Daily Pearls #June 12th | Psalm 103:1-2
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is in me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not one of his benefits." Psalm 103:1-2
Praise and thanksgiving work miracles, just when inwardly you feel as if you are locked up in a prison, when everything seems locked and chained; when the Bible no longer speaks to your heart and you can barely pronounce the name of Jesus. Paul and Silas praised God when they were in prison with their backs bleeding. And as they prayed and praised God in that situation, God opened the prison doors for them and broke all the fetters.
Also begin to thank and praise, no matter what kind of "prison" you are in. For as we sing and praise the Lord, He opens the doors of our circumstances and difficulties. It does not solve your problem, but it frees you from the problem. And if the answer to your prayer be delayed, just then you should praise Him! When we experience trials, thanksgiving strengthens our faith. The praise of our lips shows that there is indeed faith in our hearts. When you recognize this, through praise and thanksgiving you are introduced into the mystery of being continually and constantly fueled with power and strength.
Supposing there was a group of people traveling about your area, led by a charismatic speaker who claims that the world is ending soon. He promises he alone can save you, but only if you sell your belongings, devote the rest of your life to him, and cut off family members who try to stop you.
He also wants to change your name, advises you to leave your home/job if necessary to follow him, and says that if you don’t love him more than your own family, you’re not worthy of him. What sort of group is that?