Psalm 33:1 Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

If you want to touch a very sensitive spot, just make mention of someone’s choice of clothing. For some reason there is this relationship with what is worn that gives reason for great defense whenever it is questioned in any way. And yet, when a piece of apparel is the right size, fitting without constraining or disfiguring, it will enhance the one it adorns. Rather than a disguise or deception of true identity, there is a presentation of the best of who they really are.

I was privileged to grow up in a period of time when “cool” was first used to mean something other than the temperature. Much of how it was utilized had to do with the apparel of the time- polyester, tie-die, bell bottomed, flared, wide collars, etc. I surely wasn’t the coolest of the cool, but I do remember caring very deeply about whether or not what I wore out into public fit me, but also the criteria of the times. It’s interesting how those requirements have changed through the passing of time. From my perspective, the right size and the right fit have become the un-cool for some groups. Baggy pants and those that would appear to function quite well as a tourniquet have transformed perfectly presentable folks into those who have a hard time walking or sitting down.

Something is being communicated regarding the nature of the one underneath all that cloth, and whether or not it accurately presents the potential and the possibilities of the one who has chosen it is up to the beholder to somehow determine. For all, though, there is a rightness to the fit, and when there is a strong enough desire to make the best impression, the covering will conform to something that might not have been considered “cool” up to that point. When the best you are and have to give is to be seen and appreciated, there is an apparel that is fitting and is right.

Our standing before the Father has been secured. We’ve been given a gift of righteousness and perfection in Christ that is now who we really are. Whether or not the beholder gets to experience that reality and glorify our Father has everything to do, though, with our willingness to wear the garments that are fitting for the moment, the era, the time. To say anything against that covering of depression, shyness, passivity, and restraint that is commonly worn is to touch a sore spot. There is an opportunity for all, though, when there is a strong enough desire for the real “you” to be seen, to put on the garment that no longer disguises or diverts from right standing with Christ. To wear anything other than praise, especially when songs of deliverance and freedom in Christ are going up, is just not fitting. A life that has been transformed into a new reality in Christ is best adorned in praise. Rather than wearing something else that honestly appears to make it difficult to get around or even sit comfortably, is to misrepresent the reality of that divine nature that has been amazingly deposited inside. Praise is the garment that draws out and promotes the best of what’s inside. It just fits and is just fitting.

Psalms 48:1 KJV  A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.

But I love the quiet of the country, where there is very little evidence that people have been around. This is where I might get inspired about God’s greatness in praise. Just seeing His creation, unblemished by the erosion of man is a sight to generate a song of adoration and praise.

So what is it about the city of Zion on the mountain of holiness? To be honest, the pictures of the big cities of the world are impressive, but most of them are not really much more than a picture- just some big sky scrapers rising high above the sprawling surrounding communities and neighborhoods. What is it about a city, then, that would cause enemies to become painfully afraid at the sight of it, as indicated in verse 6, and why would it be a praise motivation?

There must be something represented in those structures that is more than just impressive architecture.  The towers that rose above New York City represented the economical, organizational, and influential power and dominance of a nation that had been founded on Godly principles to accomplish and fulfill a significant purpose. Just the sight of those towers caused enemies to hate and fear us. This was where we as a people were seen as a force to be reckoned with. Though our landscapes may have been expansive and beautiful with plains of waving grain and majestic mountains of splendor, it was in the city that great things were being implemented and accomplished. Each one of those big buildings represented thousands of people who were coming together in an energy of superior excellence to represent what can happen in a people that bring their individual God-given abilities to accomplish an incredible united purpose. The freedom and unity upon which our nation was founded is magnified and best displayed where the concentration of what we do and what we produce has visual evidence.

For an impression to be made beyond visual appreciation, though, an understanding of what is actually going on in the city is most helpful. Each discovery of a building’s purpose, history, and accomplishments transforms the simple initial visual perspective into an emotionally impacting experience resulting in a response of either fear or praise. Based upon personal relationship and identification with the city’s purpose, motivation will rise to either become a productive citizen and fan or a competitive foe. On one hand, taking ownership of the city’s identity by contributing to its purpose with energy, creativity and verbal praise raises its level of appreciation to a one that will result in unrestrained positive expression. On the other hand, the greater the understanding of the city’s operation, the greater will be the trepidation in the heart of the one who is committed to an opposing perspective.

