Headline News
Opening Prayer
Lord of All, when everything is shaken, You are my rock that does not move.
Read PSALM 145:1-21
[1] A psalm of praise. Of David. I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. [2] Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. [3] Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. [4] One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. [5] They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty- and I will meditate on your wonderful works. [6] They tell of the power of your awesome works- and I will proclaim your great deeds. [7] They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. [8] The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. [9] The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. [10] All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people extol you. [11] They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, [12] so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. [13] Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. [14] The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. [15] The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. [16] You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. [17] The LORD is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. [18] The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. [19] He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. [20] The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. [21] My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What characteristics of God are highlighted?Who hits the headlines? Whose picture appears on the cover of TIME magazine? Who are the papers always talking about? For the psalmist, there is simply no competition. In his book, God makes the headlines in every paper; the Lord is the theme of every song he sings; the name on every pair of lips is none other than the Lord’s. He declares, “God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough” (3, The Message), then devotes most of the rest of his “press space” to acknowledging the many and varied reasons why God deserves praise. Some of these reasons relate to God’s great performances, demonstrated by his great works (4-6) and great generosity (13b-16); but uppermost in the psalmist’s mind is personal greatness–God’s character, manifested in his goodness and grace (7-9) and the splendor of his glory (10-13a).It’s easy enough to thank and praise God when he “answers” prayer or works a “miracle” for us. But how often, how sincerely and how enthusiastically do we worship God simply for who he is? How about others: is our applause reserved for their achievements or do we honor people for who they are–for being God-fearing individuals who love and serve the Lord?
Apply
Make God “headline news” by telling someone who God is and what he has done in your life.
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