A GOOD THEME
Today’s Reading: Psalms 45-47
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Glimpses of grandeur are seen everywhere as you walk through the ruins of ancient Philippi. The glory of ancient civilizations is in ruins, but not the glorious Church about which Jesus said, “I will build.” The Church is built of living stones; Jesus, Himself, is the Chief Cornerstone in the eternal building! (Ephesians 2:19-22).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Psalm 46:1-2a, 47:1
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear…
Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples!
Shout to God with the voice of triumph!
In yesterday’s reading, words such as “reproach, scorn, derision, dishonour, shame,” etc., were jumping out at us, but not so today. Today the words that stand out are, “a good theme, blessed, glory, majesty,” and over and over, “gladness.” The New Testament writer to the Hebrews quotes extensively from Psalm 45 (Hebrews 1:5-9).
Psalm 46 likens God to an unending river. These streams “make glad the city of God.” Psalm 47 begins with, “Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!” The sons of Korah, who composed these hymns of praise to God, did not try to contain the river of God within them. The river burst forth with strong emotion in spontaneous worship to God! There is a place for human emotion in our personal relationship with God. Expressing our feelings to God is a healthy part of our lives. Singing is an expression of the human soul. Psalm 47:6 encourages us to SING! SING! SING! SING! What are we waiting for? Let’s just sing praises to God now!!!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, as I read and sing these Psalms, my heart is overflowing with the knowledge of Your goodness to me. I pray that I will never take You for granted, but that I will acknowledge You with gladness every day without fail! You are the Source and the River of gladness which courses through my entire being. I worship You! I exalt You! Hallelujah!!! Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Years ago I heard the story of a man who attended a rather formal church service where he heard the reading of a Psalm of praise to God. He raised his voice and said spontaneously and loudly, “Praise the Lord!” At the close of the service the minister was greeting the departing congregation and when he came to this man he said, “Sir, what were you doing shouting out as you did?” The man answered, “I was being blessed by God.” The minister responded, “I’ll have you know that this is no place to get blessed!” It’s a humorous story, but it makes the point that we need to be more free in our expressions of praise to God. Of course Psalm 46:10 makes the point that there is also a time to “be still.”
It was a New Year’s Eve when I asked Norma-Jean to marry me. We had driven to Buffalo, New York, to attend a great church service. The people were the most spontaneous worshippers I had ever come across. I confess that I was so blessed by God in Norma Jean’s “Yes” to my proposal that I joined the people in loud praises. I did all that our key verse tells me to do. I clapped my hands, and I gave a “shout to God with the voice of triumph.” That’s just over 59 years ago, and I’m still expressing my strong emotions to God!!!
Yours for enjoying freedom in expressing praise to our God,
David
This mosaic artwork in ancient Philippi must have been a most beautiful floor in its day! Philippi was the city where Paul and Silas sang praises to God at midnight while their hands and feet were held in the stocks in the local jail. No wonder they were miraculously set free and the prison warden and his family became believers (read Acts 16:20-34).
Praise God, O my soul! You are worthy of all our praise! Please bless all Your people today with time in Your presence and a new realization of Your great and unending love, in Jesus’s great name, amen
Wonderful psalms, this morning. Saints, asking prayer for a friend–Maryann in Kitchener–a very gifted woman. God place your loving hands upon her and guide her with your strength and peace. Thanks for continued prayers as my leg is still infected and on another round of antibiotics. It keeps swelling when not elevated. I know all things are in Your time, Lord. His blessings upon fellow saints in the Lord. Praying for Luisa and Joseph, Edward and Eleanor, Doreen, HJR, Teressa and Cassandra, Nan, Joyce, Marilyn, Samuel, Eleanor, Rob, Gwen–all the saints in need. Amen.
