Rejoice in Today

April 9, 2014

Opening Hymns:
332 Spirit of Faith, Come Down http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh332.sht

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
118:1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!

118:2 Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures forever."

118:19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.

118:20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.

118:21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.

118:22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.

118:23 This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

118:24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

118:25 Save us, we beseech you, O LORD! O LORD, we beseech you, give us success!

118:26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the house of the LORD.

118:27 The LORD is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar.

118:28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you.

118:29 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Message:
Prayer can be so powerful. This psalm is praising the Lord for his love and his provision. When we call on the Lord He answers. He doesn’t always answer in ways that we can see; however, prayer can often bring comfort and peace. This psalmist recognizes all that the Lord has done for him.

I enjoy the verse 24 “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” It reminds me to recognize every day as a gift from God. In what ways will we be able to help others on this day? In what ways will the Lord show His Glory? Each day is a new chance to find out, rejoice, and be glad.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for giving us this precious day. Let us reach out to others, and serve and do Your will. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
380 There’s Within My Heart a Melody http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh380.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God