Holy and blameless — this is how God sees us in Christ. A great blessing of being in Christ is that not only can we approach God, but He dwells within us! (Jn 6:56; 17:23) Another great spiritual blessing is that the Holy Spirit is the first Installment of our inheritance with God (Eph 1:14). In addition to these blessings, God has bestowed on us "every spiritual blessing" (Eph 1:3).
How can we respond to God for these blessings? Praise is the response, because blessing and praise go together (Rv 5:12, 13; 7:12). Praise God with everything you've got. Sing and praise with greater enthusiasm than you have at your favorite sporting event. God is in the spotlight of your praise, receiving everything that you have to give. "Sing joyfully to the Lord…break into song; sing praise…sing joyfully before the King, the Lord" (Ps 98:4-6).
There are various ways to praise and worship God:
God gives us every blessing. Give Him every praise!
| PRAYER: | Father, give me the grace and the desire to praise You like I never have before. |
| PROMISE: | "It is in Christ and through His blood that we have been redeemed and our sins forgiven." –Eph 1:7 |
| PRAISE: | St. Ignatius of Antioch advised: "Turn a deaf ear to the talk of anyone whose language has nothing to do with Jesus Christ." |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College