Category: worship

Bless the Lord

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezekiel 43-45

POETRY: Psalm 134

NEW TESTAMENT: John 6:1-24

Our psalm for today, Psalm 134,  is one of the fifteen psalms labeled as “Psalm of Ascents” which in the Hebrew Bible are Psalms 120-134, so today’s reading finishes up this section of psalms.  The author of this one is not known, but it is believed that these psalms were written during the 70 years of Judah being exiled in Babylon (same period from Ezekiel’s prophecies we are also reading right now).

Whether or not this was necessarily the intent of these psalms, they were used later by Jewish people who would sing them as they traveled to Jerusalem for the appointed “Pilgrimage festivals” according to the instructions they had been given in Deuteronomy 16.  Looking back on this group of psalms, I can imagine they would be a wonderful source of encouragement on a long journey (heading uphill to Jerusalem!), and could also facilitate a spirit of giving praise and honor to the LORD.

I read some commentators noting how many phrases from these psalms were used in early/traditional hymns as well as how many continue to surface in contemporary worship songs. In fact, when I read today’s psalm, I had a song pop in my head using these words, and imagine others might have had the same happen but with completely different songs based on the many choices out there.  Personally, I also had a scene surface from the Sound of Music when I read Psalm 121! These psalms are certainly jam-packed with lots of beautiful references, lyrics, and thoughts on which to meditate.

We do not have to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem anymore, and we do not currently live in Babylonian captivity. But, we live in a world whose messages and words are far different than the ones we read in the Psalms of Ascent. Sometimes the messages are blatant screams, and sometimes they are subtle whispers, but as they bombard us, it is easy to forget who deserves our praise, honor, and obedience. It is also easy to mindlessly sing familiar songs, recite familiar psalms, or get caught up in the razzle dazzle displays of “worship music” sometimes.  But, He deserves better.

“Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord. . .” (Psalm 134)

What does blessing the Lord mean though? Doesn’t He bless me?  Ahh….well, to give us a picture of how we are to be blessing Him here…..this Hebrew word in this context means to “praise and adore”.

This week, I’m guessing many of us could likely amp it up in the praise and adoration of God and Jesus.

-Jennifer Hall

Questions:

  1. How can psalms, hymns, verses, or worship songs encourage you on the difficult life journeys you face?
  2. How did the Psalms of Ascents make you feel as you were reading them?
  3. Consider some reasons God and His son Jesus are worthy of praise and adoration!
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Traveling Songs

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezekiel 23-24

POETRY: Psalm 124

NEW TESTAMENT: John 1:35-51

There are 150 Psalms in the Bible.  There are a variety of Psalm styles including Psalms of Praise, Songs of Thanksgiving,Songs of Zion, Songs of the Temple and Liturgy, Laments, Prayers, Petition, Trust, Wisdom, Songs about the Law, Royalty Songs and Imprecatory songs.  One set of Psalms are called Songs of Ascent.  The comprise 10% of the Psalms ranging from Psalm 120-134. These 15 Psalms are believed to have been sung during the three pilgrimages – Passover and Pentecost in the Spring and Tabernacles in the Autumn.  As the Israelites ascended Mt. Zion and the Temple they were climbing to gather to worship so these were known as Songs of Ascents.

It is also believed that these 15 Psalms were sung by the priests as they climbed the 15 steps leading up to the temple.

Psalm 124 was one of these Psalms of Ascents.

Psalm 124

A song of ascents. Of David.

1 

If the Lord had not been on our side—
    let Israel say—

2 

if the Lord had not been on our side
    when people attacked us,

3 

they would have swallowed us alive
    when their anger flared against us;

4 

the flood would have engulfed us,
    the torrent would have swept over us,

5 

the raging waters
    would have swept us away.

6 

Praise be to the Lord,
    who has not let us be torn by their teeth.

7 

We have escaped like a bird
    from the fowler’s snare;
the snare has been broken,
    and we have escaped.

8 

Our help is in the name of the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

This Psalm celebrates the source of their help when they came under attack from their enemies.  Their source of help and protection is the Lord.  Every time they gathered to celebrate these festivals in Jerusalem they remembered God’s saving hand.

For we Christians, we have no physical temple to make a pilgrimage to 3 times a year, but we gather each week to celebrate the different ways God saves us.  Our help truly comes from the Lord.

I hope you regularly pray this Song of Ascents and with gratitude give thanks to God for his help and care.

-Pastor Jeff Fletcher

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the Psalmist thank God for that did NOT happen to them – because the Lord was at their side? We often worry about what could happen – but how much time do we spend thanking God for what didn’t happen?
  2. Today what will you thank God for that didn’t happen? How will you remember God’s care for you and for others?
  3. What do you like to listen to when you travel? How can your song selection help or hinder your thanks to and worship of God?
  4. How can you celebrate and share with others what God has done?
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Who Will Not Fear You?

OLD TESTAMENT: Zephaniah 1

POETRY: Psalm 119:169-176

NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 15

Zephaniah 1:14-16 (LEB):

“The great day of Yahweh is near,

near and coming very quickly.

The sound of the day of Yahweh is bitter;

the mighty man cries aloud there.

A day of wrath is that day,

a day of distress and anguish,

a day of ruin and devastation,

a day of darkness and gloom,

a day of clouds and thick darkness,

a day of trumpet blast and battle cry

against the fortified cities and against the lofty battlements.”

Psalm 119:169-176 (LEB):

“Let my cry come before you, O Yahweh;

give me understanding according to your word.

Let my supplication come before you;

deliver me according to your word.

My lips will pour forth praise,

for you teach me your statutes.

My tongue will sing of your word,

for all your commandments are right.

Let your hand be ready to help me,

for I have chosen your precepts.

I long for your salvation, O Yahweh,

and your law is my delight.

Let my soul live and praise you,

and let your rules help me.

I have gone astray like a lost sheep;

seek your servant,

for I do not forget your commandments.”

Revelation 15:3-4 (LEB):

“And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God,

and the song of the Lamb, saying,

‘Great and amazing are your deeds,

O Lord God the Almighty!

Just and true are your ways,

O King of the nations!

Who will not fear, O Lord,

and glorify your name?

For you alone are holy.

All nations will come and worship you,

for your righteous acts have been revealed.'”

The prophet Zephaniah opens with a solemn warning of the coming Day of Yahweh, a day characterized by divine judgment. The imagery of darkness, anguish, and distress serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of God’s justice. For those who reject His ways, this day brings fear and despair.

Yet, within this stark portrayal lies a call to repentance and an invitation to seek refuge in God. While Zephaniah emphasizes God’s wrath, it is important to remember that His justice is always intertwined with His mercy. In moments of turmoil and judgment, we are reminded of our need for God’s grace and guidance. This day of reckoning compels us to reflect on our own lives, ensuring that we align our hearts with God’s will.

In Psalm 119, the psalmist expresses a deep longing for God’s guidance and salvation. His heartfelt cry for understanding echoes the sentiment of Zephaniah—a recognition of human frailty and the need for divine intervention. The psalmist’s desire to follow God’s commandments illustrates the importance of aligning our lives with His truth.

As he pleads for deliverance and praises God’s statutes, we see the relationship between our obedience and God’s faithfulness. In our own lives, we are invited to seek God’s understanding and mercy, especially when we feel lost or astray. This passage reassures us that, even in our wandering, God is attentive to our cries, ready to respond with love and grace.

Revelation 15 presents a scene of worship in heaven, where the redeemed sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. This song celebrates God’s greatness, justice, and holiness. The acknowledgment of His righteous acts inspires awe and reverence, uniting all nations in worship.

In the midst of judgment, the song of the Lamb reminds us that God’s mercy prevails. The ultimate act of redemption through Christ is the source of our hope and assurance. As we reflect on our journey, we are invited to join in this eternal song, declaring God’s majesty and righteousness. The assurance of His salvation empowers us to face the trials of this world with faith and courage.

-Jeff Ransom

Reflection Questions:

How does the imagery of the Day of Yahweh in Zephaniah challenge your understanding of God’s justice and mercy?

In what ways can you seek God’s understanding and guidance in your daily life, especially during challenging times?

Reflect on the psalmist’s desire for salvation and obedience. How can you cultivate a deeper love for God’s commandments in your life?

What does it mean for you to sing the song of the Lamb in your everyday life? How can you express your worship and gratitude for His redemption?

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Past, Present and Future

OLD TESTAMENT: Nahum 1-3

POETRY: Psalm 119:137-144

NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 11

Nahum 1:2-3 (LEB):

“A jealous and avenging God is Yahweh;

Yahweh is avenging and has wrath.

Yahweh takes vengeance on his adversaries

and reserves wrath for his enemies.

