Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.

Zephaniah 3:9-20

Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. Zephaniah 3:14-15

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zephaniah 3:14-15, which is the text for the fifth division for the commentary's chapter on 3:9-20 (six divisions in total). Here the text continues to describe how God restores the faithful remnant of Judah (see post yesterday and text focusing on those "who are left").  God seeks for this remnant to rejoice and exult "with all your heart."  Why?  The text tells us why: (1) God has taken away the consequences of our sin, (2) He has taken away our enemies, (3) He is in our midst, and (4) we shall never again fear evil.  Of course such a message rings true for not just Judah but also all believers!  Excerpts from the commentary on this text:

• "The appropriate response to the redemptive work of God among His people is to throw a party. This is precisely what God is communicating. What’s more, this is not just a momentary celebration. The understanding here is that this is their new way of life. This is not just a fleeting, volitional choice to “sing for joy” or “shout loudly.” This is a transformation of the heart. Israel was heading toward certain judgment and death, but instead they have inherited the grace of God. There is much to be excited about!"
• Believers are referred to Hebrews 2:14-15 where the same message is described in the New Testament. 
• This message from Zephaniah serves as a prophecy for Jesus who is described in Matthew 1:23 as Immanuel, "God is with us."
• We are reminded that while some believe Heaven is ultimately our goal, this is not the case as Heaven is described as a benefit but not the goal.  Reconciliation with God as described in the text today is the goal. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of amazing grace and compassion for me.  Taking away my sin, loving me while still hostile and an enemy towards You...and saving me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

Chapter 6: Pages 83-95, and Exodus 3-11

But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) and started Part 2 "The Ultimate Goal of Providence", starting with Section 2 "The Ultimate Goal of Providence in the History of Israel" - moving to chapter six "The Exodus Unfolds".  Piper writes that "Scripture expresses God's ultimate goal in the events of the exodus more clearly and more frequently than in any other event in Israel's history".  Piper's focus for this chapter is "the expressions of God's goal in the exodus embedded in the very story of the exodus itself." During the story of Exodus we see God "reveal his unique name, Yahweh, which sets him off from all other gods....and it occurs in the Old Testament over 6,800 times in reference to Israel's God....Yahweh exists in part because the name itself expresses Gods goal for all God's action in the history of Israel, and, as we will see, all his action in the history of the world".

We first see Yahweh or Lord, as a name in Exodus 3 where God is talking to Moses in the burning bush. Piper shares how three aspects of how (1) Yahweh or Lord is first, foundational, and of infinite importance, (2) he provides a bridge between His being and His name, and (3) Yahweh or the Lord as a name has meaning and implies a message - how He intends to be known.  Piper then expands further to provide ten dimensions of its meaning:

1. No beginning
2. Never end
3. Absolute reality
4. Utterly independent
5. Everything that is not God depends totally on God
6. All that we see as compared to God is nothing
7. God is constant
8. Absolute standard of truth
9. Always right and beautiful
10. Most important and most valuable in the universe

Piper moves on the build on these descriptions of God's identity to show how His purpose in "multiplying His wonders in Egypt at the exodus was to make known his name and his power...so that he would be glorified." And this glorification extends "in all the earth" (Exodus 9:16) such that his own reputation was "enlarged".  We then see how we worship "joyfully" as an output of our praise of God's glory. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are certainly worthy of my praise and worship and glory of all the earth not just because of Exodus but for many, infinite reasons and my words I know are empty filthy rags.  Yet they are all I have, in addition to my life which You seek as a living sacrifice.  You are worthy and I know You love me.  I am undeserving.  My sin continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give LIsa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.

1 Chronicles 4-9

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds. Psalm 77:11-12

Day 286 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary* completes a review of the genealogies recorded in 1 Chronicles for the purpose of establishing a record of those who returned and settled in Israel and Judah upon return from exile. Another key purpose for recording such a history is to never forget how God has blessed us - we must remember. Worship and praise naturally results from remembering what God has done.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has done so much for me - I am undeserving of Your rich blessings and love.  My sin is great and daily - including worry, gossip, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And you have forgotten me, declares the Sovereign Lord.

 Ezekiel 19-22

And you have forgotten me, declares the Sovereign Lord. Ezekiel 22:12

Day 229 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Ezekiel. My commentary describes today's reading "[a]s a lasting reminder of how the wicked are brought down[.] Ezekiel writes a lament for two of Judah’s kings who were taken by Judah’s oppressors. It has been some 17 years since Pharaoh Necho led King Jehoahaz away to captivity in Egypt, and some six years since Nebuchadnezzar brought a subdued King Jehoiakin to Babylonia. Their capture and exile are witness to Judah’s vulnerability to God’s judgment."

