As 2026 gets underway, this week we reflect on Psalm 103 ... and especially on vs2: "Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits..."
In the context of the time, this Psalm was sung by the people of God. And these benefits were the unmerited blessings received from God’s hand: He forgave their sins (3a); healed their diseases (3b); redeemed their life from the grave (4a); crowned them with love and compassion (4b); and satisfied their desires with good things (5a). And blessed them so that their youth was renewed like the eagle’s (5b).
As Christians who live this side of Jesus' cross, those same benefits flow to us through Him. But further, God himself has drawn close to us by sending us His Son - and we can draw near to Him in word and prayer too!
So, as the year begins, may I encourage you to use this time to re-commit yourself to God by drawing near to him. Our Bible-in-a-year program can help you draw near to God through His Word. Each day, the Bible readings are available from ESV.org in English text as well as audio format. It is designed to be no-cost, simple to use and free from distractions so that every person in our church can read, meditate upon and apply God's word to our lives.
Our Church bible reading program is accessed at https://stphils.org.au/readings
Other non-English options are also available there:
I really look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Yours in Christ,
Eric