Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, January 7, 2019
Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-01-07-2019
This is devotional thought number 14 in our devotional series, “The Gospel According to Psalms.”
“Bless the Lord, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1–5).
What could be more satisfying than God’s benefits towards the human family? What could be more satisfying than God’s forgiveness, healing, redemption, lovingkindness, tender mercies, and all His good and perfect gifts? Need I answer? Nothing! When we accept and receive all this and more blessings from our Creator and Redeemer, all we can do is pour forth exuberant praise.
I want you to do me a favor, if you will: make a list today on a slip of paper, or using your smart device, of several ways God has been good to you. You might consider using the list I have outlined here. How has He forgiven you? How has He given you good and perfect gifts? How has He been merciful? How has He satisfied your many needs over the years? Once you have done this, I need you to have a conversation with Him. Tell Him how thankful you are that He has been so kind to you. Ask Him how to help somebody within your sphere of influence to see His goodness in the same way - someone who may be sad, dejected, or guilt-ridden. Consider starting a praise tradition that engages your friends in social media, and creating hashtags like #Godhasbeengoodtome to see how far and wide you can encourage people to give God the praise He deserves.
The truth is that God has given us every good and perfect gift through Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. The eternal blessing is so rich that it overflows into our temporal lives in the form of mended relationships, our daily provisions, joy when things get difficult, and favor among those who do not know the Lord. If we can stay focused upon God and whatever His will is for our lives, and maintain a healthy praise and witnessing lifestyle, before we know it, Jesus will return. Yes, there will be many trials in the meantime, but we must never choose to focus on those trials. Our focus is the King who has given us the victory through Yehoshua (Jesus Christ), our Lord.
This has been the gospel according to Psalms. Live by it!—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)
#theprotestisnotover