psalm 66

^"19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, ²¹and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²²let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ²⁵Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Hebrews 10:19-25

Praise God for what he has done for me, for what he has done for you, what he has done for us.

As I'm sitting here at home after a long week, I begin to think all the amazing things God has done and is continuing to do in my life. I can't help but think that I don't deserve any grace for the things that I have done in my past. But God is a forgiving God, slow to anger and abounding in love (Ps 103:8). This week, He really showed me the power of prayer, the power of accountability, and the power of Himself. I remember signing up for camp thinking that this year would not be as good as the previous one. But what a fool I am to forget that God always has a different agenda than what I have in mind. I feel drawn again to His magnificence and am ready to continue on the "race, run(ing) in such a way as to get the prize" (1 Cor 9:24). I am excited to see what God has in store for my life and for the lives of the others around me.

How beautiful is it to see the fellowship of God. For awhile, I've been struggling to understand and redefine the meaning of what I call the "church". But I think the picture just explains it all. We are the church (Acts 2:42-47). Praise God for blessing me abundantly with fellow believers that continue to strengthen me and guide me towards my First Love (1 Jon 4:19).

You lead me and keep me from falling.
You carry me close to Your heart.
And surely Your goodness and
Mercy will follow me.