Chesed

Tuesday, ‎August 22, ‎2023

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: Romans 8:32

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Memory verse: Philippians 4:8 ►Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Today's reading: PSALM 110-112 1 CORINTHIANS 5

Chesed

Chesed-Hebrew word of lovingkindness-God's loving kindness toward us-our loving kindness to others and toward God Himself.

Psalm 107: 43 Who is wise? Let him observe these things, and consider Adonai’s loving kindness.

We have spoken before of the word praise and how we make 'praise' personal. To just say "Praise God" does mean something to some folks. But if we look deeper, we may find that saying the word 'praise' needs something more-a lot more.

Psalm 107:8 Let them praise Adonai for His mercy

and His wonders for the children of men,

9 for He satisfies the thirsty soul

and fills the hungry soul with goodness.

We must see that this passage tells us to praise-praise here is a verb-something we do, not just something we say. Our praise cannot exist just in the word 'praise'. The passage then goes on to tell us some things to praise God for.

Well then, how would we say it? First, when we praise, we must use our own words from a heart that is 'praising' or in awe or thanksgiving.

I could 'praise' God andsay,

"Father, your mercy is great and your wonders are amazing..."

"You satisfy my thirsty soul and fill my hungry soul with your goodness". This would be my form of 'praising God'. How would you say these things?

What is this all about today? To help us all see the light God shines on our own paths that He has chosen for us. Remember what is written in Psalm 23?

"He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His namesake." Each of our lives is different. Each of us has a path or paths that has been preordained by God and the degree to which we listen and obey God and love Him is the degree to which we have followed the path He has chosen for us.

"Well, that sounds confusing, preacher." Ok. Think of God's path for you as a straight, horizontal line. Only you and the Lord know how well you have followed that line. At times my line would look like the scribblings of a child-how about you?

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

How do we delight ourselves in the Lord? How do we praise Him? There is only one answer for each of us and though it is very different for each, the foundation is still the same. We must be committed to loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind. God must be the most precious thing in our hearts and lives.(Matthew 22:37-40)

Being constantly conscious of the Holy Spirit takes work but it is a labor of love when we seek Him and His kingdom and His righteousness(Matthew 6:33)

John 15:11 ►I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

38 (Jesus said)"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'”

The Lord's joy is a constant current in all times, good and bad...now is the time to commit your whole life to God and learn His righteous heart for you.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

I want to know You, oh God, and commit my life to hearing You and loving You and obeying you. Your loving kindness is boundless!

Precious God of mercy and loving kindness,

In the name of our Lord Jesus,

Amen