The Straight and Narrow
Psalm 5:7-8
Pastor Jerry Koller

David is able to come to God because of God’s great mercy.

· But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness, I will enter Your house. (NASB)

· But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. (ESV)

The Hebrew word translated mercy, lovingkindness and steadfast love is the word hesed.

Lovingkindness is an attribute God.
· It is directed toward His people.
· It is an attribute that is expressed in abundance.

· It is expressed within relationships.
· There is a covenantal element attached to it.
· There is an element of grace associated with it.
· It also carries with it the characteristic of faithfulness.
· It is expressed in a loving and loyal manner.

The phrase “your house” is a poetic reference to an intimate relationship, a reference to a deep, intimate fellowship with God.

David realizes that he can come into God’s house.
· He can have a relationship with God and worship Him because of God’s lovingkindness.

Jesus also taught this truth that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws him or her.

David asks God to lead him in righteousness.

Commenting on verse 8, Charles Spurgeon said: "Lead me, O Lord," as a little child is led by its father, as a blind man is guided by his friend. It is safe and pleasant walking when God leads the way.”

David asks to be led in God’s righteousness. Righteousness usually refers to moral and ethical thoughts and behavior.

He asks God to make straight your way before me. (v. 8)
· The term “straight ways” or “straight paths” is found in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
· It has to do with obedience.

Walk the straight and narrow.
· Turning to the right or to the left distracts one from doing what God commands.

Ask God to lead you in the straight paths of righteousness.

Give thanks and praise to God for His lovingkindness.
· Thank Him for His grace that made this possible.
· Praise Him by worshipping him corporately, privately, and publicly.

Start your day in prayer, ask God to lead you in the paths of righteousness so that you do not swerve to the left or to the right.

Realize that as we are being led by God, the road may not always be smooth and trouble free. Therefore, keep in mind that it makes no difference how we are led, or where we are led, so long as we are sure God is leading us.

· 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