Ezekiel also delivers from God words of judgement on both Israel and Judah. The puppet king Zedekiah is warned as is the Ammonites.

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Sticking out like a sore thumb this morning are God's words how Judah failed to remember all that God had done for Judah, including all of the grace and patience God demonstrates over many generations where sin and disobedience to God continued, albeit with certain periods of obedience and love for God. 

Worship and a heart of gratitude are critical for our journey with God. God has done SO much for us and we must recognize this and praise Him daily.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God who has done so much for me my whole life and even today - how You give me life and life to the full.  I am not deserving of how You are so full of love and grace for me.  My sin continues.  Forgive me Father.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing”....Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.

Psalm 8, 9, 16, 19, 21, and 24 

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing”....Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. Psalm 16:2, 5

Day 117 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues my focus on 112 of David's psalms which my study has not already covered or will not cover through other daily devotions as part of a broader study within their historical context. This study of these 112 psalms groups the psalms into five major topical areas, and I start a new group today: "Psalms of Joy and Praise".

Today's psalms focus on praise for man's glory and status in God's sight, praise for God's judgement against the wicked nations, praise for joy and security of the righteous, praise for God's creation and for His laws, praise for the king's blessings and reminder of God's wrath, and recognition that the earth belongs to the King of glory.

Praise is a critical aspect of our prayer life - I have often heard and like to use the A.C.T.S. acrostic for prayer - Adoration, Confession, Thanks, and Supplication.  R.C. Sproul encourages us to follow this method and start with praise and "[he has] noticed over many years that as we grow in the discipline and in the delight of prayer, it seems that we naturally spend more and more of our time on this first element".  He has also noticed that other approaches, such as S.C.A.T., fail to give due time and effort to adoration, confession, and thanksgiving.

On a related note, John Piper tells us that, using the acrostic A.P.T.A.T., praise should be our starting point as part of "practical steps to walk in God’s power whenever you open your Bible".

My Prayer: Without a doubt, You are an awesome God who loves me and who provides for all of my needs and seals me for eternity - thank You Jesus!  You are an incredible God - yet I am not deserving of such blessings.  I am full of pride - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Thank You Jesus for Your grace and compassion but I need Your forgiveness daily!  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.....Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.....

Psalm 70, 71, 77, 83, and 86

From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.....Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.....Psalm 71:6, 17

Day 111 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues my focus on 112 of David's psalms which my study has not already covered or will not cover through other daily devotions as part of a broader study within their historical context. This study of these 112 psalms groups the psalms into five major topical areas, and I continue with "Psalms of the Troubled Soul".

Today's psalms focus on prayers for the urgency for God's deliverance, for God's presence even in old age, for the comfort of knowing God's record of deliverance, for punishment of oppressing nations, and for mercy in the face of enemies.  Praising God during the good times comes to mind as a critical spiritual discipline.  Gratitude, even for God's blessings from our childhood or from years ago, serves as, according to John Piper, "an essential guardian of the soul, and therefore we should guard ourselves with as gratitude. He goes on to day that, "[e]vidently we are fair game for the devil when we don't abound with thanksgiving".  We must build the muscle of gratitude. 

David does this in the Psalms, with Psalm 71 being my example.  David experienced difficulties, like we all do, and as Jesus promises (John 16:33). Yet David was able to draw upon his heart of gratitude to protect himself and to keep himself close to God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has done SO much for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.

 2 Samuel 5:6-6, 1 Chronicles 11, 13-14, and Psalm 18

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30

Day 95 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on David's capture of Jerusalem, Hiram (king of Tyre)'s efforts to build David a palace, David's efforts to bring the ark of the Lord back to Jerusalem, David's defeat of the Philistines in battle (who sought to attack him after hearing of the news that he ascended to king over all of Israel), and Psalm 18 - which focuses on David's praise of God.

David, being a man after God's own heart - is often seen praising God.  David, using the words of John Piper, praises and worships God as a result of his "right mental grasp of the way God really is".

We often refer to fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) as evidence that God is working in our lives, yet here we have another critical demonstration of our spiritual maturity - the extent to which we have true "inner worship" once again using the words of John Piper. Piper, using Romans 12:1, goes on to say that ..."all of our bodily life done in love for others and in reliance upon God display the worth of God above all things and make us worshipers in our daily life".

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is worthy of my praise and worship, in words and my actions in my daily life.  I know You love me and I daily feel the blessings of a relationship with You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the blessings You pour out for me.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses for Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

 

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Joshua 22-24

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

Day 72 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on Joshua's farewell address to the Israelites, and he both encourages faithfulness to the Lord and warns them of harsh consequences of unfaithfulness.  He reminds the Israelites of what the Lord has done for them.  His words include the following passages:

You yourselves have seen everything the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake; it was the Lord your God who fought for you. Remember how I have allotted as an inheritance for your tribes all the land of the nations that remain—the nations I conquered—between the Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea in the west.  Joshua 23:4-5

“The Lord has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised.  Joshua 23:9-10

You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.  Joshua 23:14

This last verse echos sentiments I posted yesterday on how God keeps ALL of His promises as He is faithful.

