Getting Rid Of Conditional Praise

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hldude33

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“Getting Rid Of Conditional Praise”
By Zach Wood
Psalm 34:1-3 TLB
I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name.


Back in 2006, the movie “Facing The Giants” came out and was a very inspirational football story. One of the scenes shows the coach, Grant Taylor, talking to the team and explaining that they will start praying and praising God at the end of each game, whether they win or lose. This sets a great attitude for the team as they focus on God being their source of strength no matter the outcome of the game.

As I read this passage in the Living Bible translation, the words “praise the Lord no matter what happens” stood out to me and reminded me of the scene from the movie. I thought about how it is so easy to praise God when things are going well and the outcomes of different situations of every day life are good. However, when things turn out bad or don’t go the way we had hoped, it’s often harder to continue to lift up praise.

I admit that I am very bad about this conditional praise many times in my life. It is so easy for me to praise Him when life is going well. However, when bad days come, I’m not praising Him so much. Rather, I’m complaining and grumbling. I’m trying to be better about this, but it’s a weak area for me.

In order for me to be a better witness to my wife, kids and others in my life, I need to improve the way I react to situations when bad things happen. I need to have an attitude of thanks when life is good and when life is not so good. I need to have constant praise in my life each day, no matter what is going on.

How about you? Are you praising the Lord no matter what happens in your life each day? Are you focused more on the aggravations of what is not going well or are you finding ways to praise God no matter what is happening? It is hard to do!!! Not an easy task at all.

We need to have an attitude of praise always. Whether we feel we are winning in life or losing, He is God and is always faithful. His goodness does not change in our bad days. Does this mean we can’t be discouraged? No, we are human and we have bad days. We just need to work through that discouragement and realize that things will pass and we need to keep our attitude in check and continue to give God praise.

We should never be conditional with our praise. God deserves our praise, no matter what.
 

marks

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How about you? Are you praising the Lord no matter what happens in your life each day? Are you focused more on the aggravations of what is not going well or are you finding ways to praise God no matter what is happening? It is hard to do!!! Not an easy task at all.
It's all about faith.

God says that All Things work together for our good. If you believe that's true, then no circumstance need take away from our gratefulness, or recognition of God's absolute wonderfulness!

Much love!
 
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Butterfly

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I firmly believe in Romans 8:28, mainly because God has proved that to me throughout the ups and downs- and yet, I admit, I find praise hard going. It's not because I am not grateful, but more because I am not motivated to express it in words.
Actually can someone explain why it's important to express it , when we already feel it inside and often express gratitude internally, after all God knows our hearts and thoughts. Is it more to do with letting the devil know , after all he cannot know our thoughts- so he can only go on what he sees.
So is this more to do with spiritual warfare ?
Rita
 
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Helen

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“Getting Rid Of Conditional Praise”
By Zach Wood
Psalm 34:1-3 TLB
I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name.


Back in 2006, the movie “Facing The Giants” came out and was a very inspirational football story. One of the scenes shows the coach, Grant Taylor, talking to the team and explaining that they will start praying and praising God at the end of each game, whether they win or lose. This sets a great attitude for the team as they focus on God being their source of strength no matter the outcome of the game.

As I read this passage in the Living Bible translation, the words “praise the Lord no matter what happens” stood out to me and reminded me of the scene from the movie. I thought about how it is so easy to praise God when things are going well and the outcomes of different situations of every day life are good. However, when things turn out bad or don’t go the way we had hoped, it’s often harder to continue to lift up praise.

I admit that I am very bad about this conditional praise many times in my life. It is so easy for me to praise Him when life is going well. However, when bad days come, I’m not praising Him so much. Rather, I’m complaining and grumbling. I’m trying to be better about this, but it’s a weak area for me.

In order for me to be a better witness to my wife, kids and others in my life, I need to improve the way I react to situations when bad things happen. I need to have an attitude of thanks when life is good and when life is not so good. I need to have constant praise in my life each day, no matter what is going on.

How about you? Are you praising the Lord no matter what happens in your life each day? Are you focused more on the aggravations of what is not going well or are you finding ways to praise God no matter what is happening? It is hard to do!!! Not an easy task at all.

We need to have an attitude of praise always. Whether we feel we are winning in life or losing, He is God and is always faithful. His goodness does not change in our bad days. Does this mean we can’t be discouraged? No, we are human and we have bad days. We just need to work through that discouragement and realize that things will pass and we need to keep our attitude in check and continue to give God praise.

