But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Thy works. Ps 73:28

There are times in life when things seem to fall apart and we become so distant, disappointed, and discouraged. It is tempting to slip into negative thinking and become blinded to the good in life. For those moments, we need to be reminded of the goodness and faithfulness of God. The scripture passage reminds us that “it is good for me to draw near to God.” Sometimes we drift and drag our heals to commune with God as we should, but God is faithful to provide a breath of fresh hope and help to all who come unto Him. For when we come, we find His promise is true “Come unto Me all you who labor and heavy laden, I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). For when we come, He is ready to receive at a moment’s notice and restore His fellowship and communion in His presence. In the parable of the prodigal son, the Father eagerly awaits the return of His son from the far country. Upon seeing His child return, He ran to him, showered him with kisses, and restored him to fellowship and communion with His presence (Lk 15:20-24). God’s goodness is more than all we could ever image or hope for. His eternal love is always present for those who can say “I have put my trust in the Lord God.” My friend, God’s presence is our good. Draw near to Him, trust in Him, and tell of His good works for “we know that all things together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). Dear friend, nothing compares to God’s presence and the comfort of His peace, His joy, and His rest. Come to Him, draw near to His bosom side, and “you will find rest” (Mt 11:29). Rest for your weary soul. Father thank You for love and the comfort of Your presence. I thank You and praise You in the blessed and glorious Name of Jesus. Amen.

Shew me Thy ways, O Lord; Teach me Thy paths. Ps 25:4

Much of our travels in life are spent in fairways much like highways, roadways, walkways, stairways, and even hallways. Yet there are times we must travel down the little know pathways to reach our desired destination. Quite often, we find that fairways are well prepared with guidelines and boundaries, cautions and warnings, marked with clear direction, and line of sight for things ahead. While pathways are less traveled, less cleared, unfamiliar, and not well known. The scripture passage teaches us that there are differences in God’s ways and His paths that He leads us in. God makes His ways known in His word. The word of God reveals the mighty acts of God and the principles of His Sovereignty for which we can know His ways. Scriptures declare His mighty acts in Creation. They declare His loving kindness to provide and protect His people. They declare His faithfulness to never give up nor forsake man in his rebellion. These things, God would have us to know of Him that we might trust Him, come to Him and rest in Him. “They shall not enter into My rest, because they have not known My ways” (Ps 95:11). Yet there are times that He must walk with us down a path that we may “walk through the valley of the shadow of death” (Ps 23: 4) to know His presence, know His passion, and know His purpose. The Paths of the Lord are personal. There are times when sickness or adversity may strike us down, we may become dependent on other’s care, lonely, isolated, and even shut away from Christian fellowship and ministry. My friend, it is in the unfamiliar paths that we must walk, looking only unto Him, trusting Him for every moment, calling unto Him for every ounce of strength, is where God’s saving help is found through His presence and private communications. It is in the Paths of the Lord that we must grow deeper in the relationship that He most desires for all His children. God is faithful to the soul that utterly trusts Him to “teach me Thy paths.” Dear friend, believe that He is coming along a secret pathway to bring the assurance of His mercy and grace to help in your time of need. All His paths are mercy and truth (Ps 25:10). Father thank You for Your love and Your marvelous compassion that is full of mercy and grace. Great is Your faithfulness (Lam 3:23). I praise You in the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thes 5:18 

I pray that you had a blessed and encouraging worship with your local church on the Lord’s Day. We honor God when we come into His presence to give Him our praise and thanksgiving. The cares of the world seem to fade when we join with other saints in worship and hear God speak to our hearts through the reading of scripture and preaching the word of God. What happens each time the saints of God gather together in the local church is nothing short of amazing. God cares for His body and His beloved bride. He is faithful to His word and to His people. And for that we give Him praise and thanksgiving. The scripture reminds us to “give thanks” beyond the local church service. We are encouraged to continue to worship long after the church songs, hymns, and services are complete. The child of God has the privilege and personal relationship with All-mighty God through His Son Jesus Christ to experience Him in every aspect of life and “in every thing give thanks.” When you awake, “Give thanks.” When you walk, “Give thanks.” When you work, “Give thanks.” When you want for something, and wait for an answer to prayer, “Give thanks.” Even when you wonder, stray, and struggle with temptation, “Give thanks.” Yes, “in every thing give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” My friend, our God is an awesome God and desires that you know Him and know that He is present with you at every occasion and experience in your life, and for that you can “Give thanks.” Know that He works in you, through you, and all about you, for “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: Forsake not the works of thine own hands.” (Ps 138:8). Whatever the situation or circumstance of life, give Him thanks. Father thank You for Your love and Your faithfulness. I give You praise, for You are worthy. I give You thanks that Your will be done. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.