“I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.” – Psalm 7:17

In November 2013, astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Mike Hopkins were in space during Thanksgiving. Here is an excerpt of their Thanksgiving message:

“This year is a little different than most because we are spending Thanksgiving and the rest of the holidays circling 260 miles above Earth aboard the International Space Station. This unique opportunity causes us to look a little closer at the meaning of Thanksgiving. The things we are thankful for every day of every year still apply. We are thankful for the love of God, our families and friends. We are thankful that our families are healthy and happy. Like most Americans, we are thankful that we live in such a great country and that we have so many brave military people both at home and abroad making so many sacrifices for all of us.” 

Don’t let Thanksgiving end this past Thursday. Today in prayer, be thankful to Jesus each day of your life.

“Thanksgiving is the only holiday we are taking to Heaven.” – Rick Warren

God’s Word: “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and sing praises to Your name, O Most High.” – Psalm 92:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”- Colossians 3:15

Mozambique was in a bloody civil war from 1975 until 1992. The aftermath of the war was a country riddled with landmines. In 1993, there were more than 171,000 landmines located in 1,100 minefields within Mozambique.

The mammoth task of locating and clearing the mines was accomplished in many ways including using rats. Yes, rats and the people of Mozambique are grateful for them. A small army of landmine-detecting rats was deployed in Mozambique to clear all of the mines.

The large rodents, which weigh about as much as a small domestic cat, are light enough to move over terrain without setting off the mines. A team of mine-removal experts with metal detectors follows the rats.

The rats undergo nine months of training, learning to sniff out the explosives in old landmines buried underground. They scratch the ground to alert their handlers to mines.

The rodents are quick learners and easy to work with.

"I am happy that nobody else will end up like me. I am happy because people can carry on their lives without fearing the menace of the landmines," said 29-year-old Jose Chiango, whose right-leg was amputated from the knee down after he trod on a mine in an eastern rural district.

He now hobbles around on crutches.

"It is wonderful to learn that the country is finally free of landmines," he said.

Hard times will come and go, but the love of our Lord for us is eternal. Today in prayer, be thankful for everything in your life knowing that Jesus love you.

“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” - W.T. Purkiser

God’s Word: “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High” – Psalm 116:17

In the late 1940’s, the Brazilian Ambassador to the United States celebrated Thanksgiving in America. He was so pleased with holiday that he briefed the Brazilian President. In August 1949, the President of Brazil, Gaspar Dutra, established the National Day of Thanksgiving. Later, in 1966, Brazil designated the 4th Thursday of November to be the day of the Thanksgiving holiday, just like the United States of America. The Brazilian Thanksgiving is called “Dia de Acao de Gracas.”  Many Brazilians attend church and offer their prayers and thanks to God. “Day of Grace” rallys are also organized and many Brazilians take part in these. The people of Brazil also seriously observe the “Action of Grace” as a part of the Thanksgiving ceremonies.

Brazil's Thanksgiving is commemorated with a great feast in many households. A spectacular feast is prepared on Thanksgiving and is shared among friends and families. 'Peru' ('turkey' in Portuguese) is the traditional main course of the Thanksgiving feast. In Brazil cranberries are not available and so, instead of the traditional cranberry sauce prepared in U.S and Canada, the Brazilians make the “jaboticaba sauce.” The jaboticaba fruits are very similar to cranberries and therefore, make the perfect substitute for the conventional, cranberry sauce. Thanksgiving Day is a statutory holiday in Brazil. On this day of celebration, people offer their prayers to God and show their gratitude and love to the Almighty for the good harvest and bounteous resources. The Brazilian Thanksgiving follows the American tradition of Thanksgiving but is unique for its colorful, flamboyant, Thanksgiving carnivals.

On this day of Thanksgiving, come to the Lord in prayer and thanksgiving. Give thanks to the Lord for all that He has done for you.

“O Lord that lends me life,
Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.” - William Shakespeare

God’s Word: “I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD.” – Psalm 116:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.” – 2 Corinthians 4:15

The Mates people are one of the Kuki tribes in the hill country of northeastern India. The Mates are a poor, migratory minority and for most of history were ignored.

But in January 2012, the Indian government officially recognized the Mates as a “Scheduled Tribe.”

The tribe, who are predominately Christian, declared a Thanksgiving celebration on November 14th of that year. Many civic leaders gave speeches imploring the people not to forget their Mate forefathers who made it possible to be recognized as a tribe.  

Pastor Samte Thangzasiak Gangte also gave a biblical speech on the occasion. He said since the beginning, God had blessed the Mates to be a distinct and independent tribe just as He blessed the people of Israel. Pastor Samte gave thanks to the Lord and implored the children of Mate community to not forget their Creator.

The name of the Lord is flowing throughout the whole world and there is overflowing thanksgiving. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord and praise His name.

“Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day.” – Robert Casper Lintner

God’s Word: “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9:11-12

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“Joyfully you’ll pull up buckets of water from the wells of salvation. And as you do it, you’ll say, “Give thanks to God. Call out his name. Ask him anything! Shout to the nations, tell them what he’s done, spread the news of his great reputation!” – Isaiah 12:3-4

Andi Rozier and Matthew Westerholm had been trying to co-write a song for seven years. But somehow they just never worked.

Then at a songwriters’ retreat in 2006, they got a verse they both liked, but felt the melody and chorus were awful. They reworked the melody and chorus where both of them were excited about the new song, but their good friend songwriter Steve Busch did not like the bridge to the song. 

Matthew details the coming together of the song “Thank You Jesus, For The Cross”:

“Fast-forward about two weeks later, and Andi and I were co-leading a songwriters’ retreat. The Lord gave us all a very sweet time. Andi brought out this lyric that we had co-written and played this new melody and brand new chorus. It was so moving. I told him it needed a first verse and ran to a quiet room. I came back 30 minutes later with the verse. We wrote, like, three more verses and kept one of them. AND we put the bridge that Steve Busch didn't like onto our song.

It got some tweaks. Most notably, there was a LOT of debate on the first line of the chorus. Was it better to say "Jesus, Thank You" or "Thank You, Jesus"? It seems strange now, but those of you who write songs know how much you agonize over that stuff.

So - that's how it happened.”

The Lord moves in His time, but slowly and very quickly. Today in prayer, thank Jesus for the Cross and your new life in Him.

“Thank You, Jesus, for the cross

Thank You for the price You paid for us

Giving up Your life to save the lost

Thank You, Jesus, for the cross” – Andi Rozier and Matthew Westerholm

God’s Word: “Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” – Psalm 95:2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:3

In 1958, 12-year-old George Dimopoulos left his small Greek village and made his way to Athens.

“I worked 50 hours a week for 10 drachmas,” said George. “That’s only 50 cents. Fifty hours for 50 cents!” Homeless in Athens, he relied on strangers to help him find ways to eat. George always remained grateful for their kindness.

He eventually served as a cook in the Greek army then came to the United States in 1969.

George’s aunt and uncle had a restaurant in Detroit, Michigan and he went to work for them. He eventually inherited the business and moved it to Northville, Michigan.

For the last 10 years, “George's Senate Coney Island Restaurant” has been doing something amazing. Every Thanksgiving and Easter, George provides a free meal to everyone who is alone and/or homeless. He does not serve any other patrons on those two holidays. He now serves around 75 to 100 people each holiday, and donates food elsewhere as well.

When asked why he does it, the 69-year-old George replied:

"I do this because I believe in God and believe that there are people who need a little help."

The Lord has blessed you beyond measure in your lifetime. Today in prayer and in gratitude, ask Jesus how you can be a blessing to others this week.

"Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity...it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." - Melody Beattie

God’s Word: “I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.” – 2 Timothy 1:3

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” – Psalm 100:4

Hannah Hobbs is one of Hillsong Church’s key songwriters and worship leaders, having co-written the songs “Wake,” “Love Goes On,” and “Thank You Jesus.” She is the Creative Pastor of Hillsong’s City Campus in Sydney, Australia.

