Today you should read: Psalm 148
In the closing handful of psalms, David and the other writers focus on an important aspect of not only corporate worship, but of all worship of God: they wrote a series of PRAISE psalms. These weren’t empty praises either. These were specific, heartfelt songs to God, not empty emotionalism. As my friend and fellow pastor Zack Thurman always says, “Worship is when you set your heart’s affection AND mind’s attention on who God is and what He’s done.” That seems to be what the psalmist does in 148, and this example is definitely something we want to emulate.
The psalm is rich in its content. Specifically, it talks about praising God as Creator and Sustainer of all things. Most of the verses tie to creation and God’s handiwork. And yet, the psalmist evokes us — the central focus of God’s creation — to join the party! Plus, there is a hint of foreshadowing here on the bigger picture of God’s redemption story.
This ESV commentary note sums it up well:
This hymn of praise calls on all of God’s creatures to join in praising him: from the heavenly hosts, to the heavenly bodies, to the inhabitants of sea and land, to all mankind. The concluding note, regarding God’s special people Israel, may refer to some particular event such as the return from exile, or it may be a more general reference to the protection God has given his people; in either case, God’s favor for Israel is put into the larger context of his plan to bring light to all mankind through Israel. — ESV Study Bible
What praise do you have to offer the Lord today? Be specific. What about God’s character makes you want to lift Him high? What attribute of Jesus causes you to adore Him? What has He done that makes your heart leap out of your chest? Let’s fill our comment section today with masses of praise to our Almighty Creator God!
By: Todd Thomas — Worship & College Pastor
JumpstartCPC.com 
It seems these last few weeks have been filled with trial after trial. It has been a constant onslaught of things ranging from small to big. It has been a time to remain steadfastly fixed on His face. Praising Him for the trials. This has truthfully been difficult at times. While I wish I could say I have done so perfectly but that would be untrue. These have been constant reminders of faith and trust. Faith and trust that God has our best in mind and sometimes His best looks differently than what we think it should. Opportunities to praise Him. One big challenge has been looking for an affordable place to rent. It seems that our search for the last couple months keeps returning empty. I know and am resolved to cling to the truth that God has a rental for us and we must keep listening to Him and trusting. Praising in the dark times and in the times of bounty or prosperity.
Thanks for sharing Shanna. Dealing with trials can be so exhausting, but God is faithful. I will pray specifically for your needs today.
God shown my wife, sons, and daughters such kindness and patience. Though the storm is hard sometimes, Jesus is our rock and shelter. Thank you for Jumpstart today!
God is so patient and kind. Rejoicing with you and praying for you.
You are the man Korbet!
I love God’s creativity! There is so much beauty in the world that He made for us to enjoy here on Earth! The ability for humans to create music is always so astounding to me. Thank you Lord!
Me too Cara! I love Psalm 19 because of how much it reminds me of God’s creativity:
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun…”
There are so many amazing and praiseworthy attributes of God, but as I sit here and reflect on the 17 years of my Christian faith, His faithfulness keeps coming to my mind. He has never left nor forsaken me through the mountains and the valleys of life. He has always provided me & my family with enough “manna” for the day. It may not have been the way I envisioned or wanted it, but is was always exactly what I needed and according to His perfect will. God is Good ALL THE TIME & all the time, GOD IS GOOD!
I am Thankful for God’s creativity in my life for giving me places to sing for His Glory in Lexington at Brookdale , Morning Point , and North Point . The people in these places have become my special friends and I love singing for them . God is so Good !
Praise God for His listening ear. He hears me in times of trouble and times of peace. He comforts me and answers my prayers. He is present and near to me. What a joy to serve the God who is great and also intimate!
I praise God today for His giving nature, for the certain knowledge that all good gifts are from Him.
Recent events with our new little premature granddaughters, have really made me and Rex think about Psalm 139. Knowing that God created us all before we were even thought about, leads me to praise Him and thank Him for our creation. Wow! How great is that!?! So today i’m praisingaa Him for His handiwork, showing me that by His very hands, we are uniquely knitted together in our mother’s womb . That alone is a lot for which to be thankful!!
Powerful Jumpstart message today! I thank the Lord for His provision.
I also thank the Lord for CPC! I pray for all the ministry teams, as well as the Field Church in New Orleans! I continue to pray for our new CPC worship facility.