Shepastor: “Thanks Trumps Defeat Every Time”

Being thankful is a choice. It’s not always an easy choice. Human frailty draws our focus towards what is not right rather than right, what is not fair, rather than fair, what is hurtful and bad verse what is healing and beautiful. A friend of mine once described it this way, “Our perception of life can be like two buckets of water – one filled and one with barely a drop. As blessings are thrown into our full bucket, they just makes ripples. But when proverbial rocks are thrown into the almost empty bucket, they make a very loud noise.”

So many blessings “plop” into our full bucket that we barely notice them. But when bad things happen, they make a loud, clanging noise and we are drawn to focus rather upon them. We can, however, choose to be thankful.

Hebrews 12: 1-3 declares,

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (NIV)

Singer/Song Writer Marvin Sapp has written a song, Praise Him In Advance.
“I’ve had my share of ups and downs, times when there was no one around. God came and spoke these words to me, praise will confuse the enemy.”

When we choose thanks and praise over frustration, over anger, over focusing upon all that is wrong, we “trump” satan’s attempts to defeat us. Our praise and thanks "confuse the enemy." When we choose thanks and praise over focusing upon the things that are wrong in our lives, we position ourselves for triumph over our circumstances. Let’s “lay aside,” “throw off” everything that hinders our praise – fix our eyes upon Jesus, remember the great cloud of witnesses not only in the Bible, but in our own lives and thank God for all that He has already done.

During this Thanksgiving Season, may your thanksgiving trump satan’s attempts to defeat you by causing you to focus upon whatever issues seek to entangle you.

Oh give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endureth forever!

Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com

Until next Wednesday,
In faith, hope and perseverance,
Pastor Chris

Shepastor Highlights Columnist, Qin Tang’s Article, “10 Unhealthy Thinking Patterns”

Ministers tend to spend a lot of time in their own heads. For a variety of reasons (personal reflection, preparations for preaching and teaching, administrative responsibilities, confidentialities, navigating church relationships etc), we can become victims of thought overload. For the same aforementioned reasons, our vocation easily lends itself to isolation, loneliness and vulnerability to unhealthy thought patterns.

Today, Shepastor highlights Librarian, Writer and Columnist, Qin Tang’s article, “10 Unhealthy Thinking Patterns.” Delving deeper than, “don’t worry, be happy,” Ms. Tang shares insights from recent studies on resilience – something that is definitely needed for the ministry!

Read on and be blessed!

Shepastor Highlights: Qin Tang’s Article, “10 Unhealthy Thinking Patterns”

“In a recent study on resilience, I learned about the following 10 unhealthy thinking patterns or thinking distortions. The research was pioneered by Dr. Aaron Beck, widely regarded as the father of cognitive therapy. It was later popularized by Dr. David Bums in his book The Feeling Good Handbook."

1. Extreme thinking (All-or-nothing thinking) – Thinking in absolute terms, like “always” and “never.”

2. Overgeneralization – Taking isolated cases and using them to make generalizations.

3. Mental filter – Focusing on negative aspects of an event while ignoring the positive.

4. Disqualifying the positive – Continually “shooting down” positive experiences for arbitrary reasons.

5. Jumping to conclusions – Based on little or no evidence, mind-reading (assuming special knowledge of the intentions or thoughts of others), fortune telling (predicting without special knowledge).

6. Magnification and minimization – Distorted thinking that twists facts, exaggerating the positive traits of others and magnifying your own negatives.

7. Emotional reasoning – Decisions based on intuitions or personal feelings rather than on objective facts and evidence.

8. Should statements – Thoughts focused on “should” or “ought to be” rather than reality, having rigid rules that “always apply” no matter what.

9. Labeling and mislabeling – Explaining by naming with “absolute labels (loser, bossy, shy, perfect, cheater, wishy-washy.)

