One Powerful Sentence

Thoughts based on Highly Favoured, chapter 3:

“You will be my people, I will be your God” is a sentence that links the Bible from end to end. It strengthens us in every situation of our lives.

This psalm echoes the same language: “my people” and “your God”. But there was a problem: What about when we feel we are doing everything God wants? When, in fact, we think God owes us something? 

The people were keeping up sacrifices and ceremonies, and expected God to be happy with them and give them what they wanted. But God had a complaint! Their attitude was all wrong. People thought they were paying God with something he needed. But all the animals for the sacrifices were his in the first place, and he had given them to his people. All the people could do was give back part of what they had already been given. This was no business deal, no clever trade.

Because we belong to each other, God says, the first thing I want to you to do is actually thank me, for real. Keep the promises you have made to me, then I will swoop in to rescue you and you will give me praise and glory.

Reflect and discuss: 

What is the pattern of your life? Do you pay God off, maybe by going to church and seeming to do the right things, so he will give you what you want?

Try something different: Begin with thanks, from your heart. Keep your promises to him. Tell him your troubles. Then praise and thank him again.

Today, begin with thanks.