Saturday, December 18, 2010

THE HALLELUJAH LIVING

"But You are holy,
O You Who dwell in [the holy place where]
the praises of Israel [are offered]"
Psalms 22:3 (Amplified Bible)

We learnt from the last two posts - The Hallelujah Factor - that the word "HALLELUJAH" means PRAISE THE LORD! The Hebrew Word "Hallal" means 'to boast, to brag on, to laud, to make a show even to the point of being clamorously foolish or mad' before the Lord. And "JAH" is simply the shortened name of GOD which means YAWEH. So when we say "HALLELUJAH" we ought to response in extreme excitement, exuberance and exultation.

It seemed foolish for the Istraelites to march around Jericho, and shout their PRAISES to see those walls fall down. But they shouted anyway, and down the walls came (Joshua 6:20). It seems ridiculous for king Jehoshaphat to have the singers and praisers lead the way singing and praising in the face of three great armies. But God was pleased, and brought them great victory and deliverance that day (2 Chronicles 20:22). It was a peculiar thing for Paul and Silas to be praising God at midnight in that filthy old jail, but God responded and sent the earthquake and freedom (Acts 16:25-26). Therefore, I believe God will meet you if you will say "HALLELUJAH" everytime you walk through the "fire or flood"!

There is certainly nothing magical about the word HALLELUJAH or PRAISING THE LORD. But God does respond to faith. Shouting HALLELUJAH or PRAISING HIM especially in difficult circumstances or situations actually show our genuine faith in His loving provision.
"I will bless the Lord at ALL time
His PRAISE shall continually be in my mouth"
Psalm 34:1

PRAISE THE LORD ANYHOW!
1) Do you feel the joy of the Lord in your soul? PRAISE THE LORD! Or do you feel blank in side or even worst, do you feel depressed? PRAISE THE LORD ANYHOW! It is "the sacrifice of praise to God continually" you are commanded to offer (Hebrews 13:15). "The sacrifice of praise" means PRAISE THE LORD ANYHOW, especially when you don't feel like it!

2) Are all your children or family saved? PRAISE THE LORD! Or are some still wandering in sin? PRAISE THE LORD ANYHOW! God promises you that, by believing, ALL your household will be saved (Acts 16:31). PRAISING the Lord for their salvation in advance of seeing them in the fold is evidence that you truly believe!

3) Are all your bills paid up to date? PRAISE THE LORD! Or are you plagued by financial problems? PRAISE THE LORD ANYHOW! PRAISE activates God's promise to supply ALL your needs accordning the Philippians 4:19.

4) Is the weather good, and to your liking? PRAISE THE LORD! Or is it unpleasant weather? PRAISE THE LORD ANYHOW! "This is the day which the Lord hath made: we will REJOICE and be gad in it" (Psalms 118:24).

PRAISE THE LORD ANYHOW! Why? "We know that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). Don't miss God's plan by PRAISING the Lord only for things you label "blessings." His command: " In EVERYTHING give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
(An extract from: There's Dynamite In Praise by Don Gossett)

Try it ... we can shout HALLELUJAH right in the face of adversity, illness, discouragement and needs. It may seems foolish like the Israelites but there is POWER IN PRAISE!

Last but not least, I would like to share this Youtube Video :CHRISTMAS FOOD COURT FLASH MOB. I am quite sure many of us would have would have seen it (must see if you haven't). When I first saw it, this interesting thought came to my mind - releasing His PRAISE in the market place. Think about it, God will inhabit in the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3)


HALLELUJAH!
TPWC \0/\0/\0/

No comments: