Sing a New Song – Psalm 98:1

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done awesome deeds! His right hand and powerful arm have brought him victory.

– Psalm 98:1 (ISV)

Sing to the Lord a new song; celebrate His mighty work in our lives. We sing to express our gratitude and joy and to exhibit our love and thankfulness through praise. A new song means a need for new, fresh praise, sung with enthusiasm and gladness, celebrating His goodness to us.

We sing in gratitude for God’s marvelous, wonderful deeds, showcasing His love and faithfulness to us. He triumphs over evil, protects, forgives, and provides salvation to those who believe in Him.

God is sovereign and powerful. He is strong. His right hand and powerful arm are instruments of His strength. His might brings victory over His enemies and those who challenge Him.

Let’s sing a new song personally praising God for His care and love, showing our gratitude for His daily guidance and help.

Sing to God a brand-new song.
He’s made a world of wonders!

He rolled up his sleeves,
He set things right. – Psalm 98:1 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, we worship and praise You for Your mighty works in the world and in our lives. May we worship and sing with new fervor, raising genuine praise daily for Your steadfast help and love. We are in awe of Your wisdom and power. Like the brightly colored petunia brings forth blossoms all summer, let us shine brightly with Your light and blossom in Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

Sacrifice of Praise – Hebrews 13:16

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. – Hebrews 13:15 (NIV)

It is important to offer praise to the Lord. Offering praise to the Lord uplifts our spirits and strengthens our faith. Recognizing His blessings with praise deepens our connection to Him and our appreciation for life.

We offer a sacrifice of praise, praising the Lord with gratitude and thankfulness, for His love and mercy surround us. As we acknowledge His presence in our lives, we cultivate a spirit of joy and contentment that enriches our hearts and influences those around us. In doing so, we cultivate a spirit of joy and contentment that transforms our perspective on life. Each moment becomes an opportunity to recognize His blessings, deepening our faith and strengthening our relationship with Him.

What is the meaning of offering to God a sacrifice of praise? Instead of burnt animal sacrifices, believers are to offer a sacrifice of praise. The act of praise should be a deliberate expression of devotion, recognizing the work of Jesus in our lives through the offering of praise from our lips. It involves offering praise in Jesus’ name with a spirit of thankful obedience, gratitude, and joy.

When times are difficult and we are struggling, praise may not be easy; it can become a sacrifice. However, it is precisely in those challenging moments that authentic praise can resonate most deeply, transforming our struggles into opportunities for growth and connection with our faith. By choosing to praise even when it feels like a sacrifice, we affirm our trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty and celebrate the truth of God, His faithful promises, and His love.

May we take time today to praise the Lord, remembering His goodness and mercy toward us.

Let’s take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out the sacrificial blood of animals but pouring out sacrificial praises from our lips to God in Jesus’ name.

Hebrews 13:15 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, we praise Your Holy Name. We thank You for Your mercy and grace to us. Let our praise be an expression of love, devotion, and gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. We trust in Your goodness and celebrate You with praise and worship. Like the Potentilla flower that blooms continuously from spring to fall, let us worship and praise you continually through our lives. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Lord’s Glory – Habakkuk 2:14

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea. – Habakkuk 2:14 (ASV)

The prophet Habakkuk is living in a time of turmoil and injustice. He is worried that wickedness is triumphing; the Babylonians were oppressing the people of Judah.

The glory of God refers to His majesty and holiness. The splendor of God is displayed in the earth and heaven, revealing His glory.

Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!. – Psalm 72:19 (NLT)

Habakkuk receives a vision. In this vision, the glory of God covers the earth, like water covers the sea. A vision of the future when the knowledge of the glory of God will be universally recognized and acknowledged. A world that is renewed and restored, free from sin and injustice. This vision instills a deep sense of anticipation and purpose, encouraging believers to live out their faith with confidence. As they strive to embody this glory, they become instruments of God’s love and grace, reflecting the promise of a brighter future.

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Our Heavenly Father, you are our hope and our salvation. The knowledge of Your glory, Lord, brings us hope. We are in awe of Your majesty and goodness. We give thanks to You for Your guidance, grace, and love. May we carry this spirit of love and service into every interaction, spreading kindness and understanding to those around us. Like the beautiful open blossom of the water lilies, let us open our hearts to you and blossom in faith. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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The Word – John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1 (KJB)

John 1:1, like the book of Genesis, opens with the words “In the beginning.” John continues with In the beginning was the Word. The Word is Jesus; He is the Word of God. Jesus was present with God in the beginning before the world was formed. For Jesus wasn’t created; Jesus is God, fully eternal and divine.

The Word (Jesus) was with God, and all things were made by Him. This profound declaration emphasizes the intimate relationship between Jesus and God. Through Him, not only was the physical universe brought into existence, but also the foundation for faith and salvation for humanity. Jesus was with God and present at creation.

God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.

-John 1:3 (NLT)

Jesus, the Word, is God. Our God is a triune God, existing as 3 distinct forms: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. They stay in perfect unity. Jesus, the Word, reveals to us God’s truth, grace, and glory.

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Our eternal and loving God, we thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace. In the beginning was Jesus, the Word, our savior, truth, and hope. Open our hearts and guide us on our path. Let us unite with our triune God, like the three hibiscus flowers gathered together. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Holy Calling – 2 Timothy 1:9

9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

– 2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV)

In 2 Timothy, the apostle Paul is writing to Timothy. He is speaking of the powerful love of God. That through God and the sacrifice of His son Jesus, we have been redeemed, rescued from sin. We are saved by God’s grace to be His people.

We are saved by grace, the grace of God, his unmerited favor, to bring us from sin and brokenness to holiness; a holy calling. Calling us to a life dedicated to Him, not because of our works, but due to God’s grace and purpose. His purpose for us, His chosen people, was established before the beginning of time. Through Jesus, we have been redeemed, called to live lives set apart for God’s purpose, and to pursue righteousness and holiness.

He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

Titus 2:14 (NLT)

We are to live out the holy life God prepared for us as His holy people, responding with praise, worship, and obedience. We are His people. God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be His people, serving Him and doing good works.

We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for our salvation through Your Son, Jesus. Lead us in Your eternal purpose/holy calling to a life of holiness and righteousness. Lord, we praise and worship You for Your goodness and grace. Like the colorful oriental lily brightens summer days, let us brighten the world with Your light and love. Amen

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Majestic – Psalm 8:3-4

3 When I look up at the heavens, which your fingers made, and see the moon and the stars, which you set in place, 4 Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them?

Psalm 8:3-4 (NET)

David is praising the immense beauty and wonder of God’s creation. God formed the heavens, earth, and the vast universe. Our earth is a wonder of diversity and complexity, with a remarkable interdependence between plants and animals.

God formed the majesty of the heavens, the moon, and the stars. The sun that lights our days.

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! – Psalm 8:1

In verse 4, David ponders the significance of humanity in the grandeur of the universe. He is humbled that God, in His infinite wisdom, made man in His image and bestowed His love, mercy, and kindness upon us, entrusting us to be stewards of His world, responsibly managing the earth.

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! – Psalm 8:1

3-4 I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous,
your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings.
Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, Why do you bother with us?
Why take a second look our way?

Psalm 8:3-4 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, like David, we are in awe of You and the wonder and grandeur of creation. When we look at the vastness of the universe, we feel insignificant and are humbled by Your love and care for us. We praise You for Your mercy and grace toward us. How majestic is Your name in all the earth! Like the bright azalea blossoms bring beauty to spring, let us shine brightly with the beauty of Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Exalt – Psalm 18:46

The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!

Psalm 18:46 (NIV)

David, in this psalm, is praising the Lord. The Lord lives; He is active, alive, and actively engaged in our lives. He listens to our prayers and is our hope and support when life is difficult.

Throughout David’s life, God was his rock, steadfast, an unmovable foundation, guiding us through life’s storms. God is our place of safety and security, where we can find refuge and strength.

To exalt the Lord means to raise up, to glorify, showing joy and reverence to Him. Exalting the Lord is to praise and worship Him, recognize the divine nature of God, and thank Him for His grace and salvation.

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How has God been a rock in your life? Do you exalt God with worship, obedience, and in prayer?

Lord, You are our rock, our redeemer, our blessed hope. We exalt You and praise Your name. Lord, thank You for being with us, actively engaged in our lives, and answering our prayers. Like the regal iris brings brightness and joy to spring, You, our Lord, brighten our lives and bring joy to our days. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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God of Creation – Romans 1:20

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. – Romans 1:20 (NLT)

People have the opportunity to know God, revealed through His creation. What kind of power would it take to create the world and solar system? Eternal power, the power of God, manifests in His creation, miracles, and salvation. God’s invisible qualities are visible when you look at what God has created.

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known. – Psalm 19:1-2 (NLT)

As David says in Psalm 19, heaven proclaims the glory of God, and the skies display His craftsmanship. After partaking in the majesty and beauty of the world, there is no excuse for not knowing, honoring, and worshiping our God of Creation.

But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. Romans 1:19-20 (MSG)

Here is a link to God of Wonders -Documentary John Whitcomb, Dan Sheedy, Don B. DeYoung. This documentary details how the natural universe shows God’s creative genius, His power, majesty, and wisdom. It is beautiful and touching.

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Prayer: Our powerful, mighty, and loving Heavenly Father, we worship You, God of Creation, God of Wonders. We thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace toward us. Let us be open to Your guidance and authority. As the Fireworks Gomphrena flower glows with beauty, let us radiate peace and glow with Your love. In Jesus, holy name. Amen

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My Strength, My Song – Isaiah 12:2

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 (ESV)

Isaiah describes God’s goodness and that He is trustworthy. Isaiah has a deep faith and trust in God. For God keeps His promises and can protect and save us.

God is our strength; He gives us strength to endure our trials. Trust in Him dispels fear and brings peace. God is the embodiment of strength and joy.

The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. – Psalm 118:14 and Exodus 15:2a (ESV)

The Lord is our strength, a source of joy, praise, and song.
He is my salvation, my strength, and my song. Let us sing praises to Him!

²“Yes, indeed—God is my salvation.
I trust, I won’t be afraid.
God—yes God!—is my strength and song,
best of all, my salvation!” – Isaiah 12:2 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, You are our hope and salvation. Teach us to trust You and follow Your path for us. You are our strength and song. Guide us, teaching us to rely on Your strength and power instead of our understanding. Like the Anemone flower brightens spring, let us shine bright with Your light and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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Stands Forever – Psalm 33:11

The plan of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation. – Psalm 33:11 (NASB)

The Lord’s promises are steadfast, wise, and good. God’s plans are unchanging and enduring; they stand forever. What the Lord plans, He will do; His plans succeed. We have security for God’s promises endure forever.

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.

Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)

The Lord’s plan stands forever; human intentions may falter and change over time. God’s authority and plans remain steadfast from generation to generation. The plans of His heart for His people are ones of love, peace, grace, and mercy. For the Lord is good; his love endures forever.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5 (NIV)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your mercy and grace. Your word and your promises are steadfast; they stand forever. Help and guide us to follow your word and plans for us. Teach us to rest in security, knowing Your promises endure forever. As the balloon flower balloon-like buds open into beautiful blooms, let us open our hearts and minds to You and bloom in Your light. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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