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

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?