May 4

“O come, let us sing unto the LORD…” Psalm 95:1

We have here an invitation to a joyful celebration. All people of God should encourage and invite one another to lift praise and song unto the King Eternal. Among all the voices and songs sung in the world, glorifying and exalting just about anything, most of which is untoward, unholy and unkind, it is always refreshing to hear the praises of God sung out of thankful and pure hearts. The inspiration to sing out to God, should flow freely from the souls of those who have been delivered from their sins; and it ought to take next to no reminder and incitement, to join in the song of praise brethren are offering to God. The object of our song and praise is Yahwah the Messiah! The Holy One, Who has delivered our souls, and whose mighty acts merit celebration and glorification. His entire creation in so many ways declares His glory and sings His praise. Humans also owe to their Creator the most sincere and heartfelt praise and worship they can raise. The Lord is not so interested in the most ‘professional’ sounds we can make, or the perfection of our performance and impeccable musical tone, we can deliver in His presence. He is more attracted and attentive to the sound of the heart and soul, who are sincere and genuinely thankful and joyful in His sight. This makes praise and worship an opportunity and ability available to anyone, regardless of their age, background or skill. It is such a blessing that God is not insistent on melodious sounds, which some of us possibly could not produce, but is appreciative of our ‘noise’ if it be joyful and soulful! In our own way and time then, as well as with other likeminded people, let us join in heartfelt, glad and thankful song to the Lord our God, who is worthy of all our praise!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 6

“…David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD…” 1 Chronicles 16:7

God had blessed Israel, and David was not going to let any opportunity pass, without giving thanks to the Lord his God! The occasion was the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, and it was met with great rejoicing by king David and the people. The celebration included all the people receiving food and drink from the king, and the instigation of a worship service, in which talented musicians would play the instruments, and singers would sing praises to Yahwah. To be sung for the first time at this special event, David wrote and handed to Asaph the chief musician, a psalm of praise and thanks to the Lord. How good it is to be thankful to God! We do not find it difficult to call and cry to God, in our distressing times and times of sorrow and trial. It is just as necessary for us to find the motivation and heart to give thanks to God, for all the manifold blessings He endows us with. On special occasions, we might more easily remember what He does, Who He is and what He means to us, and may even express some special praise, and voice a heartfelt prayer. I am sure the occasion before us was not the only time David’s psalm was sung! Every day and in so many ways, God does wonderful things in our lives, and it is appropriate and desirable to be ready with praise and appreciation from a thankful heart. Looking for daily opportunities to be grateful to the Lord, is a good an wholesome practice, for it helps us to see the Divine blessing in the usual daily things of life, which we may be tempted to take for granted! Someone said it is easy to appreciate something when you don’t have it anymore! If we stop for a moment and think how frustrating when the ‘usual’ doesn’t happen or work as it usually does! It is then we become aware of it, and realise what place it fills in our daily life. Being thankful to the Lord, is a strength for the child of God, and a godly testimony to those who, lacking of relationship with the Lord, are discontent and find it difficult to be grateful for anything much at all in life!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion