Scripture Memory Monday

As we were tucking John David into bed tonight, David prayed over him:

"Lord, help us not be like the nine lepers who did not return [Luke 17]

but like the one who fell down on his face at Jesus' feet, giving Him thanks."

(And this is a direct quote; I just asked him to restate his prayer for me. :)  

David was given the opportunity to preach last night at the church where my Dad is the pastor. (Dad has been serving the Lord in Uganda this past week, and he arrived safely home this evening.  We can't wait to visit with him tomorrow, to see pictures and hear stories of all that the Lord accomplished for His glory!)  Well, Psalm 103 was David's text. He challenged us to examine our souls to see if we were praising God aright.  Are we are indeed giving the Lord the glory and thanks and praise for which He is inexhaustibly worthy?  As he led us through each verse, he encouraged us to imitate the psalmist here.  He challenged us to prod our own souls to praise by pondering the provisions, the providence, and the Person of God.  (I didn't have to ask him just now to restate his sermon points.  I tried to listen well . . . and all those "p" words helped in the remembering. :)  When we do this type of pondering, we cannot help but to "bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!" (Psalm 103:1).

This is what I want to meditate on as we celebrate Thanksgiving this week.

May we not be found guilty, like the other nine lepers, of being ungrateful

(and too often forgetful!)  

regarding ALL the Lord's benefits to us.  

[2] "Bless the LORD, O my soul, 

and forget not all His benefits, 

[3] who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,

[4] who redeems your life from the pit, 

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 

[5] who satisfies you with good 

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."

Psalm 103: 2-5 (ESV)