O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you. ~ Psalm 89:8 (NIV)
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A person's good character, attributes and deeds are what we usually look at when defining greatness. Mother Teresa and Gandhi are examples of people we admire and respect for their tireless efforts to promote peace and love for the poor and afflicted. Billy Graham stands out to me as one who, in humility and without scandal, has proclaimed the good news of Jesus over many decades, without pomp...yet has affected the world for God, as perhaps no other single evangelist has ever done. Greatness is as greatness does.(Did Forrest Gump say that?:-)
But the greatness of God stands apart from His deeds. His essence alone commands us to stand up and salute...or get on our knees and bow. Who He is should be enough for us to adore Him, praise Him, honor Him! If He never ever did anything for you, would you praise Him for the greatness of His being? He is holy and all things good and honorable! He alone is worthy of praise, because like the psalmist asked, "Who is like You, Lord?"
The answer is, "No one."
I just don't think we give Him what He deserves in the way of our honor and praise. Although God cannot be diminished in reality, we often diminish Him in our hearts and minds when we forget to exalt Him for all that He is, when we focus so intently on this world and our temporary problems. Although I realize that intercessory prayer is important and God's Spirit compels us to pray for others, we are sometimes consumed with needs and fail to acknowledge the greatness of our Father, the Almighty God of the universe. We can diminish Him down to a spiritual Santa Clause or a genie in a lamp, only useful for fulfilling our needs and our wants.
He is GREAT, and worthy to be praised! Period.
But although God is due praise for who He is, He doesn't just sit on His throne, desiring affection from people, like a pompous glory-hog, doing nothing all day but having people fan Him with palm fronds, telling Him how great He is, amidst a shower of rose pedals. God's essential qualities spur Him to express Himself to His creation, to provide for them, to love them deeply, to rescue them, to teach them. His love, faithfulness, mercy, and justice compel Him to do, not just be. And for all that He does, we thank and praise Him, too.
I challenge you to spend time today honoring God with your praise for who He is...His divine qualities that only He can have. He is mighty and faithful. He is love and mercy. And He exhibits those qualities to you every day in tangible ways. Be mindful of Him and His working in your life and the lives of others...and may that be cause for your praise.
Who is like the Lord? No one. So praise Him...tell Him how much you honor His character and appreciate His deeds! No one deserves higher praise on earth or in heaven.
Love,
Joelene
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