SUNDAY EVENING SERVICE
20th August, 2017
Pastor Biakson greeted the congregation in the Lord’s name, read Psalm 103:1-5 from the Scripture, and invoked the presence of God. This was followed by a time of praise and worship led by the Worship team: “Lung aw dam in” and “A hampha Pasian mite” were the two songs sung. Contributions, tithes, and offerings were dedicated in God’s holy name by Upa Dr B Langkham. Highlights of the upcoming Music Fest 2017 (26th & 27th August) were presented by Lunte Samte, Secretary, BYF. Pastor Biakson also announced that there will be a Workshop-cum-Interaction programme for Church members who work in the Private Sector on September 2, 2017.
The Pastor then delivered a sermon on the theme “Bless the Lord, O my soul”, after which “Jesu a lawm hoih i neih dan” (What a friend we have in Jesus) was sung. Mass prayer was held, and Upa Khamkhanpau Guite pronounced the benediction.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul”- Pastor H Biakson
Psalm 103:1-5
2 Chronicles 20:1-30
“1. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that they youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1-5, KJV)
The preacher drew on the story of David to deliberate on how we should “bless the LORD at all times: his praise [should] continually be in [our] mouth(s)” (Psalm 34:1). David did not wait nor did he need any external stimuli to bless the name of the Lord - it all came from within. He looked into himself and therein found the motivation and encouragement he could ever need to praise God. He strengthened himself in the Lord as is mentioned in the book of Samuel. Even when his people turned their backs on him, blaming him for their situation, and attempted to stone him after their defeat in Ziklag, David sought for no one but God. Even after being anointed as the King, David did not immediately take the throne. Rather, he dwelled in wilderness with Saul behind him. Yet David did not lose his spirits and placed his trust in God.
It was after years of wandering that David finally assumed his throne. When in distraught David did try to mingle with the Philistines, seeking protection. He failed to earn their trust and evoke suspicion - he could not be fully present in their midst. After being dismissed by the Philistines in their preparation for a war, David and his men returned to their home-country only to find it being captured by the enemy, the Amalekites and their families taken as hostages. Cries of men filled the country until they lost their voices. David stood alone with God. He exhorted his soul to honour and praise the Saviour.
We are given many reasons to honour God, few listed in Psalms 103:1-5. The verses are a constant reminder that we must never forget or take for granted the “benefits” that we receive from God every day, every hour, every minute. His sacrifice of his only son to save us from our inequities is the epitome of love and forgiveness. In God will we find health and wellness, and yet if God do deny health to some people while granting it to others, it is those who dwell in Him and choose to believe in Him who receives true salvation and healing. Jehoshaphat, knowing that his army was no match for the invaders, turned to God in prayer. They gave glory to the Lord in the battlefield, singing and praising Him. This trust that they placed in God earned them their victory. Oftentimes, we, human beings question the ways of the Lord, whine about how tough we had, and complain about how God often seems to be absent in our lives. However, we should also realize that it is only when we strengthen ourselves in the Lord that we can fully see the goodness around; it is only when we seek and sing praises to the Lord that victory comes from above. A life that fails to glorify God is like a dead leaf.
Therefore, like David, we must “bless the LORD” always, in all ways. With voices raised in song and hearts lifted in prayer, with a worshipful spirit desiring the honour of God, we must wholeheartedly sing enthusiastic praises to God. It is a blessing available and accessible to all of humankind.
Content Writer,
Lamdeihkim
