May 15, 2018
Psalm 115: 1, 9-18 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
In Christ Jesus, we are protected from the unholiness of this world. Our protection comes when we are united (abiding) in love and affection with the sovereign Lord of the heavens and earth. We return love and honor to God, because he loves and honors us as his creation. Honor is about value; giving weight to something important. For God, his character is pure and honorable, so the honor he bestows on us is perfect. For us as his people, we must learn and grow in honor as it is a connective bridge in our future with the sovereign God. Our lives honor God when we live to please him. As his people, we learn to honor and love the Lord with every aspect of our lives. We walk with him by faith knowing he is worthy to be praised in all things and he will surely protect us.
Scripture teaches God will protect us as a Shield, so do not give fear any place in your life. When you start feeling afraid, use your faith and speak words of praise lifting up Christ. If you are truly abiding or dwelling in him and honoring his utterance/Word, as he is lifted up you will be lifted up.
In today’s passage, the psalmist encourages Israel or the people of God to love, trust, honor, and praise the Lord. In Christ, the people of God are those who call on the name of the Lord to be saved. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 115:1, 9-18 The Lord Deserves To Be Praised
1
We don’t deserve praise!
The Lord alone deserves
all of the praise,
because of his love
and faithfulness.
9
People of Israel,
you must trust the Lord
to help and protect you.
10
Family of Aaron the priest,
you must trust the Lord
to help and protect you.
11
All of you worship the Lord,
so you must trust him
to help and protect you.
12
The Lord will not forget
to give us his blessing;
he will bless all of Israel
and the family of Aaron.
13
All who worship the Lord,
no matter who they are,
will receive his blessing.
14
I pray that the Lord
will let your family
and your descendants
always grow strong.
15
May the Lord who created
the heavens and the earth
give you his blessing.
16
The Lord has kept the heavens
for himself,
but he has given the earth
to us humans.
17
The dead are silent
and cannot praise the Lord,
18
but we will praise him
now and forevermore.
Shout praises to the Lord!
Prayer: Lord, all honor and glory be unto you. Walk with me today and teach me more about how I may love and honor you, as well as my neighbor. In Jesus’ name. Amen.