Monday, July 2, 2012

July 3, 2012

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. 3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them. 4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.  5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth. 7The law of the Lord is perfect,  refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to  the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure,enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. 11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
  Psalms 19

Most churches of the conservative ilk desire to foster an atmosphere where praise and worship becomes an essential part of the service. It is important to the pastors and it matters to the people. But let me ask you, can you remember being in a service recently where praise really happened? I mean REALLY happened?

Would you recognize it if it did happen?

Is it possible that it happened and you didn't recognize it?

Perhaps some clarity on the nature of true and sincere praise would be helpful.

Enter Psalm 19.

Who was better at praising than the Psalmist? Who better to gain insights from about how to praise God?

The answer, probably no one! And in Psalm 19 he tells us that powerful praise is a three dimensional experience.

Here's what it looks like:

Praise the Wonder of His World, Vv. 1-6 - "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. 3 They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. 4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. 5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth."

For many people, their first experience with praising God is through nature. Perhaps a stunning sunrise or a brilliant sunset. Maybe it is an amazing full moon like tonight's. But, as the Psalm says, "All of nature shouts the glory and greatness of God!" And during all your waking hours it constantly confronts you with the Creaton by way of His creation!

Praise the Wonder of His Word, Vv. 7- 11 - "7The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure,enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. 11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward."

God's hope and desire is those who are impressed and inspired by His creation will be drawn to the Creator.

The best way to get to know Him more intimately is through His Word, the Bible!

Have you read it lately? Have you ever given it a serious consideration by studying it and by sitting under Biblical teaching and preaching?

Praise the Wonder of His Will, Vv. 12-14 - "12 But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." 

A serious sustained study of the Scriptures will change how you think of God and what you think about yourself.

The Bible gives clear insights into the nature of God behind nature. As you come to understand His glory and majesty you also become aware of your own sinfulness and shame. That experience is called conviction. Conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit of God to lead you out of your sin and into a personal faith relationship with God!

God's will (or His greatest desire) is for you to come to Him in true repentance and sorrow for your sins so the Creator can make you a new creation in Christ!

Powerful praise is a three dimensional experience - praising His world, praising His Word, and praising His will.

How can you praise Him better?