Monday, February 22, 2010

Sunday Re-cap 21st February 2010

And I Know...
by Ps. Abel Phillips

John 11:42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.”
-As Jesus knows the Father so well; Do I personally know my God, as my Saviour, Master, Lord, Shepherd etc…?

Psalm 23 is in reality a brief expounding of eight names of God in the first five verses. It brings to light:
Jehovah-Rohi—God our shepherd—Psalm 80:1.
Jehovah -Jireh—God our provider—Genesis 22:14.
Jehovah -Shalom—God our peace—Judges 6:24.
Jehovah -Nissi—God is my banner—Exodus 17:15.
Jehovah -Rapha—God our healer—Exodus 15:26.
Jehovah -Zidkenu—God our righteousness—Jeremiah 23:6.
Jehovah -Shammah—God is present—Ezekiel 48:35.
Jehovah -Mekaddish—God who sanctifies—Exodus 31:13.

- Each of these names provides us with building blocks of knowledge to strengthen and encourage us in the use of faith.
1. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (no lack)
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; (Word of God, Bible Study and Prayer)
He leads me beside the still waters. (Christ is with us – Holy Spirit) - Presence
3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness (holy & pleasing life)
For His name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Discipline & guidance).
5 You prepare a table (fellowship) before me in the presence of my enemies; (holiness/ righteous life); You anoint my head with oil; (above your head), My cup runs over. - God promises to bless us even though enemies may surround us. Not only will He supply our needs, but He will supply "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). Jesus says God will give to us "pressed down, shaken together, and running over" if we follow His way of give (Luke 6:38).
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me (Christ is walking in front- blessing behind us). All the days of my life; And I will dwell[a] in the house of the LORD Forever. “Because of following God's way of life and living in the care of the Good Shepherd, David looks forward to a full physical life, and after that, abundant, eternal life in God's Kingdom.
Ps 121:1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help?
Eze 38:7 7 “Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered about you; and be a guard for them.

Salvation does not depend on what we do - it depends on accepting what Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross. However, if salvation is real, the new relationship with Jesus should result in a new desire to do what pleases the Lord. (Eph 2:10 - For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them).

Conclusion: Do I really have a daily personal and intimate relationship and fellowship with my God, that I may say like Jesus I know my Father hears me.

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