February 4, 2008

Text: Psalm 144


WHAT IS MAN THAT YOU SHOULD TAKE NOTICE OF HIM?
Psalm 144:3-4; Psalm 8

1. A good correct platform for offering prayer to God
"LORD, what is man that You take knowledge of him?
Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?
Man is like a breath; His days are like a passing shadow."    Psalm 144:3-4

a) It makes him humble

b) It destroys pride

c) It prevents presumption

d) Man is ephemeral
    i) Like a breath

    ii) Like a passing shadow

2. God's Involvement in his life
"Blessed be the LORD my rock,
Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle-

My lovingkindness and my fortress,
My hightower and my deliverer,
My shield and the One in whom I take refuge,
Who subdues my people under me."    Psalm 144:1-2

a) Reflection and appreciation of God
    i) Reflective of Psalm 8, 18

    ii) Meditation of God's hand in personal life

b) Blessing the Lord because of His gracious involvement in life
(Bearing in mind that man is only like a breath)
    i) Trainer    Psalm144:2

    ii) Lovingkindness personified    Psalm 144:2

    iii) Fortress    Psalm 144:2

    iv) Shield    Psalm 144:2

    v) Refuge    Psalm 144:2

    vi) One who subdues (the rebellious especially)    Psalm 144:2

GROWING A DEEP SENSE OF APPRECIATION OF GOD

1. A good challenge

2. A necessity

3. A wise course