Lifting up hands towards the Most High

 

 

Psalms 28:2  Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands towards your Most Holy Place.
Psalms 63:4  I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
Psalms 134:1   A song of ascents. Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD.
Psalms 134:2  Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD.
Psalms 141:1   A psalm of David. O LORD, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you.
Psalms 141:2  May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
Psalms 47:1   For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
Psalms 47:2  How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!
Lamentations 3:40  Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.
Lamentations 3:41  Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven, and say:
2 Chronicles 5:13  The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures for ever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud,
Nehemiah 8:6  Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
Ezra 9:5   Then, at the evening sacrifice, I rose from my self-abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the LORD my God
1 Kings 8:22   Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands towards heaven
1 Kings 8:23  and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.
1 Kings 8:54   When Solomon had finished all these prayers and supplications to the LORD, he rose from before the altar of the LORD, where he had been kneeling with his hands spread out towards heaven.
1 Kings 8:55  He stood and blessed the whole assembly of Israel in a loud voice, saying:
1 Timothy 2:8  I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
Ephesians 5:18  Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:19  Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
John 4:24  God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth.”

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Quotes from the NIV

Psalm 1 in 1628 printing with tune, metrical version by Thomas Sternhold. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Preceding articles

Random Observations From My Most Recent JW Convention Experience

Our views on Christian Worship Music

Lifted Hands During Worship… Wait Is That Even Biblical?

Dutch version / Nederlandse versie: Geklap in de handen en gejuich voor God

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Additional reading

1. Many forgot how Christ should be our anchor and our focus
2. On the Affirmation of Scripture
3. Necessity of a revelation of creation 14 Searching the scriptures
4. Reasons why you may not miss the opportunity to go to a Small Church
5. Praise and give thanks to God the Most Highest
6. What Jesus sang
7. What is important?
8. Music and young people in Christadelphia
9. A small rant…music, young people and Christadelphia
10. Art and other taboos
11. Performing music

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Further reading

1. Let Joy take temptation’s place
2. From Picking to Performing Sunday Morning Music
3. We Plow the Fields and Scatter
4. 7 tips for those who play melody instruments in a church band.
5. Back to the Future at TMC!
6. His praises resound in us – the new temple!
7. I owe no one an apology for kneeling down to worship God — Ooni Of Ife tells critics
8. Kneeling, Humility, & Lost Reverence
9. Stuff I Use in Sacred Practice
10. Sermon: Learning to Kneel
11. He Who Kneels
12. Your Strength Begins on your Knees.

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Related articles

• Restoring Your Soul
• Poem: When I Am Afraid
• The Psalter Project
• I’m One Of The Grateful Ones….How About You?
• Trust the Lord
• Encore, ‘Shall We Gather at the River’
• Peace Will Come
• August 3:The Psalms as Personal Prayer IV.
• Why Racial Reconciliation Matters
• The Temple – Promise

Praise Jehovah, ​You people

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Praise Jah, ​YOU​ people,
For it is good to make melody to our God;
For it is pleasant—praise is fitting. Jehovah is building Jerusalem;
The dispersed ones of Israel he brings together.

He is healing the brokenhearted ones,
And is binding up their painful spots.

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“5  Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, 6 the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— the LORD, who remains faithful for ever.” (Psalms 146:5-6 NIV)

“8 the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. 9 The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.” (Psalms 146:8-9 NIV)

“Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.” (Zechariah 14:16 NIV)

“If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die.” (Revelation 11:5 NIV)

“[A psalm of David.] O LORD, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you.” (Psalms 141:1 NIV)

“2 I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. 3 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me.” (Psalms 142:2-3 NIV)

“1  [A song of ascents.] Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD. 2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. 3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.” (Psalms 134:1-3 NIV)

“For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.” (Deuteronomy 10:17 NIV)

“1  Praise the LORD. Praise the name of the LORD; praise him, you servants of the LORD, 2 you who minister in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God. 3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant. 4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob to be his own, Israel to be his treasured possession. 5  I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. 6 The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. 7 He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.” (Psalms 135:1-7 NIV)

“For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.” (Psalms 95:3 NIV)

“For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.” (Psalms 96:4 NIV)

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalms 139:14 NIV)

“1  [For the director of music. To [the tune of] “The Death of the Son”. A psalm of David.] I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” (Psalms 9:1-2 NIV)

“All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name.” (Psalms 86:9 NIV)

“From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me,” says the LORD.” (Isaiah 66:23 NIV)

“All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:” (Psalms 22:7 NIV)

“1  [For the director of music. A song. A psalm.] Shout with joy to God, all the earth! 2 Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! 3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. 4 All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name.” Selah” (Psalms 66:1-4 NIV)

“Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.” (Psalms 117:1 NIV)

“Like your name, O God, your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with righteousness.” (Psalms 48:10 NIV)

“1  [For the director of music. A psalm of David. A song.] Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. 2 O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come.” (Psalms 65:1-2 NIV)

“The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with corn; they shout for joy and sing.” (Psalms 65:13 NIV)

“13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. 14 I will fulfil my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. 16 O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains. 17 I will sacrifice a thank-offering to you and call on the name of the LORD. 18 I will fulfil my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the LORD—in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.” (Psalms 116:13-19 NIV)

“21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever. 146:1  Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.” (Psalms 145:21-146:1 NIV)

“I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” (Psalms 146:2 NIV)

“11 the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. 12  Extol the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion, 13 for he strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you. 14 He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat. 15 He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.” (Psalms 147:11-15 NIV)

“1  Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. 2 Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. 3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. 4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. 6 He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away. 7  Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,” (Psalms 148:1-7 NIV)

“1  Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. 3 Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. 4 For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. 5 Let the saints rejoice in this honour and sing for joy on their beds. 6  May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands,” (Psalms 149:1-6 NIV)

“1  Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.” (Psalms 150:1-6 NIV)

“Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.” (Psalms 21:13 NIV)

“1  Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. 2 Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?”” (Psalms 115:1-2 NIV)

“LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.” (Psalms 16:5 NIV)

“Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name.” (Psalms 80:18 NIV)

“You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Saviour, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas,” (Psalms 65:5 NIV)

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Preceding: Bring praise to the Creator

Afrikaans: Ek sal u prys, o Jehovah, met my hele hart

Deutsch: Preiset Jehova, Denn es ist gut, unserem Gott Melodien zu spielen

Français: Répondez à Jéhovah par des actions de grâces

Neerlands: Looft Jehovah en bezingt Hem met melodieën

Man reading Psalms at the Western Wall. Jerusalem, Israel/Palestine, March 2007 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Find also to read:

1. For Jehovah is greatly to be praised
2. Praise be to God
3. Song of Praise for the Elohim Set-Apart
4. Songs of Moses and the servants of God
5. Worship and worshipping
6. Jehovah God Almighty greater than all gods
7. Praise the most High Jehovah God above all
8. Trusting, Faith, calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #2 Calling upon the Name of God
9. Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #5 Prayer #1 Listening Sovereign Maker
10. Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #13 Prayer #11 Name to be set apart
11. Looking at the Source of joy
12. God our refuge
13. Jehovah steep rock and fortress, source of insight
14. Best intimate relation to look for
15. Look for your Refuge by God
16. Attributes to God, names and titles
17. Believe in only One God
18. God is one

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Please do find also of interest:

1. Contents of the Book of Revelation
2. The Song of The Lamb #1 Visions, symbols and suggested meanings
3. The Song of The Lamb #2 Sevens
4. The Song of The Lamb #3 Daniel and Revelation
5. The Song of The Lamb #4 Methods of Interpretation
6. The song of the lamb #5 Revelation 5
7. The Song of The Lamb #6 Revelation 14
8. The Song of The Lamb #7 Revelation 15
9. Kingdom Visions of a Man, Throne and Great crowd
10. Kingdom Visions of Rainbowed angel, Lamb in Mount Zion
11. Kingdom Visions of God’s judgements and Marriage of the Lamb
12. 144 000 following the Lamb
13. An unblemished and spotless lamb foreknown
14. Seals, a flying scroll, a statue and blessings
15. Songs of Moses and the servants of God

