Psalm 139: 7-10

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

On a recent cruise, looking to the horizon, I saw nothing but water. Even though there were almost five thousand people on board, I couldn’t help but think how terrifying it might feel to be alone on the open sea. I was reminded; no matter where we are, God is there, and His love is deeper than the ocean. Worship today by thanking Him for His presence as He faithfully wraps you in His arms.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get (thanks, Forrest Gump). As we make life choices we often end up with something different than expected. But don’t let the fear of not getting exactly what you want keep you from setting goals, dreaming dreams and making a difference. Trust in the work God does that you can’t see. He is working for your good and He is for you!

At a concert, the band plays and the crowd roars, crazy excited over a favorite song or artist, the light show and the huge sound. An orchestra finishes playing Stravinsky and the audience applauds cheering Bravissimo! God’s glory shines brightly around us day after day. His strength is unexplainable, immortal, invisible. Worship today by raising your hands in thanks over all He’s done in your life. Stand and shout “Bravo” for the King of kings!

Psalm 139: 14

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.

Do you know that you are a result of God’s divine creation? Do you know how special you really are; how uniquely made; how gifted? Are you aware of how much potential you have; how much you can love; what you can do; who you can touch; what a difference you can make? Worship today by thanking God for how He has made you. Then use what He has given you to change the world.

PSALM 138:1

I will give You thanks with all my heart!

As a kid, I remember listening to family go round the Thanksgiving dinner table stating what they were thankful for. My turn, I would nervously blurt something like “MASHED POTATOES!”. “Lame!” I thought, my turn spent and I wanted to say so much more. However, God knew what I WANTED to say. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “It’s  not a matter of words so much as a matter of heart”. Today, from a grateful heart, give thanks.

Hebrews 13:15-16

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Professional musicians know that a symphonic work isn’t just a musical blueprint. Each note played selflessly, contributes to a living, breathing composition, meant to embrace the listener and honor the author from which it came. We might think of our lives in the same way; every selfless act for someone, a worship service meant to embrace them while honoring the Author of our faith. What does your worship service look like today? God’s composition waits.

1st Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Does God expect a thank you for everything? What thankful words can we find when life is overwhelmingly confusing, tragic, or painful? Sometimes there are no words. But in the Bible, God does promise that He knows His plans for us; plans to prosper, not to harm but to give hope and a future.

Whatever your situation today, try giving thanks, not necessarily for the moment, but for the greater things He has in store.

Matthew 5:16

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

A good deed is its own reward is a proverb that means feeling good about acting out of kindness toward someone is return enough. Jesus went a step further though and pointed out that those who see our kindnesses can be influenced by what we do and in addition might just be changed forever. Worship fully today by letting your light shine. Make a difference for someone by doing good. And yes, small things matter.

John 4:24

God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

We go to work. Is that worshiping God? Yes, it can be. What about singing in church? Perhaps, although it’s a bit disturbing to think that it wouldn’t be. But the truth is that it all depends upon our hearts and where we direct our work and thoughts. If we’re not pointing our hearts heavenward then we’re just going through the motions. Worship God in spirit and in truth today by directing everything to Him.