David said in Psalm 71 because God had been so good to him throughout his lifetime, he needed to praise Him forever. Charles Spurgeon, renowned theologian and preacher was known to say our praise of God must be expressed through worship, every day of our lives; not limited to Sunday morning during our corporate worship with others.

God loves for His people to praise him; to make it their life's goal. He loves for us to display (be open) with our love for Him! He wants our worship and praise in private as well as in the presence of others whenever possible. Not to make a spectacle of, or draw attention to us; but so others might know of His goodness through our praise.

Throughout the next 31 days you will have the opportunity to praise God in creative ways. Some will be easy for you. Others may challenge you and take you beyond your praise comfort zone. Some days you will be tempted to skip your praise time because you are too busy and other days you may sincerely forget to begin your day in such a manner. Once you have made praising God a part of your devotional practice, challenge yourself and come up with other ways to praise the Lord. Mix up the ones provided here. You may even want to invite others to praise the Lord with you. Ask the Lord to stretch you and fill you with praise; for He is truly worthy! 

Blessings on Your praise Adventure, Cheryl-Ann      

Have you considered how blessed you are if you

...Are part of the 25% of the population who has a bed to sleep on?

...Still have a job to go to, or a sense of purpose for your day

...Have season appropriate clothing

...Have enough (nutritious) food in your pantry or fridge to feed your family?

...Know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

...Are receiving, or have been privileged to have a sound education?

...Were raised in a home with one or even two loving and nurturing parents?

...Are surrounded by those who love you and support your dreams and aspirations?

...Live in a country that is not at war?

...Have plenty of water for drinking, bathing, and cooking?

Magnify Your Praise!

Add a colorful glass stone for each of the above that you can identify with as well as add an additional glass stone for others that come to mind.

Read Psalm 111 

Do you ever sing apart from Sunday worship? Not jsut hum a song or two, or sing along with the radio? But open a hymnal or songbook or put on your favorite music and praise the Lord by singing the songs of faith?

This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Today, sing your praise to the Lord. Take out an old (or new) Hymnal or Christian songbook, leaf through and stop at every song you know, or even don't ko so well, and sing it as best you can. (You can also go directly to those that have been your favorites through the years. Focus on the words of the hymn/songwriter; let them speak to your heart and encourage your faith. Do they preach of God's goodness? His faithfulness? His everlasting love?

Magnify Your Praise

Place a colorful glass stone in your blessing jar or box for every hymn or song you sing today!

Read Psalm 100

Did you know it is impossible for the Lord to withhold forgiveness from His children when we confess our sin to Him? Not because we deserve it. But because God is faithful to keep His promises. God will not reject you; no matter what you have done. He will not use your vulnerability against you.

Even if you cannot wrap your mind around such forgiveness or acceptance, stop for a moment and say "thank you" to your heavenly Father for wiping away all sin in your life and for receiving you just as you are. No matter what your past, no matter how recent your past is. God will never turn you away or scorn you! Jesus' scars bore all your shame on the cross of Calvary!

Magnify Your Praise

Do you know someone who could use these words of comfort and assurance? Can you share them with him or her today?

Read: Psalm 132

(Opt. Matthew 12:18-21)

Do you ever meditate on the goodness of the Lord? The many ways He provides for His children. Not with temporal possessions alone, but the spiritual, heavenly gifts?

As you study Psalm 103 let each gift of God become deeply embedded into your entire being.

Magnify Your Praise!

Think about: How you might praise God with your whole heart.

How can you "keep" His goodness before you all the time?

What sins (specific) have you been forgiven?

Any diseases (both physical and spiritual) you have been healed of

How He crowns you with love and tender mercy

Some of the "good things" He has placed in your life

How often He has renewed your energies when you have been depleted

Place a colorful glass stone for every praise point listed above point! 

Read: Psalm 103:1-6, 20-22

Is this a season saturated with tears? Are there difficulties in this life that almost seem too much to bear? Do you know Jesus cries with us; you and I? In our sorrows He also weeps!

While it can be challenging to praise the Lord during ourtrials or difficulty, when we remember our Savior, who not only cries with us, but identifies with our real emotions of fear, sorrow, joy, anger, disappointment, etc. Praise will tumble from our heart and lips naturally. Unlike the many gods people contrive, our God is not made of wood or stone; He is not emotionless or weak, but real and powerful!

