There are times we just need to pause to praise and this is one of those days.  God has been so good to us, even through pandemics, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes.  How? He created a beautiful place for us to live.  He gave us the ability to love like He loves us.  When we messed up His best and holy plan, God loved us still.  God sent His One and Only Son to earth, in the middle of a messed up world, to save us by paying the complete debt of sin we should owe so we could live with Him forever!  No matter what, we have cause to bow down with gratitude and praise to Him!

“O Come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord” … It’s not just a song to a baby in manger!

People were struggling then, under Roman authority and submission.  God’s “faithful few” among His people were longing to hear from Him and to set them free of Roman rule.  It had been over 400 years since God had spoken to anyone.  God’s prophets were silent.  There were no pillars of light guiding them.  And then, at just the right time, as prophets foretold, God sent Jesus, in the form of a baby born to a virgin, who was already to complete her marriage with Joseph.  Jesus was delivered by Joseph in a stable cave.  No room anywhere else we are told.  Together, this couple who knew and loved God with all their hearts, minds and souls as commanded by God’s Word long ago delivered a baby boy.  God knew what He was doing when He chose Mary and Joseph to be the caregivers of His Son who was destined to deliver them both from the sin of the world and someday live forever with Him!  God always knows what He is doing!

“For He alone is worthy…Christ, the Lord”

Today, over 2000 years later, the Truth lives on whether we choose to believe it or not.  Some receive Him as Savior and Lord of their lives and some do not.  Life struggles in an imperfect world still exist.  Some of our loved ones and others are struggling with all kinds of trying circumstances, some are struggling to take a breath, many need a job to pay the bills, some need to restore a marriage or other family relationships because forgiveness and love got lost somewhere. But Truth still is…Truth.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  Jesus, God’s One and Only is our One and Only Savior of all our sin.  God’s people also called Him Emmanuel which means “God with us”.  God-with-us came down from heaven to save us. And God is with us now.

God wasn’t as concerned about Roman rule, rich or poor, sicknesses or other circumstances on earth.  God was passionate about our souls and provided a plan to save us.  God is indeed “with us” no matter what our circumstances.  God also provided knowledge of His profound, limitless, unconditional and relational love for us in this act of mercy and grace!

This life is only temporary.  A life lived with God is forever.  So, I would rather live it with God than without Him no matter what is happening around me or to me.  I am more concerned, like Jesus, about what is happening in me.  So, today…nothing but praise for the One and Only who saved my soul and is transforming me to be all He created me to be.

“Let’s praise his name together, Christ the Lord!”

Worship and Wisdom, Psalm and Proverbs

Psalm 67, The Message

^1-7 God, mark us with grace
    and blessing! Smile!
The whole country will see how you work,
    all the godless nations see how you save.
God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
    Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Let all far-flung people become happy
    and shout their happiness because
You judge them fair and square,
    you tend the far-flung peoples.
God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
    Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Earth, display your exuberance!
    You mark us with blessing, O God, our God.
You mark us with blessing, O God.
    Earth’s four corners—honor him!

TRUTH:  Let all people thank and enjoy the God who saves us, protects us, provides for all our needs and hears us when we praise and honor Him!  Yes, and Amen!

Proverb 21:21, The Message

WISDOM: “Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind
    finds life itself—glorious life!”

Abba Father,

Hallowed is Your Name.  May Your Kingdom come and reign supremely in us and all around us.  May Your Will be done in every detail of our lives on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day the desire and ability to do what is right and good in your thinking.  And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who hurt us.  Lead us not to temptations that distract us from you, but DELIVER us from all evil and evils schemes to bring us down.  Lift us up to where you are so we can see the world through your eyes.  Thank you!  All power is yours, to You be all glory, honor and praise!  In Jesus Name and by His power working in us, Amen!

“To you be all the glory, Christ the Lord…”