Chapter 29—Praise and Thanksgiving
Expression of Praise to God—Brethren and sisters, the Lord is
our God. If Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, we have a hope
in God that it is impossible for us to keep to ourselves. We will praise
Him. We do not praise Him as much as we should. Whoso offers praise
glorifies God. Now instead of speaking doleful words, and telling of
our trials and afflictions, let us thank God that we can speak at all, and
resolve that we will endeavor to glorify His name.—
Manuscript 39,
1908
.
Continual Praise—Our voices should be oftener heard in praise
and thanksgiving to God. His praise should continually be in our hearts
and upon our lips.—
The Review and Herald, May 22, 1900
.
Precious Chapters in Our Experience—Far more than we do,
we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience. After
a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, our joy in the Lord and our
efficiency in His service would be greatly increased by recounting His
goodness and His wonderful works in behalf of His children.—
Christ’s
Object Lessons, 299, 300
.
[149]
Rejoicing in Heaven—“They that feared the Lord,” writes the
prophet Malachi, “spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened,
and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for
them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name.” Were the
words spoken, words of complaint, of faultfinding, of self-sympathy?
No; in contrast to those who speak against God, those who fear Him
speak words of courage, of thankfulness, and of praise.... Such words
make all heaven rejoice. Those who utter them may be poor in worldly
possessions, but by faithfully giving to God the portion He claims,
they acknowledge their indebtedness to Him. Self-serving does not
make up the chapters of their life history. In love and gratitude, with
songs of joy upon their lips, they bring their offerings to God, saying
as did David, “Of Thine own we freely give Thee.”—
The Review and
Herald, January 5, 1897
.
97