Bible Studies

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The Psalms
Psalm 67 – Fear Gives Hope
Key Verses: (NCV)

• 1-2: “God, have mercy on us and bless us and show us your kindness 2so the world will learn your ways, and all nations will learn that you can save.” – The psalmist reaches back in history remembering the promises God made to Abraham and yet, offers a prayer very appropriate and pertinent in our modern world.
  
  
• 3: “God, the people should praise you; all people should praise you.” – Praising God is the first thing anyone should do, at all times, and in any situation.
  
  
• 4: “The nations should be glad and sing because you judge people fairly. You guide all the nations on earth.” – God is Sovereign Lord throughout the entire world. All people on earth are His.
  
  
• 7: “God blesses us so people all over the earth will fear Him.” – Religious ‘fear’ is an attitude of reverence and worship where we recognize the magnificence of God’s love and strive to become His faithful followers.
  

Points to Contemplate:

• Have you felt God’s mercy and kindness? Does it amaze you to contemplate that His mercy for you is the same love and mercy He has extended to His people throughout the ages? Do you accept that the promises and blessings that God poured out to Abraham, Moses, David, and Paul are the same promises He has available for you, today? Do His blessings for you carry with them a responsibility? In what ways are you a blessing, sharing the love, mercy, and kindness of God into the world?
  
  
• Are you learning His ways? As He reveals His love for you, are you experiencing His salvation? Is His love for you your basis for Hope, source of Joy, and promise of Peace? Do you see that this same love is extended to all people and nations on earth? Does this knowledge provide you hope even in the midst of war and life’s struggles? What can you do to spread the knowledge of His love, grace, and salvation to the entire world? Can you be a light in the darkness? Can you be a spark of hope for the world?
  
  
• Do you fear the Lord? Or do you feel that fearing God is an Old Testament concept? Perhaps you feel that there is nothing to fear from a loving God who is full of grace. Do you revere God? Do you respect Him? Do you sing praises and worship Him with all your heart? Do you follow where He leads? Do you try to live as He would have you live? Is your life changed by Him? Do you gaze in wonder at His creation? Are you amazed by His intimate involvement in your life? Do you see how revering, respecting, praising, following, and living along with the attributes of change, wonder, and amazement are all components of the type of fear God expects from you? Do you fear the Lord?
  

Promise of the Gospel:

The psalmist says that everyone should praise the Lord. He states this based on the evidence of God’s love, mercy, and kindness that is evident throughout history. From the promise of Abraham where God blesses him to be a blessing (Gen. 12:1-3), to David when He assured that his house would endure forever (2 Sam. 7:16), to Jeremiah where He reveals the goodness of his plan (Jer. 29:11-14), and all the way to the Great Commission of Christ, calling us to go forth and make disciples of all nations (Matt: 28:18-20), God has consistently loved His people and has filled them with His grace, kindness, and mercy. This amazing fact should instill in us a fear of God that will lead the entire world to know and experience His love.

FUMC Devotionals

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