Bless the LORD, O my soul

Text: Psalm 103
26 August 2007

(I) THE CONCEPT OF “MAGNIFYING THE LORD”

1. Consciousness of God’s blessings

a) Highly developed consciousness

b) Conscious cultivation necessary

2. Counting God’s blessings

a) Forgiveness for all our sins ( Psalm 103:3a )

b) Healing grace ( Psalm 103:3b )

c) Redemption from destruction ( Psalm 103:4a )

d) Crowned with lovingkindness and tender mercies ( Psalm 103:4b )

e) Satisfied with good things ( Psalm 103:5a )

f) Renewed ( Psalm 103:5b )

(II) PRACTISING THE CONCEPT OF “MAGNIFYING THE LORD”

1. Personal Challenge

“Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits”
Psalm 103:1-2

2. Pondering the following great truths

a) God’s Relationship to us as Father

“As a father pities his children,
So the LORD pities those who fear Him.”
Psalm 103:13

b) God’s Mercy

“But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children”
Psalm 103:17

c) God’s Reign

“The LORD has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.”
Psalm 103:19

3. Public Call

a) To God’s angels

“Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.”
Psalm 103:20

b) To God’s ministers

“Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.”
Psalm 103:21

c) To God’s works

“Bless the LORD, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.”
Psalm 103:22