Auditors not wanted ∙∙

Auditors not wanted ∙∙

Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. – James 1:22

James 1:23-25

23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.
24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.
25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard . . ..

“The Great Pretender” is a popular song recorded by The Platters in 1955. It was repopularized in 1987 by Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen. Mercury explained that the song was particularly fitting for how he saw his career and being on stage. In 2004, Rolling Stone voted it the 360th greatest song of all time.

Oh yes, I’m the great pretender, pretending that I’m doing well
My need is such I pretend too much.
I’m lonely but no one can tell. Oh yes, I’m the great pretender.
Adrift in a world of my own, I play the game but to my real shame.
You’ve left me to dream all alone, too real is this feeling of make believe.
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal.
Ooh, Ooh yes, I’m the great pretender.
I seem to be what I’m not (you see).
I’m wearing my heart like a crown, pretending that you’re still around.

It is all too easy to fall into the role of a pretender, a pitfall that many of the children of the King unwittingly stumble into. We often convince ourselves that merely showing up, participating in rituals, and displaying outward signs of faith is what the Father desires. We are only fooling ourselves. Yet, as James wisely admonishes, this is merely a facade, a religious illusion steeped in self-deception. The most unsettling aspect is our blindness to this pretense; many of us continue on this path, unaware that we are living out a charade rather than embodying true faith.

They are only pretenders.

REFLECT & PRAY

“We do serious damage to our spiritual life when we expose ourselves to the Bible but do nothing with what we read” (Richison).

Father, encourage me to live out the message of the truth of Your Word and embody it in my daily life.

INSIGHT

We are encouraged not to be just listeners of the Word but doers.

James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

Hearing the Scriptures without action is akin to auditing a college course, passively absorbing information without engagement. Auditors listen but do not take notes. They do not study, and they take no appropriate action, leading to little retention. They are involved but are not committed. The course of “life” that is grounded in the Word of God cannot simply be observed from afar. It cannot be audited. It demands more than just awareness or understanding; it calls for action. The transformative power of God is unlocked and realized through active obedience and application of His truths.

The Greek term for “doers of the Word” is poietai logou, which implies more than just passive listening. In classical Greek, it referred to creative people like writers and poets, but in James, it signifies obeying the law. The Old Testament speaks to this in Deuteronomy, emphasizing the importance of actively doing the law.

Deuteronomy 28:58 [Be] careful to do all the words of this law.

James challenges us to practice what we believe, to live by the Word, not just hear it. James urges the people to put the word into practice, obey the message (Gspd), live by the word (Knox), or act on the message (REB). This practice is not just about understanding but improving through action. A “doer of the word” practices what they believe. It couldn’t be simpler. Children of the King are not to be auditors and only take information in. Instead, we are to live out what we take in. As we “do the Word,” we grow more adept, continually refining our ability to live it out.

But there is more. While “doing the word,” we get better at it; we keep improving.

The command to live by God’s Word should not intimidate us; instead, it should encourage us. James acknowledges that we might not grasp everything at the beginning. In fact, being fallen creatures in a fallen world, we will never get it entirely right. The key is to start implementing the Word and persist in doing so, embracing the gradual, transformative journey it offers.

Temporary setbacks are an inevitable part of achieving long-term success. The key is our perseverance and growth, learning from each experience and harnessing the transformative power of faithful obedience.

Determining to do the Word of God is not for the faint of heart. Achieving this is far from simple; it mirrors the challenge of driving innovation in engineering. A fitting analogy is the work of Walt Disney Imagineers, a fusion of imagination and engineering. The term “Imagineer” is a combination of the words “imagination” and “engineer.” For decades, Imagineering enabled Walt Disney to transform his imagination’s dreams, fantasies and wishes into concrete reality.

Imagineering synthesizes the approaches of three different types of individuals: the dreamer, the realist, and the critic. Disney employs very talented people from various fields and walks of life to dream. They conceive new ideas and invent new technologies to accomplish them. This eclectic group of Imagineers starts with an idea. They begin the process of trying to implement the concept. They are expected to fail. It is assumed that they aren’t trying hard enough to succeed if they do not fail 30% of the time.

Are you merely pretending, fooling yourself? You can choose right now to embody the teachings of God’s Word. Don’t be discouraged by obstacles. They are to be expected as part of the journey.

Psalms 37:24 Though they stumble, they will never be hurled headlong, for the LORD holds them by the hand.

Just as parents understand that toddlers begin to learn to walk around 12 months, they create a safe environment where the toddler can learn the new skill of walking. Any sharp objects or tripping hazards are removed. Parents set the stage and provide support and encouragement along the way. The process is both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

Remember, “Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up” (Chinese proverb).

The Father wants us to thrive in our faith journey, walk of faith. He ensures that every child of the King is supported. The Father does not guarantee that the children of the King will not stumble or fall. Instead, He promises that when it happens, He has their back. He can prevent our stumbles (Jude 24), and when we falter, He stands ready to lift us, offering solace and strength. His loving embrace is our comfort, guiding us through life’s challenges with the promise of restoration. We are never alone, even in our weakest moments.

Why does the Father do this? What motivates Him? It all comes down to His profound love for every child of the King. “The Father delights in His children and wants them to learn to walk” (Wiersbe).

¯_(ツ)_/¯5-15-3

Spiritual snakebite ∙∙

Spiritual snakebite ∙∙

Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up. – John 3:14

John 3:14-18

14 And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,
15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world but to save the world through him.
18 There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.

Have you ever been hiking in the woods and had a close encounter with a venomous snake? How did you react? Most people would feel gripped by fear and quickly seek medical attention.

Thankfully, modern medicine offers solutions for poisonous snake bites. Antivenoms can effectively prevent or reverse the effects of most snakebites, significantly reducing the risk of death or severe injury. If antivenom were available, would you use it?

About 3,500 years ago, the Father provided a cure for physical snakebite that saved countless lives.

While wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites frequently complained and griped.

In Numbers 21, they whined and grumbled about their boring, humdrum lives wandering around in the wilderness, being forced to eat the same food day after day, manna from heaven. Their longing to return to slavery in Egypt overshadowed their willingness to follow Moses and God.

The Father devised a straightforward plan to address their woes: death. He sent venomous snakes into their camp, making their lives anything but boring. As people were bitten, many died, and fear gripped the survivors. They thought it was dreadful before; this was far worse than they could’ve ever imagined.
They came to grips with their attitude of disrespecting the Lord God Almighty and His clearly specified plan for their lives. But more importantly, they realized their complaining and griping were sins.
The people repented and approached Moses for help. In response, Moses prayed to God, who provided a clear solution.
The Father told Moses exactly what to do.

The Father instructed Moses to create a replica of a venomous snake and mount it on a pole. This snake on a pole was to serve as a means of healing for anyone bitten. He told the people who were bitten to look at it if they wanted to live.

Numbers 21:7-9 details this event:

7 The people came to Moses and confessed, “We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and you. Pray that the LORD will remove the snakes.” So Moses prayed for them.
8 The LORD then instructed him, “Make a replica of a poisonous snake and put it on a pole. Anyone who is bitten will live if they look at it.”
9 So Moses crafted a bronze snake and placed it on a pole. Whoever was bitten could gaze at the bronze snake and be healed.

The Father graciously provided a cure for poisonous snakebites. No antivenom was required. Only a bronze replica of one of the reptiles hanging on the pole was needed. All anyone had to do to recover and live was to glance toward the serpent lifted up in the center of the camp. The Father graciously provided a remedy, but his remedy was unique and one-of-a-kind. There was only one way to be healed and survive.

Many folks tend to want to do things their own way. But risking death from poisonous snakes would be reckless and foolhardy.

Pause for a moment and consider. What would have happened if they refused to listen and do exactly what the Father had told them? They would have died!

At that moment, it defied reason, and It made no logical sense to glance at a bronze serpent to recover. However, it wasn’t a matter of reason but rather faith.

This lesson of trust in God’s provision wouldn’t be fully understood until over 1,400 years later.

What healed them? Trust in the Father’s only provision for their sin of rebellion and defiance.

REFLECT & PRAY

Throughout our journey in life, we encounter countless moments when we must place our trust in others. We depend on doctors to mend our wounds and restore us when we face serious injuries, relying on their expertise with unwavering hope.

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that You hold the answers and solutions for every circumstance life may bring. Inspire me to seek Your divine wisdom and guidance constantly. I have come to realize the peril of my spiritual snakebite, with its poison coursing through my heart and threatening eternal death. Yet, I am profoundly grateful for the salvation You have provided through the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the sole remedy, the true path to healing from this spiritual affliction. Thank You for this gift of grace and redemption.

INSIGHT

The human race faces a profound challenge, a severe “serpent problem.” We are afflicted by spiritual snakebite that traces back to the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve’s encounter with the serpent led them and all their descendants into sin. It started with their close encounter with the serpent, the evil one. They believed the serpent’s lies and fell into sin. The toxic effect of sin was introduced to the human race. The Father provided only one way to solve their dilemma.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ revealed the cure for the snakebite of sin and death. We often remember John 3:16, but let’s consider John 3:14.

John 3:14-16

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Within the Israelite camp, addressing the “serpent problem” didn’t involve exterminating the serpents, crafting remedies, or denying their presence. No anti-serpent laws were passed. Instead, the solution lay in a simple act of faith – gazing upon the uplifted serpent (Wiersbe).

In a manner reminiscent of the serpent being lifted in the wilderness, Jesus Christ, our Savior, was raised upon a cross. When we turn to Him in faith, our spiritual snakebite is healed, our sins are forgiven, and we receive the gift of eternal life.

The Father’s remedy was simple, clear, and straightforward: by faith, the Israelites only needed to gaze upon the bronze serpent to be healed and to live. There was only one way!

Similarly, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, taking our place on a cross of wood, is the Father’s sole solution for spiritual affliction. Rejecting Him by failing to have faith carries eternal consequences.

John 3:17-18

17 God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it but to save it through Him.
18 No one who believes in Him is condemned, but those who do not believe stand condemned already for not believing in God’s one and only Son.

¯_(ツ)_/¯ 7-15-2

© Dr. H 2024

The beginning of sorrows ∙∙

The beginning of sorrows ∙∙

“For troubles surround me – too many to count!” – Psalms 40:12

Romans 8:18-23

18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.
19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.
20 . . . But with eager hope,
21 The creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.
22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.

On her wedding day, a young woman confided in her mother, expressing hope for her future. “Oh, Mother, my life has been so uncertain and often felt superficial. I’ve felt lost many times. But today, I feel I’ve reached the end of all my troubles.” With a knowing smile, her mother quipped, “Oh dear, you just don’t realize which end it is.”

Life is a series of transitions, each fraught with its own challenges: stepping into adulthood, embarking on a new career, tying the knot, welcoming a child, grieving a loss, or facing the end of a relationship. Often, we convince ourselves that these transitions mark the end of our struggles, only to discover they are just the beginning.

The saying “the grass is always greener on the other side” captures a common human tendency to believe that others are in a better situation than we are. It reflects a natural inclination to idealize what we don’t have, often leading to feelings of dissatisfaction and longing for change. This mindset can be both a motivator and a source of discontent.

Constantly believing that others have it better can lead to chronic dissatisfaction and a failure to appreciate the present. This mindset can create a cycle where one is never truly content, always seeking something else rather than valuing what they already have.

As the Seventieth Week of Daniel draws near, a monumental transition is prophesied for the world and its people. It is a period marked by the “beginning of sorrows” or birth pangs. As Matthew 24:8 states, “All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

The Greek word translated as “sorrows” (KJV), “travail,” or “birth pangs” is odin. Odin refers to intolerable anguish from calamities preceding the return of the Messiah. The Old Testament prophets used this metaphor to depict terrible suffering in general (Isaiah 13:8, Hosea 13:13). Like labor pains, these sorrows will grow in both intensity and frequency, culminating in a moment of profound transformation.

When the result is the birth of a child, it is well worth it. But what if the sorrows continue to cycle indefinitely?

REFLECT & PRAY

“Archaeologists have unearthed small ‘tear bottles’ in which mourners collected their tears and then deposited the bottle at the gravesite. The point is simply that God is aware of what we feel and how we suffer, and His records are accurate” (Wiersbe).

Father, thank You for being my constant companion through every life change. Your care and concern for me are overwhelming; You notice every tear and keep a record of them. Your love is astonishing. It takes my breath away. You are truly my Best Friend Forever.

INSIGHT

Hard times are no surprise to the Father. Life’s challenges and sorrows are known. The Lord Jesus Christ explained that difficulties are a part of life on Earth, but through Him, we can find peace.

