-The author of First John was an EVEN IF believer

-No matter what, John praised the Lord & kept his voice

-The 3 men in the fiery furnace praised the Lord & kept their voices

-Our voices will not be cancelled no matter what – we will praise the Lord…

1. HOW WE PAISE IS DETERMINED BY HOW WELL WE KNOW THE ONE WE PRAISE – Philippians 3:10

-Our view of God determines our level of praise

-Know – means to experience

            a. I KNOW WHO THE LORD IS – the revelation of God is the fuel for the fire of our worship – and so I worship Him

-He is the ALWAYS God

            b. I KNOW WHAT THE LORD CAN DO

Magnify the Miracle Worker Above the Mess

-Even if things are bad and get worse I will praise Him

2. PRAISE IS A CHOICE AND A DECISION – Hebrews 13:15

-praise the Lord whether you feel like it or not or want to or not

-Put on a garment of praise – Isaiah 63:1-3

                   ***It takes effort and time to get dressed

-Make some EVEN IF Praise Declarations……..

                   ***no one can do your praising for you