Praising Scripture - Dec 01

Paising Month Introduction...

Psalm 100:1-5
（Memorization Scripture 3-5）
1 Make a joyful shout (noise) to the Lord, all you lands!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;Come before His presence with singing.
3 Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good;His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.

【Reflection】 Praise the Lord! At the beginning of the 31 Days
of Praise Practice, let’s remember that thanksgiving and praise
are not only the right attitudes we shall have before the Lord but
also paths through which we enter His presence.
Have you noticed that this psalm is a charge? (There are seven
occurrences of “should” in the Chinese translation) If you do not
know how to enter into God’s presence, try giving thanks, praising
and singing with a joyful noise; professing that He is your creator
and you are His sheep; believing in His goodness, lovingkindness,
and faithfulness. Then, you will surely experience God’s presence.
This psalm calls for people to come and worship God. The psalm
is not only meant for those who have known God, but it is an
invitation to those who do not yet know Him. Why? Because He is
the God of all nations and all peoples; He is the savior of all. With
passionate cries, the psalmist calls for people to shout joyfully to the Lord, to sing His praise, and to respond to His presence: we
belong to Him, we are His sheep, and He is the one true God! Oh
that the people would begin their worship by singing this psalm at
the top of their lungs! We can only imagine how magnificent and
glorious that must have been!

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 30

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 118:5-14
（Memorization Scripture 5-6,8-9,14）
5 I called on the Lord in distress;
The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.
6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is for me among those who help me;
Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.
8 It is better to trust in the Lord, Than to put confidence in man.
9 It is better to trust in the Lord, Than to put confidence in princes.
10 All nations surrounded me, But in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.
11 They surrounded me, Yes, they surrounded me;
But in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.
12 They surrounded me like bees; They were quenched like a fire of thorns;
For in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.
13 You pushed me violently, that I might fall, But the Lord helped me.
14 The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.

【Reflection】Psalm 118 is a song that the people of Israel sang together when they went to the temple to offer sacrifices and praise during festivals. As they journeyed to the temple, recalling the many difficult years they had endured, they realized how the Lord had heard their prayers and placed them in spacious places. They couldn't help but say, "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (verse 6) For "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes." (verses 8-9) In the history of Israel, there were many instances where nations surrounded them like swarms of bees, hoping to annihilate them, but the people of Israel were able to overcome their enemies by trusting in the name of the Lord. Therefore, they could joyfully proclaim, "The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation." (verse 14)
In our own lives, do we also face personal, family, work, and spiritual battles? Let us come together and take refuge in the Lord, experiencing the assurance that "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear." and declaring that "The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 29

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 44:1-8
（Memorization Scripture 3-5）
1 We have heard with our ears, O God, Our fathers have told us,
The deeds You did in their days, In days of old:
2 You drove out the nations with Your hand, But them You planted;
You afflicted the peoples, and cast them out.
3 For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword,
Nor did their own arm save them;
But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance,
Because You favored them.
4 You are my King, O God; Command victories for Jacob.
5 Through You we will push down our enemies;
Through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us.
6 For I will not trust in my bow, Nor shall my sword save me.
7 But You have saved us from our enemies,
And have put to shame those who hated us.
8 In God we boast all day long, And praise Your name forever. Selah

【Reflection】This is a didactic psalm of the sons of Korah, as well as a prayer for the whole nation. The psalmist first recalls how they personally heard how God helped their ancestors in the past, how God led them with His mighty power to overcome enemies, and brought them into the promised land of Canaan. In the face of the current threat of enemy attacks, they cry out to God, seeking His grace once again to help them defeat their foes, saying, "You are my King, O God; ordain salvation for Jacob!" (verse 4) Therefore, even though they face the menacing threat of strong enemies, they can still trust in God and reaffirm, saying, "Through you we push down our foes; through your name we tread down those who rise up against us." (verse 5) Thanks be to God for strengthening our faith through this psalm. Today, whether we encounter enemy attacks, difficult circumstances, or moments of weakness and discouragement, let us also seek God's help, declare our faith, and claim the victory that comes from God. Hallelujah! "But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession" (2 Corinthians 2:14a)

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 28

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 126:1-6
（Memorization Scripture 1-6）
1 When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion,
We were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us, And we are glad.
4 Bring back our captivity, O Lord, As the streams in the South.
5 Those who sow in tears, Shall reap in joy.
6 He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.

【Reflection】The more we realize the great changes that have taken place in us since being saved by Christ (as seen in the before and after comparison in verses 4-6), the broader and deeper our gratitude towards God becomes because He has truly done great things for us. This psalm helps us understand that the people being able to return from the Babylonian captivity in the sixth century BC (as recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah) was entirely due to God's grace, and not just a result of the policies of the King Cyrus of Persia. Their rejoicing was not only because they could go back home, but also because God's people could once again enjoy the abundant life and presence that God had originally promised them. Just as the dry southern land of Israel had rivers flowing again after a downpour, the praises, laughter, and hopes of the returning people were also restored. Those who went out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them, for indeed God has done great things for them.
Let us today thank God together, for in Christ, He has brought us, who were once captives, back into His presence, and now we are able to abide in Him, be filled with Him, and find our delight in Him!

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 27

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 18:31-36,46-50
（Memorization Scripture 31-36）
31 For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places.
34 He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You have also given me the shield of Your salvation;
Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.
36 You enlarged my path under me, So my feet did not slip....
46 The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted.
47 It is God who avenges me, And subdues the peoples under me;
48 He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me;
You have delivered me from the violent man.
49 Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles, And sing praises to Your name.
50 Great deliverance He gives to His king, And shows mercy to His anointed,
To David and his descendants forevermore

【Reflection】Psalm 18 is written by a seasoned veteran who has been through many battles. It is collected from 2 Samuel 22. After being saved by the Lord from all his enemies and wars, David experienced many highs and lows, victories and defeats, honor and shame. In response, he wrote this timeless and recitable epic psalm.
Who is God besides the Lord? Besides Him, who is an unshakable rock? Besides Him, who is my strength? Besides Him, who makes me stand secure in the sound of war drums? If it were not for the Lord, how could my weak hands and powerless arms wield a bow in battle? "You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip." (Verses 35-36) We often walk on narrow paths, on the edge of danger, but the Lord enables us to triumph in battle. Our enemies turn and flee before us. In times of distress, we can safely pass through; our feet do not slip into the abyss. " He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the chariots with fire." (Psalm 46:9)

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 26

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 57:1-2,7-11
（Memorization Scripture 7-11）
To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David when he fled from Saul into the cave.
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by.
2 I will cry out to God Most High, To God who performs all things for me....
7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise.
8 Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn.
9 I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations.
10 For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, And Your truth unto the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth.

【Reflection】In a difficult situation, David, in a cave, cried out in the psalm, "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge;" (Verse 1). At that time, David was in a great danger, surrounded by lions and trapped in a blazing fire, as Saul tried every means to put him to death. Amidst the hardship, David deeply understood that God's mercy and love reached to the heavens. He determined to look up to God and regarded the refuge of the cave as a sanctuary for praising God. He said, "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody!" (Verse 7). He encouraged himself, saying, "Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!" (Verse 8). Not only did he sing praises to God in the cave, but he also rose early in the morning to praise God with the harp and lyre. He resolved to sing and give thanks to God among the people and nations.
May God help us. In the face of various challenges and disturbing impacts in our environment, may we not let our spirits become sluggish and disheartened. Instead, let us, like David, speak to our own hearts, awakening early to sing praises to God in difficult circumstances. Even if tears flow while we praise, let us wholeheartedly give thanks to God. For God loves us, His love reaches to the heavens, and His faithfulness extends to the skies.

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 25

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 86:1-13
（Memorization Scripture 8-12）
1 Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me; For I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my life, for I am holy; You are my God; Save Your servant who trusts in You!
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord, For I cry to You all day long.
4 Rejoice the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
5 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,
And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.
6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; And attend to the voice of my supplications.
7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me.
8 Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord;
Nor are there any works like Your works.
9 All nations whom You have made, Shall come and worship before You, O Lord,
And shall glorify Your name.
10 For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God.
11 Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.
12 I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
And I will glorify Your name forevermore.
13 For great is Your mercy toward me, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

【Reflection】Today's psalm teaches us how to pray to God in times of trouble. In the midst of adversity, David not only humbly came before God, seeking Him all day long, but also had faith that God would answer his prayers. David understood that the Lord, God, not only had the power to deliver him from trouble - for He is great and there is no one like Him among the gods - but also that this one and only true God was willing to save him. For "For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you." (verse 5).
Remarkably, in his time of trouble, David not only cried for God's deliverance but also asked Him to teach him His way, so that he could walk in God's truth and wholeheartedly fear His name! Finally, David's prayers in times of trouble turned into praise and thanksgiving to God - "I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever." (verse 12). He no longer focused on the present troubles but saw the salvation God had brought, because he knew that God's steadfast love towards him was great!
May David's prayers and praises to God in times of distress serve as a testimony and comfort for us today in our own difficulties!

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 24

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 66:8-20
（Memorization Scripture 10-12,16-20）
8 Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard,
9 Who keeps our soul among the living, And does not allow our feet to be moved.
10 For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined.
11 You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs.
12 You have caused men to ride over our heads;
We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
13 I will go into Your house with burnt offerings; I will pay You my vows,
14 Which my lips have uttered, And my mouth has spoken when I was in trouble.
15 I will offer You burnt sacrifices of fat animals,
With the sweet aroma of rams; I will offer bulls with goats. Selah
16 Come and hear, all you who fear God,
And I will declare what He has done for my soul.
17 I cried to Him with my mouth, And He was extolled with my tongue.
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.
19 But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!

【Reflection】When we fall into various trials - temptations, burdens, trials of water and fire... we often ask: "Where is my God? Has He forgotten me? Does He hear my prayers?" But the psalmist gains a new understanding of God in the midst of trials - God loves us, tests us, refines us like gold, leads us into snares, places burdens upon us, and even allows us to be crushed under the wheels of a chariot, all for the purpose of bringing us into a land of abundance. In trials, our sins are exposed. Sin is detested by God, and is also the greatest obstacle to our prayers to God. "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." (verse 18) May God help us, not only to expose our sins but also to manifest His grace of forgiveness, giving us the strength to break free from the power of sin, so that we can come before Him with clean hands and a pure heart. He will surely incline His ear and listen to our prayers.

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 23

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 116:1-7,17-18
（Memorization Scripture 5-7,17-18）
1 I love the Lord, because He has heard
My voice and my supplications.
2 Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.
3 The pains of death surrounded me,
And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me;
I found trouble and sorrow.
4 Then I called upon the name of the Lord:
“O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!”
5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
Yes, our God is merciful.
6 The Lord preserves the simple;
I was brought low, and He saved me.
7 Return to your rest, O my soul,
For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you....
17 I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
And will call upon the name of the Lord.
18 I will pay my vows to the Lord
Now in the presence of all His people,
In the courts of the Lord’s house,
In the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!

【Reflection】Have you ever experienced the kind of situation that the psalmist described as "The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish" (verse 3)? If you have, you may also have the urgent prayer of the psalmist, "Then I called on the name of the Lord: ‘O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!’" (verse 4). How often do we forget that we are still alive because God has heard our prayers? Even if He did not fulfill our requests exactly as we asked, He did indeed hear our prayers. This gracious and righteous God, who is full of compassion, is experienced by those who call upon the name of the LORD in times of trouble. It is also by His grace that those in distress are supported to continue walking in the path of faith, waiting for His salvation. After coming out of the Valley of Weeping, this psalmist, who tasted the goodness of the Lord, joyfully declares, "Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you." (verse 7). And he comes into the temple of the LORD, offers thanksgiving sacrifices to God, and fulfills the covenant he made when he first called upon the LORD. "I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live." (verses 1-2)

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 22

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 28:1-2,6-9
（Memorization Scripture 6-9）
1 To You I will cry, O Lord my Rock: Do not be silent to me,
Lest, if You are silent to me,
I become like those who go down to the pit.
2 Hear the voice of my supplications, When I cry to You,
When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.
6 Blessed be the Lord,
Because He has heard the voice of my supplications!
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him.
8 The Lord is their strength,
And He is the saving refuge of His anointed.
9 Save Your people, And bless Your inheritance;
Shepherd them also, And bear them up forever.

【Reflection】In this prayer psalm, we see that David is a man of prayer. He raises his hands and calls out to God, saying that God is his rock. He pleads with God not to be silent, not to remain silent, otherwise, he will be like a dying man losing hope. But when David remembers how God has listened to his prayers in the past and brought salvation, he can't help but shout and praise God, saying, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me." (Verse 7) David further intercedes for God's people because he knows that God is not only his personal strength but also the strength of his people. Thank God! He is always the saving God, the blessing God, the shepherding God, and the supporting God!
David specifically reminds us here that God is our rock and shield. If we, too, can pray to God in faith like David, I believe we can also experience God hearing our prayers and witness Himself becoming our strength and help. Thank God, He is the God who listens to prayers, allowing us to experience His salvation, blessing, shepherding, and support through prayer!

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 21

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 73:1-5,16-28
（Memorization Scripture 25-26）
1 Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men,
Nor are they plagued like other men....
16 When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me—
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.
18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.
19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment!
They are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake,
You shall despise their image.
21 Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind.
22 I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.
24 You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish;
You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God,
That I may declare all Your works.

【Reflection】We often become discontented because of the different treatments that God shows to others, especially when evildoers not receiving the retribution they deserve, causing our steps on the righteous path to waver. The author of this psalm, Asaph, was tortured even more in his distressing circumstances because of this. However, it was not until he entered the sanctuary to worship God that he saw what was previously unclear in the light of God—that the end of the wicked sinking away from God's presence is indeed terrifying! Humbly, he acknowledged his own ignorance before God and realized that God had always been with him, holding his hand, guiding him with His holy word, and would lead him to glory. "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Verses 25-26) I will no longer harbor discontentment and let the wicked reap their own end! As for me, I will draw near to God, taking Him as my refuge, and declare all His works.