John 16:33 reminds us: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus didn’t shy away from telling His disciples about life’s hardships. Instead, He reassured them that they might have peace through Him. The Father is always aware of what each of His children will face. He tracks every sorrow, but more importantly, He is with us through every trial, never leaving anyone behind.

Hebrews 13:5 assures us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Psalms 56:8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.

The Father tracks all of our experiences and is familiar with the anguish and sorrow we experience. But grief often turns to joy. The travail of childbirth is frequently forgotten and replaced by joy when the child comes into the world.

John 16:21 illustrates this: “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born, she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.”

Many of our decisions regrettably cause us great anguish and pain. However, they are part of a journey where sorrow can be transformed into joy through His incredible grace. The Father has a remarkable way of doing this. Just as a mother forgets her pain when her child arrives, our sorrows can turn into deep joy. The joy that only the Lord Jesus Christ provides.

How does this happen? The Lord Jesus Christ shows the way.

This transformation happens when we look beyond our present circumstances and focus on the future. Dwelling on our difficulties in the present, the consequent distress and sorrow throw us into a downward cycle of remorse and sadness. Throughout history, believers have suffered for His name. But amid sorrow, the record reveals that they experienced sweet, pleasant times in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was with them, and He will be with us.

Jeremiah 31:12 paints a beautiful picture of this transformation: “They will come home and sing songs of joy on the heights of Jerusalem. They will be radiant because of the LORD’s good gifts . . .. Their life will be like a watered garden, and all their sorrows will be gone.”

Matthew 11:28-30 invites us:

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
29 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
30 “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Through the Lord Lord Jesus Christ, we will find rest and a lighter burden, transforming sorrow into everlasting joy.

People are often overwhelmed by life’s demands and spiritual struggles. Jesus uses the metaphor of a “yoke” to symbolize the heavy burdens people face. He contrasts this with His own yoke, which is easy and a light burden. His teachings are designed not to weigh people down but to provide guidance and relief.

His invitation to come reflects His gentle and humble nature, assuring us that we don’t have to carry our burdens alone. Instead, He offers a way of life rooted in love, compassion, and humility.

¯_(ツ)_/¯4-06-3

© Dr. H 2024

Falling for false teachers ∙∙

Falling for false teachers ∙∙

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling. – Jude 1:24

Jude 1:24-25

24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.
25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.

In the 19th century, political campaigns were marked by mudslinging and character assassination, with outright fabrications being spread as though they were factual. Moving into the 20th century, mass media like television and newspapers facilitated the rapid dissemination of incorrect information to the public, as seen with the Chicago Tribune’s notorious 1948 headline, “Dewey Defeats Truman.”

The 1950s and 1960s saw a surge of political propaganda. In the 21st century, the Internet and social media have enabled misinformation and disinformation, and “Fake News” has come into its own.

Misinformation consists of false or inaccurate details spread without necessarily intending to mislead, including rumors, unverified claims, and even pranks.

Disinformation, however, is intentionally false information designed to deceive, damage reputations, and misrepresent opposing views through malicious smear tactics, character assassinations, slander, and outright prevarications. It misrepresents opposing points of view. It offers harmful, misleading, and often hateful media coverage.

“Fake News” has become a prevalent issue, characterized by incorrect reporting and fabricated stories. “Fake News may have begun as a slanted interpretation of the facts, but these so-called ”facts” have taken on a life of their own.

In the first century A.D., what we now consider “Fake News” and disinformation were categorized as false teachings, heresies, and apostasy. These were aimed at misleading, confusing, and diverting people, mainly targeting the faithful to dissuade them from seeking God and His truth.

How can we combat this ongoing flood of disinformation? Scriptures provide practical guidance to counter this threat. The Father offers countermeasures and counterstrategies to fight this war for thoughts and minds.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

3 We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do.
4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.

There are two key goals: to believe and to be filled.

The first step is to accept an incredible gift. We’ve been granted a tremendous promise that becomes ours when we choose to believe. The Father’s promises are like funds deposited in a bank account, available and ready for us to access. All it takes is for us to draw upon them. We simply write the check.

Jude 1:24 assures us that [The Father] is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy.

Of what is the Father capable? How powerful is He? Is He inclined to use His power on our behalf?

The Father is omnipotent, meaning He possesses unlimited power. Whatever strength is necessary, He is more than capable of providing. He is adept and able. But what is of greater importance to His children is that He earnestly desires to protect all of those that are His.

