Sunday’s Focus: Boast about what the Lord has done and is doing in your life

Psalms 34:1-3 I will bless the LORD at all times. His praise will always be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall boast in the LORD. The humble shall hear of it, and be glad. 3 Oh magnify the LORD with me. Let us exalt his name together. (NHEB)

How is it possible for a human to ‘bless the Lord’? The Hebrew word barak (baw-rak’) implies ‘to bless’ is an act of deep love and respect. Some of the newer translations use praise, honor or thank instead of the word bless. English translations / revisions that predate the 1611 Authorized King James such as the Geneva, the Great Bible, Matthew and Coverdale use ” I will always give thanks unto the Lord:”

-It is likely that the King James revisers followed the Wycliffe, Bishop’s and The Vulgate {note: it is 33:2 in this translation} interpreting of the word ‘barak’. Whatever we do when it relates to God—bless, praise, honor or give thanks—should be done from our heart in respect to God as the Supreme Being. [1 Samuel 21:10–15]

Psalms 34 is one of my favorite Bible passages; it is full of action and so motivating. ‘Praise‘ – To worship in words or song; to do honor to; to show the excellence of God [from the Hebrew תְּהִלָּה thillah]. ‘Boast in the Lord‘ – to make a show or celebrate [from the Hebrew הָלַל halal]. ‘Magnify the Lord‘ – tell of (proclaim) the Lord’s greatness [from the Hebrew גָּדַל gadal]. ‘Exalt‘ – to lift up; be high actively [from the Hebrew רוּם ruwm]. Now let’s boast about what the Lord has done and is doing in your life! Be blessed – ♥

Daily Word Focus: Praise

Psalms 106:1-3 Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all his praise? 3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. (KJV)

Why praise and give thanks to the Lord? If you have to ask, consider the following.

• Do you have a favorite sports team and find that you get excited when they score or win? If you are a child of God you are on the winning team, we can celebrate right now!
• Maybe you clap and scream for a celebrity or entertainer. Who do you know that is more celebrity and entertaining than the Lord? Take some time to explore the beauty of this creation.
• Think of anything or anyone in your life that cause you to celebrate. Isn’t the One that created you—the One that takes care of you—worth showing that you appreciate the fact that He is?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice alway. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks: f: for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (RKJNT) [read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22]

Come on you can do it, open your mouth and praise the Lord. Give Him credit for all that He is and that He has done, He desires our praise and thanks. Do you adore the Lord? If you do let Him know it, He wants you to show it…be blessed! – ♥