A life in rhythm - Psalm 92

Psalm 92

A Flourishing life looks like jesus and less like the world.

Whole. Set Right. Mature.

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control.

the whole idea of this song: You cannot have a flourishing, blooming life or be strong like bison/ox - without the face of God in your direction.

Keep seeking the Face of God.

Song of the sabbath.

Sabbath is a rhythm.

Songs have a rhythm.

It is good to sing to the Lord.

instruments are good.

health benefit of singing, dancing, and singing in groups

Rhythm of intentional moments of seeking God.

prayers in the morning

prayers at noon

prayers in the evening.

start with thinking of his love; end with articulating His faithfulness you experienced that day.

We must focus on the love of God and express gratitude for how we saw it that day.

Love of God and Faithful acts of God toward us helps us to:

contrast better than comparison…comparison erodes our praise. contrast grows our praise

differentiate (or distance), do not demonize

examine better than condemn

Resist the flash of erroneous success.

illus: I got designer style on a walmart budget.

vs 6-10 - don’t be dooped:

Rotten fruit (short lived flourishing)

A circle is better than a line graph.

God wants to plant us.

1 Corinthians 3:12–17 (NLT) 12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. 16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 17 God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

specifically about ministers…

God will test and reveal and judge in the end.

If it doesn’t help me form into way of Jesus, i’m disregarding it but not publicly condemning others.

Remain steadfast, growing strong.

planted not potted..

planted can grow healthy and strong roots…potted just moves around and limits it’s growth.

Mark 4:13-20

Three are actions that protect the roots from producing rotten fruit. 1) Submit (confess sin + consider others first) 2) Tithe 3) Fast

These actions are direct spiritual protests to demonic influences we naturally succumb to.

these three will develop strength like an ox.

these will set you apart (anoint) for His purpose..Strong and Growing are result of being anointed or filled with Holy Spirit.

These actions do not control God’s response, they are practices that help conform our life and heart to Jesus.

cedar tree used to build the temple.

God desires for us to grow strong, to build His church. Jesus’ top priority is to build His church to partner together bringing renewals into the world.

Who are you discipling?

Where are you serving?

What are you giving?

illus: Cedar wood square.

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PRACTICING THE WAY

As disciples of Jesus, we know our allegiance to Him as King is expressed in our daily practice. We are not pursuing perfection but want to practice our faith each day. These practices will point you toward spiritual formation as an apprentice (disciple) to Jesus.

(1) Start the Bible Recap reading plan.

(2) Recite this prayer/liturgy daily: Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy and, as you have bound us to Yourself in love, leave us not who call upon your name, but grant us salvation, made known in the cross of Jesus Christ or Lord.

(3) Talk it Over (with friends, a spouse, or your Group)

The message was about the seeing our life grow strong and healthy in Christ. What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you?

Read Psalm 92. What does this Psalm teach about God?

In a few words or a short sentence, describe the love of God as you have come to know it.

Read 1 Corinthians 12-17. What does this teach us about God and our lives?

Read Mark 4:13-20. What do you notice in this passage?

What is one area you think the Holy Spirit has been nudging you to grow more healthy?

How should we respond to people who confess a sin to us? How can we responds with Truth and Grace, but not dismiss the actual sin as if it doesn’t matter?