Imagine this: I invite you to my house and once you’re there I never speak to you. I never introduce you to others. I never speak of your accomplishments. Of course I know you are there because I invited you. Right? I know you won’t leave because you are the type of friend to stick by me no matter what yet I begin to wonder why you don’t speak to me. Sound familiar? I’m sure. That’s how some of our relationship is with God. Can you imagine if someone invited you to their home and never acknowledged you after they opened the door? How would you react? Would you be quick to offer a helping hand to serve them or clean up their mess? I doubt it.
Tonight I was listening to “Purple” (
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3RKTo4Hhkw ) by Donnie McClurkin when this illustration hit me. There’s a part in the verse that says: “Praise unlocks the door it breaks every chain. Praise releases dreams it's all in His name.” It made me recognize that sometimes I treat God like an unwelcome guest in my life and then I wonder why I encounter hell. I give Him the minimum by showing up on Sunday and I wonder why my blessings seem to be so close but yet so far. I can only imagine how He must feel considering I INVITED Him into my life to begin with. God is a gentlemen (as my mentor Jackie McCoy always says). He wont force His way into our hearts much like [most] guests wont just show up to a party they aren’t invited to.
Is God a visitor in your heart or does He have the opportunity to dwell in your life? Psalm 22:3 says that God inhabits or dwells in the praises of His people. When I looked up the etymology of the word “inhabit” it said “a primitive root.” This excited me because it told me that not only will God be a visitor in my heart but He will be the primitive or original root in my life. As a result of this root God will continue to stay true to His promises.
However, these benefits are based on my praise of Him. This praise cannot be contingent upon how I feel or my immediate need. We should liken our praise to treating houseguests as if you want them there. Make God feel welcomed in your heart. Give Him the praise He deserves. Show Him your best. After all, there’s a blessing and a promise awaiting in your praise. Selah.
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Are on the way! The rest don't matter... FINAL COUNT~!