It is a mystery of nature! On the first week of January my husband and I saw a large flock of robins as we took our afternoon walk. They were enticed to gather around a crabapple tree in our complex that was still laden with tiny crabapples. My first thought was, "Hooray! Spring is coming early this year." When I returned home, I did some research and learned that this is not necessarily so.
 
The migration pattern for robins is variable. As the breeding season ends and the babies have been raised, robins begin to gather in flocks. At times they will head south, but not always. Some just move to the nearest woodland, especially those with evergreen cover. Here they are still able to find some grubs, worms, and insects. In the winter, the robins also depend upon fruit-bearing trees, shrubs, and vines for sustenance.
 
Some of the robins who stay in their home territory will be joined by other robins who have migrated from areas further north. This is when large nomadic flocks are formed for the winter. These flocks are formed for safety from predators and for greater ease in finding food. Robins need to be flexible about their habitat. Some years fruit seems to be produced in greater abundance than others. The birds instinctively know if they need to migrate or can "stay put." For those who do migrate, we can expect them to return home on or about the time of the vernal equinox or March 20th.
 
I have believed for years that the appearance of flocks of robins in the winter is a harbinger of spring. Sadly, my bubble has been burst. Still, anytime of the year, when flocks of robins gather to peck the ground for the easily available worms after a rainstorm, there is an excitement that wells up inside of me. Their appearance excites me, and a reawakening feeling comes upon me. I am finally able to identify this as an assurance from my Heavenly Father that He cares for me and demonstrates His love and provision even through the birds.
 
This brings to mind the Scripture in Matthew 6:25-34 where we are told to entrust our lives to Him. "Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet their heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life...So, do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
 
In the future, I will use my robin sightings as a reminder of the faithfulness of God and will let His peace and encouragement wash over me. I will end this meditation with Psalm 100 and hope that it reminds you of the love and faithfulness of God for us. "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. The Lord is good, and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." 

From the very beginning of creation, God was intentional about the way He made the earth and all the creatures in it. However, His crowning glory was the making of human beings. "Then God said, 'Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.' So, God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God, He created them; male and female He created them." (Genesis 1:26, 27 - NLT)
 
I want to look more deeply into two parts of this Scripture. First, why is the plural "let us," used? The word for God in Hebrew is Elohim. It is used to emphasize the majesty of the One True God who is the Lord of all lords. Included in this name is all the attributes of Elohim. Our God is all powerful, all knowing, good, wise, trustworthy, and loving, just to name a few. This plural form of God may also be directing us to the Trinity--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
 
Next, we should note that we were created in the image of God. He created us with His nature and attributes. Ephesians 4:23 and 24 explain that we are being made new in the attitude of our minds. It says, "...Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." When God made a covenant with Noah, He made it clear that we are to honor life. "...I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for in the image of God has God made man." (Genesis 9:6) I believe that the image of God speaks of our entire being, the special relationship we can have with Him, and our mandate to reign over creation. Our self-worth is based on the knowledge that we are made in God's image. In our recognition of God's image in all people, we can see qualities that are not included in the rest of creation.
 
As Christians, we should be growing in our understanding of our image of Christ in us. Over the holidays I became aware that we think that God looks like us. My husband and I visited the Glencairn Museum. It is a castle-like home in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, designed by Raymond Pitcairn, an industrialist and collector. There are more than ninety rooms on ten floors of the Romanesque-style building constructed between 1928 and 1939. The reason for our visit was primarily to see the collection of nativity scenes from around the world.
 
We saw elaborate nativity scenes from Italy, China, Switzerland, Haiti, Zimbabwe, Peru, Columbia, and the United States, to name a few. Here is what struck me as I looked at the variety of nativities: Each character in the set was made to reflect the nature of the people in the country from which it originated. The figures—Joseph, Mary, Jesus, the shepherds, and the wise men—had faces and bodies and clothes like the individuals who made them.
 
While I understand that it may help us feel closer to God by imagining Him in our image, the truth is that God wants us to look like Jesus. This is the reason He came to earth. Romans 8:29 tells us, "For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers." Father God makes it clear in His Word that He wants us to reflect the image of Jesus to the rest of the world. Jesus told the crowds of people in Israel when He delivered the Beatitudes, "You are the light of the world...Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." The call on our lives is to look like Jesus. 

