Celebrate!

It is a day I will always remember. It was hot and humid and the black gowns and colorful “hoods” provoked more sweat than satisfaction. It was a day that brought three long and difficult years of study to a conclusion and I was now going to be identified as “Doctor.”

As I stood in a line with my classmates who had struggled with me we could not help but wonder what changes the degree would make in our lives. A new day had dawned. Things would be different for us from that day forward. We would have new opportunities and new status. People would look at us differently. It was time to celebrate. We believed that we had earned it!

Psalm 98 begins with a call to celebrate: “Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things.” This call to celebrate was not for anything that the people did or had accomplished. It was a call to celebrate what God had done for them. It was a call to celebrate the “marvelous things” that God had done for them. This phrase “marvelous things” refers to God’s direct, supernatural interventions in the life of “His people.” It refers to God’s power and authority, His protection and care, His interest in the well-being of His people on this earth. And as important as those gifts of God are, they cannot compare to the gift of His salvation and deliverance!

There are many special events and days in our lives and the life of our nation that give us reasons to celebrate. But nothing provides a greater cause for us to celebrate than the hope we have in Christ our Lord!

Prayer: Lord, fill our hearts with this “New Song.” May we sing a song of joy as we celebrate Your gift of salvation! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 98:1 Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.

The Great God Who Is Our God!

Little Mary Beth was ill and unable to attend church. When her father went into her room to see how she was doing she asked, “What did the preacher preach about this morning?”

“God,” was his response as he felt her forehead to see if she had a temperature.

“God?” she asked. “Was He our God?”

What a difference our makes! We worship Him because we belong to Him. More than our Creator, He is our Redeemer who, through the work of His Son on the cross, reclaimed us to become His very own!

Our worship leader wrote in Psalm 95:3 that “The Lord is a great God.” As he continued to write, he emphasized the fact that this God “is our God!” This God whom we worship is a personal God - our very own God. He wants us to understand the implications of this important fact: God has redeemed us - reclaimed us - through the work of His Son on the cross and we now belong to Him.

As he continues to write about our God, he draws a picture that illustrates our relationship to Him. He reminds us that “we are the people of His pasture and the flocks under His care.” How very touching! Our God is the good shepherd who feeds His people in His pasture and protects them with His hand. But the picture does not end there. This picture only becomes complete when Jesus declared Himself as the “Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep.”

Prayer: We thank You, Lord, for being our God. May we honor You each day of our lives and bless Your name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 95:3-7 For the Lord is the great God, And the great King above all gods.

Worthy Of Worship

Everyone seems to worship someone or something for one reason or another. Early in life we realize that we need help to survive and cannot make it on our own. Initially it is a parent or a parent-substitute that is there to help us. Then, as we get older and become more independent, we begin to realize that there are other sources to meet our needs. We begin to look to them for what they can do for us or perhaps give to us in exchange for our allegiance or respect. We think that they will bring us something we need. It’s only natural.

The question is not whether or not we worship - but what or whom we worship. It can be fame or fortune, power or prestige, a person or a philosophy, someone or something that we believe is greater than ourselves and will bring us peace and happiness, joy and satisfaction. It is someone or something that we believe is superior to us and we are willing to surrender and submit ourselves to it. But, really, it only reveals our lostness and our need for Someone Who is above us, beyond us - yet cares for us.

The Psalmist invites us to, “Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” He wants us to recognize the superiority and sufficiency of God our Creator. Once we acknowledged God as our Creator we immediately recognize Him as the source of all that we have or ever will have. Worship becomes God-centered and not man or thing centered. Worship results in turning our lives over to God and recognizing His grace and sovereignty as we bow before Him in awe.

Prayer: Lord, we join the Psalmist in worship and praise and thank You for meeting our every need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 95:6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

Everyone Has A Part

Martin Luther, who is recognized for his work in reforming the church, had one deep desire that drove him every day of his life: he wanted everyone to have a copy of the Bible and a songbook in their own language. He had an unswerving belief that people needed God to speak to them directly through His Word and the songs they sang during times of worship at home. This was not a new idea, but one that had its beginnings in the earliest worship of the Lord.

Music and God’s Word have always been a very important ingredient in worship. When there is joy in the hearts of the faithful, praising God is a natural part of life and is always evident in times of worship. With shame and sorrow, the captives of Babylon admitted this in Psalm 137:4. As their captors ridiculed them for it they said, “How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?” Sin separated them from God and they lost the joy of their salvation. It will do the same to us.

In the Old Testament we find many occasions of God’s children coming together to sing and shout and praise the Lord. In Psalm 95:1 the “worship leader” looked at the crowd before him and said let’s “sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” That invitation remains open to us today.

When we pause and ponder the grace of God in saving us and becoming our “Rock” - our only source of safety and security in times of trial and temptation, defeat and despair - it’s time to lift our voices in worship.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to rejoice in the goodness of Your grace and lift our voices in shouts of joy and praise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 95:1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.

A Lovely Dwelling Place

It was Sunday morning and James said to his mother, "I don't feel good." Worried she asked, "Where don't you feel good?" Quickly he replied, "When I'm in church."

One psalmist wrote, "How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God!"

What was it that made the "dwelling place" lovely? It was the presence of the Lord. But anywhere a believer is can be a dwelling place where we can find the presence of the Lord. Wherever we are He is and we can commune with Him and express the desires of our heart.

Many believe that God can only be found in church when they "report" for worship. For some it may be once a week or twice a month. For a few, worship only happens on special days or occasions. Every attempt is made to "discharge" all of their obligations by making one or two trips to church in any given year.

But if God is not worshiped seven days a week it does not seem reasonable that we will truly worship Him one day a week or once a year. Worship that is worthy of Him is something we who are His children are to do consciously and constantly every moment of every day. It does not matter where we are or what we are doing. We are to offer our words and our work, our hearts and our habits to Him as gestures of love and adoration.

Worship is not something we do; it is the way we live. Worship is presenting all that we do as a sacrifice to Him.

Prayer: Lord, may we gladly present all of us – whatever we do, wherever we are – as a gift of ourselves to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 84:1-2 How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

The Wonder Of Worship

Many anthropologists who study human behavior say that the one universal behavior is worship. There seems to be an internal compass in everyone, everywhere that says, "There is someone, somewhere who is greater, more powerful than any of us here or all of us combined.” Man seems to be incurably religious – having a deep desire or need to have a god. Shrines and idols of all shapes and sizes are as old as history. And if people do not worship the God of the Bible they will make a god of themselves or another object.

A story is told of a British scientist who had a famous chameleon named "Billy the Lizard." Before he left for a vacation he asked his butler to take special care of him while he was away. When he returned home, he went to Billy's cage but did not see him. He went to his butler and demanded an explanation.

"Sir," said his butler, "it was this way. Some of the villagers wanted to see Billy. So we put him on a piece of red cloth and he turned red. Then we put him on a green cloth and he turned green. Then we put him on a piece of striped cloth and he exploded. What can I say?"

"Hear, O my people," God said to the Israelites, "I will warn you...You shall have no foreign gods before me!" It is almost impossible to believe that after all God had done for Israel He had to warn them about worshiping idols.

Is it any different today? Not really. The problems we face in the world today are not political problems but spiritual problems. We worship too many "foreign" false gods.

Prayer: Guard us, Father, from allowing the "things" of this world to become our "gods" and take Your place. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 81:9 There shall be no foreign god among you; Nor shall you worship any foreign god.

Why Worship?

We live in a busy world. Days are crowded with more things to do than time allows. Instant texting and rapid responses to anything and everything, whether accurate or not, crown every moment of our lives. Everyone seems to have an opinion we need to hear on every subject – from the mundane to the insane, from the very important to “stuff” that does not matter. We have become conditioned to listen for something to listen to whether it matters or not.

Psalm 75 explodes with an important reminder. “We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks for Your Name is near! Men tell of your wondrous works!” The fact that the word thanks appears twice in one sentence makes it intense and dramatic. But we should not be surprised. We are to thank God not only for His wondrous works but because He is near! God Himself, our God Who created everything and is in everything and sustains everything is close by.

Jesus once commanded Peter to cast his net into the water to catch some fish. He did and was amazed at the results. The disciple falls at His feet in fear and wonder. What a miracle! Jesus spoke and things happened. God’s presence and power came to life instantly.

The same is true for us today. While we may not see many extreme displays of His power, nonetheless He is at work. The little gifts in our lives as well as the immense miracles in our lives prove that He is near us and caring for us. We must always be aware of His presence.

Prayer: We cannot thank You enough, Father, for Your unending blessings in our lives. May we thank You continuously. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 75:1 We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds.

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.

What Do You Want?

A young man, aspiring to become a great philosopher, went to Socrates and said, “I want knowledge. What must I do to get it?”

Socrates asked the young man to accompany him to a beach. After staring at the water for a few moments he asked the young man to join him and walk with him into the water. They waded slowly into the water until they were neck deep. After pausing for a moment he pushed him under the water and held him there. The young man struggled and finally, after becoming exhausted, Socrates allowed him to surface and take some deep breaths.

After releasing him, Socrates asked, “While you were struggling underneath the water, what did you want more than anything in the world?”

“Air,” came the quick reply.

“When you want knowledge as much as you wanted air,” said the philosopher, “then you will get it.”

Whatever our hearts truly desire is what motivates us. And what motivates us is what we “get.” Throughout the Bible we are reminded constantly of this irony. If we focus our attention on the things of this world, we will no doubt acquire many “things.” If, on the other hand we “Delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our hearts” and good things will come to us as by-products of His grace and goodness. We have His promise and that’s all we need!

Prayer: Lord, we ask for Your Spirit to move in our hearts and create a deep desire within us that will encourage us to take delight in honoring You always. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.