Tag: worship
Day 4–A Famous Jailer
Scripture reading for May 7: Acts 16:25-31 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Paul and Silas were missionaries who had delivered a slave girl from demonic spirits. This caused an uproar and business leaders dragged them before the local rulers and their judges. They were beaten and accused of teaching strange customs and breaking Roman law. These judges had them put in leg irons and hand restraints in the dungeon of the local prison and instructed the jailer to keep them.
But Paul and Silas rejoiced in the Lord Jesus. They sang hymns of praise to God. God heard and sent a strong earthquake that opened the prison doors and released all bonds from every prisoner! The jailer knew if they escaped, he would pay with his life so he prepared to take his own life. Paul and Silas cried out to him, encouraging him that they were all there. The jailer was surprised and thankful. He brought them out and asked them how he, too, could be saved.
For those working in jails, this passage demonstrates why we must acknowledge God in all our ways and treat each prisoner with respect. God shook his jail, but also his own soul with a realization that he needed what Paul and Silas had. He had heard the worship and now wanted to worship God too. These prisoners had the answer: “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, and your household.” For those in jail, as believers, God has a mission field there. He will use you, even as a prisoner, if you keep a heart faithful and full of worship.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this amazing story of a jailer and his family who in doing his job found a brand new life in Jesus. Amen.
The Song of the Lamb!
Scripture reading for December 19: Revelation 15
“Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished. And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire–and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the Song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are Your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your Name? For You Alone are holy. All nations will come and worship You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.”” Revelation 15:1-4
John described another sign: seven angels coming from the sanctuary holding seven golden bowls of the wrath of God which were the seven last plagues. After the pouring of these bowls, the wrath of God against sin and rebellion would be finished. Along with John, there was a great multitude of the redeemed standing there with golden harps given by God. This group had conquered the beast, his image, and resisted the mark (666.)
This multitude began to sing a song, the Song of Moses (Exodus 15:1-11), that became a new song, the Song of the Lamb. This Song extols the justice and truth of God’s amazing judgments. Moses, the great prophet of God, had led Israel to freedom through God’s judgments on the gods of Egypt. He had mercifully delivered them by the blood of a lamb. He led them to victory through baptizing them in the Red Sea, which closed over their enemies. They worshiped singing the Song of Moses. But the judgment of man’s sins was laid on God’s own Son, and given as a gift of mercy to all who would repent and believe, Jew or Gentile. Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave through humble submission to God’s will. Now in heaven, the ‘Song of the Lamb’ is sung by redeemed saints!
Has your world view been expanded to include joining this great multitude in worship singing the Song of the Lamb? Do you gather with others of faith each week to sing songs of worship to the Lamb?
Prayer: Father God, just and true are Your amazing works and judgments! Thank You for Your amazing mercy to those who humbly receive it. May the nations all come before You in worship and surrender, singing the Song of the Lamb! Amen!
From the ends of the earth: singing!
Scripture reading for July 23: Isaiah 24-27
Isaiah broke forth in a dissertation about the coming “day of the Lord”. The watchman of Israel was given a description of that day to warn the people of Israel to be ready for what was coming. God’s people are set apart from this day of wrath and welcome it with singing and joy. (Isaiah 24:14-16) The people of earth without a knowledge of the Lord and faith in Him are filled with terror! (Isaiah 24:11-13)
Let’s focus on those who know the Lord! Out of this vivid description of the terror for the lost comes bright rays of hope for those of faith! Isaiah heard shouts of joy for the glory and majesty of the Lord arising from the East and West! He heard singing coming from the islands of the sea and the ends of the earth! God was bringing His people together! (Isaiah 24:14-16) God would reign in their midst on Mt. Zion and His glory would radiate through and in His people! (Isaiah 24:23)
In Isaiah 25, Isaiah broke into praise for His fulfillment of God’s Word! God spoke His plans from ancient days and then brought them to pass! He humbled the proud and exalted His humble people! He cared for the poor and needy and defeated all their enemies! Isaiah saw the Lord preparing a banquet of rich foods for all peoples! On Mt. Zion, God would destroy the shroud that enfolded all peoples and swallow up the ‘swallower’ of His people! Death would be defeated and tears wiped away!
