Praise and Worship
This devotional was written by Jim Burns
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word 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 until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory. —Ephesians 1:3-14
When we praise the Lord, we unleash the Spirit of God to do awesome acts of power. Here are a few reasons why my heart is filled with praise and worship to the King of Kings today. How about you?
Praise God for the beauty of his creation (Psalm 19).
Praise God for the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).
Praise God for the blood of Christ for our redemption (Revelation 5:9).
Praise God for healing the broken-hearted (Psalm 147:3).
Praise God for his birth: Emmanuel (Luke 2).
Praise God for his life on earth (John 13:15-17).
Praise God for the cross and sacrificial love (Romans 5:8).
Praise God for his mighty acts of power (Deuteronomy 3:24).
Praise God for his surpassing greatness (Psalm 150:2).
Praise God for his Word (1 Peter 1:24-25).
Even in the reading of these words, we are reminded that the language of praise fills us with joy and gratitude, and brings the power of God's Holy Spirit into our life.
GOING DEEPER:
- Make your own list of reasons why you are filled with praise today. There are hundreds of reasons. Try to add to the list from today's devotional.
- Reread Ephesians 1:3-14. List the several reasons why the writer of Ephesians could offer so much praise to God.
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 134
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