10. Personalization – Assuming responsibility for events over which you have no control, magical thinking.

About the author
Qin Tang

Librarian, writer, columnist.
Qin Tang grew up in China, studied German at universities in China and Germany, and ended up living in the United States since 1991. She says, “Life is a journey and a mystery. I am still on the journey, learning and growing every day.”

To read more, visit http://onmymind.areavoices.com/2011/09/28/10-unhealthy-thinking-patterns/

Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com

Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris

Shepastor: “Understanding the Origin of the ‘NO’ Means Everything!”

“NO” is a legitimate answer. At times, “no” is necessary for our health and well-being. “NO,” can at times be discouraging and heart-breaking. Depending upon the situation, “NO” can help, heal, hurt or derail. Today, Shepastor, explores the importance of understanding where the “NO” is coming from as we seek to ascertain God’s will and purpose for our lives in general and ministry in particular.

Shepastor: “Understanding the Origin of the ‘NO’ Can Mean Everything!”

All of us at various points in our lives desire and need affirmation. As children we need a nurturing and encouraging hand to guide us and tell us that we are unique, beautiful, bright and have something to offer. As teens, we begin to assert our independence, yet we secretly look over our shoulder from time to time to get the affirming nod that we are “OK.” As we move into adulthood, depending upon our history, the quest for affirmation takes on various forms.

For some, affirmation is sought out through a series of unhealthy relationships. Others stop at nothing to gain certain levels of notoriety. Others come to terms with their “somebodiness” and understand their worth, gifts and mission in life through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Although we may feel confident in our relationship with the Lord and know that our help comes from above, there still may be times when we question our life’s purpose, a specific goal or direction.

When knocked upon doors remain closed, when proverbial detour signs keep popping up, when projects fail and dreams fall flat – we are confronted with the daunting question, “Whose “NO’ is it?” We are well acquainted with the scriptures that tell us,

“The steps of a good man/woman are ordered by the Lord,” “Delight thyself in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart,” “In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path…”

But when the path keeps winding and the glimmer of light becomes dim, we begin to ask ourselves the question, “Whose ‘NO’ is it?”

- When you’ve been to seminary and served faithfully in the lay ministry, but for some reason still can’t get ordained,
- When you’ve jumped through all of the hoops and prepared yourself well for pastoral search committees yet, as a woman, you still don’t receive a call to pastor a church
- When you’ve applied to doctoral programs and can’t get accepted
- When you’ve written a manuscript that you are convicted is from the Lord, but can’t get published
- When you can’t find a job
- When you can’t find a mate
- When you just can’t seem to get to where you want to go…

You are confronted with the question, “Whose NO is it?”

Your answer to that soul-searching question will mean the difference between dogged pursuit of your dream, goal, aspirations etc., and bowing in humble submission.

For those seeking a break through, I humbly offer the following…

Through prayer and discernment, fasting and consulting Holy Spirit led mentors and friends – strive to make a distinction between the aforementioned. In other words, is the “NO” answer due to human sinfulness such as sexism, racism, ignorance or mean spiritedness on the part of those giving the answer? Or is the locked door, no matter the situation, God’s decision to move your life into a different direction? Having the answer to that question is critical!

It is critical because understanding the origin of the “NO” determines the strength of your pursuit. If you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord God Almighty has placed a vision, a dream, a call, a ministry within you, no devil in hell or human on earth can thwart your determination to attain that goal. God plus you are a majority! No weapon formed against you will prosper and you will ultimately gain the victory! God will open doors that no man can shut and close doors that no man can open! God’s voice and His Holy Spirit will compel you to continue to doggedly pursue and you will overcome!

If on the other hand, in your innermost being, you have heard the Lord say, “My child, that is not My way for you,” or, “this is not the right time for you,” or “I have something different for you,” or “STOP!” and because of stubbornness, pride, foolish ambition or misguided thoughts you keep going in the wrong direction, you will not prosper in your pursuits. When you reach the proverbial fork in the road and are asking yourself if you should continue on the path pursuing a particular goal or if you need to let it go, understanding the origin of the “NO” means everything.

