From:
Date: March 18, 2021
Subject: It's March 18; Good Morning Union


“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise.”         Psalm 48

 

Psalm 18- This song was sung by David when the Lord delivered him from the hands of Saul. You might need to go back and review the story in 2 Samuel 22, but David was being hunted like a wild animal to be destroyed by the king whom he was committed to serving and saving! And through the unfair treatment, David learned to see God as:

  1. his strength
  2. his rock
  3. his fortress
  4. his deliverer
  5. his refuge
  6. his shield
  7. his salvation
  8. his stronghold

Sometimes I wonder if I protect others, and myself, from the challenges in life to the point where I never have to wrestle with God so He can show me all those 8 things, and more! James says, “Count it all joy when you meet trials, because those are the times you grow.”

 

Psalm 48- A psalm created into a modern praise song, “Great is the Lord….” The theme:

  1. “Great is the Lord
  2. Most worthy of praise,”

And I go to His temple to “meditate on:

  1. His unfailing love.”

It’s ok to go to church to see friends, but more importantly it’s to be with God, recognize His greatness, praise Him because He is worthy, and to spend quiet time contemplating His unfailing love.

 

Psalm 78- The longest of what were called the “national hymns of old Israel,” the focus appears to be not just on the history of God’s leading and correcting His people through the ages, but on the importance of faithfulness and righteousness in His people, BOTH offered freely by God but often ignored or attempted to be earned by His people. Story after story imbedded in this song of God’s faithfulness through Israel’s unfaithfulness, I like the last verse—“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart and skillfulness of hand.” No matter the circumstances, God still has people committed to Him and leading His people.

 

Psalm 108- A song played by David on his harp and lyre. I wish I could have heard what he intended it sound like! I’ve heard some early praise songs that used part of this psalm. Interestingly, David focuses his praise songs on three things:

  1. God’s love
  2. God’s faithfulness
  3. God’s glory

Focus, focus focus!

 

Psalm 138- entitled “A Song of Gratitude,” the psalmist exhibits courage, fortitude and fidelity, and pledges to acknowledge his Lord before all the “gods” of the heathen, and before all the kings and authorities of the world. When you’ve got it, live it, then give it!

 

 

Have a great day in gratitude and praise,

Pastor Rich

 

Quote for the day:      “To make a difference in someone’s life, you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful, or perfect. You just have to care.”     Charlie Brown

 

uGather- 10:30am in the church. Join us each week as we come together as a Union College family to build community and fellowship with God and His word. This week our Social Work students have been leading us through “Self-care Spirit Week” and today’s uGather will be presented by them!