Worship Wednesday

Welcome to Worship Wednesday, we are pleased that you have stopped by today. We hope to lift your spirit and brighten your day.

Psalm 111 NIV
1 Praise the LORD.
I will extol the LORD with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
2 Great are the works of the LORD;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are steadfast for ever and ever,
done in faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever—
holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.

Pastors today could take a few lessons from the Psalmist about inspiring the body to worship. He did not suggest that the people praise, nor did he ask them to worship; he commanded them to praise the Lord. Furthermore, he declared himself as an example for them to follow. How many times have you observed the pastor or key leaders sitting on their laurels while the worship service was in progress? Or worst still, signaling to one another or discussing the order of service.

The congregation will be no more engaged than the leadership of the church. After all the oil of anointing flowed from the head down according to Psalms 133:1&2. "How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard:" That's another point altogether, unity. Where there is unity in worship there is an awesome sound.

The Psalmist goes on to describe the works of the Lord as great, glorious, and majestic. For me the word majestic conjures a sight like the Taj Mahal. Something prestigious, bigger than life, easy to see from a distance, and something I could never build myself. He continues to bolster a mindset of praise as he names the things the Lord has done for His people. Verse 4, He has shown compassion and grace. Verse 5 and 6, He has provided sustenance for His servants. Verses 7,8,&9 speak of his justice, righteousness, faithfulness, and redemption of mankind.

Okay, time for a praise break. Right here right now! THANK YOU LORD FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME, ALL YOU ARE DOING, AND ALL YOU ARE YET TO DO!!!!!!!
The Word of God is an excellent motivator, no wonder the Psalms are frequently read as a prelude to worship.

The Psalm comes full circle in verse 10, "to Him belongs eternal praise". The exhortation to praise is not limited to the worship service only, it is to extend into every part of life for all time. Again the Psalmist says in Psalms 34:1 "I will bless the Lord at ALL times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth". With the Apostle Paul, I say to you today: "In every thing give thanks".

PT2006