Highlights In Today's Reading:
The Lord is my Shepherd and provides for His Sheep (chap. 23). The earth is the Lord's. . . . He is King of Glory (chap. 24). The meek will He guide . . . and . . . teach His way (25:9). Integrity is of utmost importance (chap. 26). David's example of triumphant patience and faith (27:14): in how God answers prayer (chap. 28); in the mighty power of God (chap. 29). Praise for His deliverance (chap. 30).
The Book of Psalms gives many precious reasons to praise and worship the Lord: The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein (24:1). The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (27:1). When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up (27:10). I will extol Thee, O Lord; for Thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried unto Thee, and Thou hast healed me (30:1-2).
Through the Psalms the Lord teaches us "how" to worship Him: Unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul (25:1). To lift up my soul unto the Lord does not mean a temporary or an occasional desire of the heart to please God; it means having a steadfast desire to set one's affection on Him. This takes place as we recognize how powerless we are in ourselves — how utterly lacking in spiritual understanding apart from the Bible.
Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His Name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness (29:1-2). When we lift up our souls to the Lord, our lives glorify Him. Then He enables us to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Cor. 10:5), which is the true beauty of holiness. Failure to do this has caused Christians to be confused, weak and defeated. But God provides power to the one who knows His Word, for the Word of God is quick (living), and powerful . . . a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12).
As we commit our minds and bodies to our wonderful Lord, He imparts the desire, as well as the strength, to allow our emotions to be controlled by His indwelling Spirit. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God . . . present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Rom. 12:1-2).
Thought for Today:
Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His Name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness (Ps. 29:2).
Christ Revealed:
As our Shepherd (Ps. 23). Christ called Himself the Good Shepherd and vowed to lay down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).
Word Studies:
26:1 slide = waver, fall; 26:2 reins = desires and thoughts; 26:4 dissemblers = pretenders, deceitful ones; 28:2 holy oracle = Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies ; 28:3 mischief = evil.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Arabic, English, & Spanish International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. G.R. Bettle • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Officials: Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC), Rep. Collin Peterson (MN), and Rep. Harry Teague (NM) • Country: Slovenia (2 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Slovenian and Serbo-Croatian • Freedom of religion • 81% Roman Catholic; 1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray each day for the Lord to protect you from evil (I Pet. 5:8).
Optional Reading: Colossians 2
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:20