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Birthdays: Nora Beth Gill, Janet Rhoades, Jean Kuhn
Anniversaries: Dave & Susie Cummings Gary & Diana Donaldson Sympathies: To the family of Norma Kelley Ruschell Nellie Baker’s sister To the Family of Linda Knox Morgan Marilyn Ward’s sister Remember our food collection, and Jesus said, “You give them something to eat”. Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Dart ball is scheduled for Tuesday the 10th here at North Buffalo Church in the social hall. Warm up is at 7pm and the game starts at 7:30. Come join in the fellowship with the Women’s Mission Group This Tuesday, Sept. 10th at 9:30 am in the social hall. I have added to the prayer list a new item. All surgeries have been performed and everything went well. Please continue prayers for a full and speedy recovery for all. You’re invited to join us for Sunday School! We will meet after the worship service in the Sunday School room behind the folding doors. Our fall quarter is all about worship in the Old Testament. Each week, we read a passage from the Bible and learn about the content and background. We discuss how that passage informs our faith and our lives. It is a great time for fellowship and learning more about God! If you have any questions, please feel free to talk to one of the teachers, Lois Miller, Don Herschell, or Christine Welling. Our 250th Anniversary plans are coming together. If interested in any of our committees or if you have photos or anything that pertains to the anniversary, please bring it to church so we can document them, then return them to you.
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Prelude: Ron Dobscha
ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP: In Christ, we have true freedom. Outward acts are no longer signs of our devotion to God but hearts turned in faith to Christ are. We worship God not with empty religious practices but with hearts that love and delight in Him. We died with Christ, He has made us alive in Him. Come and worship Him, the one in whom true freedom is found. INVOCATION:
* Hymn “ Take My Life” #697
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison) Father, we often think that all You want of us is the right routine. If we go to church enough, if we volunteer in enough programs That is all that You desire. We are guilty of wanting to appear Religious yet ignore Your commands. We devote ourselves to You on Sunday mornings and then turn from You the rest of the week. Forgive us for offering words of devotion to You but withholding our hearts. Forgive us for being satisfied by going through the motions and not offering our full devotion. Have mercy on us for these sins and the many we carry every Day. Amen *Time of silent prayer. *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri #581 *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Psalm 138 Don Herschell Sermon Text: Colossians 2: 16-23 *Hymn “Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet” # 458 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *Hymn “What a Fellowship, What a Joy Devine # 837 *Benediction Postlude: Ron Dobscha
Birthdays: Linda Miller, Mary Hathaway
Anniversaries: Tom & Linda Miller John & Barb O’Hara Remember our food collection, and Jesus said, “You give them something to eat”. Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. I have added to the prayer list a new item. There are a few surgeries coming up in the next few days and weeks. Please check the prayer list for who they are and what surgery they are having. You’re invited to join us for Sunday School!! We will meet after the worship service in the Sunday School room behind the folding doors. Our fall quarter is all about worship in the Old Testament. Each week, we read a passage from the Bible, and learn about the content and background. We discuss how that passage informs our faith and our lives. It is a great time for fellowship and learning more about God! If you have any questions, please feel free to talk to one of the teachers, Lois Miller, Don Hershell, or Christine Welling. Our 250th Anniversary plans are coming together. If interested in any of our committees or if you have photos or anything that pertains to the anniversary, please bring it to church so we can document them, then return them to You.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Ricci Amos, Sandy Stone, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Chuck Harton, Suzy Smith, Fred Wilkinson, Donna West, Marley Smith, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Helen Provenzano, Carol Pierce, Jim King, Mary Stoey, Johnny Yurko, Ron Poznic, Betty Fisher, Tim Knabensue, The McFeely’s, Chuck Kapaika, Nellie Baker, Kayla Horner, Ed Stavovy, Tommy Ann Sanders ( 5 yr.old), Ron Westfall, Margaret Danna, Mary Ann Durila, Carolyn Knabensue, Linda Morgan, Dan, Doug, Marilyn Ward, Shirley Richman, Norma Jean Kelso, David Smith, Karen Hunter
Prelude: Carol Smith
ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP: We were once dead in our trespasses but in Christ, God has made us alive! In Christ, we have been forgiven all of our trespasses. Our record of sin, as it was, has been cancelled. It was nailed to the cross, and we bear it no more, Our God has put the enemy to shame. And so we will walk in Him! We are rooted and built up in Him! Let us worship Him today, the Lord Jesus who takes away our sin. INVOCATION:
* Hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! # 1
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison) Lord, we come to You with a ledger of sin that we seem to add to everyday. Our actions do not reflect the love and devotion we have toward You, our thoughts and our hearts do not reflect our submission to You. Even though we confess that You have bought us at a great price, we give ourselves to lesser things. We trust though that through faith, You cancel the debt that we have built up. That You alone can forgive and forget our wicked ways. So we turn to You again this day for mercy. We look to You as our hope bringing us from death to life. Amen. *Time of silent prayer. *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri #581 *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Psalm 92 Mary Esselstyn Sermon Text: Colossians 2: 6-15 *Hymn “Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound. # 649 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *Hymn “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine! # 839 *Benediction Postlude: Carol Smith
Birthdays: Carley McCoy
Next week, we will be switching our worship and Sunday School times. Worship will be at 9:45 am, and Sunday School will be directly after. Remember our food collection, and Jesus said, “You give them something to eat”. Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Our 250th Anniversary plans are coming together. If interested in any of our committees or if you have photos or anything that pertains to the anniversary, please bring it to church so we can document them, then return them to You.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Ricci Amos, Sandy Stone, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Chuck Harton, Suzy Smith, Fred Wilkinson, Donna West, Marley Smith, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Helen Provenzano, Carol Pierce, Jim King, Mary Stoey, Johnny Yurko, Ron Poznic, Betty Fisher, Tim Knabensue, Norma Jean Kelso, The McFeely’s, Chuck Kapaika, Nellie Baker, Kayla Horner, Ed Stavovy, Tommy Ann Sanders ( 5 yr.old), Ron Westfall, Margaret Danna, Mary Ann Durila, Carolyn Knabensue, Linda Morgan, Dan, Doug, Marilyn Ward
Prelude: Ron Dobscha
ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP: Everyone who serves God come and offer thanks. Thank You God for Your love to us. Everyone who has gathered in this place, lift your hands and praise God. Thank You God for Your love in this place. Shout praises to God for you are God’s servants, so shout praises. Thank You God for Your faithfulness. Praise the name of our God who is kind and good. Thank You God for Your love endures forever! We come to worship You today. INVOCATION:
* Hymn “We Are One in the Spirit” # 300
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison) Most gracious and merciful God, we confess to You that time after time, we have offered sincere sounding prayers, but our hearts have been closed to Your grace. We have lifted our hands to You in praise, but our feet have still walked in the way of sin. We have heard Your word and celebrated Your sacraments, but we have refused to see the needs of our neighbor. Forgive our lack of faith and love. Grant us the cleansing that can only come from You. We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen *Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri #581 *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Psalm 111 Kirkland Cipoletti Sermon Text: Colossians 1: 24 – 2: 5 Baptism of Wilder David Neil *Hymn “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” # 306 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *Hymn “Standing on the Promises” # 838 *Benediction Postlude: Ron Dobscha
Birthdays: Marilyn Ward, Don Hanes
Anniversaries: Tim & Janet Schivley Sympathies: To the Family of Connie Palmer To the Family of Bill Buxton Both are friends of Debbie Durila Remember our food collection, and Jesus said, “You give them something to eat”. Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Our 250th Anniversary plans are coming together. If interested in any of our committees or if you have photos or anything that pertains to the anniversary, please bring it to church so we can document them, then return them to You. Schools are starting back this week. Be safe and courteous !!
