Sunday, September 25, 2011

Day 54 - Psalm 97

The Psalmist paints a very vivid description of His power. It's quite remarkable to think that God can have all this power and yet not take advantage of it. He isn't into selfish gain or doesn't get drunk off power (like some people in this world). With that said, if we are ever in a position to have power over someone (be someone's boss, run a company, be a teacher, etc), we should think of this Psalm and remember how God uses it. Not for gain but for bettering a situation, place or person.
Day 53 - Psalm 98 (King James)

:4b - "make a loud noise" -- Other versions read: break out in praise (NLT); let loose and sing (the Message); burst into jubilant song (NIV).

I just absolutely love the different versions to this part of the verse. These are such vivid descriptions of how we can praise God with song and action. Loudly, breaking out, letting loose, bursting... It's okay to let loose and be loud in front of God. Whether its praising Him with song or crying out to Him. I don't think God cares what type of action we use to respond to Him; just as long as we respond. And responding lies solely on us... God can't forces us to respond... we should do it in response to Him and what He's done in our lives.
Day 52 - Psalm 99 (The Message)

:1a "God rules!"

I understand that this version is meant to imply that God is the ruler over everything. However, it's fun to think "God rules" means that He rocks; He's awesome; His #1... And, in fact, He is. God does amazing things. He can part the Red Sea and extend grace/mercy to forgive sins. He can guide little ol' me and take on my worries and problems. He can do it all, literally. So, with that said, God does rule!
Day 51 - Psalm 100

:2b "...come before Him, singing with joy."

Songs can be uplifting, fun, inspirational, depressing, etc... they can certainly set a mood and mindset. They can also become mundane, repetitive and down right predictable. I'll have to admit that there have been times when I've been in church and I'd sing the songs but not sing the songs. This verse says "sing with joy" -- and that is what we must do every time we come before God. It's one thing to sing the song we've heard a gozillion times. But it's another thing to sing it with joy! Sometimes, singing the song will bring you joy. Other times, it's up to us to bring the joy before the Lord in song.
Day 50 - Psalm 101

Eight verses and eight times the Psalms says, "I will". Not "might" or "probably" but "I will". He wants to please God so he speaks in future tense. He wants to live an upright and holy life. Its as if he was speaking into his own future... he was laying the tracks for the road ahead with positive thinking and confident speak. Now, only if we did this everyday, imagine what could happen...