Tag: new song
Worthy is the Lamb!
Scripture reading for December 6th: Revelation 5, Psalm 93, Proverbs 26
Revelation 5: 6-10 “And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And He went and took the scroll from the right hand of Him Who was seated on the throne. And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
John’s attention was focused on a scroll in the hand of the One on the throne. It was sealed with seven seals and a mighty angel asked a question: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” (Revelation 5:2) John began to weep loudly as he understood that there was no one in heaven or earth who could open it or look in it. But an elder spoke to John, calming his fears with the announcement that “The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David had conquered.” (Revelation 5:5) At this point, John saw the Lamb, bearing marks of crucifixion, standing between the throne and the living creatures and elders. The Lamb took the scroll and all around the throne fell down in worship. The elders offered bows full of incense, the prayers of believers and sang a new song of worship to the Lamb, worthy to open the scroll.
Psalm 93:1-2 “The Lord reigns; He is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; He has put on strength as His belt. Yes, the world is established from of old; You are from everlasting.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world, I worship You as alone worthy of all honor, glory and praise! You are worthy to open the scroll and take possession of the kingdom prepared for You before the world began. I am thankful to be part of those You ransomed. As a priest and part of Your eternal kingdom, use me today to pray for those needing salvation and adoption into Your family.
Proverbs 26:1 “Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.”
Worship of the Worthy One
Scripture reading for December 7th: Nehemiah 1-3, Revelation 5
Revelation 5:6-10 “And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And He went and took the scroll from the right hand of Him Who was seated on the throne. And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
John beheld the throne of God and One seated there holding a scroll sealed with seven seals. John began to weep because there was no one to open the scroll when a mighty angel proclaimed that the Lion of the tribe of Judah was worthy! John looked to see Him, and he beheld a Lamb, standing as if He had been slain! This ‘Lamb” had seven horns and seven eyes and He took the scroll. As He did, all the elders and living creatures around the throne fell down to worship in a new song this Worthy One. He was ‘worthy’ because He had been slain and His blood was the ransom for all the people of God. He ransomed them that they might have the kingdom of God and reign with Him on the earth! This new song brought worship from every creature in every place in the universe! Worthy is the Lamb to rule!
Revelation 5:13 “And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them saying, “To Him Who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
Prayer: Father God, Worthy are You and the Lamb, our Lord Jesus Christ, to receive all worship, honor, glory and praise now and forever and ever! You bought us with Your own Son’s blood and by grace and mercy gave us eternal life as priests and kings in Your eternal kingdom. You answer our prayers and grant us power and favor to witness to the lost of Your eternal plan of salvation and build Your church! Amen!
Nehemiah 1:11, 2:8 “O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who delight to fear Your Name, and give success to Your servant today and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” . . .’And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.”
The obedience of faith!
Scripture reading for June 12th: Proverbs 19-21, Psalm 40, Romans 16
Key Scriptures: Romans 16:25-27 “Now to Him Who is able to strengthen you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writing has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith–to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Paul closed out his letter to the Roman believers with a benediction blessing. All glory goes to Jesus Christ and God His Father for their wisdom and revelation of God’s great plan of salvation. This plan was kept secret for long ages but was revealed by the prophets and their writings and now through the preaching of Jesus Christ. Jesus preached God’s eternal Word and through that Gospel of repentance He brings faith to all nations of men enabling them to obey God and become His children. To God be glory through Jesus Christ!
Psalm 40:3 “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, I give all glory to You and my heavenly Father for the Gospel I received by the preaching of God’s eternal Word, Jesus Christ. Anoint me with the Holy Spirit today and with boldness to declare the Gospel to all You put in my path. You are my precious Treasure!
Proverbs 21:20-21 “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it. Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.”
Virgins for the Lamb!
Scripture reading for December 18th: Revelation 14, Psalm 131-32, Proverbs 5
Key Scriptures: Revelation 14:2-5 “And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as first-fruits for God and the Lamb, for they are blameless.”
John heard a multitude in heaven, 144,000, singing around heaven’s throne. They sang a new song which no one but them could learn. These are those redeemed from earth who had been fully devoted to the Lamb Christ Jesus. They had followed the Lamb and sought His righteousness therefore they were considered blameless and were in God’s presence singing in worship and adoration. They represent the full number of dedicated saints of all times.