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Ricci Amos, Sandy Stone, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Chuck Harton, Suzy Smith, Fred Wilkinson, Donna West, Marley Smith, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Helen Provenzano, Carol Pierce, Jim King, Mary Stoey, Johnny Yurko, Ron Poznic, Betty Fisher, Tim Knabensue, Norma Jean Kelso, The McFeely’s, Chuck Kapaika, Doug Ward, Nellie Baker, Kayla Horner, Ed Stavovy, Tommy Ann Sanders ( 5 yr.old), Ron Westfall, Margaret Danna, Mary Ann Durila, Carolyn Knabensue
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together, we take time to share any joys or concerns we have. This is a wonderful time of fellowship for those of us in person. We invite you to join us! If you have a prayer request that you would like to add, please post a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Holy God, Creator of Life,
you call us out of our dark places, offering us the grace of new life. When we see nothing but hopelessness, you surprise us with the breath of your spirit. Call us out of our complacency and routines, set us free from our self-imposed bonds, and fill us with your spirit of life, compassion, and peace, In the name of Jesus, your anointed one, we pray. Amen.
This week's lesson is on Psalm 130.
Lesson Context
Psalm 130 is part of a larger set, usually called the Psalms of Ascents, consisting of Psalms 120 - 134. Together, the psalms address a wide range of concerns and moods. They allow the worshipping community to express anxiety and hope, fear and trust, sorrow and joy. The worshippers can bring their entire lives to God, share their lives with each other, and eagerly await God's transforming work. The Psalms of Ascents may have functioned together as songs for pilgrims entering the Jerusalem temple in the period following the Babylonian exile. Our book says Psalm 130 in particular may have been part of a night vigil, waiting for the dawn. The psalm seems like a very condensed lament. It begins with a cry to God, as most laments do. It differs from some psalms of lament by being briefer and jumping to praise without much preparation. It ends with supreme confidence in God's saving work.
Address to the Lord
The phrase out of the depths might be a shorter form of the phrase, "the depths of the waters." The Hebrew word translated depths only occurs in instances of the watery deep. These were frequently used as an image of danger or chaos. (for example: Ezekiel 27:34, Psalm 69:2, Exodus 15:5) Additionally, there is a metaphorical link between the depths, and Sheol, the place of the dead, which was far from God's presence. The psalmist speaks as though from the gates of death. This points to the many sorts of problems humans may face, including our mortality and proneness to sickness, as well as the hostile attitudes of wicked people or the irresistible power of some historical or natural events. The depths may take many forms. The psalmist addresses God in hopes of being heard and saved. The repetition in the first two verses is a poetic device of synonymous parallelism. It reinforces the importance the psalmist places on receiving God's full attention. This psalm (and others where God is called upon to listen to lament) expect that God desires to listen to sincere requests for help and will respond with speed and compassion. However, we need to remember that God's timing is not our own, and a perceived lack of an answer from God does not mean he has not heard or has no intention of acting. The psalmist affirms God's mercy. God could obsess over human sin. If God decided to tally sins, no person could be counted as righteous. A God who rigorously punished all evil immediately would leave no space for human survival. But a God who ignored evildoing altogether would cause great harm to humanity. The God of Israel, however, engages with human beings to reform their lives. God's mercy toward sinners inspires them to honor him more. Forgiveness creates a new path. Divine gentleness with the people inspires awe in part because it seems so different from human inclinations toward one another. The Hebrew word translated whole being can be more concisely translated as "soul." But the Hebrew word has a more robust meaning than we might consider in English. The ancient Israelites did not believe in a soul that merely inhabited a body (like Greek thinking). Instead of a divide between body and soul, the Israelites thought of the human being as an integrated whole. The soul was the animating force, the piece of the body that made a person alive. The integration of body and soul remains central to Christianity, which rests on the hope of our bodily resurrection rather than the immortality of a disembodied spirit or soul. The repetition of, "more than watchmen wait for the morning," is for rhythmical purposes, similar to repetition in our hymns. Just as nighttime sentries eagerly await the dawn and the relative safety of daytime, so does the one praying wait for a new day in which God will act.
