Proclaim His Mighty Acts!

Not many people have ever heard of Mithridates the Great, King of Pontus, from northern Asia Minor, in 88 B.C. He was famous for his size, his strength, and his skill of mastering the languages of the twenty-five nations that he ruled. There’s also Cardinal Mezzofanti, who was born in Bologna, Italy who spoke more than one hundred languages and dialects. Language enables us to understand one another and share ideas. It connects us.

Today, philologists claim that there are between 6,000 and 7,000 different languages that people use to communicate with one another. The majority of the languages in our world flow from one person to another. Some languages exist that have never been reduced to writing. Every language evolves and changes over time. When people connect with other people in other places, languages become richer and more inclusive.  Some languages add new words while other words are deleted when they no longer make sense. Some words lose their meaning and are soon forgotten.

Yet, no matter how many words there may be or how many languages are spoken, the Psalmist put things into the proper context when he asked, “Who can proclaim the mighty acts of God, or fully declare His praise?” 

We will never be able to praise God as much as He deserves, but we can praise Him with a sincere heart. If we ever begin to realize the magnitude of God’s love and mercy that saves us, and sustains us, our hearts will be filled with such joy that our voices will never cease to express our gratitude and thanks!

Prayer:  Thank you Father for your love and mercy that saves us. We lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving to You for Your love for us and the gift of Your Son, who came to share Your message of hope. In His Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Who can proclaim the mighty acts of God, or fully declare His praise? Psalm 106:2 

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The Sound Of The Trumpets

An old Jewish legend claims that each day in heaven begins with the ringing sound that comes from a trumpet.

After Lucifer, once the son of the morning, had fallen from heaven, he was asked, “What do you miss most?” After a moment’s thought, he said, “The trumpets that sound in the morning.” The legend continues that the reason the trumpet sounded was to call people together to thank God for His love and mercy, grace and goodness.

Sadly, the “trumpet of thanksgiving” is absent from the lives of far too many Christians. The sounds of glory and gratitude have been replaced with groans of gloom and grief, greed and godless living.

But we are urged in Psalm 150: to “Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet.” Trumpets were used in Jewish ceremonies to remind worshipers of the greatness, glory, and goodness of God and to praise and thank Him.

Perhaps it would be a good idea if each church had a trumpet player to begin each worship service. Perhaps the sound of a well-played trumpet might remind us to “bow down” before our Creator and give Him thanks for His many blessings - the ones we are aware of and those who fall on us unannounced and unrecognized.

Giving thanks is an important part of life - especially in the life of a Christian. All that we have or will have, all that we are or will become is not accidental. Everything in our lives comes from the grace of God. And not to thank Him is to insult Him. In ourselves, we have no worth. We only have worth in, through and by God’s grace.

Prayer: God, give us grateful hearts - hearts filled with gratitude for Your love, grace, mercy, salvation, and hope! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 150:3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet.

The Sound Of The Trumpets

An old Jewish legend claims that each day in heaven begins with the ringing sound that comes from a trumpet.

After Lucifer, once the son of the morning, had fallen from heaven, he was asked, “What do you miss most?” After a moment’s thought, he said, “The trumpets that sound in the morning.” The legend continues that the reason the trumpet sounded was to call people together to thank God for His love and mercy, grace and goodness.

Sadly, the “trumpet of thanksgiving” is absent from the lives of far too many Christians. The sounds of glory and gratitude have been replaced with groans of gloom and grief, greed and godless living.

But we are urged in Psalm 150: to “Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet.” Trumpets were used in Jewish ceremonies to remind worshipers of the greatness, glory, and goodness of God and to praise and thank Him.

Perhaps it would be a good idea if each church had a trumpet player to begin each worship service. Perhaps the sound of a well-played trumpet might remind us to “bow down” before our Creator and give Him thanks for His many blessings - the ones we are aware of and those who fall on us unannounced and unrecognized.

Giving thanks is an important part of life - especially in the life of a Christian. All that we have or will have, all that we are or will become is not accidental. Everything in our lives comes from the grace of God. And not to thank Him is to insult Him. In ourselves, we have no worth. We only have worth in, through and by God’s grace.

Prayer: God, give us grateful hearts - hearts filled with gratitude for Your love, grace, mercy, salvation, and hope! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 150:3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet.

Something To Crow About!

Early each morning, often before the sun rises, a “rooster” who lives nearby sends a message announcing to his neighbors that “a new day has arrived - get up and go.”

