July 11
Read Psalms 92:1
In Today's
Praise for the loving-kindness of the Lord; appeal for justice; 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 to 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 gives us the opportunity of expressing devotion to our Lord.
Praise to the Lord will lift worship far beyond the level of seeking answers only to our personal needs, up to the higher plane of love and adoration as we glorify the Heavenly Father, our precious Savior Jesus Christ, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. A "self-centered" person assumes the "worship" service was meant for his personal satisfaction. Consequently, we hear some say: "I didn't get much out of the service." The reason is clear — they didn't put much into it.
Worship becomes more meaningful when it is preceded by our heartfelt expressions of praise and adoration for our Heavenly Father, our Lord Jesus, and the guiding Holy Spirit.
Some lack spiritual fulfillment because they allow themselves 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 allowing ourselves to be unhappy and dissatisfied, we are depriving ourselves 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, how can we help but praise, worship, and serve the LORD with gladness and come before His presence with singing (100:2)? Our gladness will be in direct proportion to our appreciation of His unfailing presence and promises. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endures to all generations (Psalm 100:5).
Christ Revealed:
As the Creator: It is He that has made us (Psalm 100:3; compare John 1:3; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16; Revelation 4:11).
Word Studies:
92:6 brutish = without regard to reason or propriety; 93:5 becometh = distinguishes; 94:20 throne of iniquity = workers of evil; frameth = devises; 95:7 of His hand = under His care; 99:3 terrible = holy, awesome.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Barbara Bivens · Government Official: Rep. Edward Markey (MA) · Country: Ethiopia (60 million) in eastern Africa · Major languages: Amharic and Tigrinya · Unsettled after overthrow of communist regime · 41% Eastern Orthodox; 35% Muslim; 10% Protestant; 10% animist; .7% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Realize that prayer is one of the ways God uses to strengthen you in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:18).
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:14