Bible Study - How to Pray - A Prayer of Surrender - Matthew 6:10-11 and James 4:6-10' 13-17 - October 28, 2018

Bible Study – How to Pray (3) – A Prayer of Surrender – October 28, 2018

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “How to Pray.”

Our focus scripture is Matthew 6:10-11a and James 4:6-10, 13-17.

Approach prayer with humble submission to the will of GOD.

What is humility? Some think of humility as weakness but true humility is having the power and ability to do something but not using it. Humility is knowing you have the power but trusting GOD to lead you or waiting for GOD’S instructions. The key to living the obedient Christian life is allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you. But we live in a time when most of us are in a hurry. We want instant answers. We ask “google.” (I do.)

Let’s read Matthew 6:10-11:

10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

11 Give us today our daily bread. 

JESUS instructed HIS disciples to pray for GOD’S kingdom to come.

JESUS established GOD’S kingdom upon earth. The establishing of GOD’S Kingdom upon earth took GOD allowing HIS only Son, JESUS, to come to earth to be born in the flesh. HE lived upon earth as 100% human, yet HE was 100% GOD. HE chose to leave HIS Glory in Heaven.

 (John 17:5 - 5 Now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with that glory I had with You before the world existed.) HE had the capability to sin as a human. In order for JESUS to qualify as the perfect sacrifice for sin, HE had to have the ability to sin but the freedom to choose to live a sinless life. HE had to give HIS perfect life as a sacrifices for sin, which HE did. HE willingly gave HIS perfect physical life to death upon the cross, as the perfect sacrifice for sin. JESUS died where you and I should have died and the good news is we did. When JESUS died, in essence, every person who places their faith in JESUS died with HIM. JESUS substituted Himself for every Christian. But the Good News is that GOD raised HIM from the physically dead and gave HIM eternal life. When JESUS ascended into Heaven and took HIS seat at the right-hand of GOD, HIS Father, HIS Glory was restored. (JESUS’ restored Glory – Revelation 1:12-18)

GOD resurrected JESUS in HIS Glorified Body to demonstrate to all who will place their faith in JESUS what awaits them.  How do we know that? The resurrection of JESUS by GOD from the physically dead to the eternally alive but absent the Glory JESUS had before the world was created. The resurrection of JESUS is GOD’S example to all who place their faith in JESUS. Awesome! JESUS walked upon earth for 40 days after HIS resurrection demonstrating the capability of HIS Glorified body in the physical world.

This is GOD’S guarantee to every human, who places his or her faith in JESUS, he or she is instantly born into GOD’S family and has eternal life. The shed blood of JESUS paid, in full, for all of our sins – past, present and future.

The passion of JESUS established GOD’S Kingdom upon earth. GOD’S Kingdom will be permanently and eternally established upon earth. There will be a new heaven and a new earth where GOD reigns and all born into the family of GOD will obediently and joyfully serve HIM.

As recorded in the scripture, JESUS instructed HIS disciples to pray that GOD’S will be done upon earth as it is in Heaven.

As the people of earth obediently serve GOD, HE provides them with that which is needed to live as they carry out the will of their Heavenly Father. Without being in right relationship with GOD, through faith in JESUS, many Christians struggle to trust as we obediently serve.

Let’s read James 4:6-10:

6 But He gives greater grace. Therefore, He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 

GOD’S Grace is vital to all who place their faith in JESUS. Why? It is because, Christians sin. Oh? I thought Christians were perfect? Yes, they are because those who have paced their faith in JESUS, GOD placed their sin upon JESUS so they can become the righteousness of GOD. Consider 2 Corinthians 5:20-21:

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ; certain that God is appealing through us, we plead on Christ's behalf, "Be reconciled to God." 

21 He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Do you recall 1 John 1:7-10? Yes, even though Christians are righteous before GOD, they still sin. 1 John 1:7-10:

7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 

8 If we say, "We have no sin," we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

10 If we say, "We have not sinned," we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

A Christian’s part is to acknowledge his or her sin, confess it and stop doing it (Repent). Confessing is agreeing with GOD that he or she has sinned. Confessing is a form of humility. When a Christian tries to hide his or her sin, it gives Satan a hold on them. It is like a festering sore that will not heal. It is a constant reminder. Confession opens that festering sore so that it can heal from the inside out and become a healthy part of the body of CHRIST.

James, the half-brother of JESUS, continued to enlighten us through the written Word -----

7 Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. 

8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! 

9 Be miserable and mourn and weep. Your laughter must change to mourning and your joy to sorrow. 

10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. 

Yes. Christians are in spiritual warfare as they live upon earth. What does James reveal to us?

The adversary of GOD and JESUS seeks to destroy all who submit to the will of GOD. The Apostle Peter recorded his experience with Satan in 1 Peter 5: 8 Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.

James revealed his dealing with Satan as a recorded in verse 7.

Then James tells us what to do. When Christians encounter Satan, they are to immediately draw near to GOD. JESUS defeated Satan and his angels but Satan still tries to come between Christians and their obediently serving GOD. Christians are under attack. Our shelter is the fact that we eternally belong to GOD and nothing will ever change that fact. Our relationship to GOD through faith in JESUS is sealed, guaranteed and secured by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

When Christians do not realize and understand their eternal relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS, they are double minded. Every Christian is in Spiritual warfare. They are on the battlefield of life 24/7. Christians must realize and acknowledge that the only way to fight Spiritually is to stop trying to fight Satan in their strength but to humble themselves and let GOD and JESUS fight for them. The Apostle Paul captures such spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10-18.

What does Proverbs 3:5-7 reveal to us:

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; 

6 think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. 

7 Don't consider yourself to be wise; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 

True wisdom comes from GOD. That is why Christians must build and maintain the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS, as empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Christians must humble themselves before GOD. Many of us take life for granted but James reminds every human about physical life ----

Let’s read James 4:13-17:

13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit." 

14You don't even know what tomorrow will bring-what your life will be! For you are a bit of smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes. 

15 Instead, you should say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." 

16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 

17 So, for the person who knows to do good and doesn't do it, it is a sin.

Every human must acknowledge that life in eternity is but one heartbeat away. We all make plans but making plans never assures that our plans will be realized. That does not mean that we are not to plan but to maintain the proper perspective. Life is fragile.

Truly life is but a vapor which appears and then soon disappears. What is constant? Eternity. Satan’s lie is that you have plenty of time to get things in order. You have so much to accomplish. This is true but are the things you desire to accomplish your things or GOD’S?

Talk to GOD in prayer. Evaluate the content of your prayer. Is it more about you or what GOD desires for you to do for HIM? Ask GOD to reveal areas in your life that you have not given or surrendered to HIM.

JESUS taught HIS disciples that they should have faith. How much “faith?” They then and we today need to have faith the size of a “mustard seed.” Is it our faith or is it our faith in GOD? Is our GOD big enough to accomplish that which needs to be accomplished? JESUS said our faith needs to be only the size of a mustard seed. But the potential of the mustard seed is huge when planted in fertile, well-watered soil, sunshine and nourished. The mustard seed has potential to motivate us, as GOD’S Children, to enlarge our confidence that there is nothing impossible with GOD. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - How to Pray (2) - A Prayer of Praise - Matthew 6:9 and Psalm 96:1-9 - October 21, 2018

Bible Study – How to Pray (2) – A Prayer of Praise – October 21, 2018

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “How to Pray.”

Our focus scripture is Matthew 6:9a and Psalm 96:1-9

Our prayers are driven by the desire to honor GOD. GOD is worthy of praise!

Salvation through faith in JESUS is ground zero. Once a person is born-again into the family of GOD, his or her desire is to obediently serve GOD and live for HIM. When we experience salvation, we are excited and full of assurance that GOD dwells within. The issues of life may come knocking at the door of our lives. If they do, how will we respond? Do we open the door and face the issues in our strength or ask GOD to remove them or seek strength from GOD. Romans 8:26-30:

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 

27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 

30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Some issues in our lives are the result of our own decisions. Other issues are the result of just living. Whatever the reason, we must face them and deal with them. GOD uses the issues in our lives to teach us and to reveal HIS care for us. Some lessons are very hard and some are easier. Let’s explore!