Before deciding either way, before allowing naysayers to discourage you or well meaning friends to encourage you to follow a path that is not the path the Lord has ordered for you, go before the Lord and stay there until the answer comes!

Are you trying to figure out the origin of “NO” in your life today? Have you just come through a discernment process and have an answer that may help another? Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com.

Until next Wednesday
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris

Shepastor: "We Need Your Input!"

Dear Shepastor friends,
Plans are underway to prepare for the 2012 "Empowering and Encouraging Women In Ministry" Conference! We value your opinion and are praying to develop a conference that will address the needs of women in ministry.

Please take a moment to complete the brief survey "What Would Be Most Helpful? WTIM Conference 2012", by clicking on the link below.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WTIMConferencequestionare

When finished, simply click on the "done" button and your survey will be submitted.

Thank you in advance for your prayers and input!

I leave with you today the words of the Apostle Paul to the saints at Philippi...

6Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

8And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you
Philippians 4: 6-9 NLT

Until Next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris

Shepastor: "The Perfecting Process"

Psalm 138:7-8

7 Though I walk in the middle of trouble, you will revive me: you shall stretch forth your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand shall save me.
8 The LORD will perfect that which concerns me: your mercy, O LORD, endures for ever: forsake not the works of your own hands. (ASV)

(8) The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me;
your love, O LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands. (NIV)

Our message for today is taken from the Old Testament Book of Psalms, Psalm 138: 7-8. In Psalm 138, the Psalmist is praising God for His greatness, faithfulness and loving kindness. He also expresses confidence in his belief that God will “perfect” or bring to completion that which concerns him. It is reminiscent of the Apostle Paul’s encouraging words to his the saints at the church of Philippi when he declared, “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it” (1:6).

Today we place our focus upon the 8th verse of this Psalm, “God will perfect that which concerneth me..”


Shepastor Reflects upon, “The Perfecting Process.”

When a potter sits down to form a jar or a pot or some other artistic object, he or she often will squeeze the clay, pound the clay, wet the clay, shape the clay and if it is not as he or she wants it to be, they will then start all of over again. Sometimes they will take a sharp instrument and scrape it over the bumps and bulges of the clay until it is smooth. Then they will put a glaze over it and place it in a special oven designed to burn away all of the impurities. After the object has been perfected, then it's ready for the kiln.

In order for the clay to become what the potter intends it to be, it has to go through a perfecting process. Athletes will train for months, maybe even years running, jumping rope, lifting weights etc., until they reach that perfect point at which they feel ready to compete for the prize. Musicians and vocalists will practice for hours, days and weeks in preparation for the perfect concert performance.

And while we will all agree that nothing in this life on this side on the Jordan is ever “perfect,” we can agree that we strive in most arenas to reach perfection or at least to come close.But the Psalmist isn’t talking about a clay jar or an athlete or a musical performance, the Psalmist is talking about his destiny, his life’s purpose, his reason for living. The Psalmist is talking about the essence of who he is in the midst of this life – that God will “perfect” or bring to completion that which God intends for him.

The Psalmist was reminding himself that although things may not have always been right, although times could get tough, although there may have been and continue to be times in his life when it seemed like life was without purpose – a time when all of his dreams seemed shattered, nothing that he hoped for seemed to be materializing, the Psalmist reminded himself that God would perfect, bring to completion that which concerned him.

Like the Psalmist, we have to remind ourselves that God will bring to completion His will in our lives. It’s not always easy to believe that things will be completed or worked out in our lives. Some days are just down right dark and discouraging. Some days it’s difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes it’s a struggle to keep believing, to keep hoping, to keep praying.

