Romans 15:4 "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
1 In the beginning God ([a]Elohim) [b]created [by forming from nothing] the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was [c]formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Beginnings are important. Backgrounds about characters in novels and movies help us see the start of situations that have helped shaped them. Sometimes we introduce ourselves by telling about our ancestors or about relevant events that have shaped our family history. We pray that we recognize that who we are has a lot to do with the array of situations, the diverse people who came before us.
We ourselves have no memory of our beginnings. Memories do not begin to take shape until we are 4 years old-mine is the memory of my mom making my bed.
However, God was there at our very beginning when we were conceived in the darkness inside our mother’s womb (Psalm 139) in greatest detail, weaving us together within that darkness into who and where we all are walking today.
Similarly, the Bible’s first words about the earth are that it was “formless and empty” and that indescribable “darkness was over the surface of the deep”—a poetic way of saying that the world did not exist before God started creating.
Have you ever been in a cave without any flash lights on? It can be so dark that you can’t see your hands even when you touch your nose. The Bible begins with a darkness that is deeper than that. It’s the deepest darkness the Bible writers could possibly imagine: the depths, empty darkness, of the world not existing.
As we begin our time through this Advent 2024, looking forward to the light of Jesus’ coming, there is something very comforting about the Bible’s beginning.
John 1:1-5 Amplified Bible
The Deity of Jesus Christ
1 In the beginning [before all time] was the Word ([a]Christ), and the Word was with God, and [b]the Word was God Himself. 2 He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. 3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. 4 In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines on in the [c]darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].
However heavy and impossible our current circumstances may feel, the Bible reminds us that our story begins with the God who creates life in the midst of the deepest darkness imaginable. In other words, with God there is always hope the light of our salvation is already there, has always been there, will always be there and there is nothing even the darkest of darkness can do to change that.
Contemplate the Darkness as it was in the beginning of all things before God spoke and Creation responded – How the darkness could do nothing about it.
Contemplate the Hope before God spoke creation into being, the hope that began to be revealed as creation responded and the hope which surged like biggest Tsunami we could ever conceive of in our finite minds that despite the greatest efforts of the darkness to overcome that surging hope, it did not work.
Even in the greatest darkness anyone could conceive today – God has long since proven that hope has existed from the very beginning, Jesus is alive, is eternal!
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 19 Amplified Bible
The Works and the Word of God.
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
19 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And the expanse [of heaven] is declaring the work of His hands. 2 Day after day pours forth speech, And night after night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there [spoken] words [from the stars]; Their voice is not heard. 4 Yet their voice [in quiet evidence] has gone out through all the earth, Their words to the end of the world. In them and in the heavens He has made a tent for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. 6 The sun’s rising is from one end of the heavens, And its circuit to the other end of them; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect (flawless), restoring and refreshing the soul; The statutes of the Lord are reliable and trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true, they are righteous altogether. 10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned [reminded, illuminated, and instructed]; In keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors or omissions? Acquit me of hidden (unconscious, unintended) faults. 13 Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous (deliberate, willful) sins; Let them not rule and have control over me. Then I will be blameless (complete), And I shall be acquitted of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable and pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, immovable] rock and my Redeemer.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
19 Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! 20 My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. 21 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;[b] his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. 26 It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. 27 It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
28 Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him; 29 let him put his mouth in the dust— there may yet be hope; 30 let him give his cheek to the one who strikes, and let him be filled with insults.
31 For the Lord will not cast off forever, 32 but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; 33 for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
A Prayer for Steadfast Patience for the Good God Promises
Lamentations 3:22-27 Easy-to-Read Version
22 We are still alive because the Lord’s faithful love never ends. 23 Every morning he shows it in new ways! You are so very true and loyal! 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my God, and I trust him.”[a]
25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him. He is good to those who look for him. 26 It is good to wait quietly for the Lord to save them. 27 It is good for a man to wear his yoke from the time he is young.
How is it with your soul, today?
I have to confess that it’s been a really hard year for me and my wife.
One of the hardest we can remember actually.
And right now, our inner sense is that the hope-light within us seems to be dimming a little more each day.
We know God is good.
We know He has us both etched in the palm of his righteous hands. But, as the disappointment and difficulties linger longer and longer, our patience thins.
How do we hold on?
How do we swell with hope and joy, peace and love when our shared hurts seems to overpower all the encouragement we desperately try to cling to?
I don’t know about you, but as a whole, humanity is really good at wearing an “all is well” smile.”
I mean, who wants to be hanging around with a perpetual frowner anyway? But on the inside, regardless of how justified we seem to feel defeated and deflated, the long depressing struggles of life over these last 18 months can eat us alive.
Do any of you readers feel any of this as we enter both Advent and Christmas?
Getting through Thanksgiving was a tough ride. Do you know God is good and still trust he has good in store for you, but right now, through a tough season or situation, you’re really struggling to rest in patience for his promises to prevail?
For specks of the promised goodness and peace you long for.
For relief from the struggle and deep breaths of refreshment to renew your sorrowful soul?
I know.
My Wife knows.
My Wife and Me echo this longing too. We all want the good God has promised.
And we all wish we could be more patient.
So what do we do? I believe we need to keep clinging… to God.
Patience is extremely difficult for us too, but we must keep clinging.
I recently placed a bookmark in my Bible, in Lamentations 3, highlighting verses 24 and 25 to remind us both that the Lord is our portion.
We all need to remember this.
Holding on to reassurance that he is and will provide our exact needs each day.
True, maybe not all of our wants—though some may come our way—but God provides the perfect portions of “perfect peace” we all need now, and he will assuredly provide every necessary portion for all our tomorrows. Those days and places ahead that deep down we question will hold any speck of light at all.
Therefore, we are to wait for him. Because we know—and his trustworthy word says so— that God’s portion is now and then.
This is the surest hope we can cling to. He is the surest hope we can cling to.
A sure and certain hope that will fortify our patience as we hold tight to it.
Proverbs 27:17 Complete Jewish Bible
17 Just as iron sharpens iron, a person sharpens the character of his friend.
And we keep seeking him.
Because these words of truth also remind us the Lord is good to those who do.