For some, this is unwelcome news. But for others, it is an announcement that a new day has dawned and there are new opportunities of the way to serve and honor God.

How “roosters” got their name is interesting. All birds - and chickens are considered birds - “roost” at night. So, the one that wakes up first and “leaves the roost” and begins to “crow” is considered “the” rooster. What makes a rooster crow is not known. But how a rooster crows is.

A rooster never crows with his neck bent and his head down. Whenever he crows he lifts up his head proudly as if he is thanking his Creator. Roosters never crow with their heads bent.

Psalm 111:1 reminds me of the cry of a rooster as a good way to begin each day. “Praise the Lord! I will extol the Lord with all my heart.” Why? The Psalmist then gives thirteen reasons:

“Great are the works of the Lord.”
“Glorious and majestic are His deeds.”
“His righteousness endures forever.”
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate.”
“He provides food for those who fear - stand in awe - of Him.”
“He has shown His people the power of His world.”
“The words of the hands are faithful – trustworthy - steadfast - upright - just - and He provides redemption.”

Prayer: How great You are, Heavenly Father, for Your great gifts. May we shout of Your greatness every day! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 111:1-2 Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.

The Universal Language

No matter where you travel - from the darkest jungle to the highest mountain - you will find some type of music. It could be rap or rock and roll, hip-hop or jazz, rhythm and blues or opera, music for a marching band, the painful music of the pagan, the Middle Eastern style that seems to be so irritating or the majesty of hymns or worship music. It all makes a statement about the one who is making it and the ones who are listening.

Sometimes the music sounds sad and sorrowful or joyful and uplifting. Then again it might be the music of marches that stirs up our patriotism on the Fourth of July. Music can bring tears to our eyes or a smile to our face when it reminds us of a loved one. When we sit quietly in church or lift our arms to God, it can elevate our hearts to His presence or excite our senses when we hear music that proclaims the glory of God’s goodness and grace, love, and salvation. But is there more?

A Psalmist once wrote of the music that should always fill the heart of a Christian: “Praise the Lord, O my soul, all my inmost being, praise His holy Name!”

Praise, in the life of the believer, is personal. If we remind ourselves of the work of Jesus while on this earth, we remember that He did His greatest works with individuals. Even when He was dying on the cross for our sins, He ministered to the one next to Him: “Lord,” he cried, “remember me!” And Jesus said, “This day you will be with me in heaven!” Even as our prayer for pardon is personal, so should our praise to our God be personal.

Prayer: Lord, fill our hearts with praise! May our souls be filled with songs of joy and hymns of gladness, always! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 103:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Time For A New Song?

Sunday church bulletins quite often reveal more than the words printed on them. Other than the date on the front of the bulletin the order of service changes very little. There seem to be three important words that appear in every order of service: Invocation, Offering and Benediction. And in between those words, the hymns, Scripture and special music will be “recycled” from week to week. But there is little new or different. Even contemporary worship services seem to follow the same format and formula week after week.

Sounds boring, doesn’t it?

Perhaps that’s why Psalm 96:1 explodes with a challenge: “Sing to the Lord a NEW SONG!” - which literally means “NEW THINGS!” If God is alive and well in our lives and in our churches we will surely be seeing new things and singing new songs because we will see Him at work in our lives and in the life of our churches. Prayers will be answered and lives changed, sinners will be saved and His disciples will be called to serve Him in new and different ways showing His love and care to those around us. We will have to rearrange the order of service to make time for public praise to share what He is doing and sing new songs because He is doing new things!

And then in verse two, we read, “Proclaim His salvation day after day!” When the proclamation of His salvation is the centerpiece of our work and worship, we will be overcome with His joy and “sing new songs!”

Prayer: Lord, may we accept Your challenge to sing a “new song” by living and sharing Your great salvation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 96:1 Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth.

Glorious Things!

The Psalmist wrote: “Glorious things are said of You!"

John Newton once was a slave trader. After becoming a Christian he became a powerful preacher, a leader in the fight against slavery and a famous hymn writer.

One of his hymns contains those Glorious Things!

"He whose Word cannot be broken" reminds us of the faithfulness of God – a centerpiece of the Psalms. In psalm after psalm we hear the echo of God's faithfulness giving strength, hope and encouragement to the children of Israel. Though they often abandoned God and at times paid a dear price for forsaking Him, He was there every time they called on Him and immediately answered their cry.

