For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
A Son is Given
Holidays
Doxology
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven (Psalm 148:13).
Who is the psalmist speaking to in the above verse? Let’s read Psalm 148 for the answer!
The Scriptures
Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.
Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.
Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.
Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.
He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:
Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.
I think that covers all creation!
The Author
Thomas Ken 1637-1711
Thomas Ken was a man of courage, standing up for what was right, no matter the consequences. Hymnary.org has an author page dedicated to him. It is well worth the read. Read the story here.
The Song
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Thomas Ken | Public Domain
Giving Thanks
This song has been on a loop inside my heart for the past week. I pray you will join me in giving thanks and praising “Him from whom ALL blessings flow” as we celebrate with our families and friends!
YOU are one of those blessings. You have encouraged me this year, and it is because of YOU and the Lord that I didn’t quit. Thank you for sticking with me during my crazy summer. I thank the Lord for YOU.
Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!
Gail
Happy New Year!
Have you made plans for 2025? I haven’t unless you count the unfinished plans for 2024.
Do you have any leftover plans?
One thing I have planned for the coming year, and every year, is to delve even deeper into God’s Word than I did the year before. Studying helps my mind and spirit connect with the Lord and His purpose for me. I’ve listed below several verses I find helpful in my yearlong journey. Why not share yours in the comments?
Studying
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
Keeping His Word before me ensures I remain faithful to His purpose for my life.
Memorization
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11
The Word will keep me from unsavory paths where danger awaits.
Prayer
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:18
Time spent in prayer is never wasted. It is a privilege to converse with the Lord. He hears my prayers.
Fasting
Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Matthew 6:16
And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hundred. Matthew 4:2
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:2-3
Fasting is beneficial to the body and spirit. It is a discipline the New Testament believers practiced, including Jesus. It truly makes a difference in my walk with the Lord.
Recalling
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Romans 6:6-7
God’s Word teaches me I have been forgiven and set free. I am no longer a slave to sin, serving an evil taskmaster. I am a child of light. I have a choice to do good or evil. By God’s grace, I can overcome and live in victory!
Your Turn
Now that I’ve shared a few verses that keep me moving forward in my walk with the Lord, why not share yours. Which one is sustaining you on your journey thus far?
All scriptures are taken from the King James Version Bible.
Gail Johnson 