April 11, 2018 - GIVE THANKS AND PRAISE

Day 101 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 23:10–26; Psalm 92; Mark 1:16-34)

1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
    to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
    and your faithfulness by night,
3 to the music of the lute and the harp,
    to the melody of the lyre.
4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
    at the works of your hands I sing for joy. (Psalm 92:1-4 ESV)

The Psalmist calls God’s people to thank and praise God and to do so with songs of joy. This is precisely what this hymn is all about. Notice how it clearly focuses our attention on our Savior, Jesus, who is the ultimate source of our joyful thanks.

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, give thanks.
(Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart, Lutheran Service Book #806)

Heavenly Father, remind me everyday that You have made me strong and rich in what really counts, all because of Jesus and His cross. For this undeserved blessing, I humbly and joyfully give thanks. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!