Psalm 85:
“Our God and Us: Together”
“Righteousness will go before Him,
and shall make His footsteps our pathway”
This is a prayer psalm of “thankfulness for the removal of wrath and
the return of favor.” The people of God had sinned, been chastised,
repented, and were now grateful to be able to rejoice in Him again.
Of all the lessons that people need to learn, it is certain that this one
is high on the list: accept the chastisement of God when you sin, and humble
yourself quickly before Him so that the punishment and consequences of
the sin can be as minimal as possible. On the other hand, humble
repentance on the part of God’s people is a very uncommon thing.
It was so in “Bible times”—and it appears to be so today.
The psalm has four parts—all of which are simple to read and understand.
Let us read and understand—and then let us implement them every time we
need to.
“Lord, You have been favorable to Your land; You have brought back the captivity of Jacob. You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin. Selah You have taken away all Your wrath; You have turned from the fierceness of Your anger.”
“Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your anger toward us to cease. Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, LORD, And grant us Your salvation.”
“I will hear what God the LORD will speak, For He will speak peace To His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land.”
“Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, And righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yes, the LORD will give what is good; And our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him, And shall make His footsteps our pathway.” (NKJ)
— Skip Andrews
Next Week:
Psalm 86:
“You alone are God—so to You alone I shall cry”
Listen to our Sunday services on the Web.
Just go to
duluthcofc.org
and click on the "LISTEN LIVE" button on the upper
left side of the page.
SICK LIST:
Caitlin Barclay (granddaughter of Katherine Barclay) has been diagnosed
with pre-diabetes. Several of our number are suffering from allergy-related
problems. Electa Wilson is at Gwinnett Extended Care. Let’s
remember those who are ill and their families in our prayers.
PLANTATION SOUTH: Group 1 is in charge of the services today at 1:30.
GRADUATES:
There will be a fellowship Sunday evening, June 3, following services to
honor our high school graduates—Joshua Reid and Devendra williams.
Please bring finger foods and drinks and join us as we celebrate this accomplishment
in their lives.
BIBLE CAMP:
Bible Camp will be June 13-16. Registration forms are available on
the table in the foyer. June 3 is the deadline for registration.
If you would like to go to camp but have not turned in your registration
form to Helen, please tell her TODAY you plan to go to camp.
VBS: Vacation Bible
School is planned for July 11-13 (Wednesday-Friday) from 7:30-9:00.
Our theme this year is Leadership—Personal, Home, and Church. Please
make plans to be here every night. If you would like to help (teach,
co-teach, help with refreshments, bulletin board, etc.) please see William
Howard.
FOR THE RECORD:
5/6 5/13 5/20 5/27
AM Classes 116
128 96 100
AM Worship 114 132
102 111
PM Worship 143 157
136 110
Wednesday 112
129 100 125
Contribution 4099 4579 4681
3750
School is out—it’s vacation
time—don’t leave God out of your plans!
VOLUME 3:12 June 3, 2001