God’s greatness has such potential for motivation in praise. What He has planned, what He has done, and what He is continually doing is represented in the center of His productivity, the city of His fulfilled purpose. This is where His ability and His power connect with His creation to form a display of His glory that is awe inspiring to those who identify with it and fear inspiring to those who oppose it. God is the greatest planner, organizer, businessman, and benefactor, and His abilities are best displayed where what He does and what He produces has visual evidence. In the place of His implemented will there is a holiness and righteousness that has no comparison and there is certainty in His every structure of outcome, triumph and success.

As a child I remember the special moments when we would reach the top of that last hill above which could be seen the lights of Denver. Even as young as I was, there was a feeling of productive energy that I sensed coming from all the shining and the large buildings. As I grew to become a Broncos fan, a lifelong identity became mine with the place that oozes orange. Later, as I attended the University of Denver, a further appreciation was ingrained, and while the extent of Denver’s productivity is far from known or understood, just my limited connection and participation with the city has caused it to stand out above all the other cities I’ve encountered, some of which are much larger and of greater overall influence. Somehow I have an identity with the city that still causes my heart to stir at the mention of it and at the sight of its lights and rising structures- what a great place.

There is significant power to be gained and realization of the Father’s presence to be experienced as the result of true and heart-felt praise. It’s not enough, though, to just observe the pictures of His greatness and proclaim that He is great, and greatly to be praised. For this to truly come out in honesty and understanding, there will need to be an identity with His city, the center of His productivity and His doing. Becoming a fan of His team, gaining an education there, and participating in His projects will cause incredible inspiration to rise at the thought of our Leader’s greatness. Then, upon the mention of His greatness, a praise will spontaneously rise, and at the sight of His lights and structures of kingdom productivity an identifying understanding will result in uncontainable expressions of honor and glory. His greatness- discovered, owned, expressed in the city of His incredible productivity and holiness.

Psalms 30:6-9 (ASV) As for me, I said in my prosperity, I shall never be moved. 7 Thou, Jehovah, of thy favor hadst made my mountain to stand strong: Thou didst hide thy face; I was troubled. 8 I cried to thee, O Jehovah; And unto Jehovah I made supplication: 9 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?

There is only one strength that is immoveable through all the quakes and shakes of life, and it has nothing to do with muscle mass or bank account volume. This is a strength formed by exercise, but not by the exercise of body movements or investment principles. This strength is only maintained in the exercise of praise, the expression of a heart humbled and overwhelmingly impressed, not by the magnitude of the mountain, but by the One who made the mountain.

Hunter and I have been watching the NBA finals lately, and actually went up to the Buffalo Wings place last night to watch a couple of them at the same time. There is such a great demonstration of incredible physical ability in all of the teams that have made it so far. Massive giants are clearly shown in close range as the cameras make their size and superbly developed bodies fill the screen. Tattoo bodies with bulging muscles display athleticism that is nothing less than amazing.

As great as the physical demonstration going on in these highly competitive games, there is another force being shown throughout all of them. While the mountain-like bodies of the participants may appear unstoppable and unshakable, the display of wealth also rises up to claim dominance, both in the players, but also in those who are just using the physical talents for their own mountain-of-wealth building. Stadiums are filled with roaring fans that have paid exorbitant ticket prices, while every visual moment includes exposure to advertising, the cost of which is lining the pockets of owners and promoters. For them it would appear that their strength will just continue unabated as the aging of one group of athletes just makes way for the next aspiring group drawn by the allure of glory and wealth.

As impressive as these mountains of talent and wealth are, there is a truth that seems to be tragically illusive for many of them- that any amassing of size and influence is actually made possible by yet another force. For each of these earthly mountains there is an impending shaking that will upend and topple it, but for the Designer of it all, their passing will have no effect whatsoever. His glory will just remain and progress in its expansion as creation continues to proclaim His praise without interruption. The greatest moment in fulfilling a gift potential is not in claiming its glory for the mountain that it is, but in praising the One who made it and provided the ability to prosper with it. Mountains are so impressive in their beauty and apparent permanence, but to ascend and become them is quite the precarious undertaking. If dependence is placed upon them alone, their crumbling will be their end. If, on the other hand, their every moment of existence is given to the praise of their Maker, this glory will know no end, as it will remain unshaken in Him. Better to glory in the Mountain Maker than in the mountain He has made.

