Trivia:
Please pray for dear Brenda Salinas as her beloved John went to be with the Lord last evening. Also pray for John's family as they mourn their loss. John has been ill for several years and on dialysis these last months. Brenda has been his faithful caregiver over these last months carting him to the doctors and to his treatments each week. Please join us in upholding her and the family in this time of loss. Along with John's family please pray for Sheldon, JoAnn, and Betty as they draw near to comfort the family.
Yesterday we were asked the question; Who made popular the song "Born in the USA"? The correct answer was Bruce Springsteen, it was sung to bring comfort, express our pride, and appreciation of our troops as they returned from Vietnam.
Challenge:
Psalm 52:6-9 "The righteous will see it and be amazed. They will laugh and say, 7 "Look what happens to mighty warriors who do not trust in God. They trust their wealth instead and grow more and more bold in their wickedness." 8 But I am like and olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God's unfailing love. 9 I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people."
Now after God's children saw the powerful hand of God and His deliverance, from the evil army of men, they were amazed at God's care for them. Next in verse 7 they hold up what becomes of those who reject God and His ways, but instead they placed their trust in their wealth, and power. But all of those things came to failure.
Then David boldly proclaimed, "I am like an olive tree." which was the symbol of Israel and the Lord's covenant to them. The oil of the olive tree was burnt in the lamp stand, in the holy place, to bring light to God and those who follow in His ways.
When they stood strong and confident on their faith in God, and sought to enlighten the world of Him and praised His works, and His unfailing love, then they experienced that mighty hand of God in their lives.
Just as David said in this last verse, "I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people." While the tyrant trusts in his power and riches, the Psalmist has the stability of his absolute trust in His all powerful, gracious Heavenly Father.
In Romans 11 Paul reminds the Gentiles of how they have been granted that very same grace and mercy as the covenant which God granted with the nation of Israel. Through Christ we have been grafted into Him then in verse 33 Paul says this about our placement into His kingdom. "Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowlegdge.! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways!... 36 "For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen"
SO GO WITH GOD my dear one, for He has blessed us in so many ways, it is no wonder that David said in Psalm 52:9 "I will praise you forever, O God, for what (all the many things) you have done." My dear one He is busy providing His gracious working in your life this very day. You are not alone, so, as David said in that final verse, "I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people."
Our Father draws together His people who are; due to His influence in their lives are "faithful". Draw near these one who faithfully walk with Him each day. As we gather together each day and consider His goodness in our lives, He faithfully fills our lives with this; His goodness.
Thank you Pastor Ben