Bible Pathways - July 11, 2006
In Today's
Praise for the loving-kindness and faithfulness of the Lord; a call to sing, worship, and praise the Lord
By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the psalmist invites the faithful to come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation. . . . O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand (Psalm 95:1,6-7). Praying with a heartfelt attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving (95:2) is a vital part of worship. Singing joyfully carries with it the thought of expressing devotion to our Lord.
Praise to the Lord will lift worship beyond the level of personal needs to the higher plane of love and adoration as we honor the Heavenly Father, our precious Savior Jesus Christ, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. A "self-centered" person assumes the "worship" service was meant for his personal satisfaction. Consequently, we hear such people say: "I didn't get much out of the service." The reason is clear — they didn't put much into it.
Worship is not a time set aside for receiving personal satisfaction or for the enjoyment of a sermon. Worship should be an active, heartfelt expression of prayer, praise, and adoration, demonstrating our esteem for our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. Following this, all else, including the sermon, becomes more meaningful.
Some lack spiritual fulfillment because they have decided to reflect the mood and attitude of unbelievers when confronted with adverse circumstances, such as the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, a divorce, the betrayal of a friend, or some other painful experience. By deciding to be unhappy and dissatisfied, they deprive themselves of the joy of an abundant, peaceful life.
When we think of all our Lord has done for us, in us, and with us, and all He has promised to us for all eternity, we cannot help but decide to praise, worship, and serve the LORD with gladness and come before His presence with singing (100:2). Our gladness will be in direct proportion to our faith in His unfailing presence and promises. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations (Psalm 100:5).
Christ Revealed:
As the Creator: It is He that hath made us (Psalm 100:3; John 1:3; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16; Revelation 4:11).
Word Studies:
92:6 brutish =b> without regard to reason or propriety; 93:5 becometh =b> distinguishes; 94:20 throne of iniquity =b> workers of evil; frameth =b> devises; 95:7 of His hand =b> under His care; 99:3 terrible =b> holy, awesome.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mrs. Harold J. Foerder · Staff: Barbara Bivens Government Official: Rep. Edward Markey (MA) · Country: Central African Republic (3 million) in the center of the African continent Major languages: French and Sangho Religious freedom 47% Protestant; 34% Roman Catholic; 12% animist; 3% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Pray without anger or resentment in your heart (I Timothy 2:8).
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:3
