Punish, Protect, Promise
Psalm 5:9-12
Pastor Jerry Koller

In verse 9, David describes his enemies whom earlier he referred to as evil and wicked. Not a word from their mouth can be trusted

Four Related Characteristics:
Characteristic #1—Their heart is filled with destruction.

The evil things that are in the hearts of evil people can be as deadly as the venom of a viper.

Characteristic #2—Their throat is an open grave.

In another interaction Jesus had with the Pharisees, Jesus refers to them as whitewashed tombs or graves.

Characteristic #3—With their tongue they speak deceit.
A better translation would be: They flatter with their tongue.

You think they are building you up or complimenting you, but they do not really mean what they say. They speak deceitfully.

Rather than seeking his own revenge against his enemies, David releases them into God’s hands for he knows God is perfectly capable of dealing with them.

David is recognizing God for who He is and what He stands for. He knows this is how God will deal with evil and wickedness.

In regard to God’s character, David recognized: You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you evil cannot dwell. (v. 4)

The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. (v. 5)

You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors. (v. 6)

Then David turns his attention back to those who have received God’s great mercies. But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them that those who love your name may rejoice in you. (v. 11)

Three Attitudes that we should have because we are in Christ:

Attitude 1—We Can Be Glad.

Attitude 2—We Can Sing For Joy.
· Joy is a supernatural delight in God and in God’s ways.

Attitude 3—We Can Rejoice In God.

If we are in Christ, He has blessed us in an absolutely amazing way.

David also states: …you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

God favors us in this fashion.
· We are highly privileged, highly blessed, highly favored.
· He surrounds them in such a way that no one or nothing can separate us from Him.

Life for you may be hard right now, but do not let circumstances cloud the truth that you are highly loved by God.

If you are facing evil circumstances or evil people, rest assured that God will deal with them for they have rebelled against Him.

If you have taken refuge in the saving arms of Christ, you can be glad—cheerful—happy—appreciative.

Sing for joy as you keep your eyes in Christ, on the promises of God, on His kingdom, and on what will happen when He returns again.

Rejoice in God for you have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly realms.

Rejoice, for nothing can ever separate you from the love of God.

· Vasha Ferguson is scheduled to have surgery for carpal tunnel on one hand on 8/30. She will then need to have the second hand done in the next few months.
· The family of Donna Jinkins (neighbor of Stan & Jean Robinson) who passed away on 8/7.
· Levi Ovenshire is recovering from multiple stab wounds as well as other extensive injuries in a Florida hospital. He has been in ICU for over a week and keeps having complications. Please pray for a complete healing. In addition, please keep his grandmother Sue (lifelong friend of Alice Avery & Judi Beckwith) and his parents in prayer as his situation has extenuating circumstances and has been very stressful and worrisome for them all.
· Sherri Pratt (Renee Goff's mother) is having open chest surgery for an aortic aneurysm on 8/15. She will be in ICU for a minimum of 3 days and then moved to another room for continued recovery.
· Chet Goff will have knee surgery on 8/16 due to a work-related injury. He is also having issues with his hand, and is doing physical therapy but doesn't need surgery on it at this time.
· Renee Goff is struggling with insomnia, and she suspects it is because she is worried. Lack of sleep gives her additional trouble with her heart.
· Linda Pries and Annette Hatfield are requesting prayer as they are under some ongoing persecution. Pray for strength and peace of mind.
· Mary Buchert broke her wrist after a fall.
· Sierra Hunter (Allie Wilson's niece) has been released from the hospital, but is still having a lot of pain.
· Alexis Kasinger (classmate of Olivia Price) continues to be hospitalized in ICU with slow healing injuries following a car accident on 6/28.
· Patty Bales is recovering from foot surgery.
· Sandy (Tracy Quist’s mom) has had cancer for 13 years and it has spread to her bones, lungs and brain. She is recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumor and is getting radiation treatments. Please pray for Tracy’s mom and dad to put all hope and trust in God and to resist worry, that the treatment will help and her side effects will be minimal.
· Lennon McKamey (son of Kyle & Sarah) needs surgery on his shoulder. Please pray that preparing for surgery goes smoothly.
· Jean Pietrzak (Sandi Starland's sister) is doing much better. She still has a neck brace and is using a walker while continuing physical therapy.
· Joyce Bocock continues to do well. Prayers for continued improvement and relief from pain are appreciated.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com