
kings
and
governors
of
the
land.
God
had
been
true
to
his
promise
and
had
made
Solomon
wealthier
than
any
king
in
history.
Never
a
king
reigned
as
he
with
such
wisdom,
glory,
splendor,
and
power.
And
in
the
early
part
of
his
reign
he
gave
God
the
glory
and
remained
wise
and
good.
As a
symbol
of
his
kingdom�s
wealth,
gold
flowed
like
water.
Recorded
1
Kings
10:16-17
is
the
story
of
Solomon
making
five
hundred
shields
of
hammered
gold,
two
hundred
large
and
three
hundred
small.
They
are
described
so
we
may
know
that
the
large
ones
contained
about
seven
and
one-half
pounds
of
gold
and
the
smaller
ones,
about
three
and
one-half
pounds
of
gold.
The
magnitude
of
this
endeavor,
as
far
as
the
value
involved,
does
not
strike
us
until
we
start
figuring.
The
large
shields
contained
seven
and
on-half
pound
of
gold
or
120
ounces.
At
the
current
price
of
gold
rounded
to
$400.00
an
ounce,
these
shields
would
be
worth
no
less
than
$48,000.00
per
shield,
the
two
hundred
larger
shields
being
worth
a
total
$9,600,000.00.
The
smaller
ones
would
be
worth
$22,400.00
each.
The
three
hundred
have
a
value
of
$6,720,000.00.
Thus
you
have
a
current
value
in
excel
of
$16,320,000.00.
The
dollar
value
of
these
shields,
however,
does
not
present
the
whole
story.
The
shields
were
symbols
of
splendor
and
blessing.
They
were
used,
in
all
probability,
at
formal
gatherings,
on
festive
days,
and
to
honor
the
king
at
his
goings
and
comings
with
his
frequent
royal
guests.
We
do
have
some
insight
when
we
read
the
tragic
sequel
to
this
story
in 1
Kings
14:28,
�Whenever
the
king
went
to
the
Lord�s
temple,
the
guards
bore
the
shields,
and
afterward
they
were
returned
to
the
guardroom.�
That
was
after
the
tragic
theft
and
substitution
of
shields
of
lesser
value.
It
would
be
challenging
to
imagine
in
the
mind�s
eye
the
splendor
of
Solomon�s
kingdom
on
display.
His
Temple
was
a
wonder
among
the
wonders
of
the
world.
It
has
been
estimated
that
his
Temple
today,
if
duplicated
with
all
the
precious
metals
and
stones,
would
cost
as
much
as
Two
Hundred
Million
dollars!
When
the
queen
of
Sheba
was
invited
to
visit
Solomon�s
kingdom,
her
response
was,
�The
report
I
heard
in
my
own
country
about
your
achievements
and
your
wisdom
is
true.
But
I
didn�t
believe
these
things
until
I
saw
with
my
own
eyes.
Indeed,
not
even
the
half
was
told
me;
in
wisdom
and
in
wealth
you
have
far
exceeded
the
report
I
heard.
How
happy
your
men
must
be.
How
happy
your
officials,
who
continually
stand
before
and
hear
your
wisdom!
Praise
be
the
Lord
your
God,
who
has
delighted
in
you
and
placed
you
on
the
throne
of
Israel.
Because
of
the
Lord�s
eternal
love
for
Israel,
he
has
made
you
king,
to
maintain
justice
and
righteousness.�
She
responded
to
her
impressions
with
gifts
of
gold
in
excess
of
fifty
million
dollars
(in
today�s
values)
and
countless
spices
and
precious
stones.
The
record
reads
that
Solomon
was
greater
in
riches
and
wisdom
than
all
the
other
kings
of
the
earth.
The
whole
world
sought
an
audience
with
him
to
hear
the
wisdom
God
had
put
in
his
heart.
As
the
people
came
they
brought
silver,
gold,
spices,
robes,
weapons,
and
horses
and
mules.
Yet,
in
the
latter
portion
of
his
reign
the
heart
of
Solomon
became
spiritually
dull.
He
loved
foreign
women
and
to
accommodate
them,
he
built
places
where
temples
to
their
detestable
gods
could
be
constructed.
It
was
downhill
from
then
on
for
Solomon.
God
had
specifically
commanded
him
not
to
follow
other
gods.
He
continued
to
be
reckless,
rebellious,
and
headstrong.
God
told
Solomon
that
he
would
tear
the
kingdom
from
him,
adding
that
because
of
his
father,
David,
he
would
not
do
it
during
his
lifetime,
but
would
during
the
reign
of
his
son.
The
kingdom
began
to
weaken,
and
the
nations
surrounding
Israel
took
boldness
at
Solomon�s
decline.
So
God
raised
up
adversaries
against
Solomon
to
carry
out
the
just
punishments
for
his
rebellion
and
backsliding.
One
of
his
own
officials,
Jeroboam,
rebelled
against
him,
Solomon
tried
to
kill
him,
but
Jeroboam
escaped
to
Egypt
until
Solomon�s
death.
Rehoboam,
the
son
of
Solomon,
succeeded
him
as
king.
Headstrong
like
his
father,
he
sought
to
institute
more
severe
control
over
the
people.
The
result
was
that
Israel
rebelled,
and
the
kingdom
was
divided
with
ten
tribes
going
with
Jeroboam
and
the
other
two
tribes,
Judah
and
Benjamin,
going
with
Rehoboam.
They
continued
to
build
sacred
places
for
foreign
gods,
engage
in
detestable
practices
carried
on
by
their
enemies,
and
even
had
male
prostitutes
in
the
land.
Thus
the
weakened
kingdom
fell
prey
to
nations
around
it.
The
record
in 1
Kings
14:25-56
is
that
King
Shishak
of
Egypt
came
and
carried
off
the
treasures
of
the
Temple
of
the
Lord
and
of
the
palace.
Included
in
this
plunder
were
all
the
golden
shields
which
Solomon
had
made.
King
Rehoboam
seemed
helpless
to
fend
off
the
attack
or
to
mount
a
counterattack.
Instead
he
makes
brass
shields
to
replace
the
golden
ones
and
gave
them
to
the
commanders
of
the
guard
on
duty
at
the
entrance
of
the
royal
palace.
Shields
of
brass
for
shields
of
gold!
Tragically
this
was
the
last
recorded
event
in
the
pitiful
reign
of
Rehoboam.
PARDON
THE
PARABLE
It
is
not
difficult
to
see
in
this
regrettable
story
a
parable
of
current
significance.
There
has
been
a
weakening
of
our
spiritual
defenses.
Spiritual
decline
has
come
about.
In
our
weakened
condition
the
enemy
has
stolen
the
treasures
of
the
church,
namely
Biblical
praise
and
worship.
We
have
been
content
to
substitute
brass
for
gold.
It
is
so
with
our
nation-
and
with
our
churches.
Such
conditions
are
conducive
to
individual
compromise
as
well.
And
where
strict
limitations
on
praise
and
worship
have
been
implemented,
there
is a
watering
down
of
all
significance.