Magnify Your Praise!

Can you share this message with someone who may be despairing or hurting from grief?

Read: Psalm 56

(Opt. John 11:33-36)   

Have you ever had a day so bad  you couldn't wait to end it so you could begin fresh the next day? No matter what occurred yesterday can you make today a new day on the Lord? What new mercies of the Lord's do you look forward to today?

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Today, praise God for the freshness of today and the newness of His grace and mercy as well. If yesterday was a particularly trying day, ask the Lord to purge your memory and praise Him for the newness of today!

Magnify Your Praise!

Challenge yourself today, or whenever you are overwhelmed about the past or the future. When you are tempted to think about yesterday's issues or become anxious about the future; think on God's current grace and mercy and let those be sufficient!

Read: Psalm 59:16-17

(opt. Lamentations 3:19-26)

Are you anxious about anything, even subconsciously? Are there any issues going on in your life that leave you uncertain? Does life seem out of control these days? If so...

Today is a good day to praise the Lord for His sovereignty. To remember He is mighty over ALL things! Not one situation in your life, or on your plate is outside His power. Praise Jesus and remember to call on Him for wisdom and guidance in all things.

Magnify Your Praise!

When others begin to speak about their fears or apprehensions about various issues, instead of joining in, tell why you are not overly concerned or unduly worried. God will give you the courage to speak out and glorify Him before others. 

Read: Psalm 46   

When is the last time you had a chance to enjoy the outdoors? Not just to get the mail or walk to your car, or run into the grocery, or to the bank, etc. but actually had a chance to feel God's breeze brush your cheek or stand in the open air without covering over head? Sit on the grass, etc. 

Today, no matter what the weather, spend some time (even if only a few moments) out doors! Look around you. What do you notice? Trees? Birds? Animal life? Men and women, children; formed but the Lord's own hand? Thank God for every aspect of his marvelous creation. Look up! Is God looking back at you?

Magnify Your Praise!

Place a praise stone in your blessing box for each art of creation that stands out today.

Read: Psalm 148

(Opt. Genesis 1)

Have you become paralyzed with a condition called chronic complaining? Has it become easier to raise the negative and speak about the little you cannot do anymore? Perhaps your mobility is not like it used to be. Maybe your hearing is not as sharp as it once was. Maybe your eyesight is dimming...So many things you could focus on which are diminishing... 

Instead, thank the Lord for everything you are (still) able to do! If your vision is still clear, thank Him! If your hearing isn't as sharp but you can still hear, thank Him! If you can still raise your arms or lift your legs, or bend your knees even a little, praise the Lord! If you are still of sound mind and able to think or reason; if you still have breath in your body that's a reason to praise the Lord and even if you are not the very same as you used to be and lots of things have changed in your life, find a reason to thank and praise the Lord. Once you get in the habit of doing that, the easier it will become and your chronic complaining will be cured! 

Magnify Your Praise!

The challenge? 1) Can you praise the Lord even if you can't accomplish any of the above? Can you thank Him for whatever you can do? 2) Can you find a loving way to remind others of this same thing when you are in earshot of their complaints? 

Read: Psalm 145

Have you ever danced before the LORD? Have you ever praised Him with your entire body and being? Have you ever let yourself "go" and not worried about how you might appear to others in public worship?

Today, take out your favorite praise and worship CD and praise the Lord through dance. You can use basic movements if you are new at dancing before the Lord: Lifting your hands and arms. Bowing your knees, turning, lying prostrate on the floor, clapping, etc, as the Spirit directs you. Let yourself go and simply dance your praise today!

Do not stop dancing just because someone should come into the room!!! Don't worry about what you might look like, or what they may be thinking. Just dance until the Holy Spirit releases you. Remember, God is pleased with your movement for Him!

Read: Psalm 84

(Opt. 2 Samuel 6:1-5)

Are you blessed to have loyal family or friends? When is the last time you expressed your appreciation for their presence in your life? If you could express your appreciation with an act of kindness, to even one family member or friend, what would you do?

