Monday, October 3, 2022.

Psalm 66.  We started Friday with an introduction.  The subject is “Praising God for His Mighty Acts.”  The Psalm invites us to “Come and see the wonders of God.”  David gives us a worldwide invitation to all nations to “Praise the Lord!”   Specifically, he is inviting all Gentile nations to praise God for what He has done for Israel. John 4:22 tells us that “salvation is from the Jews.”  In verses 1-7, we see the importance of taking the “Good News” of Jesus Christ into the world.  Think about how you do that on a daily basis.  Do you?   God’s purpose is for us to carry the message of Christ to all nations so they too can praise Him.  See Romans 15:9-12.  Read it!   There is a “but” in that statement & it is this: They can’t & no one can praise God until they trust Him!   It’s difficult to see this, however,  there will come a day when all nations will worship the Lord.  Today, Israel is being attacked daily.  The nations have been blinded & even many Jews have been hardened by their beliefs.   Zechariah 13 & 14 tells us the world situation will change when Israel sees her Messiah & trusts Him.  Read it!   In Revelation 11:15-18 at the sound of the 7th trumpet, we will see universal praise for Jesus Christ from all nations!  Now, at the end of v.7, David pauses with a “selah.”  At the end of v.7, we see David telling us that God is watching the rebellion.  We should pay attention.  Have a great 1st week of October.   Pastor Mike

Tuesday, October 4, 2022.

Psalm 66.  We are discussing praising God for His Mighty Acts.

Verses 8-12.  All people, everyone, should praise God.  This is the 2nd section of 66.  It us specific to Israel.  If any nation had a reason to praise the Lord—it is Israel.  Consider their blessings from Him.

God rescued them from slavery.  He guided them through the wilderness to their promised land & helped them defeat their enemies & claim their inheritance.  He blessed them with everything they needed.  And yet, they still disobeyed Him.  Sounds like us doesn’t it?  Think about how blessed we are.  We have clean water to drink. Most folks have more than 1 vehicle,  a place to sleep at night & so on.  Even if we don’t have those things—we are blessed.  V.9 tells us He keeps us alive.  V.10 tells us that “God tested us…”. Yes, He allowed His people to suffer & experience hardships.  And even in that—Romans 8:28 is applicable.  Read it!  God crafted us, He molded us like clay & ”refined us as silver.”

He placed us in the furnace of life & removed all of our impurities.  God put the Israelites through these things to show them if they turn to Him, He will turn their sufferings into blessings.  It is the same with us & with the Church.  We must turn to the Lord no matter what comes our way.  Any suffering or persecution we face always leads to spiritual growth.

Isaiah 43:2 shows us that we can & will go through fire & water & come out on the upside.  God blesses us abundantly as we come out on the other side.  How will you walk through the fire & water of life?  On your own or with the Lord?  Stay strong & courageous.

Pastor Mike