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Praising God At All Times*
By Don Gossett
I. God's command for New Testament Christians: "By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually; that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." Hebrews 13:15.
II. The vow of David, the man after God's own heart: "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 34:1.
III. The practice of the first Christians: "They were continually praising and blessing God." Luke 24:53.
IV. The will of God for every Christian: "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
V. A vital proof of the true Spirit‑filled life: "Be filled with the Spirit . . Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:18, 20.
VI. The chief function of the Royal Priesthood: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9.
VII. The way Bible believers begin every gathering: "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him and bless His Name." Psalm 100:4.
VIII. Heeding the Throne Message: "And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great." Revelation 19:5.
IX. As long as I have breath: "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." Psalm 150:6.
X. "From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the Lord's name is to be praised." Psalm 113:3.
BOLD LIVING CARD No. 46
As Long As I Live
As long as I live it shall be a rule engraved on my tongue to bring praise like fruit for an offering and my lips as a sacrificial gift. I will make skillful music with lyre and harp to serve God's glory, and the flute of my lips will I raise in praise of His rule of righteousness. Both morning and evening I shall enter into the Covenant of God: and at the end of both I shall recite His commandments, and so long as they continue to exist, there will be my frontier and my journey's end.
Therefore I will bless His name in all I do, before I move hand or foot, whenever I go out or come in, when I sit down and when I rise, even when lying on my couch I will chant His praise.
My lips shall praise Him as I sit at the table which is set for all, and before I lift my hand to partake of any nourishment from the delicious fruits of the earth.
When fear and terror come, and there is only anguish and distress, I will still bless and thank Him for His wondrous deeds, and meditate upon His power, and lean upon His mercies all day long. For I know that in His hand is justice for all that live, and all His works are true. So, when trouble comes, or salvation, I praise Him just the same.
PRAISING GOD AT ALL TIMES (Column X),
Manual of Discipline, Dead Sea Scrolls
(Note from Don Gossett: The above discipline was a part of the practice of the early Christians, as set forth in this valuable document found in the Dead Sea Scrolls.)
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