Romans 11:36 (KJV) For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? 2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. 3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
Psalms 22:1-3 (KJV)
25 My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him. 26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.
Psalms 22:25-26 (KJV)

Kim and I recently attended a ministry time for pastors at an established and effectively producing church. We got there a little early and had the opportunity to be a part of a prayer time and meet the senior pastor of the church. What made this event particularly significant for me was that several things had occurred on the way to the event that directly challenged our resolve to go on. Because of some very personal and devastating attacks, we were greatly tempted to just turn around and forget the whole thing. There was reason to question the validity of our most precious possession as threats to His presence became magnified, causing a feeling of great solitude and separation. Even with these things heavy upon our minds and hearts, however, we determined to go ahead and make our way to the gathering.

It was the question from the pastor upon our initial greeting that awoke something inside and brought an opening for light once again. He asked us how we were doing. Now, for us at that particular moment, there was a battle of thoughts to determine exactly what a truthful response should be. Right at the front of the mind was a long list of reasons for despair and discouragement, which should have honestly rendered a sorrowful and negative response. Confronted by this question, though, there was this shifting of the mind from those things to the favor side of our circumstances. The question from a brother in Christ brought a return to the answer and provision side of our circumstances. Though we would go on to relate some of our most challenging considerations, there were words of encouragement from him (and from us) that elevated the ever-present solution in Christ above the isolating effect of the fearful thoughts.

We would go on to gain much valuable information from the sessions that would follow, but in that gathering there was something else that took place even though there wasn’t a single song sung or note played- worship. The name of the Lord was raised and His presence was acknowledged above the dominance of circumstances. This was something that took place as a direct result of our coming together with other believers, where we were compelled to abandon the lonely place for the warmth of His loving favor. We weren’t just being hypocrites that were pretending something around others that wasn’t real somewhere else. We were letting what was real in the congregation affect the illusion of defeat the enemy was using to take our victory and make our God seem far away. Together with others He was seen as near once again.

Alone and apart from the body, there will be great opportunities to abandon the vows, to give up on the commitments, and to lose sight of the One who has done so much to be right there next to us and before us. But, in the congregation of those who fear Him, there will be an opportunity for humility to rise with the lifted praise and for the light of His presence to remove the darkness, revealing the good that was there all along. Something that might not have been possible alone will become inevitable in the sanctuary as the song of despair is transformed into the song of triumph and victory.

Psalms 21:13 MKJV  Be exalted, O Jehovah, in Your strength; we will sing, and praise Your power.

There is a level of greatness and an ability to make an impact with that greatness that is dependent upon the voice of praise. The greatest musician in the world tucked away in a remote village somewhere will never move the masses until at some point the word gets out, the cameras show up, interviews are made, and what has been in existence for some time is exposed and magnified in words of adulation. Several people may have travelled to that village and personally enjoyed the music of this incredible musician, but until one word is spoken back at home to family, friends, and acquaintances, the unmagnified talent will be limited in its power to touch any other heart with its gift. Though capable of the greatest performance, that performance is completely dependent upon the simple power of praise.

There is an opportunity to experience the performance in the secluded refuge of the secret place today. How precious and personal is the audience we have with the Greater One, and how life changing is every exposition of His wonderful glory to each heart that goes there. Until there is a return, though, to the place where it has yet to be heard just how great is this God of the universe, and until there is a word spoken there to family, friends and acquaintances, the incredible potential that is there for each of them in His presence will remain unknown and ineffective to them. As great as He is and as great as His power is to perform miracles and wonders in every life that is exposed to Him, the power of His performance is yet dependent upon the simple power of praise on the lips of any who have been changed. He’s too good to hide and too wonderful to withhold from all those who will be transformed by the experience of His presence. Might as well say it, might as well proclaim it- such enabling power conveyed on each simple word of praise!

Psalms 150:1 MKJV  Praise Jehovah. Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the expanse of His power.

Proverbs 18:21  Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

2 Chronicles 20:22  And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

It’s not enough to just have that firearm packed in the holster on the hip. At least one bullet needs to be loaded before there will ever be the slightest danger of anything or anyone being damaged or injured. Once the ammunition has been placed in the chamber, though, there is immediate importance that certain precautions are taken so there isn’t accidental firing in the wrong direction. Barney Fife on the ‘Andy Griffith Show’ became a very different law enforcement officer once Andy would give him permission to load his gun with the one bullet he was allowed to carry. He had authority by just putting on the uniform, but he became a dangerous policeman as soon as his gun was loaded. The only problem was not knowing for sure which direction his gun might be fired.

