Bless The Lord!
1. Bless The Lord, O My Soul
2. Bless The Lord And Remember
3. Bless The Lord For Salvation
4. Bless The Lord For The Word Of God
5. Bless The Lord For Prayer
6. Bless The Lord For The Holy Spirit
7. Bless The Lord At All Times
8. Bless The Lord For The House Of The Lord
9. Bless The Lord For His Merciful Kindness
10. Bless The Lord In Song
11. Bless The Lord For Walking With Us
12. Bless The Lord Who Has Blessed Us
13. Bless The Lord That His Promises Never Fail
14. Bless The Lord, The God Of All Comfort
15. Bless The Lord For He Is God!
1. Bless The Lord!
After looking at the “Nots” in the Bible, I want to move in a positive direction and “Bless the Lord”. Let’s offer up our praise and worship as we exalt the Lord God Almighty! This Psalm of David begins, “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” (Psalm 103:1) God has been so good to us and He deserves all our praise, so let’s bless His holy name with all our being.
2. Bless The Lord And Remember
We have so many reasons to bless the Lord. The next verse tells us, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:” (Psalm 103:2) When we stop and think about all the benefits we have from the Lord, we will surely praise Him. We will try to look at some of those wonderful benefits as we continue into the week. Here is a song that the youth choir sang at Youth Jubilee for several years. I do not know who wrote the song, but it is filled with truths from the scriptures.
“Bless The Lord”
Chorus
Bless the Lord. Yes, bless the Lord.
Well, bless His holy name.
Let me not forget all His benefits
Or the blessings that He brings.
Lifting up my hands to the Great I Am,
Let me never be ashamed.
With all that is within me now,
Oh, bless His holy name.
1. Now, Jesus is to me my everything, and I bless the day He came.
When He gave me drink from the fountain sweet, that I’ll never thirst again.
Now, through the Spirit of the Son, to the Father I can say,
For the saving blood, and for all you’ve done
Oh, bless Your Holy name.
2. Some day I’ll move beyond the blue, where a better home awaits;
There to lay aside for a crown of life all the sorrow, death, and pain.
To see my loved ones and to know that I’ve left this world behind.
I will lift my hands and I’ll bless His name while I’m shouting through the skies.
3. Bless The Lord For Salvation
After Easter I woke up one morning feeling really blessed. Rejoicing in the resurrection of Christ drew my attention to how blessed we are, because of Him. Just to think about how and why Jesus left His heavenly home to be born in a stable, to live and die for me, is more than I can comprehend. Oh, how He loves us! We are so blessed by God’s wonderful gift of salvation. “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” (Psalm 32:1) We can see other ways that God has blessed us, and I want to say in return, “Bless the Lord!” “Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.” (Psalm 96:2) “Oh, What A Savior” was written by Eliza E. Hewitt.
“Oh What A Savior”
1. Bethlehem, Calvary, Olivet, tell,
Oh, what a Savior is mine!
Mountain and plain with His praises shall swell,
Oh, what a Savior is mine!
Refrain
Oh, what a Savior!
Oh, what a Savior!
Oh, what a Savior is mine!
Unto the uttermost, wonderful, glorious!
Oh, what a Savior is mine!
2. There, on the cross, where He died for my sin,
Oh, what a Savior is mine!
Giving His life a poor wand’rer to win,
Oh, what a Savior is mine!
3. Rising again in His infinite grace,
Oh, what a Savior is mine!
Shedding upon me the light of His face,
Oh, what a Savior is mine!
4. Lifting my burdens, relieving my care,
Oh, what a Savior is mine!
Giving me courage to do and to dare,
Oh, what a Savior is mine!
4. Bless The Lord For The Word Of God
I am currently reading in the book of Psalms and that is a wonderful book to see God’s blessings on us. It begins with the very first Psalm. We are blessed to have the Word of God. God’s Word is our guide book through life. It is our love letter from God. It is our schoolmaster teaching us right from wrong and how to live. God’s Word is inspired and speaks to us individually. And God’s Word tells us how to be saved. “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” (I Peter 1:23) “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (II Timothy 3:15) If God had only given His Word to Israel, I would never know about Jesus, but He provided the way for the Bible to be translated so that “whosoever believeth” could be saved. Bless the Lord for giving us His Holy Word!
“1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” (Psalm 1)
5. Bless The Lord For Prayer
When we read God’s Word He speaks to us. When we pray we speak to God. In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul tells us not to worry about anything, but to pray about everything with thanksgiving. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6) James 5:16 tells us “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” We can bless God because He hears our prayer. “But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.” (Psalm 66:19-20) Jesus taught His followers to pray always. “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” (Luke 18:1) And Paul tells us to “Pray without ceasing.” (I Thessalonians 5:17) Nothing is too small, and nothing is too large; we can pray about everything. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) Bless The Lord For Prayer!
6. Bless The Lord For The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, whom Jesus said would come. (John 15:26) The Holy Spirit lives in us. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (I Corinthians 3:16) We are sealed with the Spirit. “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” (Ephesians 1:13) The Holy Spirit gives us access to the Father. “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” (Ephesians 2:18) We walk in the Spirit and are led by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16-18) And the Spirit prays for us when we don’t know what to pray. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26) Bless the Lord for the Holy Spirit!
