She Laughs. She Prays.

Biblical Passage

Isaiah 61:1-3

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

BRINGING PRAISE TO GOD

Isaiah 61:1-3 describes praise as a garment to be placed over one’s body. This inspires images of a flowing robe or a protective cloak being placed over the head of a person, resting on the shoulders, and covering the remainder of the body. According to Isaiah, this garment replaces the heaviness, the weariness, and the despair that may be felt when the cares of life come tumbling down from all sides.

Isaiah rejoices because he has been asked to minister. How is he asked to minister? How often do you follow his example and what does that mean to you?

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The Old Testament passage describes tasks God has placed on the ministry of Isaiah. The tasks are the same tasks Jesus repeated in Luke 4:18 when he proclaimed he had fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah. Preach the Good News. Bind up the brokenhearted. Proclaim freedom for the captive and release from darkness for the prisoners. Comfort all who mourn. Replace despair with gladness and praise. Praise is part of our mission.

Those who do these things will be called “oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Why did Isaiah choose the words “oaks of righteousness” and how does that relate to praise?

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As obedient servants, we can bring praise to the Lord. So according to the Old Testament, when we are clothed with the garments of praise, it will cause others to be in awe of his splendor. True ministry does not draw attention to the person who is ministering as much as it draws attention and praise toward God.

DEFINING PRAISE

Read Psalm 9:1-2. How does the Bible define praise in this verse? What would the life of a person wearing a garment of praise look like?

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BECOMING A PERSON OF PRAISE

We can look at many people in the Bible who chose to praise God.

Old Testament praises include:

· Bible’s first recorded song-Ex. 15

· Moses commands Israelites to praise-Deut. 8:10

· Deborah’s Song-Judges 5:9

· David Praises and calls on others to praise 2 Samuel 22:4

New Testament Praises

· Jesus-Matthew 11:25

· The Nations expected to praise-Ephesians 1:2

· James-James 3:9

· People and angels-Rev.4:9-11

VARIOUS MEANINGS FOR THE WORD PRAISE

A look at the original translations of the word praise in Hebrew and Greek brings new light on all the many ways to commend God. Praise means to declare: to declare thanksgiving, to declare God’s excellency, to declare God’s glory, and to declare blessed. When speaking of God, praise can mean to boast of or sing hymns (Psalm 47:6).

“Aieno” is a Greek word that only denotes the praise of God. In Luke 2, both angels and men were referred to as praising God after having viewed the babe Jesus at the stable. When a person moves from the vocal act of praise into the physical acts of praise, they’ve moved from praise to worship. I especially appreciate the word “yadah” which in Hebrew means “to stretch out the hand and confess with the mouth.”

In Psalm 9:1, David says, “I will praise the Lord with my whole heart.” He not only spoke of his words of praise, but also stretching his hand out in submission and praise. In Psalm 43:4, David praises as he plays his harp. I can see the man David giving obeisance to God as he bends his body over his harp and stretches forth his hands to praise the Lord.

“Yadah.” Thou art my God and I will praise thee (Psalm 118:28) with my arms stretched out.

Other Hebrew words include “Barak” to bless and “Halal” which is praise as in the word Hallelujah.

To worship by bowing before God shows three main types of physical worship—to stoop down or kneel, to bow one’s head to the ground.

GIVING OF THE FIRST FRUITS

In another physical act associated with praise, the lame man went walking, leaping, and praising God. (Acts 3:8) Here he responded joyfully and appropriately to the experience of his life. His legs, now able to respond to God for the first time, gave of his first fruits to God. The lame man gave a physical act of praise honoring God immediately for a blessing bestowed.

GIVING OF WHAT YOU HAVE LEFT

But sometimes the response to life experience will not be of joy. The book of Psalms contains acts of worship or hymns suitable to any life circumstance. Praise includes physical expression of worship, a voiced commendation of God, and the emotions of the heart express a praising in all of life’s circumstances. Consider David who in Psalm 77:2 says, “In the day of my trouble, I seek the Lord.” He then continues with words of commendation for a great and mighty God. So, we act out our praise in all of life’s circumstances.