Yahweh is slow to anger and great in power,

and he will not leave the guilty unpunished.

In whirlwind and storm is his way,

and clouds are the dust of his feet.”

Psalm 119:137-144 (LEB):

“Righteous are you, O Yahweh,

and upright are your judgments.

You have commanded your testimonies

in righteousness and exceeding faithfulness.

My zeal has consumed me,

because my enemies have forgotten your words.

Your word is very pure,

and your servant loves it.

I am small and despised,

yet I do not forget your precepts.

Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,

and your law is true.

Trouble and anguish have found me out,

but your commandments are my delight.

Your testimonies are righteous forever;

give me understanding, and I will live.”

Revelation 11:15-16 (LEB):

“And the seventh angel sounded the trumpet,

and there were loud voices in heaven, saying,

‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,

and he will reign forever and ever!’

And the twenty-four elders who were seated before God on their thrones

fell on their faces and worshiped God.”

The book of Nahum reveals God’s sovereignty over the nations and His fierce justice against those who oppose Him. Specifically, it proclaims God’s impending judgment against Nineveh, a city known for its wickedness and cruelty. The opening verses declare God as a “jealous and avenging God,” emphasizing His commitment to righteousness and the protection of His people. God’s slowness to anger highlights His patience, but His ultimate justice is assured; the guilty will not escape unpunished.

Nahum reminds us that while God is loving and merciful, He is also just. His judgment against Nineveh serves as a reminder that evil cannot persist forever without consequence. This gives us hope, especially in a world where injustice and oppression often seem rampant. As we witness suffering and wrongdoing, we can trust in God’s righteous judgment and His commitment to setting things right in His perfect timing.

In Psalm 119, the psalmist expresses a deep love and reverence for God’s law and testimonies. The declaration of God’s righteousness sets the foundation for understanding His judgments. The psalmist’s zealous love for God’s word is driven by the reality of his enemies and the challenges he faces. Despite being small and despised, he finds delight and strength in God’s commandments.

This passage encourages us to anchor ourselves in God’s word, especially during trials. The psalmist recognizes that while trouble and anguish are inevitable, God’s commandments are a source of delight and guidance. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we find wisdom, comfort, and a reminder of God’s faithfulness. The law becomes a light in our darkness, guiding us toward a path of righteousness and understanding.

Revelation 11 culminates in the triumphant announcement of God’s kingdom. The seventh trumpet sounds, proclaiming that the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. This proclamation signifies a pivotal moment in redemptive history—where God’s reign is fully established, and the powers of darkness are defeated.

The response of the twenty-four elders, who fall on their faces in worship, reflects the rightful reaction to God’s sovereignty and majesty. In this vision, we see the culmination of God’s justice and the fulfillment of His promises. As believers, we are invited to participate in this celebration, anticipating the day when God’s kingdom is established forever.

-Jeff Ransom

Reflection Questions:

How does the concept of God’s jealousy and justice in Nahum impact your understanding of His character? In what ways does this knowledge provide comfort during difficult times?

Reflect on the importance of God’s word in your life. How can you cultivate a deeper love and delight for Scripture, especially when facing challenges or opposition?

How does the promise of God’s kingdom in Revelation encourage you in your daily walk with Christ? In what ways can you live in anticipation of the kingdom?

Consider the response of the twenty-four elders in Revelation 11. How can you incorporate worship into your daily life, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and majesty?

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Today’s Idols

OLD TESTAMENT: Jeremiah 5 & 6

POETRY: Psalm 115

NEW TESTAMENT: 2 Peter 3

Have you ever stopped to think about idolatry? In the ancient world, many groups of people would literally make statues out of wood or metal. They would sacrifice animals to these idols. They would pray to these made up, created things.

The Psalmist talks at length about the silliness of such behavior, especially in the context of worshipping the actual Creator of the Universe:

Psalm 115:3-7 (ESV)

3 Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.

4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.

5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.

6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.

7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.

The point is clear: idols look like they can speak, see, hear, smell, feel, walk, and talk, but they cannot. They offer something that is not real. It’s a mirage. It’s a false comfort. Worshipping that way is meaningless.

What does this have to do with us, you might ask? I don’t have an idol in my house. I don’t worship to anything made with hands.

Friends, I wish that was true. We still have idols today. They don’t frequently look like human images made of silver or gold. Perhaps they are other people. Perhaps they are the rectangular boxes we carry around in our pockets. Perhaps it’s our favorite sports team. Maybe it’s our job or our family. There are always things that vie for our allegiance and our attention.

