Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
September 16, 2022
Read: Psalm 105:1-4
1 Give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make his deeds known to all people! 2 Sing to God; sing praises to the Lord; dwell on all his wondrous works! 3 Give praise to God’s holy name! Let the hearts rejoice of all those seeking the LORD! 4 Pursue the LORD and his strength; seek his face always!
Good morning! Today is a great day to praise the Lord!
Have you ever had the urge to shout praise to God? Try it! Hallelujah! When you think of all of the blessings that we receive on a daily, monthly, yearly basis, we should be continually thanking God. Gratitude should be pouring from us. What about during church services? Do you sit quietly, reverently, and smile, or do you enthusiastically embrace the magnitude of the moment? Are you comfortable when you go to another church and people randomly shout out their praises? Sadly, most of us grew up in a time and a church family where you were expected to sit quietly.
John Wesley addressed this idea frequently among his church members. He, too, had grown up where church was a quiet, “sleepy” time when you were expected to listen respectfully to the pastor or priest. Wouldn’t it be great to feel free that when we are worshiping God that we can express our excitement? Think of Christmas morning or a birthday party. Who sits around quietly? Our excitement spills from us as we smile, laugh, and enjoy the moment.
Reread this morning’s passage with excitement! Did you miss the meaning on the first read? You cannot effectively read these words in a monotone, expressionless way. God’s gifts to us are the greatest gifts that we will ever receive, and we should express our praise so that others may know about the love and mercy that we have received.
Once again, I have music pouring through my soul as I type.
CHORUS
Bless the Lord oh my soul, oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before, oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name
VERSE 1
The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
VERSE 2
You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger
Your name is great and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find
VERSE 3
And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore
So how do we move beyond the quiet, reverent church members of our youth? Pray more earnestly! Sing more enthusiastically! Let joy radiate through your soul! Praise God! Be authentic! Hallelujah!
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. Thank you for our blessings. Shake Us! We’ve fallen asleep! Praise to you, O God! Thank you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Today I thank God for my loved ones and the joys we have shared.
Shout Hallelujah! Pastor Liz