PSALM 12 - God - Our Protector

INTRODUCTION

Read Psalm 12

Yesterday when I woke up I looked out at the sun over the mountains. As it was still shining today, we decided to take a drive up to those mountains - Mt Tambourine - overlooking the Gold Coast. (Sth Queensland, Australia).                                                            

Curtis Falls

From Mt Tambourine - Overlooking the
Gold Coast

We took a beautiful walk down a track to the Curtis   Falls. But of course, then we had to walk back up the mountain, and for an oldie like me that was a little harder. 

By the time I was in the car on my way home, I was nearly back in David's `moaning mode' again. It had been a wonderful day in the mountains, but I knew I had to come back down to the valley - back to the oppression, the evil, `the bragging tongues', and the `flattering lips'. Back to where the `wicked people were parading around'.

Still, I also knew, as I reminded the children in `Sunday School' this morning, `GOD ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES'. Just like it was in David's time, these promises in Psalm 12, are just as relevant for us today: 

"I will now arise," says the Lord, "I will provide SAFETY for those who long for it." V5b (GWT)

"The promises of the Lord are pure...... O Lord, you WILL PROTECT them."  V6&7 (GWT).

What gives us the greatest strength to face a new week - the devils wimps or the Lord's promises. I would think the latter. I attend to start this week with the Lord, and if I stumble, I have another promise:

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." Psalm 37:23&24 (NLT)

1.  Do you have some promises in the Word that keep you strong?

A PRAYER AGAINST LIARS -  A PROMISE FOR THE FAITHFUL.

Read Psalm 12:1-5; Genesis 6:6-22;  Proverbs 6:16-19; 12:22; Ephesians 4:24&25 

David begins this psalm, as he does in others with a prayer against the wicked - in this case it is the liars.  If we read these other passages throughout the Bible we can see that God does have a distaste for liars or as it was in Noah's day people's whose thoughts were `consistently and totally evil'.

Yet each of these passages finished with a special promise:

*  In the story of Noah we see how because of his righteousness and obediance, he found favour with God, and the lives of he and his family were saved.

* We read in Proverbs that God `delights' in those who tell the truth.

* Paul reminds us over and over in each of his letters that when we are accepted by God as His `children of light' we will live `righteous and holy' lives.

So it isn't surprising to hear from David, that God `will rise up and rescue' the faithful as `they have longed for Him to do.'

I don't know about you, but I think I know what life I would be trying to live, don't you?

2.a)  Would you rather be a living `lier' - cut off from the Lord; or a child of the light? 

b) Is there something you need to do to bring yourself back if you have wandered out of the light? 


GOD ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES

Read Psalm 6-8, Read Genesis 9:1-17

"The Lord's promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over." 
Psalm 12:6

This is one thing I am certain about.  When I tell the children in Sunday School that GOD ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES I tell them because I know it's true, not just it what the storybook says. When I look outside, after the rain and see a rainbow, I don't just think about the story of Noah, and the promises God made to him; but I know that those promises were made to us too.

You see that RAINBOW is a visual reminder to us that GOD ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES to us - to David in his day, to Paul in his day, and to us today; that even though `the wicked still strut around and evil   is around the land', the Lord will protect those who trust in Him.

3.a) What are some promises in your life that God has kept? 

b) What is the most important promise you look forward to him keeping?

CONCLUSION

Look outside.  Is it raining?  Is their a storm?  Is it sunny? Is their a rainbow?  Whatever the weather outside or in your soul, remember the Lord is on your side, and wants you to know that you can depend on Him each day. Remember, GOD ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES!! And the most important promise He will keep is the day when He will return, and take you to live with Him.  Are you ready to go?

PSALM 11 - TRUST IN THE LORD

INTRODUCTION

Read Psalm 11

Max Lucado calls them `doubt storms', bringing with them `gale force winds of fear'. Fortunately He reminds us `soon after the storm a light shines through'.

I am sitting here this morning looking out my window at the beautiful sun shining over the mountains. Last night , where there was thunder, lightning and grey skies of a storm and I couldn't even see what lay ahead, now all I can see is the LIGHT.

In this Psalm, we find David facing one of these `doubt storms'. It seemed for a moment, his life was falling apart. He had just killed a giant and the Philistines, his enemy were running away. Shouldn't King Saul have been happy with him. Instead, David had arrows being thrown at him from all directions. The wicked seemed to have the `upper hand' again.

It looked liked there might be `turbulent days' ahead. It seemed this new enemy was just `too big, too great, and his future too bleak'. Still, although it looked dark through the storm and he couldn't see his future, he knew there was a LIGHT and he trusted that LIGHT. That LIGHT of love, mercy and justice. That LIGHT that sat upon a throne in Heaven, and that LIGHT who would always be watching over and taking care of Him.

1. a) Do you know the LIGHT I am talking about? If not, I would like to help you find Him.

b)  Are you going through one of these `doubt storms'? Maybe David's story this week might be of help to you. I know it has helped me.

DAVID'S STORY.

Read 1 Samuel 18:1-16, 1 Samuel 19:1-10; Psalm 11:1-3


It is believed this Psalm was written when David discovered Saul's jealousy towards him. Most of us know how David had killed Goliath and how when he returned from the battle, everyone thought he was wonderful. (1 Samuel 17). Unfortunately, Saul had become jealous of David and it seemed God was totally out of the picture.

As David was struggling in fear for His life, he was also fighting the temptation to lose faith in God. Yet, as the arrows were being thrown at him, he stood his ground, "No", he said, "I am trusting in God".

David was determined to make God His confidence, when the arrows and words of discouragement were being thrown at him. He wanted to stand tall with the Lord, to face Saul and his enemies. David knew that whatever happened he would stand under God's protection.

2. Are their any `arrows' of temptation being thrown at you? How can you stand with stand, like David, in confidence of God's protection?

DAVID'S FAITH STRENGTHENED

Read Psalm 11:4-7

The attempt of David's enemies to shake His confidence just made his faith stronger. He pronounced:

* THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN.

"The Lord is in His holy heaven. The Lord sits on His throne in Heaven." V4a

*HE KNOWS EVERYONES' TRUE CHARACTER

"He sees what people do. He keeps His eye on them." V4b

*PERSECUTORS MAY PROSPER FOR A WHILE, BUT THEY WILL EVENTUALLY PERISH.

"He will send hot coals and burning sulfur on the wicked. A whirlwind is what they will get." V6

* HE IS A MERCIFUL, JUST & COMPASSIONATE GOD

"The Lord does what is right and He loves justice; so honest people will see His face." V7

David was a righteous, honest young man who wanted to live in the LIGHT. He trusted God and wanted to give his life in service to the Lord. God was like a tender Father who looked down on Him in love and compassion, and this strengthened David's faith. God will look down on all of us who walk in the LIGHT OF THE LORD, and will continue to strengthen our faith, if we continue to see Him.

3. How can  people's attempts to shake our confidence make our faith stronger?

CONCLUSION

When I woke this morning to see the sun, I was filled with joy. For many weeks these `doubt storms' and `gale force winds of fear' have been keeping me overwhelmed by darkness. But reading David's story of faith and praying with him his prayer of TRUST, has brought me back to the LIGHT.

My prayer this week is that you will pray this prayer with me, and be reminded that the TRUE LIGHT, that comes through JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, is YOURS, and that like David, you can truly TRUST HIM with your WHOLE LIFE.

*The Devotional Bible, New Century Version,(1987) Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson

*The New Matthew Henry Commentary (2002), Martin H Manser, Zondervan

PSALM 10 - PRAYER IN THE VALLEY - Part 3

GOD THE DEFENDER OF THE WEAK AND OPPRESSED

READ PSALM 10:12-16, Read Jeremiah 45:1-5, 46:27&28

Throughout the Psalms God continues to reveal his heart for His people who have been broken by pain and sin in the world. These next six verses are full of phrases describe attributes of a faithful, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, compassionate God.

*He doesn't `forget those who need help'. (V12) (ICB)
*He `helps and defends the orphans' (V14) (ICB/NLT)
*He `sees (takes note)' of their `trouble and grief' (v13) (NLT/GWT)
*He is faithful. They can `trust Him'. (V14) (NLT)
*They are `placed under His control' (V14) (GWT)
* He is merciful and just and `punished wickedness'. `God's grace wins' (V15) (GWT) (MESSAGE)

1. Which of the above do you need to believe in most at the moment?

In recognizing the attributes of God, David recognizes that God is always at works in times of trouble. He is always showing His love and care for the helpless, not always in the ways we might understand, for it is not for us to understand his ways, but to accept them in faith, but to believe that he is indeed the defender of the helpless and the source of love and mercy to all who turn to Him.

