Through the Bible - Ezekiel 43-46, 2 Peter 3 - 1 John 1
Good morning,
I missed Friday's devotional because I was off hunting. It was the first time hunting in North Carolina after years of doing so out in Colorado and most often in Wisconsin. I thought of which Psalm to use for this weekends verse, several came to mind.
When deer hunting Psalm 42 always comes to mind:
Ps 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God? NKJV
The deer needs water daily. It's not like a camel that can go for days without water. So it should be with us and fellowship with God in prayer and in His Word. We need it and should desire it with a thirst.
I read Psalms 146 -150 and had many verses to choose from:
Ps 148:7 Praise the Lord from the earth,......10 Beasts and all cattle;
Creeping things and flying fowl; NKJV
Sitting in the woods it was easy to praise Him for His creation.
Ps 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord! NKJV
or from The Message:
Ps 150:6 Let every living, breathing creature praise God!
Hallelujah!
Hunting in North Carolina this time of year is different from Wisconsin. There was no snow, no ice, there was still green grass and plants with green leaves, something I wouldn't have seen in Wi. But to be in either location, it is wonderful to see God's creation, His creatures.
At about 7 am. things begin to spring to life. First you hear a few birds, then the squirrels come out and make more noise (seemingly) than an elephant would if one were to walk through the woods. Then more birds start singing and flitting about. Landing within a few feet of the camouflaged hunter. A little later a couple of yearling does come bouncing along, visit for a while and then they are off. A little later, since it is warmer here, there were even a few spiders working, weaving and spinning their webs.
Creation was truly singing.
It is easy to take for granted is that God is upholding this every day. He provides for the animals as He does for us. Should we not join in praise with God's creation?
The verse I settled on was Psalm 149:1
Ps 149:1- Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
And His praise in the assembly of saints. NKJV
The song All Creatures of Our God and King, words written by Francis of Assisi, referenced this Psalm.
All Creatures of Our God and King
All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!
Refrain
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!
Refrain
Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light.
Refrain
Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them His glory also show.
If you have a chance to be outdoors, take some time to appreciate, and praise God, the Lord of Creation for His handiwork.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Ps 149:1-150:1
149 Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
And His praise in the assembly of saints.
2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
3 Let them praise His name with the dance;
Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the humble with salvation.
5 Let the saints be joyful in glory;
Let them sing aloud on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
7 To execute vengeance on the nations,
And punishments on the peoples;
8 To bind their kings with chains,
And their nobles with fetters of iron;
9 To execute on them the written judgment —
This honor have all His saints.
Praise the Lord!
NKJV
Ps 150
Let All Things Praise the Lord
150 Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!
2 Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
5 Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!
NKJV
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