God has established standards recorded in His Word. Should we follow them? Hm.m.m.m.
Psalm 100:1-2 – A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
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I am so thankful for grace, compassion, and mercy that is given to us from the Lord. However, I am extremely mindful of the standards, or what some might call qualifications, that I find in the Word of God. God has set in order certain procedures of which the believer should be mindful. I believe this holds especially true regarding our approach to Him. Let’s take a look at some of them, beginning with our Text for Today.
This passage is speaking of our approach in coming before the Lord. I realize that God is omnipresent, that is, everywhere present at all times, so I’m not writing about being in His presence. I am writing about our approach to Him when we come into His presence to personally commune with Him, to bring intercessions, petitions, supplications, or to simply be there out of a faith decision. Look at our Text for Today once again. What do you see? Remember, you are reading the Word of God, and these words are not written as an opportunity, though they present a marvelous one. They are not written as a suggestion, or as a plea for compliance. These words are written as a command from the Lord. And if a command, then they require compliance on our part before the Lord.
“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.” Do not come before Him complaining, griping, or groaning because of miserable conditions. What Father wants to hear should be joyful. We are to enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.
“Serve the Lord with gladness.” One’s attitude of service to the Lord is to be with gladness of heart, complete willingness and desire to please.
“Come before His presence with singing.” Do NOT come before Him griping, groaning, complaining, grumbling, laying blame. Come in faith, and if you come in faith, you come expectantly, and that should provoke a song.
Have you ever wondered why it seems the Lord does not always hear when you call on Him? I know, we have been told that God always hears; that he always answers prayers, sometimes “yes,” sometimes “no,” and sometimes “wait a while.” That is false teaching. He hears when we come in faith. Anything less does not please Him. He hears when we come in righteousness. He does not hear sinners, and sin in your life will block your prayers. He confirms His Word. He does not confirm your doubts, your assumptions, or your presumptions. To gain the kind of audience with the Lord of which I write, there are protocols set forth by the Lord Himself. Comply?
Manna for Today – Psalm 100; Psalm 150; Matthew 6:9-15; Hebrews 13:15
My Second Miler by Dr. Beechard Moorefield 