Each of us have been loaded with an ability to communicate, with the result being either life or death. Even if there is no ability to speak due to a physical disability, there is still power present to convey either uplifting information or that which will bring destruction and death. As we gather to worship God together, we’re being presented an opportunity to take this capacity with which we’ve been equipped and exercise the positive communication of God’s goodness and mercy. As soon as sounds begin to be heard and the truth of God and His ways vocalized, there is activation of God’s power on our behalf with an assurance that God is most certainly working for us to accomplish greater things than we could even imagination.

While we’ve been loaded with the capacity, however, there is a choice to either let praise continually occupy the lips, or for quite the opposite to be given a voice. Destruction can quite easily wield its dominance using our very words as long as there is direction of our firing towards anything other than a kingdom purpose. Today we’ve been given the means of shutting down any evil access to our firing chamber (the mouth) by filling it to overflowing with praises that build up and bring glory to the God of our mercy and salvation. Allowing the Spirit to direct our lips, there will be a sound that makes way for the moving of an undefeated force of love, hope, and peace. Fire away.

Psalms 145:5-7 KJV  I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.  (6)  And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.  (7)  They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.

We’re back into the football season and there is a continual buzz going on about who defeated who and how specific players performed compared to their expectations. There is an incredible source of excitement and energy in the competitive rivalry for those who participate in the dialogue. It’s interesting, though, that until the cheers are raised, until the plays are proclaimed and until the reasons for being a fan are declared one can be in the middle of a pep rally or game party and never be touched by the force of the moment. I’ve been at super bowl parties where a group of people completely separated themselves from the room with the big screen to voice their passions about completely different topics. If communication regarding the game hadn’t already been a part of their focus and conversation, there will little interest in observing the play by play, with many incredible performances being missed altogether.

An amazing competition is taking place on a continual basis. Whether or not we’re aware of it, this is the day of the Lord and He is triumphing gloriously in His overall purpose and battle, but also with regard to each of the individual lives for which Jesus’ life was given and His triumph secured. This is a particularly engaging moment in history, sort of like the fourth quarter, when it all comes down to this demonstration of the longest standing and most intense rivalry ever known. While the God of power and might is continually in the game for all, the only ones that will experience the force of His ability are those who have taken up the chant, sang the songs, and personally made His goodness a passionate part of their continual conversation. While many other subjects are available to participate in among those who separate themselves from the place where He is projected and exposed, each move can be greatly anticipated and appreciated by those who have let their words of praise heighten the experience of God’s greatness.

For all who will but enter in today with their contribution to the conversation of God’s goodness, there is an incomparable experience of the victory being one and the battle by battle defeat of an enemy destined for total destruction.

Psalms 8:2 KJV
(2)  Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

After nine + months and 24 hours of labor our firstborn son was finally making his way into the world. As his head first crowned and then was introduced to fresh air, he didn’t wait for the bottom swat to take his first breath and begin declaring his feelings to the world. Before he was even completely delivered we were blessed with the sound of his heart’s expression and the demonstration of God’s incredible excellent handiwork. This sound made an immediate direct connection to our hearts that has grown ever more precious through the years with the addition of language and song. There was something, though, about those first few months before words could express thoughts, desires, refusals and agreements that his voice could still communicate. We began to learn by his voice whether he was hungry, needed changed or was just happy. Unhindered or influenced by the limitations of language or any of the emotions that have since come with his life experience, there was a very pure and honest expression of exactly what was wanted and expected. In this uncompromised and uncorrupted communication of his heart or spirit was a demonstration of the sound of praise, where the likeness of His heavenly Father was best expressed and the strength of his spirit knew no fear or inhibition.

There is a sound that repels an enemy and withstands the advances of an advancing foe. It is that sound that rises up directly from the spirit as Haydn’s infant voice, unhindered by fear or uncertainty, to boldly declare, without veil, the exact intentions and desires of the heart. Where the Word gives substance to this expression, there is an ability to amplify and implement the very heart of God in declaring his purpose, an ability that has been taken on and possessed in meditation and in worship. As in that moment when life in Christ was in its first moments, when there was an invincible ability to believe and declare things that were quite extraordinary, it is possible for every day to be a renewal and rebirth into that same incredible place where all the cares of life are cast off and nothing is too difficult for our caring Father. This sound is a praise sound where an overcoming God full of power and glory comes to dwell. While the words may be right, though, and while the mind may be filled with ingested phrases, it will only be those eruptions that, childlike, come directly and purely from the spirit that are given enemy destroying significance.

