Sermon scripture: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
1
You, Lord, showed favor to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2
You forgave the iniquity of your people
and covered all their sins.
8
I will listen to what God the Lord says;
he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—
but let them not turn to folly.
9
Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
10
Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.
12
The Lord will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.
13
Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps.
Remember God’s past mercy (vs.1-2):
I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
Jeremiah 29:14
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Psalm 32:1
Listen carefully to God’s Word (vs.8-13):
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
Isaiah 32:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17