Lord of life and love, bless the life of this dear reader; May Your love reign in their heart as they minister to You and others in this day and all days. I pray in Christ Jesus' name, amen.
Our text for today comes from the Psalmist, Psalm 145: 1 I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King! and I'll bless your name into eternity. 2 I'll bless you every day, and keep it up from now to eternity. 3 God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness. 4 Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. 5 Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders. 6 Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness. 7 The fame of your goodness spreads across the country; your righteousness is on everyone's lips. 8 God is all mercy and grace - not quick to anger, is rich in love. 9 God is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace. 10 Creation and creatures applaud you, God; 11 your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor, 12 Letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. 14 God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. 15 All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. 16 Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. 17 Everything God does is right - the trademark on all his works is love. 18 God's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. 19 He does what's best for those who fear him - hears them call out, and saves them. 20 God sticks by all who love him, but it's all over for those who don't. 21 My mouth is filled with God's praise. Let everything living bless him, bless his holy name from now to eternity!
I remember the first time I heard a preacher say, God is good. The congregation answered, "All the time." I liked that interaction. It was a bit later that another preacher, in a different setting said, "God is good!" And the congregation answered, "All the time!" This time this preacher asked, "And all the time?" And the people shouted, "God is good." I know this was God-inspired and it has caught on in a lot of worship settings. It is exactly what the psalmist is saying in this psalm. God is good, and we know it. God is good, and what are we doing about it? God is good, and who are we telling? God is good and what difference is it making in our life and in the lives of those around us who are hurting and in need of hearing that God is good?
This version of the psalm has a list of those in need and perhaps you know someone on that list. It may even be your name and need on that list. Did you hear that God is good? Have you shared with this person in need that same message?
PRAYER: Lord, if I am honest, my name and need is on that list that the Psalmist prepared. I need to know and I need to share that You are good all the time. Let my lips, my words, my deeds, my everything declare to all, that You are great! I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
