February 25, 2013

Psalm 56:10-13
In God, whose word I praise,
in the Lord, whose word I praise -
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can man do to me?
I am under vows to you, my God;
I will present my thank offerings to you.
For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.

As we move through the days of Lent, I think about what they lead up to.  Then, as the days grow closer to Christ's final week, my emotions fluctuate when I think how the Lord went from entering Jerusalem with praises and palm branches, to sharing the Last Supper with His disciples, to being judged and crucified for our sins, and three days later, rising from the tomb.

Our God sent His only Son to live on earth among us so that we may know Him in human form.  He then gave us the ultimate gift so that we may have everlasting life.  How much more could He have given?  Psalm 56 resounds with praise and thankfulness for God's deliverance.  Praise and thankfulness for allowing us to walk in His light.  In His presence.

Lent is a season of thankfulness for me.  I give thanks to God for sending Christ into the world, for the lessons He taught us, and for His ultimate sacrifice.  I am so grateful for what God has done for us all, and how He works in my life each day.

The song, "My Tribute," by Andrae Crouch, speaks of praise and gratitude.  You can listen to it on YouTube here and follow along with the lyrics provided below.

My Tribute

How can I say thanks for the things

You have done for me?

Things so undeserved yet you gave

To prove your love for me.

The voices of a million angels

Could not express my gratitude.

All that I am, and ever hope to be

I owe it all to thee.

To God, be the glory, to God be the glory,

To God be the glory for the things he has done.

With his blood he has saved me,

With his power he has raised me,

To God be the glory for the things he has done.

Just let me live my life and

Let it be pleasing, Lord, to thee;

And if I gain any praise, let it go to Calvary.

With his blood he has saved me,

With his power he has raised me.

To God be the glory for the things he has done.

I hope this season of Lent touches your heart so that you know He is always there for you.  "To God be the Glory for the things He has done!"

~Lin Cason

Minister of Children and Families

Readings

Jeremiah 1:11-19

Psalms 56, 57 or 64, 65

Romans 1:1-15

John 4:27-42