“October is crisp days and cool nights, a time to curl up around the dancing flames and sink into a good book.” — John Sinor

What type of book draws you in: A mystery, a romance novel, maybe a western, or an exciting biography? I like a variety, but I mostly land in books of Bible doctrine and devotional in nature so that God’s Word is central. Each time I dive into the pages where truth can be found, I find new strength for the day. With such hard life experiences, I find the Psalms bringing that encouraging message to keep going.  Psalm 118 richly records God’s mighty deeds “classified as a messianic thanksgiving psalm…written with a prophetic anticipation that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Specifically, it looks ahead to the Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, his rejection by the nation, his crucifixion on the cross, and his establishment of the church through his death” (Holman O.T. Commentary).

That amazing verse, “This is the day which the Lord has made: Let us rejoice and be glad in it” (verse 24) as Holman’s Commentary explains, “looked ahead prophetically to the death of Christ on the cross, a day which was the eternal plan of God from before time began (Acts 2:23; 1 Peter 1:20).”

It baffles the mind that we are to “rejoice and be glad” in the day that Jesus died on the cross. Or that God actually made that day! And yet, if he hadn’t died for the sins of the world, we wouldn’t have anything to rejoice and be glad about, right? His death is a pause for rejoicing because He gave us the greatest gift known to man: Salvation, new life, life eternal, and fellowship with the Father restored. So, each day is a day the Lord makes for us to rejoice in, yet it doesn’t mean it will be without pain or sorrow. But – I can rejoice and be glad in it no matter what the day holds because He is my constant companion now, because He has secured my future, because He supplies my every need, and because He has given me this day TO LIVE. Whatever takes place in this day, it is for the glory of God, and designed to draw me closer to Him. Whatever causes me to draw closer to God is for my greatest benefit. THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE, I WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT. Can you say that?

Gracious Heavenly Father, As Matthew Henry stated, “thanksgiving is good, but thanks-living is better.” May our lives reflect thanks-living no matter our circumstances because we can always show thanks-living in the truth of Scripture and the redeeming work of Your Son! May we not settle for anything less but hearts of gratitude for opportunities to live for your glory! In Jesus Name, Amen.  

Memories of Autumn Festivals and Cake Walks