The oncoming enemies of this day can be met with an expression that is praise. It won’t be by power of by might, but it will be by the Spirit residing in babe praise that their intentions will be quelled. Like eagles, there can be a return to youth, where all is new and everything seems small and doable far below restored wings. An eruption of pure and unhindered praise will take us to a place where needs are met, mouths are fed, bodies are healed, and minds are at peace. There, in stillness and rest, the salvation of the Lord will be seen.

Mark 10:15 KJV
(15)  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

Matthew 21:16 KJV
(16)  And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

Psa 26:8 KJV
(8)  LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

One of the first things that goes with an attitude or heart that is turned away from a relationship is honor, or simple etiquette. Just the mere respect given to someone with an understanding of their position or place is lost when they are no longer considered to be worthy of it. Living and abiding in a world where everything was provided for them, Adam and Eve chose to avoid their Host and partake of something He had forbidden them, things that wouldn’t even be considered by a heart that held Him in the regard of which He was worthy. As soon as the created was given more honor than the Creator, His treatment became an example of rudeness and disrespect. On the other hand, for those that chose to make Him the subject of their joy and celebration, even in the middle of trying times, there was direct access to the faithful abundance in His presence.

Today there seems to be a significant loss of simple etiquette that actually puts the one who is honoring in a place of elevated significance. Many are commonly avoided that by their age and position should be given honor and at least a little respect and preference. For those in particular who have come into the family of God, there can be a significant challenge with letting this same dishonor into a relationship that should never be touched by it. How often is God dishonored by those who come into His presence but don’t ever truly acknowledge Him with the honor that is due His name? While there may be great excitement over the things that adorn His home and the list of gifts and provisions He has promised to provide, there often is little regard for the Giver of every good gift. Thoughts of Him are passed up for daydreams of distant places and events, while response in worship is given up for a criticism or desire for things to be different. There is a way, though, of simple and honest honor adjustment, where there is never an attempt to steal away and be separated from Him for any other passion or desire in life. His heart and favor will always be towards those who give Him the honor He is due. May this day be one of acknowledgement and honor. He’s worthy.

Joshua 6:20-21 MKJV
(20)  And the people shouted when the priests blew with the ram’s horns. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the ram’s horns, and the people shouted with a great shout, the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, each man straight before him. And they took the city.

On the day of victory, when the walls come tumbling down, the only ones left out of owning the victory will be those that chose not to shout. While it would be God who would get the glory and Joshua the fame, this 20th verse doesn’t refer to either of them; it says that the ‘people went up into the city’ while referring to the ‘people’ and what ‘they’ did 5 times. The preparation and the power may have come from God, but the direct participation in the triumph was that of every person that lifted their voice.

You know when you’re talking to a true fan of a team when they refer to that team as ‘we’. ‘We need to get a new couch’, ‘we just drafted (or recruited) the top player in the nation’, ‘we really crushed them’, etc. makes it sound like they are directly involved with the management and performance of the team. They know just how the plays should have been called and which players should have been used and when. Though they have never sweated a drop of sweat on the practice field, drawn up a single play or spoken personally with any player or coach, it’s as if they are an integral part of the organization, that the team just wouldn’t be able to make it somehow without their input.

While it may seem to be a bit overstated, the involvement of this fan along with many more like him/her is, in fact, an essential part of the team’s existence. While the players and coaches provide the skill, practice and strategy, without the shouts from the fans there would be little incentive. If no one really cared, if it wasn’t for a purpose, why bother?
The whole purpose in the falling of Jericho’s walls was so the people could enter the city victoriously. This incredible miracle would have been quite meaningless without the involvement of each one of them, and therefore they were all equal in possession of its triumph. They may just shown up for the parade and the shout, but the victory was nonetheless theirs.

There is a victory, a triumph, an advance and an occupation awaiting all those who will but lift their voice in the shout of praise. The preparation, the power, and the skill are all provided by our Great Performer. It will be Him that gets all the glory and the fame, but He has chosen us to be His purpose and fellow conquerors. As walls fall and His glory floods the earth, He has made it possible for any who will but join in the praise to participate in His conquering force and own a part of His triumph. What a great time to leave the onlookers and become a part of the ’we’ bunch, letting everything about  our Victor touch who we are.