There are two readings for today.
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 111
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. [Psalm 111:1]
God inspires us to extol His Name in public by the amazing ways He works in our lives.
We cannot help ourselves, “He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.” [Psalm 111:4]
This is where we see once again that witnessing and worship are the same thing – the public sharing “in the council of the upright and in the assembly” (ie in the gathering of the leaders and members of the faith community).
But this worship and witness extends beyond the walls of the temple.
On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. [Matthew 10:18-20]
The Spirit of Jesus inspires us to tell everyone, and even when we are persecuted for our beliefs, we still witness and worship, we still “extol the Lord with all out heart!”
The source of this witness and worship is the Lord Himself, Who has done amazing things for us; the more aware we are of these things, the louder our witness will be.
And yet so many people to not witness to Him, or worship Him.
The reason is not that God has done nothing for them, but that they do not see it.
They do not recognize the greatness and goodness of the Lord in their lives.
Only the heart that honours God, recognizes Him in the world around us, only the person that properly respects or fears the Lord, will praise Him.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. [Psalm 111:10]
It is the fear of the Lord that gives them the wisdom and understanding to personally and publicly declare His greatness and goodness.
The Spirit is at work, stirring within us to recognize God and His work in our lives.
The Spirit is prompting us to speak about it, to tell others – in the faith community and in the world – about how God’s power and love have impacted us.
“Hallelujah, praise the Lord, extol Him with all your heart, for to Him belongs eternal praise!”
PRAYER:
Lord, my every breath and experience and circumstance, every good gift is from You. I want others to see and know how great You are. Praise You Lord!