Going forward in history, nearing the end of Jeremiah's ministry, the people of Israel were now in exile in Babylon. Jeremiah's scribe Baruch who had been with him throughout his ministry was feeling miserable,

"The Lord has added grief to my pain. I am warn out from groaning. I can find no rest."
Jeremiah 45:3

Ever felt this way. In this world of wickedness that surrounds us. The words from Jeremiah to his scribe, and then later to the people of Israel may not have seemed very encouraging, but we need to remember again, God's plan and that He can't take us out of the world.

"Forget about making any big plans for yourself. Things are going to get worse before they get better. But don't worry." (Jeremiah 45:5) (Message)

Things were not necessarily going to get better straight away. Because of the wickedness in the world, God had to send His justice, but He did have a promise for Baruch and the people of Israel - the same promise He has for us:

"I will protect you wherever you go." Jeremiah 45:5b) (NLT)

"Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant, for I am with you." says the Lord.(NLT)Jeremiah 46:28

"Yes, dear Jacob my servant, you have nothing to fear. Depend on it. I am on your side." 46:28 (The Message)

God's intervention may not always be obvious at the time. His justice may not always seem clear, but we can be sure of these: GOD'S TIMING and HIS PROMISES.

2.a) Are there times when you worry about your future?  How can you put your life in God's hands? 

b) How can you trust in God's timing and His promises?

THE KING OF KINGS WITH REIGN FOREVER

Read Psalm 10:16-18, Matthew 25:31-46


The Lord Jesus Christ is ultimately our eternal King. He has come once and has died for us, so that we could have forgiveness and freedom from our sins. Now as we wait for the day when He comes again to rescue us from the tyranny of the evil of others, he has a job for us - we must shine the light of righteousness, so the wicked can be turned to the light of Christ's salvation and the helpless can be comforted by His grace.


* The New Matthew Henry Commentary, Edited by Matthew H Manser

* Holy Bible, New Living Translation (1996) Tyndale Publishers
* The Message (2002) Eugene Peterson, NavPress
* God's Word Translation (2003) Green Key
* International Children's Bible (2006) Thomas Nelson

PSALM 10- Prayer in the Valley - Part 2

FACING OUR FEARS - The Evil in the World

Read Psalm 10:2-11; 2 Timothy 2:22


Yesterday I spent an hour with my psychologist. A few days before I had convinced myself again, that no matter what direction the Lord was taking me, I wasn't sure I wanted to go. There were too many unknowns, too many fears to face, and what about those little `enemies' that kept sneaking in.

When we look with David at all the evil that was in his world, it was no wonder he was crying out to God. Things haven't changed much in our world today. Let's take a quick look:

1. Arrogance of the Powerful and Oppression of Weak - It happens in the home, it happens on the streets, it happens in the workplace. Wherever someone feels they have the upper hand and can be stronger, they can make the choice to help or oppress.

"The wicked person arrogantly pursues oppressed people." (V2)

2. Pride and Evil Desires - Drunkeness and sexual sins, greed and covetousness, approval of sin. People don't just engage in these sins, they actually enjoy them, and they feel no remorse.

"The wicked person boasts about his selfish desires.... he curses the Lord." (V3)

"Don't let the wise people brag about their wisdom. Don't let strong people brag about their strength. Don't let rich people brag about their riches. If they want to brag let it be that they understand and know me. They should brag that I the Lord act out of love, righteousness and justice on the earth. This kind of bragging pleases me, declares the Lord." Jeremiah 9:23&24

3. Reviles the Lord - If you love sin, how can you truly honour a righteous, holy God.

".....God doesn't care'.... `There is no God" (V4)

4. Denies God's Providence - Those that deny God tend to see themselves as invincible and harden their hearts to iniquity.

"They always succeed. They are far from keeping the laws..... They say to themselves, `Nothing bad will happen to me'. " (V5&6)

5. An Evil Tongue - Along with an evil heart usually comes an evil tongue - cursing, lies and threats - which will ultimately lead to trouble.

