“FATHER’S DAY” IS NEXT SUNDAY – a time dedicated to grateful appreciation for all the “Father figures” in our life who have contributed so much to our lives! For many of us “Father’s Day” is a time of profound gratitude! Unfortunately, for others the day brings painful memories. But regardless, for those of us who have experienced the love, care and provision of “the Heavenly Father” there is nothing but abundant grace and goodness… He is the “perfect Father” – our “precious Father!”
The blessing and bounty of our “Heavenly Father” came to mind as I read these wonderful words in Ephesians 1:3-14 this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord”…
“BLESSED BE THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO HAS BLESSED IN CHRIST WITH EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING (Vs. 3 – and then what follows is a listing of some of those wonderful blessing!)…
Vs. 4 – We are a CHOSEN people – “in Christ”
Vss. 5-6 (and last 2 words of 4) – We’re “ADOPTED” – We have been given full rights as God’s children – “in Christ”
Vss. 7-8 – We are REDEEMED and FORGIVEN – “in Christ”
Vss. 9-10 – We receive INSIGHT into God’s wonderful ETERNAL PURPOSE FOR US – “in Christ”
Vss. 11-12 – We have been given a wonderful “INHERITANCE” – “in Christ”
Vss. 13-14 – We are “SEALED” by the Holy Spirit for a wonderful future – “in Christ”
Wow! And that’s not all… Think about it… This is NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST of God’s blessings “in Christ” – it is simply A REPRESENTATIVE LIST – It is all of these and MORE!
If you’re “a child of God” just let me declare it to you today… HAPPY HEAVENLY FATHER’S DAY! Why not pause right now and “bless” [give worship and thanksgiving] to your Heavenly Father for “EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING” you’ve been given “IN CHRIST JESUS!”
DO YOU HAVE ANY “FAV’S” IN THE BIBLE (I mean the passages that are part of your “Top 10 Favorites” list? What are they? PSALM 103 IS ONE OF MINE (and, interestingly, it was part of my Bible reading this morning during my time of “Coffee with the Lord”)…
I’m going to do something I rarely do with Psalm 103 today… Since it’s Saturday (and tomorrow is Sunday, “The Lord’s Day”) I’m going to post a “Sermon Skeleton” or basic “Bible Teaching Outline” on my “Coffee with the Lord” post! (Pastors and Bible teachers have my full approval to use it and adapt it as needed!) Here it is…
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Psalm 103
Praise the Lord Oh My Soul!
Theme: Praise is due the Lord for His incredible blessings and loving character!
Felt need this passage addresses: The need we have to be reassured about God’s essential character and His wonderful benefits.
It is best to think of this psalm as three concentric circles. (Diagram)
First of all, in the center the psalmist begins with a focus upon God’s blessing on himself personally. (vss. 1-5)
Next, the focus is upon the faithfulness, mercy and steadfast love of God upon His covenant people. (vss. 6-18)
Finally, in the outer circle, the psalmist attention is directed to God’s greatness and sovereign power in the cosmos. (vss. 19-22a)
Then he returns to the point at which he began – Personal praise – praise from his own soul!
What is the key idea of this Psalm?
The big idea of this psalm reveals itself by repetition. What phrase is repeated three times in this passage? (vss. 1-2, 22)
“Bless (or praise) the Lord, O my soul.”
Who was the psalmist speaking to with these words?
He was speaking to himself (engaging in self-talk) – these words are a self-exhortation!
After the self-exhortation in verses 1-2, what does the psalmist do – what is his focus upon?
I. Call to mind – Don’t forget all the wonderful things He does for us (vss. 2-5)
He lists some of God’s benefits to him. What had God done for David? What benefits are enumerated?
ForgivnessHealingPreserved life“Crowned” (honored) with love and compassionCompletely satisfiedRevived and revitalized
Let’s be specific today and list some of God’s benefits to us. Let’s start “Thanksgiving in June!”
II. Contemplate God’s character (vss. 6-18)
What about God’s character is given attention? Where do you find this best summarized in verses 6-18?
Especially His steadfast love. I think verse 8 says it best. Highlight it in your Bible. It tells us what God fundamentally is! “The Lord is … compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”
In what different ways do you see this expressed in these verses?
Vindication and justice for the oppressed (vs. 6)
Provision for His people – guidance for their leader, mighty acts of deliverance, protection and provision for His people. (vs. 7)
Complete forgiveness for the guilty. (vss. 9-10)
The greatness of His love – three great similes (comparisons or illustrations) (vss. 11-13)
The incredible size of the universe
The distance between east and west
The deep inner yearnings of a parent
His sensitivity to our humanness. (vs. 14)
The dependable nature of His love. (vss. 15-18)
Where does the Psalmist’s attention move in verses 19-22? What is his perspective? What does it encompass? Does it stay there?
III. A cosmic, universal perspective – Consider Him on His throne! (vss. 19)
Conclusion – How should a person properly respond to a God like this? (vss. 20-22)
How did David respond?
He saw and as it were entered into the heavenly, eternal worship – I believe he entered into such passages as Revelation 4:1-11; 5:8-14; 7:9-12; 11:15-18; 12:10-12; 15:1-4; 19:1-8.
He knew only one way – with authentic praise and worship! (vs. 22b, 1-2)
Paul, the great apostle who had resisted Him and persecuted his people, took it one step further – Romans 12:1-2
How does the emphasis of this Psalm upon God’s benefits, steadfast love and majesty make you feel? What does it make you want to do? Will you do it today? Sincerely? Authentically?
BELIEVE ME, THERE IS A TIME AND PLACE FOR INTENSE, DESPERATE PRAYER! Psalm 102 expresses that kind of prayer… Here is how the traditional introduction to that Psalm reads: “A prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the Lord!” Have you ever prayed like that because of something you are facing?
Here’s how the Psalmist expressed it…
“Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to You!
Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress!
Incline Your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call!” (Psalm 102:1-2 ESV)
Can you picture someone praying that way – hearing their anguished voice? Listen, don’t hesitate to do it… Pour out your heart to God! It’s OK to pray that way! The introductory words of this psalm can help you get started! HAVE I EVER PRAYED LIKE THAT? … YOU BET!!!
Coffee With The Lord 