Even Men Should Praise the Lord (Psalm 148)

Psalm 148 paints a beautiful picture of all creation praising the LORD - the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. Each verse awakens my mind to the deeper realities that each member of the creation was created to worship God!

• the angels
• heavenly hosts
• sun
• moon
• shinning stars
• highest heavens
• waters above the skies
• sea creatures
• ocean depths
• lightening
• hail
• snow
• clouds
• stormy winds
• mountains
  
• hills
• fruit trees
• cedars
• wild animals
• cattle
• small creatures
• flying birds
• kings
• nations
• princes
• rulers... (and even)
  
• young men
• maidens
• old men
• children

Unfortunately, these do not all exalt the Lord - at least not intentionally. A sad but true reality is that men and women (myself included) willfully dishonor the Lord and thus deny Him the praise and worship He deserves.

Our lives were meant to reflect His glory - His grace and love. But, far too often the opposite it true. We live in habitual sin - paralyzing the heart of flesh that was exchanged for our old heart of stone and leaving us utterly useless in promoting the gospel. We are dim mirrors at best; no wonder people can't seem to see Jesus in us.

Today, as an act of worship, turn to Christ to wash away your sin. Be renewed and made whole again. Show the world what Jesus has done in you! Shine for Him!

14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

Here's a great video of Matt Redman singing "Shine" at Passion '07. Enjoy!

Worship Sets Recap - June 2009

I often get the question, "What was the name of that song we sang last Sunday?"

So, in an effort to make that information available I'll simply post it here. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with these songs in the comment section of this post or email me. (Note: the following links are to youtube videos of which I have no control over though most of them are very good!)

Enjoy!

Sunday, June 28th

Let The Praises Ring (E)

Everlasting God (Bb)

How Great Thou Art (Bb)

How Great is Our God - chorus (Bb) (recording is in C)

Shine (G) (recording is in Ab)

You Are My Strength (G)

Give Us Clean Hands (G) (recording is in Ab)

This Is Our God (G) (recording is in Gb)

Your Grace is Enough (G) (recording is in A)


Sunday, June 21st

Love the Lord (G)

Happy Day (C) (recording is in Db)

Rescue (C) (recording in D)

Lord of All (A) (recording is in Bb)

The Stand (A)

Hallelujah Jesus (A) (recording is in C)

I Am Free (D)


Sunday, June 14th

I Will Boast (D)

All Over the World (A) (recording is in B)

Your Name (A) (recording is in Bb)

Consuming Fire (G)

Facedown (G) (recording is in Gb)

I Give You My Heart (G)

You Never Let Go (A) (recording is in B)

Lord of All (A) (recording is in Bb)

Praise the Lord! (Psalm 146 & 147)

It's good to be back. I never intended to take nearly two months off from posting here on the blog, but, in the spirit of full disclosure, I got so busy that something had to give. That's not to say that I've not spent time in God's Word each day, but I've just not taken the time to post about my journey here on the blog. I'm confident I gain more from these writings than anyone else. Writing helps me process what I'm reading much better than when I simply read it. Anyway, that being the case, it's good to be back!

This morning I've been greatly encouraged and strengthened by Psalms 146 and 147. The Psalmist reminds us of the nature of God and the blessings that come to those who put their hope in God. (146:5)

5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,

6 the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
the LORD, who remains faithful forever.

7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,

8 the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.

9 The LORD watches over the alien
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

Psalm 146:5-9

I love reading verses seven through nine very slowly and contemplating the significance of God's heart for the oppressed, hungry, prisoners, humble, righteous, and wicked.

As I did that simple exercise, these questions began to surface in my mind: "Do I uphold the cause of the oppressed? Do I give food to the hungry? Do I care about those in prison? Do I care for foreigners, orphans, and widows?"

These were terribly convicting questions for me because I know that God desires this of me, and, I know that without God's grace and strength I am hopelessly self centered. What about you?

Today, as an act of worship, let the words of scripture stir your heart. Respond to what God is teaching you by mirroring His faithful heart!