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Related articles

• He will calm all your fears
• Sermon: Celebrate God
• Psalm 68
• Psalm 129
• Psalm 9:9-12
• Praise Jehovah
• Almighty God above all other gods greater than all gods
• Bible sayings about God
• Do you purpose that your mouth will not transgress
• Additional comments to the Letter to the Romans 4

As Christ’s slaves doing the Will of God in gratitude

When we seem to receive everything why are we not much more showing gratitude to that One Who provides?

Not many people today are seeing that it is the Great God Who gives us everything we need for life. Not much seems to have changed by the years. Like we can find godliness in His Book of books, though it may be a Best-seller, not many people are following all the advice which is given in it.

In that ancient writing we are given words which should be precious and should be burned in the hearts of many.

Our hearts should be be comforted (+) and all that say they love Jesus should be harmoniously joined together in love (+). We that call ourselves Christians should be true followers of Christ Jesus, accepting that what he, Jeshua, Jesus from Nazareth says, but also should accept what his heavenly Father, the God of Jesus, says, Who is also the God of Abraham. In our faith in Jesus accepting him to be the son of God, and not making him a god son, we may have all the riches that result from the full assurance of our understanding, in order to gain an accurate knowledge of the sacred secret of God, namely, Christ.(+)

It is true that for many it still may not be clear and that even a lot of Christians do not believe a man could keep to God’s commandments. Though all that call themselves Christians should know that carefully concealed in this Nazarene man, Jesus, are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge. (+)

The apostle Paul said this already some two thousand years ago so that no one may delude the first nor the later Christians with persuasive arguments. Having accepted Christ Jesus the Lord, we should go on walking in union with him, being rooted and built up in him (+) and being stabilized in the faith, (+ ) just as you were taught, and overflowing with thanksgiving. (+)

It is in Jesus that all the fullness of the divine quality dwells bodily. (+) and by means of him we have acquired a fullness and can receive so many more blessings already in this life. Though we should know that our baptism is not a stop in our way to search. We continuously have to go on seeking the things above, where the Christ is seated at the right hand of God. (+) Though there may be many things to get our minds from Scripture and to distract us from the real Truth, we have to keep your minds fixed on the things above, (+) the more important things than worldly gain.

We see that the majority of this world is most interested to enlarge their gain and to provide themselves with a name so that others can look up to them. But we should not be bounded to this earth and to the gains of the earth. not on the things on the earth.

Black and white student clasping hands – Unity – Photo Frerieke

Several Christians do see in the union of Christ a proof for their three headed god, but forget that God as well as Jesus do ask us to become in the same union. Our life has should not be one of being on our own but be one of being in union with Christ like Jesus was and is in union with God. Being united with Jesus like he is united with God, does not make us Jesus nor will it make us God, but it will give us divine force of being stronger than the world.  When the Christ, our life, is made manifest, then we also will be made manifest with Jesus in glory.

3 If, however, You were raised up+ with the Christ, go on seeking the things above,+ where the Christ is seated at the right hand of God.+2 Keep Your minds fixed on the things above,+ not on the things upon the earth.+3 For You died,+ and Your life+ has been hidden with the Christ in union+ with God. 4 When the Christ, our life,+ is made manifest, then You also will be made manifest+ with him in glory.+ (Colossians 3: 1-4)

The apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossians, highlights the superiority and supremacy of Christ in the first two chapters. Then, he teaches the believers how to live in Christ. He sums up a lot of things we do have to do. though in certain faith groups the believers do think we do not have to do anything any more because we are saved, Paul assures them they are mistaken and confirms what James said that faith without works is dead, and we should be alive in Christ doing the works of Christ.

12 Accordingly, as God’s chosen ones,+ holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion,+ kindness, lowliness of mind,*+ mildness,+ and long-suffering.+ 13 Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely+ if anyone has a cause for complaint+ against another. Even as Jehovah* freely forgave You,+ so do You also. 14 But, besides all these things, [clothe yourselves with] love,+ for it is a perfect bond+ of union.*

15 Also, let the peace+ of the Christ* control in Your hearts,+ for You were, in fact, called to it in one* body.+ And show yourselves thankful. 16 Let the word of the Christ* reside in You richly in all wisdom.+ Keep on teaching+ and admonishing one another with psalms,+ praises to God,* spiritual songs+ with graciousness, singing in Your hearts to Jehovah.*+17 And whatever it is that You do in word or in work,+ do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,+ thanking+ God the Father through him. (Colossians 3: 12-17)

We should have the words of Christ dwell in us richly. We should accept what Jesus tells about himself and about his heavenly Father and should not fabricate other ideas to confirm with the worldly thinking of the many gods and idols. We should honour the words of Christ and be willing to accept what he tells about his Father and what the Father tells about him.

Not keeping to human traditions and not adhering to human doctrines we should follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and whatever we do, in word or deed, we have to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. With these words of Christ we should let others know those words and show them the way Jesus showed to his disciples. By the servant of the heavenly Father we are liberated from the chains of this world. As we were slaves of the world enjoying all the temptations we now should know better and look further than our nose and look for a better future. Though we should know that we can not do differently than living in this world at the moment, we should make the best out of it, but by keeping to God’s commandments, doing Jesus and doing God His Will, like Jesus did not his will but the Will of God.

Being a good Christian we should, like Jesus asked, give the Caesar what the Caesar wants, being obedient in everything to those who are your human fleshly masters, (+) not only when they are watching, just to please men, but with sincerity of heart, with fear of Jehovah. We as Christ’s slaves should be doing the will of God whole-souled, loving Jehovah our Only One God with our whole heart and with our whole soul (*) and with our whole strength and with our whole mind. (Ephesians 6:5, 6)

* 23 Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled* as for Jehovah,*+ and not for men, 24 for you know that it is from Jehovah* you will receive the inheritance as a reward.+ Slave for the Master, Christ. 25 Certainly the one who does wrong will be repaid for the wrong he has done,+ and there is no partiality.+ (Colossians 3: 23-25)

At all moments we should be thankful for what Jesus has done for mankind and praise God in His sanctuary, in the firmament of His power, showing our gratitude for Him willing to accept the ransom Jesus offered Him.

To praise God we can use the many Psalms God has provide us by his servant King David. God His other servant, Jeshjua, Jesus Christ showed us the way to his Father in heaven. Jesus also prayed to this God of Abraham in Whom he had put his faith and in Whom we also should put our faith. Jesus was fully penetrated by the Words of God and we should come one with God like Jesus is one with God.

21 so that they may all be one,+ just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you,+ that they also may be in union with us, so that the world may believe that you sent me. (John 17:21)

Everything what Jesus has done, was in accordance not to Jesus his will but along the lines and wishes of his heavenly Father, The Only One True God Who is One. For Jesus the Words of his Father sounded like music in his ears. All the words God said, should also resound as music in our ears.

As James Faris in Christian Living writes:

God has given us the whole Scriptures for our aid. But, God created the human heart to respond in special ways to his word set to music. In song, the word of God penetrates the soul. In song, we experience union with Christ. In the throes of life – the crisis moments – it is words set to music that first come to mind. In those moments, we can’t always run to the desktop, but we should have the smartphone of soul embedded in our hearts.

Apple used to use that catchy phrase “there’s an app for that.” Need to send flowers to mom? there’s an app for that. Need to know the name of the constellation of stars in the sky overhead? There’s an app for that. Need supper? There’s an app for that.

