1 Chronicles 16:34

Verse of the Day Devotion: 1 Chronicles 16:34

“O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” 1 Chronicles 16:34

We have so much to be thankful for.  God has provided so much that we cannot even begin to list them.  He guides every part of our lives, protects us and keeps us safe from the enemy.  He provides all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  He has forgiven us our sins and justified us through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.  And He has promised us an eternal life with Him in heaven.  There will be no more tears, sorrow, pain or death.

A good thing to do is to look back on our lives, both the good times and the difficult ones.  Realize that God has provided everything we have and every experience we have had.  Take some time to sit quietly and just give Him the praise He so richly deserves.  And remember, when a difficult time comes to mind, remember what Paul said.  “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. Everything God has allowed in our lives is meant for our good, and possibly the good of another.

So, here are some verses to focus on and I pray your Thanksgiving is a wonderful time with friends and family, and also with God whom we have everything to be thankful for.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

“Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” Colossians 2:6-7

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 1:12-14

“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” Ephesians 5:21

“Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men! For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.” Psalm 107:8-9

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5

I know you have many verses you know to ponder on as well.  Read those also and remember that He is our everything and because of Him, we have life everlasting since we have accepted the great gift of His son who died to take our sins from us.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

1 Chronicles 16:11

Verse of the Day Devotion:  1 Chronicles 16:11 

“Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.” – 1 Chronicles 16:11

This verse is part of song of thanks to God by David.  In looking at this, we should see this as an example for us.  Starting in verse eight he says, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.” 1 Chronicles 16:8.  We should be thankful for everything that God has done for us, for everything He has given us, and all difficult situations that not only He has delivered us from, but also during current trials where He is with us and helping us.  Remember, He said He would never leave us or forsake us.  He will always be with us being we are His children and His people.  He also says we are to call upon His name, reaching out to Him in any time of need or just to give Him all the glory and honor due His name.  And when He helps us or does anything for us, we should tell our brothers and sisters in Christ so they can rejoice with us and also encourage those who find themselves in similar circumstances.

Next, it tells us that we are to praise and glorify Him.  “Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.” 1 Chronicles 16:9-10.  All praise is due Him and we should remember that God is the giver of good things.  “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17.  We should always remember to give Him all glory, praise  and thankfulness due Him.  And again, we should always be ready to speak of all His wonders and the goodness He gives to us.  We should seek Him and be glad that He reveals Himself to us, and we should take these revelations and speak to all we know of His wonders.

And now we come to our focus verse, “Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.” 1 Chronicles 6:11.  Our hearts should love Him with such fervency that we are continually dedicated to reaching out to Him and expressing our love to Him.  He should be the one we desire to be with at all times.  He is so good to us and always has our best in mind, even though we may not see it as best for us.  We must strive to know Him better than any one or anything.  He loves us more than we can imagine and our hearts should desire to, as the verse says, ‘seek His face continuously’. 

And moving forward, “Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth.” 1 Chronicles 16:12.  We should always look back and remember all the good things God has done, for us personally or for all His people.  Let us take the time to think about all the good He has done and all He has protected us from.  As stated above, all good things come from Him and it is always a good thing to look back and see the grace He has bestowed upon us.  He is due this and we should recognize them and be grateful. 

There are so many things we look for during our lifetime.  Some of them are definitely worthwhile, and some we should not be concerned about.  But one thing we should always strive for is His presence in our lives, His grace and goodness to us, and we should give Him thanks for all these things.  For all He has done for us, He is worthy of far more than we can ever give Him.  Seek Him continuously, and I believe you will be blessed far more than you ever have been before. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.