Our scripture this morning is Psalms 100:4-5 (NLT).
Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Ever since the time of the Exodus God’s people have been gathering in faith to worship Him. During their time in the desert there was the Tabernacle. Later King Solomon built the First Temple, which was destroyed by Babylon, and in Jesus’ time the Second Temple, which was later destroyed by the Romans, was the main place of worship. However, none of these structures were the important part.
Giving God our thanks and praise is something we can do anywhere, anytime. Jesus attended local synagogues and the Temple in Jerusalem, but the Gospels show He did much of His teaching out among the people, meeting them in their everyday lives. This is the important part, meeting to share God’s love and His word, and encouraging each other in the ministry Christ has given us.
Paul writes “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:7). This is the basis of our relationship with God, His love given to us and our love, thanks and praise given to Him.
Heavenly Father, we are ashamed of the times we have failed You. Forgive us we pray, and strengthen us in faith to go in Your name, that all the world may offer You their thanks and praise. Amen.