Well, whatever your circumstance of life, there’s a Psalm for that:

• Contemplating origins? Think Psalm 33.
• Considering the consummation of the age? Think Psalm 149.
• Rising from bed? Think Psalm 5.
• Going to bed? Think Psalm 4.
• Awake at night? Think Psalm 63.
• Ready to eat? Think Psalm 145.
• Thirsty? Think Psalm 42.
• Going to work? Think Psalm 104.
• Celebrating the Lord’s Day? Think Psalm 122.
• Checking your genealogy? Think Psalm 16.
• Your beginning? Think Psalm 139.
• Your birth? Think Psalm 71.
• Celebrating a birthday? Think Psalm 104.
• Enjoying childhood? Think Psalm 34.
• Need motivation to study well? Think Psalm 111.
• Gazing at the stars? Think Psalm 19.
• Maturing as a youth? Think Psalm 119.
• Ready to pop the question? Think Psalm 45.
• Bringing children into the world? Think Psalm 128.
• Questions about parenting? Think Psalm 103.
• Playing with your grandchildren? Think Psalm 71.
• Harvest time here? Think Psalm 65.
• Seasons changing around you? Think Psalm 147.
• Traveling? Think Psalm 121.
• On the water? Think Psalm 107.
• Remembering history? Think Psalm 78.
• Talking with your financial planner? Think Psalm 49.
• Tempted by the world? Think Psalm 73.
• Disappointed by life? Think Psalm 77.
• Weeping over your sins? Think Psalm 51.
• Engaged in evangelism? Think Psalm 96.
• Overcome by fear? Think Psalm 91.
• Angered by the wickedness of men? Think Psalm 94.
• Disappointed by civic elections? Think Psalm 2.
• Rejoicing in the incarnation? Think Psalm 113.
• Prone to worry? Think Psalm 130.
• Growing old? Think Psalm 92.
• Butchering or preparing meat? Think Psalm 8.
• Going to war? Think Psalm 18.
• In the process of dying? Think Psalm 6.
• Mourning the death of a loved one? Think Psalm 116.
• Anticipating eternity? Think Psalm 73.

Of course, you can add other life experiences to the list. Why is the Psalter the smartphone of the soul? Rowland Prothero notes:

“The Book of Psalms contains the whole music of the heart of man, swept by the hand of his Maker. In it are gathered the lyrical burst of his tenderness, the moan of his penance, the pathos of his sorrow, the triumph of his victory, the despair of his defeat, the firmness of his confidence, the rapture of his assured hope. In it is presented the anatomy of all parts of the human soul. In it, as Heine says, are collected ‘sunrise and sunset, birth and death, promise and fulfillment – the whole drama of humanity.’”

Thus, we carry the Psalms in our mental pockets daily. Our minds race here to check for truths, to hear from God, and see our decisions and emotions governed when we cannot access the rest of Scripture. This has been my experience of life…from birthdays, to emergency room visits, to maternity wards, to the graveside, and beyond.

Smartphones are great, but they only go so far. They may reveal where you are in a building, but they cannot reveal what is in your building. They may map the stars in the sky, but they cannot unite you to the maker of the stars. They may point you to bread on earth, but they cannot feed you bread from heaven. The Psalms do all of these things and more. Phone programs fail, contracts expire, and phones are dropped in toilets. The Psalms hidden in the heart will never fail you. They will cause the peace of Christ to rule in your heart. They will order your life. But the Psalms only function this way in the hearts of those who own them. {The Psalter: Smartphone of the Soul (revisited)}

We shall praise God for His creation and all the wonder-works He did but also to show our thankfulness for accepting the ransom offer Jesus brought for us all. We shall bring praise to God because He has verified His promise to bless all those who wait upon Him in faith and sincerity. Even we do know that we or those who come behind us shall have to face an other terrible war, we can see the signs of the end coming near.

Bringing praise to God let us step in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and let us share our blessings with others by taking to as many
as possible who are truth hungry the “sincere milk of the Word,” and the “meat in due season” from His storehouse.

Praise God from whom all bless is honour to his beloved Son!

