Psalms 111:1-2 Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. 2 Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them.
 
DO you ponder God’s work in your life? Do you think of God’s work in the world? In the church? How about his work in heaven, have you ever considered it?
   The psalmist has, and he wants the gathering of God’s people to do the same. Remember God’s work. Praise him. Worship him. All who delight in him should ponder his great works.  
   What work has God accomplished? Nearly anyone who has been around a Bible or in church for even a few months should have heard of God’s magnificent, enduring work for mankind. God’s gospel is the history of his work to save. V 5b He remembers his covenant forever. God made a covenant with Adam to send a Savior. (Genesis 3:15) He made a covenant with Abraham to form a nation to bless the world (Genesis 12:1-2). He promised his ongoing presence to Israel as they came from Egypt.  
   God’s mighty hand and outstretched arm worked to free Israel from Egypt. He worked his power daily to feed Israel bread for 40 years of their wanderings. And ponder this for a moment: They were wandering for 40 years in his judgment. He still fed them! In Canaan, he gave them a bountiful land to produce all they needed. God worked to conquer Israel’s enemies in Canaan. V 6 He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations.
   God was at work to judge Israel’s sins. He moved prophets to promise his goodness and warn of his wrath. The LORD God moved enemies to punish and exile his people into captivity. And his saving work did not end when he could have justly dismissed the unfaithful into history’s memory. Instead God continued to work to redeem Israel from Babylon’s exile.
   God’s work sent Jesus to the manger. The Son of God worked as a man – a carpenter and stone mason. He worked as the Son of God to preach, heal, suffer, die and rise. Jesus’ work makes it possible to redeem all who believe in him. Romans 5:15b how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! How prophetic are the psalmist’s words. V9 He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever – holy and awesome is his name.
   Do you confess Jesus, “Lord and Savior”? Then God has worked his salvation in you. And God is still working his salvation in you. He works to sanctify your heart to become more holy as he is holy. He has worked to set you apart from hell’s condemnation, so you will be free to live in heaven’s salvation.
   In the Spirit, you are Jesus’ heart, mind, hands and feet to work the gospel into people’s lives. With what you say and do, your work is ongoing. In a moment your work with Jesus can change a life for eternity. Over many years your faithful work will help people know God’s story to work for their good.
   What joyful words come from Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
 

Psalms 110:1-3 The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” 2 The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies. 3 Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth.”
 
WE should always treasure the Bible as God’s pure, inspired word from heaven. God has intimately spoken to tell us about himself. In these verses, the Spirit gives us the privilege of hearing four promises the Father gives to the Son.
   First, the Father promised the position of highest authority to Jesus. When David said, “The LORD says to my Lord.” he said, “God says to my Master.” David’s only Master is God, who is three persons in one. Another way to say this is, “The Father said to the Son.” David’s words here are the Father’s glorious promise of Jesus’ position of highest authority in heaven.
   Second, the Father will make your (Jesus’) enemies a footstool for your feet. Jesus’ enemies will be completely humiliated, unable to even stand in his presence. 1 Corinthians 15:24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. As Jesus is heaven’s authority at the Father’s right hand, all enemies will be judged into the depths of Sheol. Be one with Jesus, Jesus’ triumph is your triumph.
   The LORD’S third promise to the Lord is he will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies. This is the church around the world. From Jerusalem the gospel’s spiritual scepter has infused the gospel into the world among Jesus’ enemies. The church continues to grow daily even as her enemies vigorously oppose her. Yes, the enemy does win battles. Churches falter and surrender territory too often. But the Father promised Jesus his church will prevail through the war. The Spirit’s holy fire moves people to faith. See his good work enlarge, stand and endure forever.
   Fourth, the Father promised the Son an army. Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth. This is Jesus’ holy army that will judge the earth. Jesus prophesied, “The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.” (Matthew 13:41) He will come on the clouds. As the light of dawn spreads across the earth, Jesus’ return and his glorious triumph will be visible to all.
           The Father’s promises to the Son are our great hope. We can quickly judge the world as broken. But perhaps a better word is that the world is cracked. We need healing and restoration. God promises Jesus will heal, restore and triumph. Jesus’ life that was, is and is to come will accomplish God’s victory promises. 

