Let us take a look at the words of David in Psalm 103. David begins by commanding himself saying, “bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul.”
So often today, we hear the prayers of others asking God for a blessing. “LORD, bless my life and provide for my every need.” ” Lord bless my job, bless my day, bless my dog, bless my bank account.” We are consumed with ourselves so much that we forget to bless our majestic Lord who is sovereign over our lives. David calls himself to “forget none of His benefits.” As children of God, if no other “material blessing” came our way, what have we to rejoice in? What are these benefits of His? Let us look at these, starting with the first one. Are we ready?
“Who pardons all your iniquities.” What immeasurable, infinite benefit this is alone! Ponder for an instant if our iniquities, our sins, were not pardoned? We’d be of men most miserable. We’d be blind fools chasing after the desires arising from our lusts that would lead us to destruction. But, O, to consider the great lengths the Father has taken to redeem a people such as us! He sent His only Son as a sacrifice, once and for all time, to shed His blood for poor miserable sinners who were once without hope. Yet , on the basis of the finished work of Christ, though we deserve the punishment of the full wrath of God, He pardons us, by Grace! Christ smothers the penalty due us on the cross. He lives the life we should have lived, and dies the very death we should have died! What a Savior!
“Who heals our diseases, who redeems your life from the pit.” The Lord is our great Physician. He in fact does heal us in many ways. O, the balm of mental healing he has brought to us! When the battle rages in our minds, how sweet it is to know that Jesus is our fortress! As the great hymn says, “though the angry surges roll on my tempest driven soul, I am peaceful for I know, wildly though the winds may blow, I’ve an anchor safe and sure, that will ever more endure. Troubles almost whelm the soul, griefs like billows oer me roll, tempters seek to lure astray, storms obscure the light of day, but in Christ I can be bold, I’ve an anchor that shall hold.” How our glorious Savior has indeed redeemed our lives from the pit! Remember that day when the quickening ray burst in! We were translated from darkness into His glorious light! What a Savior!
As if these weren’t enough benefits, they continue, “Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion.” Our Abba Father crowns us. What we deserve in and of ourselves is a cursing, however, since he pardons our iniquities, he has not rewarded us or dealt with us according to our sins or iniquities, but He crowns us with His lovingkindness and His compassion. Where my fellow saints, can we ever get benefits such as these? Apart from Grace, they are not available! They can’t be bought with money or possessions! They cannot be attained with popularity. They are inherited by Grace alone, through faith alone, in the finished work of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ alone!
This morning or perhaps this evening, as you pray, alter your prayer from “bless me Lord,” and let us give Him glory by contemplating His grace upon our lives, and to the degree that He has been faithful, let us, like David say, “Lord, bless you my great Sovereign and King! You are worthy of all praise, all adoration, all worship, for you alone are God and there is none other! You alone rule the universe in majesty and glory. Bless you Triune God of Scripture! Bless the Father, bless the Son, bless the Spirit! Bless the LORD O my soul! Be encouraged, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith!
22 Comments, Comment or Ping
Fusion
Very refreshing Mario. THIS is why I come to this blog. Thanks for the encouragement and keep blessing the LORD brother.
Apr 18th, 2008
Reformed Mama
Amen Mario…ditto Fusion…that is my favorite hymn…”My Anchor Holds”…maybe we can sing it again together at Friday night prayer next week??
God’s grace…
Apr 18th, 2008
Ashley
Amen Brother. I was thinking about what you were saying last night about how we say “God is good” when life is going great but then we often forget when things go wrong. But we as believers must always remember to praise Him whether we are living in happy times or going through the worse trials. He is always good because He saved sinful, wretched men from hell and gave them a heart that desires God’s righteousness. Not only that but He is completely Holy in all that He is and does. I know I am most deserving of His wrath and I can’t thank Him and praise Him enough for saving me from that. God Bless.
Apr 18th, 2008
Stephen Macasil
Mario,
Amen, brother. The Holy Spirit has given you a gift that is evident in your writings. I thank the Lord for raising you up, and I pray that He will be pleased to continue harvesting good fruit through you. Although I’ve never prayed, “bless my dog,” your posts always remind me of my position by grace, and grace alone. Thanks for your efforts, they are very much worth the time you have taken in preparing.
“My Anchor Holds” is also a favorite of mine. I love singing the bassline, especially during the chorus!
Bless the Lord!
Apr 18th, 2008
Karen N.
Mario,
Although I’ve been reading the articles from BiblicalThought.com for a few months now, this is the first time I’ve ever replied (to anything). I just felt compelled to reply today because this is my favorite Psalm, and of course “My Anchor Holds” one of my favorite hymns. A few years ago I went through a crisis in my marriage. I clung to Psalm 103 for months — God used it to help me through one of the most difficult & painful times of my life. Then, one Sunday, Dr. Bob decided to teach one of the Psalms, and of course — it was Psalm 103! It was such a confirmation that He does indeed “crown” us with His lovingkindness and compassion. Keep up the good work, to Him be the glory.
Apr 18th, 2008
Reformed Rich
This ones for you Mario!
Apr 18th, 2008
Mario
To God be the glory! You all encourage me very much! I want to respond to your posts, but it will be later tonight. Keep us in prayer, my wife and I are headed out to Long Beach for some witnessing! Last night was a blessing at Larry’s! Love you all with the affections of Christ! Bless the Lord O my soul!
Apr 18th, 2008
agogley
Amen, Mario! This is a great reminder to me. I often get so overwhelmed by things of this world…material things, that it refreshing to be reminded and humbled.
Also, I would love to hear how your witnessing went (it helps to hear how others witnesses so I can be more attuned to opportunities in the future).
Apr 18th, 2008
Mario
Just got back from Long Beach. I have to say it went pretty well, in spite of the fear and trembling! We had many opportunities to declare the word to the youth, calling them to repentance and faith in Christ.
We found a spot where the sound echoes well. It is an old area where a club used to be. There is even a pulpit of sorts! Many people walk by in dozens even 100’s at time! We began to preach the Word out loud. Preaching from Romans 10 and calling the masses to repentance!
I have to say that the fear of man is a snare that must be overcome! My wife and I were talking about the spot there. It looks like there will be greater opportunity to start a preaching ministry.
We don’t use gimmicks! No dollar bill collections, we don’t offer people any tricks to draw them! We just preached the Lord Jesus with fear, however, without shame! All this is by grace alone! It is our desire to glorify God. We pray He is leading us in this direction as a result of His working…..Zephaniah, Ashley, Daniel looking forward by grace to co-labor with you, Larry, Reina. I know you have the desire….maybe biblicalthought can go public declaring the Doctrines of Grace and Sovereignty of God! Steve, Darrin, T.J, Rich, Drew, the rest of the crew, and whoever the Lord brings….let’s keep it in prayer, remembering that in order to see God do great things, we must attempt great things for God!
Apr 18th, 2008
Reformed Papa
Hey Mario
Great work out at the beach! Keep it up brother. The church needs more bold men and women to carry out Christ’s great commission. I do have one question though. You mentioned that you do not use gimmicks, tricks, or any such thing to draw them in. I have seen Ray Comfort and others use some very creative means to draw in large crowds. From what I have seen it works very well and God uses it. Is that what you were refering to? There is much wisdom in many of these methods for it softens peoples hearts and helps them lower their guard so that the message may not be met with instant rejection. That’s just what I have seen. I have seen other preachers out in public who stand up and yell and shout and point their fingers at people but no one listens. The people just walk by with scowls and the Christians unfortunetly end up looking like insensitive fools who at least give the impression that they are saved because they were smarter or better than those evil sinners out there. When you were preaching, were people just walking by or did you gather a large crowd that was really interested in what you were saying? I don’t know, these are just some thoughts. Keep up the good work though!
Apr 20th, 2008
Jean Cauvin
This is off topic 100%. I do not have the authority to post categories which is fine. So maybe somebody wants to pick up on this.
Clyde Cook, the former president of Biola died last Friday. I did not know Clyde Cook at all. Perhaps others on here did and may have some insight on the man’s scholastic footprints.
However, I do know Biola. As one of the leading Christian apologetic bible schools in the country, it brings shame upon itself and the Christian faith. It would not be an equivocation to associate horse manure with their approach to apologetics.
Who knows if it will get worse now that he has died. Let’s just hope Greg Koo-Koo doesn’t get any administrative authority over there. He is a regular speaker on apologetics at Biola. He uses the dum-dum method of defending the faith.
Sorry to be off topic.
Jean Cauvin
Apr 20th, 2008
Mario
A note on Clyde Cook: My wife graduated from Biola and works at Biola as well. My wife’s family also knew Dr. Cook and his wife Annabelle. I had the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions. The last time my wife and I saw him was at the Cenntenial Celebration for Biola University at the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. I could describe him as a gentle giant, big smile, huge heart for God’s people. He was standing at one of the memoirs for the 100 years of Biola’s history. He saw my wife and I, walked over, thanked us for celebrating that special day with him. He shook our hands and encouraged us to have a great night. That was the night of February 23, 2008…..Dr. Clyde Cook fought the good fight and finished well! Well done Soldier!
Apr 22nd, 2008
Reformed Papa
Hey Mario,
I haven’t heard a reply from you on some of those questions I asked a few days ago. I’m still curious.
thanks
Apr 23rd, 2008
Mario
ReformedPapa,
I apologize for the delayed response…….I have had a passion for evangelism since the Lord saved me. I have done evangelism in different countries using various methods.
I would agree that there are ways to draw crowds which are acceptable. For example, the covered dead body approach…..tracts are good ice breakers to be able to spark up a conversation.
But what I have come to understand is that if God is not working in the heart of the people, they will not come to faith in Christ. You can give them every argument in the book, but until the Spirit gives them life, they will not want to hear the message.
In considering evangelism, I love to remember the book 1 Corinthians chapters 1 and 2. Paul did not come with clever schemes, but with the power that comes from God. He goes on to say in chapter 2, so that the faith of the people would not rest in man but on the power of God.
It is offensive to me, that people offer money to attract people and then “sucker” them by preaching the gospel. The money is gone and they take off anyway. There are many ways we can draw people. I have seen that ministry that goes around with a black light and paint, I thinks they are Open Air Campaigners. They use the paintings as illustrations. I acknowledge that there is much to be learned about evangelism from a brother like Ray Comfort.
As for those who preach it out loud. I would have to say that is bold. As I look back through my life, I remember those bold evangelists who preached it to my face. Though I did not want to hear them, I see in Gpd’s Providence how he exposed me to the gospel through many ways! For that I am thankful. I have to say as Paul does in Philippians. What matters is that Christ is preached! He alone gets the glory anyway for He alone is worthy! My prayer is that He would make me a more effective evangelist! I’d love to see an effective ministry that disciples men that have come to repentance and faith in Christ…….I have more to say, but am a work……..
Apr 23rd, 2008
Reformed Papa
Thanks Mario
You said: “Though I did not want to hear them, I see in Gpd’s Providence how he exposed me to the gospel through many ways! For that I am thankful. I have to say as Paul does in Philippians. What matters is that Christ is preached!”
RP: I have seen Ray and others using the dollar bill method and it seemed to work well. You said in the above quote that whatever method is used, you were thankful as long as Christ was preached. You see when I used to watch Ray in Santa Monica he would draw large crowds, have them laughing and they would listen–for the most part. But the other preachers I have seen who stand and shout at people, no one listens to them. The Open Air Campaigners would also have to be considered a sort of scheming trick also because they have people watch them paint for so long before people have any idea what they are doing.
