The Air I Breathe

This is a book on worship my friend Jed gave me. The title is The Air I Breathe. The author is Louie Giglio. It is a wonderfully short book. I have read it at least four times. It is very small in size and length, but it is like dymnamite. It packs a BIG punch. Here is a short excerpt that spoke to me today.

"Our continual sacrifice of praise...our all-the-time expression of worship to God...takes two primary shapes.
It's made up of words. And deeds.

Then he references this Scripture: Hebrews 13:15-16: Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

The first part of continual praise is the "fruit of our lips," which magnify God. That phrase "the fruit of our lips may sound a little odd, but I like it.

There's no fruit without some kind of root. So whatever comes out of my mouth actually comes from the roots that have taken hold deep in my soul. That's why Scripture says that what comes out of the mouth is actually coming from the heart.

My praise to God doesn't just roll off my lips, but begins deep down inside me. (Very cool concept)

God is looking for the kind of people who are always soaking in His Word, sinking the roots of His character into their minds and hearts. As a result, true and kind expressions to and about Him are constantly coming out of their mouths.

I think that's what David means when he says, 'I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will continually be in my mouth'.

When I read those words, I was immediately convicted and had to repent of some of the things which have come out of my mouth over the past several days and to examine the condition my heart. I need for the Lord to prune some of the things which have taken root there. Thank you, Lord for pruning shears covered with mercy and grace. Help me bless You at all times and have Your praise continually in my mouth.