REFLECT & PRAY

Our God, whom we serve, has the power to deliver us (Daniel 3:17).

Father, I am grateful for Your incredible promise to keep me stable. Please help me to meditate on and memorize Your Word.

INSIGHT

We should acknowledge, praise, and worship the Father for His ability and desire to keep the children of the King.

Romans 16:25 speaks of Him, who is able to establish us and make us strong in accordance with His gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ.

The Father has laid a firm foundation for us to stand upon, one that He strengthens us to do so. This foundation is unshakable and impervious to any force, providing a formidable stronghold for believers.

Ephesians 3:20 tells us that He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us.

Dream the impossible dream. Seek the unattainable. Embrace the unimaginable and aim for the seemingly unreachable. The Father can do far more than we can ask or think. The only limits are those of logical impossibilities, like creating a square circle. His resources are inexhaustible.

Nothing is impossible when His dreams and aspirations become our dreams.

The Scriptures serve as the food for our faith, filling us with truth and sound doctrine. Mature believers immerse themselves in the Word of God, studying, learning, and applying its teachings. This dedication sharpens us. A keen sense of awareness and discernment develops, preventing us from being tripped up and falling for the toxic deception of false teachers.

Hebrews 5:14 Solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil [right and wrong].

Psalms 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalms 119:9 asks and answers, “How can a young person maintain purity? By living according to your word.”

The Father can keep each child of the King blameless. The Greek word amomos conveys “being without blemish, having no defect or spot,” akin to the flawless sacrifices of the Old Testament, meeting the law’s righteous standards.

By filling our hearts and minds with Scripture, the promise of the Father is realized in us. When we are filled with accurate information, what room is left for inaccurate information?

When false teachers launch their attacks, spreading deception and “Fake News,” we remain secure. In the Father’s hands, we are empowered to stay faithful to the end. Though we may falter at times, the Father prevents His children from falling completely. There may be a few missteps and stumbles, but the Father keeps His children from being hurled down.

Psalms 37:24 Even if he trips, he will not fall headlong, for the LORD holds his hand.
He may fall, but he will not stay down.

It is not that he possesses superhuman strength, courage, or wisdom, nor is it because he is especially deserving that he faces life with such confidence. Rather, it is because God is at his right hand to sustain and strengthen him. God is his helper, and “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Tesh and Zorn).

Every child of the King faces the inevitability of failure at some point in life. It’s a disheartening reality that failure is a part of the human experience. We stumble, we falter, and we sometimes find ourselves on the ground, grappling with our missteps. The pressing question that arises in these moments of profound disappointment is, “How do recover, learn from the experience, and move on?”

¯_(ツ)_/¯2-13-1

© Dr. H 2024

Worthy of my praise ∙

Worthy of my praise ∙

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Psalms 34:1-8

1 I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
2 I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart.
3 Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.

4 I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.

6 In my desperation, I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles.
7 For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

In 1999, the album “Better Is One Day” was released. It features a beautiful song that recalls the hymns of old when the Father was the focus of our songs and worship, not us:

You alone are worthy of my praise.

The beginning is as follows:
And I will give You all my worship
I will give You all my praise
You alone I long to worship
You alone are worthy of my praise

(I will worship)
I will worship (I will worship)
With all of my heart (With all of my heart)
And I will praise You (I will praise You)
With all of my strength (With all my strength)
And I will seek You (I will seek You)
All of my days (All of my days)
Oh, and I will follow (I will follow)
Follow all of Your ways (All Your ways)

It could be a modern update to David’s ancient Hebrew song, in which he praises and honors the Father for all He has done for him (Psalms 34).

Sometimes, doing good things can have dire consequences and collateral damage. David killed Goliath and became the hero of Israel. Saul grew jealous and pursued him for years (1 Samuel 21). David penned many of the Psalms, including Psalms 34, during this tumultuous period.

Psalms 34 is a vibrant invitation filled with joy. After experiencing the Father’s deliverance, David calls on us to join him in praising the Father and to trust in His saving power. He encourages us to experience the Father’s goodness by seeing, tasting, enjoying, respecting, honoring, and truly knowing Him.

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, this Psalm extends an invitation from the Father Himself to all children of the King. He desires for us to taste His goodness, honor Him, and find joy in His presence. The Father is inherently good, blessing and safeguarding those who place their trust in Him (James A. Johnston).