And yes, we will find goodness even today as we seek him, day to day cling to him, and moment by precious moment we still keep placing our hope in him.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
16 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.[b]
4 The sorrows of those who run after[c] another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.[d] 8 I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being[e] rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.[f]
11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
In some translations of the Bible, the “darkest valley” in Psalm 23:4 is called “the valley of the shadow of death.”
Regardless of the translation, the vision of a dark shadow-cast valley can be frightening. This imagery can remind us of a catastrophic, traumatic loss or a difficult crisis, and our memories of such things can be fearful and frightening.
I recall a conversation I had with a homeless man not long after his spouse of nearly 25 years had walked away without even a note, her suitcases all gone.
While sitting dining area of the homeless shelter, he surrounded himself with photos and stories of their married life together, he shared with me his insight on Psalm 23. He spoke about the “valley of the shadow of death,” how dark and foreboding it can be when confronted by sudden unexpected loss of a loved one.
He talked about how cold, quiet, still, the house had become; how hard it was to remain in the home they built together filled with an abundance of memories.
So, about two weeks after she walked out of his life, he walked out of his home, threw the only keys he had far into the nearby lake they always walked around.
It was heartbreaking story to hear, how he had just given up, yet he also shared a small glimpse of hope he had discovered while traveling through that valley.
The only way for a shadow to exist, he said, is for a source of light to be present.
A shadow is not the absence of light, but rather the evidence of a light nearby.
He also noted that the greater the source of light, the smaller the shadow cast.
All of us travel through them from time to time.
There is no way around them.
You cannot wish them away.
You cannot pray them away – God will not allow them to passover or pass us by.
Life can’t always be lived on mountaintops, ignored by rowing across vast deep lakes, sprinting through sun lit fair meadows, pleasant travels ALL the time.
I wish we could skip over the experience of being swallowed by the dark valleys in life. But, they seem to be a very necessary part of our journey through life.
David knew about dark valleys back in the Bible days.
In Psalm 23:4, he talks about them,
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley…”
Though we will walk through dark valleys…
Since there is no way around or over or underneath them…
Only through them …
Because they are part of life…
Pacing Ourselves; Standing on the Promises of God
Promise 1: God is our FORTRESS & RESCUER!
Psalm 18:16-19 Authorized (King James) Version
16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. 17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. 18 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay. 19 He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
Promise 2: God is GOD!
‘Attention, all! See the marvels of God! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, Bans war from pole to pole, and breaks all the weapons across his knee. “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”’
Psalm 46:10, MSG
Promise 3: God will SHOW US THE WAY to walk!
Isaiah 35:8-10 Authorized (King James) Version
8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. 9 No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: 10 and the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Promise 4: God will ACT on our behalf!
Proverbs 3:5-10 Amplified Bible
5 Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 [a]In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil. 8 It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles—all your inner parts] And refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth And with the first fruits of all your crops (income); 10 Then your barns will be abundantly filled And your vats will overflow with new wine.
Promise 5: God is WITH us!
John 14:1-6 Amplified Bible
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
14 “Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and I will take you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 And [to the place] where I am going, you know the way.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going; so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “[a]I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
Promise 6: God is ABLE to deliver us!
Daniel 6:19-23 Amplified Bible
19 Then the king arose at dawn, at the break of day, and hurried to the den of lions. 20 When he had come near the den, he called out to Daniel with a troubled voice. The king said to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to rescue you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel spoke to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God has sent His angel and has shut the mouths of the lions so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also before you, O king, I have committed no crime.” 23 Then the king was greatly pleased and ordered that Daniel be taken out of the den. So Daniel was taken out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in and relied on and trusted in his God.
Friends, I pray that whatever valley or sealed room with ravenous hungry lions, you may be in today or at some other time or season, the light of Jesus Christ may shine bigger and brighter—and that he may be the source of your strength.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Have you ever heard someone ask about the Bible verse, “enter His gates with thanksgiving, His courts with praise?”
Have you personally made any effort to envision the Bible verse, “enter His gates with thanksgiving, His courts with praise?”
What are the gates?
How can we enter with thanksgiving if life is full of trouble and despair?
Is there a process?
As Christians, we place our hope in God.
Yes, tough times will come.
When life is filled with turmoil and when life is filled with joy, enter His gates with thanksgiving, His courts with praise.
Where Does the Bible Say “Enter His Gate with Thanksgiving”?
The book of Psalms is where Scripture shares this important statement:
Psalm 100 Complete Jewish Bible
100 (0) A psalm of thanksgiving:
(1) Shout for joy to Adonai, all the earth! 2 Serve Adonai with gladness. Enter his presence with joyful songs.
3 Be aware that Adonai is God; it is he who made us; and we are his, his people, the flock in his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, enter his courtyards with praise; give thanks to him, and bless his name. 5 For Adonai is good, his grace continues forever, and his faithfulness lasts through all generations.
Psalm 100 is credited to King David, although some biblical scholars believe various people wrote the book of Psalms.
The words are directed to everyone in very generation in every community.
This psalm is sometimes called a guide or hymnal for worship and prayer.
Although only five verses, this powerful message reminds us to give thanks to God. Trials and troubled times will always come into our life, but we have the opportunity to continue praising God and giving thanksgiving to God always.
What Are God’s Gates?
Biblical scholars refer to God’s gates as when we come into the presence of God.
In other words, whenever we come and seek to enter His Tabernacle to worship God, we enter His presence.
When we pray to God, we enter into a personal relationship with the Father.
Whether we enter to offer sacrifices, give thanksgiving or cry out with sadness, the gates of His presence are open to His children.
Christians acknowledge there is one God, and we are His creations.
“Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture” (Psalm 100:3 NIV).
How Do We “Enter His Gates”?
Set aside all notions you are in charge of anything in your life. (Psalm 100:3)
Be still … practice muchly the disciplines of “exalting stillness and silence.”
Psalm 46:10-11 Authorized (King James) Version
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Open yourself to the presence of God and pray.
Prayer opens the door to conversation and relationship with God.
Prayer is personal time shared with God.
When we pray, we know God hears.
Beginning prayer by focusing on God and not the self is the way to enter His gates. Enter with praise and thanksgiving.
Begin the prayer by thanking God for His steadfast love and forgiveness.
Acknowledge the need for forgiveness.
Repent of all sins.
Praise God for His forgiveness.
Give thanks to God.
Scripture tells of the narrow gate and the wide gate.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14 NIV).
