Pastor’s Corner

Trivia:

The answer to yesterdays question of Which band was banned from a July 4th celebration in 1983? Can you believe It .... wait for it ... The Beach Boys. Talk about an all american band but yes, they were denied a place in this celebration.

Here's another trivia question; Which of these is traditionally associated with Christmas? Gingerbread; Grapes; Wine; Beer?

Challenge:

Psalm 16:1-11 "Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. I said to the Lord, "are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you." The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!

Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.

I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods.

Lord, you alone are my inheritance, mu cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance!

I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me, I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way to life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasure of living with you forever."

This Psalm begins with David's prayer and then the rest of the words weave together his personal testimonies of why he trust's in the Lord. If we were to outline these testimonies they would be

I. The testimony of communion vs. 2-4

2. The testimony of confidence vs. 5-11

These words are set forth in the form of a metaphor to describe the many blessings of God. It speaks of the ways he is blessed, "in his heart" now "my glory" next "my flesh" and then "my soul".

In verse 3 he speaks of the godly people speaks of those who are noble, mighty, and magnificent. Throughout the preaching of the apostles to the early church was David's testimony, look at Acts 2:22-31 here is an example of these words.

In verse 11 he speaks the "way of life" which brings the very greatest joy of life, "the joy of your presence" in the throne room of heaven as well as, the eternal pleasure of living eternally in the presence of our God.

For a moment just reflect on the glory of this scene, imagine some of the views of this life which we are enthralled with, the beautiful blue sea of the caribbean, the massive jungle of Africa, the pristine images of Alaska's limitless glaciers, white snow, etc. If these memories are so unimaginable in our eyes on this side of eternity, just for a moment glance onto what must be the beauty of heaven where the very presence of God is resident.

If that isn't enough to send shivers up our spine, just for a moment think of the glorious sound of billions of saints singing together in praise to God, surrounded by all of the angels of heaven in this massive choir. If you have ever heard the Hallelujah Chorus can you get the picture of just how amazing this eternal glory must be for us to be enveloped in all of this?

I can still remember mom & dad singing together after a busy day of ministry the song "It will be worth it all when we see Jesus." It brings back the wonder of all of this as I floated into the dream world of a busy tiring day of ministry to children that we had ministered to in the Ozark mountains. We kids slumped onto each other as we drove the several hours back to our home in the flatland of Missouri.

SO GO WITH GOD for David reminds us of the many glories that lays before us one day beyond this life. So my dear ones don't grow weary in well doing for His place of glory is being prepared for us even this very moment.