"Well supply thy sons and daughters, and all fear of want remove." There never was a time in their history that God did not feed them, go before them or watch over them. When they looked to Him for forgiveness, and repented of their sinful ways, His mercy met them at their point of need and His blessings followed. He was with them to meet their needs, remove their fear and grant them the desires of their heart.

"Grace which, like the Lord, the Giver, Never fails from age to age." If there ever was a time in the history of our nation that we needed to be reminded that God's grace would "never fail" it is now. Everywhere we look, we see a need for His love, mercy, grace, salvation and our nation's restoration. It is not His glory that has vanished – it is our unwillingness to share His grace with others.

Prayer: Lord, how disappointed You must be when You see what we can do to share Your grace, yet do nothing. Forgive us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 87:3 Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God! 

What Is An Azimuth?

He stood before my desk with a set of orders and said, “FTC Nichols reporting for duty, Sir.” Not hearing his designator very clearly I asked, “What do you do for the Navy?”

“Sir,” he said crisply, “I recently completed a tour of duty on a guided missile frigate. I was the one who was responsible for making certain that the azimuth on each weapon system was operational and accurate, Sir.” He certainly had my attention and spoke in a convincing manner. There was no doubt in my mind that he was competent to do his job and that all weapon systems under his control would deliver their missiles to the intended target at the precise moment.

God wants to place His “azimuth” in our hearts. David wrote, “My heart is steadfast O God; My heart is steadfast.” So committed was he to the Lord that he emphasized the word “steadfast” by stating it twice. But there is something more.

The word “steadfast” can also be interpreted, even more correctly in this verse, as “confident!” Here we see David finding inner satisfaction in God after following many ill-fated paths. His firm faith resulted in an inner transformation that was now going to be visible by the way he worshiped and served God.

When we completely commit our lives to God, He will give us His guidance system to control the destiny of our lives. His Word will become our “azimuth.”

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your Word that can be a lamp for our feet and a light for our path to guide us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.

Hearts That Sing Praises

Music has been called “the universal language.” Wherever there are people there is music. It seems to come from the very nature of man. Every tribe on every continent has had musicians that make their own type of music. It is different from place to place, from being as irritating as fingernails on a chalk board to sounding like the “voices of angels.”

The first “recognized” musician was Jabal who is mentioned in Genesis 4:21. He was the “father” of all who played the harp and flute. Music was very important to Moses and the Children of Israel. One of their earliest songs is introduced in Exodus 15:1 – “I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted.”

Music has always played an important role in the history of Christianity. In fact, before the followers of Christ met to worship God the choirs of heaven sang on the night that Christ was born. And Jesus Himself led His followers in singing a hymn of praise before going to Gethsemane!

Pliny was commissioned by a Roman Emperor to investigate the belief and behavior of Christians. He reported, “They have a custom of meeting before dawn on an appointed day, and singing hymns to Christ.”

Although music is everywhere, why is the music of God’s children different? David said, “I will sing and make music!” immediately after he found a new steadfastness, or confidence, in God’s grace. That’s why!

When hearts are at peace with God, people sing!

Prayer: Thank You, God, for putting a song of joy in our hearts, praise on our lips and a smile on our faces! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.

It's Either - Or

It’s been wisely said that “If He is not Lord of all He is not Lord at all. If we do not value Him above all, we do not really value Him at all.” What does it mean when we say, “Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord.” There is a natural progression that begins with Jesus as our Savior and ends with Him as our Lord.

Shouting in a loud voice with words that came from the bottom of his heart, David proclaimed, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be over all the earth.”

With God being Who He is and What He is and you and I being who we are and what we are, establishes a very specific relationship. It declares His role and our role: He is our Sovereign. And as our Sovereign we are to be submissive to Him. All that we are or ever will be and all that we have or ever will have is a result of the grace and mercy that comes from Him, Sovereign Lord.

If God were not Sovereign, He would have no authority to dispense grace and mercy. That is what sovereigns do: they rule over their subjects and choose who will receive their favor. And the more power that any sovereign has the more important and precious is the grace and mercy they bestow upon their subjects.

Our Sovereign said, “Whoever chooses me to be their Savior and Lord will receive my love, mercy and grace and will have eternal life with me.” He also said, “Remember I am with you every step of life’s journey to protect you.” No wonder David said, “Be exalted, O God.”