We should never be conditional with our praise. God deserves our praise, no matter what.


Excellent post..THANK YOU!!

I haven't been on this site for a long time..and this was the first post I read when I just came on!! WONDERFUL!!

"Where I am" right now...that is an excellent reminder , bodily pain causes us/me to get somewhat introverted and sorry for ourselves.

As the OP says

We should never be conditional with our praise. God deserves our praise, no matter what.

Thanks for a much needed 'dig in the ribs'. :)
 

Helen

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I love seeing you post Helen, dare I ask if it is getting any easier to use the computer ?
Rita xx

Rita, this is just one of those days where I say to myself.."heck with it, Im just going to do it anyway." LOL

I pay the price afterward, but , when a child my mum ( and probably yours too..) used to say.."If you are going to cry then I will give you something to cry about.."

So, it a bit like that...If I have a headache anyway, some days I just say to myself..." Self, if you are going to have a headache anyway, you may as well have a reason for it!! " :D

Hope you are hanging-in and doing well ...at work and at home.. xxx
 
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Hi Helen, I really hope the headaches go- I hate the thought of you having them xx
Yes, I am okay at the moment, counting down the shifts as I am on holiday for 18days after Sunday - I can't wait - I am away with my oldest , his wife and grand daughter for a week from the 25th Oct - only going to the Isle of Wight , but it's a break away from my responsibilities.
Rita x
 

marks

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I firmly believe in Romans 8:28, mainly because God has proved that to me throughout the ups and downs- and yet, I admit, I find praise hard going. It's not because I am not grateful, but more because I am not motivated to express it in words.
Actually can someone explain why it's important to express it , when we already feel it inside and often express gratitude internally, after all God knows our hearts and thoughts. Is it more to do with letting the devil know , after all he cannot know our thoughts- so he can only go on what he sees.
So is this more to do with spiritual warfare ?
Rita
I see it more as a sharing with others how we feel about God, and how wonderful He is.

But just the same, I know what you mean. I'm still not used to much public display. It's when I'm with others that I want to be verbal in my praise, again, so that we can share the moment, and to encourage others to praise Him.

There's also the testimony, as I tell what great things our great God has done for me.

I like to read my Bible outloud, so I can hear it as well as read it. I guess that's what I like about singing, that I'm much more involved in what I'm doing, and I like singing His praise best. The whole body gets involved!

This is good to thing about.

Great thread!
 

marks

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Excellent post..THANK YOU!!

I haven't been on this site for a long time..and this was the first post I read when I just came on!! WONDERFUL!!

"Where I am" right now...that is an excellent reminder , bodily pain causes us/me to get somewhat introverted and sorry for ourselves.

As the OP says



Thanks for a much needed 'dig in the ribs'. :)

Still praying for you, good to see you here!

:)
 
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amadeus

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Rita, this is just one of those days where I say to myself.."heck with it, Im just going to do it anyway." LOL

I pay the price afterward, but , when a child my mum ( and probably yours too..) used to say.."If you are going to cry then I will give you something to cry about.."

So, it a bit like that...If I have a headache anyway, some days I just say to myself..." Self, if you are going to have a headache anyway, you may as well have a reason for it!! " :D

Hope you are hanging-in and doing well ...at work and at home.. xxx
Keep on dear sister with that unconditional praise!
Good to see you here even if only for a little bit.
 
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amadeus

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I like to read my Bible outloud, so I can hear it as well as read it.
I started doing this as well many years ago to help keep up my German and Spanish pronunciation, but then I went ahead with the English too as it really blessed me all the more. Thank you for sharing this here.
 
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Butterfly

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I see it more as a sharing with others how we feel about God, and how wonderful He is.

But just the same, I know what you mean. I'm still not used to much public display. It's when I'm with others that I want to be verbal in my praise, again, so that we can share the moment, and to encourage others to praise Him.

There's also the testimony, as I tell what great things our great God has done for me.

I like to read my Bible outloud, so I can hear it as well as read it. I guess that's what I like about singing, that I'm much more involved in what I'm doing, and I like singing His praise best. The whole body gets involved!

This is good to thing about.