Unlike the ancient idols, many of these things are not bad in themselves, as long as we walk in a balanced way. The balance begins, however, with total devotion to King Jesus. Full stop. End of story.

When we live unbalanced lives, we might find ourselves feeling more and more unsettled, anxious, or depressed. Living the way that God wants us to live does not guarantee a life free from those things, for sure, but the point remains: when our life is unbalanced, we get negative results. Just like the ancient people sacrificing to blind and mute forms of their own creation, we sometimes get too caught up in worldly things that take our minds in directions that are unhealthy and unhelpful.

As the Psalmist reminds us, the Lord is our help and shield. The Lord is the One who blesses us. The Lord is the one who is worthy of worship and honor. We shall praise the Lord!

-Will Barlow

Reflection Questions

Do you have things in your life that are idols or cause you to be unbalanced? What can you do to get back in balance?

    Can you think of a time when you came out of a longer period of darkness and into light? How did that feel?

    Can you think of a friend that has an obvious idol in their life? What can you do to help them find better balance? (Maybe telling the story from your answer in #2 could be a place to start.)

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    Where God Lives

    Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 20

    Poetry: Psalm 99

    New Testament: 1 Timothy 3

    Did you go on vacation this summer?  Where did you go?  Perhaps you’re planning a late summer getaway before the arrival of Labor Day.

    Whether you travel to a new destination or a familiar cabin on a lake, it is good to get away and take a break from work and school.  Time away can be refreshing and often you gain a new perspective on life.

    But, vacations don’t last forever.  All too quickly, it’s time to come home.  The closer you get, the faster you want to arrive.  Finally, your home appears.  Carrying suitcases, backpacks, and bags of “stuff”, you walk through the door.  Big exhale!  You’re home!  Oh, it’s so good to be home.

    Hopefully, when you think of your home, you think of comfort, security, safety, enjoyment.  It’s where you can be yourself, where you can relax.

    Does God feel that way about His home?  Yes, He is in heaven, and yes, someday He will dwell with man on earth.  (Revelation 21:1-3) But, the Bible mentions another HOME for our Father God.  PRAISE.  God is “at home” in our praises. 

    Psalm 22:3 KJV says, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”  The NASB version says simply, “Yet You are holy, O You are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.”

    Jack R. Taylor says this in The Hallelujah Factor— “Praise is where God lives.  It is his permanent address.  While God is everywhere, he is not everywhere manifested.  He is at home in praise and, being at home, he manifests himself best as God!  When you or I choose to make God at home through praise, we invite him to act ‘at home.’  He is enthroned and liberated to act mightily in praise.”

    One of the best examples of this in Scripture is our OT reading for today, II Chronicles 20. 

    The sons of Moab and Ammon came to make war against Jehoshaphat, King of Judah.  Jehoshaphat was afraid, and he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.  Then all of Judah gathered as Jehoshaphat addressed the Lord.  He recounted God’s power and previous protection.  Then Jehoshaphat stated the current problem, (vs 10-11), the powerlessness of the people, (vs 12a), and their concentration on God—“our eyes are on you.”  (vs. 12b)

    The Spirit of God, through Jahaziel, gave God’s answer to Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah.  “Don’t fear, the battle is not yours but God’s.  You need not fight.  Stand and see the salvation of the Lord.”

    The next morning, singers went out before the army, singing, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his lovingkindness is everlasting.”  WHEN they began singing and praising, the enemy was ambushed by one another.  No one escaped.  Jehoshaphat and his people found goods and garments among the enemies, and it took them 3 days to retrieve it all. 

    The people’s praise prompted God to act.  No other recorded military battle compares to the miracle that happened that day. 

    Psalm 8:2 says, “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”

    How marvelous is our God.  He hears us.  He fights for us.  He rewards us.

    Did you start your morning in praise to God?  What a difference it can make.  God desires to move in your life, to guide you, to comfort you, to defend and protect you. 

    Allow Him to reside each day in your praises.  And discover the joy He has planned for your life.

    -Paula Kirkpatrick

    Reflection Questions

    1. Is praise a regular part of your prayer life?
    2. Meditate on this phrase from II Chronicles 20:12b—“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
    3. When things seem insurmountable in your life, will you begin your appeal to God with praise?
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    Rules for Life

    Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 19

    Poetry: Psalm 98

    New Testament: 1 Timothy 2

    Have you ever felt like you don’t know what to do in life? You feel like you need a book of instructions to take with you everywhere you go? Well, there may not be any instruction manuals available, but the Bible as our guide is. In 1 Timothy chapter 2, Paul lists these sets of rules that we should live by, either through worship, or living through daily life.

    In 1 Timothy 2, it states: “8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”

    Paul says that God wants us to live peaceably with all people, making prayer and petitions, and thanksgiving amongst everyone, as it pleases Him. He also mentions that God doesn’t want people to be flashy in their worship to Him. In verse 9 he states that he wants women to dress modestly and adorn themselves with good deeds rather than gold or pearls. When we dress for worship, we should dress with good intentions and be pleasing in God’s sight. Also in worship, we should pray for each other. Our family, our friends, church friends, even the people you dislike the most. The point is, even if you feel that you think you’re not going to have an easy life, just remember that you have an incredible book of life to guide you through the tough times, and that these simple rules are things that we should live by. Praying for people and dressing modestly may seem difficult at times, but with God, anything is possible. 

    -Hannah Bormes

    Reflection Questions

    1. What rules for life do you find in 1 Timothy 2 that you want to live by better and better?
    2. Can you think of a time of anger and disputing when it would have been better to lift up holy hands in prayer? How can you use this method next time?
    3. Why do you think Paul addressed modesty? Do you think it should be addressed today – if so, how?
    4. Who will you pray for today?
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    Give Credit

    Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 15 & 16

    Poetry: Psalm 96

    New Testament: 2 Thessalonians 3

    Have you ever heard of the saying, “Give credit where credit is due?”  It is thought the expression was coined by Samuel Adams in a letter dated Oct. 29th, 1777!  That was quite a while ago!  Now, almost two and a half centuries later, “giving credit” has become a whole new ballgame.

    Today’s generation has always had easy internet access.  And with that access, has been seemingly limitless information. But, can a person easily find the original source of an idea, trend, or promoted “fact” on social media platforms, where it can be shared multiple times and morph into a whole different idea or supposed “truth”? 

    According to a recent survey, only 8% of students always give credit to original creators, 35% of students sometimes do, while 30% never give credit to original trendsetters.  (And who knows if this survey is correct—I found it on the internet!)

    The Bible tells us there is only One who is due credit for all the world around us, the beauty, and majesty of His Creation. 

    “Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
        ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
    8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
        bring an offering and come into his courts.
    9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
        tremble before him, all the earth.”  Psalm 96: 7-9

    Ascribe is an interesting word.  It means acknowledge, attribute, or GIVE CREDIT.  All of the earth trembles before Him as all people consider His mighty strength and unmatched splendor. 

    Our praise leads to this acknowledgement of God’s greatness.  In verses 1-3 we are told to sing, proclaim, and tell about His salvation, glory and wonderful deeds. 

    As our outward praise is heard and shared, it leads to an inward attitude of worship, basking in the Lord’s presence.  We adore God for who He is.

    Not just His people, but ALL of His Creation sings God’s praises.  In verses 11-13, we see this. Have you walked along an ocean beach and HEARD the water’s roar? Have you gazed upon a field of Texas bluebells, multi-colored tulips, or bright yellow sunflowers, their BEAUTY GLORIFYING God’s presence?  Have you wandered through a forest of pine trees, and HEARD their joyful song in the breeze? If you have done one or more of these things, lift up your praise in harmony to Creation’s melodies. 

    Acknowledge His presence in your every waking moment.  Savor His warmth and love.  Live a life of worship each day.  Give credit—ALL CREDIT—where credit is due—to the Lord God Almighty. 

    -Paula Kirkpatrick

    Reflection Questions

    1.  Do you dwell in God’s presence each day?  How better could you do that?
    2. Are praise and thanksgiving a regular part of your prayer life?
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    For the Majestic God

    Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 5 & 6

    Poetry: Psalm 93 (and/or 92)

    New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 3

    “The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty” Psalm 93:1a

    We have a great and majestic God. The Psalm from today’s reading is short and straight to the point: God reigns forever. He reigns over the world and our lives. Chaos may seem to have a tight hold on the world today, but ultimately God still reigns and His plan for the future Kingdom will unfold. What is the attitude that we have as we await the kingdom?

    Do you recognize the work of God in your own life? It’s easy to fall into a mundane routine of our lives, living each day the same and simply going with the flow of life. In these moments of routine, we are likely to miss God’s mighty hand working within our lives. When life is peaceful and easy, we tend to forget to lift our eyes to God in praise and thanksgiving. 

