What are the Benefits?
Psalm 103 is a portion of Scripture every believer should know well. Why?
It tells us of God’s character: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (v. 8, ESV).
It assures us of God’s forgiveness: “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgression from us” (v. 12).
It teaches us that God is like a daddy: “As a father has compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him” (v. 13).
It reminds us that God knows and understands: “For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust” (v. 14).
It underscores that while our days are fleeting (“like grass” or “a flower of the field” that “the wind passes over . . . and it is gone,” vv. 15-16), security is found in God’s unchanging love (“the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting,” (v. 17).
And, it reminds us of the great “benefits” of a relationship with God: he forgives, he heals, he redeems, he crowns, he satisfies (vv. 2-5).
So, what should our response be? “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” (vv. 1, 20-22). In our private devotions and when we gather on Sunday, we should offer soul-deep worship that blesses the name of the Lord!
Grateful for a Pastoral Team
For many years, our church has been led and served by a pastoral team. While I am away on a combination of family vacation and study break, Sunday preaching responsibilities will be handled effectively by other pastors on our team as follows:
Sunday, July 26 Justin Nalls, Middle School Pastor
Sunday, August 2 Mark Hudgins, Membership Pastor
Sunday, August 9 Justin Nalls, Middle School Pastor
I will be speaking again, Lord willing, on Sunday, August 16. Until my return, if you are in town I am counting on you to be in church. You’ll be blessed as you support and hear our pastoral team.
Your Pastor and Friend,
