5-26-2021

 Good Morning All!

   Psalm 81:2-3; “Raise a song; sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp.  Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our feast day.”

     Today is a unique day.  Tonight, we will have a super blood moon.  This phenomenon is also known as a Super Blood Moon as the moon appears slightly reddish orange in color and since it is a full moon, it will appear really big as well.

    We hardly pay attention to the phases of the moon anymore.  When I was growing up, I had a neighbor who did everything according to the phases of the moon, whether it was planting or harvesting or weaning cattle.  We just do not pay any attention to the moon that much.

    It was different with in the Old Testament; with each new moon the Israelites marked the start of the month.  With it was a celebration.  The Jews would go to the Temple for a special sacrifice, hold a family celebration and in general abstain from work or business.  They would not perform any fasting and mourning was prohibited.  It was a time to celebrate being God’s chosen people.  They would sing the Psalms of praise and play the joy filled music.  They celebrated the gifts which God had given them.

       It is too bad that we no longer follow that tradition.  We usually save our celebration of God’s gifts to us for Thanksgiving Day.  We should really celebrate Thanksgiving Day every day.  God blesses us in so many fashions that we sometimes fail to see them.  We take so much for granted.  We have come to expect God to deliver exactly what we want when we want it and when that does not happen according to our wishes; we blame God for abandoning us.  We miss so much of what God gives us.

     We complain about the cost of our cable/satellite TV bill and how God should provide us more money to watch it; we miss the beauty of a full moon or the perseids meteor showers earlier this month.  We complain about the cost of food and then throw 40 % away.  We are blessed with abundant food, a safe environment, comfortable living conditions, and most of us have good health.  God truly blesses his people.

     So, we need to try and remember this more often.  We need to be sure that we give thanks to God for all which he provides to us.  When we focus on what we have; what we do not have does not measure up.  God gives us all good things especially the gift of salvation through Jesus.  His blessings are beyond our measure so raise a song, sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp.  Rejoice and give thanks to God for his blessings.

Dear Father in heaven, your mercies flow over us like a river.  We are truly blessed to be your children.  Help us to see that all good things come from you and that we receive these every day; not because we are worthy but because you are loving and full of grace.  Keep us mindful that even when we feel abandoned; you are there to comfort and provide for us.  In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret