Subscription Lists
God's Words For US
by Cecelia Lester
“Whatever is admirable. . .”
When children are young they can say things that endear them to us. Some of those cute thoughts become family lore and parents remember those words and bring them up as ways to look back fondly onto past events.
When we teach our children new things, we have to praise them for their attempts to learn. Some people have never received praise for anything they tried to do.
When I was growing up I was clumsy; I am still not coordinated. It took me a long time to learn how to roller skate. Also, I had a hard time mastering a bicycle. When I finally managed to stay upright on the two-wheeler, I don’t know who was happier-me or my parents or the neighbors. I might have been better at learning more quickly if all of those around me had been a bit more patient with me.
When we hear something we like from an adult we try to remember it. How many of us hear cute little jokes and try to tell them to others. Then, how many of us hear stories, jokes or expressions that we choose to forget?
When we read God’s Word, we take into our hearts and minds thoughts that are praiseworthy. God’s words are always a source of praise.
Do we, as His children, speak words that are worthy of praise? We should. We need to guard our hearts and our mouths from unseemly words. As I have stated before, what comes out of our mouth is the overflow of our heart.(Matthew 12:34-NIV)
What do we do when we praise God? Several years ago, I heard a radio program where the children of the speakers said, “Praise is giving God a compliment.” Later in my walk with Jesus, I learned that praise is a form of giving thanks. When we have a time of “praise” in our worship service, some people start out by saying. “I want to thank God for. . . .”
Sometimes, we have to praise God when we are in circumstances that aren't praiseworthy at all. We praise Him because we feel His presence and we know He will guide us, through the problem, into the place He has for us.
What can we speak praiseworthy words for? When we hear the birds in the morning, when we get ourselves up and begin to move around, as we finish work on a project, for the sunshine or the rain, for the company of our spouses or our children, for the beauty of the season, for the Christian authors and for the ability to have their works in our homes.
If we have a problem finding something in our lives for which to speak praise, we can read the Psalms. The book of Psalms contains a host of instances of praise to God.
Dear God;
Thank You for guiding us through our difficult times and giving us actions worthy of praise. We do these deeds and say these things because of our great love for you. Help us always to live in a way to bring praise to our lips. We will be sure to give you the glory. We ask this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Rate it:
Cecelia Lester has been serious about her writing for over two decades..
She composes Christian essays and posts them to her blog quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/
She has served in a faith-based organization, Grace In Action by writing two newsletters and searching for possible grants.
In July 2017, she published her first book, 'Times of Trouble Bring Rays of Joy.'
She and her husband of 54 years live in central Indiana. They have one grown son.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "God's Words For US" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.