More Than a Word
Saturday, July 4, 2020 Good morning, Lord V.O.D.: And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.—Colossians 3:23 M.O.M.: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 Today's reading: Job 30-31 Acts 13:26-52
More Than the Word
In spite of the hard things we go through from decade to decade, our country remains the greatest place in the world. Our people in the service are the best trained and equipped and protect us and others with their lives. Our first responders, police and front-liners are all constant and diligent. I say, give praise where praise is due. We could not have what we have without all these folks and our form of government. They are indespensible.
Now that we have said that, let's look at another place where praise is due and as we do, remember this: we never once said, "Praise these people for what they do." What can you say about God? Really-stop-be quiet-think about this. Please do not use words you have heard someone else say or something you have read in a pamphlet. How much do you really think of God? What words of praise do you have for God without ever once using the word praise?
We hear it so often, "Praise God!" But what do we mean? When we praise a great athlete, we may scream at the top our lungs. We might tell them face to face what a great job we think they did. I have never once heard anyone look an athlete in the face and say, "Praise you!"
1 Chronicles 16: 25 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; Yes, but how do we say it? 1 Chronicles, chapter 16, says to 'ascribe' or give God the credit for all these: glory, strength, splendor, majesty. It says also in that same chapter 16: 23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. 24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 25 he is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him.
What will our offering be? Time, money, effort, brains...words? These are hard questions but not meant to be troubling. We give time, brains, money, effort, and words to things on this earth all the time so pray about this: 1 Chronicles 16:29..."Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness."
Yes, the Bible in many places says to "Praise the Lord!". But, why can't we simply ask Him how? What is the 'splendor of His holiness'? I cannot answer that question for you. That is because the 'splendor of His holiness' can only be perceived by you alone, in His presence.
This Fourth of July we will spend mountains of money on hot dogs? $6.7 billion will be spent on some type of celebration. Many well-deserved salutes will be rendered and many great speeches given where many words of praise are offered.
How much of that time will we spend in the splendor of His holiness? That is up to one person-you.
Our country is great but flawed like all human endeavor.
Our God is great everyday and it is our job to present our bodies a living sacrifice which is our proper worship(Romans 12:1&2). Do you want to praise God properly? Be His living sacrifice and you will know what the 'splendor of His holiness is' and you will find the praise rising from your heart and soul in words only the Spirit knows.
...because He loves us...
Father in Heaven, Lead me into the splendor of Your Holiness. I fall so short. Splendid God of marvelous deeds and great glory! In the name of Jesus, Amen