Sometimes it’s even difficult to pray. Hebrews 12: 1-2, reminds us to, “throw it off…” To throw off those things that hinder us, that beset us, that prevent us from running the race of life with patience and grace. That passage also reminds us to consider Jesus who endured such great affliction and adversity from sinners lest we become weary and faint in our minds. That’s where we faint first – in our minds. We get weary in our minds. We lose hope in our minds. We lose faith in our minds. We begin to doubt in our minds. As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. In the Greek way of thinking, the heart and mind were one in the same.

Your heart and mind work together to produce action. If your mind is consumed with discouragement, so will be your heart. When your heart and mind are discouraged, it’s hard to move ahead. When you are discouraged, it’s hard to put one foot in front of the other. When you are discouraged, it’s hard, it’s difficult, it’s almost impossible to have hope.

Discouragement causes you to have tunnel vision. Discouragement causes you to think that the whole world is against you when it’s really just a few loud mouths! Discouragement creates the allusion that there is no way out, no how, no way. Discouragement can cause you to give up and give out when you are closer to victory than you can imagine. Discouragement can cloud your vision and make you forget that God – not man, God, not your employer, God, not your family, God will perfect or bring to completion that which concerns you!

There are many things in this life that can take you down, discourage and strip you of faith, hope and joy. That is, if you allow yourself to forget that God will perfect that which concerns you.
When you are at your lowest point, you are in the perfecting process. When you are at your highest point, you are in the perfecting process. God hold’s your destiny and He has your purpose, your life in His hands. Satan wants to make you give up, give out, lay down, throw in the towel, take your eyes off of Jesus and die.

A powerful weapon is discouragement. The devil knows that due to our humanity we tend to walk by sight and not by faith. He is counting on your lack of faith. He is counting on you doubting that God will perfect that which concerns you. When the devil has hit you with his best, you’ve still got to believe that God holds your destiny and you will bounce back.

I heard a powerful message the other day that recommended four things to help you bounce back from discouragement, depression and defeat.

(1) You must be resilient. The definition of resiliency is the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress. In other words, it is the ability of something to regain it’s rightful shape after it has been pressed and stressed. Like a therapy ball – No matter how many times you squeeze it, it comes back to its original form. No matter what stresses you or presses you, you’ve got to allow the perfecting process of God to sustain you, maintain you, remind you of who you are, of who has your back, of who holds your destiny of who made you, of who delivers you, of who completes you. You must be resilient.

(2) You must be committed. You’ve got to be determined to let nothing turn you around from walking with God. You’ve got to make up in your mind that nothing, no way, no how, is going to make you stop loving God, trusting God, serving God, living for God. You’ve got to be sold out for the Lord.

(3) You must have tenacity. In other words you must have persistent determination. Don’t let another human being tell you that you can’t make it. Don’t let what somebody else says about you define who you are, what you can do and where you are going to go. If God has placed a vision in your mind and in your soul, go after it with all you’ve got. Ask the Lord to order your steps. Don’t give up just because you tried and didn’t succeed the first time. Sometimes it takes many times before what you are attempting to do succeeds.

The Bible says, If thou faintest in the day of adversity your strength is small (Prov. 24:10). The Lord said to the prophet Jeremiah when he became so discouraged that he was ready to give up, "If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?” (Jeremiah 12:5) You’ve got to be determined that with the help of Almighty God, you can make it. It may not be easy, you may fall down and have to get back up, you may get laughed at, talked about, turned down, told to give it up, but if God be for you, He’s more than the world against you and God will perfect that which concerns you!

(4) Finally, you’ve got to have a strategy. You’ve got to be prayerful and put some feet to your faith. The Bible says that as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. God will perfect that which concerns you, but you’ve got to walk by faith. God will be with you. God will order your steps. God will direct your path. But you’ve got to trust God enough to move out in faith.

Discouragement and fear can paralyze you. There is a difference in being still because God said wait, and being still because you are paralyzed by fear. If God is saying, “be still,” He will show you what to do while you wait. Paralyzing fear just discourages you, beats you down, makes you feel like nothing and nobody. That’s not of God.