Considering the model prayer of JESUS, to whom do we take our issues? It is to GOD, as a Christian, to our Father.

Let’s read Matthew 6:9b; Psalm 96:1-3.

Matthew 6:9:

9 "Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy. 

GOD is sovereign and HE is holy and HE is to be shown honor and respect. 

GOD loves every person with self-giving love. But GOD made mankind with the freedom to choose. GOD chooses each of us but will you choose HIM? Will GOD become your Father through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth through faith in JESUS?

GOD revealed Himself in the Old Testament to the Israelites. GOD chose the Israelites to be HIS people. But would they choose HIM? They did as a nation. GOD had revealed Himself to Moses in the desert both through sight and sound e.g. audibly and sight through the burning bush.

Moses spoke to GOD and asked HIM to reveal HIS name, which HE did. GOD’S name when written is Yahweh or YHWH. HIS name translates “I AM WHO I AM” or “I AM.” How better for GOD to reveal Himself to HIS chosen people than through physical acts revealing HIS total care and involvement in the lives of HIS chosen people. HIS acts of sovereignty is revealed for all to see, the Israelites, surrounding nations and us today.

So why do the people of earth not see GOD through HIS handiwork and HIS awesome power? The people of earth have an adversary named Satan. Satan blinds the Spiritual eyes of humans. He deceives them by causing them to doubt the existence of GOD. He leads humans to seek other sources of spiritual power in the form of false gods, idols.

As we go into our next scripture as written in Psalm 96, we get to see the heart of a person who sees the One True GOD, YHWH.

Discover GOD through an intimate, loving, personal relationship through faith in JESUS. The psalmist was experiencing GOD through what he knew then, which was exciting and personal whereas since the passion of JESUS, we have a greater understanding as recorded in Hebrews 9:11-28:

New Covenant Ministry

11 Now the Messiah has appeared, high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation), 

12 He entered the holy of holies once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 

13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who are defiled, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 

14 how much more will the blood of the Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to serve the living God? 

15 Therefore He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance, because a death has taken place for redemption from the transgressions [committed] under the first covenant. 

16 Where a will exists, the death of the testator must be established. 

17 For a will is valid only when people die, since it is never in force while the testator is living. 

18 That is why even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood. 

19 For when every commandment had been proclaimed by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll itself and all the people, 

20 saying, This is the blood of the covenant that God has commanded for you. 

21 In the same way, he sprinkled the tabernacle and all the vessels of worship with blood. 

22 According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 

23 Therefore it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be purified with these [sacrifices], but the heavenly things themselves [to be purified] with better sacrifices than these.

24 For the Messiah did not enter a sanctuary made with hands (only a model of the true one) but into heaven itself, that He might now appear in the presence of God for us. 

25 He did not do this to offer Himself many times, as the high priest enters the sanctuary yearly with the blood of another. 

26 Otherwise, He would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 

27 And just as it is appointed for people to die once-and after this, judgment- 

28 so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

This is what we know today. Let’s see the heart of the psalmist. Did he see the freedom and peace GOD had provided by keeping the enemies of Israel as a nation at bay or was he looking to the day GOD would send HIS Messiah to earth?

Let’s read Psalm 96:1-3:

King of the Earth

1 Sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth. 

2 Sing to the Lord, praise His name; proclaim His salvation from day to day. 

3 Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful works among all peoples. 

The psalmist’s view of GOD was the GOD of salvation. Notice that when the psalmist discovers this aspect of GOD, he is overjoyed. His desire is for all people to experience this new found relationship. But the psalmist also recognized the need to proclaim this salvation day to day. This is in contrast to the gift of GOD to all who place their faith in JESUS and experience the miracle of rebirth, which is eternal.

