Trivia:
Well believe it or not: The land animal that consumes the most water is the cow. The average cow drinks between 30-50 gallons a day depending on their size, diet, and environmental conditions.
By the way: Which fictional character popularized the catchphrase "D'oh"? Was it Charlie Brown; Sherlock Holmes; SpongBob Square Pants; Homer Simpson?
Challenge:
Psalm 84:5-8 "What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. 7 They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. 8 O Lord God of Heaven's Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob."
In order to understand the significance of this Psalm we must come to an understanding of the Jewish culture. There are three annual festivals that require each family to represent itself at the temple in Jerusalem. These are called traveling (pilgrimage) festival, which at bare minimum are to be attended by the male patriarch of the family. For further insights you can read the instructions given in Deuteronomy 16:1-17; Exodus 34:23.
Passover - Resah
This festival was to celebrate & worship the Lord for the freedom that Israel was granted its freedom ,as well as, the ability to travel and take ownership of its promised land. It was celebrated at the beginning of the planting season, after the winter rains, which generally falls in the early spring.
Weeks - Shavuot
This festival was to be solely an agricultural celebration, which falls exactly seven weeks after Passover. This was a celebration of the late spring harvest.
Booths - Sukkot
Celebratesa the end of the wandering of the Jewish nation throughout the desert for 40 years. This was a reminder of God's provision for the nation for food, water, and protection. This was also the final festival just before their winter rains, in mid-autumn.
This section of the Psalm speaks clearly as to the reminders of God's provisions throughout their desert pilgrimage. The Valley of Weeping spoken of here is reflecting the past events recorded in 2 Samuel 5:22-25 here David was faced by the powerful Philistine army, where God went before Israel and struck down this invincible army. God instructed them to attack their army from behind in the poplar forest, where He (God) gave a rush of wind through the trees as His signal to attack.
The phrase in verse 7 says "they go from strength to strength" can easily be recognized as God's continuing promise to His children in Isaiah 40:31 "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength." and we also spoken to us New Testament saints in John 1:16 "From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another."
SO GO WITH GOD for just as our Lord had reminded them that throughout their desert pilgrimages and now we see throughout the Bible of His watchcare over us each day. His presence and provision wasn't only made valid for Israel, but it continues on into each of our lives onto us His peculiar people. On this Thanksgiving Day we have so much to give thanks for. "His mercy endures forever." This promise appears 130 times in the Bible so don't forget His care for you each day my dear child.
Sponge Bob?