Nougat 2

Despite all the jingles out there, one of the most effective advertising strategies is Word of Mouth. When I know that an endorsement is from experience, I pay attention, which in turn encourages a purchase that boosts sales. Simple process. Can we do likewise with our spiritual lives? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭4 & 3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Although the encouragement to offer praises/a praise report about God’s grace, generosity and goodness actually comes first in the original psalm; I think that for reflection purposes, seeing the why helps to justify the what. We noted the impact of answered prayer; and we affirmed God’s capacity to deliver us from our fears and trials. Those are some of the reasons Why we praise God. Or, we might say, having experienced the goodness of God’s provision, What is next?

As stated in the intro, testimonials are an excellent marketing strategy used by big and small businesses. Some by request, others out of genuine satisfaction. Of course, bad testimonials can also cripple sales; and silence can sometimes be read as dissatisfaction. Given that “faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” ‭‭(Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT)‬‬; one sees that the ‘Marketing’ principle might have originated with faith and not vice versa.

Our response to news from angels is an example of this (okay we don’t encounter angels as often as in Abraham’s time; but the principle is valid). Angels are credible because we know that they are always in God’s presence. An’ if fish seh it nice dung a ribba battam, believe im’!(if a fish describes the state of life in the river, take its word for it). Is there a challenge for us to share our good God experience with others? – I think it is, sometimes. But so many others, and perhaps even our own selves are in need of the reminder of God’s grace and mercy towards all who fear God.

How do we do this? We can share our praise report in various places – on social media (if we feel that convicted and brave); at home, work, school; and even in our places of worship. We might go ‘old school’, using the testimony formulas of our tradition; but we can as simply outline our miracle. Others benefit from our story and we also encourage our spirits when we speak of God’s bounteous provision. I promise – it makes a difference!

If at all we’re feeling nervous, it’s also worthwhile to practice with praising God. Yup, Psalm 22:3 suggests that God lives for (inhabits) our praises, we simply keep it natural. Speak as we would with a beloved friend- who better to practice with? And what better time than now?

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Oh Lord, You are so marvelously generous to us. Thanks for all You have done for us. I especially praise You for … and … (insert your own words here). May I continue to keep note of Your blessings and praise You every time. Be magnified dear Lord I pray amen.

(p.s.

I gave an incorrect reference yesterday; it’s 2 Timothy, not 1 Timothy)

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May all we seek be found in Christ