His gates are open, and yet some people refuse to enter.
Entering through the narrow gate will take dedication and the desire to have a personal relationship with God.
Live for God.
Share His love with others.
Share His message and help others know Him.
In the book of John chapter 14 verses 5-6, when Thomas told Jesus that the disciples didn’t know where Jesus was going and wondered how they could know the way. Jesus responded with an important statement verses 6-7.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him’” (John 14:6-7 NIV).
How Do We Offer God Thanksgiving Today?
Thanksgiving is not something we give only on a Thursday in November or other certain days of the year.
Thanksgiving to God is an act of worship we can do every moment.
Waking in the morning, giving thanks for a glorious day can allow the day to begin with the light of God’s presence.
Sharing conversations, saying prayers throughout the day can bring comfort and peace.
Preparing for rest in the evening and giving thanks in our nightly prayers can deepen our faith. Every single moment is an opportunity to give thanks to God.
We can offer God thanksgiving through our words, actions today and every day.
Show others His love by sharing His Word.
Perhaps there is an GOD opportunity to volunteer in church or community.
Exalt God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit …
Show patience, humility, compassion, and kindness in every situation.
Whatever is happening in life, give thanks to God.
Know that in good times and bad times, God is always King, God never leaves nor forsakes. God sent His Son, He will lead, guide us through every moment.
What to Do When Giving Thanks is Difficult
Life is hard at times.
Perhaps you are journeying through a stressful and desperate time, and giving thanks tends to be difficult.
What if you are having a hard time giving thanks to God?
First, remember God knows the heart of His children.
God loves you and understands every emotion.
If giving thanks is hard, go to God in prayer.
Share concerns, worries, and fears.
Ask God to bring the peace and comfort only He can give.
In prayer, share with God any difficulties you may have with giving thanks.
Seek His leadership, His Direction His guidance for the situation. (Psalm 16:11)
Go to God with a servant’s heart.
Ask for His forgiveness. Rest in His promises. Release your difficulties to Him.
Just Come to the Gates and Worship, Worship, Repeat
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.”
That’s the way I memorized Psalm 100:1 as a child (King James Version).
My young imagination pictured grand, far-off kingdoms set in golden, rolling landscapes, lifting their attention to the heavens, join in one huge happy shout.
I picture it a bit differently now—maybe because I know more about the world than I did then. I’m more aware that not all in our world is grand and golden. In fact, we all live in a world filled with wars, divisions, and inequities of all sorts.
Sometimes we’re severely tempted to believe that nothing could ever unite us.
But the psalmist believes unity is possible.
God loves every person in every land, and God’s desire for each one is to come to him with thanksgiving and praise.
The invitation, the welcome, the call to know God’s goodness goes out into all the world.
The psalmist calls every person in every time and place to offer thanksgiving, singing, grateful devotion to the God who made us and is faithful to all creation.
These few verses of Psalm 100 pushes us beyond all boundaries to embrace all peoples, and beyond every self-centered preoccupation to worship only God.
So give thanks to God today.
“For the Lord is good.”
His love forever extends to the ends of the universe and endures forever.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 19 Authorized (King James) Version
Psalm 19
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. 6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Just a few small, exceedingly simple, uncomplicated commands …
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
Serve the Lord with Gladness.
Come before His Presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord He is God.
Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving.
Enter into His Courts with Praise.
Be thankful unto Him.
Bless His Name.
WHY?
it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Do we need anymore a better reason to ….
Not just today because it is Thanksgiving and we get to get together with our families and friends, with our church communities; go into the streets, into the homeless shelters serve those who have little to nothing in God’s Kingdom with an abundance of food, clothing, shelter, donated from our own abundance, to sit with them, eat with them, drink with them, talk with them, share a feast of plenty GOD fit for egregious sinners like us, perhaps even watch some football or some other favorite sport, or plan for a calm wild black Friday shopping blitz.
To just read and share the Word of God …
To have some time of personal and group reflection … why do I say “Thanks be to God” anyway? followed by a blessed opportunity to pray with high gratitude!
To sing with whatever great cacophony of noise our thankful hearts can muster;
Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One; give thanks, because he’s given Jesus Christ, his Son. Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One; give thanks, because he’s given Jesus Christ, his Son.
And now let the weak say ‘I am strong’, let the poor say ‘I am rich’, because of what the Lord has done for us; and now let the weak say ‘I am strong’, let the poor say ‘I am rich’, because of what the Lord has done for us. Give thanks…
100 Earth, sing to the Lord! 2 Be happy as you serve the Lord! Come before him with happy songs! 3 Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him. We are his people, the sheep he takes care of. 4 Come through the gates to his Temple giving thanks to him. Enter his courtyards with songs of praise. Honor him and bless his name. 5 The Lord is good! There is no end to his faithful love. We can trust him forever and ever!
Find it from some place deep in your soul to Sing … Thanks Be to God …
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! … Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!
Leave ‘somber’ behind…place God at the center, the forefront of your thoughts.
What do we have to lose but … sadness, tears, grief, anger, misery, loneliness?
What do we have to gain?
1 Corinthians 13 Easy-to-Read Version
Let Love Be Your Guide
13 I may speak in different languages, whether human or even of angels. But if I don’t have love, I am only a noisy bell or a ringing cymbal. 2 I may have the gift of prophecy, I may understand all secrets and know everything there is to know, and I may have faith so great that I can move mountains. But even with all this, if I don’t have love, I am nothing. 3 I may give away everything I have to help others, and I may even give my body as an offering to be burned. But I gain nothing by doing all this if I don’t have love.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.
8 Love will never end. But all those gifts will come to an end—even the gift of prophecy, the gift of speaking in different kinds of languages, and the gift of knowledge. 9 These will all end because this knowledge and these prophecies we have are not complete. 10 But when perfection comes, the things that are not complete will end.
11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, and I made plans like a child. When I became a man, I stopped those childish ways. 12 It is the same with us. Now we see God as if we are looking at a reflection in a mirror. But then, in the future, we will see him right before our eyes. Now I know only a part, but at that time I will know fully, as God has known me. 13 So these three things continue: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.
Loving one another isn’t a simple one to five minute matter of warm, fuzzy feelings and weak knees and pounding hearts. It’s a matter of doing the right thing because that’s what Jesus would do and did. Sometimes it can even bring unpleasant results for us. Hardcore loving often calls for doing the unexpected.