As humans, we often focus on ourselves. This can be a temptation in our service to Him. While seeking the Father’s purpose is commendable, we might find ourselves more absorbed in how it benefits us rather than how it glorifies Him, even in our acts of praise.

True worship should focus solely on the Lord, not ourselves. As children of the King, we are made to praise. Peter reminds us: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, to declare His excellence, for He called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

We are called to live lives filled with praise for our Father, and Psalms 34 offers us a roadmap for worship.

When should we worship? Our hearts and words should be full of praise for the Father always, at all times, in every situation, whether good or bad (Psalms 34:1). Worship is a continual, moment-by-moment attitude of the heart.

How do we worship? Our praise and worship center on expressing gratitude and adoration for the Father (Psalms 34:2-3). When children of the King revere Him, an exhilarating transformation occurs within us. Our hearts grow more prayerful and focused on Him. We experience great joy as we rejoice in Him.

Where should we worship? Praise should be a personal ongoing practice. Yet, the psalmist invites us, “Let us exalt His name together” (Psalms 34:3). Collective praise enhances our worship as our voices unite in honoring Him. The Father delights in the collective praise of His children. When children of the King worship and praise Him together, our efforts transcend mere addition; they are exponentially enriched, offering a foretaste of heaven to come.

Is praise an integral part of your life? By giving the Lord a central place in your thoughts and heart, He is magnified, and praise becomes your genuine, instinctive, and natural response (Stanley, Michael W. Wesley).

REFLECT & PRAY

“In prayer, we act like men [people]; in praise, we act like angels” (Puritan preacher Thomas Watson).

Father, guide me to recognize and honor You consistently. May Your magnificent greatness be the focal point of my existence.

INSIGHT

What does it mean to bless the Lord at every moment? To bless someone is to say a good word to them. We speak positively and honorably concerning them.

“Blessing is the projection of good into the life of another. It isn’t just words. It’s the actual putting forth of your will for the good of another person. It always involves God because when you do the good of another person, you realize only God is capable of bringing it to pass. So we naturally say, ‘God bless you.’”

“You can bless someone when you will their good under the invocation of God. You invoke God on their behalf to support the good that you will do for them. This is the nature of blessing. It is what we are to receive from God and then give to another.”

“This isn’t just a verbal performance. It isn’t ‘bless you’ said through gritted teeth. It’s a generous outpouring of our whole being into blessing the other person” (Dallas Willard).

When the Father blesses someone, He speaks words over them for their well-being and prosperity. However, when we bless the Father, it isn’t about enhancing or improving Him, as we cannot add to His perfection. Instead, it’s about acknowledging His attributes: His kindness, goodness, beauty, and generosity. To magnify the Lord is to proclaim His greatness (ESV notes).

But there’s more!

As children of the King, we are meant to experience His goodness firsthand. We are not to merely believe in His goodness; we are to come and find out how delightful His goodness is. David appeals to us to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalms 34:8). This is one of the unique instances in the Scriptures where the Father invites His children to put Him to the test. The Father challenges us to actively engage with faith and discover His goodness in our personal experience. Sampling the Father and experiencing His delightful goodness is transformational.

“Tasting” typically means experiencing flavors through the mouth, but it can also metaphorically refer to sampling something for understanding or appreciation. For instance, the phrase “Taste and see that the Lord is good” suggests that one should experience and understand the goodness of the Lord through personal engagement and reflection.

The Hebrew word translated as “taste” is taam. Taam has to do with determining or perceiving the quality of something. We are encouraged to discover through experience what the psalmist already knew: the Lord is good.

How can we sample the Father’s goodness? By immersing ourselves in His Word and meditating on it, we uncover just how delightful the Father truly is.

Psalms 119:103 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.

“Taste” doesn’t suggest a sip or a nibble; it implies feeding on the Lord through His Word and experiencing all He has for us. It means knowing Him better and enjoying Him more (Wiersbe).

“Too often, we are too full of the stuff of the world to care about tasting from the Lord. May the Lord challenge us to put that stuff aside and taste and see that He alone is good (Stanley)!”

“You will know as much of God, and only as much of God, as you are willing to put into practice” (Liddell).

“If it’s not your practice, pick a day this week and praise God throughout the day. Praise Him when you wake up, praise Him when you eat, praise Him when you leave the house and when you return” (Stanley).

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© Dr. H 2024