Hello my dear friends....allow me to pose this probing question: do you ever feel like your problems are bigger than God? Of course, the "right" answer is there is no problem we have that is bigger than God. But, in the deep recesses of our heart, do we always believe it to be true; that God can take care of our biggest problems?
Going back to the Word of God is always a great reminder of who God is and what He can do for us. Today's Psalm is a declaration of His greatness and His worth to be praised and worshiped.
There is a saying I heard years ago that rings true: "Praise (or worship) breaks the back of the mood monster." May He give us the grace to worship Him in the midst of our problems and break the back of the mood monster.
Learning to worship Him,
Denny
Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #6
Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life
Key Scripture: 1 Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in holy array. (See also verses 3-11) Psalm 29:1-2
Core Value: Worship
All of us have faced big problems: a relationship that has meant so much to us over the years has gone south and looks beyond repair; our personal income has been squeezed where we are frequently experiencing more month than money; the constant pounding of a familiar temptation to give in and compromise our Christian testimony has weakened us into near surrender. Our problems look so big. We are discouraged. We are desperate. We are right where we need to be: dependent upon the Lord. The good news (the Gospel) is that our God is much bigger than our problems. We need to become “preoccupied with God.”
Donald Whitney offers a clear perspective of the power, the impact and beauty of worship:
“Worship is the God-centered focus and response of the inner man; it is being preoccupied with God. So no matter what you are saying or singing or doing at any moment, you are worshiping God only when you are focused on Him and thinking of Him. But whenever you do focus on the infinite worth of God, you will respond in worship as surely as the moon reflects the sun.” Pg. 88-89
“Worship is a Spiritual Discipline insofar as it is both an end and a means. The worship of God is an end in itself because worship, as we’ve defined it, is to focus on and respond to God. There is no higher goal than focusing on and responding to God. But worship is also a means in the sense that it is a means to Godliness. The more we truly worship God, the more we become like Him.” Pg. 94-95
“The act of worship without actual worship is a miserable, hypocritical experience. So if worship wearies you, you aren’t really worshiping.” Pg. 96. Whitney, Donald S. 1991. Spiritual disciplines for the Christian life. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
Principle #6 & Personal Application: The quality disciple gives to the Lord all glory, strength, and honor—all of the time.
With the backdrop of a majestic storm, David exhorts not only angels (sons of the mighty) to acknowledge God’s awesome greatness, but this same exhortation applies to those who are a disciple of Jesus. Even during the storms of our lives . . .
• We must give to the Lord and acknowledge His glory and strength. It is a worship that gives perspective on how great God is and how small we are.
• We must give to the Lord the glory due to His name. It is a worship that focuses upon what belongs to God and to Him alone—His glory.
• We must worship the Lord in holy array. It is a worship that transcends, what can be for many, a stale and meaningless religious ritual into an authentic and transformational relationship with Him.
Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…
What are the catalysts that trigger my awareness of God’s awesome power?
What kinds of things can I begin to practice that will assist me in experiencing a deeper worship of God?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is by Your grace that I can even offer worship to You. So by grace, I ascribe, I give, I acknowledge glory and strength to You. In grace, I ascribe the glory that is due to Your beautiful name. In grace, I worship You not in a half-hearted way, but worship You and honor You in holy array.
The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism
Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2011 All rights reserved.
www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/
Note: Looking for a way to enhance your devotional life in 2011? Allow me to suggest purchasing a copy of Psalms of Discipleship: Growing in Grace. You can order your copy for only $15.99 (a $4 savings!). If you would like to have a devotional book that also serves as a spiritual life journal as well as a unique 21 point Bible study and personal assessment on grace, follow this link to my website where you can download a FREE SAMPLE at,
http://www.dennybates.com/Home/PODGIG.html
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