The fruit is a symbolism of evidence, manifestation, productivity and result. The lips are the gateway for communication and sound production. Your lips were not merely created to aid food consumption or for application of make-ups. The primary purpose of creating your lips is for communication and to praise the Almighty God. Whatever you communicate is the fruit of your heart. What kind of fruit comes out of your lips? How do you use your lips?
Apostle Paul wrote in Hebrews 13:15 “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” This scripture vividly describes the fruit of your lips as the sacrifice of praise. The sacrifice of praise should be a continuum, which means it is not only offered when things appear good. Why must we offer praise to God continually? First, praise is the dwelling place of God! When true praise and worship is offered to God, it becomes a sweet smelling savour and aroma which ascends to His mercy seat. Do you always praise and worship God genuinely or you do so only in the church? God desires and takes pleasure in the true worshippers. Jesus Christ Himself said “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him” (John 4:23). Beloved, the hour has come for you to cultivate the habit of true worship. God is indeed a seeker of the true worshippers! Second, you were created for the purpose of praising God. “… that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1Peter 2:9). Whose praise do you proclaim – God’s or man’s? Third, praise offered unto God works wonders. When the Israelites began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against their enemies (2Chronicles 20:22). In this year, if you can continually offer true praise and worship to God, the Lord will arise and fight your battles. Fourth, praise pacifies God. “For My name’s sake I will defer My anger, and for My praise I will restrain it from you, so that I do not cut you off” (Isaiah 48:9). The sacrifice of praise offered to God will shield you from tasting the cup of His fury. It does not cost you more than your lips to praise God. Don’t deny yourself of the benefits of praising God by keeping quiet!
I pray for you today, that the Lord gives you beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. God bless you. SHALOM
