You are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.

The past few days have been a  roller-coaster of emotions. Just pondering over the different things I have experienced in my life made me think about the many ways God has been faithful to me. Just like many children born in average families in Sub-Saharan Africa, I experienced a fair share of life’s challenges. However, the God of sees (El Roi) demonstrated His faithfulness even in my lowest points. As I ponder over the goodness of God, I also look back and sometimes wonder why there are so many unfulfilled dreams and desires. Who do I blame? Maybe, just like me, you have experienced life at its full score and sometimes you wonder why certain desires were not fulfilled. One thing I have come to know is that, I may still have wants (a million or over) but God always provides all my needs. Identifying our needs and wants help us to develop an attitude of gratitude even in the midst of piles of wants. Remember, not everything you want is needed!

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.” (‭‭Luke 1:28)

One young woman, possibly a teenager whose story always inspires me, is Mary, the mother of Jesus. This woman was engaged to Joseph and before they could come together as husband and wife, she received an angelic visitation. Mary, like all the young virgins of her days, had high expectations for their life and marriage. However,  with just a single greeting, Mary’s life was forever changed. In Luke 1:28, we are told that Mary received a surprise visit from the archangel Gabriel. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.” This greeting was unusual and Luke 1:29 makes us know that Mary was greatly troubled at the words of the angel and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. Indeed, this greeting was no ordinary greeting.

Mary received an assignment that changed the course of her destiny forever. At one point, she stood the risk of losing her husband but she was favoured. She had to travel by miles to another city while she was heavily pregnant. She had to deliver her firstborn son in a stable, yet she was favoured. She had to run away with her son and her husband to Egypt to escape Herod’s tyranny, yet the Lord was with her. Years later, she had to endure seeing her son disgraced, humiliated, ridiculed and ultimately killed. What kind of favour was this? However,  Mary also experienced the resurrection of her son. She was probably one of those who saw him and interacted with him after his resurrection. Favour didn’t take Mary away from the storms of life, she overcame all the storms and today, the church universally celebrates her as a woman who was greatly used by God.

As I ponder over my life, I know that like Mary, I am highly favoured and the Lord is with me. Yet, life has not been a bed of roses. There have been different seasons of my life, times of happiness, times of tears, times of uncertainty, times of worry, among many other experiences. Yet, God has been faithful through it all. The different experiences have given me different lessons. Like Mary, my own call has taken me places and given me different experiences. I know that God isn’t done with me yet. He has more in store for me. He will continue to lead me in life and ministry to fulfill my call. Therefore, irrespective of my current situation, I am still grateful for His great grace upon my life. I am favoured and the Lord is always with me. Do you also believe that the Lord is with you always?

A portrait with my daughters

As I celebrate an important milestone today, I consider myself not to have already arrived at my goal, nor have I obtained all things, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (‭‭Philippians 3:12-14). Yes, I am blessed and highly favoured! And the Lord is with me, yet I have a charge to keep and a call to fulfill. So help me Lord.
Happy birthday to me!

A portrait with my husband

Family Day: A household that keeps the way of the Lord

The family is the pillar for every successful society. When the family system is broken or under an attack, society generally suffers from the ills and evils of adults who were not groomed and trained while they were children. Similarly,  broken homes and children born in wedlock without parental love and grooming leads to adults who have no home training. The result of this is a broken society. Considering this, it is therefore important that the family system is empowered and supported to raise good future leaders. As believers, we have been mandated by scripture to train our children in the way they should go, so that even in their old age, they will not depart from their foundational training (see Proverbs 22:6).

For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.”‭‭ (Genesis 18:19)

Every year since the inception of family day celebration, some nations across the world set a day aside to celebrate the family and bring together all members of the family. It is a moment where love is shared, and the parents and children spend quality time together. In Canada, some provinces celebrate the day on the third Monday of February each year. The day is given as a holiday to enable families to spend quality time together. It is a day most people feast and build family bonds. More than that, as believers, we should also consider ways to make the day a reflection of our godly parenting. God expects us to raise our children based on His standards to be godly (Malachi 2:15). Before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for their ungodliness, He made a profound statement to Abraham. In sharing His intention to destroy the sinful cities, the Lord said concerning Abraham, “For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.”‭‭ (Genesis 18:19).

Abraham’s covenant with the Lord included him directing his children and household to obey the Lord and be a propagator of godliness. No wonder Abraham’s servant that was sent to find a wife for Isaac knew the ways of the Lord. As we celebrate family day, let’s look beyond food and all the opportunity to socialize. Let’s consider this: “Is our household keeping the way of the Lord?” If we fall short, we should look for ways and means to align our homes to the will of God. We shouldn’t abandon our spouses and children to look for their own faith while we pursue a relationship with God. We need to have the whole family serve the Lord together. If at the moment, it is not happening, continue to commit the family in the hands of the Lord and pray for opportunities for the salvation of the other members of the family. May God help us as we pursue to involve our family in our Christian journey.

As we celebrate family day, may we be reminded that the microcosm of society is the family. A broken family system results in a broken society. Let’s not merely seek to make memories of holidays. Let’s also desire to help our families keep the ways of the Lord. So help us God!

The Ruler shall be from Bethlehem

The prophecies concerning the Messiah are scattered in the Old Testament like puzzle pieces. Each piece is connected to another piece and on the whole, the beautiful story of God’s plan for humanity is revealed. Taking just one piece might not be enough to reflect the whole story of the Messiah. The people of Israel knew that the different stories connected with one another to bring forth God’s master plan. The people knew that God’s Messiah for Israel will definitely be from the tribe of Judah, the lineage of David. However, the people looked forward to a warrior Messiah, a fighter who would lead them in battle and win over all their enemies. But, God’s plan was an incarnate deity, a baby born in lowly conditions and one who will understand their infirmities.

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (‭‭Micah‬ ‭5:2‬)

The prophet Micah had prophesied that the ruler for God’s people will come from Bethlehem: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (‭‭Micah‬ ‭5:2‬). It was no coincidence that just before the baby Jesus was born, a decree was made authorizing all people to go back to their own towns to register. ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:1‭-‬3‬ states this, “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.” The urgency of this decree propelled Joseph and his wife Mary to make the long journey to Bethlehem. ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:4‭-‬5‬ ‭states that “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

The decree from Caesar Augustus wasn’t just random. To connect the puzzle pieces concerning the Messiah, a decree had to be made that would bring forth God’s plan; and the baby who will be the ruler had to be born at Bethlehem to fulfill prophecy. Neither Caesar Augustus nor the parents of the child Jesus knew that the decree was part of God’s agenda. The parents of Jesus had a hard time finding a logging place in Bethlehem but all this was God’s plan to reveal a bigger picture to humanity. On that fateful evening, as the shepherds watched their flocks, and Joseph and his bride found themselves a stable to rest for the night and to welcome their new baby, all the pieces of the puzzle joined together. Jesus was born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of prophecy.

The celebration of Christmas is not just a celebration of food and gifts, it is a period to ponder over and consider God’s bigger plan for humanity. The Ruler from Bethlehem was also a baby born in Bethlehem to redeem humanity from the clutches of sin.

Don’t Despise the One the Lord Has Exalted

In our human relationships, it is often easier for individuals to criticize rather than uplift one another. When someone finds themselves at their lowest ebb, the inclination to dissect their predicaments, laying bare their shortcomings, seems to outweigh the instinct to extend a helping hand. This critical attitude can extend to the way we perceive each other’s diverse approaches to life, as vividly illustrated in the biblical account of David and Michal.

As the ark of the covenant of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart. (‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭15:29‬)

David, a man after God’s own heart, had successfully brought the ark of God to Jerusalem, marking a momentous occasion of jubilation and worship. Overflowing with genuine love and praise for the Lord, David’s exuberance knew no bounds. Dancing before the Lord with all his might, he adorned himself not in regal robes but in a linen ephod—a distinctive garment reserved for the service of the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14). However, this expression of unbridled worship did not sit well with Michal, David’s first wife.

As the ark entered the City of David, Michal watched from a window and despised David in her heart. She couldn’t comprehend why the king would choose to celebrate in what she deemed an undignified manner. Michal, daughter of Saul, observed with disdain as David, in the spirit of worship, cast aside the trappings of royalty for the humility of a linen ephod (2 Samuel 6:16; 1 Chronicles 15:29). Her critical perspective reflected a failure to recognize the depth of David’s humility and the source of his exaltation.

David preferred the option of being a servant of the Lord on this great day than to put on his royal robes. This obviously didn’t go down with Michal. I Chronicles 15;29 (also in 2 Samuel 6:16) mentions that, “As the ark of the covenant of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart.” While David served the Lord with all joy and worship, Michal despised him.  In ‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16:43‬, we are told that “all the people left, each for their own home, and David returned home to bless his family.” But “when David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” (‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭6:20‬).

Michal’s disdainful reaction stems from a fundamental misunderstanding: she had forgotten that David’s rise to kingship was a manifestation of God’s favour and grace. David’s journey from a humble shepherd, overlooked by his own father, to the giant-slaying, nation-conquering king was a testament to divine intervention. Despite the perils and trials he faced—including being targeted by Saul, losing and regaining Michal, and enduring the challenges of life on the run—David acknowledged that grace had lifted him to his exalted position.

David’s humility in worship, choosing a linen ephod over regal attire, was a profound acknowledgment of his dependence on God’s grace. His response to Michal’s rebuke revealed a deep understanding of the source of his elevation. “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honour” (2 Samuel 6:21–22).

David’s words cut to the heart of the matter, emphasizing that his worship was directed towards the One who had chosen him over Saul’s house. Michal’s failure to grasp the depth of God’s grace led her to criticize David’s worship. The consequences of her disdain were profound—Michal, daughter of Saul, remained childless until her death (2 Samuel 6:23).

The lesson from this story echoes through the corridors of our lives: we must not despise the one whom the Lord has exalted. The elevation of others, especially when facilitated by divine grace, requires our respect and understanding. Before we cast judgment on their expressions of worship or their chosen path, it is crucial to recognize that our own journey might differ, but God’s hand is at work.

In a world quick to criticize, let us learn from David and Michal’s story. May we embrace humility in recognizing God’s grace in the lives of others and refrain from despising those whom the Lord has exalted. Choose words of encouragement over criticism, and may we always be mindful that our reactions can shape the course of our destinies. In acknowledging the grace that lifts others, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of the ways God works in the lives of His chosen ones.

Queen Esther: Purim

The rollercoaster of events leading to the condemnation of Haman shows the need for careful planning and the most important role of the hand of God. Haman was condemned and he took the place of Mordecai. That same day, the pole Haman made to hang Mordecai was reversed to Haman. As if that was not enough, that same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. That same day, Mordecai came into the presence of the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. That same day, the king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai. That same day, Esther appointed Mordecai over Haman’s estate (see Esther 8:1‭-‬2). God turned the tables around and that same day, the lives of people changed for good and the vile one, Haman, lost his life. As we round off our discussions on the book of Esther, we need to understand that the death of the enemy did not automatically nullify the decree to exterminate all Jews. Haman knew that any proclamation that has the king’s signet ring cannot be repealed. Thus, although Haman was impaled, the Jews still lived in danger. 

Understanding the systems of proclamations and decrees, Esther said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if he regards me with favour and thinks it the right thing to do, and if he is pleased with me, let an order be written overruling the dispatches that Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, devised and wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. For how can I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?” (Esther 8:5‭-‬6). The king replied, “Now write another decree in the king’s name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal it with the king’s signet ring—for no document written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring can be revoked.” (Esther 8:8). In the new edict, the king’s granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children, and to plunder the property of their enemies (Esther 8:11). In other words, the Jews were given the power to protect themselves in any means possible. Mordecai left the king’s presence, wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen (Esther 8:15). He took off his garment of mourning. Other nationalities became Jews because of the fear of the Jews (Esther 8:17)

So Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim. (Esther 9:29)

On the set day for Haman’s evil schemes, on the same day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the tables turned and the Jews did unto their enemies the evil that was originally planned for the Jews (Esther 9:1). Haman’s ten sons were killed and impaled. What was meant for the evil of the Jews, turned for their good. Haman had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the pur (that is, the lot) for their ruin and destruction (Esther 9:24) but the evil Haman had devised against the Jews fell on his own head, and that he and his sons were impaled on poles. Thus remembering these days that the Jews gained victory over their enemies,  initiated the Purim festival (from the word pur). Purim was established as a festival to be celebrated each generation. Confirming the celebration, Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim (Esther 9:29). The decree from Queen Esther confirmed the regulations about Purim, and it was written down in the records (Esther 9:32). 

To the Jews, Purim is a reminder of their salvation from the evil death trap set by Haman the Agagite. But, we have a salvation greater than the rescue mission celebrated during Purim. We were not just saved from a human, we were saved from the power of sin, temptation and eternal death. Our sins were paid for by the sinless atonement of Jesus Christ. For the Jews, Haman, who was a vile sinner, had to die for the evil against them to be averted. But, for the Christian, Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of the Living God, had to die for our sins so we may have eternal life. John 3 :16-17 summarizes our salvation as this, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” We have a permanent enemy,  the devil who has been accusing the believers since the Garden of Eden. We need to understand that Jesus has paid the price for us and we should be gracious enough to share this with others. When Esther and Mordecai established Purim, they passed it down as a festival for the generations yet to come. Jesus saves and we should be bold enough to pass this great salvation to all around us. 

Michal: Married to the enemy of your father

The discussion on love is a daily conversation that goes on within our world. More specifically, during the month of February, the talk on love takes a different purview. In February, the celebration of Valentine’s Day is a reminder to some married couples to take a special day to celebrate their love. To other married couples, Valentine’s Day does not count at all. Some single people go through extreme lengths to have  ungodly celebration. Yet, others stay home just to lament their loneliness. I am not sure which category you are in today. Irrespective of how you feel on this Valentine’s Day, know that the greatest love ever has already been shown to you. Our all time favourite memory verse in John 3:16 should be a perfect reminder for you: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” You are so much loved. 

So imagine celebrating Valentine’s Day with your spouse who happens to be the worst enemy of your father. How would you feel knowing that your father is searching for your spouse to kill? This might sound absurd but one woman’s husband was in danger and the enemy was her own father. Our discussion on Michal revealed that she loved David and because of her love for him, her father decided to use it to trap David. Michal, the princess of Israel married David, the giant slayer. The marriage had barely taken ground when Michal’s father, king Saul, began to issue a death threat on David. What was David’s crime? He killed the giant that tormented Saul and his people and the women sang for David, accrediting him with ten thousand and Saul with a thousand. Therefore, David did not do anything wrong to his father-in-law. Michal might have been worried about her father’s hatred for David. If there was any celebration close to Valentine’s Day on their day, Michal and David would have celebrated it in fear. 

Saul sent men to David’s house to watch it and to kill him in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, warned him, “If you don’t run for your life tonight, tomorrow you’ll be killed.” So Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped. (1 Samuel 19:11‭-‬12)

Saul was not satisfied to see David living.  He was determined to kill him irrespective of the fact that his own daughter was married to David. In his desperation to kill David, “Saul sent men to David’s house to watch it and to kill him in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, warned him, “If you don’t run for your life tonight, tomorrow you’ll be killed.” So Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped. Then Michal took an idol and laid it on the bed, covering it with a garment and putting some goats’ hair at the head. When Saul sent the men to capture David, Michal said, “He is ill.” Then Saul sent the men back to see David and told them, “Bring him up to me in his bed so that I may kill him.” But when the men entered, there was the idol in the bed, and at the head was some goats’ hair.” (1 Samuel 19:11‭-‬16). Michal’s pain in marriage was initiated by her own father’s discontentment for David. Michal never planned to be married to her father’s biggest enemy but she became a prey for her father’s obsession. 

Thankfully, there was no Valentine’s Day to remind Michal of her loneliness but she would still have felt pain and rejection. Her heart would have been shattered and her pillows would have been filled with tears. This is actually the reality for most people. Instead of celebrating life on Valentine’s Day, they are reminded of the pain, the loss and the emptiness they feel. It is not wrong to express our feelings but we should also be mindful that the environment on Valentine’s Day is a breeding ground for wicked people. Don’t let your fears and worry trap you into a meaningless one-day or one-night stand that will permanently damage you. Don’t allow the world’s standard of love to sway you from God’s love. Even if no human being sends a text or calls to express their love for you, know that your father in heaven loves you with an everlasting love. He has called you by name and he will never leave you nor forsake you. 

Michal loved David but her own father drove away her husband. Maybe you have loved but that love did not last. Know that the lover of your soul has not stopped loving you. His biggest Valentine’s Day gift to you, is the gift of Salvation. As you desire to seek first your heavenly Father’s kingdom and its righteousness, He will satisfy you with good things. Remember, even if you don’t receive what you want, He will always give you what you need. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Merry Christmas

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)

Christmas without Jesus Christ is just another holiday. Jesus is the reason for the season. Peace on earth and goodwill to men.

Merry Christmas!

Sarah has a son: God’s promise fulfilled

Imagine being in the labour room with 90 year old Sarah. I am not sure how you will feel but I will be in awe and  wonder. I might probably pinch myself a couple of times to make sure I am not dreaming. I am sure Sarah herself was excited about becoming pregnant. I don’t know how she carried herself through it but I believe she would have taken care of herself, eaten healthy and avoided an unhealthy lifestyle. If this had happened in our days, Sarah would have been the talk of the city, her pregnancy would have been in the local papers, the radio and TV would have shared her amazing story. Sarah had waited for so long that many in her situation would have given up. Then as the baby finally comes out, I would have busted into songs of praise. Maybe, I would have sang the Nathaniel Bassey song, “see what the Lord has done, what we waited for has come to pass.”

Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. (Genesis 21:1‭-‬2)

Sarah and Abraham received the promise to have a son. As the promise lingered, Sarah had sought an alternative plan. Ishmael was born but God told Sarah and Abraham that His promise would be with the seed of Sarah. Genesis 21:1-2 reports that, “Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.” The birth of Isaac shows the gracious hand of God. Why did God wait that long to fulfill His promise? I believe this question would have been on Sarah’s heart as well. However, the joy that the birth of Isaac brought was enough to provide answers to this question. God did the impossible. He caused a dead womb to bore a son. He changed the biological clock of Sarah to fulfill His glory. God through Isaac’s birth demonstrated that He is not limited by time and seasons. In fact, He created time and seasons and whenever the situation requires an interruption of the natural order, God does it beautifully. 

Those people who might have mocked Sarah for her childlessness would have been the same people who would have spread the news of her miracle. As Sarah looked at her bundle of joy, she said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” (Genesis 21:6‭-‬7). Indeed the child Sarah waited for became a reality. Sarah’s son did not just bring joy to Sarah and Abraham but also fulfilled God’s promise made to Eve in Genesis 1:15. Isaac became the father of Jacob and Esau, and through the lineage of Judah, Jacob’s son, God promised Messiah was born. Sarah’s joy was made whole. She received her promise but remember that she had already made alternate plans and had Ishmael brought forth. What will be the fate of Ishmael and Hagar? Will Sarah overlook their presence? We shall continue this conversation tomorrow. For now, let us rejoice with Sarah. She has received her promised child. 

May God respond to all women looking for the seed of the womb and change their stories like that of Sarah. Those who laughed at them will laugh with them. God is faithful. 

Thanksgiving: He is good and His love endures forever

Another Thanksgiving Day is here again in Canada and for most people, it is about eating and having family and friends coming over. I imagine the homeless and those living on their own, it might be a lonely time for them. For most people, to have the best Thanksgiving Day means to get the best turkey and all the accessories that come with it. For some people, Thanksgiving is about belly satisfaction; for others, it is about pleasing family and friends and for few others,  it reminds them that they are alone. What is your plan for Thanksgiving? Did you have an advance Thanksgiving celebration? Is your turkey in the oven already? What are you Thankful for on this day?

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalms 107:1)

Holidays and celebrations are good periods for us to reminisce about the love of God and show it to the world. We should be intentional about our Thanksgiving to God. The fact that you have strength to eat your turkey should remind you to be grateful. Don’t compare your kitchen with others. You might not have all it takes to host a bigger Thanksgiving lunch, but you have enough to provide for yourself and your family. Others have nothing to eat. Others will spend the whole day crying for not having anyone to celebrate with. Still, others will be on the street begging to survive. If we have a roof over our heads, food on our table and peace of mind, we should be thankful to God for His provision. Today, let’s join the Psalmist and celebrate the goodness of God with Psalms 47.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains, because they rebelled against God’s commands and despised the plans of the Most High. So he subjected them to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron. Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy. Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders. He turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground, and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there. He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; there he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle. They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish. Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity and sorrow; he who pours contempt on nobles made them wander in a trackless waste. But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths. Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.” (Psalms 107:1‭-‬43 NIV)

Happy Thanksgiving Day, be happy, be grateful and be content!

Happy Thanksgiving 🇨🇦

Happy Thanksgiving 🇨🇦