JoAnn and I just returned from the Benny Hinn, Dallas Crusade. While there, the LORD blessed both of us; we will probably tell about this later. In addition, God gave us many tidbits of knowledge. I will pass a part of this on to you now.

Before going into the message I must mention that I have heard people say, "I don't like Benny Hinn". I go on record as saying that I like anyone that God uses to lead people from darkness into the light of Jesus Christ. The more people the better, and I will not bicker about the money involved or the methods they employ. Who is man anyway that he should critique the works of God, the LORD that made all things, even the worlds? (see John 1:1-9)

Before entering the Dallas Reunion Arena I watched as some people pushed and shoved each other to get into the building, to get the best seats. One woman was flashing a letter, with pride she was saying repeatedly, "You can't go in this door if you don't have a letter. I have a letter!" The LORD spoke to me and said, "Watch this, these are takers. Always seeking and never finding my blessings." Then he showed me other people being jostled as they were trying to step aside and let the pushers go by. The Spirit of God said, "These are givers, the ones that are blessed without asking (Luke 6:38)."

Pastor Hinn led 22,000 people in praise and worship until we experienced the greatest move of God that I have ever seen. As the Holy Spirit embraced them thousands of people answered an invitation to accept Jesus as their personal Savior. They poured out of the stands and overflowed the aisles, going forward to accept Jesus. Any critic should compare this with what God is doing through them.

Approximately two hours later, after more praise, worship and a message from Benny, a call went forth for those that had been healed. This brought, what appeared to be, several thousand more to the front and they too filled the aisles. This was only the first night.

We must set our will to praise and worship God because He is worthy, and not for any other reason. Praise and worship is an expression of love for our heavenly Father. This is giving! True praise and worship comes from one's heart, enkindled by the Holy Spirit.

All throughout the Bible we find that good things happen while someone is praising God, or immediately after people have praised Him. In "the last days" (all of the days after Jesus arose) a sacrifice of praise (Heb. 13:15) has been man's only means of being intimate with God. He possesses everything else! (Psalms 24:1) A gift of money is not intimate. It is for our increase. As you think about a sacrifice of praise, think about our last letter which tells that the Hebrew word korban, le-hakriv, translated sacrifice, means to become closely involved in a relationship with someone -- in this case, being intimate with God.

Giving praise to the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit is the most important act in the life of a Christian. Isn't praise instinctive when we love someone? Praise is actually the fuel that fires the furnace of the works of God. Praise, however, does not preclude or supersede thanking the LORD for those things He does for us. This too is important, but again we think, give and it shall be given unto you (Luke 6:38). The "it" mentioned in this verse covers all that God promised Abraham in their covenant relationship. (See Deuteronomy 28:1-14.)

Givers receive power and blessings from God. Takers receive whatever their own power can get for them, and in their own lust they are deceived. We hope that this message helps you praise and worship God and find the abundance of His goodness, even bringing many people into the kingdom of God.