Address to Israel
In the last two verses, the psalm shifts focus from an individual psalmist to the whole community. In ancient Israel, redemption was a term often applied to the purchase of slaves to free them. The language is prevalent in texts describing God's liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Here, the oppression is of human sin in all its forms. The psalm anticipates God acting to free Israel from sin's power.This redemption is the ultimate fulfillment of God's ancient covenant with the ancestors. The ending of the psalm is an expression of deep trust in God. It moves from readers focusing on the individual to God's care for the whole people. In God's great mercy lies hope for Israel and everyone within it. There is a tight connection between the individual's experience and the community's proclamation. The people of Israel were the community whom God rescued from evil in all its manifestations. The people announced and celebrated the good news that such deliverance had occurred and they sought more of it. This understanding also applies to the church, the community grafted into Israel. We also experience, both as individuals and as a community, the power of God's forgiveness, which we imitate in our dealings with others. 
Conclusion
Psalm 130 speaks to faith that involves waiting for God's grace to make itself known. During such a time, the person may doubt God's ability or willingness to save, question the integrity of other human beings, and even lose self-respect. Waiting for salvation challenges every fiber of a person's being. Yet, that challenge itself strengthens faith in the long run. As this psalm makes clear, trust in God does not come without some doubts. Biblical faith is not a Pollyanna attitude about life. It is realistic and honest about hardship. But it does not remain there. The depths that we face become opportunities for grace. Learning the discipline of waiting is part of learning to live with God and all others who are also awaiting God's help. This psalm exposes an important truth about human beings: our profound need and desire for God's presence. Worship in community reminds us of God's might acts. May we, in our darkest moments and in the grasp of the sins that don't want to let us go, cry out to our God and heed the call to hope in his saving works.
Prayer
O God, who hears the cries of broken people and sees our tear-stained faces, who sutures broken hearts and shattered relationships, hear every cry from the depths of us as well. Do not forget us in our day of distress, and help us not forget to be thankful when you have rescued us with one of the many methods at your disposal. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Next week's lesson will be on 1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5.
Prelude: Carol Smith
ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP: L. We were all at once without Christ. P. We were without hope, without God in the world. L. But by the blood of Christ, we have been brought near. P. We are citizens of heaven with all the saints, having access to the Father through the Spirit. L. Worship today the one who restores our hope, our, the Lord Jesus. INVOCATION:
* Hymn “Take My Life” # 697
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison) Almighty and most merciful Father, we are thankful that Your mercy is higher than the heavens, wider than our wanderings, deeper than all our sin. Forgive our careless attitudes toward Your purposes, our refusal to relieve the suffering of others, our envy of those who have more than we have, our obsession with creating a life of constant pleasure, our indifference to the treasures of heaven, our neglect of Your wise and gracious law. Help us to change our way of life so that we may desire what is good, love what You love, and do what You command, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen *Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri #581 *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Psalm 89: 20-37 Sermon Text: Ephesians 2: 11-22 *Hymn “I Love You, Lord” # 627 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *Hymn “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” # 306 *Benediction Postlude: Carol Smith
Birthdays:
Evelyn Herschell, Hope Diedier & Holly Harr, Ben Hathaway, Betty Fisher, Bill Stough Anniversaries: July none this week Sympathies: None Remember our food collection, and Jesus said, “You give them something to eat”. Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Our 250th Anniversary plans are coming together. If interested in any of our committees or if you have photos or anything that pertains to the anniversary, Please bring it to church so we can document. Once again--- If you have anything you would like posted in our joys and concerns, please let Diana know.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we take some time to share our weeks, and any prayer requests we have. If you have a prayer request, please add it to this post as a comment. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Dear Lord,
We come here together to walk in harmony with your presence, Lord God. May we also walk in harmony with each other in our words and thoughts. Bind us together with your love and peace, Father, so that together we may learn, grow, and give glory to your name. Open your word and guide us towards a church, a family that longs for your presence and one another. Thank you for the gift of fellowship that you invite and encourage us to partake in. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Psalm 119 is the longest single chapter in the Bible. A major theme is the persecution and affliction of God’s people is a major theme. Another prominent theme is the profound truth that the Word of God is all-sufficient. There are eight different terms referring to the Word of God throughout the psalm: law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, word, and ordinances. In almost every verse, the Word of God is mentioned. Psalm 119 affirms not only the character of the Scriptures, but it affirms that God’s Word reflects the very character of God Himself: Righteousness, Trustworthiness, Truthfulness, Faithfulness, Unchangeableness, Eternality, Light. Another message of this psalm is that we are to live a lifestyle that demonstrates obedience to the Lord. Our God is a god of order.
The psalm opens with two beatitudes. “Blessed” are those whose ways are blameless, who live according to God’s law, who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart. Lessons we learn from this psalm are: The Word of God is sufficient to make us wise, train us in righteousness, and equip us for every good work. Scriptures are a reflection of God’s nature, from them we learn that we can trust His character, His plan and purposes for mankind. Blessed indeed are we if our delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law we meditate day and night. 
Conclusion
The psalmist did not simply obey the rules. He enjoyed a relationship with God. The Law was not just a set of rules but a guide to a meaningful life. God's Law contains the secrets of spiritual growth for the people of Israel and, to a certain extent, for Christians as well. A life of obedience should not be burdensome but joyful. Faithful persons are required to free themselves from fear, prejudice, anger, greed, lust, and other vices. One of the principal causes of social discord in modern societies is the loss of trust in others and their honorable intentions. Psalm 119 and others like it open the door to the possibility of mutual trust. This stance of informed, reasonable trust begins with trust in God as the creator and educator, who draws anyone willing into a meaningful life.
Prayer
Father God, our Creator, you have fashioned us and continue to shape us into the image of Christ. Help us to understand to whatever degree we can your gracious movements in your creation, your care for all things, your love for us, and your desire that we grow in wisdom. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Next week's lesson will be on Psalm 130.
Prelude: Rob Dobscha
ANNOUNCEMENTS: VBS CELEBRATION CALL TO WORSHIP: Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayers to You, O God. You are a hiding place for me; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Be glad in the LORD and rejoice; shout for joy! Let us worship the LORD our God! INVOCATION
* Hymn “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit # 408
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison) O Lord, we have sinned, and we need Your forgiveness. Our desires and our affections are bent and broken. We hunger for that which will never satisfy, and we love that which leads us away from You. Forgive us, Lord, for we come to You with broken and contrite hearts. Form us according to Your nature and make us more like You, that we may glorify You and enjoy You forever. In Jesus’ Name We pray. AMEN *Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri #581 *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Psalm 24 Kirkland Cipoletti Sermon Text: Luke 15: 11-32 *Hymn “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” # 834 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *Hymn “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” # 835 *Benediction Postlude: Rob Dobscha
Birthdays: Marlene Huffman
Remember our food collection, and Jesus said, “You give them something to eat”. Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. VBS will be part of the regular church service today. Session will meet Monday night at 7 pm. Missionary meeting Tuesday at 9:30 am. Women on Wednesday (WOW) will meet on Wednesday at 9:30 am. Our 250th Anniversary plans are coming together. If interested in any of our committees or if you have photos or anything that pertains to the anniversary. Please bring it to church so we can document. Once again--- If you have anything you would like posted in our joys and concerns, please let Diana know.
Good morning!
We're so glad you chose to join us today!
When we meet together, we take time to share any joys or concerns we may have. If you have any prayer requests, you can add them as a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below to get started.
Loving Lord and Father, help me to feel Your closeness each day, especially in any times of troubles. Amen
This week's lesson is on Psalm 71:12-21.
Psalm 71 is part of a long string of prayers that express the hope that God will help those who trust in him. This section of Psalms addresses the suffering of either individual or Israel as a people in lament after lament. These psalms call God's attention to the humans' need for a continuing relationship or rescue. And the psalms remind the people of Israel of their constant need for self-examination, repentance and hopeful action. While this poem is a lament, we can also speak of it as a prayer. Psalm 71 interweaves requests and expressions of trust in God's righteousness and reliability throughout life. Verses 10-11: For my enemies have spoken against me; And those who watch for my life have consulted together, Saying, “God has forsaken him: Pursue and seize him, for there is no one to deliver.” These describe the insults of the psalmist's critics and enemies. They slandered not only the psalmist but also God, whom they accused of abandoning the faithful. The psalmist's real experiences are revealed in general terms, without naming names, so we are invited to consider our own experience as we consider the psalmist's troubles and he responded in faith.
On the heels of these insults, verse 12 responds to the enemies not by returning their insults but by asking for God's presence. The psalmist asserted the enemies' accusations were baseless and false and that God would prove their error and vindicate their victim. The verse's two requests are closely related. First, God's nearness allows him to save the psalmist. Coming quickly emphasizes God's nearness and his desires to respond to the prayerful request for help. This standard appeal for God's merciful presence depends on two prior ideas. First, God has shown himself to be a helper as defined by his being the one who provides needed aid unobtainable from anyone else. Second, humans often experience the need for God's aid as urgent , not as a pleasant future desire but as a present need. God's relative speed in responding to such pleas is less about a timeline than about attentiveness and care. The psalmist assumed that God wants to help in ways that bring hope-not from afar and not with needless delay. God is the one who shifts the power from the evildoers to the psalmist who has been mistreated. This change of fortune is entirely in God's hands. This verse turns back to those people (or the attitudes they represent) and asks God to change those who want to harm me by exposing their sins to public scrutiny. This would lead to everyone else recognizing the injustice and cruelty of the enemies' words and deeds. The language of shame does not refer only to individuals' internal feelings but to their status in society. Part of the pursuit of justice in the Old Testament involved ensuring that society does not reward evil behavior. The prayers of the faithful do not personalize attacks on evil people, but they do ask for God's help in real life interpersonal struggles. This verse asks God to somehow turn the enemies' wishes for the psalmist back on them. It does not ask for their physical harm but seeks their exposure as evildoers. Verses 14-16 work together as a vow of praise in direct contrast to the enemies' insults. The faithful person commits to a life of celebration of God's gracious deeds. That commitment implies a willingness to look for evidence of grace and reasons for hope in all aspects of life. This expresses the poet's desire for steady confidence in God's promises. The statement is also commitment to God and a bid for favor. The faithful person's desire is always to live in hopefulness, even when events and feelings challenge that attitude. Humans do not praise God for his sake, since God neither requires flattery nor needs to be informed about our lives. We praise God as an act of truth telling and orientation to reality. This praise happens primarily in a community of like minded people who encourage each other to see the joyful world God seeks to create for humanity. The commitment is to a lifetime of praise, whether in the midst of trouble or peace. God's deeds are so numerous that humans should spend time enumerating them while also realizing our inability to finish the list. The psalmist joins the community of the faithful at prayer in the place where Israel could gather for prayer. The one praying does not enter timidly, fearful of God's rejection or indifference, but confidently drawing on God's strength. While in the presence of God in the worshiping community, the psalmist will carry out the commitment to fair and loyal treatment for all. Since God's righteousness will be the subject of each individual's prayer, the whole community of faith will praise God's pursuit of justice and join in it themselves. The psalms shift its imagery from prayer to learning. It turns to God as a teacher. The learning process begins early and operates through the many dimensions of life. Some learning may occur in school, but that environment is only part of the whole. Learning occurs everywhere, just as long as the person pays attention