July 27, 2018
It came out effortlessly. David, King of Israel and writer of half of our Psalms, was such a humble man that his praise NATURALLY flowed to God.
Notice the second person pronouns (""you, your"") in Psalm 21, mentioned 9 times in 4 verses.
3 For YOU meet him with the blessings of good things; YOU set a crown of fine gold on his head.
4 He asked life of YOU, YOU gave it to him, Length of days forever and ever.
5 His glory is great through YOUR salvation, Splendor and majesty YOU place upon him.
6 For YOU make him most blessed forever; YOU make him joyful with gladness in YOUR presence.
Most men don't get this. Their big problem is the ""I"" problem. ""I did this, I created this, this is mine,"" etc. Somehow David had learned this early and it was the key to his greatness.
He recognized the source of everything. He realized the fountain of true joy and satisfaction (""You make him joyful with gladness in Your presence"").
God can entrust His true riches to a man like this, because He knows that such a man will not take the credit or rob glory from God.
Is this natural with us? Does this kind of gratitude and deep humility naturally flow from our mind and our lips? Who's getting the credit from your lips and whose presence are you seeking?
March 29, 2023
As a pastor for the last 55 years, I have had the joy of being encouraged and blessed and prayed for by so many people. It is what carries you in your task of shepherding people. As I look back over five decades of ministry, their love has dramatically enriched my life.
But also, a pastor leads. And when anyone leads, there are almost always some who disagree.
March 28, 2023
March 27, 2023
