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PSALM 18:30 This God-His way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.

Think about some ways God has protected you. Then, take a moment to praise God for all He has done.

JOHN 14:13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

What do you need to be honest with God about today? Take a deep breath, and then talk to Him about what's on your mind.

God, You are with me in hard times, and protect me at all times. My future is secure in You because I am your child. So today, I give my life and my year over to you. Teach me to seek You first this week so that way I can embrace the abundant life that You offer me. in Jesus' name, Amen.

God, You know exactly what I'm going through right now. You're not surprised or intimidated by it. Thank You for always being near to me. You never fail me. You are worthy of all my praise. In Jesus' name, Amen

Father God, You are faithful! Nothing is impossible for You, and nothing is too hard for You. My problems, pain, grief, and hurt-You know it all, and You carefully support me through every season. Today, I could really use Your guidance. Please show me a way through the difficult situations I'm facing, and fill me with Your peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAILY BIBLE READING: ISAIAH 41-42 1 THESSALONIANS 1 FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH YOU Listen to me in silence, let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak; I, the Lord, the first, and with the last; I am he. “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; 10fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” I make of you a threshing sledge, And you shall rejoice in the Lord; in the Holy One of Israel you shall glory. that they may see and know, may consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it. “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; a light for the nations,to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.” GREETING Grace to you and peace. THE THESSALONIANS' FAITH AND EXAMPLE work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. our gospel came to you in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7so that you became an example to all the believers. your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven,

1 CHRONICLES 16:8-14, 19-24 DAVID'S SONG OF THANKS Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! tell of all his wondrous works! 10Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! 11 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! INSIGHT To celebrate the return of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, David composed this worship song in 1 Chronicles 16:8-36, a “song of thanksgiving to the Lord” (v. 7 nlt). The lyrics of this praise song are also presented as two different songs in the Psalms: Psalm 105:1-15 (1 Chronicles 16:8-22) and Psalm 96:1-13 (1 Chronicles 16:23-33). In 1 Chronicles 16, to show his gratitude to God for being the God of Israel, David recalled aspects of their history where God acted favorably and mightily to fulfill His covenant promises to His chosen people (vv. 8-22). He calls on the nations to worship God because He’s the true and holy God who is Creator, sovereign King, and righteous Judge (vv. 23-36). We too have many reasons to be grateful and thankful to God. Like the psalmist, when we gratefully recall who He is and what He’s done for us, we can respond in worship and praise.

By: K.T. Sim

GRATITUDE TO GOD Canada and the island of Saint Lucia celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday in October. Liberia sets aside a day for giving thanks at the beginning of November, while the United States and Australia mark the annual holiday at the end of the month. Other countries, including the United Kingdom, Brazil, Rwanda, and the Philippines, have unofficial days to foster gratitude.

There’s something powerful about a nation collectively expressing gratitude. It’s a picture we see when King David assembled the nation of Israel to give thanks to God for His presence, protection, and promises. The celebration marked the return of the “ark of God” (1 Chronicles 16:1). The people rejoiced that the ark, a symbol of God’s presence with them, was in Jerusalem. As David led Israel in praise, he reminded them of God’s protection as the nation conquered the land of Canaan (vv. 18-22) and celebrated His faithfulness to fulfill His promises (v. 15).

If you celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family, consider making it a gratitude gathering and reflecting together on the ways you’ve experienced God’s presence, protection, and promises over the past year. Whether or not you live in a country that officially celebrates Thanksgiving, each of us can take time to “give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (v. 34).

By: Lisa M. Samra

REFLECT AND PRAY How have you experienced God’s presence, protection, or promises? How can you express gratitude?

Dear God, please cultivate within me a spirit of gratitude as I remember all You’ve done. in Jesus' name, Amen.

BELIEVING FOR A MOVE OF GOD: BE UNSHAKEN IN PRAISE REFLECTION We find it amazing that as the church grew and continued to experience opposition that Paul and Silas sang hymns to God even while they were in chains. It would seem to us that the growth and mission of the church was marked by joy, that the men and women of the early church regularly praised God and sang hymns and worshiped Him.

We see that as people worshiped, things changed.

Our heart is that as we Gather not only to pray, not only to repent, not only to be commissioned but also to worship God that things WILL change.

PRAYER We worship you today God, we give you thanks. Although our circumstances may be difficult, we lift our eyes and look to you. You deserve all our praise and worship today. We praise you for all you have done and for all you are. in Jesus' name, Amen