Sermon Central
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Praying The Psalms
Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 1, 2008 (message contributor)
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1. Blessed By God
Contributed on Apr 1, 2008
God wants us to experience an abundant, blessed, happy life. The Psalmist gives us direction on how we can be open to God’s blessings in our lives and be like trees planted by water.
Psalms 1:1-6 “Blessed by God”INTRODUCTIONThe Bible often talks about joy and happiness. Jesus talks about being happy, or blessed, in the Sermon on the Mount. One of the fruits of the Spirit that Paul lists in his letter to the Galatians is “joy.” Psalms, like this psalm, talk about being ...read more
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2. An Amazing God
Contributed on Apr 16, 2008
There are times when God seems distant and hidden to us. The psalmist reminds us of God’s greatness and where we can experience God’s presence in our lives.
Psalm 19:1-14 “An Amazing God” INTRODUCTION As a child, I loved to play the game, “Hide and Seek.” I would spend entire summer afternoons hiding and seeking with five or six of the kids in my neighborhood. I gave up the game when I grew older, but I now find myself increasingly occupied ...read more
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3. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Contributed on Apr 23, 2008
God is not only a fortress and a refuge. God is the only effective fortress and refuge for us as we face the challenges of life and take seriously the call to be disciples of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 46:1-11 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” INTRODUCTION One of the most popular reformation hymns was based on the words of this psalm. Martin Luther combined the thoughts of this psalm with a popular beer drinking song and wrote the powerful hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” The ...read more
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4. A Merciful God
Contributed on Apr 28, 2008
God doesn’t expect us to be perfect--God knows us better than that. God does encourage us, though, to acknowledge our sin, seek to turn away from our rebelliousness, and received God’s forgiveness.
Psalm 51:1-19 “A Merciful God” INTRODUCTION For decades, the church has focused on sin. Preachers appear to have taken delight in telling the members of their congregation how bad and sinful they were. The theme seemed to be, “If it felt good, then it had to be bad.” Congregational ...read more
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5. God's Watchful Eye
Contributed on May 5, 2008
Not only does our help come from the Lord, but the Lord is alsokeeping a watchful eye upon us. We are never out of God’s care.
Psalm 121:1-8 “God’s Watchful Eye” INTRODUCTION While traveling up to Jerome the other day, my mind wandered and I began to think what it must have been like traveling though the area as a pioneer. It must have been a daunting adventure. Certainly the trip that now takes us two hours ...read more
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6. The God Of History
Contributed on May 19, 2008
Israel looked back on their history and sawGod’s hand. We can look back on our lives and se God moving in ways that we did not know at the time. Such hind sight inspires praise and thanksgiving.
Psalm 136:1-26 “The God of History” INTRODUCTION One of the most powerful witnesses that we have, as Christians, is a life lived with thankfulness. I believe this is one of the reasons why the Bible is resplendent with exhortations and invitations to be thankful—Psalm 136 being one such ...read more
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7. The Purpose Of Praise
Contributed on May 28, 2008
The psalm exhorts everyone and everything to praise the Lord. It forces us to ask the question, "Why is praise important in our lives?"
Psalm 150:1-6 “The Purpose of Praise” INTRODUCTION The psalm today exhorts us to praise God. This is a simple command, but it is an exhortation that may inspire questions. We may ask, “What is praise?” Is it something more than a compliment? We may also ask, “Why should we praise?” What ...read more