Becoming a child of GOD through faith in JESUS does not mean Christians are to become complacent but to enjoy living in the assurance of salvation through the shed blood of JESUS.

Once the deceits of the physical world we live in are removed by physical death, every person will see the truth of eternity. He or she will experience eternal life either forever in the presence of GOD and JESUS or be on the outside looking in. For those who reject salvation through faith in JESUS and are on the outside looking in, oh what an agonizing eternity that will be. That is Hell. That will be eternal and everyone who refused to accept JESUS as his or her Savior, while he or she was upon earth, will thirst for the eternal living water that only faith in JESUS can provide.

I urge you not to be foolish. But ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your life now, so you can experience the miracle of rebirth in your spirit and receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the eternal oil that keeps the lamp of salvation burning as we all wait for the return of JESUS. Some are waiting as many are going into eternity every day.  

Eternity is real and the way is real. Eternal life is only through faith in JESUS as recorded in the words of JESUS in John 14:6:

6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.  

Christians are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. We are to declare the Glory of GOD as we obediently serve HIM as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

It is vital that every Christian sing this new song to all they encounter through life as the living water that only JESUS provides gushes from our life. This is not humanly derived but the result of a genuine relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. Father, here I am as I am and only YOU can help me to be all YOU desire for me to be.

This leads us into the our next verses ----

Let’s read Psalm 96:4-6:

4 For the Lord is great and is highly praised; He is feared above all gods. 

5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 

6 Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.         

The psalmist recognizes and acknowledges GOD as real, whereas all other gods are false. GOD is truth and all other gods are false. GOD made all that our eyes can see and it is reflects HIS splendor and majesty.

What is a sanctuary? It is a place where we can live knowing that it is protected. “Strength and beauty” are in GOD’S sanctuary and we are to be encouraged by these facts.

Let’s read Psalm 96:7-9:

7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 

8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory of His name; bring an offering and enter His courts.

9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of [His] holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth. 

What does “ascribe” mean? Ascribe is used three times in verses 7-8. It means “to give” or “to offer.” All people are to “ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.” How is a person to do that? He or she is to bring an offering and enter into HIS presence. What is the best offering a person can bring to GOD? It is himself or herself. When a person approaches GOD recognizing and honoring HIS sovereignty, he or she does so in humility but with rejoicing because of personal peace from national enemies.

That was before the passion of JESUS. But since the passion of JESUS, we, as Christians, are told to approach HIS throne as a child would approach his or her earthly father, referring to GOD as Daddy but with the utmost trust and respect.

Do you seek GOD? If so, HE can be found. All who seek HIM will find HIM. Just know that GOD allowed JESUS to come to earth in the flesh and live as a human. HE lived a sinless life and willingly gave HIS perfect life through the shedding of HIS blood to pay the sin debt for all who will place their faith in HIM. It is by FAITH.

Do you know GOD through faith in JESUS? My prayer is that you do. All Christians are on a Spiritual journey to build an intimate, loving, personal relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. Yes, there will be ups and downs but the overall direction is upward getting to know GOD. If you were to write a psalm what would you write? The key is to press on, finish the race by crossing the finish line trusting JESUS. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - How to Pray (1) - The Object of Our Prayer - Matthew 6:9a and Psalm 103 - October 14, 2018

Bible Study – How to Pray – The Object of Our Prayers – October 14, 2018

This is lesson one in our series entitled “How to Pray.”

Our focus scripture is Matthew 6:9a; Psalm 103:1-5, 11-13, 19-22.

A right view of GOD fuels how we pray.

What is your view of GOD? Do you know GOD or just know about GOD?

Where is GOD in relation to you? Is HE out there somewhere or within you as a Christian? Step one is to accept what JESUS has done for you by faith. 

