giving thanks (AND praise!)

Friday, November 23, 2012 (5:52 a.m.)

Most Holy God and Father,

Thank You for a day, no... make that a LIFE for giving thanks. Father, You are so good. So holy. Too often giving thanks to You gets lost in the shuffle of our activities. Thank You that on occasion we sit still long enough to take a good, long look at all we have for which to be truly thankful.

(6:46 a.m.)

And as the search in Your Word continues, my heart swells and a peaceful excitement settles right here around me.

(8:04 a.m.)

So here I still sit. Basking. In the Light of Your Old Testament Truths. Beginning with David's praise to You (1Chronicles 29:10-13) “in full view of the entire congregation: Blessed are You, God of Israel, our Father from of old and forever. To You, O God, belong the greatness and the might, the glory, the victory, the majesty, the splendor; Yes! Everything in heaven, everything on earth; the kingdom all yours! You've raised Yourself high over all. Riches and glory come from You, You're ruler over all; You hold strength and power in the palm of Your hand to build up and strengthen all. And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to You, praising Your splendid Name.” You, Father, are the True source of all greatness and strength.

King David had fully planned to build Your Temple in Jerusalem as an expression of his love for You. While You did not allow him to complete his task, he spent his last days happily designing the structure to Your specifications (1Chronicles 28:19) and gathering the resources needed (29:2-9). Father God, Your plans are so much greater than ours.

Just as I had planned to sit here giving You thanks, reading Your Word also reminded me ♫Don't you know it's time to praise the Lord, In the sanctuary of His Holy Spirit. So set your mind on Him, And let your praise begin, And the glory of the Lord will fill this place. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord... He lives within the praises of His people He loves to hear us call upon His name...♫

Giving thanks AND praise. Yes! You provide the faith, joy, laughter and love we need to express both our gratitude (thanks) and highest respect (praise) for ALL You do on our behalf.

Father God, as much as I love You, today I ask You to teach me to thank and praise You as You so rightly deserve. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(426 words ~ 8:48 a.m.)