DCLM Higher Everyday 26 December 2023 — Thanksgiving As The Year Ends
Topic: Thanksgiving As The Year Ends
Text: Psalm 103:1-10
1(A Psalm of David.) Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Key Verse: “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalms 103:1-2).
Message
Johnson Oatman might have been inspired by Psalms 103 in his widely used gospel song, Count Your Blessings, to pen down some immortal lines: “Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”
If God’s children would cease to compare themselves with those ahead of them and look back and see many millions they are far ahead of, they would be very thankful to God. King David was known for his heart of praise and thankfulness. And that was why it was habitual for him to express his gratitude and appreciation to God for all He did for him. As this year is ending and another is dawning, believers are enjoined to give thanks to God for the great things He has done for them. Make an inventory of God’s goodness to you this year, and you will see many reasons for which to thank Him. Believers need to make thanksgiving a habit of life.
Quote: Make thanksgiving a habit of life
Challenge: Count your blessings.
Prayer for today: Thank you Lord for all you’ve done for me this year.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
