The Faith of God

Dear God Seekers,

In my article, Faith in Action, I wrote about the faith of God in the context of Hebrews 11, where Scripture recounts the faith of the ancients, which was demonstrated by their actions. I also wrote in that same article about the faith of Christ, which was demonstrated by His actions, especially in enduring the cross, as it says in Hebrews 12. If you have already read that article, then you can jump straight to the second half of this present article. That being said, I'd now would like to present to you a truth that some will find difficult to accept, but it is true nevertheless: even God has faith in Himself.

Even God Has Faith

Scripture says, "By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." (Heb 11:3)

Our understanding of how God created the entire universe at His command is by faith. That understanding of ours is not based on reason or scientific evidence, although both of those have been proven to fully support our understanding of the creation. He made all visible things that we see around us -- on earth, in the sky, and in space, and He made them out of what was invisible. He calls things that are not as though they were (Rom 4:17). He had confidence about what He hoped for and assurance about what He did not see. That is the very definition of faith (Heb 11:1). He believed in His own power and ability. He knew that He was capable of doing what He wanted to do, therefore He believed in Himself, which only He can do, because He alone is God. He is all-sufficient. All things are possible for Him (Matt 19:26), and absolutely nothing is too difficult for Him (Jer 32:17). He simply spoke the Word, and the universe came into existence (Gen 1:3).

Someone may argue that God does not have faith. However, anyone who denies that God has faith in Himself would have to prove that. It would be quite silly to insist that God does not believe in Himself, wouldn't it? Why would He command us to believe in Him, if He did not even believe in Himself and His own ability to call things that are not as though they were.

The Scripture says, "I believed, therefore I have spoken." (2 Cor 4:13:14). Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak. God put His own faith in action and taught us by His example how to put into action our faith in Him. 

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mar 11:22-24)

Parallels to the Faith of God

For those who may still be wondering how it is that God could have faith in Himself, let me give you some other examples of similar things God has done, according to Scripture, which may be viewed as parallels to the faith of God:

God Swore By Himself

In the book of Hebrews, it says, "When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, 'I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.'" (Heb 6:13-14)

Just as God swore by Himself, since there was no one greater to swear by, he also believes in Himself, since there is no one greater to believe in.

God Sacrificed to Himself

In John's gospel, we read the first instance when Jesus was referred to as the Lamb of God, which was by John the Baptist. "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'" (Joh 1:29)

The following day, John once again used this expression for Jesus: "When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, 'Look, the Lamb of God!'" (Joh 1:36)

Then the term, "Lamb", is also used thirty times in John's apocalyptic book, Revelation (Rev 5:6, 8, 12-13; 6:1, 3, 5, 7, 16; 7:9-10, 14, 17; 12:11; 13:8, 11; 14:1, 4, 10; 15:3; 17:14; 19:7, 9;  21:9, 14, 22-23, 27;  22:1, 3).

Since the Lord Jesus, God's only begotten Son, who was also God, was God's Lamb, that means that God sacrificed His only Son. Normally, according to God's Law, it is the human worshipper who must sacrifice a lamb to God. But in the fullness of time, God sacrificed His own Son for the world, in order to provide purification for sins, so that all who would believe in Him would not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). Since Jesus was surely God's Lamb, sacrificed by God for all mankind, to whom did God sacrifice? Since there was no one greater for Him to sacrifice, He sacrificed His Lamb, Jesus, to Himself.

God Praises Himself

The very fact that God created man in His own image to worship Him, demonstrates that God knows He alone is worthy to be worshipped and praised, and that He desires to receive this praise from the loving hearts of those who do so of their own free will. He forbids His people to worship any other gods but Him, so that He alone would receive our worship. Then there are countless psalms, inspired by the Holy Spirit, who is God, that command us to praise the Lord, and provide us with words of praise that we can sing and proclaim to God to express our love and adoration for Him.

Yet if all that were not enough to prove that God desires and requires our praise and worship, He even praises Himself, since there is no one greater than Himself to praise. Go and read Isaiah 46, and you will see what I mean. 

He says things like, "With whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?" (Isa 46:5). Then He says, "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me." (Isa 46:9b).

In fact, a man named Dean Braxton, who died, went to heaven, and came back to tell about it, said that just as all the saints and angels in heaven praise and worship God, He also praises Himself.

Putting it All Together

In summary, just as God praises Himself in Scripture and still does so in heaven, just as He swore by Himself, since there was no one greater to swear by, and just as He sacrificed His Lamb (Jesus Christ) to Himself, He also has faith in Himself. Let that be an encouragement to you today to put your faith in Him.

Attributes: Most Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible NIV, copyright Zondervan, all rights reserved, used by permission. Image may be subject to copyright, used per the Fair Use Act for educational and commentary purposes only.

Author's note:  If you enjoyed this post, you may also like Faith in Action, Run with Endurance, Faith Works, Walking by Faith, Overcomers in This Life, From Self-confidence to Confidence in the Lord, Obedient to the Heavenly Vision, Bearing Fruit in Every Good Work, Seven Things That Accumulate Building Materials in Heaven, Living a Life Worthy of the Lord, and the other posts available through the links on the Home page. You may also access my complete blog directory at Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Him.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe. 

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

______________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

What We Should Always Be Doing

There are several things that the Bible says we should always be doing. I have found at least twenty-two of them in Scripture. Let's take a look at God's Word and see what they are.

Always Pray
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (Luk 18:1)

Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."  (Luk 21:36)

Always Do What Pleases the Lord
"The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases Him." (Joh 8:29)

Always Keep Your Conscience Clear
"So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." (Act 24:16)

Always Do As Love Does

[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1Co 13:7)

Always Give Yourselves Fully to the Work of the Lord
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1Co 15:58)

Always Being Given Over to Death for Jesus

"For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body." (2Co 4:11)

Always Confident
"Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord." (2Co 5:6)

Always Giving Thanks to God for Everything
"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 5:20)

Always Pray in the Spirit
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." (Eph 6:18)

Always Rejoice in the Lord
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Php 4:4)

Rejoice always, (1Th 5:16)

Always Full of Grace
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (Col 4:6)

Always Strive To Do What Is Good For Each Other
"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else." (1Th 5:15)

Always Be Gentle
"...to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone." (Tit 3:2)

Always Be Prepared to Give an Answer
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," (1Pe 3:15)

Always Keep Your Eyes on the Lord
"I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." (Psa 16:8)

Always Be Mindful of God's Unfailing Love
"...for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness." (Psa 26:3)

Always Extol and Praise the Lord
"I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips." (Psa 34:1). We never take a vacation from praising God.

"For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good." (Psa 52:9)

Always Have Hope
"As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more." (Psa 71:14)

Always Seek His Face 
"Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always." (Psa 105:4)

Always Do What is Right
"Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right." (Psa 106:3)

Always Obey God's Commandments
"I will always obey your law, for ever and ever." (Psa 119:44)

Always Trust God
"Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." (Psa 62:8)

My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. (Psa 119:20)

Closing Words

Therefore, based on what we have read in God's Word, there are certain things we must always do. To summarize them, we should always pray, always do what pleases the Lord, always keep your conscience clear, always do as love does, always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, always being given over to death for Jesus, always be confident, always give thanks to God for everything, always pray in the Spirit, always rejoice in the Lord, always be full of grace, always strive to do what is good for each other, always be gentle, always be prepared to give an answer, always keep your eyes on the Lord, always be mindful of God's unfailing love, always extol and praise the Lord, always have hope, always seek the Lord's face, always do what is right, always obey God's commandments, and no matter what, always trust God. May the Lord help us to do so. Amen.

Attribution notice: Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible NIV, copyright Zondervan, used by permission. 

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, please also see the following: The Top Ten Things Jesus Taught, Living a Life Worthy of the Lord, The Wardrobe of the Saints, Following in His Steps, and Living on Earth as They Do in Heaven. You may find the Main Directory for this blog at Home, and you may also access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master." 

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe. 

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org. 

Seeking Glory from God

Thou Art Worthy by Charity Lacroix

Dear God-seekers,

From whom are you seeking praise and honor? Is it from men or from God? The Lord taught about this in a discourse with the Jews recorded in the fifth chapter of John's gospel. He said:

"I do not receive glory from men; but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?" (Joh 5:41-44)

To begin with, let's focus on two phrases. He said, "I do not receive glory from men," and "you receive glory from one another."  In order to correctly understand these statements, we need to define a coupe of key words first. In this passage, the Greek word for "glory" is "doxa" meaning "glory, honor, praise, or worship." So some translations use the word "praise". Moreover, the word "receive" is a bad translation on the part of most English translations, and the use of the word "accept" in the NASB is just as inadequate. The Greek word is "lambano" meaning "strive to obtain, reach after, take, lay hold of, get, get back." It is not a passive word.