​As we have moved into a new year, it is time to consider the call of God on our lives. Integrated with the new year is the tenth month on the Hebrew calendar called Tevet. The number ten is not only the number of testimony, (The Ten Commandments were in the Ark of the Testimony.) but the number of godly authority. When we consider our own lives, we should also be praying for godly authority for our Commander in Chief and other leaders of our country. The enemy of our souls tries to get to us through our leaders. This is why we are instructed to pray for them. 
 
The word Tevet means "good." God's will for us is to move toward the light. The natural light of each day will be increasing as we go into the new year. When we consider our plans for the new year we should be charting a course of righteousness. Proverbs 4:18 tells us, "The path of righteousness is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." New life flows in the light. Isn't it fitting that the Hebrew letter associated with Tevet is AYIN which pictures an eye and a spring or well? We must see with spiritual eyes for new life to flow like a fresh spring.
 
The Lord desires for our eyes to be focused on the good. 2 Chronicles 16:9 talks about the eyes of the Lord. They "range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him..." This Scripture corresponds with the one that my pastor, George Matthew Clash, Lead Pastor at The Crossing in Washington Crossing, PA, gave to us last Sunday. “Come out from among them and be separate,” says the Lord. “Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters..." (2 Corinthians 6:17, 18 - NKJ) This word was delivered by the apostle Paul to the Corinthians when he was encouraging them to stay in the light and to live according to the righteousness of God. He asked a question that is pertinent in the month of Tevet. "And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?" (2 Corinthians 6:16)
 
The reason that this Scripture from 2 Corinthians hits home in Tevet and the beginning of the new year is because this month is associated with the tribe of Dan. Dan means to rule or judge. Grouped with the tribes of Naphtali and Asher in their camp and when they marched, they formed a rear guard and were called to help in the protection of the Israelites. Sadly, the tribe of Dan became the first one to worship idols. It was in Dan's territory that King Jeroboam set up golden calves where the people came to bow down and worship them. The constellation in the sky during this month is Capricorn, the goat. It should be a sign to remind us not to make wrong alignments. Goat nations formed alliances that show us their break from God's covenant.
 
Our desire should be to align ourselves with God and His plans and purposes for our lives. This will mean that we will need to make sacrifices in the new year. Psalm 33:18 and 20 says, "Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in HIs mercy...Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield." (NKJ) Tevet and the beginning of 2026 mark the start of a season of preparation. Ask the Lord for His divine strategy and vision for the year to come. He made a promise to His people in Isaiah 52:12. "...For the Lord will go before you. And the God of Israel will be your rear guard." What more could we ask for? Let us walk into the year ahead with willingness to be set apart from the world, to pray for those in authority over us, to focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and to walk in righteousness and holiness to advance the kingdom of God.

​ 
After being hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites, Balaam took a journey to evaluate what should be done. He warned Balak: "I must speak only what God puts in my mouth." (Numbers 22:38) Four times Balaam prophesied, and every time a blessing was pronounced over Israel. On the fourth time God used him to bring forth a message about the coming Messiah. "I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the sons of Sheth." (Numbers 24:17) Balaam was unable to deliver a message of cursing and had to forfeit the reward he had been promised. However, God used this man to speak a prophetic word that probably convinced the astrologers or kings to travel to Jerusalem to search for Jesus.
 
Scholars surmise that the wise men were from near the site of ancient Babylon. Perhaps those Jews who remained in exile in Babylon could have told them the prophecies of Messiah’s coming. Perhaps the wise men had copies of an Old Testament. Or, perhaps they received a message from God directing them toward the Messiah. We do not know the nature of the star that appeared to guide the wise men, but they were determined to follow the light and traveled thousands of miles to worship King Jesus.
 
God used another prophetic message to reveal the place where the Messiah would be born. It comes from Micah 5:2. "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel." This message was quoted to King Herod by the chief priests when he asked where The Christ was to be born. We can also read it in Matthew 2:6
 
The star the wise men saw in the east guided them to Bethlehem, and when they saw Jesus with His mother, "they bowed down and worshiped Him." (Matthew 2:11) It is thought that Jesus was about one or two years old when the wise men gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each gift is thought to be a symbol of Christ's identity and what He would accomplish. Gold was given to royalty, frankincense was a gift for deity, and myrrh was the spice used to anoint a body for burial.
 
There may have been another use for the gifts of the wise men. After they returned to their own country without stopping by to report to Herod, he became furious and gave orders for all the boys in Bethlehem two years old and under to be killed. Another prophetic word from Jeremiah 31:15 was fulfilled here. "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more." Joseph had been warned in a dream to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt so that they could escape the wrath of Herod. Perhaps the gifts of the wise men provided the financial resources this family needed for their trip. The prophetic word from Hosea 11:1, "Out of Egypt I called my son." was fulfilled when Herod died and an angel directed Joseph to return to the Israel. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus finally settled in Nazareth so that the word of the prophet from Isaiah 11:1 which called Him a "Branch" was fulfilled. The Hebrew word for "Branch" is similar to the word for "Nazarene."
 
The word of God is our divine guide. Jesus fulfilled the prophetic words about Himself. Likewise, the Bible now speaks to us so that we can be successful in our quest to follow God's directions for our lives. As we stand on the threshold of a new year, why not pursue His guidance on how to live so we fulfill His divine purpose for our lives.

​The "when" of Christ's birth is certainly not as important as the "why," but it is interesting to investigate. Most scholars agree that Christ would not have been born during December. The Bible gives us hints as to the season when His birth took place. Luke 2, verse 8, tells us "there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night." This suggests that Jesus may have been born when the weather was warm and conducive to having flocks of sheep out at night. Shepherds kept their flocks in a shelter at night during Israel's cold, rainy Decembers. Next, we read that Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem for a census. It is likely that the Romans would not have taken a census in the winter when traveling conditions were difficult. Those who traveled in December dealt with cold temperatures and roads that are in poor condition.



We know from Luke 1:24-36 that Jesus was conceived while Elizabeth, John the Baptist's mother, was in her sixth month of pregnancy. Zechariah, John's father, served in the Jerusalem temple with the priestly division of Abijah. While he was on duty, burning incense, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, telling him that he would have a son. Historical calculations indicate that Zechariah's service took place in mid-June. He would have returned home immediately after his service. If we assume that John's conception took place at the end of June, he would have been born at the end of March.



Luke 1:35 and 36 tells us that Elizabeth was six months pregnant when Mary conceived. This being the case, it is likely that Jesus was born at the end of September. Perhaps he was born during the Feast of Tabernacles when it is said that Messiah tabernacles with us. However, December 25 was selected as the date for celebrating Christ's birth by the Church in Rome during Constantine's reign. December 25 was the date that the pagans celebrated the birth of the sun, so the Church decided to celebrate the birth of The Son, Jesus, at the same time.



Now let’s look at the “why” of Christ’s coming. The prophet Isaiah makes this clear in Chapter 53, verses 5 and 6. "He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Verse 10 of Isaiah's discourse on why Jesus came to earth goes into more detail. "Yet it was the Lord's will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer, and though the Lord makes His life a guilt offering; He will see His offspring and prolong His days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in His hands." 



Our Messiah came to earth fully human and yet fully God. "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulder. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever…” (Isaiah 9:6, 7) This Christmas let us ponder what Christ did for us when He gave up the majestic splendor of heaven to come to earth. He came to give us salvation and reconcile us to God. He came so that we might "participate in the divine nature." (2 Peter 1:4) He came to demonstrate the love of God that is beyond comprehension. He came as the Prince of Peace and Immanuel, God with us. He is worthy of our praise and worship. Have a blessed Christmas.

​As Christians, we need to be aware of how Hanukkah and Christmas have similarities. Neither celebration is found directly in the Bible. However, in John 10:22 and 23 there is a reference to Jesus observing Hanukkah or the Feast of Dedication. "Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade." There is a footnote in my Complete Jewish Study Bible that says, "Not only did Yeshua celebrate Hanukkah, but He observed it in the same Temple that had been cleansed and rededicated just a few generations earlier under the Maccabees."
 
