In our daily Bible reading today… all I can say is, “Wow!” So much powerful truth. If you haven’t already, I would encourage you to read David’s beautiful prayer in 2 Samuel 7:18-29. The prayers in the Bible are tremendous examples for us, and David’s prayer here is certainly no different.
Then we began reading Psalm 119. I’m glad the reading calendar didn’t make me read the entire thing today (176 verses)! But perhaps the most famous verses come from the beginning of the chapter, which we read today:
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek You; let me not wander from Your commandments! I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You (Ps. 119:9-11). Not only should each of us take these words to heart (literally, store them up in our heart!), but we have the great responsibility of teaching children (how can a young man…). Last Sunday we had the end of the year Awards & BBQ for our AWANA program. What a blessing! It is awesome to see so many young people memorizing so many verses from God’s Word. We are making an eternal difference in young lives! Thank you so much to all of the leaders and helpers who once again made this year a fantastic success (and don’t forget the appreciation dessert tonight)!
And to top it off, we finished reading Acts today! The words seemed somewhat familiar this morning didn’t they? I pray that we will follow Paul’s example in proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance (Acts 28:31).
This Sunday I will begin a new sermon series: CHRISTIAN BELIEFS. It is so important that we know what we believe. There is rampant false teaching in our culture, and even in many “Christian” churches. This series will be a sort of “Back to the Basics” type of series. I don’t plan to cover every single matter of Christian doctrine, but will have 12 messages on what I think are the essential beliefs for every Christian. This will coincide nicely with our Saturday Men’s Study, as we are beginning the workbook, “Fundamentals of the Faith” this week. There are still a few books left, Men, if any of you want to join us! (And for those men that have been coming, remember we are memorizing Romans 15:4 this week.
But back to this Sunday – the first message in the series will be “God in the World & in the Word” from Psalm 19. Please read this wonderful Psalm before Sunday’s worship service. We will focus on the ways in which God reveals Himself to us – in creation, in His Word, and in His redemption.
Also don’t forget that Monday is Memorial Day. Remember to pray for our servicemen and women, and especially for those families who have lost loved ones in battle. Thank you to all those who have sacrificed so much in the defense of our freedom!
See you Sunday!
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael