In the Bible, the heart is regarded as the seat of our emotions, passions, attitudes, and moral choices. Its condition is vitally important to our spiritual and emotional well-being. Do you have a thankful heart?  

  Psalm 100:4 says…Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

 Psalm 107: 15 says…Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

 Praise, according to the Scriptures, is an act of our will that flows out of an awe and reverence for our Creator. Praise gives glory to God and opens us up to a deeper union with Him. It turns our attention off of our problems and on the nature and character of God Himself.  As we focus our minds on God and proclaim His goodness, we reflect His glory back to Him. The results can fill you with peace and contentment ( Isaiah 26:3) and transform your outlook on life.

  Why are we to praise Him?  We are to praise God because He is worthy of our praise (1 Chron. 16:25; Rev. 5:11-14). He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is our Creator, Provider, Healer, Redeemer, Judge, Defender and oh so much more.

 There’s something very special happens when one enters into the presence of God with a heart of praise and thanksgiving. He inhabits (dwells in) our praises! “… you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” (Psalms 22:3) Some translations say here: “inhabiting the praises of Israel.”

  Dwells, lives in! When you live somewhere, you’re comfortable there, it’s your home.  You feel like you can come in, sit down, kick back and chillax!  That what Adonai does! He comes in and just chills in the atmosphere of your praise. As we draw near to the Father in praise, He draws near to us (James 4:8). He fills a grateful heart with His presence of love and goodness. He delights in the praise of His people!  

  Battles are won through praise! “Now the sons of Israel arose, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God and said, “Who shall go up first for us to battle against the sons of Benjamin?” Then the LORD said, “Judah (praise) shall go up first.””  If you’re facing a battle or need something from God, if you’re looking for a miracle…..you’ll find it on the other side of your praise! Just start praising Him and see what He’ll do for you!

  God is looking for a grateful heart. A grateful heart is one that recognizes who God is and what He has done. A grateful heart is one exercising faith. It’s looking to God as the Source and Sustainer of everything in our lives. It’s seeing Him for who He is and believing He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews. 11:6).

  Do you ever just come before the throne of glory (the mercy seat) and say,  “I’m not asking for anything today, Lord. I just came to tell You I love You, I just want to love You Jesus. Just let me love on You today. I just came to praise You, Lord! I worship You Father, I praise You Holy Jesus for You alone are worthy! I just wanta’ say thank You!  A million times over, thank You!

  Just continue to praise Him folks…He is worthy!

    And here is where you’ll enter into the Holiest of Holies! Just sit there and bask in His glory, the Shekinah glory (the presence of the Lord). Here is where He’ll fellowship with you, minister to you. In His presence is where you can talk to Him and He’ll answer. Here is where you’ll receive what you need….in His presence! Hallelujah! Thank You Jesus! 

 Isaiah 65:24 says…”And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”

  Revelations 3:20 says…”Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.”

  Closing: Cultivating a greatful heart will transform your life. But you’ll never be genuinely happy or fulfilled until you know Jesus as Savior. Once you are a believer, Holy Spirit can enable you to be grateful in all circumstances.  So come to Him today. He is near at hand. He alone can rescue and make your life a praise. Trust Him, look to Him, and live for His glory.  Praise is also our ultimate destiny. When the Lord Jesus Christ returns again to earth, all creation, including prideful mankind will recognize His glory and praise Him ( Phil. 2:9-11).

 “That at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”  Amen!    Bow now or bow later!