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
Worship is not a time set aside for receiving personal satisfaction or for the enjoyment of a sermon. Worship should be an active, heartfelt expression of prayer, praise, and adoration, demonstrating our esteem for our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. Following this, all else, including the sermon, becomes more meaningful. By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the psalmist invites the faithful to come, let us sing unto 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). Singing with a heartfelt attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving 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 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 such people say: "I didn't get much out of the service." The reason is clear — they didn't put much into it. Some lack spiritual fulfillment because they 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 you think of all our Lord has done for you, in you, and with you, and all He has promised to you for all eternity, you 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 faith in His unfailing presence and promises. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting: His truth endureth to all generations (Psalm 100:5).
Christ Revealed:
As the Creator: It is He that hath made us (Psalm 100:3; 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:
BP Staff: Barbara Bivens · Pray for Brad Ratliff and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on WYRV-AM, Cedar Bluff VA · the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. V.R. Stuebing, Jr. · Government Officials: Gov. Mike Foster (LA) and Rep. Edward Markey (MA) · Country: Japan (126 million) off the eastern coast of Asia · Major language: Japanese · Religious freedom · 57% Buddhist; 27% Shintoist and other Eastern religions; 3% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Pray in one accord and praise God as the Creator (Acts 4:24).
Optional Reading: I Timothy 2
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 1:18