From Psalm 66: 1 All together now - applause for God! 2 Sing songs to the tune of his glory, set glory to the rhythms of his praise. 3 Say of God, "We've never seen anything like him!" When your enemies see you in action, they slink off like scolded dogs. 4 The whole earth falls to its knees - it worships you, sings to you, can't stop enjoying your name and fame. 5 Take a good look at God's wonders - they'll take your breath away. 6 He converted sea to dry land; travelers crossed the river on foot. Now isn't that cause for a song? 7 Ever sovereign in his high tower, he keeps his eye on the godless nations. Rebels don't dare raise a finger against him. 8 Bless our God, O peoples! Give him a thunderous welcome! 9 Didn't he set us on the road to life? Didn't he keep us out of the ditch? 10 He trained us first, passed us like silver through refining fires, 11 Brought us into hardscrabble country, pushed us to our very limit, 12 Road-tested us inside and out, took us to hell and back; Finally he brought us to this well-watered place. (The Message)
A people at praise are a people of power. When the need to praise God comes over us, we should do it with all our might and really participate in giving the Most High, the most of our worship and praise. Joyful singing, passionate praying and preaching, rapt listening and sharing, all make for a strong people to face whatever life may throw our way. The psalmist knew this and writes about it. This is a psalm of gratitude towards God and an encouragement to all who would praise God, to do so in a way that is worthy of all God has, is, and will do, for us. It's as if he is saying the drive to church and the drive home should serve as a prelude and a postlude to worship. Look out the windows and see the glories of God presented in special ways. Then when at worship, share and receive all you need, and then continue to be a blessing to God everywhere you go.
The place where we find ourselves may not seem to some as the place where they ultimately want to be, but if God has us where we are, make the best of it for God's sake and for the sake of those pre-God people. You and I have a story to share; share it joyfully, we've come a long way and where we are is a blessing.
PRAYER: Make my heart, O Lord, like those whom the Psalmist wrote about. I want to be a person of power because of the worship I share and receive. Make my heart joyful in all things that give witness to Your might and peace; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Requests for Rev. Greg Hackett continue. He is battling pneumonia and needs our prayers. He continues in ICU here in Corpus Christi. Pray for Sally and their two sons. Thank you.
