Almost slipped? + Billings Bound
Almost slipped?
Have you ever messed up? Or almost slipped? Have I got a Scripture for you!
Dr. John Sullivan (Florida Baptist Convention executive director) preached the annual sermon, and used Psalm 73 as a Scripture reference. I’ve sat and read the chapter, and found it intriguing.
The Psalmist begins with “But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray.”
This world holds so many temptations. It’s easy to get our eyes on other people or on ungodly things. I can just picture the Psalmist, almost slipping…but he looks up and…
“Yes I am always with You; You hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward You will take me up to glory.”
You can read the whole chapter (printed below), but I’ve spoiled the ending. The chapter ends in triumph. When he almost slips, God catches him! He’s holding his hand, right beside him, ready with counsel.
Slipping? Look up!
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BILLINGS BOUND:
The 50th anniversary for the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana was wonderful. Our state has so many wonderful pastors and pastor wives and members! It’s exciting to get together and remember God’s blessings of the past, and proclaim His blessings of today.
Steve and I are heading for Billings MO for a few days of R&R. We’ve never been to that state, and are looking forward to a relaxing time, with a little excursion over to Yellowstone National Park one day, too.
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Psalm 73
God is indeed good to Israel,
to the pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped;
my steps nearly went astray.
3 For I envied the arrogant;
I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have an easy time until they die,
and their bodies are well-fed.
5 They are not in trouble like others;
they are not afflicted like most people.
6 Therefore, pride is their necklace,
and violence covers them like a garment.
7 Their eyes bulge out from fatness;
the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
8 They mock, and they speak maliciously;
they arrogantly threaten oppression.
9 They set their mouths against heaven,
and their tongues strut across the earth.
10 Therefore His people turn to them
and drink in their overflowing waters.
11 They say, “How can God know?
Does the Most High know everything?”
12 Look at them—the wicked!
They are always at ease,
and they increase their wealth.
13 Did I purify my heart
and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?
14 For I am afflicted all day long,
and punished every morning.
15 If I had decided to say these things [aloud],
I would have betrayed Your people.
16 When I tried to understand all this,
it seemed hopeless
17 until I entered God’s sanctuary.
Then I understood their destiny.
18 Indeed You put them in slippery places;
You make them fall into ruin.
19 How suddenly they become a desolation!
They come to an end, swept away by terrors.
20 Like one waking from a dream,
Lord, when arising, You will despise their image.
21 When I became embittered
and my innermost being was wounded,
22 I was a fool and didn’t understand;
I was an unthinking animal toward You.
23 Yet I am always with You;
You hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with Your counsel,
and afterwards You will take me up in glory.
25 Whom do I have in heaven but You?
And I desire nothing on earth but You.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart,
my portion forever.
27 Those far from You will certainly perish;
You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.
28 But as for me, God’s presence is my good.
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
so I can tell about all You do.