Remembering

And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”1 Corinthians 11:24-25

Remembrance: a remembering, recollection, to call me (affectionately) to remembrance

Memories are triggered by many of our senses. A smell of cookies may take us back to our childhood days. Or a song may transport us to our first date. Remembering a moment in time can bring a smile, tears, or even a deep belly laugh. 

Yet, there are things and events which we forget as time passes. Things we thought we'd never forget. But as time moves on, our memories begin to fade. 

Christ knew that not only the disciples who lived with Him but those who would come after He was gone (us), would become preoccupied with life and forget the great sacrifice He made. The importance of that sacrifice. The reason Christ needed to die. Christ knew that we needed to make certain to REMEMBER. 

Remembrance: a remembering

Today, at my church Faith Baptist Winter Haven, we take time to remember the sacrifice Christ made. It's a time of reflection on what Christ did for us, and also introspection. 

A remembering. Read Luke 22—24. 

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,  and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4

Remember the Who, the What, the Why. Remember. 

Thanks Living: Promote Proudly (TOWDAH)

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

Praise: be boastful, celebrate, to shine

Song: in worship

Magnify: To be, make, large in estate or honor, also in pride; promote, proudly

Thanksgiving: Towdah (or todah), thanking God for “things not yet received" as well as things already at hand.

Promote proudly.

We wear shirts, shoes, jerseys and we carry travel mugs, backpacks, etc all showing our favorite sports team/player. We do it proudly. 

Right now March Madness is happening. People have changed their Facebook profile to proudly promote their team. 

How do I promote God Almighty? 

The way which is one that can be done by all—is to praise and give thanks to God. Be boastful in my speech, and words. Promote God by thanking Him for all He's done and all He's going to do. 

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. Hebrews 13:15

Thanks Living—promote proudly with TOWDAH, my great and awesome God! 

Thanks Living: Sacrifices of Joy

And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. Psalm 27:6

God lifts me high above those with thoughts of death and deceit that call for my life. I will enter His presence, offering sacrifices and praise. In His house, I am overcome with joy as I sing, yes, and play music for the Eternal alone. (VOICE)

God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I’m headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I’m singing God-songs; I’m making music to God. (MSG)

Where in this verse is the word "thanks"? Reading this verse the idea of thanksgiving, is there. David is expressing this thankfulness to God for all that He has done for him.

Sacrifices.

This was an expression of thanksgiving. 

Thanks Living.

And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. Psalm 27:6

I've been studying this verse for the past week or so... I'm stuck on the phrase "offer sacrifices of joy".
Do I really even understand the concept of "offering sacrifices". Do I contemplate the COST associated with a true sacrifice? Do I take into account the reverence associated with a true sacrifice? Do I realize the need associated with a true sacrifice? Do I even offer a true sacrifice of joy? How do I?

Thanks Living...... offer sacrifices of joy..... something to think about.

Determined Action

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 27. Here is what I learned.

And now shall my head be lifted up above my enemies round about me; in His tent I will offer sacrifices and shouting of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. Psalm 27:6 (AMP)

God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I’m headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I’m singing God-songs; I’m making music to God. Psalm 27:6 (MSG)

As I read Psalm 27:6 this morning, I couldn’t help but think of the videos I’ve seen in Boston after the it was announced that the second person responsible for the Boston marathon bombing was captured. The streets were lined with people shouting, clapping, and singing our National Anthem. It was a joyous occasion, and the joy could not be contained. 

That is an example of what Psalm 27:6 is describing.... I should be breaking forth with shouting, singing, to the Lord for His deliverance, protection, and love. 

Sacrifices and shouting of joy. Offering anthems that will raise the roof! Why am I so silent and quiet when it comes to praising God and displaying my joy? 

I will offer sacrifices and shouting of joy... to the Lord! This a determined action.. I WILL. And if I take time to consider how GREAT God is... and the GREAT things He has done... a natural reaction will be to want to SHOUT and raise the roof of joy to the Lord. 

To create a positive day, I must make a determined action to offer my sacrifice of shouts of joy to the Lord!