Praise and Thanksgiving – Psalm 95 1:7a

1 Come! Let’s sing for joy to the Lord!

Let’s shout out praises to our protector who delivers us!

2 Let’s enter his presence with thanksgiving!

Let’s shout out to him in celebration!

3 For the Lord is a great God,

a great king who is superior to all gods.

4 The depths of the earth are in his hand,

and the mountain peaks belong to him.

5 The sea is his, for he made it.

His hands formed the dry land.

6 Come! Let’s bow down and worship!

Let’s kneel before the Lord, our creator!

7 For he is our God;

we are the people of his pasture,

the sheep he owns.

Psalm 95:1-7a (NET)

Yes, let us enter God’s presence with thanksgiving, shouting our praise and singing with joy, glorifying His holy name. Our Lord is mighty; He formed the earth, creating the ocean, mountains, flora, and fauna. God is great; He loves us and is powerful, merciful, and forgiving. In prayer, let’s be thankful and sing praises, bowing down in thanks and worship. Let us honor the Lord’s greatness and be open-hearted with gratitude as we follow His path for us.

95 1-2 Come, let’s shout praises to God,
raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!
Let’s march into his presence singing praises,
lifting the rafters with our hymns!

3-5 And why? Because God is the best,
High King over all the gods.
In one hand he holds deep caves and caverns,
in the other hand grasps the high mountains.
He made Ocean—he owns it!
His hands sculpted Earth!

6-7 So come, let us worship: bow before him,
on your knees before God, who made us!
Oh yes, he’s our God,
Psalm 95:1-7a (MSG)

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🌺 Happy Thanksgiving!

Sing a New Song – Psalm 98:1

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done awesome deeds! His right hand and powerful arm have brought him victory.

– Psalm 98:1 (ISV)

Sing to the Lord a new song; celebrate His mighty work in our lives. We sing to express our gratitude and joy and to exhibit our love and thankfulness through praise. A new song means a need for new, fresh praise, sung with enthusiasm and gladness, celebrating His goodness to us.

We sing in gratitude for God’s marvelous, wonderful deeds, showcasing His love and faithfulness to us. He triumphs over evil, protects, forgives, and provides salvation to those who believe in Him.

God is sovereign and powerful. He is strong. His right hand and powerful arm are instruments of His strength. His might brings victory over His enemies and those who challenge Him.

Let’s sing a new song personally praising God for His care and love, showing our gratitude for His daily guidance and help.

Sing to God a brand-new song.
He’s made a world of wonders!

He rolled up his sleeves,
He set things right. – Psalm 98:1 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, we worship and praise You for Your mighty works in the world and in our lives. May we worship and sing with new fervor, raising genuine praise daily for Your steadfast help and love. We are in awe of Your wisdom and power. Like the brightly colored petunia brings forth blossoms all summer, let us shine brightly with Your light and blossom in Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

Call on Me – Jeremiah 33:3

2“This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: 3‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:2-3

During the time of the prophet Jeremiah, the nation of Judah was in turmoil. The people had turned away from God, and they were under threat of a Babylonian invasion. God chose Jeremiah to send a message of warning to the people of Judah, urging them to repent. The message was also one of hope.

For the Lord says, “Call on me in prayer, and I will answer you. God is asking us to have faith, rely on Him, and go to Him in prayer. It is an invitation to communicate with God, stating that He is willing to listen and answer you. When we rely on God and His infinite wisdom, it encourages us to open our hearts and have a deeper connection with Him.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how fathomless his ways! Romans 11:3 (NET)

If we put our faith and trust in God, He will answer our prayers and show us things we could never imagine. God reveals wonders beyond what we can understand. Because He cares for us, when we call on Him, He gives us wisdom, guidance, and help when we need it most.

1While Jeremiah was still locked up in jail, a second Message from God was given to him: ^2-3“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’ Jeremiah 33:2-3 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, thank You for listening to and answering our prayers. Help us to grow in faith and to follow Your divine guidance. Teach us to go to You with our concerns and problems and trust in Your infinite wisdom. Like the bright, colorful vinca flowers spread and flourish on summer days, let us shine bright with Your light and flourish in Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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One Voice – Romans 15:6

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5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.

6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6 (NLT)

In verse 6, Paul emphasizes the importance of unity among believers. He urges the church to maintain a united front by encouraging harmony, coming together in faith and worship, and glorifying God. His message calls for us to put aside our different origins and viewpoints and not judge one another, but rather share our faith in Jesus and work toward honoring God. To work together, communicate with understanding and love, and live together in peace.

When we worship in unity, harmonizing as if singing with one voice, we create a beautiful symphony of faith. This collective expression encourages growth and deepens our relationships with both God and one another.

Singing with one voice signifies unity—to come together in faith and worship, as well as the ability to live in harmony with one another in Christ.

God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus! – Romans 15:4-6 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, please give us patience and encouragement to live in unity with one another. Help us to put aside our differences and get along with each other and act like Jesus. May we sing with one voice, joining together in faith and worship. Like the open and beautiful cosmos blossom, let us be open to Your voice and blossom in Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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Sacrifice of Praise – Hebrews 13:16

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. – Hebrews 13:15 (NIV)

It is important to offer praise to the Lord. Offering praise to the Lord uplifts our spirits and strengthens our faith. Recognizing His blessings with praise deepens our connection to Him and our appreciation for life.

We offer a sacrifice of praise, praising the Lord with gratitude and thankfulness, for His love and mercy surround us. As we acknowledge His presence in our lives, we cultivate a spirit of joy and contentment that enriches our hearts and influences those around us. In doing so, we cultivate a spirit of joy and contentment that transforms our perspective on life. Each moment becomes an opportunity to recognize His blessings, deepening our faith and strengthening our relationship with Him.

What is the meaning of offering to God a sacrifice of praise? Instead of burnt animal sacrifices, believers are to offer a sacrifice of praise. The act of praise should be a deliberate expression of devotion, recognizing the work of Jesus in our lives through the offering of praise from our lips. It involves offering praise in Jesus’ name with a spirit of thankful obedience, gratitude, and joy.

When times are difficult and we are struggling, praise may not be easy; it can become a sacrifice. However, it is precisely in those challenging moments that authentic praise can resonate most deeply, transforming our struggles into opportunities for growth and connection with our faith. By choosing to praise even when it feels like a sacrifice, we affirm our trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty and celebrate the truth of God, His faithful promises, and His love.

May we take time today to praise the Lord, remembering His goodness and mercy toward us.

Let’s take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out the sacrificial blood of animals but pouring out sacrificial praises from our lips to God in Jesus’ name.

Hebrews 13:15 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, we praise Your Holy Name. We thank You for Your mercy and grace to us. Let our praise be an expression of love, devotion, and gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. We trust in Your goodness and celebrate You with praise and worship. Like the Potentilla flower that blooms continuously from spring to fall, let us worship and praise you continually through our lives. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Lord’s Glory – Habakkuk 2:14

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea. – Habakkuk 2:14 (ASV)

The prophet Habakkuk is living in a time of turmoil and injustice. He is worried that wickedness is triumphing; the Babylonians were oppressing the people of Judah.

The glory of God refers to His majesty and holiness. The splendor of God is displayed in the earth and heaven, revealing His glory.

Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!. – Psalm 72:19 (NLT)

Habakkuk receives a vision. In this vision, the glory of God covers the earth, like water covers the sea. A vision of the future when the knowledge of the glory of God will be universally recognized and acknowledged. A world that is renewed and restored, free from sin and injustice. This vision instills a deep sense of anticipation and purpose, encouraging believers to live out their faith with confidence. As they strive to embody this glory, they become instruments of God’s love and grace, reflecting the promise of a brighter future.

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Our Heavenly Father, you are our hope and our salvation. The knowledge of Your glory, Lord, brings us hope. We are in awe of Your majesty and goodness. We give thanks to You for Your guidance, grace, and love. May we carry this spirit of love and service into every interaction, spreading kindness and understanding to those around us. Like the beautiful open blossom of the water lilies, let us open our hearts to you and blossom in faith. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

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Exalt – Psalm 18:46

The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!