�Having
a
form
of
godliness
but
denying
the
power
thereof.�
THE
LIKENESS
OF
GOLD
TO
PRAISE
Gold
is
the
last
reducible.
Gold
heated
to
boiling
will
only
result
in a
finer
quality
of
gold.
In
almost
any
society
it
is a
standard
of
value
and
has
been
through
the
centuries.
It
is a
gauge
of
values
and
a
sign
of
blessing,
excellence,
and
purity.
The
Word
pictures
gold
as
being
plentiful
in
heaven.
The
same
is
true
of
praise.
It
is a
common
denominator.
It
is
interesting
that
the
premium
word
for
praise,
hallelujah,
is
commonly
pronounced
the
same
in
every
major
language
on
earth!!
Heaven
will
be
filled
with
praises
continually.
Gold
and
praise
have
much
in
common.
THE
SYMBOLISM
OF
SHIELDS
A
shield
stands
for
protection
in
battle.
The
purpose
of
these
golden
shields,
however,
was
not
for
warfare
but
for
testimony.
They
were
hauled
out
for
formal
purposes;
the
whole
nation
took
heed
to
the
signs
of
splendor.
Their
excellence
was
motivating.
As
they
lined
up
the
shields
on
either
side
for
hundreds
of
yards,
the
gleaming
rays
of
the
sun
spoke
volumes
to
visiting
dignitaries,
as
well
as
the
populace
of
Israel.
They
spoke
of
the
blessings
of
God
upon
Solomon
and
his
kingdom.
THE
STOLEN
SHIELDS
When
Shishak
came
and
took
the
treasures
of
the
kingdom,
including
the
golden
shields,
it
was
an
indication
of
consummate
weakness
on
the
part
of
Israel.
Their
national
heart
was
gone;
they
had
no
power
to
resist
the
enemy
or
to
recover
the
plunder
taken
in
the
attack.
Their
glory
was
gone!
A
nation
had
lost
its
soul.
Its
excellence
was
no
more.
THE
SUBSTITUTE
SHIELDS
Almost
as
pathetic
as
the
loss
of
the
golden
shields
was
the
response
of
Rehoboam.
Regretfully
admitting
the
loss,
he
compromised
and
made
cheaper
brass
shields.
It
was
clearly
a
cheap
compensation
for
a
large
loss.
Brass
was
rather
plentiful
and
cheap.
These
shields
would
cost
nothing
compared
to
the
gold,
and
they
would
shine
if
enough
human
elbow-grease
were
applied!!!!
And
folks
who
were
not
especially
caring
would
not
notice
that
the
shields
were
brass
instead
of
gold.
Brass
may
shine
for
a
while
but
will
soon
tarnish
with
time.
Gold
will
never
tarnish!
Brass
must
be
kept
polished
by
the
work
of
the
flesh.
Gold
is
genuinely
pure
through
and
through
and
has
no
inner
impurities
to
tarnish
it.
The
same
is
true
of
praise.
But,
alas,
we
have
substituted
the
brass
of
form
for
the
gold
of
spontaneous
worship.
We
have
substituted
the
brass
of
order
for
the
gold
of
exciting
honored
adoration
for
the
greatness
of
God.
In
the
name
of
dignity
we
have
honored
death.
We
have
disguised
boredom
behind
the
mask
of
quietness
and
meditation.
The
shields
of
praise
have
been
stolen,
and
we
have
fashioned
shields
of
brass
in
their
place!
You
see,
the
golden
shields
lined
the
path
to
the
king�s
house.
Praise
lines
the
path
to
the
house
of
the
Lord.
Gold
was
used
to
welcome
and
reveal
the
king
of
old
in
his
entire
regal
splendor.
Praise
welcomes
God
in
his
splendor
and
reveals
his
glory.
Gold
both
reveals
and
motivates
excellence.
The
same
is
true
of
praise
and
worship!
THE
COSTLY
COMPROMISE
It
is
always
costly
to
compromise.
The
deceit
of a
compromise
is
that
it
never
produces
what
it
promises.
It
promises
something
for
less
but
it
never
works
out
for
long.
The
brass
will
soon
reveal
itself
to
be
just
that--------------------brass.
Someone
is
bound
to
ask
sooner
or
later,
�Where
has
all
the
gold
gone?�
THE
VALUE
OF
PRAISE
and
WORSHIP
Gold
does
not
depreciate,
nor
does
praise
and
worship!
For
the
church,
praise
worship
is
not
only
the
symbol
of
excellence
and
blessing,
it
is
our
chief
means
of
protection.
It
is
our
prime
weapon.
It
will
require
deliberation
and
determination
to
reclaim
it.
But
we
must
have
it!
We
must
storm
the
gates
of
hell,
risk
ridicule
and
opposition,
and
personally
repent
to
recover
praise
worship.
It
will
not
be
easy,
but
it
will
be
worth
the
while.
We
must
not
settle
for
less
than
the
best
and
the
best
is
praise!
Its
loss
has
been
costlier
than
none
dare
believe.
Its
recovery
will
solve
a
multitude
of
ills.
The
value
of
praise
worship
is
such
that
the
enemy
will
mount
all
his
opposition
to
keep
the
church
from
recovering
it.
Compromise,
the
primary
sin,
has
been
followed
by
our
capitulation
under
the
devil�s
duress.
Peer-group
opinion
and
sentiment
have
kept
us
from
recovery.
Pressures
from
man�s
systems
have
resisted
the
recovery
of
praise
and
will
continue
to
do
so.
The
Michals
(David�s
wife),
the
Athaliahs
(the
wicked
queen),
and
the
Pharisees
will
always
resist
praise
worship
wherever
it
rises.
They
will
be
contended
with
by
God.
We
must
go
on!
A
WORD
TO
THE
CHURCH
Thomas
McCauley,
a
British
historian
who
died
on
the
eve
of
the
Civil
War
in
America,
wrote
a
warning
to
America:
�Your
Republic
will
be
laid
waste
by
barbarians
in
the
twentieth
century
as
Rome
was
in
the
fifth
century
with
this
difference��the
Huns
and
vandals
who
ravaged
the
empire
came
from
without
while
your
Huns
and
vandals
will
attack
from
within��engendered
by
your
own
institutions.�
This
was
rare
wisdom
written
more
than
120
years
ago!
Let
the
church,
the
nation,
and
us
as
individual
believers
rally
the
return
to
praise,
to
genuine
biblical
worship.
May
we
shuck
the
tendency
of
tameness
and
passivity;
refuse
the
relentless
pressure
to
stay
with
the
pack,
to
conform
to
the
crowd,
and
to
identify
with
the
status
quo.
We
need
to
know
that
life
is a
battle
won
by
decisions;
decisions
made
in a
moment
but
lived
out
in
subsequent
years.
Let
us
choose
excellence,
value,
glory!
Away
with
costless
compromise.
Like
David
of
the
threshing
floor
offered
to
him
as a
gift,
let
us
say
�I
will
not
sacrifice
to
the
Lord
with
that
which
cost
me
nothing!�
(Loose
translation
of 1
Chronicles
21:24).