7. Bless The Lord At All Times
It is easy to bless the Lord when things are going well. When David made Solomon king and gave him instructions to build the house of God, He blessed the Lord. “Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.” (I Chronicles 29:10-11) But, what about the years when he was hiding for his life and when times were tough? As you read this verse, notice the beginning. “<<A Psalm of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed.>> I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1) David went through many storms and he still chose to bless the Lord at all times. We have another example in the life of Job. Job received the news that his children had all died, and he had lost his servants, his livestock, and wealth. “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:20-21) God is good and there is always something we can praise Him for. Let’s make the choice to bless the Lord always. “But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.” (Psalm 115:18)
8. Bless The Lord For The House Of The Lord
Tomorrow is the Lord ’s Day and I hope that you will go to church and worship and praise the Lord if you are able. You are welcome to come and worship with us at Pine Grove Baptist Church in High Point, NC. I can sing like David, “<<A Song of degrees of David>> I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” (Psalm 122:1) Having a place that we can worship together with our Christian brothers and sisters is such a blessing from the Lord. Bless the Lord for a place of worship!
“1 <<To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.>> How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!
2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.
4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.” (Psalm 84:1-5)
9. Bless The Lord For His Merciful Kindness
Many know that Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm, with 8 verses for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and a total of 176 verses. The Psalm gives praise to God for the Word, described as the law, the testimonies, statutes, precepts, judgments, and commandments. We mentioned last week that we can bless the Lord for His Word. Today I want to look at the shortest Psalm. There are only two verses but they speak great truth to us. “O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalm 117:1-2) The first verse tells us that all nations and all people should praise the Lord. We find two reasons in the next verse. “For his merciful kindness is great toward us!” We are to bless the Lord for His merciful kindness. Over and over in the scriptures we read, “his mercy endureth for ever.” We also see in Psalm 117:2, “the truth of the LORD endureth for ever.” Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) And later He explained that He is the Truth. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) Bless the Lord, who through His kindness, has shown us mercy and grace.
“4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:4-9)
10. Bless The Lord In Song
One of the most joyful ways to bless the Lord is to sing praises unto Him. I enjoy singing and I often include songs in the devotionals that speak to me. There was singing from the very creation.
“4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7)
The book of Psalms is a book of sacred songs and hymns. But, Psalms is not the only book of the Bible that encourages us to sing praises to the Lord. There are many verses that tell us to sing unto the Lord.
“O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.” (Psalm 96:1-2)
“1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” (Psalm 95:1-3)
“I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” (Psalm 104:33)
“1 <<A Psalm of praise.>> Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” (Psalm 100:1-5)
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” (Ephesians 5:19)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)
11. Bless The Lord For Walking With Us
It is amazing that God wants to walk with us. From the very beginning, He walked with Adam and Eve in the garden. After they sinned, they hid from God. “And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.” (Genesis 3:8) The Bible tells us that Enoch walked with God, and Noah walked with God. In the New Testament Jesus walked with the disciples, and taught them with parables. After Jesus died on the cross and rose again, He still wanted to walk with His followers. Two of them were on the road to Emmaus, and they were discouraged as they talked about the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus walked with them and explained the scriptures to them. They were close to Jesus and didn’t even realize it. The Lord promised never to leave us. He is with us, but sometimes we forget. If you are discouraged and want to walk with Jesus, open up the scriptures and read His Word. Pray and seek Him and you will find that He wants to walk with you, too! Bless the Lord for walking with us.
“15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread." (Luke 24:15-35)
12. Bless The Lord Who Has Blessed Us
As I look for verses for these devotions I find those which exhort us to bless the Lord and also verses which tell us that we are blessed. Ephesians 1:3 gives us both examples in the same verse. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” We bless God, who has blessed us! Jesus gave several blessings in His Sermon On The Mount.
“1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:1-12)
13. Bless The Lord That His Promises Never Fail
Many years ago we planned to take some children to the zoo. It rained that Saturday and we didn’t get to go. The children felt like we had broken a promise to them. Sometimes we tell someone that we will do something and events happen beyond our control and we can’t follow through with our plans. Sometimes we can’t keep promises. But, God never breaks a promise. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19) Today let’s bless the Lord for His promises! He never fails! “Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.” (I Kings 8:56) Do you have a promise from God? Since our pastor retired I have been claiming the promise of Jeremiah 3:15, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Another promise that God has proven true to me, over and over through the years, is found in Malachi 3:10. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Just as sure as these promises are true, and more, we can be sure that Christ is returning, just as He promised! Bless the Lord for these promises!
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)
“And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” (I John 2:25)
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:1-6)
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14)
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22)
“And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9
14. Bless The Lord, The God Of All Comfort
When a child falls, or gets hurt, he or she will often run to Mom or Dad or someone who will give comfort. When I am troubled, I need to be comforted. When I am sick or hurting, it helps me to feel better if I am comforted. When we lose a loved one, we need to be comforted. When we are sad, or lonely, or discouraged, or any number of things that bring us down, it helps us feel better if we are comforted. We serve a God who is the God of all comfort. God can give us peace during the storms of life. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” (II Corinthians 1:3-4) God can heal a broken heart. “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3) God can supply all our needs. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) And God comforts us when a saved loved one dies, and gives us hope.
“13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)
15. Bless The Lord For He Is God!
We have looked at several reasons to bless the Lord. Maybe the best reason to bless the Lord is because He is God Almighty and deserves all our praise! “That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” (I Timothy 6:14-15)
“1 Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.
2 Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:
3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:
4 Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:
5 Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.
6 Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.” (Psalm 104:1-6)
“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” (Jude 24-25)