".... They use their tongues for sin and evil." (V7)

"The tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself." James 3:6

6. Violence Towards the Helpless - David continues to describes further oppression of the weak, which is something we could easily be reading in our daily newspaper.

"The poor are thrown down and crushed. They are defeated because others are stronger."
(V10)

7. Practical Atheism - Denying that God cares and is active in creation The evil person does not necessarily deny the existence of God but they lack faith in his omnipotence.

"They say to themselves, "God won't punish us." (V13)

David seems to be complain a lot about the evil in the world. Was he judging? Was it because of fear? Because he cared for the poor? Maybe a little of all three. But David also knew that it was so easy for him to fall into this same trap of evil. So easy to become uncaring and blase about the needs surrounding him.

2. Which one or any of the above do you feel most strongly about? 

The ladies in my Bible Study seem to get into heavy discussions each week about things they see on the news or Today Tonight;  because we all find injustice a little hard to take. These big problems of homelessness, spouse and child abuse, trafficking of young woman and children as prostitutes are just on our doorsteps but we feel helpless to do anything about,  though a number of our ladies help in shelters and foodbanks. We can't do a lot about the global issues of poverty, though we have our child sponsorship.  th  There are many things we may not be able to do, but there are the little things.  Maybe even just going next door and seeing if your neighbour is in need or hurting.

We may not be able to stop the evil, but at least we may be able to show some little bit of  kindness!!

3. What little bit of kindness can you do today to help make a some difference to the injustices `on our doorstep'? 

Paul told Timothy that he had a responsibility to stay pure and sometimes we are afraid to find out what is happening in our world because we might get tainted by evil. In his book, `Help I'm Being Tempted', Bob Gass tells us that `running' can sometimes be a strength and not a weakness. The world is screaming for your allegiance and there are some temptations in this world that may be a stumbling block to us, and it may be wise to `run away'.

Other times, we may be placed in situations where we need the Holy Spirit's empowerment to overcome temptation and to face evil head on. Remember when this time comes - take your SWORD - the WORD OF GOD with you and your SHIELD- the power of FAITHFUL PRAYER.

"Prayer puts a shield of divine protection around you. You can't live without it." Bob Gass.

Acknowledge that there is evil in the world or you will be vulnerable to the devil's attacks, you will become uncaring and will close your eyes to the needs around you and you will become so full of fear you will forget the empowerment you have in the Lord to fight it.

"I will not be afraid because the Lord is with me." Psalm 118:6

"You dear children are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world." 1 John 4:4

4. Is there anything that you are afraid to face on your own because you feel vulnerable to attack?
Pray, and ask God whether you should say `no' or `yes' to the fight against it. 



* The New Matthew Henry Commentary, Edited by Martin H. Manser

* "Help I'm Being Tempted", Bob Gass

* Holy Bible, New Living Translation (1996), Tyndale Publishers

PSALM 10 - PRAYER IN THE VALLEY - Part 1

INTRODUCTION

Read Psalm 10.

In Psalm 9 we found one answer to finding victory over trials and battles - PRAISE! We also discovered that the battles would not go away, and so it is true with the wickedness in our world. So what can we do when we come down from that mountain of praise into that valley of temptation and wickedness.

David was feeling a little overwhelmed by the wickedness surrounding him, the poverty in his world that he felt helpless to do anything about on his own, and at first it felt like God was a little afar off and maybe didn't even care. So what did David do? Well what did David always do - he PRAYED!

1. He identified the problem - the wickedness of the evil and the helplessness of the oppressed.
2. He acknowledged the omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing), omnipresent (all surrounding), compassionate and loving God.
3. He recognized that God was indeed a faithful God who would answer His prayers - in His time.

And guess what - through this prayer, David's faith was renewed! He didn't have to face this world of wickedness and poverty on his own. He may not have had a plan, but GOD DID. And that plan was to bring `JUSTICE' AND `GRACE' through His SON JESUS CHRIST.

Sometimes God may seem far off and we may find praying a little hard to to do. It's easy up on the mountain, but what about when we come down into the valley. If we identify that God truly is what we believe Him to be - faithful, merciful, loving, all powerful, all knowing and ever present, then we will not only be able to pray, but the Holy Spirit will tell you what to say.

By the end of this Psalm study my hope as you pray with David is that you may too have your hope revitalized - trusting in an eternal King who is our `hope for the helpless'.

1. Is their anything in your life at the moment that may be putting distance between you and God?

WHY ARE YOU SO DISTANT LORD? WHY HAVE YOU HID YOURSELF?

Read Psalm 10:1; Jeremiah 14:10-12

Why does God sometimes seem so far off? Why does he not always feel close in times of trouble?

This is a question that every Pastor has been asked to speak about because it something everyone has experienced. It is comforting to know that people like David and Jeremiah too, felt this way. One of the answers we are often given is that God has not moved, we have.

David and Jeremiah, like we often do, were looking around at the unrest around them, because of the wickedness. God even said to Jeremiah:"Don't pray for the good of these people". (Jeremiah 4:11). It seemed to Jeremiah, as it had to David many years before, that indeed, God had stopped listening. But we need to look at this in the context of GOD'S GREAT PLAN.

For in His plan of repentance and restoration, God's people first needed to see their need for salvation. In the days of David and Jeremiah they had their prophecies and promises:

"In those days and in that time, I will cause a righteous branch to spring up for David. He will do what is fair and right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live securely. Jerusalem will be called, `The Lord is our Righteousness'. David will forever have a descendent sitting on the throne of Righteousness'. Jeremiah 33:14-16


We now know that `Righteous Branch' to be our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,but there are still those who will not accept Him. God is awaiting for them to come to Him in repentance, and as Peter reminds us, meanwhile, we are to pray and wait for the Lord's return.

"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
2 Peter 3:9

Until then, because there are those who afar off and there may even be days when we may feel distant ourselves, we may like David ask ourselves at times:

"Why are you so distant Lord? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" Psalm 10:1


2. Do you know anyone who is slow in coming to repentance? Take time to pray for them now, and remember not to give up, for God will keep his promise for them. 


* The New Matthew Henry Commentary, Edited by Martin H Manser

* Holy Bible, New Living Translation (1996), Tyndale Publishers

PSALM 9 - PRAISE & VICTORY

INTRODUCTION

Read Psalm 9

David was a man who loved to PRAISE THE LORD and so was my dad. I don't know anything about his conversion story, but I do know one of his favourite songs of victory: "Since Jesus Came into My Heart"
I can still here those `Hallelujahs' and `Praise the Lords' ringing out as my dad sang:

"What a wonderful change is my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart.  
I have light in my soul for which long I have sought, since Jesus came into my heart." 1

My dad fought an ongoing battle with grief and depression most of his life after the death of his brother, son and later my mother. It is interesting to note that the writer of this hymn, Rufus McDaniel, a Southern Ohio pastor, wrote this hymn with one aim in mind, to bring joy and hope into the life of he and his wife after the death of their son.

Last week when I returned to my psychologist I was discouraged as I wrote on my form, `I'm back, I've fallen, I am losing the battle again'. Fifteen months ago, I thought I had won the victory.  I was sure it would be the last battle as with renewed confidence in the Lord and myself, I was weaned off my medication.  As I read this Psalm, I am encouraged that like David and my dad who fought many battles; they still continued to sing God's praises. Why?  Because, they knew, like I do that since Jesus came into my heart, I am `possessed with a hope that is steadfast and sure'.  We can PRAISE GOD through all our battles for we know we have an ETERNAL VICTORY!

1. Battles may be on going, but so can be the victories.  

a) Do you know any people in your life who have learnt this truth about praise?  What is it about their life that shows us this?

b) Have you learnt it?  How can you be an encouragement to others?


JOY COMES THROUGH PRAISE AS ENEMIES ARE DEFEATED

Read Psalm 9:1-6;  2 Chronicles 20:15-24

In these first 6 verses of this Psalm David praises God for His mercies and for all the great miracles God had done throughout his life. We know David had fought many battles, both with literal enemies and those of the soul.  We also know he fought them not in his own strength; for he learnt from an early age that God was stronger and bolder than any enemies David fought, so he was never on his own. In the end, David's enemies would always be made to turn away.

In this passage in 2 Chronicles we meet another king who faced a battle, and like David, he learnt that praising God and resting in Him was certainly the way to boldly conquer enemies. While spending time in praise and worship, their enemies were busy fighting amongst themselves.  When the Army of Judah arrived, all they saw were dead bodies.


Sometimes God tells us, like he did Jehoshaphat: `You won't even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord's victory'.  Other times, like David, God will want us to fight the battles; but whatever we need to do, one thing is sure, we have this promise `GOD IS WITH YOU'. All we need to do is `GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HIS MERCY AND LOVINGKINDNESS ENDURE FOREVER'.


This was the essence of God's battle plan for Jehoshaphat, for David, and I know it always was for my Dad too. He was always singing praises. Oh he wasn't necessarily thanking God for his troubles, but praising God for being there with him as he went through them.





2. Jehoshaphat and David were just two kings in the Old Testament that God spoke to about waiting on him for victory.  Do you have a favourite?  Share the story with the group.  Maybe you have `battle story' of your own you might like to share.


THE LORD OUR DEFENDER

Read Psalm 9:7-10; 2 Samuel 22:30-51

Praise is the best weapon of warfare.  Armed with praise and his shield of faith,  David would go forth and not only pursue, but drive his enemies away.

"God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises are true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a Solid Rock? God is my strong fortress and He makes my way perfect." 2 Samuel 22:31-33

We know God is our eternal defender. He sent His Son Jesus as our Redeemer, so we can have the ultimate ETERNAL VICTORY over our enemy.

"The Lord rules forever. He sits on the throne to judge and he will judge the world in fairness and He will decide what is fair for the nations. The Lord defends those who suffer; He defends them in times of trouble. Those who know the Lord trust Him because He WILL NOT LEAVE those WHO COME TO HIM." Psalm 9:7-10

What PROMISES!  What VICTORY! What a CHOICE we now need to make. Yes, the promises are there for us to grasp, but only if we make the right choices. We can trust the Lord who has a plan for our lives - a victorious life, a life of salvation in His Son, a life of strength and comfort through trials, a life with a God who will not leave our side.

LET THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD SAY SO

Read Psalm 9:11-14

"At the gates of Jerusalem, I will praise You. I will rejoice because you saved me." Psalm 9:11

I remember in the 80's and 90's when I thought I could sing, I would lead the worship in Church. We would sing simple songs of praise with guitars.  Then came the modern hymns of revival, which I sung with gusto, but discovered you actually had to know a little about music to lead. But I have always been a lover of praise and worship music.

We used to sing a simple ditty that went like this:

"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so
I'm redeemed, I'm redeemed, praise the Lord". 2

I believe these words must have been pretty important to God, because 30 years later, for a new generation, the words were revived by Israel Houghton and Michael Gungor.   3

But David knew a long time before I ever did the importance of this salvation message.  When he wrote this psalm he knew that one day salvation would come to his people, and if people were to know about and return to the Lord, he had to tell them about it.  He had to sing His praises.  Praise the Lord!! SALVATION HAS COME TO US, but we still need to keep singing those praises , and let others know.

Don't worry, I promise I won't take up worship leading or singing in public again (except in the pew), but I might do a dad trick now and then.  He used to embarrass us in the most public of places with those `hallelujahs' and `praise the Lords'.  He just couldn't help himself!

WE HAVE A CHOICE!

Read Psalm 9:15-20, 2 Corinthians 12:9&10

The wicked will fall and people will one day discover that they cannot rely on their own strength, but until then there would be further troubles ahead.  David knew this, and we can be sure, there is still more trials and tribulation ahead in our day, but we also know, as David did, that we don't have to face these troubles alone. The choice was THERE'S and the choice is OURS still. We cannot find answers in our own power, we can only TRUST in the ONE TRUE GOD.

Do we face our troubles alone?  Or do we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, and face them with Him as our omnipresent guide and friend?

Paul also reminded us that when we are in Christ Jesus and His Spirit is within us, we can live in His power, His strength and His grace. God is greater than all our suffering and any of our battles.

"My grace is sufficient for You, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insult, in hardship, in persecution, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."  2 Corinthians 12:10. 

CONCLUSION

What more can I say? David knew it. The hymn and songwriters knew it. My Dad knew it and I know it.  PRAISING GOD IS THE ESSENCE OF VICTORY! When you TRUST HIM, acknowledge Him as your Lord and Saviour, what more do you want to do but PRAISE HIS NAME!!