Psalm 18:46 (NIV)

David, in this psalm, is praising the Lord. The Lord lives; He is active, alive, and actively engaged in our lives. He listens to our prayers and is our hope and support when life is difficult.

Throughout David’s life, God was his rock, steadfast, an unmovable foundation, guiding us through life’s storms. God is our place of safety and security, where we can find refuge and strength.

To exalt the Lord means to raise up, to glorify, showing joy and reverence to Him. Exalting the Lord is to praise and worship Him, recognize the divine nature of God, and thank Him for His grace and salvation.

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How has God been a rock in your life? Do you exalt God with worship, obedience, and in prayer?

Lord, You are our rock, our redeemer, our blessed hope. We exalt You and praise Your name. Lord, thank You for being with us, actively engaged in our lives, and answering our prayers. Like the regal iris brings brightness and joy to spring, You, our Lord, brighten our lives and bring joy to our days. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Give Thanks and Praise – Ephesians 5:20

Be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

– Ephesians 5:18b – 20 (NKJV)

Paul is telling the Ephesians to be filled with the Spirit, to joyfully speak to one another with the words of psalms and hymns. To make a melody in their heart to the Lord; to praise the Lord.

A Spirit-filled believer regularly gives thanks and praise for all God has done and is doing for them. They are filled with gratitude, giving thanks to Him. Thanks, always, and for all things to God for His grace, mercy, and blessings.

16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.- John 15-16 (NIV)

We pray to God the Father, in the name of Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Giving thanks and praise helps us shift our focus from our struggles to the goodness of God. When we thank Him, we stay grounded in faith, trusting God’s plans for us, and find peace.

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Lord, we praise and thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace toward us. We lift our voices to You in hymns and spiritual songs, praising Your name. Guide our thoughts and steps. Like the forsythia plant blooms every spring, let us be grounded and bloom in faith. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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God of Creation – Romans 1:20

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. – Romans 1:20 (NLT)

People have the opportunity to know God, revealed through His creation. What kind of power would it take to create the world and solar system? Eternal power, the power of God, manifests in His creation, miracles, and salvation. God’s invisible qualities are visible when you look at what God has created.

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known. – Psalm 19:1-2 (NLT)

As David says in Psalm 19, heaven proclaims the glory of God, and the skies display His craftsmanship. After partaking in the majesty and beauty of the world, there is no excuse for not knowing, honoring, and worshiping our God of Creation.

But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. Romans 1:19-20 (MSG)

Here is a link to God of Wonders -Documentary John Whitcomb, Dan Sheedy, Don B. DeYoung. This documentary details how the natural universe shows God’s creative genius, His power, majesty, and wisdom. It is beautiful and touching.

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Prayer: Our powerful, mighty, and loving Heavenly Father, we worship You, God of Creation, God of Wonders. We thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace toward us. Let us be open to Your guidance and authority. As the Fireworks Gomphrena flower glows with beauty, let us radiate peace and glow with Your love. In Jesus, holy name. Amen

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Faithful Stewards – 1 Peter 4:10

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Spiritual gifts are given to every believer by the Holy Spirit. We receive these gifts through the grace of God. Spiritual gifts are special talents and abilities.

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT)

1Corinthians 12: 9-28 and Romans 12:6-8 list the many spiritual gifts. A few of them are discernment, wisdom, knowledge, teaching, serving, evangelism, and mercy. As faithful stewards of God’s grace, we should use our gifts to serve others. We are delivering God’s words when we teach, serve, and speak words of encouragement. By wisely serving and helping others, we are fulfilling God’s will and glorifying His name.

10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. -1 Peter 4:10-11 (NET)

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Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for giving us spiritual gifts. Help us to be faithful stewards and use your gifts to serve others. May we glorify you through Jesus Christ in all we do. Like the clematis blooms are gathered together, let us gather together, sharing our gifts and helping each other. For Yours is the power and glory forever and ever. Amen

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