The Mid-Week Update

Lesson Recap

God Is Revealed

Psalm 19

A psalm is a poem or words to a song.  The majority of the psalms in the Bible were written by King David.  Psalms can have a multitude of purposes.

Many of us wear glasses-either prescription or reading.  We wear these to see more clearly.  Sometimes little things such as the tiny numbers on a sticker an produce can even be hard to see.

In Psalm 19, the psalmist writes in great clarity how God has revealed Himself through both nature and scripture, and begs for us to respond to His revelation.

God reveals Himself in a variety of ways.  Think of an example of how God has revealed Himself to you.

See His Glory 1-6

We are told in verses 1-4 that the heavens speak, and that they speak of God's glory.  Glory means 'the full weight of God's importance'.  How often do you wonder, what is the purpose of God's created world?  It is certainly for our enjoyment, but is there something more?  Perhaps it is to show people His awesome 'nature', and thereby to draw people to Himself.  After all-that is what God is all about!

In verses 5-6 David pictured the sun as a festive bridegroom, and as a triumphant runner.  He identified Planet Earth as God's obedient servant, which faithfully occupies its space in the heavens and vigorously runs its daily course in the sky.  David pointed out that nothing that happens on earth is hidden from the glare of the sun, or the gaze of the Creator God.

Search His Word 7-11

Using the NIV translation of the Bible David gave 6 names to the Jewish law in verses 7-9.  They are:

1. Law
2. Statutes
3. precepts
4. commands
5. fear of the Lord
6. ordinances

In verse 9 specifically, David referred to the Law as the "fear of the Lord".  This terminology can be troublesome, so consider this:  The psalmist is referring to the portions of God's law that evoke fear and reverence in us.  God's law is so pure, and it's requirement so high, that we revere it, are in awe of it, and may indeed tremble at the knowledge of having so great a treasure.

Seek His Approval 12-14

Remember when you loved someone so much, or someone loves you so much, that your great desire was to seek their approval?  The same can be said of our relationship with God.  David has such a relationship with God.  Now we happen to know that David was a normal man.  He was not sinless.  But despite his humanness, his great desire was to seek God's approval.  Verse 12 mentions his errors or unintentional sin.  Verse 13 refers to willful sins.  What is the difference between the two?  To seek God's approval, we should ask the Holy Spirit to reveal our unintentional sin so that we can confess.  As for the willful sin, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to give us strength to resist, and help in diminishing the desire.  If we do this, what does the last part of verse 13 say?

What does verse 14 say to you.  Which would nurture your faith most:

1. Meditation on creation?
2. meditation on God's word?
3. a combination of both?

Conclusion:It is easy to lose our awe of God as the Creator and Great Communicator.  This week I will set aside time to worship God through the beauty of creation or His self-revelation through His Word.

Quote of the Week

"Prayer is designed to adjust you to God's will, not to adjust God to your will." -- Richard Blackaby

Snacks

• 7/22 Stubbs
• 7/29 Phillips
• 8/5 Bradshaw

Prayer Requests

• Pray for the youth that are in South Dakota.  Pray that God's word will reach many through their trip, and for safety in their travels home.

Happy Birthday..

...today to Kieth Cole!  Enjoy your day!