Set Up the Most Powerful Speakers!

Hello again, followers of Christ, and also followers of this interesting blog that Chris writes for us. It is wonderful that we can get together and talk over something great from the Bible. This blog it is just a great excuse to actually spend some time in the Word of God. Again I am writing instead of Chris since he is away on a trip. May the Lord bless him and the children, and may He bless us as we come together to think about heavenly matters.

Have you praised the Lord today? Jesus said to pray without stopping. How can we do that? I think it is by staying aware, throughout the entire day and night, that our God has given us everything we have, including life itself. Leaning on God to supply our needs and giving Him our thanks keeps us constantly praying. Our chapter today, Psalm 9, begins with these words:

I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.

I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

When you woke, did you think to thank God for a beautiful new day of life? Have you realized the awesome wonder of the sun rising again in the East, or of the rain falling from the clouds to water the earth? Praise the Lord! Here in the Psalms that is an ongoing, important theme that we should not miss

But there is more! It is not enough to simply think about praising Him personally. You and I need to actually open our mouths and talk about the power and majesty of our God! Most people miss so much as they go about the business of daily living. Few ever stop to notice a rainbow in the sky, the different shades of green in the trees, or a gorgeous sunset. If such events took place only every 25 years and you had to stand in line to get a ticket to see it, then the true value of such things would be noticed. It is our job as followers of Jesus and believers in God to remind others about it and give God the praise!

The words that come out of our mouths are so very, very important! Most of the time we forget about that fact and "talk off the top of our head." Telling other people about God and Jesus can begin by us interjecting comments about the blessings He gives us into our everyday conversations. Just a word or two can sometimes open up a discussion that gives us a chance to express more that can bring someone else closer to a relationship with God.

 The name of Jesus should be on our lips often, and not as a curse, but as a constant blessing! I often hear the exclamation, "Oh, Jesus!" or "God!" In most cases, that is not meant as praise to Him, that's for sure! I hope that, as children of God, we are learning to reverence the name of God and Jesus. His children should only speak their names with love and praise. We should be happy for all the blessings we receive. We should connect this inner joy with using the name of Jesus and God in a way that lifts up honor and glory to them.

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. [v. 9].

For those who praise and honor Him, the Lord is a refuge, a place of comfort and protection in the storms of life that are certain to come our way. His Presence is a fortress against the winds and waves that beat on our faith and hope. His amazing Love surrounds us and shields His children. How Great Thou Art, O Lord! "I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart"! And hopefully, everyone around will hear my praise and glorify God with me!

K.B.