(Looking forward to the scriptures of VBS this summer – today is Psalm 115:18 “But we can praise the Lord both now and forever! Praise the Lord!”.)

Scripture tells us that we will live in awe of God FOREVER – so we should start now.

Psalm 115:18 “But we can praise the Lord both now and forever! Praise the Lord!”

Praise, Bless, and Extol – each of those words come from three of the translations for the verse and line of Psalm 115:18 – but depending upon the translation, and our verbiage, does not change what God is – and if we are existing in a FOREVER mindset, knowing that FOREVER comes closer and closer each day, then we MUST realize that what we say about God does not change Who God is. If we trust in our own understanding then we will lose sight of how ALMIGHTY God is – how big – how AMAZING His Love is for everyone and for forever time… May we praise, bless and extol Him – ALL the time.

In the truth of the bible, we have the book of Revelation as well as Old Testament prophecies and New Testament Gospel speeches by Jesus Himself that tell us of FOREVER – that tell us of the victory already won (even Genesis 3 tells of the victory of Jesus over Satan – “He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”)

And the book of Revelation 7:17 tells us that we will live in that peace: “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

And Revelation 22:1-7 tells us where we will live and that it will be so good. And that we can trust what Jesus has told John in this Revelation and we can trust John – for forever: Eden Restored – Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

John and the Angel – The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” – “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things.

May we remember our FOREVER with God – forever and for now – may we exist, live, teach and act in a FOREVER mindset – not sweat the small stuff – and keep trusting the Lord even in difficult circumstances!

May we love and praise the Lord – as He has loved us and saved us for FOREVER.

Amen

—

Psalm 115
New King James Version
The Futility of Idols and the Trustworthiness of God
Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, Because of Your truth.

Why should the Gentiles say, “So where is their God?” But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see; They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell; They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat. Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.

O Israel, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.

The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless those who fear the Lord, Both small and great.

May the Lord give you increase more and more, You and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; But the earth He has given to the children of men. The dead do not praise the Lord, Nor any who go down into silence. But we will bless the Lord From this time forth and forevermore.

Praise the Lord!