In what ways can we make "praise" our "gates" in daily life? The Key Verse: Our Blueprint “No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders. But you will call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.” (Isaiah 60:18) Why Gates Matter • In biblical times a city’s gates governed every coming and going. • Whoever or whatever passed the gate shaped the city’s life, safety, and reputation (Ruth 4:1; 2 Samuel 15:2). • Personal “gates” are the entry points of each day, moment, thought, and relationship. Why Praise Fits the Gate • Praise welcomes God’s presence (Psalm 22:3). • Praise turns attention from self-concern to God-confidence (Psalm 34:1). • Praise disarms darkness at the threshold (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). Everyday Ways to Make Praise Our Gates Morning Gate • Open your eyes with Psalm 118:24—“This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” • Speak it aloud before your feet touch the floor. Doorway Gate • As you walk out the front door, declare, “The LORD will guard my going out and my coming in” (Psalm 121:8). • Post a verse by the knob; read it each exit. Digital Gate • Let worship music be the first sound from your phone. • Place a Scripture lock-screen so praise precedes every swipe. Commute Gate • Turn the car into a mobile sanctuary—sing along, pray for fellow drivers, thank God for the route. • Replace news radio with a Psalm or hymn for the first five minutes. Work/School Gate • Before opening email or books, whisper, “Lord, I rejoice in You” (Philippians 4:4). • Keep a gratitude list nearby and update it when stress knocks. Conversation Gate • Start meetings with “I’m thankful for…” statements. • Compliment coworkers, giving glory to God for their abilities (James 1:17). Mealtime Gate • Pause to praise, not only “for” the food but “to” the Giver (1 Timothy 4:4-5). • Rotate family members sharing one reason to praise God today. Decision Gate • When facing a choice, begin with praise (Hebrews 13:15). It invites wisdom before opinions crowd in. Evening Gate • Close the day the way you opened it: “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). • Review the day’s gates, noting where praise opened doors and where it slipped—prepare to tighten the hinges tomorrow. What Blocks the Gate • Complaint (Numbers 14:27) • Fear-driven talk (Proverbs 29:25) • Idle words (Matthew 12:36) Guard against these intruders by replacing them instantly with a praise phrase. Encouraging Models in Scripture • Jehoshaphat’s singers led with praise and the enemy scattered (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). • Paul and Silas praised at midnight; prison doors opened (Acts 16:25-26). • Jesus began and ended the Last Supper with a hymn (Matthew 26:30). Living Walls of Salvation When praise stands at every gate, the “walls” of our lives unmistakably declare God’s saving work. Outsiders notice the peace inside and are drawn to enter those same gates with thanksgiving (Psalm 100:4). |
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