Post by Admin on May 24, 2018 6:16:01 GMT
Because tonight’s theme was to understand how God gives us strength, we opened with a discussion on how we define a “strong person.” Then we went around the circle to share each about ourselves one strength, and one weakness – so many of the strengths were characteristics that help and uplift others, and many of the weaknesses related to self-doubts that can rob us of our strength!
We mapped out the Psalm as having four major sections, and therefore four major points of discussion. First, especially looking at verse 2, David describes God in powerful terms: rock, deliverer, shield, horn, refuge. He used “my” throughout this section, because God is so personal to him – like a child proudly hanging on to a Daddy’s leg, as Don described it. Next, in verses 4-5, David admits he is bound hand and foot, in danger, then in the verses after, through verse 19, God intervenes to save David in a majestic, almost over-the-top display of power. We talked about times in which we were actually bound hand-and-foot, only to realize that many situations in life have that effect, tying us up and making us feel that we have no solutions, even though we are not bound up with a real rope. Likewise, we talked about whether we see God flying down and crushing those who are hurting us – some felt this was more symbolic, while others suggested that for a soldier in battle (as an example), God’s physical intervention could be seen. We also spoke of the many miracles God may be performing around us that we don’t discern, maybe because we are distracted by some narrow concern, and that opening up to see God’s perspective and releasing our focus on side issues could help us see and appreciate God’s strong hand in our lives.
In verses 20-24, David seems to be bragging about his sinlessness and righteousness, which seems at odds with the sinful mistakes we know David to have made. He might lie in a song – he can’t lie to God! We had an interesting discussion about this portion of the Psalm. Was it referring to David’s striving for righteousness after he sees the power of God in his life – in other words, a response? David finishes up the portion of the Psalm with some reminders of how God strengthens us. That can be strength for the battles of life, and may be also strength to seek after righteousness.
Tonight’s song was another one sung by the choir in the last District Service. The tune is one used in several hymns, the words written by Gloria Gaither.
I Then Shall Live
I then shall live as one who's been forgiven.
I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father;
I am His child and I am not afraid.
So, greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother;
The law of love I gladly will obey.
I then shall live as one who's learned compassion.
I've been so loved, that I'll risk loving too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;
I'll dare to see another's point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment,
Then I'll be there to care and follow through.
Your Kingdom come around and through and in me;
Your power and glory, let them shine through me.
Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor,
And may Your living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,
And may You feed a hungry world through me.
Amen, Amen, Amen
We mapped out the Psalm as having four major sections, and therefore four major points of discussion. First, especially looking at verse 2, David describes God in powerful terms: rock, deliverer, shield, horn, refuge. He used “my” throughout this section, because God is so personal to him – like a child proudly hanging on to a Daddy’s leg, as Don described it. Next, in verses 4-5, David admits he is bound hand and foot, in danger, then in the verses after, through verse 19, God intervenes to save David in a majestic, almost over-the-top display of power. We talked about times in which we were actually bound hand-and-foot, only to realize that many situations in life have that effect, tying us up and making us feel that we have no solutions, even though we are not bound up with a real rope. Likewise, we talked about whether we see God flying down and crushing those who are hurting us – some felt this was more symbolic, while others suggested that for a soldier in battle (as an example), God’s physical intervention could be seen. We also spoke of the many miracles God may be performing around us that we don’t discern, maybe because we are distracted by some narrow concern, and that opening up to see God’s perspective and releasing our focus on side issues could help us see and appreciate God’s strong hand in our lives.
In verses 20-24, David seems to be bragging about his sinlessness and righteousness, which seems at odds with the sinful mistakes we know David to have made. He might lie in a song – he can’t lie to God! We had an interesting discussion about this portion of the Psalm. Was it referring to David’s striving for righteousness after he sees the power of God in his life – in other words, a response? David finishes up the portion of the Psalm with some reminders of how God strengthens us. That can be strength for the battles of life, and may be also strength to seek after righteousness.
Tonight’s song was another one sung by the choir in the last District Service. The tune is one used in several hymns, the words written by Gloria Gaither.
I Then Shall Live
I then shall live as one who's been forgiven.
I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father;
I am His child and I am not afraid.
So, greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother;
The law of love I gladly will obey.
I then shall live as one who's learned compassion.
I've been so loved, that I'll risk loving too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;
I'll dare to see another's point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment,
Then I'll be there to care and follow through.
Your Kingdom come around and through and in me;
Your power and glory, let them shine through me.
Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor,
And may Your living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,
And may You feed a hungry world through me.
Amen, Amen, Amen