I Love The Lord, Because....

Good morning Church!

Announcements:

The last week of July will be our VBS. Our theme this year is Zoomerang! If you plan on helping during VBS, please see Keshia today, so that she can get your shirt sizes. Otherwise, we are going to order so many shirts in different sizes, and it will be a first-come, first-serve basis.

We are also asking for donations of pool noodles. These will be used to make certain decorations for VBS, so if you would like to donate, that would be awesome!

Sunday evening Bible Study at 5:00 PM on Revelation!!!

Praise Reports:

Joe got to come home!!!

Prayer Requests:

Tithes

Children’s Church

Doxology:

This is my Bible. It is God’s Holy Word. It is a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path, and I will hide its words within my heart that I might not sin against God! Amen!!!

Open Bibles To: Psalm 116

Context

We are nearing the end of the Hallel psalms, but I am particularly excited about this Psalm. As you will see today, this psalm gives us a very clear example of what it looks like to praise God and give a personal testimony.

I think a lot of people are scared when it comes to sharing their faith with others. I think a lot of people are scared when it comes to discipling others in Christ. Many times, I hear people say things like, “I am not smart enough to do that”, or “How can I disciple someone else, whenever no one ever discipled me?”

This psalm gives us a clear picture of how easy it is to give your personal testimony, to share your faith, and to praise God Almighty!!

Look with me at Psalm 116.

Content

I was:

The pains of death surrounded me (v. 3)

The pangs of Sheol laid hold of me (v. 3)

I found trouble and sorrow (v. 3)

Brought low (v. 6)

I said in my haste, “All men are liars.” (v. 11)

So I:

Called upon the name of the Lord (v. 4)

Believed and spoke to God, “I am greatly afflicted.” (v. 10)

“O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!” (v. 4)

Then God:

Is gracious, righteous, and merciful (v. 5)

Inclined His ear to me (v. 1)

Heard my voice and my supplications (v. 1)

He saved me (v. 6)

Loosed my bonds (v. 16)

Delivered my soul from death (v. 8)

Dealt bountifully with me (v. 7)

He preserves the simple (v. 6)

So I Will:

What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? (v. 12)

My soul will rest (v. 7)

I will cry no more tears (v. 8)

I will stumble no more (v. 8)

I will take up the cup of salvation (v. 13)

Call upon the name of the Lord as long as I live (vv. 2, 13, 17)

I will pay my vows to the Lord (vv. 14, 18)

I will walk before the Lord on this Earth (v. 9)

I will be your servant (v. 16)

I will convey how deeply You care about the suffering and death of Your people (v. 15)

Charles Spurgeon wrote:

Psalms III: Chapters 107–150 (King James Version) Psalm 116: When God Delivers You from a Life-Threatening Situation or Other Dire Circumstances, 116:1–19

The Lord watches over dying beds, smooths their pillows, sustains their hearts, and receives their souls. Those who are redeemed with precious blood are so dear to God that even their deaths are precious to him … [He] views the triumphant deaths of his gracious ones with sacred delight. If we have walked before him in the land of the living, we need not fear to die before him when the hour of our departure is at hand.

I will offer the sacrifice of Thanksgiving, which is praise of Your Holy Name (vv. 17, 19)

Hebrews 13:15 NKJV

15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

Psalm 107:22 NKJV

22 Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing.

Commitment