G’day folks. Book five is the last book of the Psalms. The Psalms embrace the fullness of human emotion, but also give praise to God for His salvation and justice.
Psalms 107: Book Five Let the Redeemed of the LORD Say So
1 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble
3 and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
4 Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in;
5 hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them.
6 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in.
8 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
9 For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.
10 Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons,
11 for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High.
12 So he bowed their hearts down with hard labour; they fell down, with none to help.
13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart.
15 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
16 For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron.
17 Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction;
18 they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.
19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.
21 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
22 And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!
23 Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters;
24 they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep.
25 For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea.
26 They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight;
27 they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits' end.
28 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
29 He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.
30 Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.
31 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
32 Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
33 He turns rivers into a desert, springs of water into thirsty ground,
34 a fruitful land into a salty waste, because of the evil of its inhabitants.
35 He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water.
36 And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in;
37 they sow fields and plant vineyards and get a fruitful yield.
38 By his blessing they multiply greatly, and he does not let their livestock diminish.
39 When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, evil, and sorrow,
40 he pours contempt on princes and makes them wander in trackless wastes;
41 but he raises up the needy out of affliction and makes their families like flocks.
42 The upright see it and are glad, and all wickedness shuts its mouth.
43 Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.
Psalms 108: With God We Shall Do Valiantly A Song. A Psalm of David.
1 My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being!
2 Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!
3 I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.
4 For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!
6 That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer me!
7 God has promised in his holiness: "With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Valley of Succoth.
8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah my sceptre.
9 Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph."
10 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?
11 Have you not rejected us, O God? You do not go out, O God, with our armies.
12 Oh grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!
13 With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.
Things to think about…
1. Psalm 107 begins with thanks and praise. But look at the themes that continue on through the psalm, Eg judgement due to rebellion against Him and His law, a lack of water and a place of salt due to moral wickedness. These are required of course due to the heart condition which continually sets itself against God. He knows how to draw us back however. This psalm can reflect the life of someone who grew up in a Christian home, but rebelled only to reap suffering and loss. In the end they return to the God of their fathers. Pray for all the prodigals out there who need to come home.
2. Have a look at 107:28-42. Here the Lord blesses His people after there is a time of humility and repentance. He restores their water and their land. Their livestock and orchards are blessed. These are easy things to praise God about aren’t they. Look at the final context of this psalm, vs 43. The wise consider both the blessing and the judgements of God and consider the steadfast love of the Lord. A mature heart of faith praises God in all circumstances because they all show His care of us whatever the season or event in life.
3. Psalm 108. David loved playing his harp and guitar (the Lyre). He tells them to ‘awake’, vs 2. He says he will give praise to God among the nations, especially regarding His steadfast love. Do the nations know this love or is David telling them in a way that rubs it in their faces? Not at all, vs 5 says “Let Your glory be over all the earth”. We know that ultimately every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. Remember you, like David, are His ambassador to make this happen.
4. David sees the blessing bestowed upon Gilead, Manasseh and Ephraim, but also judgement the judgment that is upon Edom and Philistia, Ps 108:8, 9. You can see why there is animosity towards the Palestinians today who occupy this area of Philistia, today part of it is called the Gaza strip. Christ is the only answer to resolve this tension – may His glory fill the earth! Keep praying for Christ’s peace to come over the land of Israel.
5. Our modern ears struggle with words like “With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes”, Ps 108:13. But that’s because we have not had our lives threatened by someone wanting to take our lives in an overt sense. Satan does it covertly, very subtle. Do not give ground to him. Keep taking his ground in your life, no matter how small.
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.
Title was “Time to praise the Lord” – Reading Psalm 95.
1. Brings you the greatest moments of joy, exultation – even to the point of highest celebration and praise. Where and how does your praise of the Lord rank with this?
2. The Israelites saw amazing miracles before leaving Egypt, then the Red Sea parted for them. But then they complained about not getting water. Explain the absurdity of this? How can we do the same thing?
3. Continued in the wilderness for 40 years, that’s where they stayed. They didn’t make it into Canaan because of unbelief and the subsequent immoral behaviours. Earth is our wilderness, we are just passing through. Explain how we even as Christians can go in circles without ever moving on.
4. Jesus is our final destination. He is our Shepherd, we are led by Him. Where is He leading you in ministry, areas of service?
Prayer Points
1. Carols service 18th December – Family fun Day afternoon/evening 3pm-7pm.
2. Christmas Day Service 25th Dec – on a Sunday this year – service will start at 9:00am.
3. Pray for the leadership of our country.
4. Pray for the people of Iran and Ukraine.
5. The right choice for a full time Youth and Young Adults Pastor to start Jan 2023 and the finances to support them.
6. Health of Ross Goltz
7. More young families and youth into the church.
8. Ministry leaders within the church.
9. Our One for Israel ministry.
10. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
11. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. More visitors on Sunday – pray they remain engaged with the church.
2. Our AGM and discussion moving forward with respect to the Youth and young adults pastor position.
3. The faithful service of Ross Goltz for 9 years as CBC’s treasurer!
4. Worship on Sunday – Paul. Great job on your own. Thanks Melinda on sound. Thankyou, Fiona Maddison and Kayla in café. Thankyou for those who welcomed at the door.
5. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
6. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Family fun day/Carols night 3-7pm 18th Dec – Book it in.
2. Christmas Day service – 9am Dec 25th.
3. Remember to check your duty rosters.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
