Ministry of Praise: Recent Episodes
BJ Price
A podcast to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. It is led by worship pastor, B.J. Price. You can learn more at highlandbaptist.com
Psalm 38 is a plea for God‘s forgiveness and nearness as the worshiper confesses his sins and returns to the Lord. The worshiper comes in repentance and faith trusting that God is honored in such prayers for healing and help.
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 37 is a song of David that helps the worshiper deal with the problem of the painful paradoxes of life, namely, the prosperity of the wicked. David’s song instructs the worshiper to trust God, do good, delight in the Lord, be still, and remember the sovereign Lord is our stronghold in times of trouble.
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 36 is a song lamenting the chains of sin in the lives of the wicked who are separated from the Lord in contrast to the amazing grace experienced by those who turn to God in faith. The worshiper finds language here to honor the Lord for his steadfast love which is higher, deeper, and stronger than any other.
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 35 is a song of David that gives us language to turn to the Lord for help when we are in need. It describes many painful realities of life such as being falsely accused, betrayed, threatened, and attacked. David asks God to fight for him so the world would see his righteousness and justice on display. He ultimately wants the worship of God to increase as the world witnesses God defend his servant. Ask God to intervene for the sake of greater witness and greater worship.
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 34 is an acrostic song of David highlighting God’s love for his children and his faithfulness to hear their prayers and rescue them from their troubles. The song emphasizes David’s personal experience and God’s character to save those who take refuge in him. It challenges the worshiper to turn to the Lord—to taste and see that he is good!
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 33 is a song that reminds the worshiper to sing a new song to the Lord (v1-5). It tells of God's creative power (v6-9) and his sovereign rule over all he has made (v10-19). It instructs the congregation to put their trust in the Lord and not in the kings of the earth (v20-22).
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 32 is a song of repentance. Here the worshiper recognizes his need for forgiveness and the amazing love of God to forgive. The singer understands that the consequences of sin is death (v3). God's grace is seen in the conviction he brings which leads to repentance—willfully turning away from sin and toward God!
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 31 is a worship song for the congregation to express their need for God to rescue them, to be their mighty fortress! Here the worshipers remember that God sees them in their distress and rescues those who wait for him in reverence and fear.
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 30 is a worship song that highlights the redeeming love of God for his people. The singer celebrates how God has rescued him from his enemies and has been his mighty helper at all times. The song then becomes a call to worship reminding the congregation that God’s love and favor are truly everlasting. We are saved to worship our saving Lord.
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 29 is a song about the glory and majesty of God. It gives the worshiper language to express confidence in God and to recognize his unique place over his creation. It uses the personal name of God repeatedly and focuses on the nature of his powerful voice. It calls all of creation to recognize and glorify their Creator!
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 28 is a worship song of David for personal and corporate worship to ask God for mercy and help, to rescue the worshiper from the wicked, to praise the Lord for his strength and protection, and to ask God to shepherd his people!
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 27 was written by David and it gives us language to express our confidence and trust in God as our light, salvation, stronghold, helper, father, and friend! Here we read of David’s heart for the Lord, and we’re challenged to wait on God with courage and faith.
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 26 is a Psalm of David that reveals his heart for God in his public and private worship. David was a “man after God’s own heart,” and he walked with God with integrity and humility. He longed to be with God in the assembly of the congregation of Israel, and he worshiped God with expressions of genuine thanksgiving and praise. Psalm 26 gives us language to align our lives with the calling of a true worshiper.
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 25 is a song about our Righteous Rescuer! It was written David and offers us language to express dependence and trust in God for deliverance from affliction, distress, and sin! It highlights the nature of God’s character and our need for repentance and redemption.
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 24 is a song to honor the Creator God who chose Israel as his people. It acknowledges the requirements for righteousness in worship, and offers a powerful liturgy for recognizing and welcoming God’s presence. We can now see more fully God’s plan of salvation through his Son, the Messiah. Psalm 24 offers a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus leading his people in worship!
