Enter [the Lord's] gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. — Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Worship is always about entering - entering into grace, entering with thanksgiving, entering to share with others, but most of all, entering into the Lord's presence in a special way. But our entering is not the basis of worship. Instead, worship is about the Lord's faithfulness, goodness, and enduring grace. We come to God like so many before us, with God waiting for us. We come to praise him for all he has been, all he is, and all he will be. We come to enter and worship. We can do this simply because God is faithful, through all the generations, to wait for us to come.
My Prayer...
Faithful God, the Almighty Rock of Israel, the God on whom the generations trusted, you alone, LORD, are God. I praise you for your enduring grace and mercy. I praise you because I want my heart tuned to your will. I praise you, because I want to prepare for my longest lifetime, the one in your presence. I praise you in Jesus' name. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- my family
- time off from work
- opportunities to share
- songs that speak to my heart
- my wonderful husband, that I love more and more everyday!
- sunshine
- the gift of sharing how God has worked in my life and others
“As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:27
You read it right. We have “put on” Christ. When God looks at us He doesn’t see us; He sees Christ. We “wear” Him. We are hidden in Him; we are covered by Him. As the songs says, “Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.”
Today, I am thankful that Christ can live in me!
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. — Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
I remember the old Corrie ten Boom phrase, "Thank God for the fleas." The fleas kept the German soldiers out of the barracks in the Jewish concentration camp where she was imprisoned. This allowed her to minister and visit with those who were being persecuted. There she could show and share Jesus. Even in the worst of suffering, God can bring blessings through those who know that life's goal is character, not comfort.
My Prayer...
Mighty God, I confess that I get impatient and frustrated with difficulty, pain, and suffering. Please give me more compassion and better listening skills to hear, so that I may bless those who need your love and grace. Give me the strength to find joy in the difficulties of breaking through the barriers Satan places in the way to keep others from Jesus. In the Savior's name I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- my wonderful husband, who takes such good care of me
- my loving family and friends
- a roof over my head
- safe travels to work
- my office working hard this week, so we don't have to work the weekend
- mid-week worship (so refreshing)
- smiles
- hugs
“You answer us in amazing ways, God our Savior.” Psalm 65:5
God never turns his back on those who ask honest questions. He never did in the Old Testament; he never did in the New Testament. So if you are asking honest questions of God, he will not turn away from you . . .
In learning to depend on God, we must accept that we may not know all the answers, but we know who knows the answers.
Today, I am thankful for:
- my job
- my wonderful friend that has helped me this week to make my life easier
- my loving groom-to-be! he loves me no matter what and that is an awesome feeling
- my family that is working so hard to make my day perfect
When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. — Psalm 94:18-19 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
We are amazed at the vastness of God's reach, the awesome breadth of his power, and the glorious sweep of his majesty. An additional truth, incredible as it may seem, is God's personal nearness to us. He chooses to know us and be actively involved in the trials and triumphs we face each day. How will today, or tomorrow, be different because you are aware of his presence and companionship? What difference does it make to know he supports you when your foot slips or that his consolation is nearby when anxiety rises?
My Prayer...
Loving God, who is everywhere yet always near, please hear my heart. I am overwhelmed at your presence near me and within me. The comfort you bring when I am under siege, the strength you offer when I am weak, the courage you give when I am under attack, and the hope you instill when all seems hopeless -- these gifts of your presence are precious to me. Without your presence I would not know where to go or why I am here. Thank you for knowing me. I look forward to knowing you one day as you know me today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- forgiveness!
I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.— Psalm 16:8 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
There are many things that can trouble our lives, but none that can shake us loose from the grip of God's grace if our hearts remain pointed at Jesus as our Lord and our hope remains focused on the Lord's return. If Jesus is our Lord, then all of life's greatest blessings lie ahead of us and he will let nothing rob us of this coming glory!
My Prayer...
Holy Lord, you are worthy of majesty, honor, and praise. I lift up your name, O God, and place it above every name. As I look to the future, I want to honor you and I want to journey with you there. Since I believe you will never leave or forsake me, I will always look ahead to find you leading the way. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- the weekend
- fun with friends at the fair
- productive Fridays
- all my friends willing to help me move, again
- safe travel for my parents
- all my blessings!