Topic: DO NOT LEAVE THE PLACE OF PRAISE – Bishop Mike Okonkwo Devotional 4 October 2021 [The Redeemed Evangelical Mission]

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DO NOT LEAVE THE PLACE OF PRAISE

“Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.” Ruth1:1 KJV

We are, without a doubt, living in perilous times. But you can navigate the evil in our day.  When you access God’s presence through praise, worship and adoration, evil will automatically bow because there can’t be evil in the presence of the Lord. Sickness will go and the challenges of life will be over. These were the secrets of the saints of old. How did David survive? It was because he was able to access God’s presence.  He said: “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalms 34:1 KJV).

Many have lost His presence. It has become a struggle and it seems like one is doing God a favour to worship Him. Do not leave praise because that is where you can access your answers.

Elimelech took his family and they left Bethlehem-Judah because there was a famine! Now understand that name Bethlehem-Judah: Bethlehem means the ‘land of bread’ and Judah means ‘praise.’ As a matter of fact, when you study further, you will know why they called them Ephrathites of Bethlehem Judah. ‘Ephrathite’ means fruitful. So, you see that it is a triple combination: “A land of bread where praises are lifted up to God that brings about fruitfulness.” 

The famine was just for a season in their lives. It was an event! But they left Bethlehem Judah. You will be surprised how many people have left the place of fruitfulness, the place of praise and success, simply because of an event in their lives. If that is your situation, you have got to return. The fact that you are passing through an event now is not a sum-total of your life. That should not make you leave praise! It should not make you turn your back on the very weapon that will bring you out.

Further Reading: Ruth 1:1-7

Bible Reading: Morning- Isaiah 20-22; Evening- Ephesians 6