The Apostle Paul quoted these truths in 1st Corinthians 15:50-57 to describe the resurrection body that would be given to each believer at the coming of Jesus Christ! They were referred to by the Apostle John in his vision from the island of Patmos in Revelation 21:1-5 as he described the new heavens and new earth as the believer’s eternal home! Revelation 19:6-9 describes the wedding supper of the Lamb! When we receive Holy Communion, we are proclaiming that Jesus’ death destroyed the shroud of death over us and our hope of eating at that great banquet!
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:3-4) Put your trust in Jesus Christ again today! He is our Rock eternal! From your end of the earth let songs of worship resound and rest in Jesus!
Sunday rest and reflection-Moses’ psalm
Dear friends of Jesus,
Greetings on this another day to rest and worship! God’s praises have been sung throughout eternity by those whom He has created. Our God is worthy of praise for many reasons! He is creator, redeemer, sustainer, lover of mankind, life-giver, all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere present, full of compassion for the hurting and weak, protector of widows and orphans, and ultimately the judge of all men and angels!
The oldest psalm in the psalter comes from the pen of Moses, the man of God, who lived about 1500 years before Christ. Indications are that Moses wrote this psalm during the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Moses proclaimed God as man’s dwelling place from generations past, back to the very first man! (Psalm 90:1) Moses knew and worshiped God as creator and the everlasting God Who sits above time and history. (Psalm 90:2-4) God is in control of all life and ultimately judges all sin because He knows about all sin. Man’s time on earth is short and full of trouble because of sin and death ends our stay here as a result of sin. (Psalm 90:4-10)
Moses petitioned God for an understanding of our short time here on earth that we might have a heart of wisdom. We need God’s mercy and compassion in our lives in order to understand life. We need God’s love to know how to love and live effectively. Moses asked for God’s blessing and favor on His people, particularly the children. Passing the torch of faith was important to Moses. We all long for lasting significance and fulfilled purpose, and Moses was no different.
As you rest this Lord’s day, thank Him for eternal life and the promises of God we have in Jesus Christ. Moses was wandering in the wilderness experiencing God’s wrath and yet walking by faith. We now have the Holy Spirit and the Word of God and are blessed and favored people. Moses’ psalm gives us food for thought and reason for thanks! Have a great week in the Lord! In His Love, Pastor John
Sunday rest and reflection–worship
Dear friends, Greetings in the Wonderful Name of Jesus Christ, the One worthy of all worship! When many people think of worship, they think of singing hymns or spiritual songs. Some people think of a church service with a choir, instruments, and people following a worship leader. Whatever your worship ideal, spend time today honoring God in worship and gathering with His people.
Psalms was the temple worship book of the Old Testament Jew. This was compiled over one thousand years of time and represents a variety of authors and different worship styles. Most are poetry set to music and were accompanied by instruments. There were several kinds of musical instruments mentioned for worship. The sounding trumpet was to praise the Lord! The harp was played by King David. The lyre was a stringed instrument, similar to the guitar or mandolin. (Psalm 150:3-4) The flute and resounding cymbals are also mentioned as well as the tambourine. (Psalm 149:3; 150:5)
During times of worship, people might kneel or bow down. Sometimes they stood to honor the Lord and His Word. Sometimes they would raise their hands or clap their hands. They would sing the Psalms or they might sing a “new song” to the Lord that came from their hearts by the Spirit. At other times, they would dance and shout or sing before the Lord with loud voices and passionate dance. David was judged to have made a fool of himself by dancing before the Lord! Sometimes the congregation would be still and simply recognize that God was God. However you want to express your honor and devotion to the Lord will be accepted if it is done in a spirit of humility and true worship. God sees the heart.
May your life of worship, be blessed! We gather with God’s people for worship, but go out to live a life of worship, honoring God in each day with every breath! We sing to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs and make melody in our hearts to the Lord, doing everything to His glory!
In His Glorious Worship, Pastor John
The multitude in white!
