“Enter His gates with thanksgiving…” Psalm 100:4

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving…” Psalm 100:4

Preparing our table for communion includes preparing our hearts.

During this past Thanksgiving I became so busy with getting things together for a family Thanksgiving I did not take the time to prepare my heart. In so doing I noticed an emptiness after the crowd left. 

Not understanding what had happened I sought the Lord. In His mercy He reminded me that I had missed the whole idea of Thanksgiving, not only to be thankful, but to give thanks to God for all the many blessings He gives me each and every day.  I have since repented of this, and I pray I never forget to give thanks to God and others each day. It opens up the gates of heaven.

James 1:17 (VOICE) “Every good gift bestowed, every perfect gift received comes to us from above, courtesy of the Father of lights. He is consistent. He won’t change His mind or play tricks in the shadows.”

As I meditate on the fact that every good thing in my life is a gift from my heavenly Father, I begin to count my blessings, as the old hymn says, name them one by one - the love of my family, home, provisions, sunshine, grass, trees, birds, fresh air, etc. Then, I remember the love that never ends and is freely given to this one, who felt like a failure, love that has healed a wounded soul, love that offers me eternal life. And it is all because Jesus went to the cross for you and me. He paid for my sins and yours. We just have to ask Him into our lives and ask Him to forgive us.

It only takes a moment to prepare my heart with thanksgiving for the presence of a Holy God.

Today I celebrate this holy time of communion with my beloved knowing that by accepting His love and sacrifice on the cross, He is mine and I am His. Amen!

Blessings on your day!

Karen

Jesus is our advocate with the Father (1 John 2: 1)

Today we meet Jesus as our advocate.

 “My little children, these things write I unto you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” (1 John 2:1)

Advocate means "intercessor." He comes along side of us as our lawyer and presents our cause to The Honorable God, and Judge.

Imagine yourself entering the courtroom of heaven. There is splendor and great beauty. The minute you walk in you since awe and power. You understand your life hangs in the balance and Almighty God determines your out-come, you fate.

This is overwhelming and you understand that in yourself you do not have a chance of being acquitted. You need your lawyer. You need Jesus.

What is your cause and what is your evidence? 

Your cause is what you are asking, or expressing as your need?

Your evidence is your faith, (Hebrews 11:1) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Another word for evidence is confidence. When we are confident that God will perform His Word, we have faith in Him, and in His word. This is our evidence. How persuasive is your evidence?  According to James 1: 6-8, if you are double-minded, you can not expect to receive from God.

 “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways”.(James 1:6-8)

So, when you are in need or have a problem, come to God by entering the courts of heaven with praise and thanksgiving in the name of Jesus and allow Jesus to present your case before Almighty God along with your evidence.

This is a prayer of supplication.  (Philippians 4:6) “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication (petition) with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Psalm 100:4 tells us to “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.”

We are not allowed access into His courtroom by just wondering into His presence.  Think about going to the local courthouse. The gates are guarded. You have to pass inspection before entering.

He is our Holy God. Honor His name, His presence. Reverence Him. Hallow His name. Show Him the greatest respect.

During your time of communion today praise and thank God for giving you Jesus, your advocate. Then thank Jesus for being your advocate.

Find scripture that says Jesus has provided what you need and go to God with His word and your confidence in His word.  

(Isaiah 55:11) “So My Word which goes from My mouth will not return to Me empty. It will do what I want it to do, and will carry out My plan well.” 

Send His word back to Him. Then rejoice in Jesus as your advocate as He presents the evidence for your case to the Honorable Judge, your God. Be confident of the outcome that is according to His word. His word is His promise and all His promises are yes and so-be-it. Amen!

Blessings on your day!

Karen

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving…” Psalm 100:4

Preparing our table for communion includes preparing our hearts.

The first step is seeking the presence of the Lord according to Psalm 100:4 is to come with a thankful heart.

At first this seemed foreign to me. I had to ask the Holy Spirit for His help. Then I read James 1:17 (VOICE) “Every good gift bestowed, every perfect gift received comes to us from above, courtesy of the Father of lights. He is consistent. He won’t change His mind or play tricks in the shadows.”

As I meditate on the fact that every good thing in my life is a gift from my heavenly Father, I begin to count my blessings, as the old hymn says; the love of my family, home, provisions, sunshine, grass, trees, birds, fresh air, etc. Then, I remember the love that never ends and is freely given for this one, who felt like a failure, love that has healed a wounded soul, love that offers me eternal life. And it is all because Jesus went to the cross for you and me. He paid for my sin and yours. Our sins are considered  high treason against the Kingdom of God and deserves the punishment of death.

It only takes a moment to prepare my heart with thanksgiving for the presence of a Holy God.

Today I celebrate this holy time of communion with my beloved knowing that by His love and sacrifice on the cross, He is mine and I am His. Amen!

Blessings on your day!

Karen