Prayer: How grateful we are, Father, for the blessings You give us each day. We bow before You in humility. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 57:5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

The Source Of Praise

Someone recently reminded me that my heart beats 72 times a minute, 100,000 times a day, 3,600,000 times a year. And, if I live what would be considered a “normal life span,” it will beat 2.5 billion times. It only weighs about 11 ounces yet will pump about 2,000 gallons of blood through 60,000 miles of blood vessels each day. Rather amazing, to say the least.

Yet I rarely stop to consider those facts. It’s God at work in my body taking care of me, watching over me, providing life for me and within me.

Often in life we seek God’s presence and power to protect us and provide for our needs. But are we aware of the magnitude of His grace, gifts and goodness? Are we sincerely thankful for His constant care, concern and compassion?

Do we ever pause to think of the work our heart does without our having to do anything to make it “work?” Do we realize that God is alive and involved in our lives without our even mentioning His name?

God gives us life without asking for it and help when we call upon Him when we are having difficult times.

David often needed God’s help. He knew that in God’s “name” there was help and hope. He experienced it in the past and knew it was available in the present.

And when God helped him, the first thing he did was to “praise His name.” Praise is what we are to “do” when we recognize God at work in our lives.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to be aware of all that You do in our lives and to praise You for each gift – big or little. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 54:6 I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good. 

Don't Forget Your God!

Recently an item appeared on the news that told the story of a 34-year-old man suing his parents for “not preparing him to earn a living.” He asked the judge to force his parents to sell their home and from the proceeds purchase him a restaurant. Parents, he argued are responsible for providing a useful education for their children. However, this parental task is as old as mankind. It began with the children of Israel.

Psalm 48 begins with a call to praise the Lord. He is “great,” said the Psalmist, and “worthy of praise.” In between verses one and 14 the author gives many descriptions of the greatness of God and several reason why He was worthy of praise. But why is He great and why is He worthy of praise?

Contained in the Psalm is a description of the City of Zion – the “joy of the whole earth.” And what is this joy or its source? It is the City of the Great King – God Himself! And we read that “God is in her citadels; He has shown Himself to be her fortress; when kings joined forces and ‘saw her’ they fled in terror; it is the city of our God and in her temple God makes her secure forever; in His temple they meditate on His unfailing love; people in the villages are glad because of His judgments.”

The people are then told to “walk about Zion count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels that you may tell of them the next generation!”

Why were the contents of this Psalm important to the children of Israel? In His wisdom God advised the writers of this Psalm to produce a document that contained a record of God’s love and faithfulness, His goodness and guidance, His strength and power. This Psalm contains a most significant fact: Parents are to pass on to their children the fact that God, in His grace and goodness, will provide, protect and care for His children as long as they are faithful to Him.

Prayer: We thank You, Lord, for the record of Your might and majesty that gives us reasons to trust You for our salvation! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. 

Praise The Creator!

Years ago a rural farmer was driving his Model “T” into town when it stopped in the middle of a crossroad. He lifted the hood and was amazed at the wires and strange parts he had never bothered to look at previously. Confused, he walked around the car several times then got inside and tried to start it. Again and again he stepped on the starter, the engine would start, run a few seconds and then stop. In frustration he got out once again and slammed the door.

A gentleman approached him in a finely tailored suit, white shirt and tie and said, “Sir, your carburetor is out of adjustment. May I help you?”

Puzzled at the man’s appearance and offer to help he said quickly, “What do you know about this car?”

“Oh, I know very much about it,” came the reply. “I am Henry Ford and I made your car. Since I made it, I can fix it.”

God created the universe from “nothing.” Man came from His creative power. Yet, when things go wrong in God’s universe among the men He created, men generally look to other men to fix the problem or problems. Research is initiated, heads of state meet and negotiate, and conferences are held with any resolution only lasting for a short time.

Jesus taught us to pray, “Your will, Father, is to be done on earth as it is in heaven.” It was God’s plan that the planet He created would reflect His will and bring glory to His name. We know, however, that the first man and woman He created refused to follow His plan. Because of their decision all of us are affected by its results – suffering, wars and rumors of wars.

One day we know that He will return to earth, restore His creation and reign over His Kingdom. He will be exalted.

Prayer: May our hearts be encouraged, Lord, as we look forward to the day You will return and become our exalted King. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 46:10b He says, “I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Singing His Praises

“Congratulations” is a word of encouragement that we all enjoy hearing. Being recognized for any of our accomplishments means that someone has noticed what we have done. It usually brings us feelings of worth and value, importance and significance. Often we swell with pride saying, “Look at me! I’m someone special.”

