Worship by Jun Jamosmos

Today we finish our Summer in the Psalms series. I am thankful for your companionship and look forward to new adventures together. Soon I will post the next stops on our Biblical journey, passages on God’s Whispers.
– Lisa <><

Today’s Reading
Psalms 33, 34, 145

Pastor Lisa’s Journal
Scripture
Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. – Psalm 34:3 (NIV)

Some people want to see God with their eyes as they see a cow, and to love Him as they love their cow- for the milk and cheese and profit it brings them. This is how it is with people who love God for the sake of outward wealth or inward comfort. They do not rightly love God when they love Him for their own advantage. Indeed, I tell you the truth, any object you have in your mind, however good, will be a barrier between you and the inmost Truth. -Meister Eckhart

Observation
The psalmist provides an interesting pattern for worship, beginning with a call to corporate adoration and praise. (v. 1-3) Next are testimonies to God’s power to save. (v. 4-8.) This is followed by a lesson on how to live a life that reveres God in word and deed. (v. 9-22)

Application
Worship… Reverence… Devotion… Veneration…
Love… Adoration… Honor… Glorify…

Our private times of prayer, study, and devotion prepare us for corporate times of prayer, study, and devotion. Likewise, the corporate prepares us for the private. They are interdependent. Each is weak without the other. Each is strengthened with the other. If we are “not being fed” in one area we must ask ourselves- How are my efforts in the other?

Prayer
Glorious One, Father-Son-Spirit, help us to worship you, alone and with others, in spirit and in truth. Make us faithful to love you, to seek you, quick to testify and sing and shout of your goodness. Save us from every distraction and excuse. Renew in us the joy of salvation. Rekindle our hope and passion. Manifest your kingdom in our hearts for the honor and expansion of your Name. Amen.

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Thank you to Jun Jamosmos for permission to use her artwork as part of today’s post. Be sure to check out more of her beautiful art and writing at www.jamosmos.com 

You are invited to join me on a summer adventure through one of the most beloved books in the Bible, Psalms.  To download the Summer in the Psalms reading plan, click here Psalms Reading Plan

As you read, you are encouraged to use the SOAP Method for keeping a spiritual journal, as taught at New Hope Christian Fellowship in Hawaii. For more information on this simple and powerful way of engaging the Word of God, please click here or use the simple instructions provided in the reading plan itself.

I look forward to reading your comments and to all that Jesus will do in you and through you as you seek him this summer. – Lisa <><

PS- For more information on the scripture translation, art and the use of this devotional in other settings, please leave a comment.