May
the
tragic
story
of
Rehoboam
and
his
compromise
to
trade
shields
of
brass
for
shields
of
gold
serve
as a
means
of
conviction,
as
well
as a
motivation
for
recovering
the
gold
of
true
worship
in
our
lives
individually
and
corporately.
[top]
An
Overview
of
Praise
and
Worship
Preparing
to
examine
the
deep
and
delightful
mysteries
of
praise,
we
are
standing
on
the
mountain
peak
of
sovereignty
where
God
reigns.
There
is a
throne
at
the
center
of
the
universe
and
upon
that
throne
sits
none
other
than
our
Mighty
God.
From
this
lofty
peak
we
will
view
the
rich
valley
sprawling
before
us.
Now
we
will
peruse
the
panorama
of
praise
before
us
in
the
valley.
If
we
can
lock
these
considerations
in
our
minds
and
look
at
the
truths
before
us
in
their
light,
it
will
be
of
advantage.
These
several
claims
will
by
no
means
exhaust
the
massive
reservoir
of
truths
about
praise,
but
they
will
prove
pivotal
in
research.
PRAISE
WAS
THE
SWADDLING
CLOTH
WORN
BY
THE
WORLD
WHEN
IT
WAS
BORN
The
earth
was
girded
in
praise
when,
for
his
own
pleasure,
God
tolerated
the
incomplete
information
of
Job
and
his
friends
until
at
last
he
was
compelled
to
speak.
�Who
is
this
that
darkens
my
counsel
with
works
without
knowledge?
Brace
yourself
like
a
man;
I
will
question
you,
and
you
shall
answer
me.
Where
were
you
when
I
laid
the
earth�s
foundations?
Tell
me,
if
you
understand.
Who
marked
off
its
dimensions?
Surely
you
know!
Who
stretched
a
measuring
line
across
it?
On
what
were
its
footings
set,
or
who
laid
its
cornerstone�As
we
stand
on
the
summit
of
sovereignty
we
note
that
eternity
past
was
characterized
by
an
atmosphere
of
praise.
Everything
which
was
at
that
time
created
also
joined
in
the
chorus
of
praise.
The
stars
sang
together
in
glad
anticipation
of
what
was
coming
to
pass.
The
angels
shouted
over
the
soon-to-be-revealed
glory
of
God
in
his
dealings
with
humankind.
God
was
building
a
laboratory
of
love
and
would
erect
a
forever
family
as
his
very
own.
Praise
filled
the
world
in
the
days
of
its
beginnings.
In
Rev.
4:11
the
twenty-four
elders,
having
witnessed
the
worship
of
the
four
living
creatures,
laid
their
crowns
before
the
great
throne
of
God
and
cried,
�You
are
worthy,
Our
Lord
and
God,
to
receive
glory
and
honor
and
power.
For
you
created
all
things
and
by
your
will
they
were
created
and
have
their
being.�
The
Bible
declares,
�For
thy
pleasure
they
were
and
are
created�.
The
whole
of
creation,
angels,
and
stars
witnessed
the
gladness
o
God
over
the
creation,
and
sang
and
shouted
praises
to
God.
PRAISE
SEEMS
TO
BE A
LAW
WRITTEN
INTO
THE
VERY
STRUCTURE
OF
THE
UNIVERSE
It
is
as
if
everything
was
made
to
praise
the
Lord.
Paul
claims
in
Ephesians
1:
13-14,
�And
you
were
also
included
in
Christ
when
you
heard
the
work
of
truth,
the
gospel
of
your
salvation.
Having
believed,
you
were
marked
in
him
with
a
seal,
the
promised
Holy
Spirit,
who
is a
deposit
guaranteeing
our
inheritance
unto
the
redemption
of
those
who
are
God�s
possession�..TO
THE
PRAISE
OF
HIS
GLORY�.
The
purpose
of
creation
is
praise.
In
Isaiah
43:21
God
declared,���the
people
that
I
formed
for
myself,
THAT
THEY
MAY
PROCLAIM
MY
PRAISE�.
Praise
is
the
reason
for
the
existence
of
the
universe,
man
and
all
creation
included.
Let�s
look
at
Psalm
148:
Praise
the
Lord
from
the
heavens;
praise
him
in
the
heights
above.
Praise
him,
all
his
angels,
praise
him
all
his
heavenly
hosts.
Praise
him,
sun,
and
moon,
praise
him
all
you
shining
stars.
Praise
him,
you
highest
heavens
and
you
waters
above
the
skies.
Let
them
praise
the
name
of
the
Lord,
for
he
commanded
and
they
were
created.
He
set
them
in
place
for
ever
and
ever;
he
gave
a
decree
that
they
will
never
pass
away.
Praise
the
Lord
form
the
earth,
ye
sea
creatures
and
all
ocean
depths,
lightening
and
hail,
snow
and
clouds,
stormy
winds
that
do
his
bidding,
you
mountains
and
all
hills,
fruit
trees
and
cedars,
wild
animals
and
cattle,
small
creatures
and
flying
birds,
kings
of
the
earth
and
all
nations,
you
princes
and
all
rulers
on
earth,
young
men
and
maidens,
old
men
and
children.
LET
THEM
PRAISE
THE
NAME
OF
THE
LORD,
FOR
HIS
NAME
ALONE
IS
EXALTED,
HIS
SPLENDOR
IS
ABOVE
THE
EARTH
AND
HEAVENS.
Thus
we
see
clearly
that
everything
created
in
the
universe
has
a
capacity
to
praise
the
Lord.
In
Luke�s
account
of
the
triumphal
entry
he
reports
that
the
�whole
crowd
of
disciples
began
joyfully
to
praise
God
with
loud
voices
for
all
the
miracles
they
had
seen:
�Blessed
is
the
king
who
comes
in
the
name
of
the
Lord!
Peace
in
heaven
and
glory
in
the
highest!�
The
result
was
that
the
Pharisees
were
tremendously
violated
by
this
and
sought
Jesus
to
throttle
their
praise
with
a
stern
rebuke.
The
response
of
Jesus,
however,
was
disappointing
to
them.
�I
tell
you,
if
they
keep
quiet
the
stones
will
cry
out!
(Luke
19:
37-40).
Jesus
was
cognizant
of
the
fact
that
praise
was
a
potential
structured
into
the
rocks
by
the
roadside.
If
mankind,
made
as
the
prime
source
of
praise,
refuses
to
do
what
it
is
made
to
do�..then
inanimate
rocks
will
take
our
place
in
praise.
WHEN
HISTORY,
AS
WE
KNOW
IT,
CLOSES
ON
EARTH,
PRAISE
WILL
SATURATE
THE
ATMOSPHERE
Just
as
human
history
began
with
praise,
so
will
praise
be
the
background
of
the
close
of
history.
No
book
aside
from
the
Psalms
discloses
more
praises
than
the
book
of
Revelation.
The
scene
described
in
Revelation
4,
the
subject
of
our
first
chapter,
was
one
of
unprecedented
praise.
The
praises
of
the
four
creatures
sparked
the
praise
of
the
elders
who
left
their
thrones
and
bowed
down
before
the
central
throne
of
God.