When things had finally stabilized in David’s life he paused briefly and rejoiced by saying, “He put a new song in my heart.” This was not the first time that God heard and answered his prayers. God had delivered him many times – perhaps more times than he could ever remember. And this may not necessarily have been a new song. It could have been one that he sang many times before. Thanksgiving and praise were a central part of his life. Recognizing God’s goodness is a predominant theme in the Psalms. But “a new song in his mouth, a new hymn of praise.” What could this possibly mean?

All too often we take God’s goodness for granted. We expect His deliverance from “messy” situations. We expect Him to heal us. We expect Him to provide for every one of our wants and needs. In one way or another He does. He guides us and guards us and gives us what we need. And when He does, it is a new act of deliverance.

Each day is a new day and each gift a new gift because we have never been where we are before. So, it’s a new day and it’s all new filled with new gifts. Now, pause with David and sing a new song!

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to stand in awe, be surprised and sing a hymn of praise for your goodness and grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 40:3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him. 

Unceasing Praise

Sunday evenings were always a special time in our small church in Northern Ohio. After singing a few hymns, Pastor Stanley would walk to the pulpit and ask, “Who would like to stand up tonight and thank the Lord publicly for His goodness and blessings during the last week?” We would all wait anxiously to hear what God had “been doing” since last Sunday evening. It was a time of sharing and rejoicing. We were always happy when someone was healed or helped. God got all the credit but we all rejoiced with the one who He had honored. We believed that when we asked, God would answer. And when He answered we all enjoyed the results and gave thanks together.

God heard and answered David’s prayer. But the nature of his prayer or the problems he was facing are not defined. However, in his concluding remarks he writes of God being “delighted in the well-being of His servant.” Well-being includes everything and anything that concerns us. Big or little, large or small. Whatever concerns us concerned God first because His goodness and grace has no limit. They exceed our imagination.

The answer to his prayer was the beginning of an important event in his life. He did not go quietly to his room and thank God by himself. No! He insisted on sharing his joy with others and said, “Come and join me. Let those who are happy with God’s blessings on me rejoice with me – all day!” What a way to grow.

After we pray together, let’s give praises together when God answers our prayers.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to sing and shout praises together when we see Your goodness and grace at work. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 35:28 My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long. 

Come! Praise The Lord!

There seems to be an attitude of arrogance in the world today. It is summed up in the epigram that was written above the door of the saloon on the Titanic: “Not even God can sink this ship!” Imagine the irony of those words. They are carved in a piece of wood that is still rotting after all of these years.

Unfortunately, there seems to be no fear of God in the world any longer. Today, the list of the world’s fears includes a nuclear disaster, global warming, the national deficit, health care, a flu epidemic, identity theft or a stock market crash. It seems as though God has been assigned the role of being an ex-officio member of the “Board of Governors.” It is a “position” with no power or influence. He is no longer recognized as one who makes any difference in the day to day operation of the universe. He’s simply around to humor some people. Man is in charge now, thank you, and will bring good things to pass now that God is out of the way!

Psalm 34 takes the opposite view of God. The author blesses the Lord for what He has done. In deep humility he recognizes the power and presence of God. His view of the world is God-centered not man-exalting. Therefore, “His praise should always be on our lips.”

How different it is today. People seem to do what they do for the recognition they may receive. Glory and honor belong to the one who can score the most points, accumulate vast wealth or demonstrate great power over people. God, to them is a “thing” in the past.

Prayer: Father, may we praise You at all times and in all things for Your unending, unfailing, steadfast love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 34:1 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.

A Ten-Stringed Instrument

A wealthy gentleman was known for having an extensive violin collection. When Fritz Kreisler heard of the collection he went to see the instruments and meet the person who owned them.

When he saw them he was overcome with joy. Turning to their owner, he pointed at one of the instruments and said, “May I play that one?”

“I’m sorry,” said the owner, “but I will not allow you to touch that violin. It is too costly.”

Kreisler visited the gentleman once again and made the same request. On this occasion, however, the man relented and gave him permission to play the violin. Gently and lovingly Kreisler removed the violin from the case and played it as only a master could.

With tears in his eyes the owner said, “Take it – it’s yours. It must be owned by someone who can play it as you can.”

Make “music to Him on the ten-stringed lyre,” said David. Every string on that harp was to be used to proclaim the glory of God in worship!