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 20

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 138:1-3,7
（Memorization Scripture 2）
1 I will praise You with my whole heart;
Before the gods I will sing praises to You.
2 I will worship toward Your holy temple,
And praise Your name, For Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
3 In the day when I cried out, You answered me,
And made me bold with strength in my soul....
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.

【Reflection】 David was a person who pleased God, for he not only deeply understood God's faithfulness and love, but also humbled himself before God, recognizing the insignificance and limitations of humanity. He knew that God would listen to his cries and expected encouragement and strength from Him. He understood that God was his help in times of trouble and that He would personally fight for him and resist his enemies. In the end, he declared, "The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me!" Whether facing the giant Goliath, being pursued by Saul, or dwelling among the Philistines, David knew that God would "fulfill" His plans for him, allowing him to patiently and peacefully await God's deliverance and assistance. Brothers and sisters, do we believe today that God will "fulfill" His plans concerning us? If we believe, we can rest in the faithfulness of the Lord today, without anxiously striving and trembling as if we do not know the Lord. For the Lord's love endures forever, and He will never abandon what His hands have created!

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 19

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 13:1-6
（Memorization Scripture 5-6）
1 How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart daily?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and hear me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes, Lest I sleep the sleep of death;
4 Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him”;
Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
5 But I have trusted in Your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

【Reflection】 Psalmist David expressed his pain, distress, and helplessness before God by repeatedly asking, "How long, O Lord?" In the midst of difficult circumstances, he couldn't see any hope and felt forsaken by God, questioning, "How long will you hide your face from me?" However, after pouring out his anguish, David didn't dwell his negative emotions but instead cried out, "Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death." David understood that only when he saw God with his spiritual eyes could he be transformed from suffering and despair to singing about God's great love. This is a valuable reminder for us – following the Lord depends on faith, not feelings. The enemy often uses suffering and negative emotions to deceive God's children, making us focus on the present challenges rather than the God who accompanies us in hardships, leading us to doubt His love! May God give us clear eyes and a spiritual perspective so that we may constantly lift our heads, look up to Him, rely on Him, and thank Him for His loving kindness and abundant grace in our lives. Amen!

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 18

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 20:1-9
（Memorization Scripture 5,7-9）
1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble;
May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
2 May He send you help from the sanctuary,
And strengthen you out of Zion;
3 May He remember all your offerings,
And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah
4 May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,
And fulfill all your purpose.
5 We will rejoice in your salvation,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.
6 Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
8 They have bowed down and fallen;
But we have risen and stand upright.
9 Save, Lord! May the King answer us when we call.

【Reflection】This is a prayer psalm shared by the people and the king before going into battle. In verses 1-5, the people pray for blessings upon the king: "May the LORD...answer you, exalt you, deliver you, strengthen you, remember you, accept you, grant you, fulfill you..." They also pray for God Himself to bring salvation. Chariots and horses are what the enemies rely on and what the Israelites fear, but David is filled with confidence, knowing that God will protect His anointed one. God's people should rely on the name of the LORD and raise the banner (Jehovah Nissi) to secure victory and stand firm (verses 6-8). Are the difficulties and hostile environments we face often causing fear and timidity in us? Even though we see ourselves surrounded by chariots, horses, and armies, let us call upon the name of the LORD in faith. Let us ask Him to open our spiritual eyes, so that we may see God's fiery chariots and horses surrounding and protecting us (2 Kings 6:15-17), allowing us to declare and testify in faith: "They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright." (verse 8). Amen!

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 17

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 116:8-14
（Memorization Scripture 12-14）
8 For You have delivered my soul from death,
My eyes from tears, And my feet from falling.
9 I will walk before the Lord, In the land of the living.
10 I believed, therefore I spoke, “I am greatly afflicted.”
11 I said in my haste, “All men are liars.”
12 What shall I render to the Lord, For all His benefits toward me?
13 I will take up the cup of salvation, And call upon the name of the Lord.
14 I will pay my vows to the Lord, Now in the presence of all His people.

