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Friends, greetings in Jesus Name! Today I will be sharing with you on what I title, “The Act of Praise and Thanksgiving.” It is evident that due to the economic crisis and the challenges of life that many are facing today, giving praise and thanks to God is in shortage. Why? Many glue their minds to what God hasn’t done rather than what He has done for them. Listen, the air that we breathe is enough to praise and give thanks to God. If you doubt, visit the nearest hospital and see how much some people pay daily for the oxygen they need to survive another day. You see, our relationship with God is reciprocal. One major thing that keeps our relationship with God going is the act of “Praise and Thanksgiving to Him”. Our praises to God attract His presence in our lives. The bible declares that, “God inhabits the praises of His people” (Psalm 22:3). This is one secret that David understood early in life. You will hear him say, “I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continue be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).

It doesn’t matter what you are going through right now. In fact, your case cannot be worse than that of Paul and Silas who were bound in chains, and left to be executed. But the bible declares, “At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. You know what? God showed up, their chains were broken, and they got released (Acts 16:25-26). Their faith-filled praises drew God’s attention. Listen, if Satan can seal your mouth from praising God, then he has won. You have to learn how to shout for joy in the midst of problems. Yes! The bible says you should make a joyful noise (Psalm 98:4). When? At all times…whether in good or bad times. When you lack joy in your life, you wither (Joel 1:12). “For the joy of the lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Satan knows it so well. That’s why he gets so mad when he sees you praising God in the midst of trails.

The devil wants you to carry a long face – frustration, despair, joyless, and depressed. Why? Each time you carry long face, it shows how long you will remain in your situation. One of my mentors, Lester Sumrall, said there was a time things were so tough for their family. To eat was a huge challenge for them. But his mother who was rugged in faith, knew how to pray and praise God. He said she will call for a family dinner, set an empty plate before everyone with glasses of water, and then say let’s pray. Lester said before they would finish praying, a neighbor or family friend will knock at their door and say: The Lord asked me to get these food stuffs to you people. What is the essence of this story? It means when you maintain an attitude of praise in the midst of trials, God will always show up for you. Remember, “Let everything that has breathe praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6). Have a Praiseful Week. With love, Elvis!