1. "Since Jesus Came Into My Heart" (1912) Rufus McDaniel

2. "Let The Redeemed of the Lord Say So" (1978) Ward Ellis

3 "Say So" (2005) Israel Houghton & Michael Gungor.

* The Complete Book of Hymns , Bill & Ardythe Peterson, Thomas Nelson Publishers
* The Power of Praying Through the Bible (2008) Stormie Omartian, Harvest House Publishers
* New Living Translation Bible 

PSALM 8 - LIVING AS A VALUED CHILD OF GOD

INTRODUCTION

Read Psalm 1:1&2

God created us with a desire to be loved and needed; in most of us a longing to contribute to the needs of others. As a majestic and sovereign God who created all things, his best creation was indeed HIS CHILDREN - we are a celebration of His love and He has placed great value on us.

One of the things about being a cancer survivor is that when you start feeling fit and healthy again there is this real pressure (you place on yourself) to do something significant. As a survivor, you know you must have been chosen by God to`change the world'. You see people on TV who are doing all these amazing things, and you wonder, well, what can I do?

About 18years ago I was in a similar place.  I had just lost my younger sister to breast cancer, and although I was in `survivor' mode, I was grieving. I was 35 years old and desperately felt the need to make a difference in the world. I was very much alive - physically - so I knew God had a special purpose for my life. I was a wife, a mother, a parent helper at my school, and up until moving to Adelaide where teaching R.E in Schools was no longer permissable, I had been very involved with children's and women's outreach in the army communities in which I had lived. But suddenly depression and anxiety had overtaken me, so much so that my life had become rather debilitating. Yes, I had a heart to serve, but suddenly I had lost the ability.

My journey back began in this psalm, so as I come here again I am seeking that renewal and refreshing I found back in 1995, though I realize it may come in a different way.  Once again stuck in this vicious cycle - with a heart and a passion to live a life for the Lord, yet lacking the emotional vitality to do so, the Lord may have a new lesson to teach me.

Like all David's psalms they are not simply `reflections of a creative artist', but led by the Holy Spirit, His words are promises from God. Back in 1995, I discovered this promise:

"When I consider the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you CARE for him?" Psalm 8:3&4

It has taken me a little longer to discover that this value and care God places on me does not depend on me accomplishing His work. I don't have to earn His love. You see God honours us by accomplishing His work through us.  I have found that when I do His work it brings me so much pleasure,  but it is not a way to earn God's love or the love of others.  It is definitely not a way to earn salvation, for that we know is only earned by GOD'S GRACE.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift from God, not by works, so that anyone can boast. We are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God has prepared in advance for us to do."  Ephesians 2:8-10.

We have been placed a `little lower than the angels' and have been crowned, just liked His Son Jesus Christ, `with glory and honour'. Join me today and claim this promise of God's personal GRACE, LOVE AND CARE. This promise will never change over the years.

1.a) Was there a time in your life when have felt the need to `change the world'? 

b) Have you ever felt the need to earn God's love? How did this make you feel?

c) How did you feel when you discovered the truth about GRACE?

If you haven't discovered this truth yet, I am here or can lead you to someone who can help you. 

OUR MAJESTIC GOD

Read Psalm 1&2

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth!" Psalm 1:1

Many well known praise and worship choruses from the 80's and 90's use these words, but the original come from David himself. It is believed he wrote them just after he had defeated Goliath.

When David returned from killing Goliath and watching the Philistines flee, the people were dancing, singing and playing their musical instruments, celebrating his win. But David knew better - the true glory for the battle  needed to go to our omnipotent, all powerful, all sovereign God and Father. Even as a young child David knew that God was the one that He needed to praise and adore, and that no enemy could defeat Him.

"David celebrates the supreme power of God over everything. He declares from the beginning that God has no rival. He is subject to no other power and He reigns supreme." Charles R Swindoll.

2. Can you think of a praise and majestic chorus that you love to sing with these words?  Maybe you can take some time to sing it now.

