WE ARE BACK - RAISE YOUR PRAISE

WE ARE BACK!!!!! 

We have been unable to post our blogs due to Hurricane Maria which affected our power lines and internet services, but by the grace of God we are back to share with you.  

There will be a few changes to be effective in February- (Details will be provided accordingly.)  

I was having a rooster dilemma today on our Start Your Day Right In Prayer line. The roosters were crowing so loudly as I prayed.  I was getting annoyed at the noise of the roosters and tried to find a place with less noise when the message came- 
Are the roosters crow louder than your praise?
Are they making you lose your focus?? 

Here's what a dear friend has to say about the noise and annoyance: 

"Nonetheless to the rehearsed intercessor this would cause turbulence for them but to the seasoned warrior, in that very moment of intercession you are so keen to what the Spirit of God had placed on your heart that this distraction is no longer in your peripherals and you get to complete the utterance of what does sayeth The Lord."  

Although, the message wasn’t just about the noise, I began thinking of the many who say, Christians are noisy and we don’t have to make so much noise. 

These roosters don’t care who they wake you up nor who is bothered by the noise. They don’t stop because I’m upset or angry. It gets worse, they crow and screech louder when your chase them.  There’s no place to hide from them- they’re in the front back and sides of the house. They are everywhere- I heard them also on the other prayer warriors lines!!!

It seems like the hurricane brought more of them out in the open because the trees were blown down.  Immediately I began thinking about the level and condition of my praise. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  PRAISE LEVEL AND CONDITION

Does adversity stop your praise or does it cause it to rise higher?

This question came to my mind when I thought of what we have been through for the past four months of no electricity, internet, running water, curfew, limitations, shortages and other life comforts.  

Like the roosters, did my praise rise higher in my adversity?

Did I make my voice heard in the morning or was I silenced by my circumstances? 

Did the darkness make me hide inside or come out and give praise in spite of the conditions around me.  

Many have gotten distracted, stopped praying or praising God or even letting their voices be heard because they lose their focus or were told they are too noisy or perhaps they don't have to express themselves that way.  You may even have been told you can worship God in silence.  But... 

The roosters are consistent.  They can serve as an alarm clock in the morning.  They are also a nuisance with their mess.  They are not concerned if it's the car, your freshly painted balusters or your new pair of shoes, they just do it anywhere.  

I am not advocating that you disobey the laws or have no respect for the neighborhood, but are you selective in your praise? (where you will go, when or how)

You may have not been hit by a hurricane or natural disaster, but you have other circumstances that has challenged your praise.  Learn from the roosters who though they lost their homes in the trees are sounding forth their crow at the early morning, all day and evening hours.  

Remember, be consistent and verbalize your praise regardless of your condition.  Don't hold back your voice because of your limitations.  Go where the opportunity is.  Don't hide inside yourself or be intimidated by the crowd.  Christ is in you.  Be a voice of Praise all the day long!

Make this your confession from Psalm 71:8 (NLT)

That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.

God Bless you and Keep the Faith! 

Virtuous Jewel