Broadly speaking, by encouraging the Israelites to remember what God has done, Joshua encourages a heart of gratitude and thankfulness, which John Piper in this great post refers to as "an essential guardian of the soul, and therefore we should guard ourselves with gratitude".  He goes on to say:  "[e]vidently we are fair game for the devil when we don't abound with thanksgiving. Unless the song of thanksgiving is being sung in our hearts the enemy outside will deceive his way into the city of our soul, and the enemy sympathizers within will make his job easy".

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has done SO much for me - my words cannot do justice for the many blessings You have and continue to pour out on me.  Thank You Jesus!  God is good!  I am not deserving of such a great God.  I continue to sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

James 5

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. v16

In v13-18, James describes for us effective worship in fellowship with other believers.  Difficulties of course should trigger prayer that we gain strength from God and for relief.  Joy should trigger songs of praise.  John Piper offers us this definition of worship, emphasizing our heart condition, which then leads to praise, prayer and acts of love:

"The inner essence of worship is to know God truly and then respond from the heart to that knowledge by valuing God, treasuring God, prizing God, enjoying God, being satisfied with God above all earthly things. And then that deep, restful, joyful satisfaction in God overflows in demonstrable acts of praise from the lips and demonstrable acts of love in serving others for the sake of Christ."

James' words on the effectiveness of prayer offers us encouragement that God hears our prayers.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and You ARE worthy of worship, praise and adoration as You are the King of Kings, slow to anger and abounding in love...for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the love and blessings You pour for me.  I worry...too much Lord!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

That day David first appointed Asaph and his associates to give praise to the Lord in this manner[.]

1 Chronicles 16

That day David first appointed Asaph and his associates to give praise to the Lord in this manner[.] v7

When we worship God we must recognize who He is and His attributes.

When we take the time to reflect on who God is, what He has done corporately and personally, then our natural response is to humble ourselves and ask forgiveness for our sin so that we are not separated from for too long...that we can remain near to Him. 

Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:15

Instead, just as David instructed Asaph we are to "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." v11

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has created the heavens and the earth, yet You humbled Yourself to save me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I lazy and I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses for Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.

Proverbs 10

Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.  The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense. v19-21

Words can be used to encourage and build people up, or they can be used to tear others down.  Too often I tear others down, particularly those in my own family.

James is instructive.

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.  The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3:3-12

I must spend more time in praise and encouragement of God and others...or be silent and still.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You provide Your Word as a means to both encourage and renew my mind - so that I can be transformed and more like You.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such efforts and love.  I continue to be harsh with my words and actions. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Psalm 150

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. v6

Over the past week or so, many of the posts have focused on how we exist to glorify God.  Today, the message I hear from God is that God is worthy of a praise that comes from all lips and with all of our energies.  He is a great God and there is no equal - the one and only true God.  

As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
    every tongue will acknowledge God.’ Romans 14:11 (Isaiah 45:23)

In Romans the context is that we should live to glorify God now because "we will all stand before God’s judgment seat." Romans 14:10

We should praise God because:

1. That is why we exist
2. He is worthy of our praise
3. He commands us to (Exodus 20, Matthew 22:37-40)

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE worthy of my praise and the praise of all people in all times.  You created all things, are before and in all things, and hold all things together.  You are full of compassion, love, patience, mercy, etc. even though I am not deserving.  Thank You Jesus!  Please forgive me for my worry, my selfishness, etc.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo. Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

Psalm 141

May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. v2

We should strive to offer God our time, our gifts, our prayers, our worship...everything.  We are to "offer [our] bodies as a living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1). 

In Revelation, we also see our prayers offered to God as pleasing to Him:

Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. Revelation 5:8

We certainly have much about which we should praise and worship God.  

Another reminder that we exist solely to glorify God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and compassion for me...even though I am not deserving. Thank You Jesus for being so patient with me and for welcoming me back in Your arms, even when I sin.  You bless me abundantly with life to the full - thank You Jesus.  Please forgive me for my anger.  Help me overcome and turn from my anger to You Jesus.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. v3

We should not wait for certain times of year (Passover, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) to celebrate all of the great things God has done for us.  We should go to God daily with our praise and worship.  There will never be a shortage of gratitude in our lives.  Our love for God should grow as our appreciation of His blessings are more present in our live.

My Prayer: Lord, You are the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords and You are my personal Lord and Savior, You came for me, died for me, and You give me life to the full - thank You Jesus...amazing that You have done all of this and that You continue to bless me and be so full of compassion for me.  I am not worth such love.  I worry, I am impatient, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus, help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.