【Reflection】In this psalm, the psalmist is set free from the ropes of suffering and pain that entangled him, as if it were death. God heard the psalm’s plea and voice, saving him from death, stopping his eyes from shedding tears, and preventing his feet from stumbling. After experiencing God's rescue in the midst of hardship, the psalmist chooses to walk the path of the living before the Lord in the days to come. He will lift up the cup of salvation before all people, praising the name of the Lord, and giving glory and thanks to God. The Chinese translation in verse 12 once again uses the concrete description of "abundant grace" to express that God's grace is not just a little, not just enough, but extremely plentiful and excellent! God's grace always exceeds what we deserve and can be described as "too good to be true!" Let us all take a moment to reflect on our own situations and experiences. How should we review our hardships and give thanks? The answer lies in remembering His faithfulness and salvation towards us. May the psalmist’s gratitude and praise in the midst of affliction become an example for us to face all circumstances today.

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 16

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 142:1-7
（Memorization Scripture 5-7）
1 I cry out to the Lord with my voice;
With my voice to the Lord I make my supplication.
2 I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble.
3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,
Then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk
They have secretly set a snare for me.
4 Look on my right hand and see, For there is no one who acknowledges me;
Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul.
5 I cried out to You, O Lord: I said, “You are my refuge,
My portion in the land of the living.
6 Attend to my cry, For I am brought very low;
Deliver me from my persecutors, For they are stronger than I.
7 Bring my soul out of prison, That I may praise Your name;
The righteous shall surround me, For You shall deal bountifully with me.”

【Reflection】This passage is a didactic psalm written by David while he was fleeing from King Saul, hiding in a cave. In this psalm, David cries out to the Lord about his suffering and distress, expressing his loneliness, weakness, and helplessness in being pursued by his enemies. He openly tells his God that these enemies are stronger than him and that he is in an extremely low state. However, he can still declare in faith, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” (Verse 5) He believes that God will incline His ear and hear his cry, personally "bring him out of the prison" (Verse 7), and surround him with righteous people, showering him with abundant grace. In this passage, we find a perfect example of how to respond to injustice, adversity, despair, and the valley when we walk with God every day. Through David's experiences, we are reminded that no matter what situation we are in, even when our hearts are overwhelmed and full of despair, we should honestly pour out our hearts before God, and firmly believe that He will lead us out of all difficulties and one day we will come to thank Him.

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 15

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 9:1-4,7-14,19-20
（Memorization Scripture 1-2,19-20）
1 I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
3 When my enemies turn back, They shall fall and perish at Your presence.
4 For You have maintained my right and my cause;
You sat on the throne judging in righteousness....
7 But the Lord shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgment.
8 He shall judge the world in righteousness,
And He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.
9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble.
10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;
For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
11 Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion! Declare His deeds among the people.
12 When He avenges blood, He remembers them; He does not forget the cry of the humble.
13 Have mercy on me, O Lord! Consider my trouble from those who hate me,
You who lift me up from the gates of death,
14 That I may tell of all Your praise, In the gates of the daughter of Zion.
I will rejoice in Your salvation....
19 Arise, O Lord, Do not let man prevail; Let the nations be judged in Your sight.
20 Put them in fear, O Lord, That the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah

【Reflection】"Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail". In this generation where "man" is placed at the center of the universe, how much we need to hear these words! When academia, media, and our hearts constantly elevate the status of "man," this truth must firmly control our thoughts: my life is not controlled by "me" or my enemies. I must lift my eyes to God, thanking Him, for He sits on the throne forever, His righteousness reigns, and He is our fortress. Even in our sadness and failures, when the enemy seems to boast in victory, the Lord is still with us, for He is "the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion" (verse 11). He judges evil (verses 4, 7, 8, 12), yet never forgets His people (verse 10). What great compassion and love! What does this mean to the author of this psalm? to us? It means that we should not boast, fear, or despair, but instead, in the presence of the public (verse 14), "wholeheartedly" (verse 1) praise Him. For He has redeemed us from sin, enemies, and even death! Let us sing together today, "I rejoice in your salvation!"

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 14

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 34:1-8
（Memorization Scripture 1-3,7-8）
1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

【Reflection】After David escaped from the presence of Philistine King Abimelech, he composed a psalm to thank God for answering his cries in times of distress. In the midst of hardships and difficulties, God listened to his prayers and delivered him from all fears and troubles. David declared, "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." He also invited us to join him in exalting and thanking the name of the Lord, for He sends His angels to encamp around those who fear Him, ensuring that anyone who looks to Him will not be put to shame.
When you encounter difficulties and spiritual valleys, never forget that our God is good. Open your eyes of faith and see that His messengers are encamped around you, just as the fiery chariots and horses surrounded Elisha on the mountains. Not only do we see, but we also get to taste the grace of the Lord and experience His goodness in our everyday lives. David said, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." (Psalm 34:19) Praise the Lord, for blessed are those who take refuge in Him!

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 13

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 103:1-13
（Memorization Scripture 1-5,8-13）
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The Lord executes righteousness. And justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him.