Basically, Hanukkah is a celebration of the deliverance of the Jews by God. It also became a time to express their hope of a coming Messiah. Jesus used His time at the Temple during Hanukkah to reveal His identity to the Jews gathered around Him. "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly," the Jews shouted. Jesus gave them the answer in His Hanukkah message. "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in My Father's name speak for Me, but you do not believe because you are not My sheep. My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand." (John 10:25-28)
 
Hanukkah recalls a military victory for the Jews. If Antiochus had succeeded in his campaign to destroy the Jews, there would have been no birth of a Jewish Messiah to a young Hebrew couple. The first miracle had to take place for the second miracle to come about—the incarnation of Christ Jesus.
 
Hanukkah demonstrates how God provided the miracle of light in the middle of dark times. Christmas brought us The Light of Christ. He was born into a world riddled with brokenness and darkness. Father God is the One who provided the Light from heaven to shine into our world. "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men." (John 1:4)
 
It is miraculous that the Maccabees could conquer the Syrian army. Then the miracle of light came about as the Temple Menorah remained lit for eight days with only enough oil for one day. But the miracle of Christmas topped the Hanukkah miracles. We have a virgin birth of the Son of God. That birth brought forth "The Light of the World."
 
At the heart of both Christmas and Hanukkah are miracles from God. He brings us opportunities for new beginnings and for life everlasting with Him. He brings restoration and hope. "...The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5) Why not make this entire season a time for remembering and celebrating the goodness of God? He is The One who brings us victory through the miraculous and The Light of Life through His Son.

​The ninth month on the Hebrew calendar, Kislev, is called the month of miracles. This is because of the miracle of the oil that occurred during the second temple period. The altar of the Lord had been overtaken by Greek invaders led by Antiochus Epiphanes. That altar was desecrated when Antiochus decided to sacrifice a pig on the altar of burnt offering in 167 BC. In addition, he erected a statue of the Greek god, Zeus, on top of the altar. Then he looted the temple treasure and burned copies of the law.
 
Hundreds of years before this event occurred, the prophet Daniel wrote about it, calling it "an abomination of desolation" in Daniel 11:31. A priestly family of Israelites called the Maccabees would not sit still as their temple was being defiled, and so went to war against the invaders. After three years of battle, they overcame and recaptured the temple. The first order of business for this priestly family was to cleanse and rededicate the temple. Thus, we have the celebration called Hanukkah which means "Dedication."
 
A new altar was built and the temple restored. The priests remade the holy vessels and brought back the lampstand. The miracle of Hanukkah occurred as the Maccabees searched for oil to light the lampstand. Only one vial of oil was found that had been approved and sealed by the high priest. This would only keep the lampstand burning for one day. The priests decided to light the lamps anyway. To their delight, that one vial of oil kept the lampstand lit for eight full days, the amount of time needed to prepare more oil. It should be noted that the number eight is the number of new beginnings. How significant! This miracle happened during the month of Kislev. The celebration of Hanukkah begins on Kislev 25 on the Hebrew calendar. In 2025 that is December 15 on our Greek-based calendars.
 
The lampstand that was used in the temple had seven branches. The Menorah used today has nine branches, one for each of the eight days that the lampstand was lit and one center candle called the "Shammas" or "Servant" candle. It is the middle candle that is used to light the other eight candles. Those of the Christian faith should see the significance of the Servant candle and its position above the other candles on the Menorah. For us, it represents the Light of the World, Jesus. He made His identity clear in a declaration from the Temple. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
 
When Joseph and Mary came to the temple to bring a sacrifice of two turtle doves and to introduce Jesus, they encountered Simeon. The Bible says he was "just and devout," and was waiting to see the Lord's Christ. When he saw Jesus he took Him in his arms and said, "Lord, now You are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word: For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32 - NKJ)
 
It is revelation that turns on the light. As the "Servant candle," Jesus/Yeshua, came to light the world. He lights one candle at a time with the oil of His Spirit. As the Maccabees rededicated the temple, we must rededicate our temples. The world is becoming increasingly darker, which gives us the opportunity to shine even brighter. We have an unlimited supply of oil from the Holy Spirit that is meant to be used to glorify God and show the love of Christ to those around us. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world..." (Matthew 5:14) Why not be a part of this miraculous month by letting your light shine?

​Did you ever wonder about the preparation that Joseph and Mary would have had to make for their journey to Bethlehem? The book of Luke tells us why that had to make the trip. "In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world...and everyone went to his own town to register. So, Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child." (Luke 2:1-5)
 
I read that the distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem is about 90 miles on the route that follows the Jordan River valley and then climbs into the hills around Jerusalem. An average, healthy person might be able to travel about twenty miles a day; however, Mary's condition would surely have slowed the pace. The trip may have taken them an entire week. We should also consider that this arduous journey included rough terrain, the possibility of difficult weather, and attacks by wild animals or bandits.
 
Before Joseph and Mary left Nazareth that would have had to do much preparation. First, water would have to be collected and stored in wineskins for drinking. Also, food needed to be prepared, and firewood gathered for cooking and warmth. The food was probably simple and might include bread, herbs and oil, and dried fish. In addition, I would imagine that blankets were packed for bedding and to help keep the couple warm. Though we do not know for sure, I think we can speculate that a donkey may have carried Mary. That being the case, he would need food.
 
The preparations that Joseph and Mary made would enable them to successfully arrive at their destination. It was prophesied through the prophet Micah. "But you Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Micah 5:2) Imagine how Mary must have felt as she prepared to go to Bethlehem (The House of Bread)! Her journey had a purpose, and her arrival would bring fulfillment of what Father God had planned before she was even born. I am sure that she and Joseph were in prayer for the entire journey.
 
God knew exact what this couple would need to fulfill His plans for their journey. We have another story in the Bible of Jesus telling His disciples to go on a trip to "heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons." Jesus went on to say to them, "Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts, take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or staff. For the worker is worth his keep." (Matthew 10:8-10) How do you think the disciples prepared for this journey? My guess is that they prepared on their knees, praying for God's wisdom and guidance for each step.
 
Our lives are made up of journeys with multiple destinations. May I suggest that our most important preparation is praying so that our faith is built up. It is faith in God that carries us to our destinations. Here is how Jude 1:20 puts it: "Build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit." I am sure that Mary and Joseph needed to pack their faith along with their physical supplies just as the disciples did when they were sent out by Jesus. If we prepare for our life's journeys as they did, we will reach our destinations and fulfill the purposes of God for our lives.

​With Thanksgiving upon us I want to give my thanks and praise to the Almighty God of creation who loves me like I was His only child. Through the years of my life, I have seen His constant faithfulness, and though I may not fully understand everything that He does, I trust Him because I see that "He has done immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." (Ephesians 3:20)
 
How does one give thanks and praise to the Lord? Psalm 22:3 says that God "Inhabits our praises," and that is my heart's desire. He made it clear to the prophet Samuel when he was going to anoint one of Jesse's sons to be king that appearance is not important to Him. "...The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)
 
If God is looking at our hearts, what does He see? Hopefully, our hearts reflect Psalm 9:1. "I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart. I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praises to Your name, O Most High." With the Psalmist, may we lift our hands to His Most Holy Place proclaiming, "The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy, and I will give thanks to Him in song." (Psalm 28:7)
 
When I contemplate the best way to give thanks to the Lord, I feel inadequate in being able to fully express my gratitude. This past week I have been listening to Brandon Lake's song "Gratitude." The words do convey my feelings beautifully. May I suggest that you listen to the music with the words to get the full effect:
 
Verse 1:    "All my words fall short; I got nothing new. How could I express all my gratitude?"
Verse 2:    "I could sing these songs as I often do, but every song must end and you never do."
Chorus:     "So I throw up my hands and praise You again and again 'cause all that I have is a
Hallelujah. Hallelujah! And I know it’s not much, but I've nothing else fit for a king      except for a heart singing Hallelujah. Hallelujah!"
Verse 3:    "I've got one response. I've got just one move with my arm stretched wide;
       I will worship You.
Chorus:
Bridge:       "So come on my soul. O don't you get shy on me. Lift up your song 'cause you've
                    got a lion inside of those lungs. Get up and praise the Lord."
 
It is true that our words may seem inadequate, but when they are delivered from our hearts to the heart of God, He is well pleased. King David wrote Psalm 138 to express his thanks to the Lord. It is a good one for us to adopt: "I thank you Lord, and with all the passion in my heart I worship you in the presence of angels! Heaven's mighty ones will hear my voice as I sing my loving praise to You. I bow down before your divine presence and bring You my deepest worship as I experience Your tender love and Your living truth. For the promises of Your word and the fame of Your name have been magnified above all else!" (Psalm 138:1-3 - TPT)