A few weeks ago, my father/pastor (Elder Leon Frison) preached a message from Psalm 116:12 & 13. We've all probably heard these verses at one time or another. . . but for some reason, I thought about them in a brand new way.
Psalm 116:12 & 13- "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord." (KJV)
The Message//REMIX writes it as, "What can I give back to God for the blessings He's poured out on me? I'll lift high the cup of salvation- a toast to God!"
The author is posing a very interesting question here. What could we (mere) humans possibly give to God???
Let's first consider the idea of giving someone a present. Often times, we try to pick something that the recipient will appreciate- something that we know they've wanted or needed. And if you give someone a gift, you probably want to know that they are grateful for it.
In Psalm 116:12, the writer talks about the benefits or blessings that God has given us. That's something to think about! Even when we don't deserve it, God blesses us with life, health, strength and so much more. Do we show Him our appreciation? How can we show our appreciation?
If we truly are grateful for a present, we won't treat it just any kind of way. We'll be careful with it and cherish it.
The most precious gift that God offers us is that of salvation. We have the ability and opportunity to have our sins washed away in the precious and matchless name of Jesus and to be filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost [Acts 2:38]! The Spirit of God Himself can dwell in you and give you power! The Bible says that our bodies are the temple(s) of the Holy Ghost [I Corinthians 6:19]. That means that our bodies are sacred and what they (can) contain is even more significant.
Like I said before, if you appreciate a gift, you won't just throw it around. You won't leave it on the floor... step on it or destroy it. You'll do your best to preserve it!
We need to realize that our actions will show God whether or not we appreciate the gift that He's blessed us with. Everything that we do can either make God smile or grieve His heart.
Lately, I've been mentioning how important it is to monitor what we expose ourselves to. We are surrounded by music, movies, television shows, etc. that can ALL shape our thinking and behavior. What is the music you're listening to or your favorite television show. . . saying about you?
I realize that "we are only human" but we serve an all-powerful, all-knowing and all-seeing God! Even if we try to do things secretly. . . He knows! Realizing our role in the grand scheme of things can make the question in Psalm 116 seem a little daunting but I think I've found the answer. . .
Romans 12:1&2 tells us to present our bodies/lives as sacrifices unto God. Show Him your appreciation through the way that you live. Reflect His love for others in your actions. Think before you act!
If you cherish your gift, don't let people play with it and take it for granted! Don't fill it with junk. . . and that can be natural or spiritual. Make sure that whatever you're "feeding" yourself will provide nourishment and won't be toxic to your system.
Focus on ways to draw closer to God! Spend time in the Word- read it for yourself and apply the scriptures to your life. Surround yourself with believers that will hold you accountable in your walk with God. Live a life that's pleasing in His sight.
What can we give to God for all of His benefits?
Give Him your LIFE!
Psalm 116:12 & 13- "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord." (KJV)
The Message//REMIX writes it as, "What can I give back to God for the blessings He's poured out on me? I'll lift high the cup of salvation- a toast to God!"
The author is posing a very interesting question here. What could we (mere) humans possibly give to God???
Let's first consider the idea of giving someone a present. Often times, we try to pick something that the recipient will appreciate- something that we know they've wanted or needed. And if you give someone a gift, you probably want to know that they are grateful for it.
In Psalm 116:12, the writer talks about the benefits or blessings that God has given us. That's something to think about! Even when we don't deserve it, God blesses us with life, health, strength and so much more. Do we show Him our appreciation? How can we show our appreciation?
If we truly are grateful for a present, we won't treat it just any kind of way. We'll be careful with it and cherish it.
The most precious gift that God offers us is that of salvation. We have the ability and opportunity to have our sins washed away in the precious and matchless name of Jesus and to be filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost [Acts 2:38]! The Spirit of God Himself can dwell in you and give you power! The Bible says that our bodies are the temple(s) of the Holy Ghost [I Corinthians 6:19]. That means that our bodies are sacred and what they (can) contain is even more significant.
Like I said before, if you appreciate a gift, you won't just throw it around. You won't leave it on the floor... step on it or destroy it. You'll do your best to preserve it!
We need to realize that our actions will show God whether or not we appreciate the gift that He's blessed us with. Everything that we do can either make God smile or grieve His heart.
Lately, I've been mentioning how important it is to monitor what we expose ourselves to. We are surrounded by music, movies, television shows, etc. that can ALL shape our thinking and behavior. What is the music you're listening to or your favorite television show. . . saying about you?
I realize that "we are only human" but we serve an all-powerful, all-knowing and all-seeing God! Even if we try to do things secretly. . . He knows! Realizing our role in the grand scheme of things can make the question in Psalm 116 seem a little daunting but I think I've found the answer. . .
Romans 12:1&2 tells us to present our bodies/lives as sacrifices unto God. Show Him your appreciation through the way that you live. Reflect His love for others in your actions. Think before you act!
If you cherish your gift, don't let people play with it and take it for granted! Don't fill it with junk. . . and that can be natural or spiritual. Make sure that whatever you're "feeding" yourself will provide nourishment and won't be toxic to your system.
Focus on ways to draw closer to God! Spend time in the Word- read it for yourself and apply the scriptures to your life. Surround yourself with believers that will hold you accountable in your walk with God. Live a life that's pleasing in His sight.
What can we give to God for all of His benefits?
Give Him your LIFE!
What Can I Give- Fred Hammond
Comments
Post a Comment