【Reflection】Have you ever spoken to yourself? When you face the lows of life, have you ever encouraged yourself to praise the Lord? In today's psalm, David begins by saying, "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!" It seems that even David's heart needed some encouragement to give thanks to God. David reminds himself not to forget all the favors of the Lord, how He forgives all his iniquities and heals all his diseases. Not only He redeems his life from destruction, but also crowns him with lovingkindness and tender mercies; and satisfies his desires with good things, so that his youth is renewed like the eagle's. As he recounts all of God's grace, the Holy Spirit opens his heart to know the love and mercy of God, which is exceedingly wide, long, high, and deep, beyond our comprehension!
Perhaps today, there are some challenges in your life, please do not let your despondent heart take control of you. On the contrary, like David, let us also tell ourselves, "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 12

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 98:1-9
（Memorization Scripture 1,4-5）
1 Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things;
His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.
2 The Lord has made known His salvation;
His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel;
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
4 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.
5 Sing to the Lord with the harp, With the harp and the sound of a psalm,
6 With trumpets and the sound of a horn; Shout joyfully before the Lord, the King.
7 Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell in it;
8 Let the rivers clap their hands; Let the hills be joyful together
9 before the Lord,For He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world,
And the peoples with equity.

【Reflection】"Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things! His right hand and His holy arm have worked salvation for Him." (Verse 1) Praise the Lord, for it is God who allows us to sing a new song to Him. He is our God, the one who does marvelous things. His works among the Israelites were marvelous, and similarly, through His Son Jesus Christ, God has accomplished marvelous salvation in us as well. The name of the Lord Jesus is "Wonderful" (Isaiah 9:6). From His incarnation, His life on earth, His sacrifice on the cross, His resurrection and ascension, to His second coming and judgment, God's salvation is filled with wonders.
God has not only completed salvation before the creation, but He also works His new salvation in our lives every day, delivering us from every situation and the bondage of sin, so that we may be saved from God's righteous judgment. The "new" song comes from our fresh experiences of God's salvation. "His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning." (Lamentations 3:23) Let us diligently capture the new works of God's salvation in our lives, count His grace, rejoice and sing a "new" song to the Lord.

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 11

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 51:1-19
（Memorization Scripture 10-12,17-18）
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me.
4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight—
That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.
6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice.
9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation,
And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.
16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise.
18 Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, With burnt offering and whole burnt offering;
Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.

【Reflection】This is the most famous of the seven penitential psalms, often helping us turn to God with a heart of sorrow and repentance in times of weakness, sin, and conviction of conscience, following David's example. The psalmist believes that as long as we are willing to genuinely confess and repent before God, He will "not look on my sins, but blot out all my iniquities" (verse 9). "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death." (2 Corinthians 7:10). At this moment, a person who has committed a grave sin (verse 4) not only has a heart full of remorse but also gratitude. What other god is like our God, so abundant in mercy and forgiveness, willing to wipe away and cleanse all our sins, and to make our once-crushed bones rise up with joy! (verses 7-8)
What's even more incredible is that God will also give us a new heart and a new spirit to enable us to follow His will. David fervently implores, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me." (verses 10-11). Thanks be to the Lord, by the redemption of the Messiah, saved believers today have received this "pure heart," and the Holy Spirit also indwells in us, never to leave. After offering a heart of sorrow and repentance as a sacrifice, the psalmist confidently and earnestly prays for a willing and obedient spirit. He wants to delight in God's salvation again and not let sin separate him from God (verse 12). A truly repentant person is one who knows grace and proves their repentance through practical change (verses 13-17).
Finally, the psalmist does not forget to pray for blessings upon Zion and Jerusalem, asking God to build the walls of Jerusalem and protect God's children from falling into the snares of their enemies and offending God themselves. What gratitude there is in such a transformed life.

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 10

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 32:1-11
（Memorization Scripture 1,5-7）
1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones grew old, Through my groaning all the day long.
4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah
5 I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
6 For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You
In a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters
They shall not come near him.
7 You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye.
9 Do not be like the horse or like the mule, Which have no understanding,
Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, Else they will not come near you.
10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked;
But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous;
And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

【Reflection】"Blessed is the one whose transgressions
are forgiven, whose sins are covered!" (Psalm 32:1) Have you experienced the joy of being completely forgiven by God? Even in the Old Testament era, David saw the truth of the New Covenant. We were all once bound by sin, oppressed by evil, and controlled by our flesh and old selves. However, the Lord Jesus was nailed to the cross for our sins, carrying all our unrighteousness, and bestowing upon us the grace of forgiveness. Now, we can boldly and fearlessly commune with God, no longer under the bondage of sin. This is something we should rejoice and give thanks to God for every day! Do not groan under the burden of sin anymore. Instead, find rest in our God who saves and preserves us! “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!”

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 09

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 30:4-5,10-12
（Memorization Scripture 4-5,11-12）
4 Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning....
10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper!”
11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

【Reflection】In our lives, we experience both mountaintop moments and valleys. On difficult days, we may harbor worries, despair and even bitterness. In this psalm, David does not sugarcoat his pain. He knows that we, as a people who have received grace and entered into a covenant with a loving God, will also experience heartbreak and trials. But he also knows that the weeping of a night will pass, and the shouts of joy and gladness from God are new every morning, because His grace endures for a lifetime! Even in suffering, we can have genuine gratitude. Let us learn to give thanks to God in every circumstance, for He will turn our mourning into dancing, take off our sackcloth and clothe us with joy. Let us all praise and give thanks for His goodness and faithfulness, forever and ever!

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 08

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 107:1-9
（Memorization Scripture 6-9）
1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
3 And gathered out of the lands,
From the east and from the west,
From the north and from the south.
4 They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way;
They found no city to dwell in.
5 Hungry and thirsty,
Their soul fainted in them.
6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He delivered them out of their distresses.
7 And He led them forth by the right way,
That they might go to a city for a dwelling place.
8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
9 For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.

【Reflection】The psalmist calls upon every person who has received the grace to come and thank the Lord. By counting God's blessings, we are reminded that our God is good, and His love endures forever! God has redeemed us from the hands of our enemies, leading us on a straight path and preventing us from drifting in the wilderness. He has promised out of love that those who seek Him with a thirsty heart will be satisfied. Indeed, we were all like lost sheep, but He found us and brought us back from the desolate wilderness, surrounded us with His love, cared for us and protected us, just as He protects the apple of His eye. He poured out His own life to become the bread of life for us, as Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35). And not only that, He also brings us into His abundance, "He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things."

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 07

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 92:1-15
（Memorization Scripture 12-15）
1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night,
3 On an instrument of ten strings, On the lute, And on the harp, With harmonious sound.
4 For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work;
I will triumph in the works of Your hands.
5 O Lord, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep.
6 A senseless man does not know, Nor does a fool understand this.
7 When the wicked [a]spring up like grass, And when all the workers of iniquity flourish,
It is that they may be destroyed forever.
8 But You, Lord, are on high forevermore.
9 For behold, Your enemies, O Lord, For behold, Your enemies shall perish;
All the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
10 But my [b]horn You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil.
11 My eye also has seen my desire on my enemies;
My ears hear my desire on the wicked. Who rise up against me.
12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord. Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be [c]fresh and [d]flourishing,
15 To declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

【Reflection】David has given us a wonderful example – "In the morning, proclaim God's love; at night, proclaim God's faithfulness." When we start our day with gratitude and praise towards God, our attention unknowingly shifts from the pressures and burdens we face to this loving Lord. This can help us enjoy His love and care more in our daily lives and experience His miraculous works. And when the day comes to an end, we come before God again to reflect on how He has led us through the day with pure intentions and skillful hands, and our gratitude overflows even more! Let us also learn to speak words of faith and hope to ourselves and the body of Christ in the name of Jesus Christ: " we will flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord; flourish in the courts of our God. Bear fruit in old age; ever full of sap and green" What a blessed life this is!

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 06

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 119:57-64
（Memorization Scripture 62-64）
57 You are my portion, O Lord;
I have said that I would keep Your words.
58 I entreated Your favor with my whole heart;
Be merciful to me according to Your word.
59 I thought about my ways,
And turned my feet to Your testimonies.
60 I made haste, and did not delay
To keep Your commandments.
61 The cords of the wicked have bound me,
But I have not forgotten Your law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You,
Because of Your righteous judgments.
63 I am a companion of all who fear You,
And of those who keep Your precepts.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of Your mercy;
Teach me Your statutes.

【Reflection】Thank the Lord for giving us His Word, so that we may know Him, follow Him, and obey His Word throughout our lives. The psalmist thanks the Lord for His Word, revealing the psalmist's profound understanding and experience of God's Word. By obeying God's Word, we can experience that the Lord is our portion and grace. His Word not only guides us on the path ahead but also delivers us from the snares of the wicked. Let us give thanks to Him for His Word, delight in His Word, long for His Word, obey His Word, and immerse ourselves in the abundant love of our Lord. “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.” (John 15:10a)

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 05

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 65:5,9-13
（Memorization Scripture 11-13）
5 By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us, O God of our salvation, You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth, And of the far-off seas;... 9 You visit the earth and water it, You greatly enrich it; The river of God is full of water; You provide their grain, For so You have prepared it.
10 You water its ridges abundantly, You settle its furrows; You make it soft with showers, You bless its growth.
11 You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance.
12 They drop on the pastures of the wilderness, And the little hills rejoice on every side.
13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; The valleys also are covered with grain; They shout for joy, they also sing.

【Reflection】 David's life was filled with numerous persecutions and hardships. At the same time, he also deeply experienced God's personal salvation, preservation, and provision. Therefore, he praised God with a grateful heart, saying, "(He is) the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas." (verse 5) Then, David looked upon the nature created by God, as well as the rain, crops, livestock granted by God... vividly depicting God's grace: "You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance." (verse 11) Dear brothers and sisters, having experienced the unique circumstances and challenges in the past few years, should we not be more grateful for His preservation and provision, cherish Him even more, and find our true satisfaction in Christ? When we think of God's grace upon us, day after day, year after year, can we not help but accept the psalmist's invitation, together with rivers, paths, wilderness, meadows, hills, flocks, to give thanks to God for His abundant provision and care?

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 04

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 8:1-9
（Memorization Scripture 1-4）
1 O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
4 What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
7 All sheep and oxen—
Even the beasts of the field,
8 The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

【Reflection】Thank the Lord! Jehovah is not only the "Creator of Heaven and Earth," but also "Our Lord." What is even more amazing is that He "cares for us." Just contemplating on this fact is enough to make our hearts leap for joy! Who are we that God would care for us in this way! God says, "everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." (Isaiah 43:7) If we fail to grasp this point, we cannot understand why God entrusted us with the mission of stewardship over His creation; nor can we comprehend why, after humanity fell into temptation and followed Satan, God would send His only begotten Son in the likeness of man, willingly sacrificing Himself to accomplish redemption and initiate a new creation! Indeed, the first created man did not fulfill God's entrusted task. However, the last Adam, Jesus Christ, has received honor and glory as His crown (Hebrews 2:9), and all things are under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:27, Ephesians 1:22). Therefore, let us treasure the salvation we receive through faith in Him and be even more grateful for Jesus Christ reigning in our lives, restoring the glorious mission that God had originally bestowed upon us.

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 03

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 7:1,3-6,8-11,17
（Memorization Scripture 8-10,17）
1 O Lord my God, in You I put my trust; Save me from all those who persecute me;And deliver me,...3 O Lord my God, if I have done this:
If there is iniquity in my hands,
4 If I have repaid evil to him who was at peace with me, Or have plundered my enemy without cause,
5 Let the enemy pursue me and overtake me;Yes, let him trample my life to the earth, And lay my honor in the dust. Selah
6 Arise, O Lord, in Your anger; Lift Yourself up because of the rage of my enemies; Rise up for me to the judgment You have commanded!...8 The Lord shall judge the peoples;Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness,
And according to my integrity within me.
9 Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, But establish the just; For the righteous God tests the hearts and minds.
10 My defense is of God, Who saves the upright in heart.
11 God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day....17 I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

【Reflection】Today, let us remember that the God we believe in is a righteous God. When we find ourselves in unjust situations, we can take comfort in the fact that judgment belongs to Him. He will uphold the righteous and thus we should thank Him and praise Him! Just like David, who presented his distress before God, feeling attacked and slandered by his enemies, who were like ferocious lions in the wilderness ready to tear him apart, with no one to rescue him. In this difficult situation, the first thing he did was ask God to examine his integrity, and if he had any guilt in his hands. Then he cried out to God to "arise for me" and oppose the evil actions of his enemies. Moreover, David thanked the Lord because he knew that the Lord judged among the people in righteousness, examining the heart and mind, saving those with a blameless heart. If we encounter malicious slander and heartless criticism, let us not forget that our God is a God who judges among the people in righteousness. He is angry with the wicked but will uphold the righteous. Therefore, as Paul said, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’" (Romans 12:19)

Thanksgiving Scripture - Nov 02

Thanksgiving Month Introduction...

Psalm 23:1-6
（Memorization Scripture 1-6）
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me. All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

【Reflection】Grateful for the Lord our Shepherd! Because He is our shepherd, we shall not want! Having the Lord is enough, for He is our everything! He leads us on the path of life and guides, nourishes and preserves us through all kinds of trials. When we are hungry and weak, He leads us to green pastures. When we are weary and tired, He leads us to still waters. Though we may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we can have firsthand knowledge of God in this valley, allowing our experiences with God to transform from "Him" (verses 1-3) to "Us" (verses 4-6). What a great comfort and blessing! Even in the face of our enemies, God Himself prepares a table for us, giving us His victory! "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) This is the story of our lives, no matter how difficult the circumstances, how fierce the storms, we follow the Good Shepherd on a path of ever-increasing grace and glory, until the moment we return to our heavenly home! Hallelujah!