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Psalms‬ 117‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.

As I mentioned on Sunday, I was recently blessed to experience the 2024 Winter Jam concert. It was amazing to see and hear all the denominations worshiping together under one roof, where the American flag hung. There was no division on genre styles or how we should worship. 

In today’s Psalm, all nations are to worship and praise the Lord. Deborah and I are members of the United Methodist Church while Ray is a member of a Community Church. We may not always agree on worship songs, however we support each other for God’s glory. When you worship, what is your focus? Are you worried about what others may think? Or are you focused on praising the Lord? As long as you are worshiping the Lord, all genres are beautiful to His ear. 

Let’s pray. Dear Lord, I praise You for Your love and faithfulness that endure forever. Thank You for blessing me with the ability to worship You, how I want, when I want, and with whom I want. As I  worship with my peers, help me bring You glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.

I encourage you to spend your day meditating on the Psalms.

Did you know that Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible? On @biblegateway you can select your version preference.

Did you know that Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible? I have provided the ASV – American Standard Version.

Take time to worship with “I’m So Blessed” by Cain.

Focus on the lyrics, “Cause on my best day, I’m a child of God. On my worst day, I’m a child of God. Oh, every day is a good day. And You’re the reason why.”

I have been blessed to see Cain perform at the 2024 Winter Jam Tour. The tour, formerly known as January Jam, was started by NewSong in 1995. Here is a picture of confetti they released into the audience. We were sitting about midways on the sidelines. It was amazing to see the confetti float as it made its way to us. It made me think about how our worship reaches the heavens and permeates through those around us.

Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Join us on YouTube for our See You Saturday Video as we talk about relationships. Make sure to like and Subscribe while you are there!

Fill in the blank. I am the friend who __________________?

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‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ —- Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

In May of 2019 I was honored to have one of my writings be published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The devotional was about friendship so today I share it with you again. The friends I share about in this devotional helped me in a time I needed it and shared their love in a Christ-like way.

Friends That Stand In The Middle

@proverbs31woman

Read Philippians 2:1-11 MSG

Often we don’t feel comfortable with testifying and witnessing to strangers. However, by building relationships with others we can share Christ simultaneously. Those around us will see the way we respond and react to life. Through our words and actions others have the opportunity to see Christ. 

Are you a deep-spirited friend? How do you “put yourself aside and help others get ahead?” How do you “forget yourself long enough to lend a helping hand?” How are your relationships a reflection of Christ? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the relationships I have and the opportunity to show Christ through my words and actions. Help me to be ever mindful of my responses and reactions so that I am a true reflection of You, Amen.

Philippians 2:5-8 NIV —  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God,   did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing   by taking the very nature of a servant,  being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man,  he humbled himself   by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!

One definition of relationship is the state of being connected. Spend some time thinking about your relationships and connections. Do you have the mindset of Christ in your relationships with others? How do you humble yourself within your relationships? In what ways do you use your connections to take the nature of a servant? 

As you go throughout your day, look for opportunities to relate with others and share Christ. Listen for common situations, burdens, or valleys and use those as a way to share your experiences of Christ with others. Use servanthood to connect and reflect the nature of God.

Let’s pray. Dear Holy Father, thank You for sending Your only son to show us how to live. Show me opportunities to serve others and be a witness to Your love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.