Someone has said that “the body is to be used as that ten-stringed” instrument. We have two ears, two eyes, two feet, two hands, one tongue and one heart. But as the owner had to give permission to Kreisler to play the violin, we too must “offer our bodies to God as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him.” It’s only “reasonable,” says Paul, in view of all that God has done for us. Reasonable, indeed, but the choice is ours.

Prayer: Lord, may we be an instrument of beauty and wonder in Your hands as we willingly surrender to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 33:2 Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

Why Worship And Sing Praises?

Each church has its own “temperament.” There are those where you find happiness and hope, a warm fellowship and a welcoming spirit. Others are cold and closed, old and tired. In between are some that are looking for an identity and try one thing and then another.

Psalm 33 is filled with enthusiasm for God. And it has some great advice on how people and “churches” are to worship God. “Sing joyfully,” said the Psalmist. “Praise the Lord with the harp and the ten-stringed lyre,” he continues. But why?

One reason is that “The Word of the Lord is right and true.” No one has ever rejected the Bible because it contradicts itself but because it contradicts the reader. “The only objection against the Bible,” said Wilmot the infidel when he was dying, “is a bad life.”

“The plans of the Lord stand true,” is another reason to worship and praise God. A father said to his son, “Go to the third step and jump. I’ll catch you!” But he didn’t and his son fell to the floor. “Now get up and remember,” he said, “don’t trust anyone – not even your father.” Our Heavenly Father never tricks us nor tempts us. He is faithful in all things and at all times.

Finally, “The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear Him. No army has ever saved a king,” said David. Warriors work together and combine their strength but are often defeated. But “God delivers His own from death and keeps them alive in famine.”

Humanists depend on human beings. Christians depend on Jesus Christ to “deliver” and “nourish” them. And when He does – all praise goes to Him.

Prayer: Father, may our hearts and lives be centered on worshiping You in songs of joy and shouts of praise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 33:1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

The Wonder Of Worship

“Is worship an act or an attitude?” asked the Old Testament professor.

As soon as the question was asked a fierce debate erupted among the students. There was more heat than light in the classroom as positions were defined and reinforced with passages of Scripture and definitions from a dictionary. There was little disagreement about the fact that the end of worship was to show deep, profound and extravagant respect and devotion to God. But the when and where seemed to be a problem.

Many Christians place worship on their weekly schedule as something “to do” on Sunday morning at eleven o’clock. It is an “event” that has been part of their lives since they were children and one they will continue to “practice” as long as they live.

However, worship in Psalm 29 is something we are to do because of what God has done for us. We are to ascribe or bow down before Him in an “act” of humility and sincerity that reflects our “attitude” of submission.

When there is a parade that honors Queen Elizabeth II we see people bow as she passes before them. We hear them shout, “Long live the Queen” and they address her as “Your Majesty.” These acts reflect an attitude of submission to her as their Queen. They are openly demonstrating their devotion to her.

Can we do less for our Lord? Says the Psalmist, “Worship – bow down in submission to – the Lord in the splendor of His holiness! Wherever we look we can see God if we open our eyes to His glory. And when we see Him at work, we are to bow in worship to our King.

Prayer: Father, may we bow before You with grateful hearts and worship You in humility and devotion. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 29:2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

Triumph Over Trials

Once, while I was reading a newspaper, my young son was trying to get my attention. He had an urgent need for me to recognize his presence and respond to his request. But I was absorbed in the news.

“Dad,” he said, “I’m talking to you!”

“Yes, son, I’m listening,” I replied.

“I know you are listening, Dad, but can you hear me?” was his embarrassing question. There is an obvious difference between listening and hearing. It is easy to listen without recognizing the presence of the person trying to get our attention. When we actually hear someone, the message goes to our heart and we can sense their feelings and do something about their needs.

David said, “Turn and answer me, O Lord, my God!” He feared that God had abandoned him, turned His face in the other direction and he was on his own. He was so discouraged that he felt the light of God had left his eyes and he would die. But that was only a temporary, fleeting feeling and he did not give up. In fact, he recalled God’s presence and protection in the past and knew that God would never abandon him. 

So, he was able to declare, “I trust in your unfailing love!” And he turned his worry into worship.

Notice what he said: “I will rejoice” and “I will sing” – two central themes in true worship. David did not wait for his problems to pass. In the midst of his difficulties he stopped worrying and began to worship. Why? “Because he has been so good to me!”

Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to base our faith on the facts in Your Word not our fleeting feelings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 13:6 I will sing the LORD’S praise, for he has been good to me.