David writes Psalms from the heart and today’s offering is no different. Be blessed.
Psalms 61: Lead Me to the Rock To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. Of David.
1 Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;
2 from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,
3 for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
4 Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah
5 For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
6 Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations!
7 May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!
8 So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.
Psalms 62: My Soul Waits for God Alone To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
1 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
3 How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah
5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
9 Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,
12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.
Psalms 63: My Soul Thirsts for You A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
4 So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
6 when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
9 But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth;
10 they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals.
11 But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
Things to think about…
1. Psalm 61 is a simple prayer that asks God to remember a faithful servant who has honoured the Lord. David acknowledges the Rock that is higher than himself, vs 2. Jerusalem was a high point, but God is infinitely higher. David asks for a long life. We may or may not have long lives here on the earth, but what is this compared to eternal life. Let’s look to the next life and store up there, where moth and rust cannot destroy. The heart of such a life of thanks and trust is expressed through praise and obedience. David says “I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day”, vs 8. This brings true joy for the worshipper in Christ, 1Jn 5:3.
2. Ps 62, to “The chief choirmaster”, Jeduthun who was a Levite of the family of Merari, and one of the three Masters of Music appointed by David, (1 Chr. 16:41, 42; 25:1-6). His office was generally to preside over the music of the temple service. Here he is given a Psalm of David (Psalm 62). This psalm reflects part of the personal journey of David. David is trusting in the Lord, he says God is “my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken”, vss, 2&6. But David acknowledges there are people in his midst that honour him with their mouths but their hearts are far from him, vs 4. David had dissention in his ranks but it was not overt. What a tragedy it is when brothers and sisters within a church cannot get along. Praise God for the unity we have at CBC. Let’s continue to show love and grace and see that it is maintained under the banner of truth. David completes the psalm with a final truth for us all “For you will render to a man according to his work”, vs 12. Let’s live in the light of this truth.
3. Psalm 63 was most likely written by David when he was in the wilderness and on the run from his son Absalom. He is the king at this point, vs 11 and so it is likely not to have been written when he was on the run from Saul. David certainly had a troublesome time of things at certain points. Here he is physically thirsty, vs 1 but also thirsty for the presence of the Lord, vs 1. But at this point David cannot be with the Lord in Jerusalem but remembers that he has looked upon the sanctuary and beheld the Lord’s power and glory. This psalm has a particular relevance for those who are ‘shut in’ and cannot regularly attend worship as they used to. They long to be with the Lord, with the Lord’s people as they gather for worship, but the season of life means they are unable. May the church remember the elderly especially and bring the Lord’s presence and blessing to such folk. Who do you know who is incapacitated and could do with a blessing by you visiting them?
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
The reading this week was from James 5:7-20
James the brother of Jesus is writing to Jews about patience and endurance through suffering. James certainly knew what he was talking about as he remained in Jerusalem after the stoning of Stephen and the persecution that followed for the Christians who remained. James would himself be stoned to death in AD63 for under the charge of “not following the law of Moses”.
1. Would you consider yourself a patient person? It of course depends on what you are called to be patient in. What are you least patient in?
2. James, like Jesus urges people to be true to their word in James 5:12. Let your Yes be Yes and your no, no. It seems Australians struggle with keeping their word. This is often the case within Christianity as well. Do you agree? Can you give some examples. What can be done to not allow Satan a foothold here.
3. James speaks about the imminent return of Christ. For him it was not long after writing this letter in AD63. It was also true of those living in Jerusalem a few years later in AD70. Do you spend much time thinking about the Lord’s return, especially when you will meet Him. This is not so far away for any of us in reality. Discuss your thoughts on this.
4. James’ last words recorded on this earth were “whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins”, James 5:20. Have you led anyone to Christ? If so, when? If not, do you speak to others about what your salvation/faith means to you?
Prayer Points
1. Covid stats in Sydney are frightful, 141 people are currently in hospital. Of those, 60 are under the age of 55 and 28 under the age of 35. 43 are in intensive care, 1 is in their teens, 7 in their 20’s, 3 in their 30’s, 14 in their 50’s, 12 in their 60’s and 6 in their 70’s. One 30yo woman has died who had no prior conditions. This virus is no joke. Please keep praying and be wise about your response to it.
2. Pray for the turmoil presently going on in South Africa. Pray for peace, calm and order to be restored. On top of this Covid has been at 40, 000 cases per day. Pray for healing and wisdom w.r.t this disease.
3. Pray for testimonies that people will be doing every second week. Please consider when you would like to do yours when the pastor asks you to share yours 😉
4. Pray for ministries as they start up this week – especially Sunday School, PlayPatch and Recharge. Pray for Maddison and Melinda as they lead these ministries.
5. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof and solar.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points.
1. New folks on Sunday.
2. John healing well. Good to see him back on Sunday.
3. Communion time on Sunday.
4. Riots in South Africa are settling down.
5. Praise and worship – thanks ZAC, Rod, Molly, Riley, Tim, Rin and Melissa.
6. The freedom to gather, albeit with masks on Sunday. Next Sunday no masks.
Announcements
1. No masks next Sunday.
2. PlayPatch for toddlers at church, Fridays 9:30-11am. Please get the word out. See Maddison for details.
3. Recharge Youth – 6:30-8:30pm – Band night this Friday.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