Again
in
Revelation
5
these
same
creatures
and
elders
fell
down
before
the
throne
and
sang
a
new
song
concerning
the
worthiness
of
the
Lamb.
Then,
later
in
that
chapter,
many
angels
numbering
�thousands
upon
thousands,
and
then
thousands
times
ten
thousands�
encircled
the
throne
and
sang,
�Worthy
is
the
Lamb,
who
was
slain,
to
receive
power
and
wealth
and
wisdom
and
strength
and
honor
and
glory
and
praise.�
After
that
every
creature
on
earth,
in
heaven,
and
in
the
sea
joined
in
the
mighty
chorus
of
praise,
:
�To
him
who
sits
on
the
throne
and
the
Lamb,
be
praised
and
honor
and
glory
and
power,
forever
and
ever.�
Throughout
the
book
of
Revelation
the
elders,
the
four
creatures,
the
angels,
and
all
creation
surround
the
events
with
shouts
and
songs
of
praise.
Later
we
will
look
at
the
hallelujahs
of
Rev
19.
The
last
word
in
the
Bible
is
one
which
is
connected
with
praise.
Amen!
Jesus
used
this
word
as
did
the
Psalmist.
It
was
often
employed
in
praises
in
the
Old
Testament.
�Praise
be
to
the
Lord,
the
God
of
Israel,
from
everlasting
to
everlasting;
let
all
the
people
say,
Amen!�
In
Nehemiah
the
people
responded
to
the
reading
of
the
Word
of
God
by
saying,
�Amen!
Amen!�
As
David
commanded
the
song
of
thanksgiving
to
be
sung,
Asaph
obliged
by
offering
the
song,
but
all
the
people
joined
them
by
saying,
�Amen
and
praise
the
Lord!�
(I
Chron.
16:
36).
Amen
was
ranked
in
high
company
with
hallelujah
in
Rev.
19:4
when
the
elders
and
the
four
creatures
fell
down
and
worshiped
at
the
throne,
shouting
�Amen,
Hallelujah!�
Since
the
Bible
closes
with
the
last
word
being
Amen,
it
surely
is
appropriate
for
us
to
use
it
in
praise
and
agreement
with
the
tremendous
verities
of
the
Word
concerning
the
greatness
of
our
God.
PRAISE
IS
WHERE
GOD
LIVES.
In
Psalm
22:3
we
read,
�Yet
you
are
enthroned
as
the
Holy
One;
you
are
the
praise
of
Israel.�
�But
thou
art
holy,
O
thou
that
inhabitest
the
praises
of
Israel.�
In
other
words,
praise
is
where
God
lives.
It
is
his
permanent
address.
Praise
is
his
home
element.
He
is
at
home
in
praise.
He
is
�great
and
greatly
to
be
praised�
(Ps
48:1)
This
settles
one
of
the
vast
mysteries
which
accompany
praise.
Why
is
it
that
when
we
praise
the
Lord
things
change
so
rapidly?
Why
does
healing
come
on
wings
of
praise?
Why
do
human
emotions
undergo
such
transition
when
praise
is
the
choice?
How
are
we
to
account
for
those
things
which
accompany
praise?
The
simple
answer
is:
While
God
is
everywhere,
he
is
not
everywhere
manifested.
He
is
at
home
in
praise
and,
being
at
home,
he
manifests
himself
best
as
God!
When
you
or I
choose
to
make
God
at
home
through
praise,
we
invite
him
to
act
�at
home�.
When
God
is
�at
home�
in
praise
he
does
what
he
wants
to
do.
God
has
an
affinity
for
praise.
He
is
enthroned
and
liberated
to
act
mightily
in
praise.
PRAISE,
WITH
THANKSGIVING,
IS
THE
ONLY
ACCESS
INTO
THE
PRESENCE
OF
GOD
The
Psalmist
suggests
in
Psalm
100:4
�Enter
his
gates
with
Thanksgiving
and
his
courts
with
praise.�
Since
praise
is
God�s
home
element
and
he
dwells
in
praises,
as
we
praise
we
are
visiting
his
presence,
standing
in
his
courts.
Just
as
there
was
a
gate
into
the
tabernacle,
there
is a
gate
into
the
worship
experience
whether
private
and
personal
or
public
and
corporate.
How
often
we
mistakenly
dart
into
the
experience
of
supposed
worship
and
prayer
without
praise.
This
is
like
someone
seeking
to
crash
through
the
fence
into
the
courtyard
of
the
tabernacle.
We
had
best
use
the
gate!
That
gate
is
thanksgiving,
and
it
ushers
us
into
the
mid-court
of
God�s
glorious
presence.
That
worship
experience
which
is
begun
by
or
prefaced
with
praise
will
consummate
in
glad
fellowship
with
Holy
God
who
not
only
dwells
in
but
is
approached
by
the
praises
of
his
people.
PRAISE
IS A
DIVIDEND
WHICH
GOD
RECEIVES
AS A
RESULT
OF
DELIVERING
AND
BLESSING
US
In
Psalms
106:47
the
Psalmist
requests,
�Save
us,
O
Lord
our
God,
and
gather
us
from
the
nations,
THAT
WE
MAY
GIVE
THANKS
TO
YOUR
HOLY
NAME,
AND
GLORY
IN
YOUR
PRAISE�.
Thanksgiving
and
praise
were
looked
upon
as
the
bases
of
and
the
results
of
deliverance.
In
Psalms
30:11-12
again
he
says,
�You
turned
my
wailing
into
dancing;
you
removed
my
sackcloth
and
clothed
me
with
joy,
THAT
MY
HEART
MAY
SING
TO
YOU
AND
NOT
BE
SILENT�.
Again
the
purpose
behind
deliverance
and
salvation
was
praise.
In
essence,
then,
praise
is
God�s
reward
for
saving
us.
It
is a
blessing
to
God.
One
of
the
words
for
praise
is
barak
which
means
�to
bless�.
It
is
used
synonymously
with
praise.
In 1
Chronicles
29:10
David
blessed
the
Lord
in
the
midst
of
the
congregation.
In
Psalm
103
he
says,
�Bless
the
Lord
O my
soul.�
The
New
International
Version
translates
the
word
bless
as
praise.
God
is
blessed
through
praise.
PRAISE
IS A
GOD-GIVEN
GARMENT
TO
WARD
OFF
THE
SPIRIT
OF
HEAVINESS
In
the
Messianic
declaration
of
Isaiah
61:1-3
we
witness,
�The
Spirit
of
the
Sovereign
Lord
is
upon
me,
because
the
Lord
has
anointed
me
to
preach
good
news
to
the
poor.
He
has
sent
me
to
bind
up
the
brokenhearted,
to
proclaim
freedom
for
the
captives,
and
release
for
the
prisoners,
to
proclaim
the
year
of
the
Lord�s
favor,
and
the
day
of
vengeance
of
our
God,
to
comfort
all
who
mourn,
and
provide
for
those
who
grieve
in
Zion��to
bestow
on
them
a
crown
of
beauty
instead
of
ashes,
the
oil
of
gladness
instead
of
mourning,
AND
A
GARMENT
OF
PRAISE
INSTEAD
OF A
SPIRIT
OF
DESPAIR�.
