Praise to the World || Isaiah 12:4 || Manna for the Mind #78

Welcome to Day 78 of the “Manna for the Mind” devotional series! This series is about taking scripture passages (typically 1-3 verses) and building our understanding of their teachings through their context and connecting scripture. I believe that doing this helps us understand how to be the type of human that God created us to be.

Today’s passage is Isaiah 12:4-5 with a particular focus on verse 4. Let’s talk about praising God and sharing that praise with everyone.

Isaiah 12:4-5

4             In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is!

5             Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world.

God shows us his love and salvation daily, so sharing the Good News with others flows from us naturally. Yet, it can also be one of the most challenging things we do. How many say we have daily conversations about God, Jesus, or the Bible? Very few of us feel comfortable talking about religion, Christianity, or our own relationship with God. We feel like we will be judged, poorly treated, or even mocked for what and how we believe in Christ. Those feelings aren’t comfortable to sit with or talk through, so we do what we can to avoid them at all costs. Yet, Jesus went through that. Jesus shared with the world what it meant to follow God and was mocked, treated wrong, and judged. This happened to him from those in church leadership!

We spend a lot of time worrying about how others perceive us, and we often forget to focus on how God perceives us and how we share God with others. Jesus’ first focus was on God and doing what he commanded. When Jesus was doing that, he cared for others as God cared for him. Even when Jesus felt he couldn’t give more to people, he stepped away to regain his strength and energy with God. No matter how much we try, we can’t pour from an empty cup. We must find our source of life through God and find ways to do what he’s called us to do. It might be missionary work, volunteering at a camp, helping out at your church with outreach events, or with your youth group (WHICH YOU SHOULD…ahem…). You might lead a Bible Study also.

Some of us are called to be preachers or pastors, leading thousands of people through worship services and sermons, but it starts small. It starts with serving, which can mean anything from volunteering at a local shelter to helping out at your church with outreach events or with your youth group (WHICH YOU SHOULD… ahem…). Serving is about using your time and talents to help others and spread God’s love. You might also lead a Bible Study. Think about these words from Psalm 145:4-7.

Psalm 145:4-7

4             Let each generation tell its children your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.

5             I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles.

6             Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness.

7             Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness?

How do we tell the next generation about God? Start by making church a part of your daily routine. Regular church attendance is important because it provides a consistent opportunity to learn about God, worship Him, and connect with other believers. Find a church that aligns best with you and/or your family. Check out what they offer and see if your family needs it. If you want your kids in a Sunday School or small group class for their age, check that out! If you’re looking for a mission-first church that does much mission work, check that out! What I’ve learned is that the church you attend should be what fits you for the season you’re in. A lot of churches do church in a lot of different ways. I’d start by attending an outreach event and seeing what the church is about. Then, check out their small group activities or dinners. Sometimes, that’s more intimate, where you can connect more personally. Then check out a worship service! I’ve seen many families walk through that pipeline with significant effect!

Another way we share God with the next generation is by telling your stories of how you came to know Jesus. Peter teaches us that your testimony should always be prepared and ready to share. Talk about your experiences with the church and with God. Be transparent about it. Use family meals and social events to show prayers, talk about Bible stories, and even turn it into a family game night after dinner. Show your family and community how God helps you. Be the one that plants that seed into others. For instance, you can share a personal story of how God helped you through a difficult time or how your faith has guided your decisions. Let me leave you with that section that Peter talks about. Please keep that close in your hearts and remember that as you walk through your day. God will point out people for you to share your testimony with.

1 Peter 3:15

1 Peter 3:15    Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.