Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him and bless His name.

for the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.

Psalms 100:4-5, KJV

Count your many blessings, name them one by one...

Old Spiritual Hymn

With all of the bad things in the news today, I thought it would be good to pause and remember the good things for a moment. So, here are just a few of those good things that I have witnessed and enjoyed since I "entered into His gates" on the first day of this very week:

Sunday morning: Awakened and read from the 97th Psalm, being reminded at the dawn of a new week that the LORD reigns, and because of this that the world should rejoice. Had a tasty breakfast. Went with my beautiful wife of 42 years to worship with the church, as we have been in the habit of doing ever since we began dating nearly 43 years ago. It has made all the difference, I believe, in our marriage and in our life.

Took part in a fine Bible class, wherein the teacher led us in a lesson from the Book of Ezekiel. Afterward, took part in that worship with the church, with the focal point of that worship, as always, being the Lord's Supper. After worship, enjoyed visiting with friends, my grandchildren and the people they stay with my grandchildren (our daughter and son-in law), our other daughter, and some new friends as well. Went home and enjoyed an afternoon of rest, followed by another opportunity to worship with the body of Christ in the evening.

How can you not have a good week when God blesses you with such a start?

Monday: Awakened and read from the 98th Psalms how the LORD has made known His salvation. Had a good breakfast and did a little yard work around town. That evening, we met with our youth group and the young men from our High School football team (about twenty strong) and took care of some people that needed a bit of help from those with strong backs and willing hearts. Enjoyed a meal afterward and got to enjoy hearing their laughter and the great conversation with the adults who came to help.

Tuesday: Awakened and read from the 99th Psalm of how it is the LORD who reigns. Understanding that He is in charge gives great comfort in a world that has seemed to have lost its way. Wrote an article. Filmed a video. Visited with my sweet wife. Savored an hour at the end of the day reading to my three-year old grandson and two-year old granddaughter. Life is good!

Wednesday: Awakened and read from the 100th Psalms of just why this life is so good: It is because the LORD is good! How, then, can we not enter His courts upon the beginning of each new day and give Him the praise and thanksgiving that is due Him? 

That's it. Not earth-shattering thoughts, I realize this, but I have found it a very, very good way to live. We are on our way to Heaven, by the grace of God, so why not enjoy the journey? This old world has its share of serious problems that must be addressed, it's true. But, if we can remember Who it is we serve and Who it is that is really in charge, then our days will go much better.

And the days are absolutely jam-packed with the blessings of God for those who are in Christ! It is good, I think, for me to remember these things. How about you?