March 17th Virtual Worship
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Happy Are Those Who Seek God
Happy are those whose way is blameless, who ______ in the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who keep his decrees, who seek him with their ________ ________, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways. You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will _________ you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous ordinances. I will observe your statutes; do not utterly forsake me.
[Reading above - Psalm 119:1-8]
Psalm 119 is a Hebrew alphabet acrostic. Each Hebrew letter begins eight verses. Each set of eight verses is called a strophe. Today’s scripture lesson is the first of twenty-two strophes. This is why this psalm is so lengthy. The purpose of this psalm is to glorify God who gives instructions for living a faithful life that is a joy and a delight. Bible scholars believe the author of Psalm 119 was a wisdom teacher who was writing for a school of religious instruction about three hundred years before the time of Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
How do you define happiness? What gives you a feeling of happiness that lasts?
Read the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-17, the Greatest Commandments mentioned by Jesus in Mathew 22:37-40, and Christ’s Command in John 13:34. How would following these commands of God bring happiness to your life?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Write your own acrostic psalm. Begin with the letter A and work through the alphabet, thinking of words or phrases that express why God’s presence in your life makes you happy.
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice.
Use the journal as a way to:
1. jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures
2. respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes
3. make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons
4. create a to-do list of discipleship actions
5. list questions you want to explore
6. write prayers, stories, poems, or letters, be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com