PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS NOVEMBER 15, 2009
This month, we have been preparing for the very important task of "being thankful!" This week I ask that you look at an incident in II Chronicles 20 (starting with verse 15.) The story tells how the King honored God by having the people sing "Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy and loving kindness endure forever" as they marched out into battle. Then verse 22 says that when they began to sing, God Himself set an ambush for the enemy and they (the enemy) began to kill each other. The battle was won because God fought for them after hearing their praise in His Name.
It is very interesting that King Jehosphaphat told the people how to arrange their army to march into battle by putting the "choir" (praise team) first in line!! The praise team members were the leaders! That says something important to each of us. God wins battles through "praise" and "thanksgiving." Perhaps that is a reason why we always precede the reading of God's Word and the message by songs of praise and worship! Praise, thanksgiving and worship prepare our minds and hearts for winning the on going battle that Satan rages against us! Satan hates praise of God because God wins the victory for us in your life and in my life when we praise Him. Praise and thanksgiving are the key to victory.
Let me suggest that you try something this week. Get up each day and start by a simple prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for the new day and everything that will happen in that day. Then as events, good or bad, begin to happen in your day, maintain an attitude and prayer of thanks for each thing. Wait and see what God does in each event and then before you go to bed at night, think about what difference praise made in your day.
Next week we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. It is my prayer that as we come together with your family or friends that you and I can maintain a thankful attitude that will be the 'showcase' for God's glory.
Praise His Name,
Pastor Jack
No comments:
Post a Comment