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Power in Praise
179 PAGES
Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
206 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Merlin R. Carothers
43 books72 followersMerlin Carothers is an author of several bestsellers on the subject of praising God. His books are translated into 53 languages, and there have been over 17 million copies printed. During World War II, he served as a parachutist, pilot, demolition expert, lieutenant colonel, and a personal guard of Eisenhower. Later he returned to the army as a chaplain. Since then he has become an evangelist and preacher, and shares eveyrthing that he has learned with millions in the US and around the world through Foundation of Praise, his ministry.
A primary goal of the Foundation of Praise has been to keep operating costs to an absolute minimum. While many organizations pay thousands of dollars to their presidents, this is not so with the Foundation of Praise. Merlin and his wife, Mary, receive no salary at all. They have resisted all tendencies to become a “large organization” with many employees and magnificent buildings. Since 17 million of Merlin’s books have been distributed, they could have grown in size rather than in ministry, but they have chosen to reach needy people to tell them about our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
The work of the Foundation was conducted in the garage of Merlin and Mary’s home in Escondido, California until a new church was completed in 1972. In 1976, another church was established in Escondido, and again the Foundation of Praise worked within the church. By 1980, requests for free books for prisoners, military personnel and patients had skyrocketed. Letters asking for spiritual help and prayer flooded the mail room. The Foundation moved to larger offices and attempted to keep up with the increasing number of letters and requests.
Books were stored in warehouses scattered throughout Escondido. This proved to be a disastrous temporary solution. Not only was it difficult to keep an accurate inventory, but the facilities baked in the heat and leaked water when it rained! Some books were ruined. Then in 1984, a marvelous thing happened. The Foundation was able to build a new building! It was designed so that all the work would be accomplished as quickly and economically as possible. Daily, vehicles back up to their warehouse and load books going to all parts of the United States, and throughout the world.
A primary goal of the Foundation of Praise has been to keep operating costs to an absolute minimum. While many organizations pay thousands of dollars to their presidents, this is not so with the Foundation of Praise. Merlin and his wife, Mary, receive no salary at all. They have resisted all tendencies to become a “large organization” with many employees and magnificent buildings. Since 17 million of Merlin’s books have been distributed, they could have grown in size rather than in ministry, but they have chosen to reach needy people to tell them about our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
The work of the Foundation was conducted in the garage of Merlin and Mary’s home in Escondido, California until a new church was completed in 1972. In 1976, another church was established in Escondido, and again the Foundation of Praise worked within the church. By 1980, requests for free books for prisoners, military personnel and patients had skyrocketed. Letters asking for spiritual help and prayer flooded the mail room. The Foundation moved to larger offices and attempted to keep up with the increasing number of letters and requests.
Books were stored in warehouses scattered throughout Escondido. This proved to be a disastrous temporary solution. Not only was it difficult to keep an accurate inventory, but the facilities baked in the heat and leaked water when it rained! Some books were ruined. Then in 1984, a marvelous thing happened. The Foundation was able to build a new building! It was designed so that all the work would be accomplished as quickly and economically as possible. Daily, vehicles back up to their warehouse and load books going to all parts of the United States, and throughout the world.
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December 18, 2019Not my cup of tea... and I LOVE tea.
December 31, 2011
Another good read from Marlin Carothers. Truth in easy reading form. When life is hard the last thing you want to do is praise God but like most things that are beneficial for us, they are usually the last thing we want to do.
June 22, 2014
I may not have agreed with all of the theology in this book (some of chapter two and bits about recieving the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues etc. comes to mind)but despite that, this is a book that I feel every Christian ought to read. In it Merlin Carothers urges us to praise God in EVERYTHING, including every trial. At the end of this book, the Lord had really used it to convict me a lot about my complaining and grumbling attitude when it comes to trials. Praying that if you ever have a chance to read this book, you will and it will help you in your walk with the Lord as much as it helped me!
Quotes I loved from it:
"Our understanding gets us into trouble when we try to figure out why and how God brings certain circumstances into our lives. We can never understand why and how God does something, but He wants us to accept with our understanding that He does it. This is the basis for our praise. God wants us to understand that He loves us and that He has a plan for us." (p.3).
"Praise is based on a total and joyful acceptance of the present as part of God's loving, perfect will for us. Praise is not based on what we think or hope will happen in the future...We praise God, not for what we expect will happen in or around us, but we praise Him for what He is and where and how we are right now!" (p.6).
"Have you ever stepped outside your door on a beautiful, clear, sunny day, taken a deep breath of fresh air, and thanked God for His wonderful creation? But what if the next morning is gray and rainy? Does it automatically make you feel a little depressed as you look out the window? Maybe you odn't say it out loud, but how do you feel? Are you in the habit of thanking God only for what you want? And are you in the habit of grumbling just a little when things don't go the way you like?...Grumbling is the very opposite of thanksgiving; a complaint is the opposite of trust...By complaining and grumbling you are actually accusing God of mismanaging the details of you day." (pp.99-100)
"Joy is certianly something we are meant to feel...But joy does not depend on feeling. We are not to rejoice because we feel joyful, rather we can expect to eventually feel joyful as a result of our rejoicing."(p.125).
"God permits every circumstance of our life for a good reason. Through it, He intends to bring about His perfect and loving plan for us. God permitted that lady to be born without a hand because He loves her. God permitted Satan to harass Job because He loved Job. God permitted Christ to hang on the cross because He loved His Son, and He loved us. God allowed the darkness and evil forces of this world to gain an apparent victory - apparent to our senses - yet all the while God's perfect plan for the salvation of the world was being worked out." (p.136).
Quotes I loved from it:
"Our understanding gets us into trouble when we try to figure out why and how God brings certain circumstances into our lives. We can never understand why and how God does something, but He wants us to accept with our understanding that He does it. This is the basis for our praise. God wants us to understand that He loves us and that He has a plan for us." (p.3).
"Praise is based on a total and joyful acceptance of the present as part of God's loving, perfect will for us. Praise is not based on what we think or hope will happen in the future...We praise God, not for what we expect will happen in or around us, but we praise Him for what He is and where and how we are right now!" (p.6).
"Have you ever stepped outside your door on a beautiful, clear, sunny day, taken a deep breath of fresh air, and thanked God for His wonderful creation? But what if the next morning is gray and rainy? Does it automatically make you feel a little depressed as you look out the window? Maybe you odn't say it out loud, but how do you feel? Are you in the habit of thanking God only for what you want? And are you in the habit of grumbling just a little when things don't go the way you like?...Grumbling is the very opposite of thanksgiving; a complaint is the opposite of trust...By complaining and grumbling you are actually accusing God of mismanaging the details of you day." (pp.99-100)
"Joy is certianly something we are meant to feel...But joy does not depend on feeling. We are not to rejoice because we feel joyful, rather we can expect to eventually feel joyful as a result of our rejoicing."(p.125).
"God permits every circumstance of our life for a good reason. Through it, He intends to bring about His perfect and loving plan for us. God permitted that lady to be born without a hand because He loves her. God permitted Satan to harass Job because He loved Job. God permitted Christ to hang on the cross because He loved His Son, and He loved us. God allowed the darkness and evil forces of this world to gain an apparent victory - apparent to our senses - yet all the while God's perfect plan for the salvation of the world was being worked out." (p.136).
April 14, 2012
To praise God in all situations as Paul did under immense suffering is work in progress for myself and for most christains. I found this book extremely helpful, encouraging and challenging in understanding this principle. It will certainly change / influence my attitude to step back from grumbling, self pity and rebellion in times of difficulty.
I would recommend this book as a specifically a christian self help book.
Particularly worth noting was the emphasis in the early chapters that " christians can not earn their salavtion through good works " and " the majority of christians believe they are ". I believe this is a poignant warning for today when the issue of money is often so transfixed in people's minds.
I would recommend this book as a specifically a christian self help book.
Particularly worth noting was the emphasis in the early chapters that " christians can not earn their salavtion through good works " and " the majority of christians believe they are ". I believe this is a poignant warning for today when the issue of money is often so transfixed in people's minds.
November 5, 2017
This book is phenomenal. I have started reading it again and some pages multiple times. The wisdom and insight shared by the author is profound and life changing. I was in awe as I read the book and have started thanking God for all the losses and pain of childhood and the past. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It has changed how I view God in relation to the valleys of life and sorrows I have experienced.
February 23, 2018
This book was given me as a continuation on my spiritual journey towards trusting God more than myself. Not every statement in this book could I accept, nevertheless - I will try to live up to what it (or rather Christ) had said.
February 4, 2017
I have some doctrinal differences with Mr. Caruthers, but otherwise a great book. Learning to praise God in all circumstances is essential. it's impossible to be depressed and unbelieving in the midst of praise. Praising God for everything really will allow God's power to work in our lives.
May 25, 2023
I love how this book shows the simplicity of faith. It is enough for me to trust in the Lord, because whatever happens in my life is in His plan. I want to praise God for all situations in my life, even if it will be difficult, especially for the bad ones, because it is thanks to them that I get closer to Him.
August 25, 2021
«De no ser que ellos [los que no son cristianos] puedan ver, en los pequeños detalles de la vida diaria, que el creer en Cristo supone una diferencia, ¿cómo podemos esperar de ellos que crean cuando vemos que necesitan a Cristo?».
Ante todo, el libro es astutamente proselitista. Pero claro está, el autor siendo como es capellán del ejército, parte de su labor no es otra que la de atraer nuevos adeptos a la fe cristiana. Esto no es nuevo, pero sí el modo como Carothers nos adentra en su ambicioso plan.
Carothers nos invita a la alabanza de Dios, dar gracias por todo lo bueno y, lo que es más importante, todo lo malo en nuestras vidas.
«Dios quiere que comprendamos que cuando le confiamos nuestras vidas, podemos tener la seguridad de que nadie puede tratarnos mal si Dios no lo permite para nuestro bien».
Cuando damos gracias a Dios por lo malo —sigue Carothers— aceptamos su plan para con nosotros, y experimentamos en nuestra vida su amor y las circunstancias empiezan a cambiar para bien.
«Alabando a Dios, experimentan pronto el resultado de una actitud de constante gratitud y gozo, y, a su vez, su fe es fortalecida y pueden continuar viviendo de este modo».
«Y sabemos que a los que aman a Dios, todas las cosas les ayudan a bien. (Romanos 8:28) ».
El acto de gratitud no es nuevo. Se practica en el mindfulness, y es una actitud de reconocimiento por la vida, de profunda espiritualidad. Es una práctica enriquecedora en sí misma, dar gracias a la deidad, energia o universo que uno cree y siente en su interior y no necesariamente rendir culto al Dios Bíblico.
Que Carothers dé gracias por las contrariedades y accidentes como parte de un bien mayor planificado por Dios, tampoco es novedoso. Oí siempre decir a mi madre "¡Alabado sea Dios!" ante cualquier contratiempo o penalidad. En las escuelas católicas se enseña la resignación y aceptación de los males y la bondad de ponerse en manos de Dios. Y recordemos lo que el refranero nos dice: «No hay mal que por bien no venga». Que no deja de ser el mismo principio que propone el autor.
Sigue diciendo el autor: «El único camino fuera de nuestro dilema es aceptar la Palabra de Dios por fe. Fe, a pesar de lo que pensamos». Aquello que nuestra parte racional crea o sienta debe ser fulminado y creer, tener fe porque «Dios ha elegido el más directo y el más amoroso camino para enseñarle que usted le necesita», sea mediante un contratiempo u otra circunstancia. «Aquí, igual que en nuestra primera entrega a Dios [se refiere al bautismo en el Espíritu Santo], debemos aceptar su voluntad y su plan antes de comprenderlos».
En multitud de ejemplos el autor nos relata como las personas que agradecen a Dios todo lo que les sucede y se entregan a la fe, son bendecidos por su gracia. Depresiones, alcoholismo, vidas truncadas por la muerte de un ser querido, artritis e incluso una calefacción que no funciona, (por decir sólo unas pocas) se recuperan, sanan, se reparan, porque aquellos que con su fe agradecen a Dios y lo alaban son escuchados. «Pedid y se os dará, buscad y encontraréis, llamad y se os abrirá; porque todo el que pide recibe, quien busca encuentra y al que llama se le abre». (Mateo 7).
El afectado ora, alaba a Dios que permite que sucedan estas cosas, algunos incluso oyen una voz en su interior, y al poco, sus circunstancias cambian a bien o ven como lo ocurrido es parte de un bien mayor. Siempre se ha dicho que cuando Dios cierra una puerta abre una ventana y si estas curaciones milagrosas son verdad o no, (en beneficio del afectado espero que así sea) queda en la conciencia del autor si es sólo un tristísimo recurso para un mayor predicamento de la Palabra de Dios.
«La alabanza esta basada en una aceptación, total y gozosa de lo presente como parte de la voluntad perfecta y amorosa de Dios para nosotros. La alabanza no está basada en lo que pensamos o esperamos que acontezca en el futuro. Es una "ley" absoluta, que claramente puede observarse en la practica de la alabanza».
Otra argumentación del libro resulta sorprendente. Según el autor nuestros actos no influyen en la voluntad de Dios para amarnos o perdonarnos y ser llamados a su lado en el cielo. Ya fuimos perdonados por nuestros pecados por medio de Cristo crucificado. Solo estamos obligados a tener fe.
«...buenas nuevas de la Biblia que nos habla de que Dios es amor y de que no necesitamos ser buenos para merecer su amor».
«Porque nuestra absolución no está basada en lo que nosotros podamos hacer, sino en lo que Cristo ha hecho y en nuestra fe en él. Así que somos salvos por la fe en Cristo y no por las buenas cosas que hagamos. (Romanos 3:27, 28)».
La educación que yo recibí, me enseñó que llegada la hora, seremos juzgados por nuestras obras de acción y pensamiento, para entrar en el Reino de Dios.
Somos imperfectos, —dice el autor— nuestros actos lo reflejan y no por ir a misa todos los domingos y cumplir con los prefectos de la fe, nada cambiará si no hay fe y absoluta confianza en la voluntad de Dios. Alabemos su plan para con nosotros, con fe y confianza absoluta en su amor infinito.
Un asunto peliagudo en el plan de Dios es el porqué permite la muerte de un niño en un accidente, las catástrofes, genocidios, etc. ¿Cómo podemos al alabar y dar gracias a Dios por algo así? El autor afronta en el libro esta pregunta, que le habrán formulado en miles de veces y que no rehúye. Lo malo es que para una pregunta que no tiene respuesta, el autor recurre a los argumentos socorridos de siempre:
«Es posible que no comprendamos el plan de Dios o que no lo reconozcamos como bueno, pero cuando alabamos a Dios por ello, relegamos a su poder que obre en la situación para nuestro bien».
«Lo que nos concierne es estar firmes en la fe, obedientes a los dictados del Espíritu Santo, que guiará nuestras acciones exteriores en cada situación».
Para terminar destacar el capítulo dedicado a las quejas, a refunfuñar constantemente cuando las cosas se tuercen por pequeñeces, aquello que no funciona como queremos. En esto coincidimos aunque la argumentación sea distinta.
La queja no nos proporciona ninguna satisfacción, ni tan siquiera un desahogo y no hace más que influir negativamente en los demás que no pueden hacer nada, como por ejemplo, para arreglar un vaso roto o conseguir que salga el sol un día lluvioso de acampada.
El autor va un poco más allá: «Al lamentarse y quejarse esta acusando a Dios de administrar mal los detalles de su día. La actitud de alabanza libera el poder de Dios en nuestras vidas, y la actitud de murmuración o de lamentación impide el poder».
Y aún más allá: «Todos conocemos la expresión: “Todos tenemos nuestros días buenos y nuestros días malos”. Esta es una manera de pensar, descuidada, y aun peligrosa, porque sugiere que los días buenos y los días malos son algo normal en vida cristiana. …/… nuestra actitud interior debe ser un estado permanente de gozo en Cristo».
Por tanto no nos permitamos sentir nuestras emociones, tristeza, miedo, asco, sorpresa, frustración…
Y yo os digo: fluid con vuestras emociones, contempladlas, amadlas, procurad entenderlas y dejadlas marchar con agradecimiento.
El libro es corto, alrededor de las doscientas páginas, pero da para mucha reflexión como ya se ve en esta larga, extraña reseña que me ha salido. (4/10)
March 15, 2015
I first read Merlin Carothers praise books back in the 1970s. I wanted to give a book to someone I know that is suffering from severe mental depression, so I re-read it to see if it would be appropriate. It has a powerful message based on I Thessalonians 5: "No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." This book teaches that when we praise God in our troubles, we release God's power to work in our lives and bring His joy, no matter what is happening. His subject and message are timeless. I really liked this reminder: "When things get worse in this world of ours, it is not evidence that God is absent or indifferent. Quite the contrary. All these signs are evidence that God is very near, that every part of His plan and purpose is being fulfilled, just as His word has promised us." Great encouragement for these times! I will be passing this book along to others.
June 23, 2009
WE release Gods power into our lives when we praise him for each circumstance whether "good" or "bad." This book tells true stories of people who had their lives changed for the better by praising God.
October 5, 2014
I was looking for inspiration. This book gave me a new way to look at some life challenges. It's not something you pick up and race to the finish. I read it in broken stages. It was good, but you have to be in certain state of mind to benefit from the book's intent.
March 12, 2015
Another fantastic book from Merlin R. Carothers
Praise Does work. Just read this book with an open mind and heart and see for yourself what happens. Well,go ahead. What are you waiting for?
