Praise Sandwich
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)
Dear friends,
Would you like to know my secret weapon against Satan? A praise sandwich.
Some of you think I’m immune to the Devil’s devious lies but let me assure you, I have my weaknesses. A corn chip can assuredly test my resolve. And when my impatience starts bubbling over something silly, I know it’s time for a praise sandwich.
Brother James says, Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)
Most of you can quote that verse by heart, but are you believing it in your times of trial or temptation? Brother James says, “Be joyful when you’re being tested! You’re learning steadfastness - to be constant - resolute - steady - making you perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Glory! You’ll be firmly fixed in your faith, nary wavering. Oh, I loathe wavering in my faith, don’t you? One minute I have my hands raised, giving honor to the Lord God Almighty and the next minute I’m fretting over some petty silliness. Lord Jesus, fill me with Your Spirit and help me in my unbelief!
Psalm 33:1 says, Praise befits the upright. Oh I love that verse! Praise befits the upright. Thankfulness is becoming. Proper. And praise transforms our heart from fear or frustration to joy! So next time you’re feeling woeful or aggravated about some circumstance, or when just like Eve you’re feeling lured into eating something you’ll later regret, start singing!
One of my favorites in fighting temptation is Ron Kenoly’s Spirit-filled song, Sing Out! Listen here, and full lyrics are below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPuQKQK5q9s&list=RDjPuQKQK5q9s#t=30
Don’t you just LOVE his encouragement and enthusiasm?!
Sing out, the Lord is near.
Build Him a temple here.
A palace of praise
A throne of thanksgiving
Made for the King of kings
Before he lifts his praise-filled heart he quotes I Peter 2:5 that says you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. So we are the House of God! The Body of Believers is the Church, not the buildings sprinkled across every city and burb in our nation. But he’s also encouraging the Church to remember Romans 12:1 where Brother Paul says I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. So what better song to shout right into Satan’s face when he’s dangling temptation under your nose!! That would stop sabotage eating right in its tracks!
Now imagine this: You’re gathering with all your church brethren after Sunday service, staring right at that table toppling with sugary, nutrient-void, temple-trashing treats. … And you start singing… quietly at first, sort of lifting up your own personal prayer… but you want to stir the Body so you slowly get louder and louder:
Sing out, the Lord is near!
Build Him a temple here!
A palace of praise
A throne of thanksgiving
Made for the King of kings!
Just imagine it! You could start your own flash dance for Jesus right there in the Fellowship Hall! And all those seductive sweets would land right in the dumpster while ya’ll go home and nourish yourselves with real food. Glory halleluiah!
But note I earlier suggested a praise sandwich; glorify God when temptation taunts then glorify Him again after He faithfully saves you. Remember the story told us by Brother Luke about the ten lepers who were healed but only one returned to say Thank You to the Lord Jesus? Well we always want to emulate the thankful leper, giving God glory when He saves us from the wily one. And if you dodged donuts after church, or the homemade cookies at Bunko night, or that hot dog with relish and cheese at your child’s soccer game, He deserves the credit, not you. Give Him glory and honor and praise ‘cus you surely were saved in the Spirit. So sing your heartfelt gratitude! I just love Brother Henry Smith’s simple song, Give Thanks. You can listen here, and full lyrics are below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9uZI4w4xgM
Let the weak say, "I am strong….
Because of what the Lord has done for us.
Amen!
Now go celebrate your trials and temptations, knowing it’s building steadfastness in your spirit, and praise Him again when He sees you through the storm. Serve Satan a praise sandwich.
Live Well,
Grace
Sing Out lyrics:
Sing out
The Lord is near
Build him a temple here
A palace of praise
A throne of thanksgiving
Made for the King of kings
Sing out a joyful song
His love goes on and on
When praises abound
His glory surrounds us
Build him a temple here
Sing out
The Lord is near
The Lord inhabits the
Song of His saints
And lives in their praises
We come to worship
Together as one
With music and singing
Rejoice in all that the
Father has done
Let's lift up an offering
Give Thanks lyrics:
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say, "I am strong."
Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us"
And now let the weak say, "I am strong."
Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us"
Give thanks
Give thanks
Give thanks
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say, "I am strong."
Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us"
And now let the weak say, "I am strong."
Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us"
Give thanks
We give thanks to You, Lord
Give thanks
We give thanks
Give thanks
Give thanks
We give thanks to You, Lord