Consider Job. How did he praise God? How did he physically show act of worship? Job 20 says “Then Job arose, and rent his robe, and shaved his head, and fell upon the ground and worshiped.” His response to life experience was a process. He truly wanted to express his emotions. He physically acted out his emotions by renting of his robe and shaving his head. Then with the last remaining strength, he fell before God and worshipped him.

Some can give of their first fruits, but some can only give what little they have left.

How are you feeling about praise today? Are you giving in joy? From your first fruits? Or only what’s left?

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Most people view praise as a joyous response. In general, the word praise in the Bible is a response of joy. As Moses lead the Israelites out of Egypt and successfully crossed the Red Sea, he and Miriam break out in a song of praise to God. Exodus 15: 2 “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God and I will exalt him.” In response to this song of praise, Miriam and the women around her went out shaking timbrels and dancing. 2 Samuel 6:14 says, “David danced before the Lord with all his might.”

So praise not only involves a declaring of words, but an ability to respond appropriately with physical acts of worship.

A NEW PRAYER LANGUAGE

In the New Testament, Paul gives specific instruction in how best to praise. Acts 10:45 says, “For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.” Here Paul refers to praising God in other languages. The Bible describes this as a way to commune more intimately with God.

In I Corinthians 14:16 Paul writes, “If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say, “Amen “ to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?”

What does this verse mean? What is Paul telling us?

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Paul is not changing his mind and saying this a wrong way to praise God, but instead he suggests speaking in a known language will cause more edification for the listening individual and identification to the church body. It can help us to agree on praise; it can help us praise God together.

THE FORCE OF PRAISE

The Bible shows us when to praise. Moses and Miriam praise God for his salvation with song. Many of our hymns and worship songs refer to God’s saving power.

Ruth praises God for He sends her a kinsmen redeemer—someone to buy back lost property and to provide continued care for the widowed women in the family. This kinsmen redeemer parallels the redeeming hand of God. His blood bought us back after the sin of Adam and Eve had separated us.

Job and David praise God in their wealth and in their despair. “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then from my flesh I shall see God.” (Job 19:25,26)

Read Psalm 8:2, what can praise do? This refers specifically to children. What about your praise?

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The most amazing reason to praise God is that praise silences enemies. Psalms 8:2 says praise to God will silence your avenger, your foe. How can the praises to God silence enemies? Jesus quoted the same verse to the Pharisees. The children were praising God in the temple lawns. The Pharisees complained of the noise. Jesus said, “Have you not heard? ‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise, because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.’” Matthew 21:16

The Pharisees were silenced and walked away from Jesus.

When God sent the Israelites to war, God reminded them that the battle was not theirs, but the Lord’s. In 2 Chronicles chapter 20 the Israelites under the leadership of the Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, only saw the multitudes of people and were dismayed. But in response to God’s Word, the people of Judah began to praise God. And Jehoshaphat in a show of faith, sent the praisers and worshippers out into the battle before the army. And the foes were silenced. Essentially they destroyed each other before the Judean Army came into their sight.

At the battle of Jericho, it was praises to God that brought the city walls down. A person who is fit for battle and ready for ministry must be clothed with praise. The force of praise silences enemies. I see this as one way God responds to our praise.

If through a study of praise in the Bible, we begin to appropriately act out our praise for God thus taking on the garments of praise and not accepting defeat, we will be allowing God to use us as his instrument and prepare us for ministry.

Digging Deeper

Acceptable worship. Read Hebrews 12:28.

Consider David's examples of praise and those in the Temple.

Our One Year Bibles finally arrived at Bristol Bay Church, Dillingham, AK. We have decided to start on March 17, 2024, which means it will take until next March 17, 2025, to finish reading all the way through. If you asked for a soft cover copy or would like one, please see me on anytime this week or on Sunday. I have about 10 of these. You can also purchase the electronic copy on Christianbook.com The One Year Chronological Bible NLT - eBook: 9781414361628 - Christianbook.com I will have a few journals and notebooks as well in case you want one to keep your answers in to the questions below in a notebook. And/or send them to me and we can stay in contact: pastorval@bristolbay.church

For those who want to read along in your own Bible, I will publish the passages for the week in a special column to check off. I look forward to reading with you. Each week I will also send some study questions to go with your reading if you choose to use them. Reply with questions and answers. I look forward to reading God's Word with you daily.

