Psalm 33

Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise Him.  Psalm 33:1

 

Many of you have joined me since January in a Bible reading plan.  We have read through Genesis, Exodus, and the Gospels, and now we are in Leviticus and Psalms.  Psalm 33 was part of today’s reading, and I was warmed and encouraged by these words. 

As you read the Psalm, you recognize the power, majesty, and goodness of our God. God is worthy to be praised because He “loves whatever is just and good.”  His power is seen in creation.  By His spoken word, the heavens and all creation came into existence.  His word is powerful, carrying all authority. 

The Lord is against those who do evil.  He fights against the enemy and stands with His people.  God has plans for those who love and seek Him.  His plans are to build relationships with those who turn to Him.  God is for us, and as He looks down from heaven, he sees us.  He understands our hearts, our concerns and loves.  He sees those who turn away from him looking for hope and salvation in lesser things. 

He is not far from us.  For those who fear the Lord, He watches over them and protects them.  In this world of devastation and brokenness, God is our hope, our shield, and our joy.  God loves you and wants you to be with Him.  As a father, God wants to provide for you and protect you.  His word is wise, powerful, and trustworthy, and we should listen to it. 

Psalm 33 shows us our God is full of goodness and love.  I pray today that the unfailing love of the Lord would surround us. 

P.S.  If you would like to pick up the Bible Reading Plan just follow this link. Month 4 You can start today.


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April 19 Family Worship Guide

We are starting our Easter Series this week! While this Easter will be different, we will still worship and share the Good News of Jesus with others!  Invite friends and neighbors to join with us online at 10am as we worship together.  You won’t want to miss it! 

  1. Make sure your screen is ready. Check your internet connection, and make sure your device is ready for streaming about 9:30.  Go ahead and have it set up in an area where everyone participating can see. 

  2. Have your breakfast and coffee ready before 10am. Once the live stream starts, it’s important to be before the screen ready to hear and engage. Don’t let the ding of the microwave, or the gurgle of the coffee pot draw you away. 

  3. Pray together before 10am. Take time with your family and pray together.  Praise God for who He is and has promised to do.  Ask God to move in your time of worship today.  Ask Him to speak to you and give you faith to respond in obedience.  Pray for those who are affected by the virus, and those who are battling it.  Pray for your neighbors.  Trust God is at work for our good and His glory. 

  4. Listen to the sermon starting at 10am with a notebook. Don’t be surprised if the sermon sounds a little different than when you’re gathered in the sanctuary.  Not only will the quality of sound be different, but the presentation may sound more like teaching than preaching.  I encourage you to take notes on what God impresses on your heart and mind.  Taking notes will also help you stay focused. 

  5. Spend time answering the Family Discussion Questions when the sermon ends. These questions are to help you reflect on the ideas in the sermon and personalize these ideas to your situation.  You can share this discussion as a family, or individually.  Parents and children alike will benefit from reflecting on how God will use His word in your life.  Click here for April 19 Family Worship Guide

  6. Give your tithes and offerings. Though the church isn’t gathering together during these times, the ministries of the church have not ceased.  Ministry teams are continuing to minister to one another, and facility operations are still running.  I encourage you to continue giving your tithe to the Lord faithfully.  You may give online or through the mail.  Visit us at lovingbethel.com

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April 12 Preparing for Online Worship

He is Risen!  Happy Easter!  While this Easter will be different, we will still worship and share the Good News of Jesus with others!  Thank you for joining us today as we worship our Risen Savior!


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He was Buried

And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away.  Matthew 27:59-60

 

Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man, a member of the Jewish council but also a follower of Jesus.  He had not agreed with the council’s decision to have Jesus crucified.  And after Jesus’ death he went to Pilate and requested Jesus’ body for burial.  Joseph had bought a tomb that had never been used and laid the body in the tomb.  A great stone was rolled in front of the entrance to keep thieves outside and the smell of decay inside.  Joseph then went away.


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He Died

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45

Ransom is a common theme in film and tv shows these days.  Often a crisis occurs when a child is taken from their home.  Parents receive a phone call from the kidnapper stating they can have their kid back if they pay a large some of money.  Today there are even computer viruses called ransomware.  A computer hacker freezes a person’s digital files, and demands a ransom be paid to release them.  Without the ransom payment, the person loses all files.


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