Pearls of Heaven (Ps. 103:1-5)
1 ¶ Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-5 (KJV)
1.) God DESERVES more than half-hearted worship.
2.) God DESIRES more than half-hearted worship.
3.) The name of an ingrate is one of the most shameful a man can possess.
4.) Remembering what the Lord has already done for us should inspire PASSION in my worship.
Here are a few of God’s choice benefits
1- He FORGIVES My Iniquities (v. 3 a)
"He has not dealt with us after our sins." (vv. 10-13)
1.) “iniquities” - the Hebrew word “avon” which means mischief or CROOKEDNESS.
2.) It is taken for granted that I actually have a NEED.
(Illus) I’m like an old car with worn tires – take His hand off of my wheel and I get off course.
3.) It is also understood that God WANTS to meet my need.
4.) It does not say "some or many" but "ALL." [Not even the smallest left!!!]
5.) There is no logical reason for not bringing my SIN to the Father.
2- He Heals My SICKNESSES. (v. 3 b)
1.) Heb. word for “diseases” means "to SEW together" to put back together. (trans. physician 3 times.)
2.) God may use any MEANS He wants to!!
3.) But, don’t discount the fact that – God is a HEALER!!!
4.) Your healing may well be tied to your LEVEL of faith. (Mk 9:24; Mt 19:22) (Step out???)
3- He REDEEMS My Life For Destruction. (v. 4 a)
1.) "He buys back my life from “destruction” – literally means the PIT." (“the pits”)
(Illus) Mary Magdalene, my life, yours!
2.) It is not over until your last BREATH!!! (Then it is over! Why not love Him back right now?)
3.) God CAN and WILL turn your life around – if you let Him!
4- He SURROUNDS Me With Love And Tender Mercies. (v. 4 b)
1.) His mercy and kindness is eternal to all that FEAR Him. (vv. 17-18)
2.) “God is LOVE” (1 Jn. 4:8, 16) (Not a “side job” for God)
3.) Every thought God has toward me is motivated by His LOVE.
5- He Satisfies Me With GOOD Things. (v. 5)
1.) A whole lot of what I thought was good was just STUFF.
2.) Most of the things that promise me satisfaction just leave me EMPTY.
3.) God’s “good things” leave your "strength RENEWED like the eagle’s."
What’s in it for you?
1.) (I - V)
2.) The question ought to be how do we express our affection to Him?
3.) Come to Jesus NOW!!!!!!
