There are two readings for today.
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 100
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. [Psalm 100:4]
Many are blessed, but not everyone acknowledges it.
All of humanity, all of creation, is blessed by God’s love and goodness, but not everyone thanks Him or appreciates it.
The psalmist is reminding the people of Israel that God is great and good and worthy of their praise and gratitude.
But why do people need to be reminded, unless they have a tendency to forget.
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” [Luke 17:15-19]
Is it possible that we can get so wrapped up in the blessings, that we forget the One that is the source of all blessing?
Is it possible that we even take these things for granted, and get upset when they don’t come when or how we want them to?
In this story with Jesus and the ten lepers, the one’s that should have known better did not come back to express their joy and gratitude.
Maybe they were so accustomed to God’s blessing, that they took it for granted.
But this ‘foreigner’ comes back with joy and praise, he enters the Lord’s presence with thanksgiving and praise.
He could truly say, For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. [Psalm 100:5]
So could we, but do we?
Have we become so numb to the wonder of God’s greatness and goodness that we no longer speak of it, marvel at it, praise and thank Him for it?
Maybe today is a good day to reflect on all that God is, and all that God does, in my life.
Maybe today is a good day to intentionally set aside time to enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. [Psalm 100:4]
This psalm reminds us, because we need to be reminded.
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for not coming back to You in praise and gratitude. Forgive me for taking Your blessings for granted. Remind me again today of why I can and should praise You!
We are not our own this psalm reminds us. We are His sheep and He is our shepherd. We are His since He created us. All the time I need to be reminded ‘I belong to Jesus Christ my Lord!’ Serve Him!
Each year I ask the students basic questions throughout the year and I need to ask those questions of myself. This psalm reminds me of that fact.
Who am I?
Where am I going?
Why am I here?
What’s wrong with the world?
What am I going to do about it?
I am here to worship. That’s a good start. Help me to praise Your name this day Lord by recognizing that You are Who You are – the Lord of my Life. There is no life aside from You, You are the ‘I am Who is always the I am’ Who is faithful to His people. Help me to be faithful to You this day by walking with You in all I do and say. TGIF Kelp me to live this principle – Today God Is First! In this way I can live for Jesus. Let others see You in me. Come into my life Lord Jesus each day anew. I need You every hour. Continue Your work in me and through me by Your Spirit. Lead me. Guide me. Forevermore.
Into my heart,
Into my heart,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.
Come in today,
Come in to stay,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.