Proverbs 8:7, "For my mouth shall speak truth ..."

What comes from our mouths should be carefully discerned. There are times that we should be silent. And there are times we should speak ...life has to be dealt with!!

We all have occasions where we have to deal with unpleasantries ...

And we may have to address these things with our children, our spouse, in our communities, or within our workplaces. During these moments, our dialogue most likely will not be all praise. But during less dire moments, praise should be doled out with equal measure.

Praise is an expression of being thankful ...

None of us are quite thankful enough. But we have designated days to help us with this, such as Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Veteran's Day. These holidays help us to maintain our focus ...to remember.

Two of the biggest holidays are: Thanksgiving & Christmas

Each of us has the ability to think and choose ...from a wide variety of good and bad. Sometimes what appears bad, can be good. One reason is that bad can give us a vivid example to remember, and incline us to do good next time ...but that is a whole topic in itself. Back to the subtitle, of celebrating of holidays, the thought is that we should give thanksgiving to Christ (Jesus) ...and that is something we should always celebrate!!! One way to celebrate, is with song. There is a designated category of music, called 'Praise Music'.

What message do we hear?

I heard a message one Sunday evening ...after a Christian concert. We were challenged with several questions.

Question #1: What is the best reason for singing?

Answer: To praise God.

Question #2: What is praising God?

Answer: Thanking God.

Question #3: What do we thank God for?

Answer: What indeed!!! That would be everything ...acknowledging all that God has done for us.

Question #4: Why is it necessary to have thanks?

Answer: Being thankful gives us the correct perspective, a directional focus, and a foundation for remembering.

Question #5: If we thank God, why is it necessary that we remember?

Answer: If we remember, we keep our proper perspective & focus; and we learn more, and develop a deeper trust.

The conductor led a 'concert'ed effort, a symphony of violins, cellos, violas, and horns ...mostly hymns, praising Him.

A much different version of: Truth or Consequences

Ultimately, those who don't praise, and don't thank God ...obviously don't accept God. 

And tragically, that means there are those who miss out on the good things in life. 

Having good things does not mean having more things ...but instead, having more of those moments which God desires for us.

If you are having trouble accepting all this ...well, don't give up. There is still hope. 

Hope of what, you may ask.  There are so many hopes & dreams, and any one person does not own a monopoly on hope.  Yet, the biggest hope I can think of was a hope for a Savior ...but, sadly, many did not realize when that hope was fulfilled.  They didn't recognize Jesus for who He is. 

It is a rather important and necessary beginning ...to understand this very basic truth.  God send His Son ...and we can be thankful for that, joining Him in spirit and truth. 

Wouldn't that be preferable ...than not joining Him, and experiencing a truly thankless place??

I'd say ...that would be more than just mere inconvenience.