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 23 is a song of praise about our Good Shepherd! David, the shepherd boy who was anointed King of Israel, recognized the ways Yahweh provided for him throughout his life. This song of worship offers words to express confidence in God’s provision, presence, and protection. The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 22 is a personal song of lament and worship that voices many painful experiences of suffering and hardship while also voicing confidence in God’s watchful eye and sovereign power. It recognizes the realities of being scorned, mocked, rejected and despised by others. We know from the Gospels that Jesus meditated on this very Psalm when he was dying on the cross. In agony he felt the pain of the psalmist and much more. Yet, he was obediently trusting in the heart of the Father even unto death! Worshipers can find courage and strength in these words by remembering that Jesus himself prayed them.
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 21 is a song of thanksgiving for God’s powerful provision for the king of Israel. It is a companion to the previous Psalm and highlights God’s blessings on both the immediate king (David) and the messianic king (Jesus)! The Psalmist describes God’s strength to sustain his chosen people and destroy their enemies. He calls for confidence in the LORD. The Psalmist concludes by calling the congregation to sing of God’s powerful strength!
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 20 is a congregational prayer for the success of the Messiah - the Davidic/Messianic/Anointed King of Israel! It is interesting to sing such a song today having the advantage of already seeing the fulfillment of this prayer! The congregation of Israel prayed for the success of their king! They saw it’s fulfillment through David’s success and other kings who followed. However, as we will see, the ultimate fulfillment and purpose of Psalm 20 came through Jesus’ victory over death on the third day when he rose from the grave!
In today’s episode we discuss three expressions of worship found in singing for the success of the Messiah: Asking for God’s help in the day of trouble (v1-2), Asking for God’s will to be accomplished (v3-5), and Proclaiming confidence in God’s fulfillment (v6-9).
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 19 is a song of praise that declares the amazing way and reason God speaks to us. God speaks through His world and His Word in order to restore our relationship with Him.
In today’s episode we unpack the idea that God speaks through His world and His Word to restore our relationship with Him. God speaks through His World (vv1-6). God speaks through His Word (vv7-13). God speaks through the Word made flesh, His Son, our Redeemer (vv11-14).
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 18 is a personal song of praise and thanksgiving recognizing the amazing power and work of God on behalf of His children. God takes special delight in those who trust in Him and keep His Word. He demonstrates faithfulness day after day as He comes to the rescue of His people. Worshipers can have confidence in God’s provision because He demonstrated His love once and for all in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus!
In today’s episode I share Four Attributes of God described by David: The Lord is my Strength (vv 1-15), The Lord is my Support (vv 16-24), The Lord is my Shield (vv 25-38), and The Lord is my Salvation (vv 39-50).
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 17 is a prayer for protection, justice, and deliverance from the accusations and attacks of the enemy. The Psalmist expresses confidence in God’s character and nature to uphold the righteous and punish the wicked. He does not claim to be without sin but has committed himself to paths of righteousness. With God’s help, he is at peace and is fully satisfied regardless of earthly deliverance.
In today’s episode I share four actions the psalmist takes: 1) He commits himself to live for God (vv1-5), 2) He seeks shelter in God (vv6-9), 3) He asks God to fight for him (vv10-14), 4) He is satisfied with the promise of future grace (v15).
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 16 is a song of trusting in God and delighting/celebrating in his people. The Psalmist sees God as his refuge, his security, his identity, his wisdom and his perfect and lasting inheritance. Through these lyrics we hear how he worships God with gladness and rejoicing as he reflects on who God is and what God has done.
In today’s episode I share Four Practices of true worshipers found here in Psalm 16. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but these are practices that have challenged and inspired me. 1) True worshipers trust in God as their strength. 2) True worshipers long for their eternal home. 3) True worshipers seek wisdom from the Father. 4) True worshipers worship with gladness and rejoicing.
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 15 paints a picture of the ideal worshiper. This worshiper is most clearly seen in the person Jesus Christ! His life of integrity and character is one that we should all desire to follow. But, Psalm 15 should cause us to humble ourselves before God because of our sinfulness and need for the gospel.
Those who sang this song hundreds of years before Jesus came would have been convicted of their sinfulness and need for spiritual and relational healing. Through Psalm 15, we are invited to draw near to the Lord by contemplating what it really takes to dwell with him. Through these lyrics may we exalt our amazing Savior! We will never be good enough on our own to dwell with God. But, because of Jesus Christ, we can now enter into his presence and remain!
In today’s episode I share three ways Jesus is the perfect worshiper and has made a way for us to dwell with God. 1) Jesus does what is right every time. 2) Jesus says what is right with his mouth and his heart. And, 3) Jesus suffered to help the believing community!