Psalm 118

Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”  I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. v15-17

Lord, what an awesome God You are!  You HAVE done mighty things - You have rescued me from my sin and given me new life - In Jesus Christ!  Thank You God!  And I know that You are in all things (Colossians 1:16-18) and every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17) - whether it is large or small all these things are from the Lord and He is worthy of my praise and worship, and worthy of my full attention, devotion, and love.  What a mighty God I have.

My Prayer: You are an awesome God and You have blessed me richly - far more than I deserve.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love and blessings.  I worry and am disobedient.  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome my sin, and turn towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

Psalm 104

How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. v24

Once again, I have much to bring to the Lord in praise and worship - my God is worthy!  God's creation is certainly worthy of praise and worship for it is splendorous.  God's works are also deeply personal and they have touched my life and will continue to do so in all of my years.  As I posted yesterday, God's love is amazing.   

All of what God does is for a purpose - for He has made everything "in wisdom".

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Colossians 1:16-18 

 

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens...Ecclesiastes 3:1

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God and all that You do is perfect and for a reason - all for Your glory and my good - thank You Jesus.  Thank You for all that You are and all that You do and for all that You will continue to do for me for I know You are an active God always in motion...for me...and that You will never leave or forsake me.  I am not worthy of such a God as I worry...please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Please help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

Psalm 98

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King. v4-6

We should shout for joy to the Lord - publicly and loudly.  For those who believe, we have seen His hand in Creation, in the hearts and lives of others, and in our own life and heart.  We know what He has done and who He is - He is Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Names Above All Names.  We should not be ashamed of our God.  

Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. 

As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart.

They brought the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the Lord. After he had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord Almighty. Then he gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins to each person in the whole crowd of Israelites, both men and women. And all the people went to their homes.

When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!”

David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.” 2 Samuel 6:14-22

I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hooves. Psalm 69:30-31

 

As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20

My Prayer: Lord, You are a God worthy of praise and worship - we should praise and worship, and proclaim Your Name loudly and publicly.  For we are not ashamed of our God and we cannot help but be speak what we have seen and heard.  Thank You Jesus for all that You are and do...You are great...and You are great to me.  I am not worthy for Your mercy and blessings.  I am selfish and impatient - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength. Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

Psalm 96

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.  Sing to the Lord, praise his name;     proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. v1-3

We were made to worship, praise and glorify our Maker.  See post here.  Key verses from this post include:

[The people] are the shoot I have planted,

the work of my hands,

for the display of my splendor.  Isaiah 60:21

 

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.  1 Corinthians 10:31

We were made to do this daily, in our communities, publicly - among ALL peoples.  See also Matthew 28 - The Great Commission.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You indeed are a great God worthy of my worship and praise...daily, publicly, and among ALL peoples!  You are a great God whose mighty hand has saved me, and provided life to the full!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worthy of Your loving care....I am lazy, passive, and weak.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from such sin.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message to me today and every day.

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Psalm 84

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. v10

How sweet a message of praise and adoration is this psalm!  Yes the Lord blesses abundantly - food, loved ones, friends, protection, etc.  Yet none of this compares to time spent with You Jesus!  Nothing compares!  

Praise of course is a key topic in the Bible as we have been created to worship and be living sacrifices for our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 12).

One of favorite scripture passages on the subject of worship is here from 2 Samuel 6 where David unabashedly rejoices for what God has done.  His wife Michal is embarrassed and not pleased with David but that does not stop David as he lets us all hang out!

We should praise God without abandon!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God worthy of our praise and worship at all times and every day.  I know for myself that You have blessed me well beyond what I deserve and I have seen Your mighty hand many times over in my life - Praise Jesus Christ the King of Kings!  I am not worthy of such a God as I continue to worry and be selfish, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.

Psalm 77

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. v14

As a follow up to Wednesday's post, we must acknowledge that God's hand is present everywhere...in our lives, in the lives of others, in the natural world, etc.  Our faith should be full of gratitude and worship.  We must then worship and live lives worthy of a living swe exist to glorify Him.

[The people] are the shoot I have planted,

the work of my hands,

for the display of my splendor.  Isaiah 60:21

 

For us to glorify Him, we must recognize God's power and see it as available for us through Jesus Christ in prayer and the Holy Spirit.

 

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength  he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:18-21

 

My Prayer: Lord You are awesome God and I have seen Your hand in my life, in the life of others and in the natural world - You are the author of all and all good and perfect things come from You!  You provide well beyond what I deserve - I am blessed.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worthy of such love and blessing.  I neglect You - like I did yesterday and also on weekends!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help draw me closer to You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.