Publicly declare His praise

"I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the wonderful things you have done." Psalm 9:1 GNT

On February 2, One week after a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, tragically killed nine people-including NBA legend Kobe Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna Bryant, 13, the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach, California, paid tribute to the victims in many ways. Not only did the race start with a moment of silence but had special tributes at miles 8 and 24. One runner in the half marathon, Michael Sweet, took the tribute to a whole new level when he donned a Kobe Bryant jersey and dribbled a basketball for 13.1 miles. “I loved watching Kobe Bryant play, but he was also an amazing person,” Sweet said. “The world was really starting to watch him become a dad, and see what he was going to do for the world that was far beyond basketball.”

And you know, if paying tribute means to praise someone publicly for the great things they have done, can you imagine anyone more worthy of our praise than the Lord?  Of course not! After all, as the psalmist knew, He has done "wonderful things!" Sadly though, while most Christians will brazenly and publicly praise their favorite sports figures or sports team, they won’t publicly acknowledge the Maker of all good things. And by neglecting to do so will squander the opportunity for others to come to know the One truly worthy of all praise by their testimony. 

So let us be bold in our witness my friend. Let us, like the psalmist, be completely unafraid and unashamed to publicly declare, "I will will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of the wonderful things you have done." Can you imagine how many people would be led to the foot of the Cross if we all did?

Heavenly Father, we love You and we praise You for the wonderful things You have done! Help us to be bold in publicly declaring Your praises so that others would seek to know You and be saved by our testimony. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Oh for a thousand tongues to sing - Crowder