As followers of Jesus, we know that love is not something we can just opt to do or not do. It’s a command from our Master, whose life showed us how to love.
If we’re ever asked why we are showing love, we can answer, “Because we’re disciples of someone who loves us. We do it for Jesus’ sake.”
What’s more, we can show love only by the power of Holy Spirit working in us.
Then we’re able, like the twelve apostles, to witness, testify to, we’re serving Christ by loving the people we interact with and serve (Matthew 14:13-21).
Loving “one another” is often challenging.
It may call us to love the strong-willed child or an aging parent or spouse angry with dementia.
At home or church it may involve loving someone who is always negative and critical.
At work it may be the coworker claiming to be indispensable while barely doing their job.
It may mean foregoing a new coat so that someone else can have one.
The “other” in our lives could be someone we don’t even know but who comes to love Jesus because of something we did.
To whom will you show gratitude and thankfulness of Jesus’ love today?
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 16 Authorized (King James) Version
Psalm 16
Michtam of David.
1 Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. 2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee; 3 but to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight. 4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. 5 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. 6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. 10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
16 Rejoice always and delight in your faith; 17 be unceasing and persistent in prayer; 18 in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Happiness(?!?) of the United Family
One of the greatest blessings we have is our family. A happy marriage is worth more than any fortune; a united family is worth more than any wealth. A family that honors God is a valuable testimony to the richness of God’s blessing in life.
A family dedicated to serving the Lord and is devoted to each other in all things and at all times and during all seasons and under all circumstances, is a family that at all times, during all seasons, under all circumstances knows happiness.
The husband who fears the Lord and wants to live God’s way works with all his energy for a safe and well behaved godly home for all of his family members.
He loves his wife “just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her”(Ephesians 5:25); he is united to and faithful to his wife, who is “like a fruitful vine.” They love, respect, show open affection and care for one another too.
And if they are blessed with children, their children are “like olive shoots,” fruitful in bringing more blessing into their lives. Godly parents teach their children in the ways of the Lord so that they may be blessed all the days of their lives. Mothers and fathers are not antagonizing nor provoking their children.
And if God wills it, as long as he tarries, they may live to see their children’s children, receiving even more abundant blessings and joys from God’s hand.
With blessing the Lord brings prosperity, peace, and joy to families who seek to honor him. Coming together as a family is a wondrous time of faith, fellowship.
When you each honor God in your home, you will always have him as an ally.
The Word of God for the Children of God, for the Body of Christ, our own church family and our neighbors is neatly set before each one of us on our meal tables.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Amplified Bible
16 Rejoice always and delight in your faith; 17 be unceasing and persistent in prayer; 18 in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
But we know that in the Kingdom of God, not all is always going so “ideally.”
Grateful When You Aren’t Where You Want to Be …
November and December are months we see lots of pictures and quotes and Bible verses about thanksgiving appearing all across social media platforms.
But for all too many years my heart on those November and December days and nights in the dark, emptiness and quiet of my apartment and currently my own home would 100% suffer mightily to be acknowledged, recognized as thankful.
This wasn’t how life was supposed to go. I wasn’t at all where I wanted to be.
For years I struggled with giving thanks. Family tragedies occurring in too close a proximity. My heart wanted to praise and be joyful in these circumstances, but I knew that I wasn’t happy with where God was leading our family at the time.
In fact, it felt like God wasn’t leading us at all. The quietness and the lack of direction from God was disheartening, further magnifying my thanklessness.
In my head I “knew” God had not left me, and this was part of His perfect plan. I even told people that I was thankful just to be “home.” But deep down I wasn’t.
One day, I read those verses in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
“16 Be rejoicing always, 17 be praying unceasingly, 18 be giving-thanks in everything. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.“
Paul was writing to the church in Thessalonica.
If you were to read Acts 17, you would see the hostile environment in which this church was founded.
Their circumstances hadn’t much improved since Paul had left them.
Maybe some of the believers felt like I did.
Maybe they thought to themselves, “I don’t really like it here… this isn’t where I thought I would be.”
In the middle of those hard situations, Paul writes and tells the believers always to give thanks. Not only just a general “Hi, give thanks”-but a specific covenant call to give thanks in all circumstances.
Even the hard, harder and hardest ones.
Paul tells the church to give thanks because first this is the will of God.
We give thanks because God commands it. We don’t have to feel joyful when we do, but we can rejoice in God despite how we feel. Paul also tells the church to “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Prayer has a way of aligning our hearts, connecting our minds to the truth of who God is, His plan for our lives.
Prayer connects us to God and that is a great reason to give thanks.
In verse twenty-four of that chapter, Paul says, “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
Paul also says something similar in Philippians 1:6. He says,
“And I am sure of this, that he (meaning God) who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
God will work out our lives according to His plan.
Those plans include His glory and our good.
Romans 8:28-29 tells us this. Paul tells the Romans that they can trust that all things are for their good, which is to be conformed into the image of Christ.
The truth is God is always working and we can give thanks that He never leaves us. We can come to Him in prayer, and He is shaping us to be more like Christ.
Although the circumstances might not be good, we can give thanks to a God who has a purpose even when we find ourselves in a place we don’t want to be.
Today, I have come to the Throne of God to thank God for changing my plans.
These truths from the Bible help me give thanks.
I’ve been told by God to give thanks, that God has a definite direction, purpose, for my life, God will never leave me nor misguide me. I have learned that being grateful isn’t about our surroundings, but about the God who surrounds us all.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Paul also talks about giving thanks in Philippians 4:6. It says,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
How are we to not be anxious?
The answer is prayer.
Two types of prayer are mentioned here in Philippians 4.
The first is supplications. These are the prayers we pray on behalf of others and for ourselves. They are the prayers we pray when asking God to meet our needs.
Maybe you are not in a place you want to be, so ask God to change things.
Who better to ask to intervene in a bad situation than God Himself?
After asking God to help you, the next phrase says, “with thanksgiving…”.
As we ask God to help us we also give thanks.
This is the second type of prayer. If you are struggling to give thanks, look up the additional scriptures and find reasons even today to give thanks to God!
What about your current situation feels less than joyful?
How has God shown up in your life recently?