No
exercise
or
medicine
will
cure
the
ill
of
discouragement
like
praise.
Depression
and
praise
cannot
long
live
in
the
same
heart.
They
are
absolutely
incompatible
roommates!!
If I
am
to
take
this
literally,
I am
to
assume
comfortably
that
there
is a
spirit
of
despair
or
depression-
or
many!
Nothing
terrifies
the
devil
and
his
demons
like
praise.
Praise
brings
the
consciousness
of
the
effectively
market
their
wares
in
an
atmosphere
of
praise.
Since
it
is a
garment,
we
can
make
a
choice
to
put
it
on
as
we
do a
shirt,
a
blouse,
or a
coat.
The
constant
wearing
of
it
will
ward
off
the
spirits
of
depression,
discouragement,
and
despair.
PRAISE
OR
THE
LACK
OF
IT
PERMITS
OR
PROHIBITS
THE
PRODUCTIVITY
OF
THE
EARTH
Being
a
law
written
into
the
very
structure
of
the
created
universe
it
stands
to
reason
that
praise
should
greatly
affect
that
created
universe.
God
desires
to
bless
all
people
but
cannot
to
his
fullest
desire
and
intention
do
that
until
the
people
praise
his
name.
Praise
releases
God
to
work
in
his
creation
for
maximum
productivity.
This
is
more
than
implied
in
Psalm
47:
5-7,
�May
the
peoples
praise
you,
O
God;
may
all
the
peoples
praise
you.
THEN
THE
LAND
WILL
YIELD
ITS
HARVEST,
AND
GOD,
EVEN
OUR
GOD,
WILL
BLESS
US,
GOD
WILL
BLESS
US,
AND
ALL
THE
ENDS
OF
THE
EARTH
WILL
FEAR
HIM�.
It
is
more
than
a
borrowed
adage
to
say,
�Things
go
better
with
Praise!�
The
absence
of
praise
permits
an
atmosphere
in
which
all
sorts
of
germs
foreign
to
spiritual
health
are
allowed
to
proliferate.
Productivity
is
stifled.
Fulfillment
is
limited.
Man
is
frustrated.
God
is
grieved.
When
we
praise,
productivity
is
maximized,
fulfillment
is
realized,
and
frustration
is
neutralized.
The
presence
or
absence
of
praise
is
pivotal
in
any
situation.
PRAISE
GLORIFIES
GOD
AND
IS
THE
PREFACE
TO
HIS
MIRACULOUS
DELIVERANCE
There
are
at
least
three
choice
illustrations
of
this
wonderful
fact
in
the
Scriptures.
But
first
the
text
supporting
the
claim:
�He
who
sacrifices
the
thank
offerings
honors
me,
and
he
prepares
the
way
so
that
I
may
show
him
the
salvation
of
God�
(Ps
50:23).
We
have
already
referred
to
the
first
such
illustration
in 2
Chron.
20.
When
Jehosaphat
was
informed
that
a
coalition
of
enemy
armies
was
advancing
toward
the
palace
in
such
numbers
that
there
was
no
possibility
of
surviving
their
attack,
he
turned
to
the
Lord
whose
face
he
sought
daily.
God�s
answer
came
quickly
through
the
prophet,
�Do
not
be
afraid
or
discouraged
because
of
this
vast
army.
For
the
battle
is
not
yours,
but
God�s.�
(2
Chron.
20:19)
The
result
was
that
they
advanced
toward
that
army
with
the
sole
weapon
of
praise,
a
one-line
chorus
singing,
�Give
thanks
to
the
Lord,
for
his
love
endures
forever.�
The
word
is
yaddah
in
Hebrew
which
means
to
give
thanks
with
hands
extended.
Thus
they
went
into
�battle�.
They
arrived
at
the
expected
battlefront
to
find
their
nemeses,
the
gigantic
coalition
of
armies,
dead
on
the
field.
Praise
both
prepared
the
way
and
implemented
deliverance.
The
second
illustration
comes
to
us
from
Jonah
2:9
when,
from
within
the
belly
of
the
whale,
Jonah
is
quoted
as
saying,
�But
I,
with
a
song
of
thanksgiving,
will
sacrifice
to
you.
What
I
have
vowed
I
will
make
good.
Salvation
comes
from
the
Lord.�
At
this
precise
point
God
commanded
that
fish
to
unload
its
passenger
immediately,
and
it
promptly
vomited
Jonah
onto
dry
land.
Praise
was
the
preface
to
deliverance
and
blessing
from
the
Lord.
The
third
illustration
comes
from
the
life
of
Paul.
Paul
with
Silas
and
other
prisoners
were
incarcerated
in
the
Philippian
jail.
In
fact,
they
were
in
stocks,
not
a
good
position
to
get
a
good
nights
rest!
Acts
16:25
reports
that
at
midnight
Paul
and
Silas
were
praying
and
singing
hymns
to
God.
Again
it
happened!
There
was
a
violent
earthquake,
and
the
foundations
of
the
prison
were
shaken.
The
doors
flew
open,
and
every
prisoner�s
chains
fell
off.
Before
the
next
day
broke,
the
jailer
and
his
family
were
prisoners
of
Jesus
Christ!
As
daylight
came
the
magistrates
ordered
Paul
and
Silas
be
released
and
bade
to
go
in
peace.
So
confident
was
Paul
of
his
position
and
rights
that
he
refused
to
be
released
in
such
a
manner
and
would
settle
for
nothing
less
than
the
magistrates
themselves
coming
to
escort
their
release.
And
so
it
was
-----because
men
sang
praises
and
prayed.
PRAISE
IN
THE
BELIEVERS
ARSENAL
IS
THE
CHIEF
WEAPON
AGAINST
THE
ENEMY
This
is
one
of
the
most
intriguing
mysteries
of
praise.
There
are
two
great
windows
of
scripture
that
give
us a
view
into
this
mystery.
One
is
Psalm
8:2,
�From
the
children
and
infants
you
have
ordained
praise
because
of
your
enemies,
to
silence
the
foe
and
the
avenger.�
The
word
for
praise
here
is
translated
in
the
King
James
strength.
When
Jesus,
however,
quotes
this
passage
in
Matthew
21:16
he
uses
the
word
�praise�.
Interestingly
enough,
this
is
not
the
only
time
praise
and
strength
are
used
interchangeably.
The
truth
is
that
praise
is
strength
and
strength
is
praise.
From
the
simple,
the
toddlers
and
babes,
God
appoints
praise
because,
in
its
essence,
it
stops
the
enemy
dead
in
his
tracks!
Neither
the
devil
nor
his
demons
can
offer
any
protest
after
praise.
They
are
hushed.
Mystery
of
Mysteries!!!
Why
is
the
devil
stopped
dead
by
praise?
Why
is
it
that
the
demons
are
so
devastated
by
praise?
I
don�t
know
the
answer
to
these
questions
perfectly,
but
I am
going
to
advance
a
theory.
This
theory
admittedly
unfounded
by
written
truth
in
the
Bible
but
is
worthy
of
consideration.
I
believe
that
the
devil
as
Lucifer
may
have
been
in
his
original
state
the
praise
leader
of
heaven.
Somehow
pride
and
egotism
bested
him,
and
he
mistakenly
surmised
that
the
possibility
of
being
greater
than
God
was
worth
the
risk
of
giving
up
the
high
privilege
of
praising
God.
So
he
created
a
rebellion
among
the
angels
and
sought
to
dethrone
God
himself.
How
tragically
mistaken
he
was,
and
he
has
lived
ever
since,
and
his
demons,
in
malignant
regret
and
bitterness.
The
demons,
in
that
dark
world
the
devil
commands,
followed
him
in
that
aborted
rebellion
and
were
remanded
to
his
miserable
custody.
All
of
them,
devil
and
demons
alike,
live
in
unrequited
regret-miserable,
angry,
and
spiteful
in
their
plight.
Their
only
temporary
relief
is
found
in
inflicting
like
misery
on
human
beings
in
God�s
family
or
prospects
for
his
family.
Praise,
the
continuing
exercise
of
heaven,
is
clearly
etched
into
the
memory
of
the
devil
and
every
other
fallen
angel.
The
memory
of
the
aborted
revolution,
in
which
they
all
lost
their
lofty
positions,
is
haunting
and
all
too
clear
in
their
minds.
They,
as
few
in
the
universe,
know
the
power,
joys,
and
delights
of
praise.
When
they
hear
biblical
praises
they
are
driven
to
panic.
They
are
irritated
and
devastated.
I
have
a
suspicion
that
they
turn
on
each
other
in
malignant
hatred.
There
ranks
are
broken.
Like
metal
scratching
glass
is
the
sound
of
praises
to
them.
Much
like
the
jailed
accomplices
hate
one
another,
the
demons
despise
one
another
because
of
their
stupidity
in
cooperating
with
the
devil
in
bringing
them
to
their
hated
end.
They
scream
against
the
praised
and
the
praisers
seeking
by
hook
or
crook
to
silence
the
adorations
of a
God
they
hate.
Their
influence
is
neutralized
and
their
lies
are
exposed
by
praise.
Praise
puts
them
to
flight!
Psalm
149:4-9
�For
the
Lord
takes
delight
in
his
people;
he
crowns
the
humble
with
salvation.
Let
the
saints
rejoice
in
his
honor
[praise]
and
sing
for
joy
on
their
beds,
May
the
praise
of
God
be
in
their
mouths
and
a
double
edged
sword
in
their
hands��..{What
is
unusual
and
astounding
here
is
the
manifold
purpose
of
the
combined
praises
and
the
word
of
truth.
Now
listen
to
the
remainder
of
the
passage.}��..to
inflict
vengeance
on
the
nations
and
punishment
on
the
people,
to
bind
their
kings
with
fetters
their
nobles
with
shackles
of
iron,
to
carry
out
the
sentence
written
against
them.
THIS
IS
THE
GLORY
OF
ALL
HIS
SAINTS.
PRAISE
THE
LORD.�
Now
read
the
passage
again
in
its
entirety-----now!
Praise
has
historic
and
international
proportions.
It
influences
nations,
kings,
people,
and
princes.
When
combined
with
the
Word
of
God,
it
speeds
justice
and
carries
out
just
sentences.
It
mediates
for
God
in
applying
divinely-instituted
decrees
over
the
hordes
of
wickedness.
Their
sentences
already
written
and
waiting
to
be
carried
out
through
the
implementation
of
praise.
The
devil,
demons,
and
all
evils
which
have
resulted
from
their
devious
and
destructive
work
have
a
divine
sentence
written
against
them,
Jesus
promised
that
a
part
of
the
work
of
the
Holy
Spirit
would
be
to
convict
the
world
of
judgment,
because,
said
he,
�The
prince
of
this
world
now
stands
condemned�
(
John
16:11).
The
devil
and
his
abominable
accomplices,
along
with
their
labor
and
results,
are
sentenced
by
the
divine
court
of
jurisprudence.
We,
the
saints
of
the
Most
High
God,
have
the
privilege
of
implementing
this
justice
now
on
earth
through
the
means
of
praise.
Understood?
NO!
Believed?
Yes!
[top]
Praise
As A
Process
Nowhere
in
the
scriptures
are
the
procedures
of
praise
more
clear
than
in 2
Chronicles
20.
You
should
stop
right
here
and
reread
that
story.
Now!!!!
I
mean
it.
Stop
here
and
reread
2
Chronicles
20.
So
vital
is
our
Scripture
text
in 2
Chronicles
20
that
no
study
on
Praise
and
Worship
can
ignore
the
passage..
It
provides
a
living
lesson
on
the
power
of
perpetual
praise.
It
is a
prime
text
on
the
sacrifice
of
praise.
That
exercise
which
is
forced
to
go
against
visibilities
and
opinions
to
sacrifice
a
point
of
view.
But
for
the
purposes
here
we
will
observe
it
in
the
light
of
the
processes
by
which
praise
works.
The
background
is a
crisis
of
such
proportion
that
there
is
absolutely
no
human
alternative
to
despair
and
defeat.
In
other
words,
everything
was
simply
in a
mess.
That
should
not
be
too
shocking,
however,
because
Jesus
warned
us
in
John
16:33,
�In
this
world
you
will
have
trouble.
But
take
heart!
I
have
overcome
the
world.�
GETTING
ACQUAINTED
WITH
JEHOSHAPHAT
The
principal
in
this
episode
deserves
our
close
observation.
We
will
greatly
benefit
from
our
closer
acquaintance
with
him.
Jehoshaphat
was
king
of
Judah,
the
tribe
whose
name
meant
�praise
the
Lord.�
The
Lord
was
with
him
because
in
his
early
years
he
walked
in
the
ways
of
David.
He
refused
to
consult
with
the
followers
of
Baal,
thus
the
Lord
established
the
kingdom
under
his
control.
He
sent
teachers
throughout
the
kingdom
to
teach
the
Book
of
the
Law.
Such
was
the
blessing
of
God
upon
his
reign
that
neighboring
kingdoms
dared
not
attack
but
instead
brought
tribute
to
Judah
and
Jehoshaphat.
At
the
peak
of
his
greatness
with
wealth
and
honor
among
the
nations,
Jehoshaphat
allied
himself
with
wicked
King
Ahab
by
marriage.
Jehoshaphat
hedged
his
bets
and
obtained
political
insurance;
therefore
no
longer
depending
on
God
for
protection.
That
mistaken
alliance
subjected
him
to
the
conditions
which
precipitated
the
crisis
of
our
text.
Ahab
was
king
of
Israel.
He
immediately
asked
Jehoshaphat
to
join
him
in
attacking
Ramoth
Gilead.
All
the
prophets
of
Israel
and
the
priests
of
Baal
agreed
that
the
battle
should
be
fought.
They
prophesied
total
victory.
Zedekiah,
son
of
Kenaanah,
joined
in
their
ill-fated
prophecies.
Only
the
faithful
prophet,
Micaiah,
predicted
that
the
battle
would
go
against
them.
His
punishment
for
telling
the
truth
was
a
prison
cell
with
bread
and
water
as
his
fare.
Ahab
never
returned
from
that
battle;
he
was
the
victim
of a
nameless,
aimless
bowman.
Jehoshaphat
was
spared
because
he
entered
the
battle
in
disguise,
and
no
one
recognized
him
as
the
king
of
Judah.
Upon
the
return
of
Jehoshaphat
to
his
palace,
he
was
informed
by
Jehu
that
he
had
made
a
tragic
mistake
by
helping
the
wicked
and
in
loving
those
who
hated
God.
After
a
stern
reprimand,
Jehu
said,
�There
is,
however,
some
good
in
you,
for
you
rid
the
land
of
Asherah
poles
and
set
your
heart
on
seeking
God�
(2Chronicles
19:3).
With
a
severe
lesson
learned
Jehoshaphat
seemed
to
turn
to
God
more
devotedly
that
ever
before.
He
appointed
judges
in
their
land
and
demanded
that
they
administer
justice
in
the
name
of
the
Lord.
He
reminded
them,
�Now
let
the
fear
of
the
Lord
be
upon
you.
Judge
carefully,
for
with
the
Lord
our
God
there
is
no
injustice
or
partiality
or
bribery.�
(2Chronicles
19:7)
In
the
capital
city,
Jerusalem,
he
appointed
priests
and
ordered
them
to
administer
the
Law
of
the
Lord
in
the
settling
of
all
disputes.
With
his
memory
clear,
he
reminded
them
that
if
they
sinned
against
the
Lord,
his
wrath
would
come
upon
them.
His
recovery
from
backsliding
seemed
to
be
complete.
His
advice
was,
�Act
with
courage,
and
may
the
Lord
be
with
those
who
do
well�
(2Chronicles
19:11).
At
this
time
the
peace
of
the
palace
was
broken
by
the
startling
news
that
a
vast
army
was
headed
for
the
capital
and
was
already
in
Hazazon
Tamer
(En
Gedi).
Immediately
Jehoshaphat
called
all
the
people
of
Judah
together.
As
they
gathered,
the
first
word
from
was
not
to
the
people
but
to
God.
That
word
is
recorded
in 2
Chronicles
20:6-12.
A
PRAYER
OF
PERSPECTIVE
We
are
observing
here
the
processes
of
praise,
and
this
prayer
is
all-important
in
that
observation.
We
see
first
a
reminder
of
God�s
exalted
position.
It
was
a
word
of
praise
to
the
great
God
of
heaven.
�O
Lord,
God
of
our
fathers,
are
you
not
the
God
who
is
in
heaven?
You
rule
over
all
the
Kingdoms
of
the
nations.
Power
and
might
are
in
your
hand,
and
no
one
can
withstand
you�(
v
6).
Now,
this
is a
word
of
praise,
pure
and
simple.
God
knew
that
every
word
Jehoshaphat
uttered
was
true.
It
was
no
more
true
after
he
uttered
it,
but
such
language
stills
the
turbulence
of
bothered
hearts
and
causes
faith
to
rise.
Then
there
was
a
recounting
of
God�s
efficient
performance
in
the
past.
�O
our
God,
did
you
not
drive
out
the
inhabitants
of
this
land
before
your
people
Israel
and
give
it
forever
to
the
descendants
of
Abraham
you
friend?�
(v
7).
God
had
a
perfect
record
in
the
past.
In
his
prayer
Jehoshaphat
indicated
he
believed
that
the
record
would
stand.
Finally,
there
was
reliance
upon
God�s
enabling
power.
�If
calamity
comes
upon
us,
whether
the
sword
of
judgment,
or
plague
or
famine,
we
will
stand
in
your
presence
before
this
temple
which
bears
your
Name
and
will
cry
out
to
you
in
our
distress,
and
you
will
hear
and
save
us�
(v
9).
STEPS
THROUGH
THE
MESS
First,
he
started
at
the
point
of
the
problem.
There
was
no
attempt
to
gloss
over
the
seriousness
of
the
problem.
There
was
no
compensation
and
no
rationalization.
He
faced
the
problem
squarely.
Reality
therapy
demands
that
we
do
the
same.
So
often
we
play
games
and
cover
up
the
fact
of a
crisis
with
an
attempt
to
succeed
at
some
lesser
point
to
distract
from
the
crisis
at
hand.
�But
now
here
are
men
from
Ammon,
Moab,
Mount
Seir,
whose
territory
you
would
not
allow
Israel
to
invade
when
they
came
from
Egypt;
so
they
turned
away
from
them
and
did
not
destroy
them.
See
how
they
are
repaying
us
by
coming
to
drive
us
out
of
the
possession
you
gave
us
as
an
inheritance�
(vv10-11).
The
problem
was
serious.
That
fact
was
plain
to
see.
It
would
have
been
a
waste
of
time
to
downplay
the
severity
of
the
situation.
So
you
are
in a
mess.
God
ahead
and
state
your
problem
to
God!
You
need
to
hear
how
serious
it
is.
Don�t
coat
it
over
with
superficial
slang.
Don�t
laugh
it
off.
Don�t
throw
a
pity
party.
State
the
problem
as
accurately
as
possible,
sparing
no
detail
for
sake
of
feeling.
You,
as
Jehoshaphat
was,
will
be
ready
for
the
next
significant
step.
Second,
he
ceased
all
trust
in
the
flesh.
This
is
so
vital
I
could
not
possibly
overstate
it.
The
flesh
so
often
prevents
us
from
looking
to
God
as
our
sole
resource.
Listen
to
Jehoshaphat�s
words:
�We
have
no
power
to
face
this
vast
army
that
is
attacking
us.
We
do
not
know
what
to
do�
(v
12).
There
was
a
confession
of
human
impotence
and
infirmity.
We
have
been
taught
by
our
theatrical
heroes
and
heroines
that
we
should
never
admit
weakness.
Mature
men
and
women
simply
don�t
do
that.
Hogwash!
The
child
who
assumes
this
philosophy
would
never
have
a
meaningful
relationship
with
parents,
and
the
believer
who
embraces
this
approach
will
ever
have
meaningful
relationship
with
God!
Praise
is
death-blow
to
the
flesh.
It
is a
denial
of
self-trust,
pride,
and
independence.
Each
of
us
should
memorize
this
prayer
of
Jehoshaphat
in
its
entirety,
placing
emphasis
on
the
line,
�We
have
no
power�..we
do
not
know
what
to
do!�
Third,
he
completely
concentrated
on
God.
It
is
not
only
important
to
cease
all
trust
in
the
powers
of
the
flesh;
it
is
vital
to
make
the
next
right
move.
The
last
words
of
the
prayer
of
Jehoshaphat
were,
�but
our
eyes
are
upon
you.�
This
is
the
mood
of
all
genuine
praise-concentration
on
God.
The
implication
of
such
a
mood
is
manifold
and
significant.
It
discounts
all
other
sources
of
hope
and
singles
out
God
alone.
It
fastens
the
gaze
upon
God
and
determines
to
wait
on
him
until�
the
next
action
or
word
will
come
from
under
such
waiting.