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Preceding articles:

Be vigilant with a view to prayers

Psalm 150 Praise Jah, You people!

Psalm 150 Praise Jah! Praise God

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  The Apostle Paul was a dynamic leader as a founder of Christianity and the church of Jesus Christ. As a Jew, Paul was keenly aware of the culture of the Jewish people and their customs, but recognized growth was necessary for his people to follow Jesus the Christ. Paul’s central message throughout his ministry focused on a simple concept: to become like Jesus Christ and live a life in accordance with his teachings and example. (I Co. 11:1, Ep. 5:1, 4:22-24, Ga. 3.27, Ro. 8:29) In establishing Christianity, Paul was on a journey to change the culture of the Jewish people to embrace a new reality given to them by Jesus.
• A New Past, Present and Future in Jesus (revolutionarypaideia.com)
  We enter into this blood-bought Grace Covenant with Jesus when we receive the Salvation He has made available to everyone.
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  Jesus expects for you to no longer live a life where you’re sin-conscious: “For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins” (Hebrews 10:2). When you’re constantly worried about sin threatening your position of righteousness in Christ Jesus, this sin-consciousness causes you to receive bondage and fear—this bondage and fear is not a part of your reborn spirit in Christ Jesus,
• Real Truth Will Set You Free (mylordmyfriend.com)
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• Hugh’s News & Views (Preaching Jesus) (fellowshiproom.org)
  Jesus was always available to those who were in need and that He is still accessible today [Hebrews 4:15-16]).
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  Jesus instructed the apostles to teach those they baptized “to observe all things whatever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). The early church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). If I likewise instruct people to observe all that Christ commanded and to continue faithfully in the doctrine of Christ’s apostles, am I not, in reality, preaching Jesus?
• 2015 Fasting Devotion, Day Twenty-One (stacylynnallen.com)
  In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever.
• Attitude is Everything (faithandfootsteps.wordpress.com)
  We carry around with us the knowledge of this great gospel of Jesus Christ, so we should respond to life’s circumstances as he would.  Sounds pretty hard to do considering that Jesus responded perfectly to all that life threw at him.
• Accidental Discipleship (defendingcontending.com)
  It’s what the flesh wants and it’s a shortcut that will lead to disappointment or destruction. Knowing Jesus is the correct goal. In Him we are complete (Colossians 2:10). Whatever change is truly needed in our lives will be wrought by the Spirit of God if we abandon our plans for self-justification and pursue Christ. Not improvement, not change for the better, not relief from our pain; just Jesus.
• Sunday, 22 February 2015 : First Sunday of Lent, Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle (Second Reading) (petercanisiusmichaeldavidkang.com)
  baptism is not a matter of physical cleansing but of asking God to reconcile us through the resurrection of Christ Jesus.

14 Nisan a day to remember #4 A Lamb slain

The Day that the Lamb was slain

Nisan 14 was the day the leavening was put out, and the day the Passover lambs were slain, in late afternoon — at the very same time Jeshua expired on the tree! Therefore, Jeshua perfectly fulfilled the typology of the “Passover sacrifice.” Not only was he slain for our sins, but he was slain at the very moment the Passover lambs were being slain at the Temple! He was indeed the perfect Passover sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7).

On the night of Nisan 14, 33 C.E., Jesus and his apostles sang Jehovah’s praises together in an upper room of a house in Jerusalem. (Matthew 26:30) It was fitting that he would conclude his meeting with them in that way. From the beginning of his earthly ministry to the end, Jesus praised his Father and zealously made His name known. (Matthew 4:10; 6:9; 22:37, 38; John 12:28; 17:6) After singing praises with Jesus, the apostle John saw his Master and two criminals being put to death on torture stakes. Roman soldiers broke the legs of the two criminals to hasten their deaths. However, they did not break Jesus’ legs, as he was already dead. In his Gospel, John identified that development as a fulfillment of another part of Psalm 34: “Not a bone of his will be crushed.”

