September 26, 2019: SOAP #3218:  Ezra 4; Psalm 113, 127; Luke 9

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 113:1 Praise the LORD. Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. 2 Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and for evermore.
3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. 4 The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, 6 who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?
7 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; 8 he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people. 9 He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.

Observation:  WHAT is to be done?  Praise the Lord!
WHO is to do it?  The servants of the Lord.
WHAT are they to praise?  The name of the Lord.
WHEN is this to happen?  Now and for evermore.
WHERE is this to happen? Anywhere the sun shines.
WHY is this the right thing to do?  The Lord is exalted.
WHY? There is no one like Him.  He sits enthroned.  He is so high that he stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth!
WHAT does He do?  He raises the poor. He lifts the needy.  He gives children to the barren.

Application:  So, what am I going to do?  I am going to praise the Lord!  May the day become a week, the week a month, the month a year, and the year a life-time of praise.  He is worthy of a million lifetimes!

Prayer:   Lord, today is a good day to honor You with my praise.  I want to be so close to you that you fill my whole vision.  I do not want to see around you, over you, or under you.  Holy Spirit, fill my thoughts with the praise-worthy deeds that have been done for my benefit.    Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!