May 27

Proverbs 1-4

May 28

Proverbs 5-7

May 29

Proverbs 8-10

May 30

Proverbs 11-13

May 31

Proverbs 14-16

June 1

Proverbs 17-19

June 2

Proverbs 20-22:16

June 3

Proverbs 22:17-24:34

May 27

1) What is the purpose of the book of Proverbs?

2) Describe one good piece of advice given in the Father's Exhortation to his children.

3) In Chapter 2, name one thing wisdom will save you from?

4) In Chapter 3:11-12, what does the Lord say to desire?

5) What is repeated in Proverbs 4:1-3 as good advice?

May 28

1) In Proverbs 5, Solomon describes what the NLT writers called "Immoral Women." Take a personal inventory and ask God where you stand in His sight, both as a male or a female.

2) Read Proverbs 6:1-5 in other versions. Do these verses give the same information in each version? Explain what they are saying.

3) Read Proverbs 6:1-5 and Proverbs 6:6-11. How might these two go together?

4) What are the six things the Lord hates?

May 29

1)What does Proverbs 8:22-36 tell us about choice? About a women's choice for her children?

2) What do the first six verses of Proverbs tell us to do to improve our lives?

3) Proverbs 10:10-11 stand out as great reminders in our society. What do you think of these wise teachings? Any others stand out to you?

May 30

1) Read Proverbs 11:7 and 11:19. How do these two seem to go together? Any other verses with the same message? What does the verses message mean to you and for your future?

2) "The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness." (Proverbs 12:2) Name a TV show that teaches this message directly or indirectly through its acting and stories. Are there any other Proverbs that you can base your media viewing on?

3) Proverbs 12:27 tells us how to live a life of godliness in relationship to our hunting and fishing. Explain this subsistence thinking and how important it is to teach to the young students in our life.

May 31

1) Proverbs 14:34, how does this verse relate to nations now?

2) Proverbs 15:14, how does this verse relate to your media viewing? Anything else in your life?

3) Team building has become a natural part of successful companies. Read Proverbs 15:22 to see how wise Solomon knew this many years ago. Are there any other verses that might be good for your business adventures that you have discovered?

June 1

1) Read Proverbs 17:17 in the Revised Standard Version (RSV) or the New International Version (NIV). How do these versions add depth to the meaning? What is meant by the words friend and brother?

2) One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,

This is what Matthew Henry's Commentary says about Proverbs 18:24. Christ Jesus never will forsake those who trust in and love him. May we be such friends to others, for our Master's sake. Having loved his own, which were in the world, he loved them unto the end; and we are his friends if we do whatever he commands us, Joh 15:14.

Do you agree with this interpretation? Does this expand your thinking on the verse? If so how?

June 2

1) Read Proverbs 20:5. Do you know someone with wisdom like this? Describe an interaction with them that has benefited you?

2) Is Verse 20:24 helpful to you? If so explain.

3) Read Proverbs 21:13. Does this verse on social justice effect any of your choices? Why?

June 3

1) This portion contains 30 sayings. Read them and rank them according to your favorite or ones with the most impact- first, second, and third.

May 20

1) I Chronicles 29:23-25 describes a change in Israel. Explain this change. Solomon is made King.

2) In 2 Chronicles 1 Solomon has a talk with God. What is the significance of the talk and what do they discuss? God asks Solomon what he wanted. Solomon says he would like wisdom.

3) In I Kings 2:13-3:15, who do we learn who Adonijah is and how is he related to Solomon? What does he ask for? Adonijah is Solomon's brother. He wants to marry Abishag. Abishag laid with David. Solomon was offended that Adonijah wanted to lay with his dad's concubine.

4) Psalm 83 lists many enemies of David. Who are the enemies and why are they listed here?

In verses 5-8, the Psalmist lists the nations conspiring against Israel at the time of writing as Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, Tyre, and even distant Assyria. In verses 9-12, he adds defeated foes Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna.