Therefore, when Jesus said, "I do not receive glory from men" (Joh 5:41), He meant He did not strive to obtain or reach after honor from men. He also said, "But I do not seek My glory; there is One who seeks and judges." (Joh 8:50). Even though He is worthy of glory, He still did not seek it for Himself, but the Father sought it. And Jesus sought to bring glory to the Father. He explained, "If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, 'He is our God'." (Joh 8:54)

One example of Jesus not seeking the honor of men was when they decided to make Him their king. "Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, 'This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.' So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone." (Joh 6:14-15). He withdrew to a solitary place, so that they could not accomplish what they wanted to do. He came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mt 20:28), not to be made king on earth by men and die a natural death. He was already a King, but His kingdom was and still is from another world (Joh 18:36-37). His Kingdom is a secret kingdom. He first had to suffer and be rejected by men before He was glorified (Lk 9:22; 17:25; Mk 8:31).

However, He did accept it when it was appropriate, such as the time when the little children were praising Him. "As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, shouting: 'Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!' Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, 'Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.' But Jesus answered, 'I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!'" (Luk 19:37-40). He also accepted honor from His disciples. For He said, "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am." (Joh 13:13, NIV). For example, there was the occasion when Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven." (Mat 16:16-17). So we see that Jesus did accept glory, honor, and praise from men, however, He did not strive to obtain it.

On the contrary, the Jews, especially the Pharisees, sought after and strove to obtain praise from one another. They enjoyed the praises of men. They loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God (Joh 12:43). The Greek word for "approval" in this verse is the same word "doxa" meaning glory. In fact the English Revised Version translates that verse to say, "For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God." Jesus indicated some of the ways they sought glory, honor, praise, and approval from men, rather than that which comes from God, when He said, "They love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called 'Rabbi' by others." (Mt 23:7, NIV). They did not seek the glory that is from the only God (Joh 5:44). The word "seek" is "zeteo" meaning "seek, seek for, seek after, aim at, strive, after, desire, crave, demand something."

We must not seek to obtain, strive after, or try to get praise from men (1 Thes 2:6). "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full." (Mt 6:2, NIV). If you strive after honor from men, you have already received your reward in full, and there will be no reward in heaven for you. "We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts." (1 Thes 2:4b, NIV). "If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Gal 1:10b, NIV). Jesus told the Jews that did not receive Him (Joh 5:43) that their seeking of honor from men was a hindrance that was keeping them from believing in Him. He said, "How can you believe" when you do that? (Joh 5:44). You cannot be a servant of Christ and seek to gain honor from men or to be a man pleaser.

As with the Jewish religious leaders of Christ's day, titles are still one way that men today seek to obtain honor from men. In my article, Visitation of Jesus to Samuel Oghenetega, I reported that the Lord gave a warning to those answering to big titles. He said, "Preach the Truth or else you will be cast into the bottomless put. Tell those answering with big titles like Bishop, Archbishop, Most Reverend, Reverend, Right Reverend, I don’t know them by that. I know them by their name and their works." (see Matthew 23:8-10). Our "Senior Pastor" is the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Pe 5:4), as I wrote in my article, Our Senior Pastor. Nobody else truly deserves to be called by that title.

When people seek honor from men, it keeps them from obeying God. That's why Peter and John did not pay attention to the Jewish Sanhedrin council, when they ordered the apostles to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. Peter said, “We must obey God rather than men." (Ac 5:29).

On the other hand, King Herod is an example of a man pleaser. He "laid hands on some who belonged to the church in order to mistreat them. And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword. When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also." (Ac 12:1b-3a). Herod's desire for praise from men ultimately cost him his life. "On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, 'This is the voice of a god, not of a man.' Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died." (Ac 12:21-23, NIV). Governor Felix was another one like that. He left Paul imprisoned as a favor to the Jews (Ac 24:27). Governor Festus was the same way, wishing to do the Jews a favor (Ac 25:9). Governor Pilate was another example of a man pleaser, agreeing to have the Lord crucified to satisfy the crowd, even though he knew Jesus was innocent (Mk 15:15). There are plenty of examples of those who seek the praise of men, rather than the glory of God. But this must not be so in the Church.

We must make every effort to obtain glory from the only God. We must seek after and strive for honor from Him. "To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life." (Rom 2:7, NIV). We seek the glory not of ourselves, but of the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We seek to glorify God. We must do everything for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31). And in the end He will glorify us in His presence. We will share in the glory of Christ, if we share in His sufferings now (Rom 8:17).

If anyone honors us or praises us, we need to deflect it to God and not accept it for ourselves. What do we have that we did not receive? (1 Cor 4:7). We have no reason to be proud or take any credit, since all that we have comes from Him. Any gifts, talents, or abilities we have all come from His hand. Every good and perfect gift comes from above, flowing down from the Father of the heavenly lights (James 1:17). We can do nothing apart from Jesus (Joh 15:5). Anything good you see in me is Jesus, and all the mistakes are mine. We say, "Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." (Ps 115:1). But, "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord." (1 Cor 1:31; 2 Cor 10:17). He alone deserves all the praise, all the glory, and all the honor. He alone is worthy. "Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen." (Php 4:20). "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." (Rom 11:36)

Attribution notice: Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, except where otherwise noted. Other Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, unless otherwise noted. The "Thou Art Worthy" illustration is by my daughter, Charity Lacroix. You may find more of her lovely artwork at A Brush with Life.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also like For the Glory of God Alone, The Light and the Glory, Whatever You Do, Do All Like This, Pleasing the Lord, Success in God's Eyes, Having a Servant's Heart, Holy Living in a Perverted World, The Difference Between a Disciple and a Believer, Seeing Jesus, Loving Him, Character and Glory, Walking in the Perfect Will of God, One Thing, Our Senior Pastor, Ask for the Ancient Paths, Striving to Enter the Kingdom of God, Living a Life Worthy of the Lord, Aim for Perfection, and The Wardrobe of the Saints. I highly recommend reading Visitation of Jesus to Samuel Oghenetega, Only the Holy -- Three Shocking Testimonies and Holy Fire Baptism. You may find the Main Directory for this blog at Home, and also access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

The Wardrobe of the Saints

As I have written previously in my articles, Garments of Godliness and Godly Attire and Adornment, there is virtually a Christian "dress code". The Scripture defines what is appropriate and not appropriate for a disciple of Christ to wear on his or her body. That cannot be denied, even though some people attempt to do so on the faulty premise that God is only interested in the things of the heart, not our bodies.

In this post, I would like to discuss the inward garments we are instructed in Scripture to wear at all times. We'll call this the wardrobe of the saints.

A Garment of Praise
We begin with a rather long but beautiful passage in Isaiah, which says:

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." (Is 61:1-3, NIV)

The Lord Jesus read from this very same passage when He announced the beginning of His public ministry (Lk 4:18). He said the Spirit of the Lord was on Him, because the Lord has anointed Him to do all these wonderful things mentioned in this passage. One of those things was to provide for those who grieve in Zion -- to bestow on them a garment of praise. Therefore, we know from Scripture that one garment we must be wearing is this garment of praise, which the Lord bestows upon us by His Holy Spirit.

Praise is an action that we should continually practice, as part of our practice of the presence of the Lord. We should not take a vacation from praise, or only praise the Lord on a certain day of the week, in a certain building, or at one particular time of day. The psalmist David said, "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Ps 34:1). We should praise Him in the good times and praise Him in the bad times. May we never cease to praise Him. For He is worthy. Let's put on the garment of praise.

Clothe Yourselves with Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, Patience, and Love
The next passage we will look at is from the apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians. He wrote:

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Col 3:12-14, NIV).

We are supposed to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. And over all these virtues put on love as an outer garment.

Clothe Yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ
Paul also wrote to the Romans saying, "Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh." (Rom 13:14, NIV).

In the context of this passage, in the previous verse, Paul was speaking about our behavior, when he wrote: "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy." (Rom 13:13, NIV). So this tells us that to clothe yourself with Christ or to "put on Christ" will involve a behavioral change. He also wrote to the Galatians saying, "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." (Gal 3:27). Christ not only lives on the inside in our hearts, but we must also wear Him outwardly, so that He shows on the outside and others can see Him.

Put on the Armor of Light
In this same passage and context, Paul said, "The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." (Rom 13:12, NIV). He contrasted putting on the armor of light with the deeds of darkness, so again it is a behavioral matter. On the one hand, we must put aside the deeds of darkness, while on the other hand put on the armor of light.

