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"The Breath of Praise" "From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised." (Psalm 113:3)The Book of Psalms is a collection of songs praising God for His Majestic Glory, His Matchless Grace, and His Many Gifts to mankind. Concerning the latter, every good gift that we have had from the cradle up has come from God. (James 1:17) If we would begin to consider that truth today, not only would our day be filled with praise, we would also find that our entire life would eventually be one of singing His praises.Years ago, I remember a story I read which I believe would serve all of us well.John Wesley was about 21 years of age when he went to Oxford University. He came from a Christian home, and he was gifted with a keen mind and good looks. Yet in those days he was a bit snobbish and sarcastic. One night, however, something happened that began a change in Wesley's heart. While speaking with a porter, he discovered that the poor fellow had only one coat and lived in such impoverished conditions that he didn't even have a bed. Yet, he was an unusually happy person, who was continually praising God. Wesley, being immature, thoughtlessly joked about the man's misfortunes. "And what else do you praise God for?" he said with a touch of sarcasm. The porter smiled, and in the spirit of meekness replied with joy, "I praise Him that He has given me my life and being, a heart to love Him, and above all a constant desire to serve Him!" Deeply moved, Wesley recognized that this man knew the meaning of true praise.Some 67 years later, in 1791, John Wesley, at the age of 87, lay on his deathbed. Those who had gathered around him realized how well he had learned the lesson from that porter of praising God in every circumstance. Despite Wesley's extreme weakness, he began singing the hymn, "I'll Praise My Maker While I've Breath."Friends, the Glory of God's Gracious Gifts in our lives are more than worthy of our praise. As we're reminded of each one of them as presents from Heaven above, let's rejoice here below with every breath we breathe to Praise to our gracious God singing along with the Psalmist, "From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.