​Psalm 109:29-31 My accusers will be clothed with disgrace and wrapped in shame as in a cloak. 30 With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD; in the great throng I will praise him. 31 For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him.
 
THE Bible often of the right hand as a symbol of ultimate power: Colossians 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Soldiers were taught to fight with their right hand and defend with their shield in their left hand. And the first verse of the next psalm is: The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” (Psalm 110;1) Ultimate power and victory belong to God.
   But as he ends Psalm 109, David puts God at his right hand. Was David believing God was under his authority?
   It’s difficult to be one at the top of power and prestige. Greater power generates greater opposition. David once more lists through Psalm 109 the many threats he encountered. V 2b They have spoken against me with lying tongues…8 May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership. 9 May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow…11 May a creditor seize all he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. 12 May no one extend kindness to him or take pity on his fatherless children. Who can stand against such hateful attacks?
   David always knew he needed God’s help. So he did what he often did. He stopped to once again consider how close the LORD God is to him.
   With the sound of victory and triumphant faith, David denounces his opposition. He knows he is in God’s presence, for he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him. David is saying, “The LORD God stands with me. He stands at my right hand. He stands in my strength to save me from my accusers.” How sweet it is to know that God becomes your right hand. Difficult circumstances can easily attack your heart and diminish your resolve. Jesus knows what you are feeling. He knows you need him to be  your strength.
   Jesus knows because he has walked the most difficult path of all. This psalm is also seen as a prophetic word regarding Jesus’ life, ministry and resurrection. We know Jesus’ accusers defiled him at every turn. They took him before Pilate to be crucified. No one stood beside him that terrible day.
   But then the Father sent the Spirit to stand at Jesus’ right hand. He defeated all opposition when the Spirit raised Jesus to life. In power and authority Jesus arose to the Father’s right hand to wage war against Satan. At just the right time, Jesus will come from his throne of power to  end all evil.
   That’s why you can know Jesus’ resurrection power is at your right hand. From God’s right hand Jesus sends his Spirit and his angels to stand strong for you against your enemies, afflictions and sorrows. That’s why you can stand strong in faith to trust Jesus is with you always.
   As Jesus prepared for the cross, he knew his disciples would face the kinds of opposition David has described. So he said to them, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) He is your resurrected Lord, who knows you and he knows his power to help you. Listen to him.  

Psalms 107:6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress…13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress…19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress…28 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. 
 
EACH of these four verses remembers a specific time in Israel’s history when the LORD saved them from their distress.
   The first distress is during Israel’s desert wandering. V 5 They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. But then he redeemed them. v 7 He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. When we remember God’s redemptive work, it is always good to praise him. Thatt’s why the psalm then exhorts Israel to remember and v 8 give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. God not only delivered them from distress, but he delivered them into his bounty prepared in Canaan. V 9 For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Indeed, this is an illustration of God’s great work to deliver us from sin’s distress.
    The psalm then goes to the time of the exile when many were imprisoned or carried off in chains to Babylon. V 10 Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains. Why were they in chains? V11 They had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High. God’s response to their rebellion was to v 12 give them over to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
   Still even amid the rebellion God remained true to his promise. V 13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 14 He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains. Then once more the response is to v 15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, 16 for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron. The devil wants to keep you in strong chains of his oppression. He can’t hold you because the LORD God redeems you.  
   Third, the psalm remembers how the LORD delivered the sick from death. V 17 Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. But v 19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 20 He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Once more is the response to v 21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.
   Fourth, the psalm remembers that God rescued sailors. V 23 Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They sailed in the storms. V 25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. 27b They were at their wits’ end. But v 28 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. And what is their response? V 31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.
           Four times the psalm remembers that God delivers his people from distress. And four times the psalm declares, “Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. How good it is to praise God. How good it is to remember he has delivered us from the great distress of hopelessness and longing. How joyful is our expression to live in God’s redemptive promise to deliver us from our daily distress into the hope of his eternal embrace on our lives.  

