Shalom,
We covered all of Psalm 100 in April, but I DO have a few more things to share about it! This is the final of the 7 "royal psalms" (93, 95-100). This psalm is a summary of them all, revealing God's sovereign rule, His goodness to HIS people, the responsibility of all nations to acknowledge Him, and the importance of God's people exalting and worshiping Him! In Ephesians 5:18-21we see this:
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. 19 Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody in your heart to the Lord. 20 At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. 21 Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
Colossians 3:16-20:
16 Let the Word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him. 18 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is right and fitting and your proper duty in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh or bitter or resentful toward them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.
In these 2 passages of Scripture we are encouraged to be filled with the Spirit of God and filled with the Word of God. The result SHOULD be that we are joyful, thankful and submitted (to HIM). Psalm 100 is a wonderful representation of this LIFE we have been given! CHOOSE to spend each day in praise, thanksgiving and worship; in study and meditation of God's Word; in fellowship with like-minded believers; and in submission to HIS perfect will for your life! John 10:10 reveals His will that we should submit to!
10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy LIFE, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
Enjoy that abundance of God's LIFE (Zoe - life as God has it in Himself!) and let it flow out to meet the needs of others. That is truly being a DOER of God's Word!
In Luke 21 we see Jesus continuing to instruct His disciples and answer their questions. He first shows them the example of the poor widow who gave all that she had, even though it was a small amount in the eyes of man. The Bible Exposition Commentary says:
"When it comes to our giving, God sees more than the portion, He also sees the proportion. Men see what is given, but God sees what is left, and by that He measures the gift and the condition of our hearts."
Winston Churchill once said:
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
That pretty much sums up God's attitude toward finances! He wants us to walk in all of the abundance of Heaven, but it will only happen to the measure that we give! Be a GIVER and be just like the Father, Who gave His SON; like Jesus, Who gave His life; and like the Holy Spirit, Who gave Himself to live in us! GOOD COMPANY!
In Jeremiah 26 we see Jeremiah receiving his instructions from the LORD. He was given the words to say to the people, which contained instructions for the people to repent and the results that would take place if they refused. As usual, the priests and (false) prophets wanted to put him to death instead of receiving the Truth! The people were being swayed by the priests until the princes of Judah came with the voice of reason. The princes were the government officials and military leaders. Why does it seem like the religious leaders always come out against the Truth? If they repent before the people, they will have to admit that they were wrong! Their pride wouldn't allow them to do so! There are still "religious" people today who will not receive the Truth of God's Word because it goes contrary to what they cling to! But those who are sincerely wanting to know the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible, WILL find Him! God will move Heaven and earth to get to those who really want Him! Keep preaching the Good News! People may not show outwardly that they receive, but the Truth will NOT return void! It will continue to work in the hearts of the people who have heard! Some will change their thinking to agree with God and you will have rewards in Heaven for doing YOUR part! Some will not and you will STILL have rewards in Heaven for doing YOUR part! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