Paul described each piece of armor in detail in his epistle to the Ephesians. He wrote:

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Eph 6:11-17, NASB)

In this passage he says to "put on the full armor of God" (v. 11) and then again to "take up the full armor of God" (v. 13). He emphasizes the need to put it on and to ensure we are not missing any piece of armor. These are necessary to protect us from the schemes of the devil in this spiritual warfare we are in daily.

The important thing is that we put them on, and that they are to the soldier of Christ as armor is to a soldier of any worldly army. No soldier in his right mind would go into battle without his armor on, and neither should we. It's a daily battle, so we need to put these on daily, at least once every 24 hours. 

You may be wondering how to put on the full armor of God, as Scripture instructs us to do. Here is how to do it. Pray like this: "Father, would you please put your complete armor on me now, I ask and thank you for it, in the name of Jesus."

This is what Dr. Rebecca Brown, MD was shown by her guardian angel, as she wrote in her book called, He Came to Set the Captives Free: A Guide to Recognizing and Fighting the Attacks of Satan, Witches, and the Occult. I highly recommend reading this book, which is available from Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and other major retail outlets, as well as used book retailers online.

The adversary of our souls is always prowling around looking for someone to devour. As Peter says, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1Pe 5:8). Let's be sober and alert. Please see this very important, related article, The Armor of God.

Clothe Yourselves With Humility
Just as Paul did, the apostle Peter also admonished us to clothe ourselves with humility. He wrote: "You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." (1Pe 5:5-7).

The reasons he gives for clothing ourselves with humility are fully sufficient for us. Since God opposes the proud, then if we fail to clothe ourselves with humility, we may behave proudly and find that God is opposing us. However, if we walk humbly before God, He will give us grace. If we humble ourselves beneath His mighty hand, He will lift us up in due time. Since pride is a weakness of young men especially, Peter addressed this admonition to them, but it applies likewise to all of us.

Clothe Yourself with Good Works
Paul wrote to Timothy, "Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness." (1Ti 2:9-10). As I have written in my article, Garments of Godliness, this passage teaches how women should outwardly adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, so as to glorify God. It forbids certain types of adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, and expensive clothes, all of which apply to men as well. But it also teaches how women should adorn themselves spiritually by means of good deeds appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

Bind Kindness and Faithfulness Around Your Neck
The proverb says, "Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart." (Pro 3:3). We are supposed to bind kindness (mercy) and truth around our necks, which is in contrast to the way the wicked wear pride as their necklace (Ps 73:6).

Put on the New Self
The apostle Paul taught that the old self or former way of life must be put off, which means it must be completely discarded, since it is being corrupted like an old rag by its deceitful desires. He taught that we should throw it off and in place of it we should "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Eph 4:24, NIV). This, too, is part of the saints' wardrobe. For more on this topic, please see Walking in Truth, Righteousness, and Holiness.

White Garments So That You May Clothe Yourself
In the book of Revelation, in the apostle John's letter to the angel of the Church in Laodicea, he wrote in part the following message from the Lord: "I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see." (Rev 3:18). This indicates that there are actually spiritual, white garments that we are supposed to wear and that we must buy them from the Lord Jesus Christ. May we all seek to buy from Him those white garments, so that we may clothe ourselves. In the case of the Church in Laodicea, the Lord said they were naked without these garments (Rev 3:17), and they needed them to cover the shame of their nakedness.

Be Dressed in Wedding Garments
In His parable of the wedding feast, Jesus said:

"Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered together all they found, both evil and good; and the wedding hall was filled with dinner guests. But when the king came in to look over the dinner guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed in wedding clothes, and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without wedding clothes?' And the man was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'”  (Mat 22:10-13)

The man who came to the wedding feast without wedding clothes was thrown into the outer darkness, which is hell. This is a stark reminder that not all who call Jesus “Lord, Lord” or are within the church will be qualified to participate in the wedding feast in the kingdom of heaven. To be fit for heaven, we must be wearing our white garments. As Matthew Henry once wrote: “Those, and those only, who put on the Lord Jesus, that have a Christian temper of mind, and are adorned with Christian graces, who live by faith in Christ, and to whom he is all in all, have the wedding garment.”

Be Dressed in Readiness
The Lord also taught us to "Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit." (Luk 12:35). Other versions say, "Stay dressed for action" (ESV) and "Be dressed ready for service" (NIV). The original language literally says, "Let your waist be girded about," which is rendered in many translations with the expression, "Let your loins be girded about," (see KJV, MKJV, ASV, Darby, and YLT translations).

In Bible times, the men wore long garments, and when they were preparing for action, such as labor or a journey, they girded it up or tucked it up around their waist (loins). This would enable them to move freely without restriction (see Lk 12:37). Therefore, in using the expression, "let your loins be girded about," the Lord was teaching us to remain dressed for action. He was obviously speaking of a spiritual state of being dressed in readiness, rather than one that requires being in your literal day clothes, even though it may often times involve being physically dressed in certain instances.

Peter used essentially this same expression in the original language, when he wrote, "Therefore girding up the loins of your mind..." (1Pe 1:13a, MKJV; cf., KJV, ASV, Darby, and YLT). Other versions use a more dynamic equivalent translation, such as "Prepare your minds for action." (1Pe 1:13a, NASB). This helps clarify what the Lord meant in Lk 12:35. The point is to stay alert in your thoughts, so that you are always ready for action.

Putting it All Together
According to God's Word, there are some garments of righteousness that all disciples of Christ are supposed to wear at all times. It is our responsibility to do so. The expressions "clothe yourself," "adorn yourself," "put on," "take up," "gird up your loins," "buy from me," "be dressed," and "bind around your neck" are all actions that we must personally take. They are not automatically done for us and are not a one-time occurrence.

These garments include praise, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, faithfulness, patience, and love. We must put in the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. We must put on the armor of light, which is the armor of God that includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, the hope of salvation, love (once again), and the Word of God. We must stay dressed for action with our minds alert. We must buy from the Lord white garments, so that we may clothe ourselves. We must be dressed in wedding clothes. We must adorn ourselves with good deeds. Last but not least, we must clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. We are not properly dressed unless we are clothed with these.

Attribution notice: Some Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Other Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. The "Robes of White" painting © 2012 Danny Hahlbohm, all rights reserved by the artist.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the other posts in this blog available through the Home page. I recommend reading Garments of Godliness, Keeping Your Body Pure and Holy, Godly Attire and Adornment, Carrying Your Cross or Cross Dressing?, Righteous Deeds and White Robes, Tattoos and Body Piercing, The Beauty of Brokenness, Holy Fire Baptism, Fruit in Every Season, Walking in the Perfect Will of God, The Fiery Sufferings of the Believer, Is Tolerance a Virtue?, Gifts and Fruit of the Spirit: What's the Difference?, The Ways of Life, and The Way, Will, and Word of God. You may also access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Crying Out to God Loudly

In a previous post, I taught that praying with your hands lifted up is more powerful.  I realize that this is controversial, but I am going to teach and practice what the Bible says, not what's popular.

So today I'd like to ask another question.  Does it make a difference if we cry out to God loudly or if we simply pray softly?  Many would say it makes no difference at all.  Some feel they can pray just as powerfully when they pray silently.  Some say it is just a cultural thing, and that it doesn't matter to God.  Others say it depends on your temperament, and that we all have our own preferred style of prayer that we are comfortable with.  But I would like to show you what the Bible says about this.

Loud prayers
First of all, the Bible is full of examples of people praying loudly, as well as exhortations inspired by the Holy Spirit that instruct us to pray this way.

Brother Yong-Doo Kim, of The Lord's Church in Incheon, South Korea, says, "Jesus told me go to all nations to explain loud prayer...We, the Lord’s Church, pray with very loud music and very loud prayer...We need to pray loudly to experience Heaven and hell...But we also need to discipline and train our body...Cry out loud! Make sure your voice gets stronger...The louder it is, the more (is) your spiritual force...In these days more prayer is needed. Loud prayer with both hands in air."

I agree with him.  There is a Hebrew word found in the Old Testament, שׁוע  shâva‛.  It speaks of yelling for freedom from some trouble. It means cry (aloud, out), shout. Here are some Scriptures that teach us to cry out like this.