Hannah relates how the praise song “Thank You Jesus” was written. “Toward the beginning of 2013, a group of songwriters from our church put some days aside to spend time collaborating and seeking God for new songs. Across the three days, we had seven or eight writing sessions, each with a different combination of people. On the second day, Matty Crocker and I started our session; it was the first time we had ever written together.

As a songwriter, you always hope that every writing session leads to an incredible song, but unfortunately it doesn’t always happen. That day, however, I think Matt and I both knew we had come across something special – the song ‘Thank You Jesus’. The idea was sparked from a comment that our Creative Pastor, Cass Langton, made about how it would be great to have a “Thank You” song in church. A song themed around the message of gratitude towards God. From there we began to work on a chorus that simply said:

“Thank You Jesus, You set me free. Christ my Saviour You rescued me.”

There was something about the simplicity of those words that we both instantly loved – thanking Him for setting us free and thanking Him for giving everything to rescue us. As Christians, it is important to call to remembrance the day of your salvation. Personally, 
I remember that day so clearly. It was the day I made a decision to follow Jesus and it changed my life forever. I want to always keep it fresh in my heart.

When we introduced this song to our church, our hope was that it would stir people’s hearts to worship God and it seemed to do just that. People stood to their feet and started singing it loud. It was overwhelming to watch people step in to the presence of God and embrace this song as their own. It is humbling to see how God can use something as simple as a song to draw people closer to Him.”

Do you have a grateful heart? Today in prayer, give thanks to Jesus for setting you free.

“Thank You, Jesus,

You set me free

Christ, my Saviour,

You rescued me.” – Hannah Hobbs

God’s Word: “I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord.” – Psalm 116:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Helen Lesheid in an article entitled “An Attitude of Gratitude” wrote the following:

“Everyone needs a mentor, a person who models for you the Christian walk. A person you look up to and say, “I'd like to be like her when I'm that age.’ Anna is this person for me. At 81 Anna lives alone in a small one-bedroom apartment in a Salvation Army Senior independent living complex. Her husband died six years ago. Because she's experiencing severe memory loss, Anna has had to give up driving her car.

But Anna has not a shred of self-pity. Her face was radiant as she told me, "Glen and I had almost 25 years together." Then she laughed, "Counting our courting days, it was 25 years. His son, Ron, is so good to me. He looks after all my affairs."

To the loss of her car she said, "Just think how much money I'm saving by not driving a car." Then she added, "Besides, walking to the mall does me good. I buy my groceries at Save-On-Foods, then haul them home in my little cart. And when I can't walk anymore, I'll get a scooter." She was exuberant that the mall also had a vet office, a bank, a beauty salon and several restaurants. "Everything I need is right here," she said.

To memory loss she quipped, "Good thing I'm methodical and I write everything down. That helps. And I'm taking medication against Alzheimers." As we talked about the future she expressed absolutely no fear, only a joyous expectancy of heaven.

When I showed her a photo I'd taken of her on my digital camera, she smiled, "Yes, that's me." No disparaging remarks about her looks (like I would have made) not even in jest. As far as Anna was concerned life was good and she was making the best of it.

Anna took me out for lunch at a Chinese restaurant within walking distance to her home. She insisted on paying for the meal. "Then let me give the tip," I said. She agreed and I left a generous tip on the table. Minutes later I heard her say to the girl at the till, "Please add the tip to the bill." Just like Anna, I thought, to leave a double blessing.

Dear God, Anna has shown me it's not age but attitude that makes the difference on living abundantly. Teach me to see my daily blessings. Help me to develop a grateful heart. In Jesus' name, amen.”

No matter what circumstance you find yourself, be grateful to the Lord. Today in prayer, thank Jesus that He loves you.

“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” - Henry Ward Beecher

God’s Word: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalm 107:1

Chris Tomlin is a worship leader and Christian songwriter in Atlanta, Georgia. He began working on a praise song that turned into the song “Forever,” but it took him four years to complete it.

