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PSALM 138:8

"THE WORK OF THE LORD"

Intro: This scripture not for everyone, the "me" was David so it is for those like
       David. Are  you concerned about your soul?  The things of the Spirit?  This
       vs. for those who have  experienced God's mercy. This vs. for those who have
       placed their lives in God's hands.

I. "THE LORD WILL PERFECT THAT WHICH CONCERNETH ME."
        A. The "Lord."
                1. When there is a work to be done my first concern is the quality and
                   capacity of the workers.
                2. What a comfort, when I think of my salvation to realize it is God's work.
                        a. I dare not try to add one stitch to my robe of righteousness.
        B. "Will perfect."  Complete or bring to maturity.
                1. He who has begun a good work in you, shall continue to perform it.
                2. "The author & the finisher of our faith."
                3. We never arrive at a stage when God says alright, take it from here
                   it's yours now.
                4. a. Trust & rest in Him.
                        b. "He is able."
                5. "Will" perfect . . . not might or may.
        C. "That" which concerneth "me."
                1. What are your chief concerns.
                        a. Some more concerned with perishing body than eternal soul.
                        b. Some more concerned with earthly.
                        c. Some more concerned with time than eternity.
                2. Are you concerned about your Christian walk?
                        a. Your witness for Christ?
                3. Are you concerned about your salvation?

II. "THY MERCY O LORD ENDURETH FOREVER."
        A. The basis of my confidence the mercy of God.
        B. I am certain of my salvation.
                1. Because I'm such a neat guy?  never.
                2. Because of God's mercy.
        C. What was it that caused God to choose me?
                1. His mercy.
                        a. He had mercy on me when I was His enemy.
                        b. Shall He cease now that I am His friend?
                        c. He had mercy on me when I was wrapped up in sin, & did not care
                           for righteousness.
                        d. Shall He cease now, when I am concerned about righteousness
                           though I fail?
        D. God's mercy towards me will not change.
                1. It endureth forever.

III. "FORSAKE NOT THE WORKS OF THINE OWN HANDS."
        A. Prayer is the result of the believers confidence.
                1. Confidence must not lead to idleness but to diligent activity.
        B. Through prayer I make possible for God to do the things He desires to do
           in my life.
                1. There is an area of free moral agency that God does not violate.
                        a. He does not come into my life uninvited.
                        b. He does not work in my life uninvited.
                2. Sometimes when He revels some dirty area of my life, He wants to
                   clean up.
                        a. Now hold on, Lord I'm not so sure I'm ready for that.
                        b. He'll back off & wait.
        C. Salvation is God's work in me.
                1. Righteousness is God's work in me.
                2. Eternal life is God's work in me.
                3. My life becomes the expression of God.
                        "Ye are His poema."