Quick Praise (Ps. 115:1)

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Thy name give glory because of Thy lovingkindness, because of Thy truth. (Psalm 115:1)(NASB)

Let's be quick to give all praise and glory to God; we surely don't deserve it.

Mockers, Procrastinators

"And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter" (Acts 17:32)(ASV)

Here is an interesting devotional by David R. Enlow.

Mockers, Procrastinators

This significant passage quite well describes all unbelievers into two camps: those who refuse to believe, and those who want to procrastinate.

"Some mocked." It is no different today. All around us are people who mock at the thought of the resurrection, even as they scoff at the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ--the God-Man who left heaven's glory to help men understand the unfathomable depths of the Godhead. Foolishly, they will not accept that which sounds strange to their ears, something they cannot understand, hence they disbelieve its reality. Operating on a similar premise, they might well avoid television and electricity, for it is certain they do not and cannot understand all involved in these scientific phenomena.

"Others said, We will hear thee again of this matter." In other words, some other time. Let's eat, drink, and be merry now. Perhaps in our old age, after we've had our fling, we can devote time to such matters. They forget they cannot forever mock God. He is "not willing that any should perish," but He also says: "Now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation." Here is a sobering thought that none can deny or refute, regardless of his age: None of us can be sure of tomorrow.

Recognizing the truth of that statement, we would do well to make our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ all that He intends it to be. Those who have no assurance of eternal life, who perhaps have been indifferent about the matter up to this point, might well examine their lives and see if they have prepared for eternity as diligently as they have been doing for time. Those of us who know Christ as Lord and Savior might well examine ourselves, also. Are we being conformed more and more to His image day by day? It should be so.

Quick Praise (Ps. 32:1)

How happy is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! (Psalm 32:1)(HCSB)


If you want to be happy, allow the blood of Jesus to cover your sins.

Quick Praise (Deut. 6:4-5)

Listen, Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)(HCSB)


With all your heart...with all your soul...with all your strength.....Are you giving Him your all?

How Will They Know

...for "WHOEVER WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GLAD TIDINGS OF GOOD THINGS!" (Romans 10:13-15)(NASB)

I wrote this song, "How Will They Know?" based on the above scripture. Recently when I was reading and studying David Platt's book, "Radical", I remembered this song and how urgent the main thought of the song is to the church. We have an entire world out there, and all around us, that don't know or accept the truth of the gospel message. The good news about what Jesus has done for us and the eternal life that's only found in Him, will not impact the hearts of a lost world without us doing our part to make it known.


In the book "Radical", David Platt describes God's plan for reaching the world. Here's an excerpt from the book:

God sends His servants---His servants preach---People hear---Hearers believe---Believers call---Everyone who calls is saved. 


Now look back at this progression and ask one question: Is there any place where this plan can break down? Think about it.


There is only one potential breakdown in this progression---when servants of God do not preach the gospel to all peoples.


We are the plan of God, and there is no plan B.

So how are we doing in keeping our part of God's plan? If we answer honestly, most of us would probably have to say "not so good." As you read these lyrics, keep in mind that we are God's plan A, and He doesn't have a plan B.

How Will They Know

vs. 1) We live in a lost world that's not being found

and it's up to you and I to turn it around

What are we doing if anything at all

we must look to the Lord and heed His call

Can we hear their hearts crying out

I wonder do we even care

chorus 1 & 2) How will they know Jesus died to set them free

if we don't go and tell them what we believe

How will they know Jesus is alive and well

if we don't go help them break the chains of hell

vs. 2) Millions are dying each and every day

who's going to lead them who's gonna show the way

Teens commit suicide 'cause love no one will give

Who's gonna reach out to them and show them the reason to live

Can we hear their hearts crying out

Well I wonder do we even care

chorus 3) How will they know Jesus died to set them free

if they can't see that freedom in you and me

How will they know Jesus is alive and well

if we don't go help them break the chains of hell

copyright 1988 Heart of Praise Music

So if we say that we care about the lost among us, let's make His glory known to the nations by sharing His love and His good news!


Singing His Praises,
Joey Culpepper

Quick Praise (Ps. 103:2)

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits...(Psalm 103:2)(NASB)

If you find it hard to praise the Lord today, just think back to all of the ways He has blessed you over the years.

Elisha

Then Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!" The Lord opened his servant's eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. (2 Kings 6:17)(NLT)

This is a worship profile from the Praise and Worship Study Bible published by Tyndale House. This is a good study bible and I highly recommend it to those who want to learn more about worship.

Elisha

Time and again the ministry of Elisha demonstrated God's unrelenting mercy---even in the face of Israel's rejection. Appropriately, Elisha's name means "God is salvation." Unlike Elijah, who was known for his bold confrontation of idolatry, Elisha's ministry was characterized mostly by merciful miracles and encouraging prophecies.

Elisha the Worshiper

Elisha carried our God's wonders of mercy for poor widows as well as mighty rulers. Soon after reviving a widow's dead son, Elisha instructed an army commander named Naaman how to be healed of leprosy.

Elisha led a blinded enemy army into Samaria, where he told the king of Israel not to kill his enemies but feed them.

Even Elisha's corpse was associated with a miracle of mercy. Once a dead man's body was tossed on the prophet's bones, and the man suddenly became alive again (2 Kings 13:20-21).

Learning from Elisha

The Lord called Elisha to continue the ministry begun by Elijah. God continues to raise up leaders to guide His people today.

Elisha's ministry foreshadowed the Messiah's healing work. The ministries of Elisha and Jesus deepen  our understanding of God's mercy and cause us to praise God.

Following the Example

Elisha's ministry was filled with merciful deeds and healings, reflecting God's own merciful character. Read Psalm 103 and consider the evidence of God's mercy in your own life. Consider how God has healed your diseases, ransomed you from death, and surrounded you with love and tender mercies. Like the writer of this psalm, recalling God's deeds of mercy will lead you to worship the Lord.