The idea for the sweeping refrain of the verses came easily enough, but the wide, thrumming chorus was harder to work out. It never left his mind, though. “Every time we went into the studio to record something,” Chris remembers, “I would bring that song in hopes that someone else would be able to come up with a chorus. I write a lot of patches of songs and then collaborate with someone else to finish them out. With this song it never happened, and it just didn’t feel complete. Then one day, four years later, it just came. I was sitting there and singing, ‘Forever God is faithful, forever God is…’ and I couldn’t come up with the next word. Then our bass player’s wife, Janet, stuck her head in the door and said ‘strong.’ And just like that, it clicked.”

“Forever” took off and has been a church favorite for more than a decade. Chris admits that it’s exciting to hear others perform “Forever.” He said, “It’s sort of a validation of the song to hear someone else do it, and to know that they’re moved by it as well.”

We should give thanks to the Lord, for His love does endure forever! Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord for being our God and King.

“Give thanks to the Lord our God and King

His love endures forever

For He is good, He is above all things

His love endures forever” – Chris Tomlin

God’s Word: “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you” – Philippians 1:3

Little Mason Davies of West Glamorgan, United Kingdom has autism. His family has tried multiple times to get the young boy a haircut, but Mason often got irritated and refused.

Then in early November 2015, barber Jim Williams came upon an idea. Jim distracted Mason by letting him play with an iPhone on the floor. As Mason was lying on the floor, Jim also lay down on the floor and began to trim.

"He allowed me to cut around his neck and his ears," Jim said. "Obviously his mother was glowing because something happened there. He allowed me to give him his first proper haircut and that was a great achievement."

Mason’s mother Denine was grateful for Jim’s kindness: "I think Jim is fantastic with Mason. He always takes the time to chat to Mason, gives him a high five each time we visit and always puts 'SpongeBob SquarePants' on for him in the salon. Williams has gone above and beyond the call of a regular hairdresser."

The Lord has blessed each of us with friends and family that build us up. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for these special people and then thank them for being a meaningful part of your life.

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward

God’s Word: “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” – Psalm 19:1

Wernher von Braun was born in Wirsitz, Poland in 1912. He received a Ph.D. degree from the University of Berlin in 1934. Von Braun began experimenting with rockets in his youth. From 1937 to 1945 he was director of the German V-2 rocket program. In 1945 he came to the U.S. as a technical adviser to the U.S. rocket program. He headed up both the Redstone missile program and the development of the Saturn V rocket, the vehicle that put men on the moon.

In 1946, Dr. von Braun became a Christian in the U.S. after visiting a church in El Paso, Texas. When asked about his faith, Wernher said: “Finite man cannot begin to comprehend an omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, and infinite God ... I find it best to accept God through faith, as an intelligent will, perfect in goodness and wisdom, revealing Himself through His creation ... ”

Dr. von Braun died on June 16, 1977. On his tombstone are his name, his birth date and death date, and Psalms 19:1.

Let everyone declare the glory of God! Today in prayer, praise Jesus for He is the Creator of all things.

“Resolve to spend most of your time in thanksgiving and praising God.” – Hence Baxter

God’s Word: “Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.” – Psalm 148:3-4

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:7

Reverend E. P. Scott was a missionary, living in India during the early 1800s. At the prompting of the Holy Spirit, but against advice of his fellow missionaries, Scott set out alone to visit a remote village. He was determined to share the Gospel with a dangerous savage tribe.

Several days into his journey, Scott was met by a large group of warriors who quickly surrounded him, each one pointing a spear towards his heart. Expecting to die, Scott made a decision to use his last few breaths to glorify God, and to hopefully stir something within the hearts of his captors. He took out his violin (which he always carried on him), closed his eyes, and began to play and sing “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name”, in the native language of the warriors.

After singing the first verse, the second, the third, and then beginning the fourth, Rev. Scott realized he was still standing, and that all around him was a peaceful quiet. Opening his eyes he saw every spear lowered. There stood those mighty warriors, with tears in their eyes. Throughout the remainder of his life, Scott spent much time with this tribe, sharing the love of God.

When we praise the Lord, He is glorified! Today in prayer, Praise the name of Jesus; He is Lord of all

“All hail the power of Jesus' name!

Let angels prostrate fall,

Bring forth the royal diadem,

And crown Him Lord of all.” – E.P. Scott

God’s Word: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” – Hebrews 13:15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” – 1 Chronicles 16:8

On July 9, 2015, Johnnie Hodges, a 90-year-old World War II Navy veteran, was evicted from his house in Buffalo, New York.  He had fallen behind on the mortgage because he’d been caring for his wife who died of Alzheimer’s disease. Johnnie was carried out on a stretcher after living in the house for 60 years.

In order for Johnnie to retain the house, he needed $50,000 by November 5.

Through the media and crowd funding the goal was made just in time.

Robin, Johnnie’s daughter, gave praise to the Lord.

“The whole journey has been just wonderful, even though it appeared to be really bad at first,” said Robin. “I have to give praise to God. This was all God. He touched the hearts of people who exhibited such love and kindness and concern.”

When you enter Christ’s presence with praise, He enters your circumstances with power. Today in prayer, praise Jesus for His loving kindness toward you.

“A simple grateful thought turned heavenwards is the most perfect prayer.” - Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

God’s Word: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” – Psalm 105:1

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” – Psalm 8:9

Dick and Melodie Tunney met while they were in a musical touring group called “Truth.” One day Mel was working at a piano in a classroom of a church. She was working on a song when Dick came in. He gave her some suggestions and a friendship was born. They fell and love, got married, and continued to perform musically.

In 1981, after only being married for a year, the two were invited to a friend’s lake cabin for a fish fry. After the party, their host Paul Smith, gave the two some half-finished lyrics.

On the drive home, Mel remembered a tune she had been working on and applied them to the new song. The song “How Excellent Is Thy Name” was completed in a relatively short time.

Christian singer Larnelle Harris was shown the song, recorded it, and “How Excellent Is Thy Name” won the 1987 “Dove Award Song of the Year.” Dick said: “God was really blessing what we were doing, and it was a wonderful period in our lives.”

Is God really blessing you? Today in prayer, praise the name of Jesus for blessing you!

“How excellent is Thy name, O Lord, excellent is Thy name. Heaven and earth together proclaim how excellent is Thy name.” – Paul C. Smith, Dick Tunney, Melodie Tunney

God’s Word: “How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” – Psalm 36:7

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:3-4

Pentecost preacher Samuel S. Scull, who settled in the Arizona desert with his family, related the following story:

“One night a fierce desert storm struck with rain, hail, and a high wind. At daybreak, feeling sick and fearing what I might find, I went to survey their loss. The hail had beaten the garden into the ground; the house was partially unroofed; the henhouse had blown away and dead chickens were scattered about. Destruction and devastation were everywhere. While standing dazed, evaluating the mess and wondering about the future, he heard a stirring in the lumber pile that was the remains of the henhouse. A rooster was climbing up, and continued until he had mounted the highest board in the pile. That old rooster was dripping wet, and most of his feathers were blown away. But as the sun came over the eastern horizon, he flapped his bony wings and proudly crowed.”

When the morning sun appeared on the horizon, that beat-up, featherless rooster—amidst all the chaos and devastation—still crowed, announcing the beginning of a new day. Why? Because it was its nature to do so!

In times of trouble, no one is closer than Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that we are His people and He is our Deliverer.

"I thank God for the mountains. I thank Him for the valleys. I thank Him for all He’s brought me through. For if I never had a problem. If I had never had to worry. I’d never know what faith in God could do! Through it all, through it all. I’ve learned to trust in Jesus. I’ve learned to trust in God.” – Andre Crouch

God’s Word: “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.” – Psalm 68:19-20

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10

Charles Wesley is one of the most prolific hymn writers of all time with well over 6000 hymns to his credit! The brother of John Wesley, he is the author of the popular hymns “And Can It Be” and “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus.”

In 1742, four years after becoming a Christian, Charles realized that the Bible described a transformed heart and personal relationship with the Savior. As he red Psalm 51, he understood that praise must be preceded by a renewed heart.

In that year, Charles wrote the hymn “O For a Heart to Praise My God” and it quickly became one of his most popular hymns. It’s author knew better than most that true praise requires much more than true doctrine; it requires a new heart, which can only be given by God Himself.

Is there any unrepentant sin in your life? Today in prayer, confess and turn away from sin and then you can praise God with a pure heart.

“O for a heart to praise my God,

A heart from sin set free,

A heart that always feels Thy blood

So freely shed for me.” – Charles Wesley

God’s Word: “Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.” – Psalm 51:15

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.” – Psalm 118:24

Les Garret was born in New Zealand and in 1967 he moved to Australia when he was 24 years old. He became a traveling evangelist, and as such, he made very little money and he would often run out of gas. One day, after running out of gas and becoming frustrated with the situation, the words of Psalm 118:24 came to mind. As he read the words in his Bible, a folk melody of the Fiji Islands came forth and the song “This Is The Day” was born.

For two years Les would only sing the tune to himself and did not share it with anyone. Then one day in a camp meeting in New Zealand, a woman stood up, looked directly at Les, and declared: “There is someone here who has something that was given to you by the Lord, and you are not sharing it. That evening Les shared his song “This Is The Day” with the camp and it did not take long before the world learned it.

This IS the day the Lord has made! Today in prayer, praise the Lord and be glad in it!

“This is the day, this is the day.

That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made.

We will rejoice, we will rejoice,

And be glad in it, and be glad in it.

This is the day that the Lord has made.

We will rejoice and be glad in it.

This is the day, this is the day,

That the Lord has made.” – Les Garrett

God’s Word: “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” – Psalm 84:10

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

In November 2014, Chris and Ashley Picco of Loma Linda, California were expecting their first child. But complications occurred and Ashley was rushed to the hospital and died in childbirth. Their son “Lennon James” was delivered after 23 weeks and he died after just 4 days.

Chris with an incredibly, heavy heart thanked his friends: “I am so thankful for the four unforgettable days I got to spend with him. His mommy would have been so beyond joy to see him and to hold him, touch him, bathe him, sing to him – as I have had the privilege of doing. I have been so blessed and honored to love him before he was formed, to cherish him while mommy carried him, meet him face to precious face, and hold his perfect little body while we said “goodbye for now”.”

At his wife and son’s memorial, Chris was able to play his guitar and sing, “This is My Father’s World.” As his heart was breaking, Chris was still able to praise the Lord.   

In your darkest hours, look to the Lord and praise Him. Today in prayer, give your heartaches and burdens to Jesus and praise His Name.

“This is my Father's world.

O let me ne'er forget

that though the wrong seems oft so strong,

God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father's world:

why should my heart be sad?

The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!

God reigns; let the earth be glad!” - Maltbie D. Babcock

God’s Word: “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” – Jeremiah 17:14

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

"I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands." - Psalm 63:4

Linda Stassen, a girl from Indiana, went to California during the “Jesus People” movement of the early 1970’s. She settled into Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa and it was there she took music lessons. Linda soon found herself in a recording group and a music composition class.

In June 1974, while in the class, that Linda found herself having to write a Christian song. She wrote the praise song “Sing Hallelujah to the Lord.” It came together rather quickly and the inspiration for stanza 5 came to her while she was in the shower.

Linda taught the song to her friends, and they started working out harmonies and the "echo" parts singing it and teaching it at home bible studies. Soon Pastor Chuck Smith from Calvary Chapel, who had heard about the growing in popularity of the song, asked Linda to come onstage during a Calvary Chapel church service and teach it to everyone present. From there, Linda recorded it on the next Maranatha Praise album and the popularity of the song took off globally. It has become a favorite praise song among Europeans, Chinese, Persians, and Eskimos.

Throughout your day, praise Jesus for all that He is. Today in prayer, praise the Lord and “Sing Hallelujah” throughout the day to Him.

“Sing Hallelujah to the Lord, Sing Hallelujah to the Lord, Sing Hallelujah, sing Hallelujah, Sing Hallelujah to the Lord” – Linda Stassen

God’s Word: “Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.”  - Psalm 18:49

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

“‘But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? ‘Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” - Romans 9:20

Pastor Ray Pritchard wrote the following about criticizing God:

“The illustration from the world of pottery-making is clear enough. The potter sits at his wheel watching the lump of clay as it spins in front of him. With one tiny touch, he creates an indentation; with another slight touch he produces an intricate swirl. By the barest changing of pressure, the potter radically alters the shape of the clay. What emerges may be an object of dazzling beauty, such as a Ming vase. Or it may be a rather ordinary, unremarkable coffee cup. Both come from the same clay. One is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars; the other is worth 25 cents. What made the difference? The potter’s hands.

Don’t overlook the main point. The coffee cup can’t say to the potter, “I wanted to be a Ming vase.” It doesn’t work like that. From one lump the potter has the right to shape the clay any way he likes. The same is true for us. We’re not all the same. In fact, God makes each one of us unique from everyone else in the world. Some have more intelligence, others less. Some are born into one race, others into another. Some are tall, others short. Some have musical skill; others can repair diesel engines. Some love to fly kites, others prefer to knit sweaters. Some will become leaders, others will live mostly in the shadows. That’s the way life is. And that’s not just the result of sin in the world. You’re different because God made you that way. No one can talk back to God and say, “You blew it.” Number one, he didn’t blow it. And number two, even if you think he did, he’s not taking any complaints from you or me.”

The opposite of praise is criticism, and we should never doubt God’s goodness towards us. Today in prayer, confess any sin of criticism and praise the Lord for He is good.

“The most insanely daring thing that any man can do, the most exceedingly foolish thing any man can do, the most desperately wicked thing that any man can do, is to reply against God, to enter into controversy with God, to criticize God, to condemn God. Yet that is what many people are doing.” - R.A. Torrey

God’s Word: “You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘You did not make me’? Can the pot say to the potter, ‘You know nothing’?” - Isaiah 29:16

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." - Romans 1:21

Among the soldiers of King Philip of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great, there was a poor man who had done some brave deeds. He had pleased the king in more ways than one, and so Philip put a good deal of trust in him.

One day this soldier was on board of a ship at sea when a great storm came up. The winds drove the ship upon the rocks, and it was wrecked. The soldier was cast half-drowned upon the shore; and he would have died there, had it not been for the kind care of a farmer who lived close by.

When the soldier was well enough to go home, he thanked the farmer for what he had done, and promised that he would repay him for his kindness.

But he did not mean to keep his promise. He did not tell King Philip about the man who had saved his life. He only said that there was a fine farm by the seashore, and that he would like very much to have it for his own. Would the king give it to him?

"Who owns the farm now?" asked Philip.

"Only a churlish farmer, who has never done anything for his country," said the soldier.

"Very well, then," said Philip. "You have served me for a long time, and you shall have your wish. Go and take the farm for yourself."

And so the soldier made haste to drive the farmer from his house and home. He took the farm for his own.

The poor farmer was stung to the heart by such treatment. He went boldly to the king, and told the whole story from beginning to end. King Philip was very angry when he learned that the man whom he had trusted had done so base a deed. He sent for the soldier in great haste; and when he had come, he caused these words to be burned in his forehead:

"THE UNGRATEFUL GUEST."

Thus all the world was made to know of the mean act by which the soldier had tried to enrich himself; and from that day until he died all men shunned and hated him.

We need to be grateful for all the Lord has given us. Today in prayer, confess any sin of ingratitude and be thankful to the Lord.

“Ingratitude is always a kind of weakness. I have never seen that clever men have been ungrateful.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

God's Word: "People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy" - 2 Timothy 3:2

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2015, Devotional E-Mail

DEVOTIONS IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING