The Psalmist talked about being thrilled over the living God. Most of us become excited over things; but we never take time to be thrilled with God, nor do we spend much time just telling Him how much we love Him. The Psalmist wrote a song for the sabbath day (Sunday now) in which he tells how good it is to give thanks unto the Lord. In Psalm 92, the Psalmist lists some of the things for which we should give thanks. How many other things can you add to this list? Will you try to remember each day, as you Pointers on the Lesson We are exhorted to sing as well as to pray and to read the Word of God. Some folks seem to have the idea that the song service in the church is only the preliminary part of the service to fill in the time until the people arrive for what is considered the main part of the service. Others look upon the sing ing as pleasant entertainment. But God’s Word teaches us that singing praises unto God is worship and should be con sidered an important part of the wor ship service. This week’s lesson presents three songs of the kind which deserve to be sung in the sanctuary. A Song About God’s Marvelous Works (Psa. 105: 1-6) The worshiper is exhorted to sing about what God has done. He ought never to forget His power and the fact that this power has wrought wonders in the lives of all God’s redeemed ones. It should be carefully noted that thanks giving and singing are commanded. In this Psalm the reason assigned is God’s marvelous works. Several different words are used to speak of His works: “ doing,” v. 1; “works,” vv. 2-5; “won ders,” v. 5; and “judgments,” v. 5. Then we in this present dispensation should never cease to sing about the wonders of Calvary and the open tomb. A Song of God’s Lovingkindness This Psalm forms the shortest chapter in the Bible. It is also the central chap ter in the Bible. It is one of that group of Psalms (113-118) which constitute the Hallel or Hymn of Praise, which the Hebrews sang at Passover, Pente cost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. It Is thought by many that these Psalms were sung by our Lord and His disciples on that dark night' in which He was be trayed. Psalm 117 imposes a duty upon all believers which is to praise the Lord. Praise is exhorted three times in the two verses. Two reasons are given for obeying this command: first, because of the greatness of His merciful kindness (2). That kindness has provided a blood- sprinkled mercy seat to which the sin ner can come and find the answer to his sin problem. That mercy seat is the Cross. In the second place, the believer J U L Y , 1 94 9 and Truth (Psa. 117)
pray, to thank your Lord for these things rather than merely asking Him for things you would like? As you read Psalm 136, let your par ents or your teacher read the first of each verse, and then you answer with the phrase, “ For His mercy endureth forever.” This is how the Hebrew chil dren of long ago read similar songs in their worship services. Perhaps some of you would like to write a thank-you song or poem as did the people of Bible times. should sing praises to the Lord because of the enduring character of God’s truth. It is just as enduring as Christ is and He is the Eternal One. Jesus said, “ I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life” (John 14:6). He is the truth about everything we need to know. A Song of Salvation (Psa. 118:19-24) The Lord Jesus Christ was the One who opened the way into God’s presence. He is the Gate referred to in this pas sage. He is the Way, the Door to sal vation. The stone which the builders re jected is become the Rock of our salva tion. It has become the Head of the cor ner. How can any true Christian fail to sing about such a wonderful fact as this! Helps for the Children Festival Songs Psa. 105:1-5; 113:1-6 Memory Verse: “ O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name” (Psa. 105:1). Many years ago, books of the Bible were written upon scrolls rather than in book form as they are now. Children were often given scrolls containing small portions of God’s Word. One of these scrolls contained the' songs for happy
BIBLE QUIZ T ransportation
1. Chariot of fire ..................... Jonah 2. The Ark ..................................Philip 3. Fishing boat . .Abraham’s servant 4. A whale ..................................Elijah 5. A colt ......................................... Noah 6. A camel . . . . the Lord Jesus Christ 7. A chariot ..........Children of Israel 8. Wagons ..................................... Peter 9. H o rse ............................................Paul 10. A ship .................................Mordecai —Virion Howard in Lively Bible Quizzes (Answers on Page 26) days, or festival songs, which are found in Psalms 105-107, 111-118. Nehemiah tells us about a Hebrew celebration called “ The Feast of Booths” (Neh. 8:9-18). This was a time of re joicing when God’s people had a great feast and sent food to all the poor. They were to go into a mountain and find tree branches from which to make booths upon the roofs of their houses, in their courts, in the yard of the house of God, and in certain streets. The peo ple lived in these booths during the time of the feast which lasted seven days. Each day Nehemiah read to the Hebrews from the book of the law of God. Children were given copies of the festival songs upon small scrolls when the Feast of Booths commenced. Per haps you would like to make a scroll upon which to write or paste the first five verses of Psalm 105. The Festival Songs or Hymns of Praise were used during several religi ous festivals in Bible times. Read together part of a festival song found in Psalm 105:1-6. What are we commanded to do? Nine things are list ed here; underline each one that you are doing each day; give thanks, call upon His name, make known His deeds, sing unto Him, talk of all His won drous works, glory in His name, re joice, seek the Lord, and remember His works.
August 14, 1949 FESTIVAL SONGS Psa. 105:1-6; 117; 118:19-24
It Jfapp en ed on— July 4 , 1 8 8 4 65 years ago, the Statue of Liberty, originally erected
of liberty an inspiration for all freedom loving people. IN 1884 THE NEW YORK BIBLE SOCIETY had been engaged in Bible work for 75 years. And today, hospitals, prisons, homes for the poor and other institu tions in New York City are visited regularly by Bible Society workers as they distribute the Word of God. During the 140 years of its existence the Society has distributed over 30,000,000 Scriptures to those in need. A NEW YORK BIBLE SOCIETY ANNUITY AGREEMENT is a positive Christian investment. An Annuity assures you of a regular income for life and the satis faction of knowing your funds are working for God. Hundreds of Christian men and women are enjoying lifelong security because of the New York Bible Society Annuity Plan. Write for full details today. R e v . D. J . F a n t , General Secretary NEW YORK BIBLE SOCIETY s East48**., Dept, is New York 17 , N .Y .
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