Psalms 104:1, 2b-3 Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. 2b he stretches out the heavens like a tent 3 and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind.    
 
GOD is very great. This means that with all your senses, the LORD God becomes very large in your life. Read through the psalm, and allow your mind to receive the majestic images of God’s greatness over the natural world and over you.   
   For example, have you ever considered God is very great to stretch out the heavens like a tent? The heavens are the sky and the stars above. They do not simply exist, but God created them to shield the earth. God v 4 makes winds his messengers flames of fire his servants to reveal his very great splendor and majesty. With grace and judgment God uses the wind, water and fire to clearly state his full authority to judge the earth and to redeem the world.
   The psalm remembers God’s great judgment in the worldwide flood: V 6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. And then he remembers God’s great grace to redeem the world. V 7 But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight; 8 they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them.
   Even more, God is very great to promise he will not flood the world again. V 9 You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth.
   God is very great to refresh his creation. V 10 He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. 11 They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
   God is very great to bless mankind. He gives v 14b plants for man to cultivate – bringing forth food from the earth: 15 wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart.
   God’s very great works are endless. V 24 How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. 25 There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number – living things both large and small. The seas are the way of commerce to benefit mankind. V 26 There the ships go to and fro. The sea is the home of great creatures, including v 26b the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.
   God is very great over life. V 29b when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. 30 When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth.
   Acknowledge God is very great as you pray to him. V 31 May the glory of the LORD stand forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works – 32 he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke.
   Promise your very great God V 33 I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Stop, too, be still and consider God is very great. 34 May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. And you can pray the very great God will remove all sin from his creation V 35 But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more.
   How good it is to know we worship a very great God. Praise the LORD, O my soul. Praise the LORD.
 

 

Psalms 104:1 Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. 2a  He wraps himself in light as with a garment.
 
THE Spirit has inspired the Bible’s writers to tell us in many ways that God is very great, clothed with splendor and majesty. God is revealing his splendor and majesty.  After all, would we worship a god who is not great? The idolators and unbelievers do. They worship dead images, and they worship themselves. There is no greatness, only sin and corruption in such false, self-centered worship. How good it is, then, to know that you, a Christian saved in Jesus’s blood, can sing, “How great thou art.” With full confidence you are lifting your heart and soul in worship to the one who is very great.
   The meaning of “great” here is that with all your senses, the LORD God becomes very large in your life. He certainly fills all your senses as V 2a he wraps himself in light as with a garment.
   God wears light because he is light! Light forms the beginning of God’s revelation: Genesis 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. This light was not the sun, moon and stars. He created those three days later. What is the source of light to create the first day before God formed the sun?
   The light is God. The apostle John wrote in John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. Darkness does not know God. Before creation the earth was a formless emptiness – it didn’t exist. Knowledge does not exist in darkness. But what happens when you turn on the light? You know what’s hidden. In a like manner, no knowledge of God was in a dark emptiness. But God made himself known. Wrapped in light, the LORD brought himself into the earth and began the creation of life and all things we know in the universe.
   Centuries later Immanuel came to earth wrapped in light to advance the Father’s kingdom plan. Jesus spoke very plainly, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) He is the full knowledge of eternal life. And he began to bring life to the darkness. Matthew 4:16 The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. The gospel began to fill the formless void in the human soul.
   Graciously and powerfully, Jesus grants his light to us in our faith: Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden…16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Be wrapped in Jesus’ light. Reveal his knowledge to a dark world.  
   From Genesis through the gospels, we come once more to God’s light filling the entire world: Revelation 22:5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the LORD God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. God is great. He wraps himself in light to be your eternal light. May his light wrap your heart in his love and truth.          
 

