Songs of Joy
Psalm 29
(v.2) In our prayers, we need to always remember who God is...He is the Almighty, who made the heavens and the earth. He is all powerful, yet He is love. His grace and mercy are endless, and if we start our prayers with this frame of mind, we will be praying in His will.
The bulk of this song refers to the awesomeness of God's voice. There are many references to God's magnanimous voice in the Old Testament.
When we have a big thunder and lightening storm, I like to sit in our covered porch and watch the show with my kids. I teach them that God's voice is like the deafening thunder...but it's also soft like that is described in 1 Kings 19:12.
God speaks to us in times of trouble with a loud voice, and often in a soft voice through prayer, through reading His Word, or through friends or family.
(v.11) We need to remember that we are on God's team...we have the best Captain ever!
Psalm 33
(v.4) Although the Bible has been translated into many languages and formats, the Word of God is pure. If we look at the original Hebrew and Greek words of the Old and New Testaments, we will see that God is precise, and without error. If we let skeptics persuade us that the Word is tainted, then what do we have to base our beliefs on? If one part of the Word is false, then how can we trust it? We are then left to man's judgment and reasoning, and we see through history, that it is sinful and proud.
The Bible is the Word of God, and the more we study it and understand it, we see that all of the books of the Bible are inspired by God.
(v.12) God established the people of Israel, starting with Abraham and his sons, but making them a nation by Moses leading them out of Egypt. God chose to reveal His character and plans for us through the people of Israel.
God also established the United States of America. He used the USA to be a beacon of light to the world...through its freedoms, He used it to be the most evangelical nation ever. God used America to reach all the ends of the earth with the Gospel.
Today, our once great nation has pushed God away from it. We are not a nation that fears God in our institutions and laws. Individuals still love and fear God, but we've allowed the unbelievers to alter the intent of our Founding Fathers and of God. If we wish to see God back in our schools, courthouses and government, then it's up to us believers to lead the way.
Psalm 65
(v.4) All of us have a desire to know God. In that sense, all of us are chosen by God. However, few of us actually accept what Jesus did for us, and let God be the Master of our lives. If we do, then we are His Chosen Ones. If we don't, then we were called, but chose not to follow God.
I tell my kids that this is like when your friend sends out birthday invitations out. You were chosen to enjoy the party, but it's up to you to accept and attend. Those that attend and enjoy the party are like those that accepted Christ and will be joyous for eternity in heaven with Him.
Psalm 66
(v.5) We read about the awesome miracles that God did for the Jews of Israel, and we sometimes wonder if God is still around. Yes He is...He is in the starving child in Africa who accepts Christ, He is in the terrible earthquakes that devastate a land, but bring revival and many people to accept Him. He is in the emergency room, where a person is near death and there's no hope, but people are praying for healing, and defying all reason and medical logic, the person is restored.
Miracles happen all around us every day...we just need to have our eyes open to see them!
(v.10) God doesn't cause us to sin or make mistakes, but He does allow trials to come into our lives, so He can mold us and strengthen us. James 1:2 tells us that God uses hard times for us to make us stronger and more useful for Him. It's when we are in hard times, that we stop and think about our priorities...not when all is going smoothly.
(v.16) The hardest part about being a Christian for many people, is to share God with others. We have a fear of looking or sounding foolish. We are still learning the Bible, so how can we bring others to Christ?
The best witness to others is to tell them what God has done for you in your life. No one can argue with that, and it's a personal thing that connects with people.
After that, when your friend has questions, you can share the Word with them and let the Holy Spirit bring them to Christ.
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