Also I believe that what Paul is refering to in 1 Cor. 1-2 about not using clever speach and all refers more to him saying he did not mix his gospel with humanistic reason and philosophy, more so than having to do with various methods of delivery.
So if the dollar bill method is “offensive” to you it would seem that if you are consistent, the painting method would be also, or even handing out any of Comfort’s tracks that all start out in “the natural realm” before getting to the gospel. I am at work also, but what do you think? Have you ever seen Ray or one of his disciples use that dollar bill method and the good test that you are speaking of or have you just heard about it?
thanks brother
RP
Apr 23rd, 2008
Mario
I was actively going down to Santa Monica for some time. I use his tracks. RP, everyone has their methods and convictions. I mentioned that whether it was a crazy preacher or someone laying hands on me speaking in tongues, though I thought they were crazy, the Lord used them! It seems you find open air preachers “offensive.” They are doing God’s work. I think of John the Baptist. People thought he was crazy and odd. What matters is that the Lord is able to save sinners. He is sovereign and uses fallen humans to accomplish the delivery of the glorious gospel. In the end, it really doesn’t matter what we think. What matters is that we be more diligent in doing God great work since we do have this “treasure in earthen vessels!” Forgive the misspellings! I need to do a better job editing!
Apr 23rd, 2008
Mario
I want to add that it does not matter what we think. What matters is, is it biblical?
Apr 23rd, 2008
Reformed Papa
Amen. But I am not at all opposed to open air preachers, as long as they are biblical and respectful. I have seen Ray do a good job and also that Luis guy that goes down there sometimes. I also saw some young guy at the Huntington Beach pier before with the whole Ray Comfort body on the ground thing, that guy did a pretty good job too.
Sorry to side track the topic of this blog on a small point. You ladies and gents keep it up.
RP
Apr 23rd, 2008
Dr. Morey
Whenever the enemies surround you and try to destory you, read Psa. 64. I offer my translation below.
A Song of comfort when wicked people attack you
O God, hear my voice when I groan!
Hide my soul from the terrorism of the enemy.
Hide me from the schemes of the wicked,
from the mob of evildoers,
who sharpen their tongues like swords
and aim bitter words like arrows,
shooting from concealed places at the innocent.
They shoot at him suddenly and are not afraid.
They encourage each other in an evil plan;
They talk about hiding traps and say, “Who will see
them?”
They devise crimes and say, “We have perfected a
secret plan.”
While the inner motives and thoughts of the wicked are
mysterious to us, God will shoot them with arrows;
suddenly, they will be wounded.
They will be made to stumble;
their own tongues will work against them.
All who see them will shake their heads.
Then everyone will fear and will tell about God’s work,
for they will understand what He has done.
The righteous rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him;
all the upright in heart offer praise.
Apr 24th, 2008
Mario
Thanks Dr. Bob! The Lord is our refuge! We rejoice! And again we will rejoice. Keep on keeping on! The Lord is faithful! Grace and Peace to you.
Apr 24th, 2008
Jean Cauvin
Mario,
“I apologize for the delayed response…….I have had a passion for evangelism since the Lord saved me. I have done evangelism in different countries using various methods. ”
What are these various methods? Apologetics is a type of evangelism as well. Schaeffer said it was pre-evangelism while Van-Til said it was evangelism (this ticked off Van-Til about Shaeffer).
Thus Schaeffer was reason before faith while Van-TIl was faith before reason.
So I’m curious. What are these methods? Is this simply a means of illustartion or are actual methods differing?
Jean Cauvin
Apr 26th, 2008
Becky
Ray Comfort is back up at SM? Last i heard, that was just Luis and that other guy whose name escapes me. I thought RC regularly does the HB thing. It’s been so long since i’ve been to either location though.
May 22nd, 2008
Reply to ““Bless the LORD O My Soul.””