Topic: Why Praise Him? — Sunday 5, November 2017.
Memorise: Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. – Psalm 103:5
Read: Psalm 103:1-8 (KJV)
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
Bible in One Year: 1 John 5; 2 John, 3 John; Jude, Hosea 13, Hymn: Sing Hymn 2 – What A Friend We Have In Jesus
MESSAGE:
Anytime you find it difficult to worship God, just know that pride might be creeping into your heart. If pride finds a place in your heart, God will begin to resist you from that moment (James 4:6). May God not resist you! Some people have become too big to dance for the King of kings in public. Be warned! 1 Peter 2:9 says we were created, chosen and called to praise God, and so, anything that tries to hinder you from praising God must be avoided like a plague. However, why should you be grateful to this God? Why should you thank and praise Him? Our Bible reading gives some reasons. The first reason is for the salvation of your soul (Revelation 1:5-6). When the blood of goats and that of other animals could not wash away our sins, God had to send His Son Jesus Christ to shed His Blood for that purpose (Hebrews 10:4). How much did you pay for the Blood of Jesus to wash away your sins? How much have you also paid to receive cleansing by the same Blood, whenever you fall into sin? If Christ had not offered His Blood, there would not have been one soul saved in all of the earth! So what do you do about this? Be thankful for the Blood of Jesus!
Similarly, you ought to be grateful for your deliverance. Concerning this, Hebrew 2:14-15 says,
“14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
Revelations 12:11 also says that the Blood of Jesus Christ makes it possible for you to overcome your worst enemy: Satan. The Blood protects you from harm’s way. What about your translation from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, made possible by the light of the glorious gospel of Christ (Colossians 1:13)? Have you ever paid for this? How about the healing stripes? 1 Peter 2:24 says because of the lashes that Jesus received, you and I can now access divine healing for every category of sickness. What about His love? Can you pay for His incomparable love with which He has loved you, even while you were deep in sin? But for this love, where would you be by now? Yes, you ought to equally praise Him for His tender mercies that keep you alive on a daily basis (Lamentations 3:22-23). Even when you go to sleep, do you realise it is not by your power that you wake up? Psalm 3:5 says it is God who does this daily, and this is just another reason to praise and worship Him. Are you ready to give Him the thanks and praise due to His holy Name?
Action Point: Today, use every opportunity you have to just praise, thank, adore and worship the Lord.
Sing Hymn 2: What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Verse 1:
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Verse 2:
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Verse 3:
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge,
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
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