Kingdom: A 7-Day Devotional With Maverick City X Kirk FranklinSample

“And when the song is over and we’ve all said ‘amen’,
in your heart keep on singing and the song will never end."

- Why We Sing, Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music

God is deserving of our unending praise, simply because of who He is. While there are endless reasons to praise God, just a few we could mention: He is the breath in our lungs. He spoke and earth came to be. All of creation worships Him. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is good and His mercy endures forever!

We sing to Him as He continually sings over us (Zeph. 3:17). The power of giving God praise in a world where the kingdom of darkness dwells is among our most powerful weapons. We sing because of where He is lifted up, He will draw all people unto Himself (John 12:27). We sing because when we do so, it shifts our perspective and reminds us of who we are in Him. We sing because it exalts His Kingdom. Praising God, no matter what, fills us with confidence, hope, joy and peace.

Perhaps the most powerful form of praise is the sacrificial one. The one where we are singing through tears and unimaginable heartache. The one where we declare “God is good” when our children are hurting, our finances are suffering, our loved ones are dying and the world around us is in shambles. There is a reason the author of Hebrews calls praise a “continual sacrifice” (13:15). There will be a multitude of moments in our life where our feelings don’t match up with our duty to give God thanks. It is in this place, however, that we can offer something to God that He can truly delight in. He knows when praise is a sacrifice. He will honor the times our “yes” comes with great loss.

May your voice be heard in Heaven continually as you offer up adoration to God.

SCRIPTURE:

• “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” Hebrews 13:15
• “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

QUESTIONS:

• What does it look like for you to give God praise when it’s a sacrifice to do so?
• How can you practically remain in a place of giving God praise in your daily life?