Today, as you praise God for all the attributes He displays that are qualities you look for in faithful family and friends, remember those in your life who also display these same traits. Deposit one stone in your Blessing Box for every characteristic of the Lord that speaks of His faithfulness, as well as one for each way you have been blessed by them. 

Magnify your Praise!

Do something special for a supportive family member or loyal friend. If possible, make your gift one of time or do something that cannot be purchased with money!  

Read: Psalm 68:5-6; Psalm 133

Do you have any enemies (that you are aware of?) Have you come to the place where you can pray blessings and success for your enemies as Jesus spoke of throughout the Gospels?

Today, thank God for the people in your life that cause chaos, distress, or trouble for you or those you care deeply about. That's right! thank the Lord for all the times their troubling or deceptive or wicked behavior has caused you to seek the Lord's comfort, guidance, patience or strength.

Magnify your Praise!

Can you bless your enemy today? Either with a prayer of blessing or with a small gift? If you have difficulty with either one of these, imagine how God feels when He blesses you, though you don't deserve it? If you can manage to do either, or even both, add one to two extra praise stones into your Blessing box

What are you ordinarily doing when the sun comes up in the morning (sleeping, getting ready for work, helping a family member or children prepare for their day, etc)? When it sets in the evening (relaxing, watching television, catching up on the day's events, combing through your social media sites)? When is the last time you witnessed God's majesty in what seems to be commonplace and uneventful for many?  

Today, praise God while watching either the sunrise or the sunset. Thank Him for beginnings and endings that tallow us to have closure or more forward as well. Thank Him for being our alpha and Omega! 

Magnify Your Praise!

Place ten stones in your Blessing Box today simply because of the Lord's incomparable greatness!

When you are experiencing times of testing or trial do you ever doubt the Lord's love for you? Are you aware that nothing on earth or in heaven can separate you from the love of God? Is your sense of the Lord's love for you so deeply rooted that the very thought of being filled and covered with it causes you to praise him?

God's love for his people is set, not in stone, but in the cross of Jesus Christ. If you are uncertain, read our passage for today and claim that love immediately! Then, praise the Lord for His unconditional, unquenchable love that will not let you go!

Magnify Your Praise!

If the thought of being loved by the Lord delights you, why not share that with someone else today? Deposit a stone for every attribute or characteristic of our heavenly Father you can think of using the acronym L.O.V.E.

What creative traits have you inherited from your Father in heaven? Many people say they don't have a "creative bone" in their body; but that's not possible. Sometimes our creativity is just lying dormant until it's unleashed, awakened, or we discover the right medium!

Grab a handful of colored pencils or markers, a box of crayons or set of paints and a pad of paper and find a quiet spot to color your praise today. Draw or paint a picture that reflects your gratitude to the Lord or depicts an aspect of His character or part of His creation. There is no limit to the ways you can draw your praise. Using Scripture can be a wonderful prompter and bring inspiring visuals to mind. Let the child in you direct your praise today.

Magnify Your Praise!

Display your finished piece of art in a place where it can be seen. Don't hide it away in a drawer or cover it up and don't be so critical about the details; whether it came out exactly like what you were drawing... etc. Explain your drawing to those who notice it. 

Read: Psalm 8

(Opt. Genesis 1:26-27)

Are you familiar with the word "Selah"? (Some Bible translations use the word interlude). In the Psalms the word Selah means to "Repeat, pause or reflect." Sometimes the Israelites marked this with a loud clash from the cymbals, to draw attention to what had just been read or chanted. 

Magnify Your Praise:

Has there been a way of praise that touched your heart deeply or (re)awakened your spirit to the goodness of the Lord that you took great delight in? Choose one of the activities from days 1-15 and Selah (repeat it!)

Read: Psalm 118:1-4  

Do you know or remember what it's like to get a hand-written note, especially a beautifully expressed note of thanks and appreciation? When is the last time you sent one to someone who did something special for you?

Today, write a "thank you" no to God for whatever the Holy Spirit places on your heart. Has the Lord given you victory over some battle? Is He giving you strength to get through a difficulty you know you could not handle on your own? Do you possess a special gift or talent from the Holy Spirit? Hopefully you will run out of paper before you run out of praise and thanks! (You can purchase your card in a local shop or better yet, create your own!)