to life's experiences and receives proper guidance from wise teachers. The elderly psalmist reflects on a life of learning from the days of his youth. When we declare God's marvelous deeds we are talking about creation and salvation. It can refer to the liberating plagues in Egypt, relief in an invasion or repeated acts of deliverance. The marvels also include the sustenance of the creation itself. The psalmist did not advocate mouthing empty phrases but instead expressed a deep respect for the many ways in which God works in the world. The wonders in question are diverse and deep, and we must think carefully about what each of them implies about humanity's place in God's creation. That process of thinking is precisely what the psalmist celebrates. God has gradually taught the lessons of life to an attentive pupil, but those lessons never end. The psalmist's education began in youth and continues in old age. He seeks wisdom and ask God never to forsake the role of teacher, not because the writer believes God might do so, but because it is valuable to express the human desire for God's presence during all phases of life. He wants to become wise in part so that he can teach the next generation as well. Some people could be said to have done great things, but by questionable means. God's righteousness permeates all his actions; every incredible act of creation or recreation, of love and mercy or justice, is done perfectly by the Lord. Unlike human beings, God does not waste time on trivialities but works for the good in all things. God's righteousness becomes tangible in ways that humans can identify and understand. No one else in heaven or on earth can bring about the good outcomes righteousness people experience everyday. God allows the faithful person to experience troubles, since much learning can occur under difficult circumstances. But God can also bring a person back to life, in this case figuratively. A person's trials may seem to resemble death itself, but God can revive even the dead. Suffering cannot have the last word because God has the power to restore a person's life again and bring that person out of whatever depth he or she experiences. The psalmist expects God to increase the praying person's honor rather than allowing him or her to suffer social isolation and disgrace. This is not the request of a boastful or already successful person for even more power.. Rather, this is the hope of an oppressed, downtrodden person to receive honor due to all human beings who trust in God. This hope is rooted in God's character. The prayer asks God to reverse the painful situation that the psalmist experienced because of the slander of the enemies. The Psalmist will find peace of mind at last. This request provides a fitting ending for the reading. The terrible present, with its rivalries among human beings and its moral struggles, gives way at the end to a world of healthy, ordered social relationships and deep spiritual engagement. Fitting, this prayer and others like it conclude by either praising God or promising to praise God. 
Conclusion
This psalm, like others, portrays God as the head teacher in the school of life. The attentive student enters enthusiastically into the lessons even when they are difficult, even when they involve real suffering. When other people seem bent on our destruction, when everything we attempt fails, or when our most cherished plans crumble into the dust, even then, there is hope. Hope is possible because this life does not fully belong to human beings, and whatever evil we may dream of, carry out, or merely tolerate will not prevail in the end. God reigns in life. He works steadily for the good, building a world in which love prevails over hate. Hardships can teach us hope because we trust the teacher to provide valuable learning that will transform our lives and lead to a better situation. As the good teacher, God cares deeply about the welfare of his students and leads us at a pace at which we can successfully proceed toward the ultimate goal, a life of goodness and peace before him. A more righteous world begins by improving our use of language as people of faith . We refuse to join in the fearful, hateful barrage of words that does so much damage. Instead, we fill the air with praise for God's justice and mercy, as the psalm does. Better words lead to better actions and better relationships. Hope spreads from life to life to create a new world. The social alienation and pain caused by human greed, pride and envy will give way to social harmony wrought by mutual love and full of praiseworthy actions. May God grant us this comfort and bring his kingdom to earth as it is in Heaven.
Prayer
O God, our teacher, help us to learn to read the signs of your grace everywhere, to add up the evidence of your mercy and subtract the fears that overwhelm us so easily. Write on our hearts the words of joyful expectation you have opened to us, We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Questions for discussions
Benediction
Next week's lesson is on Psalm 119:73-80.
Due to the anticipated extreme heat, we held our joint picnic at Taylorstown Church.
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