One of my most vivid memories from my early days as a Christian is that of a very real spiritual conversation with the Lord, which was set as a seal on my heart to this day. I sensed the Lord asking two things of me; one to Forgive, and second to Praise Him. I did not understand whatsoever at that time why He would ask me to be obedient to these in particular, but was overjoyed to do so, if these were requirements for the phenomenal gift of Salvation He had given me. And as I began my journey of obedience to forgive everyone, and sing His Praise in Song, my whole life was transformed daily before my eyes.
I did not know today’s Scripture; or that Psalm 22: 3: says, “Yet Thou art Holy, O Thou Who art enthroned upon the praises of Israel (God lives in the praises of His people).” I did not know that Psalm 32: 7: says, “Thou art my Hiding Place; Thou dost preserve me from trouble; Thou dost surround me with songs of deliverance.” I did not know that 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18: says, “Rejoice always: Pray without ceasing; In all things give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I did not know that Matthew 6: 14 – 15: says, “For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Heavenly Father will not forgive your transgression.” And all the myriads of Scriptures that confirm His Words which He spoke to me, before I ever knew any of them.
Isaiah 65: 24: tells us, “It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 64: 3a – 5a + 8: says, “When Thou didst awesome things which we did not expect…For from of old they have not heard nor perceived by ear, neither has the eye seen a God besides Thee, Who acts on behalf of the one who waits for Him. Thou dost meet Him who rejoices in doing righteousness, who remembers Thee in Thy Ways. But now, O Lord, Thou art our Father, we are the clay, Thou art our potter; and all of us are the work of Thy Hand.”
1 Corinthians 2: 9 – 10 + 12: says, “But as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that the Lord has prepared for those who love Him. For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit Who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God.”
Dearest Holy Lord Jesus: thank You so much for the glorious memories of Your wonderful interventions in all of our lives. Thank You for the awesome ways in which You confirm us in You. Come by Your Holy Spirit, and revive us all in the Fire of our first Love for You, so that we may tell of Thy greatness and faithfulness with new found fervency! Glory to You alone!
