Nothing can make you smile like a preschooler who loves Jesus. Ethan is exactly that. If he were on trial for being a Christian, you would find enough evidence to convict him. He’s thoughtful of friends, quick to forgive, and cheerfully takes turns. But he loves action, excitement, and things to touch, throw, and bounce. When story time comes, he can have a few residual wiggles.
The day I told about the walls of Jericho, his eyes were alive. I explained the fear and the danger. I repeated God’s instructions to Joshua. I described the patience needed to wait for God’s special time. The finale came with stomping feet to make the sound of the crumbling walls and whoops of victory like we were the soldiers charging in.
When the room grew quiet, Ethan raised his small fist upward and shouted, “Everybody, let’s hear it for God! Hip hip hooray!” Everyone echoed, “Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray!” God perfected praise that morning in Sunday school and I was honored to see it.
God loves the praises of His people. We are challenged to sing out and to make His praise glorious. Sing out denotes loudness. Dare I say, rambunctiousness? The word translated glorious hints of wealth, weight, and high honor.
Has your praise grown mild? Does your praise need a boost? A jolt? Ask the Holy Spirit to free you to celebrate your God. Practice. Train yourself to brag about Him. Take a moment now and praise Him with passion. Everybody, let’s hear it for God!
(Photo courtesy of office.microsoft.com.)
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Sondra, you taught my son when he was in the 3rd grade and he loved you! That was over two decades ago. Since then, I have witnessed you reach so many young ones for Jesus! You have an incredible way of teaching a child on his or her level. Who knows, you may have inspired the next Billy Graham!
Thank you for today's devotion. I've read it before leaving for church this morning, and I've been challenged by it. Of late, I've found myself giving good attention to preaching, but distinctly lacking in the area of praise and worship, singing on autopilot. God is STILL worthy of praise!