Christ on the Cross – circa 1541 Michelangelo Buonarroti

“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matthew 4:10 ASV)
“After this manner therefore pray ye. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9 ASV)

“37 And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38 ASV)

“Father, glorify thy name. There came therefore a voice out of heaven, [saying], I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” (John 12:28 ASV)

“I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them to me; and they have kept thy word.” (John 17:6 ASV)

“32 The soldiers therefore came, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with him: 33 but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: 34 howbeit one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and straightway there came out blood and water. 35 And he that hath seen hath borne witness, and his witness is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye also may believe. 36 For these things came to pass, that the scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.” (John 19:32-36 ASV)

“He keepeth all his bones: Not one of them is broken.” (Psalms 34:20 ASV)

Holy convocations we are to proclaim and celebrate at the time appointed for them

But on the other hand there is also the writing:

“4  These are the set feasts of Jehovah, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their appointed season. 5 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, is Jehovah’s passover.” (Leviticus 23:4-5 ASV)

“1  And Jehovah spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying, 2 Moreover let the children of Israel keep the passover in its appointed season. 3 In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in its appointed season: according to all the statutes of it, and according to all the ordinances thereof, shall ye keep it. 4 And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, that they should keep the passover.” (Numbers 9:1-4 ASV)
“16 And in the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, is Jehovah’s passover. 17 And on the fifteenth day of this month shall be a feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten.” (Numbers 28:16-17 ASV)

“5 ‘Your lamb shall be an unblemished male a year old; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6 ‘And you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month, then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to kill it at twilight. {“Twilight” of the 14th doesn’t happen until 24 hours later, just before the 14th turns into the 15th!} 7 ‘Moreover, they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. 8 ‘And they shall eat the flesh that [same] night {of the 14th to the 15th}, roasted with fire, and they shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.” (Exodus 12:5-8 NAS)

So you could either say the day to be celebrated the instalment of the New Covenant, could also be on the day before the 14th, thus 13 Nisan (as some say). But as you can get from Numbers the 15th of Nisan was the big feast, so the gathering on the 14th of Nisan was the night Jesus was together with his close friends to have the prescribed 14 Nisan meal.

But as Jesus being the Passover Lamb, having died on that day, and the day the early Christian church also continued to observe Passover, on the 14th of Nisan, as Jesus Christ did himself all through his life, until the Roman festival of Easter (named after the Babylonian idol Ishtar, and later, eastre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of light, or spring) was officially enforced upon the Christian-professing world by the Roman Empire, we consider that we can take 14 Nisan as the day to remember Jesus his Last Supper and Jesus his death.

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Preceding article: 14 Nisan a day to remember #3 Before the Passover-feast

Next: 14 Nisan a day to remember #5 The Day to celebrate

Dutch version / Nederlandse versie: 14 Nisan een dag om te herinneren #4 Een Gedood Lam

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Please do find also on this subject:

1. 1 -15 Nisan
2. 14 Nisan a day to remember #1 Inception
3. 14 Nisan a day to remember #2 Time of Jesus
4. Around the feast of Unleavened Bread
5. Pesach
6. Seven days of Passover
7. Day of remembrance coming near
8. A new exodus and offering of a Lamb
9. Observance of a day to Remember
10. Altered to fit a Trinity
11. Jesus memorial
12. Bread and Wine
13. Ransom for all
14. Swedish theologian finds historical proof Jesus did not die on a cross
15. Jesus is risen
16. Risen With Him
17. Peter Cottontail and a Bunny laying Eastereggs