Take your cares and concerns to God, thanking Him for being with you.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving casting your burdens and cares upon the Lord!
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 84 English Standard Version
My Soul Longs for the Courts of the Lord
To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith.[a] A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.
84 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.[b] 6 As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah 9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!
10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
31 For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?— 32 the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. 33 He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. 34 He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 35 You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. 36 You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip. 37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and did not turn back till they were consumed. 38 I thrust them through, so that they were not able to rise; they fell under my feet. 39 For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me. 40 You made my enemies turn their backs to me,[a] and those who hated me I destroyed. 41 They cried for help, but there was none to save; they cried to the Lord, but he did not answer them. 42 I beat them fine as dust before the wind; I cast them out like the mire of the streets.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
In the early Christian church a man named Marcion pitted the “God of the Old Testament” against Jesus, the “God of the New Testament.” He said that the Old Testament God was hard fierce and demanding and that the New Testament Jesus was merciful, loving, and gentle.
The church rightly rejected that idea as a contradiction of the Bible’s teaching.
In more recent contemporary times, the reverse has taken place. Among people who want rapid social change, the gentleness of Jesus is treated with scorn, as if he was a mere weakling, easily manipulated, used by the corrupt establishment.
However, the careful and diligent reading of the Bible teaches that God is both.
He is full of wrath against evil, unconvinced by lame excuses, demanding true justice and goodness.
At the same time he is gentle, humble, and mild toward all who become his disciples, because he empathizes “with our weaknesses”(Hebrews 4:15).
“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18).
He is the perfect Teacher for us, if we authentically, seriously take his yoke on our shoulders to sit still. to learn, understand and grow into how to be godly.
We have a lot to learn from this God we worship, for we often tend to be angry when we should be gentle, and gentle when we should be fierce enemies of evil.
What we could be learning of God’s Gentleness …
David in Psalm 18:35 wrote,
“thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.”
David had full recognition of the vast mercies provided by the Lord.
The provisions, protection, and empowerments were full contemplations and gentle manifestations of a righteous and sovereign God. As we inspect our own lives, we can see that the Lord’s gentleness has indeed made all the difference.
1. He Is Our Sure Defense
The gentleness of our God has the attributes of love, grace, mercy as well as judgment. He can exercise each office concurrently while at the same time not neglecting any of the other attributes.
Certainly, God would have been justified in allowing the enemies of David to prevail against him as judgment for his indiscretions.
He was an adulterer, murderer, and bad father.
No doubt he was punished for the consequences of his sins, but the providence of our Lord had a greater eternal plan for the life of David.
His testimony was one of a lowly shepherd boy who was most unlikely to wear the most powerful crown in the world.
He was anointed and trained for over ten years before he was fully equipped, however, to reign over the land.
The patience of this process exhibited God’s gentleness as David was not thrusted into the position prior to the “fullness of time.”
In the first section of Psalm 18, David wrote about the strategies and ways of his enemies and Saul.
Notice in verse one that “enemies” and Saul were separated, contemplating certain respect endowed to the fellow king irrespective of his evil motives and tendencies. David painted a hopeless picture of being compassed about with “sorrows of death” and being afraid of the “floods of ungodly men.”
Even worse than death, David describes the “sorrows of hell” and the “snares of death.”
Immediate and eternal death would certainly be a more desirable position than being tortured and tormented by the prospect of hell and vices capable of death but falling short.
David called upon the Lord in his condition from the temple.
It was not in the plan of God for David to succumb to the throws of his enemies or especially Saul as he was promised as much.
Today, we have the same promise about the snares and the evils of the day.
Isaiah 54:14-17 reminds us that “in righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror, for it shall not come near thee. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.”
Indeed, we give Him all the praise because “this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.”
2. Our Prayers to Our Gentle Savior Make It “Even into His Ears”
Not only did David’s plea for help make it to the throne of Heaven, but “even into his ears” indicating the plea penetrated the being of the Lord.
The same can be said about our pleas, prayers and petitions summoning the attention from the Most High.
Until the enmity between us and the throne of heaven was removed by our mediator Jesus Christ, cries could not reach the heights necessary for action.
1 Peter 3:12 assures the New Testament saint that, “the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open until their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”
Thus, we cannot neglect the privilege of reaching the ears of our Savior by crying out with our prayers and concerns.
3. God Is Gentle to His Children, but Powerful to Their Enemies
In verses 7-15, David reflected the sheer force and might of a covenant God when in defense of His covenant man.
The Lord God made “the earth shook and tremble” to such a degree that “the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken.” His person blew out “smoke out of his nostrils and fire out of his mouth devoured.”
The Creator “bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.” Even though the consequences of His power reached the earth severely, “he rode upon a cherub, and did fly” “upon the wings of the wind.”
Certainly, the creator of creation and the maker of man has the power to call upon His creation in subserviency.
Jesus is quoted in Matthew 12:29, “or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his good, except he first bind the strong man?”
When we are being opposed, we view our enemies as mighty and strong.
Thanks be to our Heavenly Father, however, the believer has access to that “stronger man” who is able to bind the “powers of this dark world” and the “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”(Ephesians 6:12.)
4. His Gentleness Is Our Deliverance
The strength of the enemy was so great David fully recognized it was the Lord who “delivered [him] from [his] strong enemy” because “they were too strong for [me].”
The gentleness of Lord preached messages of love, forgiveness, and a need for spiritual cleansing to the masses despite a world who hated Him.
Regardless of his unpopularity, His gentleness led Him to a cross on Calvary.
He had access to the highest throne in heaven, but His gentleness permitted our sins to be thrusted into His skin.
Even with His innocence, His gentleness died upon this cross of judgment.
Despite physical death, His gentleness fought the grave and delivered unto us our salvation.
The strength of man’s sin was too much of an enemy for our meager will power and great desires of the flesh.
It was the gentleness of our Lord and Savior who had convicted our soul of our lost and defeated condition.
5. His Gentleness Guides Us to Obedience
David understood the importance of obedience and the cleanliness.
He wrote in verse 20,“the Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands.”
Even our obedience is not glory attributable to us via our own abilities.
The cleansing and empowerment of the Holy Ghost gives us the desire and the instruction necessary for obedience.
Thus, our obedience is nothing of ourselves and is effortless from our own hands.
In Hebrews 5:8, we see that “though [Jesus Christ] were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.”
