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In Order. My Benefit Package

April 30, 2017. Psalms 102-104.

 

Psalm 102.2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; 

In our world of ever decreasing benefits and ever increasing cost of insurance it is overwhelming to consider all the benefits that our heavenly father gives us “FOR FREE”!

David lists some of the benefits (blessings) that our Heavenly Father gives us v.3-18:

    He…

        forgives all his iniquities (we could stop here and praise Him for eternity for this one benefit)

        heals all our diseases

        saves us from death and Hell (On my worse day ever I still am not going to Hell!)

        crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies

        satisfies our mouth with good things (our deepest desires) 

        renews our strength as an eagle

        defends us when we are oppressed

        merciful and gracious 

        slow to anger and never ending in mercy 

        does not dealt with us according to our sins (Thank You Jesus!)    

        in mercy He has forgiven our sins

Here is one of my favorite benefits that I need to remember 24/7

v.11For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 

How much does God love us? As far as the heavens are above the earth. Ponder this; our universe expands between 1 and 4 light years every year, right now it would take roughly 13 billion light years to reach the edge of the heavens. But, since our universe is always expanding by the time you got the the current edge of the heavens it would have at least doubled in size. Even traveling at the speed of light you would never be able to travel to the edge of our universe. Nor would we ever be able to comprehend how much God loves us. His love for us is unmeasurable, never ending and new every moment! 

So why is He so merciful and good to us?

v.14a. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust. (one of my favorite verses)

He knows how fragile we really are. Sometimes we think that we are some kind of super saints, have to have it all together or at least give the appearance that we do. We are often very disappointed with ourselves, He never is. We thought that we were stronger than we really are, He knew all along that we are just inflated dust.

What can we do in response to such goodness to us that will last for eternity? Praise Him! Remind yourself daily how much God loves you and refuse to live in condemnation, self loathing , guilt, anxiety about the future, lack of confidence or the fear of man. If God is for us (and He is) who or what can be against us? Nothing nor anybody can keep us for the love of God and all the benefits that are wrapped up in His love. 

“Heavenly Father I praise you this day for your unfailing love and all the ways you take care of me. Please remind me today that you are constantly blessing me, that I am forgiven and completely pleasing to you. This day you have made for me and I will rejoice in it! Open my eyes today so I can see your goodness and mercy in my life and praise you for it. Thank you in advance for taking care of all my needs today and the unexpected blessings that I will receive from you. In Jesus name I  pray.

 

Sal Sberna

Sal Sberna was Lead Pastor at The MET Church in Houston, Texas for 20 years. He retired on February 2015. He and Kristi Sberna have been married since 1981. They have two children, Salvatore and...more