I cry aloud with my voice to the LORD; I make supplication with my voice to the LORD. (Psa 142:1)

I cried out to You, O LORD; I said, "You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living. "Give heed to my cry, For I am brought very low; Deliver me from my persecutors, For they are too strong for me.  (Psa 142:5-6)

Hear my prayer, O LORD, Give ear to my supplications! Answer me in Your faithfulness, in Your righteousness! (Psa 143:1)

For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; (Pro 2:3)

Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the stomach of the fish, and he said, "I called out of my distress to the LORD, And He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; You heard my voice. (Jon 2:1-2)

"Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' If you remove the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness, (Isa 58:9) 

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words. (Psa 119:147)

But I, O LORD, have cried out to You for help, And in the morning my prayer comes before You. (Psa 88:13)

As for me, I said in my alarm, "I am cut off from before Your eyes"; Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications When I cried to You. (Psa 31:22)

O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me. (Psa 30:2)

Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You for help, When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. (Psa 28:2)

In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, And my cry for help before Him came into His ears. (Psa 18:6)

Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, For to You I pray. (Psa 5:2)

A Prayer of the Afflicted when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD! And let my cry for help come to You. (Psa 102:1)

Brother Kim says, "Sometimes a contemplative prayer is required, but when the person praying is dynamic, strong, and active, the Lord will powerfully work in us. The Lord often shouts to us, 'If you powerfully pray with a mind of a warrior, rather than in a contemplative way, I will become exclusive in your life!' The type of prayer that will make the Lord exclusive to us! The type of prayer in which forceful people can take the Holy treasures from heaven. The prayer that shouts in tongues all throughout the night with passion, which never wearies and perseveres. In heaven, there are many treasures a forceful people can take."

Even Jesus Christ prayed like this!
About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"...And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.  (Mat 27:46,50).  Someone may say that the only reason he prayed loudly was because of the pain.  Actually, when you are on your last breath, crying loudly does not come naturally, especially after hanging on a cross for six hours with your arms lifted up.  In fact, Jesus prayed loudly on other occasions, as well, such as when He raised Lazarus from the dead.

When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus *said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." (Joh 11:43-44)

The apostles and early disciples raised their voices to God this way:
And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, "O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM...And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. (Act 4:24,31)

Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" Having said this, he fell asleep. (Act 7:60)

At Lystra a man was sitting who had no strength in his feet, lame from his mother's womb, who had never walked. This man was listening to Paul as he spoke, who, when he had fixed his gaze on him and had seen that he had faith to be made well, said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And he leaped up and began to walk. (Act 14:8-10)

There is a Greek word, κραυγή (krauge) found in the New Testament.  It means "an outcry (in notification, tumult or grief): - clamour, cry (-ing)." -- Strongs.  Most people know how to yell at someone when they are angry, and have no problem doing so.  But they don't believe in making a loud clamor in prayer.  Yet this is exactly what Jesus did.

"In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety."  (Heb 5:7). Where it says, his prayers and supplications were with "loud crying," it means "loud clamor" or yelling. That's a holy clamor, which the Lord says we should make.

On the other hand, we must put away the sinful kind of clamor, which is yelling at other people, usually done in anger. As Paul said, "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice." (Eph 4:31)

Loud voice
Just as God's Word teaches us to pray loudly, there is a strong, biblical basis for speaking with a loud voice, as well. When you proclaim God's Word or read it, lift up your voice and call it out.  When you say, "Amen" or "Hallelujah,"  shout it loudly!!  Brother Kim says, "If you speak loudly, you will have more power, and if you live a holy life."

After all, our Lord Jesus often speaks with a loud voice.  The apostle John described Jesus voice that way when he wrote, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet..." (Rev 1:10).  He went on to say, "...His feet shone like brass that has been refined and polished, and his voice sounded like a roaring waterfall." (Rev 1:15, GNB)

Likewise, in heaven they cry with a loud voice.  "When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?' And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also." (Rev 6:9-11) In fact, all throughout the book of Revelation, a total of twenty-one times, it is recorded that John heard loud voices in heaven (Rev. 1:10, 15; 5:2,12; 6:1, 10; 7:2,10; 8:13; 10:3; 11:12,15; 12:10; 14:2,7,9,15,18; 16:1,17; 18:2; 19:1,6,17; 21:3).  I strongly encourage you to look up each of these verses, and see for yourself.

The prophet Isaiah wrote, "A voice says, 'Cry!' And I said, 'What shall I cry?' All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field." (Isa 40:6)

Loud praise
The same can be said for our praise as we have just said about prayer, proclamation, and declaration.  We could cite scores of Scriptures about this, but the following ones will suffice:

Clap your hands for joy, all peoples! Praise God with loud songs! (Psa 47:1)

Now one of [the lepers], when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. (Luk 17:15-16)

As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, shouting: "BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luk 19:37-38).  The religious crowd wanted to shut these loud-mouthed people up.  But Jesus said that if these become silent, the stones will cry out!

And so he and all the Israelites took the ark of the Covenant up to Jerusalem with shouts of joy and the sound of trumpets. (2Sa 6:15)

When the priests came forth from the holy place (for all the priests who were present had sanctified themselves, without regard to divisions), and all the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and kinsmen, clothed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps and lyres, standing east of the altar, and with them one hundred and twenty priests blowing trumpets in unison when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice accompanied by trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and when they praised the LORD saying, "He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting," then the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God. (2Ch 5:11-14).  The Hebrew in this passage indicates that they raised their voices up high and yelled.  And I'm sure it made a loud sound of praise since it was accompanied by all those trumpets and loud cymbals!

This is not just for special occasions.  The Lord loves loud praise that is full of love and joy. Shout out loud profusely and from the depths of your heart, "GLORY TO GOD! HALLELUJAH! HOLY, HOLY, HOLY! PRAISE YOU, JESUS!" In doing so, you are pleasing God and giving the enemy a headache, wreaking havoc on his kingdom of darkness.  The angels enjoy this kind of praise and will join in with you also.  If you need help with your praises, why not get some help from the Psalms and other Bible passages, like the ones I have listed on my other post, called "Praise the Lord!"

Loud shouting
There is another Hebrew word, רוּע (rûa‛),  in the Old Testament.  It means "to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively to split the ears (with sound), that is, shout (for alarm or joy): - blow an alarm, cry (alarm, aloud, out), destroy, make a joyful noise, smart, shout (for joy), sound an alarm, triumph." -- Strongs.  Here are some Scriptural examples of shouting:

So the people shouted, and priests blew the trumpets; and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they took the city.  Jos 6:20)

So David arose early in the morning and left the flock with a keeper and took the supplies and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the circle of the camp while the army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry. (1Sa 17:20)

O clap your hands, all peoples; Shout to God with the voice of joy. (Psa 47:1)

so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the shout of joy from the sound of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard far away. (Ezr 3:13)

O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. (Psa 95:1)

Brother Kim states, "All Christians must awake through prayer. We need to be spiritually alert and on guard and prepare for the Lord's return. A prayer warrior is a guard on duty! Moreover, the time of the Lord's return is imminent! Wake up, you sleeping guards! Now is the time to wake up! Groups of secular men and the forces of satan are waiting for us to sleep. Therefore, you must open your sleepy eyes wide open and wake yourselves up by shouting. Awake by praying, singing hymns, and reading the word. Let us carry out the mission of guardianship!" (Yong-Doo Kim, Baptized by Blazing Fire Book 5, 206 )

Even the Lord Himself shouts with this kind of battle cry:
The LORD will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies. (Isa 42:13)

Shout for joy, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! (Zep 3:14)

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zec 9:9)

Of course there are many more Scriptures you could look at.  Also see: Job 19:7; Job 24:12; Job 29:12; Job 30:20; Job 30:28; Job 35:9; Job 36:13; Job 38:41; Psa 5:2; Psa 18:6; Psa 18:41; Psa 22:24; Psa 28:2; Psa 30:2; Psa 31:22; Psa 72:12; Psa 88:13; Psa 119:147; Isa 58:9; Lam 3:8; Jon 2:2; Hab 1:2;

Delta IV Medium Rocket DSCS

A Prayer That Soars High Up To Heaven
Here is an interesting excerpt from the third volume of brother Kim's book, Baptized by Blazing Fire. One of brother Kim's church members, named Lee, Haak-Sung, gave this testimony called, "A Prayer That Soars High Up To Heaven."

While I was praying, Jesus came to me and He passed between all the praying individuals, and smiled, while mumbling under His breath. “I want to especially see whose prayer will soar highest to heaven, so let’s see,” and as soon as He said this, every single one of us simultaneously began to pray, trying to be filled with blazing fire of the Holy Spirit. I felt like we were firing a pistol of prayer.

Jesus said aloud, “Let’s see. That’s right, all right! As expected, Pastor Kim is doing very well! Yes, yes, you’re doing great. Be louder, more fire, much more earnestly! Oh yes, you’re doing great. Awesome… Sister Kang, Hyun-Ja, and is my bride to be also praying out loud? Yes, that’s it!” Then Jesus concentrated on hearing Joseph, Joo-Eun, myself, Yoo-Kyung, my mom, and Deaconess Shin. Jesus passed back and forth among us to examine how high our prayer was traveling. I can see visually that our prayer was like a race and how we performed was intensely displayed as bars on a graph. [end quote]

This is consistent with the testimony of another woman, who wrote a book called "Sunshine, Daughter of Sacrifice."  In it she describes how she was caught up into heaven during praise and worship.  And she saw people's prayers ascending from earth to heaven.  Some were like arrows.  Others were moving slowly and weakly upward and she wondered how they would ever make it to heaven.  Still other prayers were going up to heaven like rockets, front-loaded with praise.

Putting it All Together
This is not meant to imply that we should never pray quietly, or that there is no value in contemplative prayer. However, I hope this post has helped you to see the greater power of praying loudly, crying out to God, proclaiming and declaring loudly, praising loudly, and shouting to God.  If you have never been baptized with the Holy Spirit, then you should seek this gift from the Lord.  Ask Him to also baptize you with fire.  Then you will have the blazing fire of the Holy Spirit all over you, which will will enable you to live a holy life, and you will be able to pray and praise God in tongues.  This will transform your prayer life in a way you never imagined! 

Your voice should be strong and confident.  Your prayers must have a red-hot fervency!  This is the way David, our Lord Jesus, the early apostles, and many others in the Bible prayed. When you are living a holy life and pray with a strong voice like this, your prayers will be more powerful.  If you agree, then right now you can loudly shout, "AMEN!"

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, please also see the following:

Loud Voices and Shouting in God's Kingdom
Baptized with the Holy Spirit
Link Between Two Realms
Holy Fire Baptism
Taking Heaven by Force
Lifting Hands in Prayer
Lifting Your Face in Prayer
Holy Living in a Perverted World
The Spirit is Willing 

You may find the Main Directory for this blog at Home, and you may also access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Praise the Lord!

Communion with the Lord

Often in my quiet time, I feel I lack the words to express my praise to the Lord.  So here are some Scriptural expressions of praise to the Lord:

O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.  (Psa 95:1-2)

LORD, who can speak of Your mighty deeds, or show forth all Your praise? (Psa 106:2)

You are altogether lovely, Lord; Your love is better than wine. (Son 1:2; 5:16)

Your oils have a pleasing fragrance; Your name is like purified oil. (Son 1:3)

How handsome you are, My Lover, And so pleasant! (Son 1:16)

Jesus, You are like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, and your fruit is sweet to my taste. (Son 2:3)

You are mine and I am yours. (Son 2:16)

You are a Garden Fountain, a Well of Living Water and flowing streams  (Son 4:15)

You are radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand.

Your head is like pure gold.
Your eyes are like doves beside streams of water, Bathed in milk

Your cheeks are like beds of spices, yielding perfume.

Your lips are lilies dripping with liquid myrrh.

Your arms are rods of gold set with chrysolite;

Your legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold;

Your mouth is full of sweetness. And you are wholly desirable. (Son 5:10-16)

Your love is as strong as death, Its flashes are flashes of fire, The very flame of the LORD.

Many waters cannot quench your love!

If I were to give all the riches of my house for your love, it would be never even come close to being enough. It would be utterly despised. (Son 8:6-7)

You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. (Psa 3:3)

At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You.

O LORD, how majestic is Your name in all the earth.

You have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! (Psa 8:1)

I exult in You!

I sing praise to Your name, O Most High.  (Psa 9:2)

"O righteous Father! (Joh 17:25)

I trust in Your lovingkindness; My heart rejoices in Your salvation. (Psa 13:5)

LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good besides You."  (Psa 16:2)

You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup. (Psa 16:5)

Thou Art Worthy

I bless you, Lord!

In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Ps 16:11)

I love You, O LORD, my strength.

You are my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

LORD, you are worthy to be praised. (Psa 18:1-3)

Your way is blameless;

Your word is tried;

You are a shield to all who take refuge in You.

For who is God, but you, LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? (Psa 18:30-31)

LORD, you live! Blessed be my rock; And exalted be the God of my salvation! (Psa 18:46)

O LORD, I sing praises to Your name.  (Psa 18:49)
The heavens tell of Your glory and their expanse declares the work of Your hands.  (Psa 19:1)

Your law is perfect, restoring the soul; Your testimony is sure, making wise the simple. Your precepts are right, rejoicing the heart; Your commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of You is clean, enduring forever; Your judgments are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. (Psa 19:7-10)

Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength; We sing and praise Your power. (Psa 21:13)

For the kingdom is Yours And You rule over the nations.  (Psa 22:28)

Lord, the earth is Yours, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it.  (Psa 24:1)

LORD of hosts, You are the King of glory! (Psa 24:10)

You are good and upright; You instruct sinners in the way. You teach the humble Your way. All Your paths are lovingkindness and truth To those who keep Your covenant and Your testimonies. (Psa 25:8-10)

LORD, You are my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? You are the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? (Psa 27:1)

I ascribe to You the glory due to Your name; I worship You in holy array. (Psa 29:2)

Your voice is powerful and majestic. It thunders! (Psa 29:4)

In Your temple everything says, "Glory!"  (Psa 29:9)

You sit as King forever.  (Psa 29:10)

I extol You, O LORD! (Psa 30:1)

Your anger is only for a moment, but Your favor is for a lifetime; (Psa 30:5)

As for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, "You are my God."  (Psa 31:14)

How great is Your goodness, Which You have stored up for those who fear You! (Psa 31:19)

You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.  (Psa 32:7)

Your word is upright, And all Your work is done in faithfulness.

You love righteousness and justice; The earth is full of Your lovingkindness. 

By Your word the heavens were made, And by the breath of Your mouth all their host. (Psa 33:4-6)

You nullify the counsel of the nations; You frustrate the plans of the peoples. Your counsel stands forever, the plans of Your heart from generation to generation.  (Psa 33:10-11)

You fashion the hearts of all men.  You understand all their works.  (Psa 33:15)

Our heart rejoices in You, Because we trust in Your holy name.  (Psa 33:21)

You redeem the soul of Your servants, And none who take refuge in You will be condemned. (Psa 34:22)

LORD, who is like You? (Psa 35:10)

I shout for joy and rejoice in You.

LORD, be magnified. You delight in the prosperity of Your servant. (Psa 35:27-28)

And my tongue shall declare Your righteousness And Your praise all day long. (Psa 35:27-28)

Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains; Your judgments are like the great deep.  O LORD, You preserve man and beast. How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.  (Psa 36:5-7)

LORD, You sustain the righteous. You know the days of the blameless, And their inheritance will be forever. (Psa 37:17-18)

Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us;  If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.

There is none to compare with You. (Psa 40:5)

I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart." (Psa 40:8)

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, From everlasting to everlasting. (Psa 41:13)

As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for You, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before You? (Psa 42:1-2)

You are the Help of my countenance and my God.  (Psa 43:5)

Lord Jesus, You are fairer than the sons of men; Grace is poured upon Your lips; (Psa 45:2)

You are robed In splendor and arrayed in majesty! (Psa 45:3)

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. (Psa 45:6)

All Your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made You glad. (Psa 45:8)

You are our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. (Psa 46:1)

You have wrought desolations in the earth. (Psa 46:8)

You make wars to cease to the end of the earth; You break the bow and cut the spear in two; You burn the chariots with fire. (Psa 46:9)

LORD Most High, you are to be feared, A great King over all the earth. (Psa 47:2)

How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name. (Ps 66:3-4)

I Sing praises to you, my King, I sing praises. (Psa 47:6)

You are the King of all the earth! (Psa 47:7)

You reign over the nations, You sit on Your holy throne. (Psa 47:8)

O God of Abraham, the shields of the earth belong to You; You are highly exalted. (Psa 47:9)

Great are You, LORD, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, Your holy mountain. (Psa 48:1)

As is Your name, O God, So is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness. (Psa 48:10)

O Mighty One, LORD, You have spoken, And summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. You summon the heavens above, And the earth, to judge Your people (Psa 50:4)

Lord, out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, You have shone forth. (Psa 50:2)

Fire devours before You, And it is very tempestuous around You.  (Psa 50:3)

The heavens declare Your righteousness, For You are God who Judges the earth. (Psa 50:6)

