Psalm 42:7-8
7 Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
8 By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
Intimacy. How does that work for you? Who are you intimate with and how does that express itself in your behavior? This is an awfully personal question and forgive me if it makes you uncomfortable, but this is where we are this week: Intimacy with God. There is some level of intimacy in all of our personal relationships. Some small or large level of ‘into me see’ that you’ve allowed in order to move the relationship forward. What that implies is that you’ve trusted someone with a small piece of yourself; intimate details about your life that you don’t necessarily want to become public (can you say ‘You Tube?). Isn’t this where we get crossways with God? His omniscience: His ability to ‘know everything’ can be a bit invasive. Oftentimes, we won’t delve into a deeper place with Him because we think we have to give up our privacy, our ‘freedom’.
Beloved, God already knows everything about you. He knows your was, your is and your what ever will become of you. He knows your fondest memories and your darkest thoughts. And you know what? He loves you. He loves every bit of you. He loves your sitting and your standing, your going and your coming. He wants to hear what you have to say, even though He already knows it before hand. He cares, really cares about you.
What does that mean to you, to me? It means that we can trust Him… completely. We can trust Him with our faults, our weaknesses, our shortcomings. We can turn all of that over to God and He will heal us. It’s OK Beloved, to be intimate with God. It’s OK for you to wake up in the morning thankful. It’s OK for Him share in you daily activities.. all day. It’s OK to invite Him into your daily conversations, to acknowledge Him in all you say and do. It’s OK.
There’s one more thing: God wants you to know Him… intimately. He’s not hiding anything from you. He has and is and will continually reveal Himself to us through Jesus Christ, through His Holy Word and by the Holy Spirit. God is a mystery, but He’s not mysterious. Not to those who earnestly seek Him. You can trust Him beloved. It’s a Holy exchange: all of your self for all of Him. Go ahead. Delve a little deeper…
Blessings,
.wb
1 Corinthians 2:9-11
9 However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”[a]—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for Nov. 21, 2010: God Is Protector (Psalm 91:1-6, 9-16)
Psalm 91:1
[ Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God ] He who dwells in the secret place of the Most HighShall abide under the shadow of the Almighty
Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.
The Holidays are upon us. That’s not always good news. Recently, a co-worker passed away and another co-worker is experiencing a personal crisis. Then there is the financial burden that comes with this time of year. Entertaining, travel, gift giving can put a strain on your budget. Strained relationships can add to the stress surrounding this time of year, as families come together to celebrate the Holidays. It would almost seem as though the psalm of this week’s lesson could not be applied to our lives. But it does apply. The saints of God (you and I) who’ve been through some things have come to know that God is ‘There’ for them (Jehovah-Shammah: ‘God is There’). Be reminded, as we head into the Holidays, that God is with you and for you. You are never alone. You are not forgotten. He knows your name.
‘Father, bring peace and your Presence to every heart as we enter this season of Thanksgiving and Remembrance. Touch, heal, deliver, forgive. Make every heart whole, every thought sound and clear. Bring refreshing and wellness to the weak, the weary and distraught. Guide every soul into that secret place in you, a place of intimacy, security and blessing. May your Presence be made manifest in all of these, my friends and acquaintances. Meet every need. Hear our prayers, individually and collectively. Bless us in Jesus’ Name. Not only us Lord. There are so many that don’t know you. Make a way Lord, out of no way. I intercede for the lost, the weak, the hopeless that do not know you. The seed of eternity that you have planted in them; let it come forth now and bring the fruit of life, eternal life, as you intend. Turn your countenance toward us and heal us. May you be praised and magnified forever.. Amen’
Enjoy the lesson… wb
Luke 5:24
But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”
John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—
John 15:10
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love
1 John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
________________
A nugget from Kim's Corner....
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
For the ones that abide in the Almighty there is protection. I'm so full of joy to know that he abides in me and that no weapon the enemy tries to form can prosper. Not in the morning, midday, evening or midnight hour. Thank you Jesus. The Hebrews were accustomed to dividing the twenty four hours of day and night into four equal parts.
Morning: 6am-12pm warfare
Midday: 12pm-6pm destruction
Evening: 6pm-12am pestilence
Midnight: 12am-6am robbers
If you look at verses 5 and 6 there was a demon assigned to each part of the day. Our twenty four is just one day, not broken up into parts except our work schedule. Does that mean that the demons are not released? No it doesn't. Warfare is still ramping, destruction is searching, robbers are seeking, pestilence(looking for victims). But GOD has those under his wings that love him and have allowed him to take up residence in their heart. Most of us make sure that our home we live in is secure with some sort of alarm service so that we know that we are protected and our stuff. Technology is so advance that we get alerts to our phones when the alarm goes off, can view the house when away by web etc...who's protecting your spirit? Brinks, ADT, YOU...huh.