Praise Does work. Just read this book with an open mind and heart and see for yourself what happens. Well,go ahead. What are you waiting for?
July 2, 2013
This book is a great follow-up to the first one, Prison to Praise. I especially loved chapters 4, 5, & 6. They get the book the 5 star rating. If you read nothing else, read those chapters!
May 16, 2016
The book that is changing life
August 31, 2015
Eye opening
I never realized how my actions or reactions to situations told volumes about how much I truly trust in Jesus, even after everything he did for me.
I never realized how my actions or reactions to situations told volumes about how much I truly trust in Jesus, even after everything he did for me.
March 26, 2021
Oh my goodness!!!
This book was recommended by another author that stated "before you read this book you must read Power of praise" and oh how glad I did!! This book is life changing!! I instantly felt Holy Spirit in this book as I read the first two pages and all the way to the end. It was like light bulbs going off in my head page after page. I recommend it two two friends already lol. Holy Spirit definitely wanted me to read this book and I'm oh so grateful that I did. I was able to put the principles from this book pretty much to practice right away and they work. I had a situation I have been dealing with since December of 2019 and it still made me very upset when I thought about it and I would scream in anger and cry. So today as I read through the book some additional information came up and I got angry again and I started to cry. Then I immediately realized here is an opportunity to put the principles to work, so I begin to thank God for this situation. I thanked Him for the betrayal, lies and the revelation of this situation and just kept praising and thanking Him. I went on and thanked Him or every manipulator that I learned a lesson from that lead to my broken heart. I continue on, and I tell you honestly I began to gag and spit and I keep on praising Him until my heart was free. 20 minutes went by while I praised God and I am free, instead of anger I feel compassion towards that person. I forgave them and set them free and I pray when you read this book you too will experience this same freedom.
This book was recommended by another author that stated "before you read this book you must read Power of praise" and oh how glad I did!! This book is life changing!! I instantly felt Holy Spirit in this book as I read the first two pages and all the way to the end. It was like light bulbs going off in my head page after page. I recommend it two two friends already lol. Holy Spirit definitely wanted me to read this book and I'm oh so grateful that I did. I was able to put the principles from this book pretty much to practice right away and they work. I had a situation I have been dealing with since December of 2019 and it still made me very upset when I thought about it and I would scream in anger and cry. So today as I read through the book some additional information came up and I got angry again and I started to cry. Then I immediately realized here is an opportunity to put the principles to work, so I begin to thank God for this situation. I thanked Him for the betrayal, lies and the revelation of this situation and just kept praising and thanking Him. I went on and thanked Him or every manipulator that I learned a lesson from that lead to my broken heart. I continue on, and I tell you honestly I began to gag and spit and I keep on praising Him until my heart was free. 20 minutes went by while I praised God and I am free, instead of anger I feel compassion towards that person. I forgave them and set them free and I pray when you read this book you too will experience this same freedom.
March 15, 2020
Inspiring, uplifting and life changing
This book will supercharge your prayer life and change the way you think about almost everything that happens.It will change the way you relate to other people and it will change the way that you read and understand the Bible. It will change what you understand spiritual life to be.
This book will bring you closer to the Lord, and from what I understand the Bible to say it will also make your behaviour more pleasing to the Lord.
I found this an incredibly inspiring and uplifting book.
The author presents the book in a simple and honest style. There are no literary tricks, just the plain retelling of experience.
I was really happy to come across this book and read it.
If you are interested in prayer, if you want to find out how to praise the Lord and be transformed by that, you should read it too.
This book will supercharge your prayer life and change the way you think about almost everything that happens.It will change the way you relate to other people and it will change the way that you read and understand the Bible. It will change what you understand spiritual life to be.
This book will bring you closer to the Lord, and from what I understand the Bible to say it will also make your behaviour more pleasing to the Lord.
I found this an incredibly inspiring and uplifting book.
The author presents the book in a simple and honest style. There are no literary tricks, just the plain retelling of experience.
I was really happy to come across this book and read it.
If you are interested in prayer, if you want to find out how to praise the Lord and be transformed by that, you should read it too.
September 20, 2023
At only 150 pages, this is a quick read with lots of great stories. Overall I found it to be a very challenging, convicting book. And I hope to be forever changed by it, to put into motion the things I read about turning every trial into praise. I often thought of Betsy Ten Boom in the concentration camp (from the book, The Hiding Place) thanking God for the fleas! What are the “fleas” in my life that I’ve never even thought to praise Him for? Some of the chapters got a little too doctrinal for my taste, deviating from scripture into denominational theology. But for the most part I found it to be really good. The stories are amazing, and at first blush can seem a little too fantastic, but the point is that God’s awesome power is unleashed when we create that highway through our praise.
