Love and fear God

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre! He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry. His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. (Psalm 147:7-11 ESV)

What a wonderful text to close the year with this blog.  Give thanks to God, sing make melody.  The 

Lord God is over all things.  Yet it is not the strength or performance of His creation that gives Him pleasure, rather it is those who fear and love Him.  We who find our hope in The Lord and Hid steadfast love, they are His delight.

Such a great reminder from the psalms that our greatness is not what God delights in.  Our hard work, our striving and toiling do not give Him delight.  Our works can never bring delight to God.  Instead focus on fearing God, not in an improper way like you might fear an evil person.  But fear Him in a healthy way, as your creator, redeemer, judge, and executioner.  Probably this fear resemble a deep held respect, knowing that He holds your very life in His hand.  Know that this same God out of His love extends salvation to you, forgiveness for your sin and is willing to adopt you as His child.  So now that healthy respect based fear is still in the background but now you gave the great Hope of His sacrificial Love for you.  So we worship the one who saves us from His wrath by His own sacrifice taking our penalty on himself.  

Be someone who finishes 2013 with God delighting in you.

Blessings

Pastor Bruce