May 21

1) Wow. Before DNA, Solomon made a wise judgement. What do you think of this? I would definitely be on the side of the Mom who says don't hurt my baby. Whether the real Mom or not, she would be the one to care for the baby.

2) Read I Kings 5: 3,4. Read I Chronicles 22:8 and 28:3. What reasons did God give as stated by David compared to the reasons Solomon gave for David's not building the temple? Could both be true? David said he could not build the temple because he had committed bloodshed. Solomon said that David had needed to wait until there was peace in the land. Yes, because no more blood needed to be shed when there was peace.

3) Read 2 Chronicles 2:5 where Solomon questions his motivation to build a temple. Then read King Hiram's answer. What kind of a person was King Hiram? Why did he want to join King Solomon? King Hiram is definitely an encourager, and he is faithful to King Solomon. He had a relationship with King Solomon's father David and was extending his kindness to his son.

4) According to 1 Kings 6:1, when did Solomon begin construction of the temple? He began in Mid-Spring in the month of Ziv during the fourth year of Solomon's reign. 480 years after the crossing of the Red Sea.

5) According to I Kings 6:37-38, how many years did it take for Solomon team to build the temple? It took seven years.

Interesting Thoughts to know about King Hiram? "The earliest mention of King Hiram in the Bible is after David conquered Jerusalem and established his capital there. Hiram sent timber, carpenters, and other skilled laborers for David to employ in the building of his palace: “Then King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar timber and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built David a palace.” (2 Samuel 5:11).

In the writings of the first-century historian Josephus, we learn that Hiram ruled in Tyre for 34 years and died at age 53. Throughout his lifetime, King Hiram remained David’s friend and ally. His long affection for David passed down to King Solomon, with whom he continued friendly relations: Who was Huram / Hiram in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

May 22

1) I Kings 7:8 tells us that King Solomon built a separate palace for the Pharoh's daughter who had become his wife. Why did he do this? Read 2 Chronicles 8:11 for the answer. She was a foreigner and could not live in God's houses.

2) Although we don't build separate houses for family members of different beliefs, the Bible does tell us something about marriage that would be good to understand. Read 2 Corinthians 6:14. Does this relate to King Solomon's reasoning on building a separate palace? "Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?" says 2 Corinthians 6:14. This is similar in that we are told not to take a life partner or business partner with someone who doesn't uphold the standards of our light Jesus Christ. Solomon knew that his making a business partnership with a foreign nation and a life partner with the lady who represented the nation was risky. He tried to reduce the risk by keeping her apartment from the palace.

May 23

1) Read 1 Kings 8:10-12. Then read Exodus 19:9, and Leviticus 16:2. How did God depict his presence to Moses and Solomon? Through a thick cloud.

2) In I Kings 8:10-12, where did the glory of the Lord appear in these scriptures? What had been happening prior to God's glory appearing? The glory of the Lord filled the temple. The priests had been worshipping in the Holy Place and had to leave.

3) Read 2 Chronicles 5:11-12. Where did the glory of the Lord appear this time? What did it fill? What was happening when the glory of the Lord came? The Ark of the Covenant was placed in the newly finished Temple. Solomon had worshippers on hand. "Then the priests left the Holy Place. All the priests who were present had purified themselves, whether or not they were on duty that day. 12 And the Levites who were musicians—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and all their sons and brothers—were dressed in fine linen robes and stood at the east side of the altar playing cymbals, lyres, and harps. They were joined by 120 priests who were playing trumpets. The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words:

“He is good!
His faithful love endures forever!”

At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of God.

4) Does any of this relate to our worship of the Lord now? It shows how it is good to put together formal gatherings for praise. Putting together a band or orchestra to praise the Lord dressed appropriately is honorable. Nothing has changed in the sight of the Lord. He understands culture but "He is good! His faithful love endures forever."

May 24

1) In I Kings 8:54, what position was Solomon in when he worshipped the Lord? Have you tried worshipping the Lord like this? Why or why not? The Bible says Solomon stood up from "where he had been kneeling with his hands raised toward heaven." We are often still taught to kneel when we pray but raising hands towards heaven is less done. Don't be embarrassed to raise your hands.