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Related articles

• The Seven Feasts of Israel: (Part I) (bibletim.wordpress.com)
  If you are a born again Christian you have, and continue, to celebrate these feasts to this day, and I am going to show you how! Let us not forget that our Lord Himself celebrated these feasts!
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  The seven feasts are Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost (Feast of Harvest or Feast of Weeks), Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles. They are mentioned in several places in scripture, but for the purposes of our study, we will look at them as outlined in Leviticus chapter 23. Also, it is of benefit for you to notice the order in which these feasts were given by God. Nothing of God is happenstance! He is always methodical and organized.
• The Seven Feasts of Israel (Part II) (bibletim.wordpress.com)
  fifteenth day “The Feast of Unleavened Bread.”
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  Unleavened bread has its roots in Exodus 16:31, it was called manna by the Israelites and was in fact the “Bread from heaven.” The manna appeared on the ground every morning to sustain the lives of Israel, except on the Sabbath.
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  The Jewish Passover ceremony consists of breaking, burying, and then resurrecting a piece of the matzoh. God performed this exact ceremony with the burial of Jesus, our precious piece of unleavened bread, and on the exact day of the feast! Jesus was buried at the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread since His body was interred at sundown of Passover day, the beginning of the fifteenth day of the first month.
• The Seven Feasts of Israel (Part III) (bibletim.wordpress.com)
  They were to bring the early crops of the spring planting (“First Fruits”) to the Temple priest to be waved before the Lord on their behalf. This was to be done on the morrow after the Sabbath, or Sunday.
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  We have come to call this feast “Easter”, after the Babylonian goddess, Ishtar, the pagan goddess of fertility. We even continue to worship the objects of fertility- the rabbit, the egg, the new costumes (going to buy a new Easter ensemble), etc., but the celebration was to be over God’s replanting of the earth in the spring. The worship of false gods has its roots in Ancient Babylon.
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  We miss a very important biblical truth by not using the proper term given to the feast, “First Fruits.” “First” implies a second, third, fourth, and so on, and that is the real meaning of the feast. We do not only celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on First Fruits, but even more so the resurrection of the entire church! We shall all be resurrected and go to heaven, just as our Lord did! Consider the Apostle Paul’s words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit”
• Symbols and Signs – The First Month (cfcspn.com)
  Israel acted upon the command of God, and through their obedience, they found God’s favor, and were delivered from the powers of darkness, the life and bondage of sin. Through the blood of the lamb, and God’s approval they met the requirements of grace and was saved on that day, the fourteenth day of the first month of Nisan.
• How to Explain The Feast of The Passover and The Lord’s Supper to Children (expertscolumn.com)
  Every year, the Feast of the Passover is celebrated. Children may ask what it is all about. Here is a simple to explain the event to children and to those who wish to know the origins of the Passover Feast.
• Symbols and Signs – The First day of the Year # 9 (cfcspn.com)
  Over time this day and week would become a cultural event, and losing its meaning, many would come to forget its purpose. The Passover was the mark of the first day of the year and a pointer to the coming Messiah, and the way He should die delivering the world from the powers of darkness.

  The Messiah came, died as He hung on the cross, as the nation cried “crucify Him,” and forgetting the law, and the purpose of the Passover, they rejected their savior. However, the power of the Passover was not lost, nor was the mystery of God hidden in His festivals. The secret of the Lord is with the righteous, and it is to His people He has revealed the events to come, and their season.

  We are every closer to the end of days, and are told to ready ourselves by our savior and Lord Jesus Christ. He was that Passover Lamb sent to redeem the world, and the hour hand of God, the reason for the seasons, and the one who will at the appointed time, bring each day to pass.
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• Conspiracy of Jews against Jesus – Luke 22: 1-2 (shalommysticwind.wordpress.com)
  The feast of the Unleavened Bread, originally a harvest festival, was held from 15^th to 21^st of Nisan. Eventually these two feasts were closely linked together and were virtually identified, and the celebration lasted from 15^th to 21^st of Nisan. According to the evangelists, the events of Jesus’ passion are connected with the national Jewish feast of the Passover. The Christian expression “Paschal Mystery” in reference to the mystery of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection, is derived from the Greek word for ‘Passover’ – “Pascha.” The Passion of Jesus is thus understood as his own Passover, his ‘exodus’ from this world to the Father (God) (cf. Lk 9: 31).