Psalms 103:1-2 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
 
This concludes our 4-part lessons on Psalm 103. Indeed, we praise God with all our soul for all his benefits that reveal our eternal relationship with him.
 
God Promises he is v 13 as a father who has compassion on his children. The LORD has compassion on those who fear him. Again, to fear the LORD is to worship God. Seek his face. Understand he is Father, Savior and Spirit. Know his gentle care to guide you into his right pathway. Understand his passion was to suffer the cross to die for your sins, so his resurrection power could come into your soul. He will be gracious to lead, encourage and sustain you. He understands how much you need him v 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.
   These words define the life of those who live apart from God. That’s why you can rejoice and be thankful that God Promises v 17 from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’S love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children - 18 with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. Yes, remember – know – God’s laws are not for restrictive bondage but for you to know all his benefits. Your salvation extends into the generations to follow. From eternity past to eternity future, God’s love gives life to those who love him.
   Always keep in mind God Promises he has v 19 stablished his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. His kingdom is not a small community, a populous city or a continent. His kingdom is heaven and earth and all that is in them. One day he will bind all evil into the pit for his pure rule over all. God now rules the true church, so the church will prepare the world for his rule. He removes the impure and exalts the holy. As we consider God’s eternal rule, we should follow David’s example to urge the heavenly host to praise God. V 20 Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. 22 Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise rings out for God from every corner of his universe. Does praise come from your soul?
 
David then concludes the psalm as he began. V 22 Praise the LORD, O my soul. He has expressed a loving, joyful and worshipful response to all the benefits God offers to his world. He extends the blessings from this life into God’s eternal reign. David was a king who understood a king’s authority. He experienced God’s authority to anoint him, empower him, judge him and forgive him. He knew his life was solely and securely in God’s holy hands. All that had happened to him was under God’s providence. He understood his sins were deep and his trials were great.
   Note and remember, David knew in his soul that his salvation was above all opposition. In his rejoicing, he called on the angels and the natural world to join him in praise of God’s salvation.
   Psalm 103 is a wonderful worship song that deserves your attention. Read it often and listen to the Spirit speak to you. May the psalm’s words be your words as you praise the LORD with all your soul, and you remember all God’s benefits.  

Psalms 103:1-2 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
 
THIS is the third in a series from Psalm 103 to celebrate God’s promises as we praise the LORD, and forget not all his benefits.
 
Gog Promises he is 8 v compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. Do you thank God for his compassion to graciously send his suffering, risen, glorified Savior to your heart? Does your soul praise God that even amid your sin he does not angrily dismiss you? Instead, you can thank God he kindly awaits your repentance. When life pushes hard against you, the Spirit wants you to know that in his power you can be content in your soul each day.
 
Be assured God promises v 9 he will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever. Yes, we read of the Father’s and the Son’s accusations against his people. Both the law and the gospels contain some very harsh language against the Jews for their hard hearts and stiff necks that reject God’s commands and even kill the prophets. Luke 13:34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!”
   Thank God his anger is  not an impulsive unreasonable anger, but an anger that God uses to direct his own to know him. He is the Father who has prepared gifts for his children. But they refuse. God is angry for Israel’s refusal to accept his blessings he has generously stored up for them. But you can thank God he Promises V 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
   We are prone to believe God should always bless us. We have been taught he’s the giving, abundant God, who loves us regardless of our behavior. This kind of thinking is rebellion against God’s rule. He speaks very purposefully throughout the Bible that he requires your reverent obedience. That means you accept his will to be done in your life. Regardless of where God’s will takes you, your soul should lovingly submit, “Yes, LORD. I am yours.” In all circumstances may all that is within you praise his holy name.
   Remember God’s great love for you has moved him to regenerate your soul into eternal life. God Promises his great love to those who worship him. V 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him. Through Jesus’ holy blood, your sins are gone - disappeared. God promises they are V 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. This is a prophetic word of the New Covenant fulfilled in Jesus. Are you saved in Jesus? Then know God promises he has removed your sin. You didn’t do it. Nothing you did removed your sins completely. God did.
 