Great thread!
I am not sure I would have the confidence to praise at work, I do give testimony if opportunities arises on break times with my fellow workers. The environment is not easy , demencia.
I haven't been to a church meeting for over five years now, and meeting up with Christians is restricted to on line.
Rita
 
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marks

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I am not sure I would have the confidence to praise at work, I do give testimony if opportunities arises on break times with my fellow workers. The environment is not easy , demencia.
I haven't been to a church meeting for over five years now, and meeting up with Christians is restricted to on line.
Rita
That's not an easy environment. Both my MIL and FIL had dementia, different kinds, but bad. I volunteer with dementia patients in a local facility. There are more cognizent people there too. We pray and sing and I do a Bible study. Even that little bit has taught me a lot!

I can't imagine only fellowshipping online. Are any of your family Christian?

Much love!
 
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farouk

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I firmly believe in Romans 8:28, mainly because God has proved that to me throughout the ups and downs- and yet, I admit, I find praise hard going. It's not because I am not grateful, but more because I am not motivated to express it in words.
Actually can someone explain why it's important to express it , when we already feel it inside and often express gratitude internally, after all God knows our hearts and thoughts. Is it more to do with letting the devil know , after all he cannot know our thoughts- so he can only go on what he sees.
So is this more to do with spiritual warfare ?
Rita
This is truly a wonderful verse, Romans 8.28, which can alter our whole perspective. Romans 8 itself is a most searching and encouraging chapter!
 
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Butterfly

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That's not an easy environment. Both my MIL and FIL had dementia, different kinds, but bad. I volunteer with dementia patients in a local facility. There are more cognizent people there too. We pray and sing and I do a Bible study. Even that little bit has taught me a lot!

I can't imagine only fellowshipping online. Are any of your family Christian?

Much love!
No, I am the only Christian. I have kind of adapted to only fellowshipping online, it's not ideal - but my trust in the local church was really damaged - then my job meant I had to work nearly every Sunday. There are a number of good churches in Brighton ( city nearest to me ) and I can retire in about five years time, so it will make it easier to start going again. God sustains and provides in many different ways - one thing I have come to learn is a reliance on God rather than people.
Many of the people I have met on line, like Helen and Pearl, I have known for many years - Pearl and I write to one another ( I owe her a letter ! ) Nancy and I email from time to time - we all prayer for one another and they know more about me than others here - I trust them with the deeper things X
Rita
 
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marks

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God sustains and provides in many different ways - one thing I have come to learn is a reliance on God rather than people.
This is so very true!
Many of the people I have met on line, like Helen and Pearl, I have known for many years -
I've seen this, and it's really nice, to say the least!

Personally, I find the lot of you an easy bunch to love!

Much love!
 
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Helen

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That's not an easy environment. Both my MIL and FIL had dementia, different kinds, but bad. I volunteer with dementia patients in a local facility. There are more cognizent people there too. We pray and sing and I do a Bible study. Even that little bit has taught me a lot!

I can't imagine only fellowshipping online. Are any of your family Christian?

Much love!

That is a wonderful ministry. My mother when had dementia was in a Home for ten years. I visited her every day took her out by the river in her wheel chair looking for birds and squirrels.

She loved those who came to read stories to them, sing with them, and visit. It means so much to them. Im sure they look forward to your every visit.
Bless you for that Mark. x
 
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marks

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That is a wonderful ministry. My mother when had dementia was in a Home for ten years. I visited her every day took her out by the river in her wheel chair looking for birds and squirrels.

She loved those who came to read stories to them, sing with them, and visit. It means so much to them. Im sure they look forward to your every visit.
Bless you for that Mark. x
God blesses me so much in doing that! Everytime I'm walking back to my car I'm on Cloud 9!
 
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farouk

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Hi Helen, I really hope the headaches go- I hate the thought of you having them xx
Yes, I am okay at the moment, counting down the shifts as I am on holiday for 18days after Sunday - I can't wait - I am away with my oldest , his wife and grand daughter for a week from the 25th Oct - only going to the Isle of Wight , but it's a break away from my responsibilities.
Rita x
I liked the Needles on the IOW; my wife hasn't been there, yet. Maybe on another trip over.

Have a great trip to the IOW.
 
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Butterfly

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I liked the Needles on the IOW; my wife hasn't been there, yet. Maybe on another trip over.

Have a great trip to the IOW.
Thank you- I haven't been there since the 1980's
We will be going to the Needles, well have to get all the coloured sands x
Rita
 
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