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 14 is a song that describes the core of the gospel message: We are great sinners in need of a great Savior! God has made a way for us to be saved through Jesus the promised Messiah of Israel! In today’s episode I share three glimpses of the gospel: God is with us, God is for us, and God restores us.
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 13 is a personal lament that enables the worshiper to persevere in seasons of sorrow, discouragement, and fear by trusting in God’s love, rejoicing in his salvation, and singing of his grace.
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 12 is a community lament especially suited for seasons when believers must live under authorities who insist on spreading lies and deception. Here the worshiper can voice their complaint to the Lord and recognize his perfect provision for such times of need!
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 11 is a worship song that asks a simple question: Are we Resting in God or Running in fear? This brief Psalm offers us language to express a right response to God in light of suffering in the world. A simple framework through which we can examine its contents is: Where are we and what are we doing? And, Where is God and what is he doing?
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at http://highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 10 is a plea for the LORD to demonstrate righteous judgement on the wicked and to rescue the persecuted children of God. Through these lyrics the worshiper acknowledges the feeling that wickness seems to be running loose and unchecked by God's authority. Yet, here, we can confidently call for God to intervene on behalf of his people because of his amazing love and faithfulness. The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 8 is a powerful declaration of worship and celebration of the Lord of all creation. It enables the worshiper to express wonder and awe in God's creative genius and His amazing grace! Worshipers do well to sing such a song with genuine gratitude and praise!
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 7 is a personal lament that enables the worshiper to appeal to God for relief from their enemies based on God's perfect justice. It also recognizes God's offer of salvation for enemies who would repent.
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 6 is a personal lament. David is pleading with God for deliverance from sickness and troublemakers. He is deeply depressed and in the throes of grief and despair. Here we witness how he channels his emotions to the throne of the living God. David uses the personal and holy name of God, YHWH, eight times in this psalm which indicates the personal nature of his relationship with God and his specific need. David was confident enough to bring his pain and problems to the Lord.
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 5 gives us language to bring our frustrations to the Lord. When we see the wicked prospering we need to remember that it is only temporary. The Lord will not tolerate wickedness forever. Therefore, we can confidently appeal to our heavenly Father to bring justice and righteousness on our behalf. True worshipers continue to rejoice in the Lord when they are attacked by their enemies. They find peace and security in the God of their salvation!
The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Psalm 4 is the familiar prayer of a worshiper in need of God's help! Following Christ means accepting the rejection of the world. Disciples are often falsely accused, misquoted, taken out of context, and scorned for their faith. However, disciples are also treasured by the Lord. Do not give sin a foothold in your anger and frustration. Persevere in doing good. God will give you the fruit of His Spirit! He will fill you with joy. He will grant you the peace to endure. The Ministry of Praise is a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. You can learn more about our ministry at highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Welcome to the Ministry of Praise, a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. Psalm 3 is a prayer of dependence and trust in God when one is surrounded by enemies and experiences the dread of personal betrayal and abandonment. God is our help and our shield. God is our rescuer and defender! You can learn more about our ministry at highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Welcome to the Ministry of Praise, a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. Psalm 2 along with Psalm 1 is part of the gateway to the entire book of Psalms. The main point is found in the final phrase, "Blessed are all who take refuge in him." (v. 12) Disciple-makers walk in His Law (Psalm 1) and His Lordship (Psalm 2). You can learn more about our ministry at highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Welcome to the Ministry of Praise, a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. The book of Psalms is an intentional collection of the prayers and songs of God's people that are meant to be used personally and corporately for worship! The psalms fall into two general categories of prayers: lament and praise. The book flows from more lament to more praise but also covers a wide range of human emotions. In this episode we take a closer look at Psalm 1. You can learn more about our ministry at highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.
Welcome to the Ministry of Praise, a ministry of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. We exist to help Christians become better worshipers and disciple-makers of Jesus. Psalm 9 reminds worshipers that God is a righteous judge who is gracious to all who trust in him. Here we can voice our commitment to worship him and trust him no matter what hardships and persecutions we face. You can learn more about our ministry at highlandbaptist.com. Also if you live near the Shoals in Northwest Alabama, we invite you to worship with us Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.