In order to defeat discouragement and stand in the truth that God will perfect that which concerns you, you’ve got to have resiliency, commitment, tenacity and a strategy. The most important thing you’ve got to do is to walk each day in the blessed assurance that God is with you, God will not abandon you, He has you in the perfecting process. He knows all about you, He sees you and He will carry you through. Trust Him and walk on by faith.

Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com

Until Next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris

Shepastor: “Are You a Climber?”

In recent times, to be labeled a “climber” is not a compliment. The term “climber” has taken on a negative connotation – the inference being that the one so named is willing to do whatever it takes – step on people, push people out of the way, kiss… to get wherever they want to go! Climbing, however, can be a positive and desirable thing depending upon the heights that one is desiring to reach.

Today, Shepastor reflects upon climbing higher in Christ. In our text for today, Colossians 3:1-4; 12-17, the writer admonishes those who are “risen” in Christ to seek those things that are higher.

Colossians 3: 1-4; 12-17

1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:12-17…

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Shepastor: “Are You a Climber?”

The Negro spiritual, “I Ain’t Got Time To Die” declares,

Lord I keep so busy praisin' my Jesus
Keep so busy praisin' my Jesus
Keep so busy praisin' my Jesus
Ain't got time to die

'Cause when I'm helpin' the sick (I'm praisin' my Jesus)
When I'm helpin' the sick (I'm praisin' my Jesus)
When I'm helpin' the sick (I'm praisin' my Jesus)
Ain't got time to die

Chorus:
'Cause it takes all of my time (It takes all of my time, it takes it all)
All of my time (to praise Him)
If I don't praise Him the rocks are gonna cry out
Glory and honor, glory and honor
Ain't got time to die

Lord I keep so busy servin' my master (keep so busy)
Keep so busy servin' my master (I'm servin')
Keep so busy servin' my master
Ain't got time to die

'Cause when I'm givin' my all (I'm servin' my master) (I'm gonna give my all to Jesus)
When I'm givin' my all (I'm servin' my master) (I'm gonna give my all in all)
When I'm givin' my all (I'm servin' my master) (I'm givin' all of my life to Him)
Ain't got time to die
…
Now won't you get out of my way (oh get out of my way)
Get out of my way (you better get out of my way)
Let me tell you if I don't praise Him the rocks are gonna cry out
Glory and honor, glory and honor
Ain't got time to die

It’s so easy to be drawn into downward spiraling behaviors, thoughts and feelings. The words of the above Negro spiritual reflects a mindset that in so many words says – “I’m keeping so busy praising, serving and working for Jesus – I ain’t got time to die!” No time to fight foolish battles, no time to entertain gossip, no time to spend defending false accusations, no time to try to please “unpleasable” and “disagreeable” people – I ain’t got time to die!

Harboring anger, fretting, worry, anxiety, fear and all other toxic feelings will kill you. Trying to repay others for the wrongs they’ve done to you will kill you. Trying to figure out why somebody does or does not like you will kill you. Trying to figure out how to appease emotionally manipulative people will kill you. Instead, be a climber! Climb high above reacting and become a responder. Through prayer, faith, love and good sense, choose how to respond to dysfunctional and damaging behaviors. Stop allowing others to pull your proverbial strings.

Climb high above attitudes, behaviors, actions etc., that are beneath the place where Christ has placed you. Climb higher in love, higher in forgiveness, higher in compassion, higher in the determination to keep so busy praising, serving and working for Jesus that you don’t have time to die! Praise, work and serve the Lord with such fervor, joy and focus that you climb daily towards higher heights in Jesus Christ. Everything else will then follow.

Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com

Until Next Wednesday
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris

Shepastor: “Ten Reasons to Thank and Praise the Lord”

Text: Psalm 138

1 By David. I will give thanks to you with all my heart. I will make music to praise you in front of the false gods.
2 I will bow toward your holy temple. I will give thanks to your name because of your mercy and truth. You have made your name and your promise greater than everything.
3 When I called, you answered me. You made me bold by strengthening my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth will give thanks to you, O LORD, because they have heard the promises you spoke.
5 They will sing this about the ways of the LORD: "The LORD's honor is great!"
6 Even though the LORD is high above, he sees humble people close up, and he recognizes arrogant people from a distance.
7 Even though I walk into the middle of trouble, you guard my life against the anger of my enemies. You stretch out your hand, and your right hand saves me.
8 The LORD will do everything for me. O LORD, your mercy endures forever. Do not let go of what your hands have made.

In Psalm 138 the Psalmist is expressing all of the reasons for which he thanks and praises the Lord. His heart is overflowing with thanks and praise. One might think that life for this writer must have been fairly smooth for praise appears to flow effortlessly from his lips. But the Psalmist is David.

David did not have life on easy street. He was the son of a sheep herder. He was the youngest among his brothers, meaning he was the "last man on the totem pole" so to speak. He held one of the lowliest positions. He was responsible for herding the sheep, protecting them, caring for them, watering them, keeping them in the fold. The sheep were dirty, smelly, animals. Yet God chose him to be the anointed one to rule over Israel.

The problem, however, was that Israel already had a king. That king was Saul. Once Saul heard about David being anointed king, he set out to have David killed. David did not have an easy life. When he was delivered from the jealousy and wrath of Saul, he had troubles in his family. He created some trouble by yielding to temptation – the famous story of David and Bathsheba. He was hated by one of his sons Absalom who sought to kill him.

David had to fight enemy nations and struggle through dissension among the ranks of his army. But David, no matter what he faced, never lost his heart of thanks and praise.

Today, Shepastor considers ten reasons why David thanked and praised the Lord. Maybe we too can identify with these reasons…

Shepastor: “Ten Reasons to Thank and Praise the Lord”

(1) David thanked and praised the Lord for His mercy. David understood that God does not reward us according to our transgressions. In other words, God looks beyond our faults and sees our needs. God is a merciful God.

(2) David thanked and praised God because of His truth. There were many false gods that people praised and offered sacrifice for, but David worshipped the God of truth. God’s Word is truth. David understood even before Jesus declared it that “truth” will make you free…

(3) David thanked and praised God because His name and promises are greater than everything. David understood that at the name of the Lord, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. David understood that the name of the Lord is a strong tower that the righteous can run to. David understood that the promises of God are sure and true…

(4) David thanked and praised God for giving him boldness and strength. David knew that it was God and God alone that gave him victory over his enemies. God gave him the strength to defeat Goliath. God gave him the strength to overcome Saul. God gave him the strength to continue to press his way in the midst of the life’s most difficult circumstances…

(5) David thanked and praised God for making world leaders know that He is God. David praised God for humbling the hearts of world leaders and making them understand that they do not have the final say…

(6) David thanked and praised God for “seeing” the humble. David was thankful that God knows and sees and understands those whom the world views as nothing…

(7) David thanked and praised God for walking with him through trouble… “Yea thou I walk through the valley and the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me.”

(8) David thanked and praised God for the protection of His right hand. “Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thine footstool…”

(9) David thanked and praised God for doing “everything for him.” Without God we are nothing.

(10) David praised and thanked God for mercy that endures forever.

No matter what we face in life, we ought to always have a word of thanks and praise upon our lips. One of the greatest sins is the sin of ingratitude. When we are thankful, it forces us to count our blessings. When we are thankful, it forces us to praise God for what He has already done. When we are thankful, it causes us to consider all that we are blessed to have that some may only be able to dream about.
When we are thankful, it causes us to stop complaining and to trust God. When we are thankful, we honor the Lord.

How thankful are you? Post a comment or send me an email at shepastor1@hotmail.com

Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris