The initial purpose for doing this recording was to plant a word seed in the lives of people. As a pastor, the people I serve have in some cases had to deal with painful and difficult periods. Too many are still dealing with the consequences of such on a daily basis, escaping the effects of such negative encumbrance is no easy matter. I believe in meeting people where they are at and seeding the truth – God’s word, into the specific areas of concern in a practical way. Subsequently, I truly believe that there are some people who will listen to this recording and receive from the Lord, a revelation which will enlarge their faith, liberating the soul and initiate their emotional, mental and physical healing.

God’s investment
In the midst of being overwhelmed especially with the emotional struggles Christians wrestle with, God gave me a specific word, and that word was that He is doing a new thing in His Kingdom. God impressed this on me so much so, that I wrote a song “New Thing Now” which is track 13 on the “Praise Comes First” album.

I have found that our sub-conscious mind has this habit of reminding us about things in our past which we would rather forget. When these negative thoughts make their way to the surface of our minds, they affect our feelings, often causing us to feel despondent and depressed. I believe that God wants those who have sincerely committed their lives to Him to know, that He is more interested in their future than in their past, because that is where His vast investment is.

Praise – an expression of faith
At first I thought “New thing now” would be the title of the album, but when we were considering the actual title, one of my choir members suggested “Praise Comes First.” As soon as I heard that, I knew that was it. “Praise Comes First.” Praise is an act of faith. From personal experience, when things seem to be going against you, it is sometimes a challenge to lift up a praise to the Lord, but to praise Him regardless of your feelings and circumstances, is the manifestation of your faith, it demonstrates the fact that you are absolutely certain that God is still in control of your situation, and it is that kind of faith which draws the Lord – this faith pleases Him.

21st Century Psalms
Didn’t the Psalms (Songs of praise) come about like this? they complained and murmured, but still their trust was in God, the wicked seemed to prosper more than they, still they lifted their eyes to the hill, they felt that they were going down to the pit, still they recognised that their salvation was in the Lord. King Jehoshaphat faced an army there was no way he was going to overcome but the bible says in 2 chronicles 20: 19 & 21 that the Levites … stood up and praised the LORD , the God of Israel, with very loud voice. Furthermore, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him… [NIV] what was the result? They came away with a miraculous victory. And that is what I am expecting – miracles. I believe God will work miracles in the lives of the listener through the ministry of this CD, especially, as we engage our faith in corporate praise and worship, because our praise is an expression of our faith.

Pastor Dave Daniel
23/06/2004