Every beast of the forest is Yours, the cattle on a thousand hills. You know every bird of the mountains, And everything that moves in the field is Yours.  (Psa 50:10-11)

You are my Helper, the sustainer of my soul.  (Psa 54:4)

You have delivered my soul from death, my feet from stumbling, so that I may walk before You In the light of the living.  (Psa 56:13)

Your lovingkindness reaches to the heavens and Your truth to the clouds. Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be over all the earth.  (Psa 57:10-11)

I shall sing of Your strength; I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness. For You have been my stronghold And a refuge in the day of my distress.  (Psa 59:16)

O my strength, I will sing praises to You; For You are my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness. (Psa 59:17)

From the end of the earth I call to You, the rock that is higher than I. (Psa 61:2)

You alone are my Rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.  (Psa 62:2)

O God, You are my God; I seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Psa 63:1)

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You. (Psa 63:3)

I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. (Psa 63:4)

By awesome deeds You answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation, You who are the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea; (Psa 65:5)

You establish the mountains by Your strength, being girded with might. (Psa 65:6)

You still the roaring of the seas, The roaring of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples. (Psa 65:7)

They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs;

You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy. (Psa 65:8)

You soften the earth with showers, You bless its growth. (Psa 65:10)

You have crowned the year with Your bounty, And Your paths drip with fatness. (Psa 65:11)

How awesome are Your works! Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience to You.  (Psa 66:3)

You rule by Your might forever; Your eyes keep watch on the nations. (Psa 66:7)

You will judge the peoples with uprightness And guide the nations on the earth. (Psa 67:4)

You, O God, in Your holy habitation, are a father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows. (Psa 68:5)

Lord, You have ascended on high. (Psa 68:18)

Blessed are You, Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. (Psa 68:19)

You are to us a God of deliverances; And escapes from death belong to You. (Psa 68:20)

You ride upon the highest heavens, which are from ancient times;

You speak forth with a mighty voice. (Psa 68:33)

I ascribe strength to You; Your majesty is over your people, and Your strength is in the skies. (Psa 68:34)

O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary. You give strength and power to your people. Blessed be God! (Psa 68:35)

O LORD, Your lovingkindness is good; Your compassion is great! (Psa 69:16)

I will praise Your name with song and magnify You with thanksgiving. (Psa 69:30)

Let heaven and earth praise You, The seas and everything that moves in them. (Psa 69:34)

Let God be magnified. (Psa 70:4)

You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence from my youth. (Psa 71:5)

By You I have been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother's womb; My praise is continually of You. (Psa 71:6)

I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more. (Psa 71:14)

My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness And of Your salvation all day long; For I do not know the sum of them. (Psa 71:15)

Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens. You have done great things; O God, who is like You? (Psa 71:19)

All kings will bow down before You.  All nations will serve You. (Psa 72:11)

You will have compassion on the poor and needy, and You will save the lives of the needy. (Psa 72:13)

Your name endures forever; Your name increases as long as the sun shines; All nations call You blessed. (Psa 72:17)

Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. (Psa 72:18-19)

Surely You are good to those who are pure in heart!  (Psa 73:1)

Whom have I in heaven but You? There is nothing on earth I desire besides You. My heart and my flesh, they may sometimes fail, but there is one thing that always will prevail. You are the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  (Psa 73:25-26)

You are the radiant one. You are more majestic than the ancient mountains.  (Psa 76:4)

Your way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God? (Psa 77:13)

You are the God who works wonders.

You have made known Your strength among the peoples.

By Your power You have redeemed Your people. (Psa 77:14-15)

You have wrought wonders!  You divided the sea and caused them to pass through, And You made the waters stand up like a heap. Then You led them with the cloud by day And all the night with a light of fire. You split the rocks in the wilderness And gave them abundant drink like the ocean depths.  (Psa 78:13-15)

You commanded the clouds above And opened the doors of heaven; You rained down manna upon them to eat And gave them food from heaven. Man did eat the bread of angels; You sent them food in abundance.  (Psa 78:25)

You caused the east wind to blow in the heavens And by Your power You directed the south wind, when You rained meat upon them like the dust, Even winged fowl like the sand of the seas. (Psa 78:27)

But He led forth His own people like sheep And guided them in the wilderness like a flock; He led them safely, so that they did not fear; But the sea engulfed their enemies.
(Psa 78:52-53)

You shepherded them according to the integrity of Your heart, And guided them with Your skillful hands.  (Psa 78:72)
Oh, give ear, Shepherd of Israel, You are enthroned above the cherubim. You shine forth! (Psa 80:1)

O God, You possess all the nations.  (Psa 82:8)

You alone are the LORD, the Most High over all the earth.  (Psa 83:18)

How lovely are Your dwelling places, O LORD of hosts!  (Psa 84:1)

How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. (Psa 84:4)

How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion! (Psa 84:5)

One day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.  (Psa 84:10)

You are a sun and shield; You give grace and glory; No good thing do You withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psa 84:11)

O LORD of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You! (Psa 84:12)

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. (Psa 86:5)

There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord, Nor are there any works like Yours. (Psa 86:8)

All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And they shall glorify Your name. (Psa 86:9)

For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God. (Psa 86:10)

You, O Lord, are merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in  lovingkindness and truth. (Psa 86:15)

No one in heaven is like you, LORD; none of the heavenly beings is your equal. (Psa 89:6)

Lord God, you are greatly feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all those who are around You! (Psa 89:7)

O LORD God of hosts, who is like You, O mighty LORD? Your faithfulness also surrounds You. (Psa 89:8)

You rule the swelling of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them. (Psa 89:9)

The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all it contains, You have founded them. (Psa 89:11)

You have a strong arm; Your hand is mighty, Your right hand is exalted. (Psa 89:13)

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Lovingkindness and truth go before You. (Psa 89:14)

Blessed be the LORD forever!  (Psa 89:52)

Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.  (Psa 90:1-2)

You turn man back into dust And say, "Return, O children of men."  You have swept them away like a flood, they fall asleep; In the morning they are like grass which sprouts anew.  A thousand years to you are like one day; they are like yesterday, already gone, like a short hour in the night. (Psa 90:4)

You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust. (Psa 91:2)

How good it is to give thanks to you, O LORD, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning And Your faithfulness by night,
(Psa 92:1-2)

You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands. (Psa 92:4)

How great are Your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep. (Psa 92:5)

But You, O LORD, are on high forever. (Psa 92:8)

You are upright, and there is no unrighteousness in You. (Psa 92:15)

LORD, You reign.  You are clothed with majesty; You have clothed and girded Yourself with strength;  (Psa 93:1)

Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting. (Psa 93:2)

More than the sounds of many waters, Than the mighty breakers of the sea, The LORD on high is mighty. (Psa 93:4)

Your testimonies are very sure; holiness is what makes your house beautiful, O LORD, forevermore. (Psa 93:5)

You are a great God and a great King above all gods. In Your hand are the depths of the earth, the mountain peaks are Yours also. The sea is Yours, for it was You who made it, and Your hands formed the dry land. (Psa 95:3-5)

Great are You LORD and greatly to be praised; You are to be feared above all gods. (Psa 96:4)

All the gods of the peoples are idols, but You, O Lord, made the heavens. (Psa 96:5)

Splendor and majesty are before You, strength and beauty are in Your sanctuary. (Psa 96:6)

I ascribe to You glory and strength. (Psa 96:7)

You reign! Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved; You will judge the peoples with justice." (Psa 96:10)

Clouds and thick darkness surround You; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. (Psa 97:2)

Fire goes before You And burns up Your enemies. (Psa 97:3)

Your lightning lit up the world; The earth saw and trembled. (Psa 97:4)

The mountains melted like wax at Your presence, O LORD of the whole earth. (Psa 97:5)

The heavens declare Your righteousness, And all the peoples have seen Your glory. (Psa 97:6)

For You are the LORD Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods. (Psa 97:9)

You have done wonderful things, Your right hand and Your holy arm have gained the victory for You. (Psa 98:1)

You have made known Your salvation; You have revealed Your righteousness in the sight of the nations. (Psa 98:2)

You have remembered Your lovingkindness and Your faithfulness to us; All the ends of the earth have seen Your salvation. (Psa 98:3)

You are great in Zion, And You are exalted above all the peoples. Let them praise Your great and awesome name; Holy are You!  (Psa 99:2-3)

We exalt you, LORD our God, and worship at Your footstool; Holy are You! (Psa 99:5)

You spoke to Moses and Aaron in the pillar of cloud.

We exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy hill, For holy is the LORD our God.  (Psa 99:9)

We know that You are God; It is You who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are Your people and the sheep of Your pasture.  (Psa 100:3)

Lord, You are good; Your lovingkindness is everlasting And Your faithfulness to all generations.  (Psa 100:5)

You, O LORD, abide forever, And Your name to all generations.  (Psa 102:12)

The nations will fear the name of the LORD And all the kings of the earth Your glory.  (Psa 102:15)

You sit high, but you look low.  You look down from Your holy place on high. You look down from heaven to earth.  (Psa 102:19)

You remain the same, and Your years will not come to an end. (Psa 102:27)

You pardon all our iniquities, You heal all our diseases; You redeem our lives from the pit, You crown us with lovingkindness and compassion; You satisfy our years with good things, so that our youth is renewed like the eagle.  (Psa 103:3-5)

You perform righteous deeds And judgments for all who are oppressed.  (Psa 103:6)

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.  (Psa 103:8)

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is Your lovingkindness toward those who fear You. As far as the east is from the west, So far have You removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For You know our frame; You are mindful that we are but dust.  (Psa 103:11-14)

The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all. Bless the LORD, you His angels, Mighty in strength, who perform His word, Obeying the voice of His word! Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You who serve Him, doing His will. Bless the LORD, all you works of His, In all places of His dominion; Bless the LORD, O my soul! (Psa 103:19-22)

O LORD my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering Yourself with light as with a cloak, stretching out heaven like a tent curtain.  (Psa 104:2)

You lay the beams of Your upper chambers in the waters; You make the clouds Your chariot; You walk upon the wings of the wind; You make the winds Your messengers, Flaming fire Your ministers. (Psa 104:3-4)

You water the mountains from Your upper chambers; The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works. You cause the grass to grow for the cattle, And vegetation for the labor of man, So that he may bring forth food from the earth. (Psa 104:13-14)

O LORD, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; The earth is full of Your possessions. (Psa 104:24)

You look at the earth, and it trembles; You touch the mountains, and they smoke.  (Psa 104:32)

Praise you, Lord! Praise you, Jesus!

I glory in Your holy name and my heart is glad. (Psa 105:3)

You are the LORD our God; Your judgments are in all the earth.

You have remembered Your covenant forever, The word which You commanded to a thousand generations. (Psa 105:7-8)

You sent Moses You servant, and Aaron, whom You had chosen. They performed Your wondrous acts, and miracles. You sent darkness and made it dark; You turned their waters into blood And caused their fish to die. You spoke, and there came a swarm of flies and gnats in all their territory.  You gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land. You struck down their vines and fig trees, and shattered the trees of their territory. You spoke, and locusts came without number, And ate up all vegetation in their land, And ate up the fruit of their ground. You also struck down all the firstborn in their land. (Psa 105:26-36)

You brought forth Your people with joy, Your chosen ones with a joyful shout. You gave them also the lands of the nations, that they might take possession of the fruit of the peoples' labor. (Psa 105:43-44)

You rebuked the Red Sea and it dried up, And You led them through the deeps, as through the wilderness.  (Psa 106:9)

You did great things in Egypt, wonders in the land of Ham, and awesome things by the Red Sea.  (Psa 106:21-22)

The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and engulfed the company of Abiram. And a fire blazed up in their company; The flame consumed the wicked. (Psa 106:17-18)

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, From everlasting even to everlasting.  Praise the LORD!  (Psa 106:48)

You have satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul You have filled with what is good. (Psa 107:9)

You sent Your word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.  (Psa 107:20)

I give thanks to You, LORD, for Your lovingkindness, And for Your wonders to the sons of men!  (Psa 107:15)

You changed rivers into a wilderness And springs of water into a thirsty ground; A fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it. You change a wilderness into a pool of water And a dry land into springs of water; And there You make the hungry to dwell, so that they may establish an inhabited city. (Psa 107:33-36)

You set the needy securely on high away from affliction, and make his families like a flock.  (Psa 107:41)

For Your lovingkindness is great above the heavens, And Your truth reaches to the skies. (Psa 108:4)

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, And Your glory above all the earth. (Psa 108:5)

O God of my praise!

You stand at the right hand of the needy, to save him from those who judge his soul. (Psa 109:31)

LORD, stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, "Rule in the midst of Your enemies." (Psa 110:2)

The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek." (Psa 110:4)

Father, the Lord is at Your right hand; He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath. (Psa 110:5)
Great are Your works; They are studied by all who delight in them. (Psa 111:2)

Splendid and majestic is Your work, and Your righteousness endures forever. (Psa 111:3)

You have made Your wonders to be remembered; You are gracious and compassionate. (Psa 111:4)

You have given food to those who fear You; You will remember Your covenant forever. (Psa 111:5)

You have made known to Your people the power of Your works. (Psa 111:6)

The works of Your hands are truth and justice; All Your precepts are sure. They are upheld forever and ever; They are performed in truth and uprightness. (Psa 111:8)

You have sent redemption to Your people; You have ordained Your covenant forever; Holy and awesome is Your name. (Psa 111:9)

Your praise endures forever. (Psa 111:10)

Praise the LORD! How blessed is the man who fears You, Who greatly delights in Your commandments. (Psa 112:1)

Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD From this time forth and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting The name of the LORD is to be praised.  (Psa 113:1-3)

You are high above all nations; Your glory is above the heavens. Who is like You, LORD our God? Who is enthroned on high? Who humbles Himself to behold The things that are in heaven and in the earth?  (Psa 113:4-6)

You raise the poor from the dust and lift the needy from the ash heap, To make them sit with princes, With the princes of Your people.  (Psa 113:7-8)

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth.  (Psa 115:1)

Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.  (Psa 115:3)

As for us, we will bless the LORD From this time forth and forever. Praise the LORD!  (Psa 115:18)

I love You, LORD, because You hear My voice and my supplications. Because You have inclined Your ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon You as long as I live.  (Psa 116:1-2)
Gracious are You, LORD, and righteous; My God, You are compassionate.  I was brought low, and You saved me. For You have rescued my soul from death, My eyes from tears, My feet from stumbling. (Psa 116:5-8)

Your lovingkindness is great toward us, and Your truth is everlasting. Praise the LORD!  (Psa 117:2)

The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief corner stone. This is the LORD'S doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.  (Psa 118:22-23)

You are my God, and I give thanks to You; You are my God, I extol You.  (Psa 118:28)

You have ordained Your precepts, That we should keep them diligently. (Psa 119:4)

The LORD is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words. (Psa 119:57)

You are good and do good;  (Psa 119:68)

The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.  (Psa 119:72)

All Your commandments are faithful; (Psa 119:86)

How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!  (Psa 119:103)

My flesh trembles for fear of You, And I am afraid of Your judgments.  (Psa 119:120)

Great are Your mercies, O LORD; (Psa 119:156)

Lord, there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.  (Psa 130:4)

I love Your commandments Above gold, yes, above fine gold.  (Psa 119:127)

I esteem right all Your precepts concerning everything, I hate every false way.
(Psa 119:128)

Your word is very pure, Therefore Your servant loves it.  (Psa 119:140)

Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous ordinances.  (Psa 119:164)

I lift up my eyes to the hills; where shall my help come from? My help comes from You, LORD, Who made heaven and earth. You will not allow my foot to slip; You who keep me will not slumber.  (Psa 121:1-3)

You are my keeper; You are the Shade on my right hand.  (Psa 121:5)

To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens!  (Psa 123:1)

Blessed be the Lord.  Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.  (Psa 124:8)

LORD, You have done great things for us; We are glad. (Psa 126:3)

For with You there is lovingkindness, and with You is abundant redemption.  (Psa 130:7)

I lift up my hands to the sanctuary and bless You, LORD.  (Psa 134:2)

Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD; Praise Him, O servants of the LORD, You who stand in the house of the LORD, In the courts of the house of our God!
(Psa 135:1-2)

Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; Sing praises to His name, for it is lovely.
(Psa 135:3)

For I know that You are great And that You are above all gods. Whatever You please, You do, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.