Magnify Your Praise!

Place your card in a visible or prominate place where you can be reminded or others can see it. When asked about it, give your witness about who you wrote and why. Deposit a stone for every point of praise.

Read: Psalm 107

(If necessary, read this Psalm in small bits throughout the day)  

Customers have questions, you have answers. Display the most frequently asked questions, so everybody benefits.

There is a line in a song that goes, "If God has been so good to you, praise Him!" 

Has God been good to you? Then praise Him! 

Today, revisit Psalm 103 to praise the Lord. Read verses 7-18 for reflection and praise. As you remember the truth of God's goodness and generosity toward His people; give Him thanks and praise; lingering on those characteristics which are especially meaningful to you and your life's journey. Add a colorful stone for every way you have known your heavenly Father to be.

Magnify Your Praise:

Memorize one verse from this Psalm that you can take wit hyou to think on throughout the day.

Read: Psalm 107:7-18

(Opt. entire psalm)

The chorus of one worship song says, "I can only imagine..." Do you ever imagine what it will be like when you finally see Jesus face to face? Will you, as the song says, shout hallelujah? Or will you dance before the Lord? Will you bow down? Will you fall to your knees? Will you be so overwhelmed that you won't be able to stand at all? We can only imagine!

Magnify Your Praise!

Truly, we can only imagine! Although we cannot experience the worship of Heaven until we are finally home, we can begin to train our hearts for worship and enjoy the presence of our King by praising Him, freely and fully on earth. Today, choose your setting and your praise and worship prompters. Maybe you'll be led by the Spirit to a place out of doors, or a favorite chapel or church sanctuary. Maybe it will be in your basement or kitchen! Turn on your music, read God's word, let your heart and mind soar heavenward and let your praise flow!

Read: Psalm 9:1-2, 7-14

Do you worship with those who love singing "new" songs to the Lord. Do you ever grow weary of the same season, year after year? It is said that Isaac Watts grew so tired of singing the same old songs he complained to his father one Sunday as they rode home from church; his father responded that if he was so tired of the old, he should write some new ones. And that is exactly what Isaac did!

Magnify Your Praise!

Today, sing a new song of praise to the Lord. It can be new words set to a tune you know well, or perhaps it will be familiar lyrics set to new music. However you feel led is wat you should do. Do not worry about someone hearing you, do not become self-aware and hold back. Belt it out It does not have to rhyme or be perfect in meter, etc. The best song may be the one that comes spontaneously, new in every way!

Teach your "new" song to your small group, choir or church so they can sing it as well!

Read: Psalm 96

Have you enjoyed an intentional day apart from your normal routine and hustle bustle of the world just to be with the Lord?

Today, retreat to a place that can serve as your sanctuary or retreat (a favorite park or bench beside the riverbank, perhaps a chapel in a local church). Pack a bag with your hymnal or songbook, a Bible, praise book, journal, etc. Maybe even a lunch or snack! And plan to spend some time apart in praise and prayer (30 minutes, a morning or afternoon, even the entire day!) spending time alone with the Lord can help deepen our level of intimacy with Him.

Mgnify Your Praise:

Invite a friend to share this special time away with you; respecting one another's need for quiet and coming together for prayer, praise and reflection!

Read: Psalm 127

(Opt. Mark 1:35-36)

How great is our God! How magnificent and worthy to be praised! Have you ever raised your way through the alphabet, beginning with the letter "A" and going through to the letter "Z"

Beginning with the letter "A" say or write an attribute or characteristic of God and go as far as you can in the alphabet. See if you can make it to the letter "Z". If you can't find one to match a letter try again next month to make it through the entire alphabet. Deposit a praise stone for every attribute, name or characteristic you can recall!

Magnify Your Praise!

Make a collage of the words you come up with, frame them and place your praise picture in a place you will be reminded of the goodness of God.

Read: Psalm 104

(opt. Revelation 22:12-13)  

Customers have questions, you have answers. Display the most frequently asked questions, so everybody benefits.

If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service.

Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.

Did you enjoy your 31 days o praise? Will you challenge yourself to do it again? Or even make it your life's habit? Will you ask the Lord to give you a spirit of praise so your heart overflows with praise for Him?