2) In 1 Kings 8:63 animals were sacrificed for the Lord. Why don't we sacrifice animals? Read Hebrews 10:11 and surrounding verses as needed for understanding. In Hebrews, the author states that the sacrifice of animals cannot take away sin. But the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross got rid of any need to sacrifice animals. Jesus sacrificed his life.

3)How does 2 Chronicles 7 compare to the scripture above about the temple and God's glory? This is the same instance from a different standpoint. In this time of sacrifice, lightening came down from heaven and started the fire quickly consuming all the animals. Later that same day, Solomon dedicated the Temple sacrificing over 120,000 animals. This was all done over fires started by men. At some time during this proceeding the Temple was filled with a cloud of God's presence

4) From reading 2 Chronicles 7, What covenant did God establish with David and also with Solomon? Were there conditions? 17 “As for you, if you faithfully follow me as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations, 18 then I will establish the throne of your dynasty. For I made this covenant with your father, David, when I said, ‘One of your descendants will always rule over Israel.’

19 “But if you or your descendants abandon me and disobey the decrees and commands I have given you, and if you serve and worship other gods, 20 then I will uproot the people from this land that I have given them. I will reject this Temple that I have made holy to honor my name.

God promised Solomon that like his father David, he would establish his throne in his descendants. But if the descendants abandon God and his commands, they would be rejected and the Temple as well.

May 25

1) Read 2 Chronicles 8:18. A ton is equal to 2,000 pounds. How many pounds of gold did Solomon bring back in his ships? 34,000 lbs. approximately

2) What was the significance of the Queen of Sheba's visit? Perhaps this article will help you understand. What Do We Learn about the Queen of Sheba in the Bible? (christianity.com) Josephus wrote in the late first century that the Queen of Sheba ruled Ethiopia and Egypt, known for its riches. He intended to persuade Roman readers that her visit to Solomon showed the king’s wide and well-known prominence—she ruled what later became the wealthiest province in the Roman Empire.

3) In I Kings 9 it says that Solomon fortified and rebuilt many cities. What was significant about Gezer, according to the Bible? Find out about its significance in the encyclopedia on the internet. Throughout history, Tel Gezer played an important role in the cultural-political milieu of the strategic coastal plain of the southern Levant. To most, the site is best known from the Hebrew Bible, where the once mighty Canaanite city is given as a dowry gift to Solomon by the Egyptian pharaoh (1 Kings 9:15–17). (OnSite: Tel Gezer - Biblical Archaeology Society)

4) Any thoughts on why he brought back "apes and peacocks" to Israel? Perhaps owning and having exotic animals on his land gave him pleasure, power, and prominence. I also think peacock feathers would add beauty to attire and other places in his palace.

May 26

1) Read I Kings 4:29-34. What most impresses you about his wisdom? Kings of every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to him. Does anything stand out? He composed some 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs.

2) Psalm 72 is a prayer of David for Solomon. It's interesting that before David died he has Solomon's wealth in order, according to this prayer. Read Psalm 72:11. How did Solomon get some of his funds? Through taxes or payments by the nations who served him. What is a tribute? Taxes. What kept the peace in the cities and areas where Solomon reigned? They paid him money for protection. Why do you suppose David set Solomon up to reign in peace? Because he wanted him to have it easier and to rule over Israel while he saw the completion of the Temple.

3) Apply Psalm 127:1-5 to your life. Is it applicable? Can the building of houses be literal as in what King David and Solomon did for their cities or some other type of building of a house? If the Lord builds the foundation of my life and my families lives, he builds a good thing.

Above all Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

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May 24-26 Team: Mark Burgess, Dobie Weasel founder of Life Tribe, and Eric DeHart w/World Missions for Evangelism

• May 24 -6:30-8:30 pm Discipleship training with Dobie and Eric
• May 25-10 am-3 pm Discipleship training with Dobie and Eric
• May 26-10 am breakfast potluck, 10:30 am service
• May 26 -6 pm service w/Dobie and Eric in Dillingham at Bristol Bay Church