What did HE do? JESUS willingly left HIS home in Heaven and came to earth to live as a human, to be subjected to the perils of human existence including the ability to sin, yet HE lived a sinless life. HE willingly gave HIS perfect human life to pay, in full, for the sin of mankind. HE died and was buried. GOD had a plan to reveal and prove what JESUS’ life and death accomplished. GOD raised the human body of JESUS from the physically dead to live eternally. Why? It was to prove and guarantee that JESUS life, death and resurrection had conquered both sin and its consequence eternal death. When a person places his or her faith in JESUS, his or her sins are placed upon JESUS and HIS righteousness is placed upon him or her. The person placing his or her faith in JESUS will receive this same eternal life and his or her Glorified body when JESUS comes to earth for the second time to redeem both the living and the dead in JESUS.

Does this mean Christians don’t immediately go to Heaven when they die physically? No! GOD has fashioned a special body for every Christian which they will occupy until they return with JESUS as recorded in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18:

The Comfort of Christ's Coming

13 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 

14 Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus. 

15 For we say this to you by a revelation from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord's coming will certainly have no advantage over those who have fallen asleep. 

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel's voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 

17 Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will always be with the Lord. 

18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Do you believe that JESUS gave HIS sinless life to pay, in full, for your sins by the shedding of HIS blood? If so, then you are a Christian. You are a child of GOD conceived by the Holy Spirit. Once a child of GOD, that fact is never changed. Remember what the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:15: (A Christian’s foundation is in JESUS and each Christian builds upon that foundation using building materials.)

15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. 

Paul was writing about obedience and rewards associated with obedience. 

Every Christian is building a personal relationship with GOD through his or her relationship with JESUS. Once a person is saved from sin and its consequence, eternal death, a person is GOD’S child through the miracle of rebirth in his or her spirit. The question is, “As Christians are we living in obedience to GOD’S desire for our lives?”

How do Christians do that? Remember, when a person accepts JESUS as his or her Savior, the Holy Spirit comes into his or her life to guarantee or to seal the new covenant made between GOD and that person. This new covenant was established by GOD with mankind when JESUS gave HIS life upon the cross by the shedding of HIS blood.

The miracle of rebirth in our spirit by the Spirit of GOD makes every person who places his or her faith in JESUS, GOD’S Son or Daughter. Thus GOD is every Christian’s Spiritual Father with all the rights and privileges of being a Child of GOD.

We are privileged to know this today. The disciples of JESUS thought JESUS would be an earthly king until after HIS resurrection.

JESUS was praying and a disciple asked HIM a question regarding how to pray as written in Luke 11:1-2:

1 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." 

2 So He said to them, "When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

In this scripture, we read that JESUS was praying and “one of JESUS’ disciple’s” asked HIM a very important question. “LORD, teach us how to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” Notice, it was a question which likely came from more than one disciple, “us.”

In Matthew, JESUS was teaching and HE included the model prayer in HIS “Sermon on the Mount.” When Bible scholars ponder these two scriptures, some conclude that the Luke version either came before or after the “Sermon on the Mount.” The order is not as important as the content. There are slight differences between the two prayers.

We do not know if the disciple who asked the question in Luke’s account was one of the twelve or a follower of JESUS. The setting leads me to think it was one of the twelve. The point is that the question was asked and JESUS responded to teach those in that day how to pray and to teach us today.

JESUS, in HIS Sermon on the Mount, taught those listening how to pray.  This is our focus scripture which is recorded in Matthew 6:9.

What is prayer? It is talking to GOD. It is a two-way conversation. We talk to GOD and GOD talks to us. Some may say, “If GOD spoke to me, I would run.” That is why GOD does not speak to you. All can come to GOD and talk to HIM. That is every person. Yes, every person. Those interested in knowing GOD and seeking salvation should talk to GOD and tell HIM. Then open the “eyes of your heart” and allow HIM speak to you. But realize, when HE speaks, the next step for you is to take action. Would you do that? We must keep in mind that all people must take a step of faith. If you are looking for an uneventful life, forget it. It will be an exciting journey with a retirement plan that is out of this world.

We have scripture from both the New Testament and the Old Testament. In the New Testament JESUS had come in the flesh. In the Old Testament, JESUS, The Promised Messiah, was yet to come. Consider this dynamic as you study this lesson.

Let’s read Matthew 6:9; Psalm 103:1-5:

Matthew 6:9:

9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 

JESUS addressed GOD as “Father.” This to me makes it clear that GOD, 

our Father, is male. HE is Holy and HE is to be honored and respected. When we pray, we are praying to GOD, whose Spirit/“Divine Sperm” make our human spirit alive through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth (Spiritual conception), thus “our Father.” Is this strange? No! How was JESUS conceived?

Now, we switch to the Psalm written by David. When you read Psalm 103, what picture does David paint of GOD? How did David form his knowledge of GOD? David looked externally but he knew internally what he had experienced in his life as he looked to GOD for his care, protection and guidance. Let’s explore!         

Psalm 103:1-5:

1 Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 

2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 

3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 

4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 

5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 

David was expressing his heart toward GOD which was coming from the very core of David’s being (the eyes of his heart). We express our love toward others in many different ways. But when it comes to GOD, how do we express our love and adoration when we know HIS majesty and the infinite love HE has.

We love our children, parents, spouse and friends. How do we show and express that love?

As we read this Psalm, we read some of attributes David expressed:

-         Praise HIS Holy Name

-         Remember all the good things GOD has done

-         Forgives our sins

-         Heals our diseases

-         Redeems our lives from the Pit/Hell

-       

  All of us are sinners and are condemned to Hell. Those HE has redeemed from Hell are never to continue life’s journey ashamed. When GOD redeems He also forgives, restores and forgets our past. To confirm redemption, GOD crowns those being redeemed from Hell with HIS marvelous light, HE shows Love and Compassion.

-        

When a person experiences the love and compassion of GOD, it inspires, renews and invigorates the person who experiences GOD’S best for HIS children. 

Let’s read Psalm 103:11-13:

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 

12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 

13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 

David was expressing the magnitude of GOD’S love for those who reverence, honor and respect HIM, which included him. When GOD forgives it is complete. David compared GOD’S forgiveness and compassion to an earthly father who shows compassion, out of love for his child.

Let’s read Psalm 103:19-22:

19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. 

20 Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.

21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.

22 Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, my soul.

David challenged the angels and all of HIS heavenly hosts to join in praising GOD. GOD is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscience. All are invited to join David in the praise of GOD. GOD is sovereign and over all in the heavens and universe.

As I began this lesson, the only way a person can experience GOD is to have an intimate, loving personal relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. The words of JESUS were recorded in John 14:6:

6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

Even as Christians, our opinion and view of GOD determines the relationship we will have with HIM.

If we consider GOD is aloof and does not care how we live as Christians or non-Christians, we live accordingly. By the same measure, if we consider GOD as a strict tyrant eager to punish if we sin, we would live in fear, meaning to be afraid. As GOD’S children, through faith in JESUS, what kind of relationship does GOD desire for us to have with HIM?

He desires for HIS children to come boldly to HIM as written in Hebrews 4:16:

16 Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.

Christians live life upon earth under GOD’S Grace. Christians are not to try to hide the things they know they do which do not please GOD but to confess it or them. GOD forgives, cleanses and restores as written in 1 John 1:5-10:

5 Now this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him. 

6 If we say, "We have fellowship with Him," and walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. 

7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 

8 If we say, "We have no sin," we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

10 If we say, "We have not sinned," we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

The scripture reveals GOD’S desire for a genuine relationship with HIM. HE already knows when we sin, so why try to hide it? The defeated enemy Satan desires for all Christians to live defeated lives and not to enjoy living in the light GOD and grace HE has given to us.

Living in the light of GOD’S Grace does not mean Christians will never sin or be tempted. The moment we try to hide it, then Satan pounces. Keep in mind who Satan is as recorded in 1 Peter 5:8:

8 Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.

Live in the grace GOD provides and in victory by confessing your sin and accepting GOD’S forgiveness and obediently serving HIM because HE loves you.

GOD is love. How do we know that? John 3:16-17 gives us a very important clue:

16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 

17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 

18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 

Blessings!!!