"Testimony or Praise?"

One of standards of worship in our circles is "Testimony Time." It is a great time of sharing by God's people for what the Lord has done.

In the Bible "Testimony Time" is called "Praise" and I wonder if we have lost a little bit in the translation. A testimony is something that someone gives based upon his experience. Praise is something that is given based upon God's involvement. Testimonies usually express an event that took place in one's life. Praise can express an event, but emphasis is placed upon the God. Praise also can be just words of exaltation to God without any event in view.

Praise is a wonderful privilege of the believer, and, a wonderful expression of worship conferred upon our God. "Praise" causes us to exalt God and reflect upon Him, often simply for Who and What He is.

I have been thinking about praise this morning because I have been studying about the name of our Lord, in preparation for this Lord's Day.

Nehemiah 9:5b says, ""Stand up and bless the Lord your God Forever and ever! "Blessed be Your glorious name, Which is exalted above all blessing and praise! In the verses that follow it says, "You alone are the Lord (Jehovah)", "You are the Lord God." Then it lists several experiences for which they praise Him. "You made heaven, earth, and seas." You preserve all creatures." "The hosts of heaven worship You."

These statements are beautifully written in this passage of worship, read it, it will bless you.
Think of the testimony's you have heard that have thrilled you. Think of this; when the thunder rolls, and the lightening claps, it is creation lifting praise to it’s Creator.

The heavens and all that is them offer praise to God. Listen to what God says in Job 38 beginning at verse 4 and following. 4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Now that was some testimony time! When God rolled out His creation the stars He had just created sang, and the angels shouted! WOW!

But, of all the praise ever offered to God, Nehemiah 9:6 says, "Thy name is exalted above all blessing and praise." His NAME is great! One day every knee shall bow to it. One day every tongue shall confess it. And what is that name? LORD!

HE IS LORD. Our only response is "I surrender, be glorified!" May it be so in our lives today.

Have a wonderful day serving our Wonderful LORD, by Grace Alone!