In you O Lord I put my trust
Let me never be ashamed
Deliver me in your righteousness
Bow down your ear to me
Deliver me speedily, Be my Rock
of refuge in the Name of Jesus.
Behold I stand at the door and knock. When you hear the knock in your heart, let him in. He can't protect you from the wiles of the enemy if you keep him outside knocking.
God Bless,
Kimberly Williams
[ Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God ] He who dwells in the secret place of the Most HighShall abide under the shadow of the Almighty
Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.
The Holidays are upon us. That’s not always good news. Recently, a co-worker passed away and another co-worker is experiencing a personal crisis. Then there is the financial burden that comes with this time of year. Entertaining, travel, gift giving can put a strain on your budget. Strained relationships can add to the stress surrounding this time of year, as families come together to celebrate the Holidays. It would almost seem as though the psalm of this week’s lesson could not be applied to our lives. But it does apply. The saints of God (you and I) who’ve been through some things have come to know that God is ‘There’ for them (Jehovah-Shammah: ‘God is There’). Be reminded, as we head into the Holidays, that God is with you and for you. You are never alone. You are not forgotten. He knows your name.
‘Father, bring peace and your Presence to every heart as we enter this season of Thanksgiving and Remembrance. Touch, heal, deliver, forgive. Make every heart whole, every thought sound and clear. Bring refreshing and wellness to the weak, the weary and distraught. Guide every soul into that secret place in you, a place of intimacy, security and blessing. May your Presence be made manifest in all of these, my friends and acquaintances. Meet every need. Hear our prayers, individually and collectively. Bless us in Jesus’ Name. Not only us Lord. There are so many that don’t know you. Make a way Lord, out of no way. I intercede for the lost, the weak, the hopeless that do not know you. The seed of eternity that you have planted in them; let it come forth now and bring the fruit of life, eternal life, as you intend. Turn your countenance toward us and heal us. May you be praised and magnified forever.. Amen’
Enjoy the lesson… wb
Luke 5:24
But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”
John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—
John 15:10
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love
1 John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
________________
A nugget from Kim's Corner....
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
For the ones that abide in the Almighty there is protection. I'm so full of joy to know that he abides in me and that no weapon the enemy tries to form can prosper. Not in the morning, midday, evening or midnight hour. Thank you Jesus. The Hebrews were accustomed to dividing the twenty four hours of day and night into four equal parts.
Morning: 6am-12pm warfare
Midday: 12pm-6pm destruction
Evening: 6pm-12am pestilence
Midnight: 12am-6am robbers
If you look at verses 5 and 6 there was a demon assigned to each part of the day. Our twenty four is just one day, not broken up into parts except our work schedule. Does that mean that the demons are not released? No it doesn't. Warfare is still ramping, destruction is searching, robbers are seeking, pestilence(looking for victims). But GOD has those under his wings that love him and have allowed him to take up residence in their heart. Most of us make sure that our home we live in is secure with some sort of alarm service so that we know that we are protected and our stuff. Technology is so advance that we get alerts to our phones when the alarm goes off, can view the house when away by web etc...who's protecting your spirit? Brinks, ADT, YOU...huh.
In you O Lord I put my trust
Let me never be ashamed
Deliver me in your righteousness
Bow down your ear to me
Deliver me speedily, Be my Rock
of refuge in the Name of Jesus.
Behold I stand at the door and knock. When you hear the knock in your heart, let him in. He can't protect you from the wiles of the enemy if you keep him outside knocking.
God Bless,
Kimberly Williams
Sunday School Lesson for Nov. 14, 2010: God Is Forever (Psalm 90:1-12)
Psalm 90:2
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Psalm 90:4
A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.
Isaiah 40:28
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Daniel 7:13-14
13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man,[a] coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
Hebrews 1:3
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
OK, I have a little story. You see, the lesson this week makes the point that God is age…less. Ageless. That He is from ‘everlasting to everlasting’. So let me challenge your ‘sanctified imagination’ for a moment. You see we always think of God as…. , well… ancient. You know, that wizened … old man, who uses that scepter in His hand as a staff. Just waiting till Jesus shows up to take his place in glory and allow Him (the Father) to assume the role of ‘God Emeritus’. Forgive my irreverence here, but if we allow the paradigm to shift just a little, we can gain an insight from the scripture that tells us that God literally does not age. That, though He is eternal He is not ‘aged’ in appearance. In appearance, He is vital and strong. Life literally comes out of Him. Having set this all up, let me get back to my story.
My dad had five children, three sons. I’m the oldest, but my mother would not allow him to name me ‘Junior’. That was not allowed until his last child, the baby boy was born. It’s just as well too, because, as it turns out, he is the ‘spittin’ image’ of my dad. If you took a picture of both of them at age 12 and placed them together, you could make the argument that they are ‘twins’. The resemblance is remarkable.
Now let’s transpose this ‘story’ to Heaven. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the express image of the Father. They ‘look’ just alike. Jesus and the Father could very well be indistinguishable. Imagine the wonder of being in their Holy presence and not being able to tell them apart until (here comes the hoop) … you noticed the scars in Jesus’ hands and feet. Whoa! It’s OK to shout. You looked real close and you saw the marks in his brow from the crown of thorns. Glory! For a moment, His robe slipped off His shoulder, and you caught a glimpse of …. The stripes on His back. You get the picture. Here I am, dancing in my Father’s robes again. Time for me to close.. I’ve got those ‘Holy Ghost goose bumps’ right about now. Have a blessed week..
J wb
John 14:9
Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed
Zechariah 13:6
If someone asks, ‘What are these wounds on your body ?’ they will answer, ‘The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.’
.......
I forgot…
A real quick comparison of God, the Father to Jesus, the Son. These are verses I did not include in last week’s lesson…
Daniel’s vision of the Father…
Daniel 7:9-10
9 “As I looked,
“thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze.
10 A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated,
and the books were opened.
John’s vision of Jesus…
Revelation 1:12-16
12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man,[a] dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
We serve a vital God, from whom all of the ‘Zoe’ kind of life emanates. He may be ‘ancient’, but He cannot age. And… Jesus is His express image….. ( I’m jumping up and down on the inside again… J )
Blessings,
..wb
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Psalm 90:4
A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.
Isaiah 40:28
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Daniel 7:13-14
13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man,[a] coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
Hebrews 1:3
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
OK, I have a little story. You see, the lesson this week makes the point that God is age…less. Ageless. That He is from ‘everlasting to everlasting’. So let me challenge your ‘sanctified imagination’ for a moment. You see we always think of God as…. , well… ancient. You know, that wizened … old man, who uses that scepter in His hand as a staff. Just waiting till Jesus shows up to take his place in glory and allow Him (the Father) to assume the role of ‘God Emeritus’. Forgive my irreverence here, but if we allow the paradigm to shift just a little, we can gain an insight from the scripture that tells us that God literally does not age. That, though He is eternal He is not ‘aged’ in appearance. In appearance, He is vital and strong. Life literally comes out of Him. Having set this all up, let me get back to my story.
My dad had five children, three sons. I’m the oldest, but my mother would not allow him to name me ‘Junior’. That was not allowed until his last child, the baby boy was born. It’s just as well too, because, as it turns out, he is the ‘spittin’ image’ of my dad. If you took a picture of both of them at age 12 and placed them together, you could make the argument that they are ‘twins’. The resemblance is remarkable.
Now let’s transpose this ‘story’ to Heaven. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the express image of the Father. They ‘look’ just alike. Jesus and the Father could very well be indistinguishable. Imagine the wonder of being in their Holy presence and not being able to tell them apart until (here comes the hoop) … you noticed the scars in Jesus’ hands and feet. Whoa! It’s OK to shout. You looked real close and you saw the marks in his brow from the crown of thorns. Glory! For a moment, His robe slipped off His shoulder, and you caught a glimpse of …. The stripes on His back. You get the picture. Here I am, dancing in my Father’s robes again. Time for me to close.. I’ve got those ‘Holy Ghost goose bumps’ right about now. Have a blessed week..
J wb
John 14:9
Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed
Zechariah 13:6
If someone asks, ‘What are these wounds on your body ?’ they will answer, ‘The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.’
.......
I forgot…
A real quick comparison of God, the Father to Jesus, the Son. These are verses I did not include in last week’s lesson…
Daniel’s vision of the Father…
Daniel 7:9-10
9 “As I looked,
“thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze.
10 A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated,
and the books were opened.
John’s vision of Jesus…
Revelation 1:12-16
12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man,[a] dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
We serve a vital God, from whom all of the ‘Zoe’ kind of life emanates. He may be ‘ancient’, but He cannot age. And… Jesus is His express image….. ( I’m jumping up and down on the inside again… J )
Blessings,
..wb
Monday, November 8, 2010
Sunday School Lesson for Nov. 7, 2010: God is Awesome (Psalm 66:1-12)
Genesis 15:1
[ The LORD’s Covenant With Abram ] After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. ”
Nehemiah 1:5
Then I said: “LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,
Lamentations 3:22
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Ephesians 2:4-5
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
All of the platitudes that come to mind are obvious, but they are worth repeating. God is awesome. Everything about Him is awesome. His great design of creation is awesome. The fact that He simply spoke all that is into existence is awesome. His love for us is awesome. His plan for us is awesome. His provision for us is awesome. His son Jesus is awesome. The fact that he shed his heavenly glory to humble himself among us is awesome. When He opened blind eyes and opened deaf ears it was awesome. When He walked on water and raised the dead… awesome. When he went to the cross and gave His life for ours, it was awesome. When he overcame death and the grave and rose in victory it was awesome. When He ascended into Glory… awesome. Then He sent us the Gift, the Holy Spirit… awesome. This Church that He’s the head of… awesome. And the Glory that awaits us in Eternity… awesome. I don’t know about you, but when reached down and touched my heart, when he opened my eyes, when he pulled me from the very jaws of death and gave me eternal life… awesome. Thank the Lord (all three of Him :) ) for the richness of His love and mercy which He has shown us through us through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Have a Blessed week!
[ The LORD’s Covenant With Abram ] After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. ”
Nehemiah 1:5
Then I said: “LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,
Lamentations 3:22
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Ephesians 2:4-5
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
All of the platitudes that come to mind are obvious, but they are worth repeating. God is awesome. Everything about Him is awesome. His great design of creation is awesome. The fact that He simply spoke all that is into existence is awesome. His love for us is awesome. His plan for us is awesome. His provision for us is awesome. His son Jesus is awesome. The fact that he shed his heavenly glory to humble himself among us is awesome. When He opened blind eyes and opened deaf ears it was awesome. When He walked on water and raised the dead… awesome. When he went to the cross and gave His life for ours, it was awesome. When he overcame death and the grave and rose in victory it was awesome. When He ascended into Glory… awesome. Then He sent us the Gift, the Holy Spirit… awesome. This Church that He’s the head of… awesome. And the Glory that awaits us in Eternity… awesome. I don’t know about you, but when reached down and touched my heart, when he opened my eyes, when he pulled me from the very jaws of death and gave me eternal life… awesome. Thank the Lord (all three of Him :) ) for the richness of His love and mercy which He has shown us through us through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Have a Blessed week!
Sunday School Lesson for October 31, 2010: God’s Comforting Presence (Psalm 63)
Psalm 89:1
♪ I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. ♪
Psalm 59:16-17
♪ But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble. ♪
♪ O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. ♪
Psalm 77:6
♪ I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired: ♪
Job 38:7
♪ while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? ♪
Ephesians 5:19
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
Remember that the Book of Psalms was the national Hymnal of the Nation of Israel. These were songs. As I read the lesson this week, a few of the lines from Psalm 63 really struck a chord with me (thanks bro’ Eric J ). It’s clear that David was singing them and finding comfort in the singing. C’mon you know. There are some songs that just stick in your head.. and in your heart. A song elicits feeling, emotion. A song sooths, it comforts. Oftentimes, you can relate what the singer is going through; good or bad. Singing touches the heart. What a glorious Creator we serve and what a wonderful gift He has given us in music and song. They reach into the core of our being and refresh and revive us. They strengthen and encourage. And when directed toward our Creator, our Father, Our God, they open a window into the heavens, to the very Throne of the King of Glory. David was having a wilderness experience, but He was seeking the Presence. And he sought It with a song. Forgive me, but I’m including some of the lyrics to one of my favorite. I really just want it to touch you, to bless you as you are reminded of it. Be Blessed!
O Lord my God,
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all
The works Thy Hand hath made,
I see the stars,
I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout
The universe displayed;
Stanza 2:
When through the woods
And forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze;
Refrain:
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
♪ I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. ♪
Psalm 59:16-17
♪ But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble. ♪
♪ O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. ♪
Psalm 77:6
♪ I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired: ♪
Job 38:7
♪ while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? ♪
Ephesians 5:19
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
Remember that the Book of Psalms was the national Hymnal of the Nation of Israel. These were songs. As I read the lesson this week, a few of the lines from Psalm 63 really struck a chord with me (thanks bro’ Eric J ). It’s clear that David was singing them and finding comfort in the singing. C’mon you know. There are some songs that just stick in your head.. and in your heart. A song elicits feeling, emotion. A song sooths, it comforts. Oftentimes, you can relate what the singer is going through; good or bad. Singing touches the heart. What a glorious Creator we serve and what a wonderful gift He has given us in music and song. They reach into the core of our being and refresh and revive us. They strengthen and encourage. And when directed toward our Creator, our Father, Our God, they open a window into the heavens, to the very Throne of the King of Glory. David was having a wilderness experience, but He was seeking the Presence. And he sought It with a song. Forgive me, but I’m including some of the lyrics to one of my favorite. I really just want it to touch you, to bless you as you are reminded of it. Be Blessed!
O Lord my God,
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all
The works Thy Hand hath made,
I see the stars,
I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout
The universe displayed;
Stanza 2:
When through the woods
And forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze;
Refrain:
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Sunday School Lesson for Oct. 24, 2010: God’s Universal Reign (Psalm 47)
Revelation 4:8-11 (New International Version)
8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."
Revelation 7:9-12 (New International Version)
The Great Multitude in White Robes
9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb." 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12saying:
"Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!"
The Texas Rangers won the American League Baseball Championship last night. Hurrah! High fives all around, right? There was ample reason for celebration last night and Rangers fans celebrated. from about the middle of the 5th inning on through the end of the game and beyond. Why? Because the Rangers are making history this year. Never in the history of the franchise has Texas gone this far in the post season. This is a moment worthy of celebration. North Texans are proud of ‘their’ teams accomplishments.
Why this nod to the Texas Rangers today? I wanted to direct your attention to the fan’s celebration. It’s corporate and participatory. In essence, There is a sense of camaraderie. This is not many individuals celebrating individually. This is many individuals becoming of one mind, celebrating as a single entity. This is common in sporting events. You have the You might have the seven friends who each painted and individual letter on their chest to spell R-A-N-G-E-R-S. You might witness something like a ‘wave’ where whole sections of people stand and sit in a coordinated fashion so as to create the appearance of motion around a stadium. The list goes on.
The text of today’s lesson points to a worship or celebratory environment like that. The psalmist exhorts his listeners to celebrate the Majesty and the Magnificence of God. Clapping, shouting, singing, dancing… this is a parade. An organized, synchronized, corporate assembling of many nations to celebrate our Lord. A celebration. We celebrate weddings, anniversaries, babies, graduations, any number of events. We do this as an acknowledgement of events in our lives that are praise worthy. This weeks lesson points to the nation of Israel praising God in like manner and encourages the Church (you and I) to do likewise. Go to Church and celebrate the Lord corporately this week. Sing, dance, shout, clap,…participate. God is truly worthy of our celebratory praise.
Blessings,
wb
Revelation 7:13-14 (Amplified Bible)
13 Then, addressing me, one of the elders [[a]of the heavenly Sanhedrin] said, Who are these [people] clothed in the long white robes? And from where have they come?
14 I replied, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are they who have come out of the great tribulation (persecution), and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.(A)
8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."
Revelation 7:9-12 (New International Version)
The Great Multitude in White Robes
9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb." 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12saying:
"Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!"
The Texas Rangers won the American League Baseball Championship last night. Hurrah! High fives all around, right? There was ample reason for celebration last night and Rangers fans celebrated. from about the middle of the 5th inning on through the end of the game and beyond. Why? Because the Rangers are making history this year. Never in the history of the franchise has Texas gone this far in the post season. This is a moment worthy of celebration. North Texans are proud of ‘their’ teams accomplishments.
Why this nod to the Texas Rangers today? I wanted to direct your attention to the fan’s celebration. It’s corporate and participatory. In essence, There is a sense of camaraderie. This is not many individuals celebrating individually. This is many individuals becoming of one mind, celebrating as a single entity. This is common in sporting events. You have the You might have the seven friends who each painted and individual letter on their chest to spell R-A-N-G-E-R-S. You might witness something like a ‘wave’ where whole sections of people stand and sit in a coordinated fashion so as to create the appearance of motion around a stadium. The list goes on.
The text of today’s lesson points to a worship or celebratory environment like that. The psalmist exhorts his listeners to celebrate the Majesty and the Magnificence of God. Clapping, shouting, singing, dancing… this is a parade. An organized, synchronized, corporate assembling of many nations to celebrate our Lord. A celebration. We celebrate weddings, anniversaries, babies, graduations, any number of events. We do this as an acknowledgement of events in our lives that are praise worthy. This weeks lesson points to the nation of Israel praising God in like manner and encourages the Church (you and I) to do likewise. Go to Church and celebrate the Lord corporately this week. Sing, dance, shout, clap,…participate. God is truly worthy of our celebratory praise.
Blessings,
wb
Revelation 7:13-14 (Amplified Bible)
13 Then, addressing me, one of the elders [[a]of the heavenly Sanhedrin] said, Who are these [people] clothed in the long white robes? And from where have they come?
14 I replied, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are they who have come out of the great tribulation (persecution), and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.(A)
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