Therefore, through Jesus’s suffering obedience we are granted with the gentleness of His guide.
6. His Gentleness Gives Us a Strong Footing
David understood the importance of a foundation for strong and agile footing when we wrote in verse 31, “who is a rock save our God?”
He gave us the strength and safe passage upon the journey because
“He maketh my feet like a [feet] hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.”
It is the position of the high places that we can fully appreciate our ascension through the power of Christ.
Just as the church, our foundation is established in the sure footing through Christ.
By the provisions of His Word and the Holy Spirit, “thou has also given [us] the shield of thy salvation.”
These armaments “teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.”
Our feet may physically progress, but it is He that “hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.”
When we take a position in accord with the Word of God, it is “He [who] gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.”
Thus, not only does our Lord have all power, but He has the ability and desire to bestow power.
The gentleness from both His mercy and grace culminates from the gift of “the shield of salvation.”
Our reliance is His righteousness as it is His “right hand [that] hath holden me up.”
David writes about his greatness solely because of what the Lord did throughout his life.
All of our greatness and righteousness is found from Jesus Christ and His work on the cross.
His gentleness is what “hath made me great.”
7. His Gentleness Guarantees Our Victory
The Psalmist then changes tone from being mired against prey unto a state of victorious enablement.
Such as us when we were neck-deep living in a lost sin dominated life and without hope.
Paul in Romans 8:37 declared us “more than conquerors through [Jesus Christ] that loved us.”
In Psalm 18 verse 37, David wrote that he pursued his enemies and overtook them because his “feet did not slip.”
He was not fatigued by the fight but was given persistence unto victory until the enemy was consumed.
Accordingly, the Holy Spirit seals us until the time of redemption until our ultimate realization of salvation and the glorification of our bodies.
In this ultimate victory, we will be able to declare just as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:55, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
Our daily spiritual victories upon this earth in this fleshly body will pale in the comparison to the victory over death as our “vile body” will be “fashioned like unto his glorious body.”
8. His Gentleness Is Our Praise
David concludes with verses 49 and 50 by giving “thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.”
The psalm began with a desperate plea for help but ends with the singing of “praises unto thy name.” The praise is personal as David wrote, “great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed.”
Indeed as our Savior, Lord, and King, Jesus is due all of our praise and adoration.
He did not forcibly enter the chamber of our heart in order to procure our salvation.
As a prerequisite to salvation, he did not place the onerous burden of abiding the law upon us by requiring its recantation and its physical manifestation adorning our clothing as a constant reminder.
God forbid.
No, it was His worldly paradoxical power of might combined with His greatest gentleness that performed the greatest miracle by the twain of two opposite forces of perfection and sin into “one new man, so making peace” as Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:15.
By this witness, we can testify that truly “thy gentleness hath made me great!”
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 5 English Standard Version
Lead Me in Your Righteousness
To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A Psalm of David.
5 Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning. 2 Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. 3 O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you[a] and watch.
4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. 5 The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. 6 You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. 8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.
9 For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue. 10 Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. 12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Praise for God’s Mighty Deeds and for His Answer to Prayer.
For the choir director. A Song. A Psalm.
66 Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; 2 Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious. 3 Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will [a]give feigned obedience to You. 4 “All the earth will worship You, And will sing praises to You; They will sing praises to Your name.” [b]Selah.
5 Come and see the works of God, Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men. 6 He turned the sea into dry land; They passed through the river on foot; There let us rejoice in Him! 7 He rules by His might forever; His eyes keep watch on the nations; Let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
8 Bless our God, O peoples, And [c]sound His praise abroad, 9 Who [d]keeps us in life And does not allow our feet to [e]slip. 10 For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined. 11 You brought us into the net; You laid an oppressive burden upon our loins. 12 You made men ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water, Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance. 13 I shall come into Your house with burnt offerings; I shall pay You my vows, 14 Which my lips uttered And my mouth spoke when I was in distress. 15 I shall offer to You burnt offerings of fat beasts, With the smoke of rams; I shall make an offering of [f]bulls with male goats. Selah.
16 Come and hear, all who [g]fear God, And I will tell of what He has done for my soul. 17 I cried to Him with my mouth, And [h]He was extolled with my tongue. 18 If I [i]regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord [j]will not [k]hear; 19 But certainly God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer. 20 Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer Nor His lovingkindness from me.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
We have needs which God meets. Quite often, with and in as much gratitude as we can muster we are led to give thanks after giving honor and adoration to God in our prayers for blessings received. We give thanks for all the amazing things God has done—for this world, for his people, and for us in our personal lives.
Notice how Psalm 66 moves from adoration to thanksgiving.
In the first four verses the psalmist declares how awesome and glorious God is.
Then in verse 5 we see a transition to “come and see what God has done.” From this point on, the psalm reads like an inventory of God’s gifts and amazing help.
The psalmist describes how God continually saves and never stops watching over his people, even in the context of anxiety, fear, trouble, disappointments, and psalmist shouts thanks for what God has done for him personally as well.
The ancient words of Psalm 66 teaches us the value of being specific when we give thanks to God. Many people like to keep a personal “thanks be to God” prayer journal that helps them pay attention to what God is doing in their lives.
As the Psalmist did here in Psalm 66, they keep a running list of God’s blessings and His mercy, love, for them, and they review their list in thanksgiving to God.
In our own personal prayer life (if we actually have disciplined ourselves to have one), do we even .01% acknowledge, recognize gratitude grows in many ways?
God is incredibly gracious and generous.
As we read in James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father. . . .”
The One who gives so abundantly, so much of Himself to us, without caveats, is in my own personal belief, is truly most worthy to receive our abundant thanks.
Psalms 66:20 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: “Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.”
This verse is a resounding declaration of the Psalmists praise and thanksgiving to God for not rejecting the psalmist’s prayers, for continuing to show mercy.
The book of Psalms is a compilation of 150 poetic songs and prayers and pleas the Psalmist’s raised, that were used in worship and praise in ancient Israel.
The psalms cover a wide range of deep emotions and themes, including praise, thanksgiving, lament, and petition. Psalms 66, in particular, is a psalm of high magnitude thanksgiving and wall shaking praise for deliverance from trouble.
The verse at hand expresses the psalmist’s gratitude for God’s faithfulness in hearing and answering prayers.
It acknowledges the mercy and compassion of God, as well as the fact that He has not and will not forsaken or turned away from the psalmist’s cries for help.
This verse reflects the psalmist’s strength of faith, deepest trust in God and his recognition of God’s constant, continual continued presence, grace in his life.
The theme of gratitude and thanksgiving is central to this verse.
It vividly highlights the psalmist’s recognition of the blessings and deliverance that have come from God alone. The act of praising God for His faithfulness in answering prayers and showing mercy serves as an empowering reminder to all believers to express gratitude for all God’s goodness and provision in their lives.
The context of this verse within the larger psalm is also significant.
In the preceding verses, the psalmist recounts a time of distress and trouble when he called out to God for help.
He describes how God has brought him through the trials and has answered his prayers setting the stage for the declaration of praise and thanksgiving in verse 20, as our psalmist reflects on the faithfulness of God in answering to petitions.
The symbolism of verse 20 lies in the essential contrast between the continual faithfulness of God and the never ending tiresome fickleness of human nature.
The psalmist juxtaposes the unwavering nature of God’s mercy and the innate tendency of humanity to forget or neglect the goodness of God. The image of God not turning away the psalmist’s prayer signifies His steadfastness and His 100% willingness to hear, to listen and to respond to the cries of His people.
In a broader theological sense, this verse also points to the character of God as being merciful and compassionate. It emphasizes the idea that God is a loving and caring deity who is attentive to the needs and pleas of His people.
This is a critical source of comfort and reassurance for believers, as it affirms the Psalmist’s belief in God’s loving-kindness and His willingness to extend, unconditionally, His grace and mercy with no boundaries, to those who seek.
In conclusion, the ancient words of Psalms 66:20 is a verse of highest gratitude and maxed out praise, expressing the psalmist’s deepest thankfulness for God’s faithfulness in answering prayers and showing mercy.
It serves readers of all ages, of all generations as a reminder to all believers of the importance of acknowledging, praising God for His goodness and provision.
The verse also highlights the symbolic contrast between God’s unwavering mercy and the fickle nature of humanity, as well as pointing to the character of God as loving and compassionate. It is an incredibly inspiring, and an incredibly powerful statement of hope, trust and reliance on God’s faithfulness and grace.
If we were the modern contemporary Psalmist and were inspired to be thankful to God for blessings given and blessings received, how would our own Psalm 66 read? How would future generations of Psalmist’s be empowered, inspired to write theirs’s? And we the readers and writers of devotionals, to just HUG GOD?
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 150 Complete Jewish Bible
150 Halleluyah!
Praise God in his holy place! Praise him in the heavenly dome of his power! 2 Praise him for his mighty deeds! Praise him for his surpassing greatness!
3 Praise him with a blast on the shofar! Praise him with lute and lyre! 4 Praise him with tambourines and dancing! Praise him with flutes and strings! 5 Praise him with clanging cymbals! Praise him with loud crashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath praise Adonai!
Halleluyah!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
11 When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Luke 12:11 (KJV) states, “And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say.”
Today I went to the movie theatre with my wife to watch the Bonhoeffer film.
Faced with such a horrific circumstance as he was, he could have chosen to have remained quiet, safe, not stirred up a lethal level of trouble with the authorities.
But, with the heavy burden of conscience which comes with the indelible reality of living into and through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus at the cross, he chose to stand above those who chose silence and safety over to be a martyr.
I searched for a scriptural basis for the enormous measure of holy courage he displayed before everybody, tried to contemplate; “would I have been so vocal?”
This verse from chapter 12 comes from the Gospel narrative of Luke, which was written by Luke, a Physician and faithful mission companion of Apostle Paul.
This particular passage is part of a larger discourse in which Jesus is instructing his disciples about the hard challenges they’ll face as they spread his message.
In this verse, Jesus is preparing his disciples for the inevitable persecution and opposition they will encounter as they go out far and wide to share the gospel.
The verse begins with the phrase “And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers…”
This indicates the various levels of authority and opposition the disciples will encounter in their mission – the hardcore brutal reality that Bonhoeffer faced.
Luke’s message is as we willingly walk into the Great Commission, we also do acknowledge the highest risks, the highest accountability, responsibility before God, which we will risk, as we could be brought before religious leaders in the synagogues, civil authorities such as magistrates, and even powerful rulers.
This foreshadows the highest risks of lethality, trials and tribulations the early Christians faced as they journeyed through Rome, spread the teachings of Jesus.
The next part of the verse states, “take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say.”
This is a powerful message that encourages the disciples to innately set aside their fears, to trust in the Holy Spirit to guide them in their words and actions.
They are not to worry or be anxious or be fearful about how to respond when they are arrested, brought before these authorities. Instead, they are to rely on the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit to speak God’s truth through them.
This verse also speaks to the broader theme of trust and faith in God’s provision and guidance. The disciples are being instructed to surrender their own worries and fears, in times of highest risks and to trust in the leading of the Holy Spirit.
This theme of trust and reliance on God’s wisdom and strength is a central message throughout the New Testament, and speaks to the 100% unyielding importance of faith in all degrees of circumstances in the life of a believer.
The context of this verse is also important to consider.
At the time of Jesus, the very early Christians faced intense persecution and opposition from both the religious and secular authorities.
They were often grabbed off the streets and from their homes, brought before the synagogues, Roman officials to give an account for their beliefs and actions.
In the face of this hair triggered hostility, Jesus’s words would prayerfully have been a highly valuable, highly valued source of great comfort, empowerment, and encouragement for his followers as they became called to defend the faith.
The powerful symbolism in this verse can be seen in the imagery of being brought before synagogues and powers.
This represents the conflict and opposition Christians may face when they are faithful to their beliefs. The synagogues represent the religious establishment, while the powers and magistrates symbolize the ruling secular authorities.
The message here is that followers of Jesus should expect to encounter a whole lot of hardened resistance, challenges as they live out their faith in the world.
In conclusion, Luke 12:11 is a powerful and timely reminder for Christians to trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the face of opposition, persecution.
The verse speaks to the themes of trust, reliance on God’s wisdom, and the reality of encountering life threatening challenges for the sake of the gospel.
It provides encouragement for believers to stand firm in their faith, knowing that God will empower them to speak boldly and act in ways that honor him.
This verse continues to be a source of comfort and strength for believers facing opposition and hostility for their beliefs even today in the face of cancel culture.
About Taking Up Our Scriptures, Speak truth to Power
I am convinced that there is a common misunderstanding in many churches.
Many Christians think there is a big difference between proclaiming God’s Word from a pulpit and sharing his truth in a conversation.
Similarly, lots of “Christians” believe the apex of evangelism happens on a Sunday morning in a sanctuary and not in a coffee shop or in a car ride to work.
As Christians, we often think that to share the gift of salvation with someone, we first have to be qualified academically or be trained in some special way. As a result, we can get tangled up in our inabilities, bogged down by our insecurities, and overwhelmed with fears of failing ourselves, others, or—even worse—God.
But you and I aren’t called because we are qualified; we are qualified because we have been called by God into a lifetime of love everyone by sacrifice and service.
My life and your life, regardless of secular vocation or secular or too religious education or ability to speak in public, is a “as iron sharpens iron” testimony in itself. It’s the story of God’s relentless redemption and restoration plan in you.
God knew you even before he established the foundations of the earth.
He created you, wired you, and walked into your life, called you by name.
Luke 24:13-35 New American Standard Bible 1995
The Road to Emmaus
13 And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was [a]about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. 16 But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. 17 And He said to them, “What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, “Are You [b]the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?” 19 And He said to them, “What things?” And they said to Him, “The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the sentence of death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. 22 But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see.” 25 And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary for the [c]Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 Then beginning [d]with Moses and [e]with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.
28 And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He were going farther. 29 But they urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day [f]is now nearly over.” So He went in to stay with them. 30 When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and He blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from [g]their sight. 32 They said to one another, “[h]Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was [i]explaining the Scriptures to us?” 33 And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, 34 saying, “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 They began to relate [j]their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.
God has adopted you as his child into his eternal family, and he has entrusted you with his kingdom work, which simply means courageously sharing with someone the good news of forgiveness from sin, of new life in Christ forever.
So share the good news today!
Do not worry if you have the right words – the Holy Spirit will provide them!
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 40 New American Standard Bible 1995
God Sustains His Servant.
For the choir director. A Psalm of David.
40 I waited [a]patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the [b]miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the Lord.
4 How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, And has not [c]turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood. 5 Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.
6 [d]Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired; My ears You have [e]opened; Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required. 7 Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is [f]written of me. 8 I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.”
9 I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation; Behold, I will not restrain my lips, O Lord, You know. 10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation.
11 You, O Lord, will not withhold Your compassion from me; [g]Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me. 12 For evils beyond number have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see; They are more numerous than the hairs of my head, And my heart has [h]failed me.
13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; Make haste, O Lord, to help me. 14 Let those be ashamed and humiliated together Who seek my [i]life to destroy it; Let those be turned back and dishonored Who delight [j]in my hurt. 15 Let those be [k]appalled because of their shame Who say to me, “Aha, aha!” 16 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!” 17 Since I am afflicted and needy, [l]Let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. Of David.
61 Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; 2 from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, 3 for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
4 Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah 5 For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
6 Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations! 7 May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!
8 So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Psalm 61 expresses the desperate prayer of one who senses a great need for God.
David prays “from the ends of the earth” (61:2).
Although this could mean that he was far away from home, the sense of this phrase is more than literal. It speaks of neediness, when we are far away from what is comfortable, familiar, and safe. It may also point to times when we feel more than far away from God, it seems as if he is not near to hear our prayers.
In such times, our hearts can become overwhelmed. The Hebrew term ‘ataf, translated here as “overwhelmed,” can also mean “faint” or “weak.” There are times when our circumstances batter us, when our inner reserves are drying up.
We can feel as if life is just too much for us, and that we’re not going to survive.
In such times, like David, we cry out to God for mercy.
Even though God might feel far away, or we are stuck at the very bottom of the Grand Canyon and looking up at the sheer cliffs we have no skill set nor any equipment nor any inclination, to climb out, even though we are emotionally spent, we nevertheless call out to God to lead us to a place of safety and security.
The “towering rock of safety” is a place where the floods cannot engulf us or our enemies can get to us and crush our spirits. The rock that is literally “higher than” we are, signifies unassailable heights of God’s protection and presence.
Perhaps you’re in a place like David today, feeling beyond far away from God, overwhelmed by the challenges before you, overwhelmed by the challenges that keep coming. If so, cry out to the God who will lead you to his rock of safety. If you’re not in such a place today—thanks be to God!—I’m sure you know people who are. Their hearts might even be too faint to pray, but you can do it for them.
We know the words, we preach, teach, model “TRUST GOD, do not be afraid. “
Yet the circumstances remain, more keeps coming, too many things feel out of control … there never seems to be enough time to “schedule our daily prayers!”
Your routines are not running smoothly.
You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable.
Let GOD lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances.
Take refuge in the shelter of GOD’S wings, where you are absolutely secure.
When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip The LORD’s hand tightly and look for growth opportunities.
Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, courageously accept the challenge of something new.
The LORD leads you on from glory to glory, making you fit for HIS kingdom.
Say yes to the ways GOD works in your life. Trust GOD, and don’t be afraid.”
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” ISAIAH 12 : 2
From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. PSALM 61 : 2 – 4
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 CORINTHIANS 3 : 18 (NKJV)
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
When have you felt like David, far from God and completely overwhelmed?
How did you pray?
Did you pray?
How did you experience God’s deliverance?
What, for you, is the “towering rock of safety”?
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
PRAYER: O Lord, there are times when you feel so very far away, when it seems as if you aren’t even there to hear my prayers. And there are times when I am so haggard in soul that I can barely pray. Thank you my God and my King for the inspiring example of David, whose desperation reminds me that I am not alone.
Lord help when things feel unpredictable and uncomfortable, help me to look up to You, stand tall in the shadow of your Son’s cross, for growth opportunities and stepping forward, accept the challenge of something new. You are leading me, molding me to look more and more like Jesus. I trust you. In Jesus’ name.
Thank you also for his quiet confidence in you. Help me to know that you will lead me to the towering rock of safety when I am feeling lost and exhausted.
Psalm 121 English Standard Version
My Help Comes from the Lord
A Song of Ascents.
121 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. 6 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 8 The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 