Tell it Like it is
“Tell us how we did’ was a message I received from the Water Corporation AND an internet server after I had reason to interact with them on the online chat service. I was asked to do a quick survey critiquing their personnel’s performance
There are church’s where some in the congregation are given ‘evaluation’ forms. They are asked to evaluate all things pertaining to the service; song leaders, musicians, choice of music… even the preacher (content of sermon and delivery).
In August 2021 we have the next national Census here in Australia For years now, a Nation Life Church Survey is also done… participating chuches are asked to score their church on every department, especially leadership as well as their sense of belonging
All are matters of analysis… sometimes feedback is heartening… other times sobering or even crushing.
Today is Lord’s Supper preparation è self examination. But how good are we at SELF examination?
We tend to be sceptical when a Govt. dept. has an internal investigation into some scandal or crime
In Psalm 139 we find the Psalmist utters a very daring prayer – one we need to take on board
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV)
- THE BEST EXAMINER OF MY LIFE
- COUNTING GOD’S ENEMIES AS MY OWN
- CONSISTENTLY LIVING FOR GOD
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Sermon Outline
Readings
Psalm 139 (NIV84)
1O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.
2You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.
5You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”
12even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
13For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
19If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
21Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord, and abhor those who rise up against you?
22I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
23Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Text
Psalm 139:23–24 (NIV84)
23Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