Scripture reading for December 8th: Revelation 7, Psalm 95, Proverbs 28
Revelation 7:9-12, 14 “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God, Who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power be to our God forever and ever! Amen!” . . .“And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.””
Heaven will be populated by people from every tribe, tongue and nation because God is Maker of them all! Jesus instructed the apostles and all who would believe on Him to go into all the world and preach the good news to every creature. As the Gospel age comes to a close, the Church on earth will undergo severe persecution and the martyrdom of many believers through the ‘Antichrist and his rebels. The ‘great tribulation’ will be marked by martyrs. But John sees these martyrs, now in heaven, clothed in white and singing around the throne! Their song rejoices in their salvation and attributes all honor and glory to the One on the Throne and to the Lamb, Who provided the blood to clothe them in white! Their worship resounds through all of heaven as they await the fullness of salvation.
Psalm 95:6-7 “O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.”
Prayer: Father God and Jesus our Lamb, we worship You and bow down in reverence and honor for the great salvation You have provided and announced to the entire world. Thank You for saving people from all nations and tongues. Thank You for providing us ‘robes of white’ through Jesus’ righteousness! Thank You for the privilege of worshiping you throughout eternity as members of Your forever Flock!
Proverbs 28:17-18 “If one is burdened with the blood of another, he will be a fugitive until death; let no one help him. Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.”
Great joy and worship!
Scripture reading for April 7th: Matthew 2, Psalm 70, Proverbs 8
Matthew 2: 7-11 “Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found Him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship Him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”
“Wise men (and women) still seek Him!” is a popular bumper sticker with believers in our culture. In the time of Jesus’ birth, God revealed to some men renowned for their wisdom the birth of a King, the Son of God. God sent a “star” to lead them across the desert and wilderness to the exact location of this Child Who was a King. They stopped to inquire of the local king, Herod, about this Child’s birth and location. Herod had asked the Jewish leaders about where the King would be born and they had revealed “Bethlehem” through the prophesies of Micah. Herod sent them to locate this Child with instructions to return and reveal the location. They went onward, led by the star, and found the child. Great joy and worship and the giving of expensive gifts resulted! They were warned not to return to Herod. They obeyed as only “wise” men could! Show your wisdom by seeking Him, worshiping Him and obeying!
Psalm 70:4 “May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You! May those who love Your salvation say evermore, “God is great!””
Prayer: Father God, You Alone are the All-Wise God! In Your Son is hidden all the treasures of true Wisdom and Knowledge! I seek Your instruction as silver and Your Wisdom as fine gold and jewels! Nothing I desire can compare with Jesus Christ, the Wisdom and Knowledge of God My Father! I shout with the psalmist: “God is Great!” and thank You for leading me to Jesus, the Pearl of great price.
Proverbs 8:20-23 “Take My instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.”
Multitudes clothed in white!
Scripture reading for December 9th: Nehemiah 7-9, Psalm 140, Revelation 7
Revelation 7: 13-17 “Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He Who sits on the throne will shelter them with His presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their Shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.””
In the heavenly vision given to John, he beheld a great multitude of people from every tribe of the earth standing before God’s throne. One of the elders around the throne asked John who they were. John wisely answered, “Sir, you know.” It was revealed that these were those who came out of the great tribulation of the last days. They had white robes because they had repented of sins and come to Jesus Christ for cleansing and His righteousness. They had been martyred and now stood in God’s presence cleansed and satisfied by the Good Shepherd who wiped away every tear and gave them living water! Praise His Name forever and ever!
Psalm 140:12-13 “I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your Name; the upright shall dwell in Your presence.”
Prayer: Father God, I thank You for Your mercy and for Your justice. Thank You for showing mercy in the great tribulation to those from all nations who will repent. I have given my body to you to use for Your purposes of reaching the nations and all lost with the Good News of salvation and righteousness in the kingdom of Heaven through Jesus Christ and His blood. May I worship You through obedience today.
Nehemiah 9:3 “And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day; for another quarter of it they made confession and worshiped the Lord their God.”
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.”