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 ESV
Demi Lee Moore & Riaan Benadé – There Was Jesus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnckBQK987A
There Was Jesus
Lyrics written by Zach Williams
“Every time I tried to make it on my own
Every time I tried to stand and start to fall
And all those lonely roads that I have travelled on
There was Jesus
When the life I built came crashing to the ground
When the friends I had were nowhere to be found
I couldn’t see it then but I can see it now
There was Jesus
In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute, every moment
Where I’ve been and where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus
For this man who needs amazing kind of grace (Mmm)
For forgiveness at a price I couldn’t pay (Mmm)
I’m not perfect so I thank God every day
There was Jesus (There was Jesus)
In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute, every moment
Where I’ve been and where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus
On the mountain, in the valleys (There was Jesus)
In the shadows of the alleys (There was Jesus)
In the fire, in the flood (There was Jesus)
Always is and always was
No I never walk alone (Never walk alone)
You are always there
In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute (Every minute), every moment (Every moment)
Where I’ve been and where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus
There was Jesus
There was Jesus
There was Jesus.”
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Jonathan Smith / Zach Williams / Jonathan Lindley Smith / Casey Michael Beathard / Zachary Williams
There Was Jesus lyrics © Little Louder Songs, Seven Ring Circus Songs
Thank you Beverlee for your prayers. Last couple of days(and nights) have been very difficult as Joseph has been experiencing some pain and feeling restless. Neither he nor we (our children and I) are getting much rest. Emotionally speaking, I’ve been having a very difficult time watching him in his present state. Appreciate everyone‘s prayers.
I am also praying for you, Beverlee , your friend Maryann, Doreen’s daughter Lori and the other blog request.
Yes, with God, all things are possible and He alone is our hope.
Wishing all bloggers a blessed day.
I am so sorry to hear this, Luisa. Please know you are in our hearts and we are holding your husband Joseph, you and your entire family, in our deepest thoughts and prayers. Lord God, release Joseph from this excruciating pain and restlessness and let him find complete peace and comfort in You. Let him rest Lord God. Give Luisa and her family an all encompassing sense of calm peace and strength. In Jesus’ mighty Name we pray. Amen.
“For I, the Lord your God,
hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
I am the one who helps you.”
Isaiah 41:13 ESV
Amen to your writing and choice of singers and lyrics. Prayers for all concerned.
King David was such a blessed man and I was pleased to hear all the hopeful words in today’s Psalm study.
Praying for Beverlee Kay and all her noted friends. May God help them all and bless them with sound bodies and minds so that they can continue to be a grand example of Christianity to others in need.
I get up early, when at home, each day, when it’s quiet and peaceful and found a good devotional pertaining to this habit:
You know something? That still, small voice will never shout. God’s methods don’t change because we are so noisy and busy. He is longing for your attention, your undivided and full attention. He wants to talk with you in times of quietness (with the TV off) about your need for understanding, love, compassion, patience, self-control, a calm spirit, genuine humility . . . and wisdom. But He won’t run to catch up. He will wait and wait until you finally sit in silence and listen. by Pastor Chuck Swindoll.
God’s blessings upon each and every saint, with much love.
Amen Lynda! Love Chuck Swindoll–what a wonderful blessing of his words to share with us. Your quiet wisdom exumes itself. God bless you and keep you!
I love the chorus, “Clap Your Hands All You People” by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Our church is meeting for the first time this Sunday but because of Covid rules we won’t be able to sing. I’ve been taking online courses with the School of Ministry of Dr Morris Cerullo (now with the Lord). He frequently says, “take the mask off”, in other words be sincere before the Lord & before people!! If he only knew – we aren’t allowed to take our masks off! I’m really enjoying the teachings. Praying for our bloggers and also for Rob – asking the Lord to minister to him. I think we all miss his input. My daughter, Lori, is in Europe after just recently having had intricate hand surgery. She has had challenges with healing. I would appreciate prayers for her good people. Thanks & blessings on all today.
Praying for Lori, Doreen. I miss Rob too, but from what his last post said, he is having trouble posting. We keep him in our prayers. Amen.
“Everybody Clap Your Hands” sung by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb6YQ5U2BoM
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crossroads@crossroads.ca
Amen to all the comments and prayers above.
Continuing to pray for those who need God’s healing & blessing.
MARK 10: 27 ESV is a powerful reminder of God’s love for us!
I keep that promising verse in my heart when things are overwhelming.
Praise our Lord Jesus Christ in whom we trust. To God be the Glory!
“ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD” Amen!
That is a very comforting song, Beverlee. There was Jesus! He was always there and will forever be there for us! ❤️🙏