Post written by Deron Freeman

As I write today, I’m being inspired by the devotional book that the entire worship department is reading (“Pure Praise” by Dwayne Moore). What do you think “praise” really is? I’ve heard a lot of definitions of the word over the last several years of ministry. Today’s devotional has put it in very simple terms for me. “Praise is that upward focus toward God.” Many times, we worship with our lives without even knowing it because it is an outflow of our hearts (Prov. 4:23). We worship God almost unconsciously with our lives because it flows from our hearts and minds because of the character of God that resides inside us. “Praise” however, is a decision that we make. We know when we are praising because it is something that happens because of a choice. It is direct and deliberate adoration. This Sunday, I challenge you, to make a deliberate choice to boldly praise God. May we all praise, celebrate, bring glory, sing and boast. Strong’s Concordance even includes in the definition “to rave”.

In order for us to really grasp our vision scripture of the year (Matthew 6:33), we will almost definitely have to learn how to “praise”. We will all need to be intentionally seeking the Kingdom of God and be intentionally praising God. When we seek the Kingdom, we are praising.

So, having said all that, what are your thoughts on praise?