Bible Pathways 07/11/04

July 11

Read Psalms 92 - 100

In Today's Reading:

Praise for the loving-kindness of the Lord; appeal for justice; a call to sing, worship, and praise the Lord

By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the psalmist invites the faithful to come, let us sing to the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation. . . . O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand (Psalm 95:1,6-7). Praying with a heartfelt attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving (95:2) is a vital part of worship. Singing joyfully carries with it the thought of expressing devotion to our Lord.

Praise to the Lord will lift worship beyond the level of seeking only answers to our personal needs to the higher plane of love and adoration as we glorify the Heavenly Father, our precious Savior Jesus Christ, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. A "self-centered" person assumes the "worship" service was meant for his personal satisfaction. Consequently, we hear some say: "I didn't get much out of the service." The reason is clear - they didn't put much into it.

Worship is not merely a time set aside for personal satisfaction and the enjoyment of a sermon. But a sermon becomes more meaningful when it is preceded by our heartfelt expressions of prayer, praise, adoration, and esteem for our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus.

Some lack spiritual fulfillment because they have decided to reflect the mood and attitude of unbelievers when confronted with adverse circumstances, such as the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, a divorce, the betrayal of a friend, or some other painful experience. By deciding to be unhappy and dissatisfied, we deprive ourselves of the joy of an abundant, peaceful life.

When we think of all our Lord has done for us, in us, and with us, and all He has promised to us for all eternity, we cannot help but praise, worship, and serve the LORD with gladness and come before His presence with singing (100:2). Our gladness will be in direct proportion to our appreciation of His unfailing presence and promises. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endures to all generations (Psalm 100:5).

Christ Revealed:

As the Creator: It is He that [has] made us (Psalm 100:3; compare John 1:3; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16; Revelation 4:11).

Word Studies:

92:6 brutish = without regard to reason or propriety; 93:5 becometh = distinguishes; 94:20 throne of iniquity = workers of evil; frameth = devises; 95:7 of His hand = under His care; 99:3 terrible = holy, awesome.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Iva Ann McElroy · BP Staff: Barbara Bivens · Government Officials: Gov. Mike Foster (LA) and Rep. Edward Markey (MA) · Country: Iran (65 million) in southwestern Asia · Major languages: Farsi and Turki · Hostile to all Christian activity · 98% Muslim; .4% Christian 

Prayer Suggestion: Pray that the Lord will enable you to comfort and encourage others (II Corinthians 1:3-4).

Optional Reading: I Timothy 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 3:10