YOUR PRAISE AND YOUR CHARACTER | Pst. Timothy Benedict |

YOUR PRAISE AND YOUR CHARACTER II - Isaiah 61:1-3. 

Note:

1. Every genuine encounter with God will naturally produce a lifestyle of joy. As we genuinely encounter God, He always rubs off the spirit of joy in us, as joy is the fruit of the spirit - Galatians 5:22.

2. The content of a person will naturally reflect the lifestyle of that person. Thus, if you carry joy, you will reflect the lifestyle of praise - Ephesians 5:18-20. Whenever you are filled with the spirit 

How does praise and worship prove character of worship?

1. It reveals a heart of passion and affection for God. For what you love you talk about with ease. 

2a. Praise will naturally flow where the spirit of God is in control - Psalm 86:12.

b. Life will naturally express itself in the direction of ones controlling passion. Thus, if God controls you, you will be passionate for Him. 

c. Proverbs 23:7 - Praise and worship are never acceptable until the heart is in total agreement. 

Counsel

1. Praise must flow from the heart for it to be acceptable to God.

2. Use you praise to change your circumstances.

3. Your praise must never focus on what God has but on who he is.

YOUR PRAISE AND YOUR CHARACTER III - Isaiah 61:1-3

Note:

1. Everyones habitual acts reveals the strength of his or her character. Habits form character and character shapes destiny. When you contact God he takes away what is not supposed to be in you and deposits in you what should be. Note that sadness is not permitted in the life of the child of God. The devil can make some people happy by happenings but cannot give joy, for he is not a possessor of joy. When you contact joy you contact the king of kings. This is never predicated on the amount you have in your account. A true child of God can never be threatened by adverse circumstances. God can never keep His children stranded. Never give up to depression no matter the circumstance. 

Whatever is putting your life under pressure, let it be suffocated now IJN. Amen!  God shall meet your needs and you can never be stranded in Jesus' name. Amen! We serve a way maker and He shall make a way for you.

2. Praise and worship are not religious exercises but a natural proof of a genuine encounter with God. Anytime divinity encounters humanity there is a provocation of praise. 2 Samuel 1 - Hannah's countenance changed for good after she encountered God. 

How does praise prove character:

I. Praise and worship reveals in a person the character of humility - Daniel 2:22, 27, 30. The higher you God the more humbler he becomes. If God is blessing you, thank God for it and be humble in regards.

a. Humility recognizes that man is nothing without God

b. Humility naturally provokes a sense of deep worship to God, recognizing Him as the source of all we have and own. 

c. The absence of humility is always a setup for destruction - Daniel 4:30-32; Luke 12:20. Don't let men praise you into oblivion. The higher you go in life the humbler you should get. 

Counsel

1. See praise and worship as a principal purpose of your existence.

2. Never allow your feelings and circumstances to determine your praise to God - Habakuk 3:17. 

3. Your praise should focus on who God is and not what He has. For when you praise Him for who He is what He has flows naturally to you.