Psalm 96 ~ oh sing to the Lord a new song

Psalm 96

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1 Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; [of holy attire]
tremble before him, all the earth!

10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”

11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
12 let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
13 before the Lord, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Our Church family small group had been studying Bill Hybels' (Pastor of Willow Creek) book, "Just Walk Across the Room." One of the things I've enjoyed about this reasonable study, looking for the opportunities to share God's love with others. We are studying the 5th week, the video was pretty hilarious and we laughed a lot.

The main theme today is being more clear on having a one minute personal story - how God's love changed our lives. The video gave rave performances - not to be too long, rambling. Avoid being fuzzy, unclear, wobbly. Not to be weird and give God stories best shared in a small group who love you and know you. No to lots of esoteric Religious speak - i.e. too many thee's and thou's are not easy or comfortable. And flee from giving holier than you, speak downs.

Years ago, I went to a Christian renewal weekend. During my time with this group, I realized they had a love for the Lord causing them to glow with joy. We were in the very rural country and it was so dark outside. We were in the Chapel, and the priest said the light in the lantern represented the Presence of Christ. We were asked to remember Jesus as the Light of the World. We were asked to decide, did we indeed believe or would this merely be a light. It was a question I had been asking myself. I knew I had a decision, I knew Jesus as Lord. Suddenly I was given a peace, a joy, a Love. I was filled with the Light of Christ. I'd never felt such love wash over me.

Over the years, as I've journeyed as a follower of Jesus Christ, I've felt the Light - the free gift of salvation - given to me - strengthen me in times of need. Lift me higher in joyful times. Giving me more compassion to others. Growing me to go home to the Lord. The Lord is my rock.


John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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