September 8, 2024
I started this book curious if it was straying into the prosperity gospel error and wondering how Merlin dealt with that. Most of his examples have a change for the better (they are by nature the more exciting story after all!) So I was pleased in Chapter 5 when he compared the reactions to two deaths and concluded that.
"Praise releases the power of God into our lives and circumstances, because praise is faith in action. When we trust God fully, He is free to work, and He always brings victory. It may be a victory that changes circumstances, or a victory in the circumstances. Death may be turned away, or made to lose its sting."
I highly commend this theology finding on a personal front that my active choice to a change of attitude is bringing me freedom and joy.
"Praise releases the power of God into our lives and circumstances, because praise is faith in action. When we trust God fully, He is free to work, and He always brings victory. It may be a victory that changes circumstances, or a victory in the circumstances. Death may be turned away, or made to lose its sting."
I highly commend this theology finding on a personal front that my active choice to a change of attitude is bringing me freedom and joy.
August 14, 2019
I was a recommended to read this book after I completed reading "Prison to Praise". I think this book shows a different way to praise the God. The author advocates that we need to be contended of praising the God for his Goodness. The author has reveled few stories in each of the chapter,where the believers are blessed when they started praising the god for the difficulties or problems which they faced and they were blessed.
I believe - Thank Giving or Gratitude is something that can show the power and need to practice.
I believe - Thank Giving or Gratitude is something that can show the power and need to practice.
February 17, 2021
Powerful book!
Merlin, Has a spiritual way of presenting the gospel! He backs his statements and stories with powerful scriptures! Once you start reading his book you will want to send or give it away to your friends and family members! You will feel better about your life style with the guidance of the Holy Spirit! You will not put the book down once you begin! Praise God for His grace and mercy!
Merlin, Has a spiritual way of presenting the gospel! He backs his statements and stories with powerful scriptures! Once you start reading his book you will want to send or give it away to your friends and family members! You will feel better about your life style with the guidance of the Holy Spirit! You will not put the book down once you begin! Praise God for His grace and mercy!
June 11, 2023
We look at our lives and want to understand every bit of it -and if it doesn’t fit the picture we desired it should fit, we’d be disappointed and discouraged. Read this book to know how through it all - even the worst pain you’ve had - God stretches his arms of love around you, and is making you what He’s always wanted you to be. He isn’t just making situations turn for good, He knew it all along and He has walked with you through that process.
August 28, 2024
A beautiful, spiritually-challanging book that refocused my attention on the importance of thanksgiving and trust in the spiritual life. I disagreed with the theology expressed at times, but this was an edifying and inspiring read. It reminded (taught?) me that as Christians we are supposed to balance our petitions (important as they are) and our penitence (necessary as it is) with a spirit of thanksgiving for those very same things that we pray for forgiveness for and deliverance from.
June 20, 2017
Love his books! so inspiring! although I don't agree with his interpretation of speaking in tongues I can look past that miss-insight and see and agree with his assessment of praising God for everything and God using everything for my good and His Glory! We enjoyed reading every night in this book and putting into practice what God has called us to do. Praise God!!
July 28, 2023
This book is a great reminder and challenge to thank God in every circumstance knowing he works all things out for our good. Merlin reminds us that Christians believe what the Bible says on faith, not based on feelings. When we “will” to have faith and trust God, instead of based on feelings, then we will have joy in all situations, no matter if our life gets better or worse.
October 27, 2020
This book is an oldie but goodie. The principles remain that there is power in Praising the Lord in the midst of suffering. My friends and I made this into a book club bible study over Zoom (since one lives out of state). Praising the Lord in all things has transformed my mind!
January 10, 2021
This is a book that opens your mind to think differently and praise God in very difficult circumstances. The topics are challenging, but insightful. A great book to read slowly as the chapters are lengthy with a lot in them and also great to discuss with a friend.
July 8, 2022
This book is phenomenal, life changing and a book I have recommended to family and friends. If you want to change your life and are seeking more than what the world offers, then choose this book - it's transformative.
February 11, 2023
Un livre court, exposant un principe simple et pourtant si difficile à appliquer ! Les nombreux exemples soit de la vie de l'auteur soit de personnes l'ayant connu ou lui ayant écrit sont très encourageant. Un livre qui aide à voir le monde autrement et à acquérir un coeur de gratitude.
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