Two definitions of praise are 1. Expression of approval, commendation, or admiration. 2. The extolling or exaltation of a deity, ruler, or hero. Two definitions of worship are 1. To love unquestioningly & uncritically or in excess; venerate as an idol 2. It is an act of religious devotion usually directed to a deity. The word is derived from the Old English word worthscipe, meaning worthiness or worth-ship -- to give worth to something.
There is something about praise and worship that not only reverence God, but when an individual expresses it with honesty and sincerity, there are blessings that the individual receives which can also be passed on to others. When a person lives a life of praise and worship there will be healing, encouragement, relief, joy, positive thinking and many more blessings that occurs as a result of a life praise and worship. For example, a lot of issues that plagues humanity can be traced to decisions that people make. If someone loses their job and have no other means to bring in income, that individual is now faced with a lot of choices. They can complain, think negative, quit, or even commit suicide. But, for the individual that lives a life of praise and worship there is really only one choice that makes sense, and that is to give God praise and worship. Because you know that He loves you and He owns everything. That individual understands that He's the one that gave him/her the job in the first place, so if He gave them that job, He can surely give them another one.
With this type of thinking and living, people could experience God in deeper levels, arise above any circumstance and be able to help other people anchor their souls. That is why it is so important to watch what you see, hear, and say in your life of praise and worship.
In today's world one of the vehicles used to impact what people see, hear and speak is music. Music is a vehicle that can deliver messages positive or negative to anyone who will receive it. It is very important to feed yourself music that delivers a message of praise and worship because as discussed earlier praise and worship is and should be the life of any person.
A lot of Christian/Gospel music these days are in lack of the spirit of praise and worship. Some songs will have you more depressed, discouraged, suicidal, and focusing on your problems than before you heard the song. What great praise and worship music does is take the eyes off of you and place them on God who is the answer to all of your situations.
There is an awesome CD that has surfaced that is one of the most inspiring, uplifting and soaking CD's that has come out in a long long time. It is entitled "Praises to the King" by the group known as VOF (Voices of Faith). It was produced by Dana Sorey, the producer/organist/musical director for the world renown artist Tye Tribbett & G.A., who has also worked with Marvin Sapp, Mary Mary, Aaron Lindsey and many others. The CD also features a guest appearance from the incredible vocalist/songwriter, of the record label Be a Light, who is none other than Jean Baylor. One of the most versatile, talented singer/songwriters of today.
The band is incredible and the CD can be played from top to bottom without ever having a dull moment. True praise and worship at a very high level, that totally minister's to your soul while uplifting God in every song. One of the very few CD's where every song can be sung in a church service and literally fill the house with the spirit of praise and worship. The music has a universal sound and can be applied to any people. Now that's Kingdom Music!
So, there are basically to things to get from all of this. First, is to live a life of praise and worship. In doing so there will be an abundance of blessings released by God for you and others around you. It makes God happy to see everyone blessed because they acknowledge who The Blesser is! (Psalms 35:27) Secondly, is that music is a KEY ingredient to the life of a praise and worshiper so choose very carefully. One great choice is VOF's Praises to the King!
Keep God first and remember that praise and worship is not just something you do, it is who YOU are.
