!
Hebrews 13:15 ‘By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name’
DAILY READING; Mark 13:1-13; 1 Kings 6; Hosea 8
In 1977, Gene McGuire was 17.years old when he found himself at the wrong place at the wrong time. He had gone for a drink at a tavern with his 24-year-old cousin, who unknown to him was living a criminal lifestyle.
When they stepped out of the Tavern to go home, Gene’s cousin went back inside to rob the 60-year-old bartender and in the process he killed her.
To escape the police, Gene followed his cousin to run to Spanish Harlem in New York City, where they hid out in drug houses and flea-bitten motels. But after a short while, Gene was overcome with guilt and turned himself in to New York police and was taken back to his hometown in Pennsylvania.
At Gene’s trial, being a teenager who was ignorant about the court proceedings, he agreed to plead guilty and was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
For the first 10 years of his prison term, Gene fell into the depths of the prison lifestyle, which included violence, drugs, and porn.
In 1986 a Prison Fellowship held a 3-day revival in the prison and Gene surrendered his life to Jesus as his Lord and Savior. After receiving mentorship from one of the pastors of the prison fellowship, Gene began to grow spiritually and soon began leading many other inmates to Christ.
Over the years, Gene applied several times to the State Governor for pardon, but was denied. When Gene turned 50 years, he applied for the fifth time and was again denied pardon. At that point it appeared he would live out the rest of his life in the prison.
Gene felt very depressed, but in the midst of his pain, he felt God impress on his heart to give Him thanks. Though Gene was feeling very bad, he decided to look beyond his circumstances and sincerely thank God for His goodness.
After offering that sacrifice of praise, two months later, Gene received surprising and unexpected news! He learned that the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled that those who were 17years and younger when they received a life sentence would get a “post-conviction relief” review of their case.
It took 20 months to have Gene’s case reviewed. After that, on April 3, 2012, Gene walked back into the courtroom, shackled, and handcuffed to hear the verdict.
After the court proceedings, the Presiding Judge surprised everyone by declaring that Gene was now a free man!
Gene could barely believe his ears; after serving 34 years, nine months, 15 days in jail, he was finally free!
As Jubilation erupted in the courtroom, among His friends and family, Gene cried for joy.
Gene believed that his obedience to praise God even in negative circumstances, caused the amazing turnaround that brought him out of prison. His story is captured in his book, ‘Unshackled: From Ruin To Redemption’.
The spirit of thanksgiving releases the miracle-working power of God.
When you look beyond your pain and adversity and praise God because of who He is, it is a powerful expression of faith. . In situations when most people would become negative and bitter, if you decide rather to bless the Lord, It will turn your worship into a weapon.
Doors that seemed impossible would suddenly be flung open.
When Paul and Silas praised God in their midnight season, it brought an earthquake that shook up the prison and secured their release.
When you can praise God in the pit and have a song in your heart despite the pain, God will surely raise you up.
Even at those times, it may seem we have a good reason to feel down and discouraged, we must discipline ourselves to always give God thanks in everything (I Thessalonians 5:18).
Depression will only give room to the oppression of the enemy. But thanksgiving leads to our lifting.
Therefore, instead of complaining over your health, choose rather to thank God for restoration. Instead of being discouraged over your finances, choose rather to thank God for overflowing abundance.
As you do so, you will see negative verdicts overturned, and experience amazing open doors.
We don’t just praise God only when it feels good, we are to offer praise, “continually.”
Hebrews 13:15 says ‘By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name
Praise activates God’s power and opens the door to His victory and blessing. No matter what is happening around you, worship Him! Declare His goodness. Thank Him for what He will do in your life.
No matter how difficult the trial, as we stay in praise, God will turn every test into our testimony, because God never disappoints genuine worshippers.
PRAYER: Lord, Please grant me the grace to always give you worthy praise in every situation. Please help me to look beyond the obvious and trust that You are always at work in my life, doing great and mighty things for me in Jesus Name. .
QUOTE;
When we fight by God’s help we are sure of victory. WORDBITE 222
Shalom!
@GOODHEART- EKWUEME .
PLS FEEL FREE TO SHARE IF THIS BLESSES YOU!🔥
(I would love to hear your testimonies via WhatsApp +2348052234444 / Email: apostlegoodheart@gmail.com)