Praise

29 Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.
Matthew 15:29-31


There is something deep in side of my heart of hearts that resonates with praise of accomplishments and successes and overcoming unthinkable odds to live out a life of excellence and honor for the Glory of the awesome God that we serve. Last night Paula and I had an opportunity to go to an excellent opera performance in the city of Charlotte where we live and although the show was incredibly done, my favorite part of the whole evening was the standing ovation at the end when the lead performers were applauded and cheered on for a job well done. As I ponder this soft spot in my soul this morning, I am convinced that we as God’s children who were made in His image were created to praise Him and to live out a life of praise by letting the redeeming glorious and amazing Spirit of Jesus who lives inside of all who believe live through us as we strive to live as Jesus lived and to love as Jesus loved. Our God deserves to be praised this morning just like He was praised so long ago by the people of Israel that He touched as His excellence and beauty and healing touch can be seen so much in the world around you. Have a look at the world around you today with the eyes of your heart and you will see the One who deserves all of your praise.