Our next lesson concludes this 4-part celebration of God’s promise from Psalm 103.

Psalms 103:1-2 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
 
WE continue from the previous lesson to praise the LORD, and remember all his benefits.
 
God Promises he is one who v 4b crowns you with love and compassion. He does not crown you with earthly riches or the rewards of your good deeds. Your crown is God’s eternal merciful gift to you. 1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Wear the crown of love and compassion because Jesus wore the crown of thorns for you.
 
God Promises he is one v 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The only way we know complete satisfaction is to dwell in Jesus’ gifts. He tells us he is living water (John 4). He is the bread of life (John 6). He is the resurrection and the life (John 11). He satisfies our earthly desires and points us to heaven’s peace. Jesus is the good shepherd (John 10), who is the way, the truth and the life (John 14). Your weariness becomes strength when you in faith receive Jesus’ renewing, resurrection strength.
 
God Promises he v 6 works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. This is the Bible’s story. God  has been at work since Eden to bring his righteousness and justice to the oppressed. Who are the oppressed? They are the human race, all of us born dead in your transgressions and sins (Ephesians 2:1). The oppressed have yet to know Jesus is Savior. The oppressed live under Satan’s dictatorship, doomed to darkness and destruction. You praise God that he works righteousness into your life through Jesus’ resurrection and the Spirit’s power. Romans 6:20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. Jesus has freed you from sin’s bondage with his nail-pierced hands to firmly and tenderly hold you in his authority. Praise the LORD!
 
You know God Promises are true because v 7 he made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel. From the very beginning, God has told mankind who he is. The revelations of his Word and his works through creation have exhibited his character to us. Jesus said, “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” (Luke 8:17) God blesses you with himself. He anoints you to know him, so you will love him and seek his pleasure. Praise the LORD!
 
We’ll continue with Psalm 103’s promises in our next lesson. 

Psalms 103:1-2 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
 
This is the first of a four-part celebration of God’s promises in Psalm 103.
 
ARE you eager to praise the LORD? Read through the psalm and savor this beautiful song from David as your own heart’s expression to praise the Father, Son and Spirit. Pause and thank God he causes you to know and remember all his benefits. God’s benefits are God himself, revealed in his promises from his holy throne.
 
God Promises he is one v 3 who forgives all your sins. Note the word “all”. It is written 11 times in the psalm to point us toward a complete commitment to God because he is completely committed to us. We praise him with all our heart. He forgives all our sin. You must commit all of your soul fo your relationship with God. Yes, praise him with all your heart because he forgives all your sin. 1 John 2:12 I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. 
 
God Promises he is one who V 3b heals all your diseases. The Bible reveals God has the power to heal any disease, even death. And the Bible also teaches God is not obligated to heal all requests. For example, we read in Acts of the apostles Peter, John and Paul healing all diseases and even resurrecting the dead. Yet we learn from Paul that God did not heal two of his friends. (Philippians 2:25-30 and 2 Timothy 4:20) And the LORD did not heal Paul from the “thorn in my flesh”. (2 Corinthians 12:7). God answers healing prayers as he answers all prayers with, “Yes.” “No.” “Not now.” Pray for your friends’ and your own healing in Jesus’ name. Acts 3:16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. Submit to God’s response. Rejoice that God’s promise to heal all diseases will be fulfilled at the end of the age. Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
 
God Promises he is one v 4a who redeems your life from the pit. David saw God’s power to rescue him from death many times. The faithful Jews trusted God to redeem them from the pit of their enemies’ oppression. This is also about eternal life. To the Jews, hell is a pit they called Sheol. To the Christian, this is the great promise of Christ’s redemptive power. Romans 5:17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. May your soul praise God your eternal life is in heaven!
 
We’ll continue God’s promises of himself in our next lesson.