The Hallelujah Factor

Just this week we finished this book by Dr. Jack Taylor. I’m happy to say that I understand a little more about praising/worshipping God, but I am guessing that my quest will not be totally fulfilled until I exit this “earth suit.”  THE HALLELUJAH FACTOR is a practical book but not one you can sit down and read for fun. Sort of think “textbook for praise practice” That’s not to say that I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone else who is searching for a deeper way to praise/worship God.

Here is a summary of Taylor’s chapter on Practical Pointers of Personal Praise (can you tell he likes alliterationJ

This is what you may expect if you are determined to praise [God]:

·        There will be immediate elation

·        There will be an immediate escalation in spiritual warfare (I’m guessing it’s like heaping coals of fire –early—on the devil’s head whenever we truly praise God, so he doesn’t like it and lets us know that)

·        There will be an increased perception of spiritual truth

·        There will be an increased anticipation and excitement regarding the high privilege of public worship

·        There will be a new dimension to the personal quiet time as praise becomes an integral part of it.

·        There will be a fresh and exciting growth in loving God as knowledge of Him increases in the atmosphere of praise.

·        Praise should become an acquired skill, ever improving, a habit ever stronger in its good grip on us. (I envision the idea of polishing my praise skill so that I’m a pleasing praise when I hit the Pearly Gates—I like alliteration tooJ

Dr. Taylor’s summation of his book contains some very quotable quotes, so here are the ones I chose:

·        Praise is an impenetrable defense before the enemy and an indefensible weapon in spiritual warfare

·        Praise is at once the most powerful tonic for a tired soul and the greatest therapy for a heavy spirit.

·        Praise douses doubts and waters faith at the same time

·        Praise is a powerful disinfectant that kills on contact a myriad of germs which are allowed to proliferate in a praiseless atmosphere.

·        Praise crowns obedience and puts the praiser over into the victory column.

·        Praise will preface the return of Christ, pervade the rapture, and surround the events of the end time as life on earth gives way to timeless eternity when the rivers of history flow into the boundless Sea of Forever.

·        Praise is a decisive down payment on, and plays the greatest role in, mental health and  emotional stability.

·        Praise, like a straight line, is the shortest distance between a saint and his God!

Pick your favorite phrase(s) of praise and meditate on it/them. I would love to hear any thoughts you might have about this subject.

In the meantime, let’s keep polishing our praising.