With
the
frank
admission
of
human
infirmity
and
ignorance
the
orientation
moved
solely
to
God.
The
severity
of
the
problem
was
clear;
the
frailty
of
their
humanity
was
fact.
But
now
all
eyes
were
upon
God.
If
we
look
at
our
problems
or
our
own
weaknesses
we
shall
all
soon
despair.
Not
so
with
preoccupation
with
God.
This
is
the
heart
of
praise-our
eyes
are
on
you,
our
GOD!
Praise
is
not
problem-centered.
Neither
is
praise
human-centered.
Praise
is
God-centered!
Fourth,
they
continued
before
God.
�All
the
men
of
Judah,
with
their
wives,
and
their
children,
and
their
little
ones,
stood
before
the
Lord.�
(2Chronicles
20:13).
This
is
always
a
necessary
part
of
the
process
which
brings
us
through
to
victory.
It
seems
to
be
the
least
tolerable
on
our
part.
There
is
something
in
all
of
us
which
to
be
foreign
to
waiting,
but
waiting
is
also
a
part
of
the
mood
of
praise.
While
we
wait
we
are
praising
God.
This
standing
before
God
is
always
a
time
of
meditation,
a
time
of
investigation,
a
time
of
cleansing,
and
a
time
of
consecration.
How
long
are
we
to
continue
before
God?
Until-
that�s
it�until!!
We
are
neither
to
light
our
own
fire
nor
to
manipulate
the
effects
of
our
own
causes.
We
are
to
wait
on
and
concentrate
on
God.
No
time
is
lost
in
such
an
endeavor.
Fifth,
he
confessed
the
truth
of
God.
Between
the
fourth
and
fifth
steps,
a
very
vital
occurrence
took
place.
They
heard
from
God.
Such
a
position
as
taken
by
Jehoshaphat
generally
brings
a
word
from
God..
Listen
to
the
message
they
received
from
God.
�Do
not
be
afraid
or
discouraged
because
of
this
vast
army.
For
the
battle
is
not
yours,
but
God�s�
(2
Chronicles
20:15).
God
then
proceeded
to
tell
them
exactly
where
the
enemy
would
be
as
they
advanced.
The
men
of
Judah
were
not
to
fight
but
only
assume
their
positions,
stand
firm,
and
see
the
salvation
of
the
Lord
God.
The
response
of
Jehoshaphat
and
the
people
was
to
�worship
and
praise
the
Lord
with
a
very
loud
voice�
(2Chronicles
20:19).
Jehoshaphat
then
made
an
important
confession
before
the
Lord
and
the
people
�Listen
to
me,
Judah
and
people
of
Jerusalem!
Have
faith
in
the
Lord
your
God
and
you
will
be
upheld;
have
faith
in
his
prophets
and
you
will
be
successful�(2Chronicles
20:20).
There
was
a
full
agreement
on
the
part
of
the
people
and
the
leadership
with
what
they
had
heard
from
God.
Their
praises
were
a
loud
�Amen�
to
the
words
of
God.
To
hear
the
word
of
the
Lord
is
one
matter;
to
heed
it
and
do
it
is
quite
another.
There
is a
remarkable
passage
of
Scripture
in
Hebrews
13:5-6,
�Keep
your
lives
free
from
the
love
of
money
and
be
content
with
what
you
have,
because
God
has
said,
�Never
will
I
leave
you;
never
will
I
forsake
you�
so
we
say
with
confidence,
�The
Lord
is
my
helper;
I
will
not
be
afraid.
What
can
man
do
to
me?��
Anything
that
God
has
said
we
may
boldly
receive
and
repeat.
God
has
said-therefore
we
may
say!
Say
what?
Anything-on
any
subject!
In
this
case
God
had
said,
�This
is
my
battle.
Don�t
be
afraid.
Take
your
position
and
watch
me
win
the
war!�
Their
rejoicing
was
a
sign
of
confession
that
the
word
of
God
was
surely
true.
They
did
precisely
that.
Sixth,
there
was
a
commitment
to
obey.
God
had
said,
�Go
up
to
face
them
tomorrow
and
God
will
be
with
you�
(2
Chronicles
20:17).
This
is
what
they
did.
Early
the
next
morning
they
left
for
the
desert
of
Tekoa.
At
this
time
Jehoshaphat
consulted
the
people
and
appointed
men
to
sing
to
the
Lord
on
the
Journey.
Thus
they
went
out
at
the
head
of
the
army,
singing
a
one-line
chorus:
�Give
thanks
to
(praise)
the
Lord,
for
his
love
endures
forever!�
Over
and
over
they
sang
that
line.
The
remarkably
significant
fact
about
this
is:
At
the
same
time
that
they
began
to
sing
and
Praise
the
Lord,
�The
Lord
set
ambushments
against
the
men
of
Ammon
and
Moab
and
Mount
Seir�
who
were
invading
Judah,
and
they
were
defeated.
Jehoshaphat
and
the
people
of
Judah
had
not
reached
the
battlefront,
but
their
praises
had
released
God
to
act;
and
with
suddenness
yet
deliberateness�.
God
acted!
The
result
was
that
the
men
from
Ammon
and
Moab
turned
on
the
men
from
Mount
Seir.
Then,
without
explanation,
the
Ammonites
and
the
Moabites
turned
upon
each
other
until
all
of
the
combined
armies
were
dead.
No
other
battle
to
compare
with
this
one
is
recorded
in
the
history
of
military
endeavor.
When
the
men
of
Judah
came
to
the
place
which
overlooks
the
desert
and
gazed
toward
the
vast
army,
all
they
saw
were
dead
bodies.
No
one
had
escaped.
Seventh,
they
collected
the
riches
from
the
crisis.
This
is
the
prize
of
praise.
Praise
does
more
than
enable
us
to
survive.
It
enables
us
to
thrive.
In
fact,
so
great
was
the
plunder
from
the
battle
which
the
Lord
had
fought�the
clothing,
the
equipment,
and
the
valuables�
that
it
took
three
days
to
collect
it.
God
had
turned
what
might
have
been
Judah�s
saddest
day
into
a
celebration
of
victory
and
the
taking
of
spoils
from
the
battle.
On
the
fourth
day,
after
the
three-day
period
of
collecting
the
spoils
of
war,
they
gathered
in
the
Valley
of
Beracah
(Blessing
Valley)
where
they
praised
the
Lord.
This
is
why
it
was
called
the
Valley
of
Beracah.
After
this,
Jehoshaphat
and
the
men
of
Judah
returned
to
Jerusalem
and
immediately
entered
the
Temple
with
harps,
lutes,
and
trumpets.
The
Bible
thoughtfully
reports
at
this
point,
�And
the
Kingdom
of
Jehoshaphat
was
at
peace,
for
his
God
had
given
him
rest
on
every
side.�
Thus
we
have
seven
steps
through
the
crisis.
It
worked
for
Jehoshaphat
and
it
will
work
for
us.
Praise
was
the
key!!!!!!!
Now
notice
that
praise
was
the
preface
to
the
process;
praises
pervaded
the
process;
and
praises
formed
the
postscript
to
the
process.
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