You cause the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; You make lightnings for the rain, You bring forth the wind from Your treasuries.  (Psa 135:5-7)

You smote many nations And slew mighty kings, and gave their land to Your people. (Psa 135:10)

Your name, O LORD, is everlasting, Your remembrance, O LORD, throughout all generations. For You will judge Your people And will have compassion on Your servants.  (Psa 135:13-14)

Blessed be the LORD from Zion. Praise the LORD!  (Psa 135:21)

You alone do great wonders! You made the heavens with skill. You spread out the earth above the waters, You made the great lights, the sun to rule by day, the moon and stars to rule by night, You divided the Red Sea asunder, and made Israel pass through the midst of it, but You overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea. You have rescued us from our adversaries. You give food to all flesh. (Psa 136)

I will sing of Your ways, for great is Your glory. (Psa 138:5)

For though You are on high, You look upon the lowly, but the proud and arrogant You know from afar. (Psa 138:6)

Your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. (Psa 138:8)

O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.  (Psa 139:1-6)

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.  (Psa 139:14)

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.
(Psa 139:17-18)

Blessed be the LORD, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle;
(Psa 144:1)

You are My lovingkindness and my fortress, My stronghold and my deliverer, My shield and He in whom I take refuge, Who subdues people under me. (Psa 144:2)

I will sing a new song to You, O God; (Psa 144:9)

I will extol You, my God, O King, And I will bless Your name forever and ever. (Psa 145:1)

Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. (Psa 145:2)

Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable. (Psa 145:3)

One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. (Psa 145:4)

On the glorious splendor of Your majesty And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate. (Psa 145:5)

Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, And I will tell of Your greatness. (Psa 145:6)

I shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness. (Psa 145:7)

The LORD is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. (Psa 145:8)

The LORD is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. (Psa 145:9)

All Your works shall give thanks to You, O LORD, And Your godly ones shall bless You. (Psa 145:10)

I shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom And talk of Your power; (Psa 145:11)

To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom. (Psa 145:12)

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations. (Psa 145:13)

The LORD sustains all who fall And raises up all who are bowed down. (Psa 145:14)

The eyes of all look to You, And You give them their food in due time. (Psa 145:15)

You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing. (Psa 145:16)

The LORD is righteous in all His ways And kind in all His deeds. (Psa 145:17)

The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. (Psa 145:18)

He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. (Psa 145:19)

The LORD keeps all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy. (Psa 145:20)

My mouth will speak Your praises, and all flesh will bless Your holy name forever and ever. (Psa 145:21)

Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! (Psa 146:1)

You  made heaven and earth, The sea and all that is in them; You keep faith forever;
(Psa 146:6)

You execute justice for the oppressed; You give food to the hungry. You set the prisoners free. (Psa 146:7)

You open the eyes of the blind; You raise up those who are bowed down; You love the righteous; (Psa 146:8)

You protect the strangers; You support the fatherless and the widow, But You thwart the way of the wicked. (Psa 146:9)

You will reign forever! Praise You, LORD! (Psa 146:10)

Praise You, Lord.  You heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds. (Psa 147:3)

You count the number of the stars and give names to all of them. (Psa 147:4)

Great are You, Lord, and abundant in strength; Your understanding is infinite. (Psa 147:5)

You support the afflicted and You bring down the wicked to the ground. (Psa 147:6)

You send forth Your command to the earth; Your word runs very swiftly. You give snow like wool; You scatter the frost like ashes. You cast forth Your ice as fragments; Who can stand before Your cold? You send forth Your word and melt them; You cause Your wind to blow and the waters to flow.  (Psa 147:15-18)

Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light! Praise Him, highest heavens, And the waters that are above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.  (Psa 148:1-5)

Praise the name of the LORD!  For Your name alone is exalted; Your glory is above earth and heaven.  (Psa 148:13)

Let the godly ones exult in glory; Let them sing for joy on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand. (Psa 149:5-6)

Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe. Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!  (Psa 150:2-6)

Righteousness belongs to You, O Lord!

O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments… (Dan 9:4)

To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness… (Dan 9:9)

Your dominion is an everlasting dominion, which will not pass away; And Your kingdom is one, which will not be destroyed.  (Dan 7:13-14)

Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, Thou King of Saints. (Revelation 15:3)

Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are all thy ways, thou King of Saints.

Holy, holy, holy, the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of Your glory. (Is 6:3)

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. (Rev 4:8)

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. (Rev 4:11)

Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways,    King of the nations (Rev 15:3)

Now to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forever. Amen. (Jud 1:25)

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Tim 1:17) 

O God, Maker of all! O Lord Jesus, Redeemer and Savior, with high thanksgiving we pour out our souls to You! Eternal praise shall be Yours forever.

Worthy are You, our Lord and our God to receive the glory and the honor and the power for You created all things and because of Your will, they are and were created.

Lord Jesus, You are the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, and uphold all things by Your powerful Word. (Heb 1:3)

You sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Heb 1:3)

Your throne is forever and ever.  The righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom.  You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.  Therefore, God has anointed you with the oil of gladness.

Lord Jesus, the Father has crowned you with glory and honor and appointed you over the works of His hands. (Heb 2:7)

Lord Jesus, the Apostle and high priest of our confession, you are faithful to Him who appointed you as a Son over His house. (Heb 2:1-2,6)

Jesus, Son of God, you are the great high priest who has passed through the heavens and can sympathize with our weaknesses. (Heb 4:14, 15)

You are holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens. You have taken Your seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.  (Heb 7:26; 8:1)

Lord Jesus, You are able also to save forever those who draw near to God through You, since You always live to make intercession for us. (Heb 7:25)

"May the glory of the LORD be praised in His dwelling place."  (Eze 3:12)

"Great is your goodness, O God, since for the Salvation of the sinner the Just entered death’s dominion and rescued the unjust."

For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, Nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him. (Isa 64:4)

“Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You,” (Jer 32:17)

Jesus, you have made the Father’s name known to us, and you continue to make it known, so that the love with which He loved You may be in us. (Joh 17:26)

Lord Jesus, the government of God’s Kingdom rests on Your shoulders; And Your name is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isa 9:6)

Jesus, You are the Great I AM, the eternally self-existent One. (Joh 8:58).  

Lord, You gave Yourself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Yourself a people for Your own possession, zealous for good deeds. (Tit 2:14). 

You, O LORD, are our Father, Our Redeemer from of old is Your Name." (Isa 63:16)

O Holy Spirit, You are our Counselor, Who helps us and is with us forever! Praise You for your abiding presence (Jn 14:16).

Holy Spirit, You teach us all things, and bring to our remembrance all that Jesus said. (Joh 14:26)  

Lord, praise You for extending Your hand to heal, and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus. (Act 4:30)

Lord, through You we will push back our adversaries; Through Your Name we will trample down those who rise up against us. (Psa 44:5)

May the name of the Lord Jesus be magnified.  (Act 19:17)

Let them praise Your great and awesome Name; You are Holy! (Psa 99:3)

"There is none like You, O LORD; You are great, and great is Your Name in might." (Jer 10:6)

You have sent redemption to Your people; You have ordained Your covenant forever; Holy and awesome is Your name." (Ps 111:9) 

For our heart rejoices in You, Because we trust in Your holy name. (Ps 33:21)

For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name." (Luk 1:49) 

God, you highly exalted Jesus, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (Php 2:9-10)

Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest! (Mat 21:9; 23:39)

Lord, we are calling on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all who in every place call on Him, their Lord and ours. (1Co 1:2)

Praise you God for concerning Yourself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for Your name. (Act 15:14)

We are a people called by You Name. (Act 15:17). 

We give thanks to you, God our Father, for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 5:20)

In God we have boasted all day long, And we will give thanks to Your Name forever. (Psa 44:8)

Willingly I will sacrifice to You; I will give thanks to Your Name, O LORD, for it is good.  (Psa 54:6)

Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your Name; The upright will dwell in Your presence. (Psa 140:13)

"Bring my soul out of prison, So that I may give thanks to Your Name; The righteous will surround me, For You will deal bountifully with me." (Psa 142:7)

O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your Name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. (Isa 25:1)

It is good to give thanks to the LORD And to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High; (Psa 92:1)

So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your Name. (Psa 63:4)

All the earth will worship You, And will sing praises to You; They will sing praises to Your Name.  (Psa 66:4)

I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And will glorify Your Name forever. (Psa 86:12)

So I will sing praise to Your Name forever, That I may pay my vows day by day. (Psa 61:8)

I will extol You, my God, O King, And I will bless Your Name forever and ever. (Psa 145:1)

Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your Name forever and ever. (Psa 145:2)

All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And they shall glorify Your Name." (Psa 86:9)

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, But to Your Name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth. (Psa 115:1)

Your Name, O LORD, is everlasting, Your remembrance, O LORD, throughout all generations. (Psa 135:13)

And there is salvation in no one else but Jesus Christ; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.  (Act 4:12)

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Author's note: Artwork and calligraphy by my daughter, C.V. Lacroix. For more of her work, I invite you to visit A Brush with Life.  I also invite you to visit the Main Directory for Seeking the Lord, and my collection of blogs at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.