"Stolen Praise"

Facebook is kind of crazy.

From random posts to arguments, I think we've seen it all.

Personally, I try to use it as a tool to communicate and also to encourage.

Like many things, it can be used for good purposes too.

The other day, I read a post that got me thinking about answered prayers.

 I read of a miracle....

A friend, was incredibly thankful to be on the receiving end of God's grace.

But after reading her post and the direction it took, I began to wonder..

Soon I was asking myself these questions.

Which is stronger?

The one who asks for the gift?

The gift?

Or...

The  Giver?

The answer is obvious, I would think.

Sadly, I must admit, I sometimes confuse the three.

So basically..she began to express her gratitude.. to God....which is of course, appropriate.

However, it seemed that her initial gratitude slyly shifted its focus.

Gratitude deferred itself and soon her focus was on her friends and family who had approached God's throne.

Seems to be that gratitude is sneaky like that because it feels good...and sometimes runs its own direction.

Her thankfulness unwittingly began to focus on her friends who prayed over her, instead of the merciful, healing and amazing God who saved her.

Of course... we should be thankful to those who willingly offers heartfelt prayers to The Lord  Jesus who is standing in the gap between brokenness and healing.

But we must remind ourselves to stop short of giving 'them' praise for asking.

If I should receive His gift, a humble thankfulness given to those who offered the prayer is right and appropriate, 

but our praises must be reserved and offered only to the Holy One.

And if I be...

the one asking God for the gift of healing and hope and intercession for another.

 (I must do so in humility, whether anyone should notice.)

For any praise given or accepted to or from another,... 

is praise stolen from the true Giver of all good things.

As you walk throughout your week...live thankfully..but offer your praise to the only ONE who has set eternity in your heart.

He is magnificent, holy, honorable and faithful. 

He ALONE is worthy of our undivided praise.

Application: Who is stronger in your life?

Those who ask...or the One who holds the redemptive healing power?

Remember:  

Be thankful for those who stand in the gap...but leave it that...and never lose focus of the One True God.

"I lift up my eyes toward the mountains— from where will my help come?

My help is from the LORD, maker of heaven and earth"

Psalm 121:1,2

Think for a moment of the many ways your life is blessed..(this is the path from depression to joy)---and praise HIM in true gratitude for every single blessing..

 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:3-4)