GOD CARES FOR YOU

Read Psalm 8:3&4, 1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 6:30

Even as a young child, David loved to stargaze. It reminded him, not only how great His God was, but how important he was to God, even though, he was only so small. As we're contemplating over the recent Boston Bombing and other disasters that have been happening all over our world, we are reminded that God has so many things to take care of. Still, David reminds us GOD CARES FOR US.  Peter later reminds us GOD CARES ABOUT YOU; and even Jesus Himself took the time to make sure we knew that GOD CERTAINLY CARED FOR YOU.

"What is mortal man that you remember us, or the Son of Man that you take care of Him" Psalm 8:4 (GWT)

"Turn all your anxiety over to God because He cares for You." 1 Peter 5:7(GWT)

"If that is how God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?" Matthew 6:30  (NLT)

3. Take some time now to think about some things in your life that you need to bring before the Lord.  Remember he cares about what you may seem are even the simplest things. 

GOD HAS GIVEN YOU A TRUE PLACE OF DIGNITY

Read Psalm 5-8, Matthew 10:5-10

It doesn't always feel like it, but God has given us a place of dignity in the world, for his purpose is more important than anything you could imagine; and this is highlighted in this Psalm.

Not only are we `higher than the angels' (in some versions, it is put, `a little lower than God'), we are placed equal with Jesus Christ, God's own Son.  We have been given charge over everything in the world, God has made.  A great responsibility.  You bet - and sometimes a little overwhelming.

I am not a Catholic, but one of the greatest blessings I have had over my years of ministry has been able to worship interdenominationally.  One Catholic service I attended was dedicated to St Francis of Assisi, who I learnt was the patron saint of nature. This Sunday the children had been encouraged to bring their pets to Church, and it was the first time I heard this story:

"St Francis (born in 1182) was the son of rich man who sold fine cloth. Francis also loved bright clothing and fine things, but as a child he was also known for his charitable heart and his love of nature. One day he saw a child in the market place who was cold, and he took one of his father's finest coats, and gave it to her.

Later in 1201, after returning from military service where he had been a captive, Francis had a spiritual experience. He was in his church praying.  It was a very run down Church and needed a lot of work.  It is said he saw a vision of Jesus who told him to `go and repair my house which as you see is falling into ruins'.  He took this to mean he was have the Church rebuilt, and using his profits from his father's business he did just that.  Not happy with him, Pietro, his father, beat him and after legal precedings, Francis disowned his father and set out to serve the Lord.  For two years he lived in the countryside surrounding Assisi, and rebuilt the little chapels in the surrounding towns.

In 1209, in one of these Chapels, Francis heard a sermon that changed his life. Based on Matthew 10, where Jesus sent out his disciples to minister.  

"Don't take any money in your money belts - no gold, silver or even copper coins. Don't take a travelling bag for your trip, a change of clothes, sandals or a walking stick. After all, the worker deserves to have his needs met." Matthew 10:9&10

Francis set out, making a vow of poverty, clad in a rough garment, barefoot, sharing the gospel of repentance. To cut a long story short, St Francis as he later became known, devoted his life to poverty, missions work, caring for God creature's and sharing the gospel."

Now I don't believe Jesus was necessarily telling us we have to live in poverty, but I do believe that St Francis got the message, as David shared in this Psalm, that as valued children of God, created like His Son Jesus Christ, we are to live a life as Jesus did, caring and loving all God's creatures. Most importantly we are to follow the example of St Francis sharing the gospel of salvation with those who have ears to hear.

4.  What is something you can do today to show that you love and care for God's creatures like Jesus did?

BENEDICTION

Read Psalm 8:9

David began with a Doxology, praising and adoring his great God, and he finished exactly the same way.  The greatest lesson I learnt back in 1995, that is still relevant today, is that no matter how honoured I feel for the work I do for the Lord, no matter how loved and recognized, all glory goes to God. St Francis of Assissi also knew this when he wrote his well known hymn back in 1225, "All Creatures of Our God and King", and David knew it when when he finished this psalm with these words:

"O Lord, O Lord, how majestic is Your Name throughout the earth." Psalm 8:9 (GWT)

* Living in the Psalms (2012) Charles H Swindoll, Worthy Publishing

*God's Word Translation (2003) Green Key Books

* Wikipedia .org.Francis of Assisi 

* The Complete Book of Hymns, Bill & Ardythe Peterson.

* New Living Translation (1996) Tyndale Publishers