Reading: psalms 101-105
O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon His name: make known His deeds among the people (Ps. 105:1).
Although every verse in the Word of God is intended to guide and instruct the hearer, we rarely come upon a single verse as packed with information as this one. In one short line, the psalmist calls our attention to the three essential facets of Christian life. O give thanks unto the Lord calls us to offer praise and worship to God. Call upon His name reminds us of the need to pray continuously. Finally, Make known His deeds among the people is a statement of our mandate to witness for the Lord. Together, these three actions build the foundation for a solid relationship with God.
From beginning to end, the Bible is filled with examples of people praising and worshiping the Lord. Those that study His Word as God directed know that praise to God in one form or another can be found on practically every page. One of the most extraordinary praise services ever recorded is found in Nehemiah, chapter 8, and took place after the wall of Jeru- salem had been rebuilt. Ezra read to the Israelites from the Law, inciting the people to repent and worship the Lord. From the moment of creation, we have been called upon to praise and worship our Lord. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh (Phil. 3:3).
The second reference the psalmist made was to prayer. Prayer is the element that unites God and man. Our relationship with God begins with a prayer of repentance and acceptance. As we kneel before Him, we claim Him as Lord of our lives and enter into the body of Christ. That relationship is then strength- ened daily by our prayer life. Prayer is not simply a matter of asking God to meet our needs. True repentance, praise, and thanksgiving to God for all He is and does are essential to any prayer. Once again, the bible offers us many examples of a bountiful prayer life. Moses was a man of prayer, and so was David. Jesus Himself spent much time in prayer; following His example, Paul did too. The need for prayer should be evident to all. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Eph. 6:18).
The third and final action mentioned in this verse refers to our responsibility to witness for God. Many who have no problem praising and worshiping the Lord and maintaining a solid prayer life still find themselves reticent when giving wit- ness for Christ. The reasons for this are varied. For some, it is shyness or a fear of speaking with strangers. For others, it is a fear of saying the wrong thing or coming across as pushy or obnoxious. However, we can't let nervousness and anxiety stop us. If we live our lives for God, we are already halfway there! Instead of compartmentalizing, we must bring our relationships with God out into the open. Each day we need to make a point of sharing something that God has done in our life. If we trust Him, He will give us the words to say and deliver them to the ears of those who stand to benefit the most.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven(Matt. 5:16).
Thought For Today:How can we claim God to be the most amazing thing in our lives and not witness for Him? If you are not affected enough to bring Him up in everyday conversation, then perhaps you should re-examine what He means to you.
Christ Revealed: As the One who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases (Ps. 103:3). Forgiveness of sin and the healing power of God describe the ministry of our Lord Jesus, who was sent to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19; Matt. 9:6).
Word Studies:101:2 perfect heart = blameless; a heart of integrity; 101:4 froward heart = an obstinate and evil mind; 101:5 cut off = destroy; suffer = tolerate; 101:7 tarry = continue to dwell; 102:26 wax old = deteriorate.
Pray For Staff:Tifany Parisi • Government Officials: Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (AZ), Rep. Betty McCollum (MN), Rep. Andy Kim (NJ), Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ) • Country: Swaziland (1,419,623) Southern Africa • Major Languages: English,Swati • Religious Freedom • 40% Zionist; 20% Roman Catholic; 10% Muslim; 30% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for understanding of His will as you read the Word of God (Ps. 25:5).
Optional Reading: I Timothy 3