Faith Confession: I look forward to being among this number one day. Lord, help me to fully follow Jesus and live a blameless life through Your grace through Christ’s blood and to learn the new song of the redeemed!
Proverbs 5:20-21 “Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress? For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths.”
Faith declaration!
Scripture reading for May 16th: Acts 9, Psalm 98, Proverbs 5
Key Scriptures: Acts 9:39-42 “So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.”
Tabitha, a beloved disciple who was a seamstress suddenly died. The other believers washed her body and sent for Peter to come quickly. Peter put all the widows and others out and alone with the body, he knelt to pray. After prayer, Peter turned to the body and spoke the woman’s name: “Tabitha, arise.” He made a simple faith confession or command as a result of his faith in His Lord Jesus. This miracle caused many to believe in Jesus Christ!
Faith Confession: I believe in the resurrection power of the Name of Jesus Christ. Lord, help me to seek You at every need You bring before me in order to do Your will and enable me to speak in faith that many will believe in You.
Psalm 98:1-2 “Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things! His right hand and His holy arm have worked salvation for Him. The Lord has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations.”
The “New Song” of Heaven!
Scripture reading for December 6th: Revelation 5
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Revelation 5:9-11 “And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth. Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and living creatures and elders.”
John noticed a crowd in heaven around the throne. This crowd numbered in the tens and hundred of millions. The elders around the throne were singing a new song of worship to the Lamb on the throne. This song extolled the sacrifice of His blood for people of every tribe, tongue and nation and their transformation into a kingdom of priests that would reign on the earth!
Observations for over-comers: Heaven will be full of worship and celebration of the sacrifice of the Lamb. New songs will flow from those around the throne! “Sing to the Lord a new song , for He has done marvelous things; His right Hand and His holy Arm have worked salvation for Him!” (Psalm 98:1)
Declaring His Glory!
Scripture reading for June 21st: Psalm 90-97
Psalms 95-97 are focused on the glory of God and worship! I enjoy these psalms because of their joy and rejoicing in God, Himself. They call all of mankind and creation into the chorus of worship that belongs to God who is worthy of praise!
Singing for joy and shouting out loud is mentioned in Psalm 95:1. Coming before Him with thanksgiving is always a good idea for God’s people, because God is the source of all their blessings! (Psalm 95:2) God’s people are urged to bow down in worship and kneel before their maker. (Psalm 95:6) Our posture, as well as our voices, instruments, and songs, indicates humility and honor. He is the great King above all gods, creator of heaven and earth!
Psalm 96 opens with an exhortation to sing a ‘new song’ to the Lord. His people are to declare His glory among the nations and peoples of the earth. All other nations and peoples have gods that are idols, but Israel alone knew the one true God who was worthy of praise! (Psalm 96:8) God was so arrayed in glory and majesty that a new song would come to those who contemplated His beauty and strength!
The Holy Spirit’s infilling often brings a new level of worship to the believer. From the Holy Spirit comes ‘spiritual songs’ given to help us worship of our awesome Lord when our own words aren’t enough! (Ephesians 5:18-20) This is a special experience available to New Testament believers!
In Psalms 96 and 97, all of creation joins in the worship chorus! The heavens rejoice and the earth is glad, the sea resounds and all the creatures in it at the glory of the Lord. The fields are jubilant and the trees sing in harmony as the Lord comes. The clouds surround Him. Fire goes before Him and lightning lights up the world! Mountains melt like wax in His presence and the earth sees Him and trembles! All the peoples see His Glory and His people rejoice and are glad. God comes to judge the earth and the peoples in righteousness and truth!
Take time today to offer heart-felt worship to the Lord! He is truly worthy of our praise! Examine your own heart for your preparations to see God as Redeemer and Judge!
Worthy is the Lamb!
Scripture reading for December 14th: Revelation 5:1-14
John, continuing his tour of the throne room of heaven, noticed a scroll in the hand of the One on the throne. A mighty angel cried out: “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” (Revelation 5:2) John wept that no one was found in heaven or earth who could open the scroll.
“Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and elders.” (Revelation 5:5-6a) Long ago, God had foretold that the tribe of Judah would bring forth a ruler over the nations. (Genesis 49:10) At another time, God had foretold that the line of David would bring a King who would rule eternally! (2nd Samuel 7:9-16)
But it was not apparent to John that this was the Lion of Judah, for he saw a Lamb, looking like it had been slain! This Lamb was worthy to open this scroll and read its contents. The elders around the throne sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10) The Lamb’s sacrifice of His blood purchased men for God! All men are lost and sold into slavery to sin. The price of full redemption was the blood of the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world! (John 1:29)
John looked again and heard the voices of many angels worshiping around the throne. Then he heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea singing: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13) Heaven and earth were in unison and focused on the throne of heaven. Their worship was giving glory to the One on the throne and to this Lamb–for ever and ever!
Sing a new song!
Scripture reading for June 21st: Psalm 90-97
Psalms 95-97 are focused on the glory of God and worship! I enjoy these psalms because of their expressions of joy and rejoicing in God Himself. They call all of mankind and nature into the chorus of worship that adores God. It is helpful to our worship to explore them and make them part of our own adoration of our Father God.
Singing for joy and shouting out loud are mentioned in Psalm 95:1. God’s people are urged to bow down in worship and kneel before their maker. (Psalm 95:6) Our posture, as well as our voices, instruments, and songs, indicates humility and honor. He is the great King above all gods, creator of heaven and earth!
Psalm 96 opens with an exhortation to sing a ‘new song’ to the Lord. All other nations and peoples had gods that were idols, but Israel alone knew the one true God who was worthy of praise! (Psalm 96:8) God was so arrayed in glory and majesty that a new song would come to those who contemplated His beauty and strength! As they beheld the Lord in worship, new songs of joy and praise flow out of their hearts and burst from their lips! The old songs were not adequate to express their adoration!
The Holy Spirit’s infilling often brings a new level of worship to the believer. From the Holy Spirit comes ‘spiritual songs’ given for worship of our Lord! From the Spirit comes a new song bringing praise to the King! (Ephesians 5:18-20) At times in different corporate worship settings, I have experienced the Spirit bringing forth a ‘new song’ from the congregation that took us into the heavenly realm and put us in harmony with those worshiping around the throne!
In Psalms 96 and 97 the heavens rejoice and the earth is glad. The sea resounds and all the creatures in it give glory the Lord. The fields are jubilant and the trees sing in harmony as the Lord comes. Mountains melt like wax in His presence and the earth sees Him and trembles! All the peoples see His Glory and His people rejoice and are glad. Those worshiping idols are put to shame! For God comes to judge the earth and the peoples in righteousness and truth!
Take time today to offer heartfelt worship to the Lord! Do a self-evaluation of your readiness to see Him as Savior and Judge!
Sunday Rest and Reflection:Freedom to Celebrate God
Dear Friends,
Greetings on this Sunday, July 4th! What a day to celebrate freedom in Jesus Christ! It is not only our nation’s birthday, but it is another celebration of the resurrection of the King of Kings! Now that’s something to get excited about! Jesus Christ is alive and our gathering together to Him could happen at any time. That’s when the real fireworks starts! A flash of lightening will light up the sky from east to west and the trumpet will sound and graves will be opened! We who are alive and remain, will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air! We shall ever be with Him!
We celebrate our freedom today to worship in the church of our choice. Many countries do not have religious freedom but we are blessed by God to have no fear when we gather to praise our Lord. We are free to choose where and when and how we worship. This is a blessing to have choices and to be able to follow our hearts. We must be careful not to let our freedom become license to neglect the Lord and gathering with His people. Many have taken that route to their own destruction!
We celebrate God, Himself! Our awesome God is the King of Kings! He has forgiven us our sins and healed our diseases. He has redeemed our life from the pit and from destruction. He is a Father who has compassion on His children and is loving and merciful toward all He has made! He is our refuge in time of trouble and He protects us from all our enemies. He rules the universe in justice and truth, having all power and authority. He has promised us eternal life with Him and joy unspeakable as we dwell in His glory! What a celebration we can have today!
May the love of the Father and of Jesus Christ and the precious Holy Spirit bring you a brilliant revelation of His goodness that lights up your soul with heavenly fireworks on this special day!
In His Love, Pastor John