by Dan Jones
In war, the “scorched earth” policy is to completely wipe out everything of value the enemy might gain access to.
It’s a horrendous, devastating policy and something I would have a great deal of difficulty advocating against any people in any war at any time.
But it’s something I heartily advocate in doing battle with our real enemy.
In my experience, absolutely nothing disables and devastates the enemy of our souls like praise of the One True God.
We know that the enemy of God is a thief, a liar, a murderer, and the father of all lies.
That’s why pure, solid truth tears him to shreds. No lie can stand in the presence of the greatest, most powerful truth in all the universe –praise of the LORD our God!
It’s why I am so quick with a “HALLELUJAH!” and why I love pretty much every song on Kinship Christian Radio with a “Hallelujah” in it.
“Hallelujah” means “Praise the LORD!”
It’s a one-word hand grenade in the battle for our souls. HALLELUJAH!
It puts the glory, the honor, the praise, and the power right where it belongs.
HALLELUJAH!
>BOOM!<
Now, there may come times in your life when you’ll need more than just a few hand grenades. For this, I recommend the prayer in 1 Chronicles 16:
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always. (verses 8-11)
Still feel like you’re under attack? Need bigger guns do you?
Sing to the Lord, all the earth;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and joy are in his dwelling place.
Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come before him.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. (verses 23 – 29)
In the splendor of his holiness! What evil can stand before that? What can resist the splendor of his ALMIGHTY holiness?
Tremble before him, all the earth!
The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
Let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!
Let the trees of the forest sing,
let them sing for joy before the Lord,
for he comes to judge the earth. (Verses 30 -33)
The very heavens and the earth praise HIM! The waves shout HIS name! The trees sing HIS praise! The ground trembles at the sound of HIS voice!
And He is not just a God of the moment. No, His victory, His reign, His Kingdom is forever!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior;
gather us and deliver us from the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name,
and glory in your praise.”
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting. (verses 34 – 36a)
Today’s Praise
Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 16:36b