Give thanks to the LORD!

Psalm 136:1-3
September 25th 2022, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

We are told to give thanks to the Lord. Let us learn about giving thanks to Him.

Firstly, we are prone to grumble and complain. We tend to focus only on what is lacking, which leads to grumbling and complaining. What kind of words come out from our mouths in our daily lives

Secondly, gratitude comes from realizing the grace of the Lord. His grace is abundant and everlasting. We are not thankful since we are unaware of His blessings. We need to pay attention to His daily blessings and protection. It is not those who have much who thank God, but those who are aware of His blessings.

Thirdly, the poor in spirit before God can walk a path full of gratitude to the Lord. The high-minded are unaware of God's grace even though it is given to them. Being poor in spirit and humble before God leads one to notice the grace of God and be fully thankful to Him.

We have been given the salvation that is greater than anything else. And we have been given so many blessings. The more we realize that grace, the more we can walk overflowing with gratitude to the Lord. And that will bring us true happiness in our lives.

<The Verse of the Bible>

Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:3 (NIV)

Remember!

Isaiah 46:1-13
September 18th 2022, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

The people of Israel continued to commit the sin of idolatry, and it was prophesied that they would be taken away to Babylon later on. The Lord said to such people, "Remember!" What should we remember?

The first is that the Lord sustains and carries us even when we are weak. Idol gods cannot do it when we ask for help. But the true God does sustain and carry us when we are weak and need help. We must remember that the Lord has done it so far, and will also continue to do so.

The second is that even when we cannot see hope, the Lord is carrying out His plan. Ever since ancient times, He had guided the people of Israel truthfully under any circumstances and had carried out His plan. The same is true also for the time to come. We must remember this, and walk as we entrust all things to the Lord.

Young or old, there comes a time when we have to face hardships and our own weaknesses. Therefore, let us remember what we learned today, and always remember it as we walk. Let us walk as we trust in the truthful Lord!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)

For bearing fruit

John 15:1-11
September 11th 2022, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Before Jesus was crucified, He told His disciples about bearing fruit. Let us learn what is necessary for bearing spiritual fruit.

Firstly, it is to believe and accept God's pruning. God, the Father and the farmer, knows everything about us and prunes. By that, He purifies us and makes us bear fruit. We should believe and accept this.

Secondly, it is to remain in Christ. Under this, there are three points. The first is to listen to and obey the word. Because the word of God makes us grow and bear fruit. The second is to remain firmly in the church of the Lord. We cannot grow spiritually and bear fruit without church. The last is to walk in constant prayer to the Lord. It is necessary to face the Lord and pray to Him not only on holy days, but also on weekdays. We always need to walk as we pray in the fellowship with the Lord and rely on Him.

Without remaining in Christ, we can do nothing. We must remember that we are just the branches. But at the same time, we are the branches connected to the wonderful Lord. Let us remain in the Lord and make us bear fruit!

<The Verse of the Bible>

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (NIV)

Cast your bread upon the waters

Ecclesiastes 11:1-2
September 4th 2022, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

September is our “Church School Coming Month”. Let us learn three things from today's passage.

The first is that we are the stewards of our gifts and we should use them faithfully for the LORD. The LORD has given gifts to each of us. We are entrusted to manage them. We should use them not only for ourselves but also for the Lord.

The second is that we should do good with all our hearts for the souls from the Lord. We have been given love from the Lord. With that love, we do good with all our hearts. We testify and pray to intercede for unsaved souls. Also, we encourage the souls who are saved but being away from the church.

The third is to remember that the Lord does wonders beyond human understanding. Even if we don't understand it at the time, the LORD often does wonders after many days. Let us walk in trust and expectation in the Lord!

The circumstances we are currently placed may discourage us. Nevertheless, let us trust and hope in the Lord, testify and intercede for the souls!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Cast your bread upon the waters;
after many days you will find it again.
Give portions to seven, yes to eight;
for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.

Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 (NIV)