    A family favorite film in my household growing up was the movie Miracle. This movie tells the true story of the U.S. hockey team that participated in the 1980 winter Olympics. It was a ragtag team of college students who didn’t always get along with one another and some of them weren’t the most talented hockey players that the coach could have chosen for his team. The movie recounts the events of Team USA being demolished by the Russia hockey team, who were known as the best hockey team in the world, before the Olympic games even began. The Russia team was confident in their own individual skill and didn’t see Team USA as a threat. However, with training and dedication, this team of college students was able to miraculously have victory over the Russia team during the Olympic games because they relied not on their own skills but on the skills of the team and the guidance of the coach. When we have a lot of success in our life or our life is simply going peacefully, we tend to become confident in our own abilities like Team Russia. We think that by sheer skill we can conquer anything on our own. This is not the case. Our success in life is from God and the peace we feel in good times is a precious gift not to be wasted by relaxing into the good times. King Solomon was seeing a lot of success as king. In the Old Testament passage from today, he had finally completed the temple and instead of praising his own ability and focusing on his own skill like Team Russia, he praised God. He recognized the building of the temple was not something done by himself alone. It was accomplished through the work of man following the instructions and will of God much like Team USA following the instructions of their coach. 

    “He said, “O LORD, the God of Israel, there is no god like You in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing lovingkindness to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart; who has kept with Your servant David, my father, that which You have promised him; indeed You have spoken with Your mouth and have fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day.’” – 2 Chronicles 6:14-15

    King Solomon recognized the goodness and provision of God in the work of the temple. Take a moment to note the different descriptive terms Solomon uses to describe God and what He has done for the people. How have you seen these things in your own life?

    -Makenna Landry

    Reflection Questions

    1. What is the attitude that we have as we await the kingdom?
    2. Do you recognize the work of God in your own life?
    3. Take a moment to note the different descriptive terms Solomon uses to describe God and what He has done for the people. How have you seen these things in your own life?
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    Working for the Lord

    Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 25-26

    Poetry: Psalm 90

    New Testament: Colossians 3:18-4:1

    Scripture:
    “David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who prophesied with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals.” — 1 Chronicles 25:1 (LEB)


    “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for people, because you know that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. Serve the Lord Christ.” — Colossians 3:23-24 (LEB)


    “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen.” — Psalm 90:2 (LEB)


    In 1 Chronicles 25, David and the leaders set apart the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with musical instruments. Their dedication to worship through music is a powerful example of using one’s talents for the glory of God. This act of worship was not just about playing instruments; it was about prophesying and communicating God’s messages through music. Through music, they made Him known!


    1 Chronicles 26 outlines the responsibilities of the gatekeepers. Their role was crucial for maintaining the sanctity and order of the temple. These gatekeepers demonstrate that every role in God’s house, whether seen or unseen, is significant and valuable. These chapters highlight the importance of worship and service in the life of God’s people. They remind us that every task, whether musical, administrative, or protective, no matter how menial or mundane, is an act of worship when done for the Lord.


    Colossians 3:23-24 continues this message as it encourages us to work heartily for the Lord, not for human masters. This perspective transforms our daily tasks into acts of worship. Whether we are serving in the church, at home, or in our workplaces, doing our work for the Lord gives it eternal significance.


    Psalm 90 reminds us of God’s eternal nature: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen.” In our worship and service, we acknowledge the everlasting nature of God and our place in His eternal plan.


    The organization of musicians and gatekeepers in 1 Chronicles shows that both worship and practical service are vital in God’s kingdom. Every role, whether public or behind the scenes, is important. Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us to do everything wholeheartedly for the Lord. This attitude turns everyday tasks into meaningful acts of worship. Psalm 90’s focus on God’s eternal nature encourages us to see our service and worship in light of eternity. Our actions have lasting value when done for God.


    These are great examples of dedication and service to God. Through them, perhaps, we will all be more inclined to use our talents for His glory and to see every task as an act of worship, to live with an eternal perspective, acknowledging His everlasting nature. 

    -Jeff Ransom


    Reflection Questions:

    1. How can you use your talents and skills to worship and serve God in your daily life?
    2. In what ways can you adopt an eternal perspective in your work and service?
    3. How does understanding that you are working for the Lord, not just for human recognition, change your attitude toward your daily tasks?
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