“O worship the King, all glorious above, O gratefully sing His wonderful love; our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, pavillioned in splendor, and girded with praise. O tell of His might, O sing of His grace, whose robe is the light and canopy space, His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form, and dark is His path on the wings of the storm.”

Lord, “You make fast the mountains by your power, they are girded about by might. You still the roaring seas, the roaring of their waves, and the clamor of the peoples. You make the dawn and the dusk sing for joy. You visit the earth and water it abundantly; you make it very plenteous, the river of God is full of water. You prepare the grain, for so you provide for the earth. You drench the furrows and smooth out the ridges; with heavy rains you soften the ground and bless its increase. You crown the year with your goodness, and your paths overflow with plenty.”

Lord, “Our sins are stronger than we are, but you will blot them out. Happy are they whom you choose to draw to your courts to dwell there; they will be satisfied by the beauty of your house, by the holiness of your temple.”

Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in themselves, that they were righteous, and regarded others with contempt. Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed to God saying, “I thank you that I am not like other people or even like this tax collector, I fast twice a week, I give a tenth of all my income”, but the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast saying, “ God me merciful to me a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his home more justified that the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 18:9-14

My brothers and sisters in Christ, what has God done for you that has made you glad?  God does so many great and marvelous things for us, that we would never be able to count. Scripture reminds us, to be careful, that when we have eaten and are full, when God delivers us, when he heals us, that we never forget, that the hand of the Lord did that. I will give thanks to the Lord always, for all that he has done and continue to do in my life. “To God be the glory, great things he has done!”

My brothers and sisters in Christ, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

My brothers and sisters in Christ, we who are believers should maintain good works which are profitable to men. Scripture warns us, to avoid foolish disputes, contentions, and strivings above the law, for they are unprofitable and useless. But, let us learn to maintain good works to meet urgent needs, so that we may not be unfruitful.

“In Christ I am now resting, the half I cannot tell, of all the priceless blessings, which cause my heart to swell. So, with thankful adoration, as day by day I find, his peace and grace sufficient, to keep both my heart and mind.” Thank you, Lord!

Cast all your anxiety on the Lord, because He cares for you. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, delight yourself in the Lord, and He will help you. He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, and your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! But wait on the Lord!