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  PREPARATION FOR PRAISE
  by Charles E. Cowman
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Summary: Preparation for praise involves suffering, refinement, and
enlargement of spiritual understanding, ultimately leading to a tender
and true heart.

Topics: "Suffering And Trials", "Spiritual Growth"
Scripture References: Psalm 40:1, Romans 8:17, Philippians 3:10, 1 Timothy 1:12, 1 Peter 4:12

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DESCRIPTION
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Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of enduring trials and
suffering, drawing inspiration from the experiences of David in the
Bible. He emphasizes that every sorrow and deliverance in our lives adds
to the beautiful melody of praise we offer to God. By waiting on God and
surrendering to His will, we can deepen our relationship with Him and be
transformed to be more like Christ, increasing our capacity for empathy
and understanding. Cowman encourages the congregation not to fear the
trials that come their way, as these experiences are opportunities for
spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God.

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CONTENT
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"Beloved, do not be surprised at the ordeal that has come to test
you...you are sharing what Christ suffered; so rejoice in it" (1 Peter
4:12).

Many a waiting hour was needful to enrich the harp of David, and many a
waiting hour in the wilderness will gather for us a psalm of
"thanksgiving, and the voice of melody," to cheer the hearts of fainting
ones here below, and to make glad our Father's house on high.

What was the preparation of the son of Jesse for the songs like unto
which none other have ever sounded on this earth?

The outrage of the wicked, which brought forth cries for God's help.
Then the faint hope in God's goodness blossomed into a song of rejoicing
for His mighty deliverances and manifold mercies. Every sorrow was
another string to his harp; every deliverance another theme for praise.

One thrill of anguish spared, one blessing unmarked or unprized, one
difficulty or danger evaded, how great would have been our loss in that
thrilling Psalmody in which God's people today find the expression of
their grief or praise!

To wait for God, and to suffer His will, is to know Him in the
fellowship of His sufferings, and to be conformed to the likeness of His
Son. So now, if the vessel is to be enlarged for spiritual
understanding, be not affrighted at the wider sphere of suffering that
awaits you. The Divine capacity of sympathy will have a more extended
sphere, for the breathing of the Holy Ghost in the new creation never
made a stoic, but left the heart's affection tender and true. --Anna
Shipton

"He tested me ere He entrusted me" (1 Tim. 1:12, Way's Trans.).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/charles-e-cowman/preparation-for-praise/
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