Our key of faith will not fit into the storehouse lock if we are focused on self and/or our selfish desires. On the other hand, if we focus on God and open a window of praise for Him and to Him, He opens the windows of Heaven to us. This releases joy, healing, health, happiness, financial blessings and all the provisions we need. The LORD desires for us to have a good life on earth. More important is the fact that praises for God will cause others to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the one who takes away the sins of the world (See 1 John 2:1-4).
When men are not afraid to praise and worship God He manifests Himself before them. Consider that God inhabits the praises of His people (See 2 Chronicles 5). When people truly praise God the Holy Spirit will transcend them into worship. Didn't Jesus say that true worshipers "shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23)? From Genesis through Revelation we find that praise precedes the works of God. This allows us to understand that one's faith does not go into action until we offer a sacrifice of praise (See Hebrews 13:15).
Sometimes we forget to praise God. This is when we focus on the things of man. We congregate, and each person tells stories about their achievements and failures. By radio and television we listen to people, operating in the pride of their flesh, talk and sing about the accomplishments of man, and glorify the misconduct of man. In some churches people talk and sing about what they do for God or what God shall do for them. This too is contrary to praising God. As we think, so we speak!
When we speak and sing praises about the heavenly Father, our key of faith fits the lock on the storehouse mentioned above. When we open the house of blessings other people are also blessed by our faith. Therefore, we should continually stay in a mode of praise for God. To some people, this may take a little effort at first, but in short time the Holy Spirit causes us to have praise and worship in our mouth continually.
In the following paragraph I will mention something personal. I review this believing that the story will cause both of us to be more aware of what we speak.
When we speak about the greatness and goodness of Jesus it will stick in the minds of people we meet. For example, in early September I received E-mail from a sweet young lady in another state. I could not remember her face, but I did remember her name. She said, "I remember meeting you in [local store] ... (probably in 1992 while I was attending USM). I have been receiving your newsletters every since. ... I have recently gotten married, ... we are looking for a church. I feel like you have been here every step of the way during my growth towards Christ. I really do appreciate your mission." Isn't it good that God has given you and me a mission of speaking about His greatness?
I pray that you will quickly receive all the anointing of God's Spirit that your body can stand. We appreciate you and thank you for your prayers and support.
Dean Hubbard