Hello FBC!
He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know His rules. Praise the LORD! (Psalm 147:20)
“There are innumerable reasons why it is both right and good to praise the Lord. Psalm 147 alternates between two broad categories of the praise of God. On the one hand, the God of Israel is the one true God who has made and who rules the heavens and the earth. To pick out one sample statement, He determines the number of the stars; He gives to all of them their names (v. 4). The vastness and scope of the galaxies and starry hosts of the universe are the result of God’s planning, design, and determined will, and His naming all the stars (there are 100 billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy alone!) indicates His rightful jurisdiction over them all. On the other hand, this same God, the Creator and providential Ruler of all, is also the God of His own people, Israel. Again, to pick out one poignant statement: He has not dealt thus (good and gracious, providing and protecting) with any other nation; they do not know His rules (v. 20). Indeed, how kind God was to give this people, the people of His choosing, His word, His law, His rules that are a reflection of His character and care, in that God’s commands outline a safe and good path for God’s people (cf. Psalm 19:7-11; Psalm 119).
These, then, are some of the reasons why God should be praised and why His people should be thrilled, awe-struck, and amazed, that they are His people and He is their God. What a God this is! What a privilege to be the people of God, ultimately the very body of Christ! The one true and living God, the Creator and Ruler of all, is our God. Praise be to the Lord!” (Gospel Transformation Bible)
Men, I want to tell you about a few great opportunites coming up:
July 15, Men’s Breakfast, 7:00am. Duan Walker of Mid-Valley Fellowship in Albany will be here to speak to us. We will have a great breakfast and fellowship, and Duan will be sharing some of his testimony and about the ministry of MVF, which is a local Christian organization helping individuals obtain sexual wholeness in the midst of a broken and confused world. More info about MVF can be found here: http://www.midvalleyfellowship.org/
Sons of Thunder (3 weekends to choose from) – This is a father-son camping weekend at Camp Tadmor. I went to it with my sons for a number of years. It’s an amazing weekend. Now my boys are too old [:(], but if you have a son in grade 1-8, I highly recommend you check this out. We also have a few boys in the church who don’t have a dad able to take them to this. If you’d be interested in taking one of them, talk to me about it. More info here: http://www.cbnw.org/events/sot/
Men’s Roundup – September 8-10. This is always a great weekend to get away with other men, eat great food, worship the Lord together, hear great music, learn from great speakers, and play and/or relax (last year a few of us even brought home a trophy from the beach volleyball tournament!) Once again there will be an excellent speaker (John Lynch). Every man in our church should consider going this year! Please reply to this and let me know if I can count you in – we can register as a group and if we have 10 guys, we can get one more registration free. Also let me know if you’d rather try to get a cabin, or if you would prefer to camp. Don’t miss out on this amazing weekend! More info here: http://mensroundup.com/
This Sunday – I will be speaking on “Contentment through Christ” from Philippians 4:11-13 and many other Scriptures. This is the next-to-last message in our “Dollar$ & $ense” series. Here is the memory verse we’ll be saying together:
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13)
God bless you today! Grace be with you. Looking forward to seeing you Sunday!
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael