Essentials - Core Values - Love God

Stephen DeFur - November 2, 2025

“Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” – Psalm 100:1-5 NLT

“Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.  But as for me, I came so close to the edge of the cliff!  My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.  For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.” – Psalm 73:1-3

"They seem to live such a painless life; their bodies are so healthy and strong.  They aren’t troubled like other people or plagued with problems like everyone else.” – Psalm 73:4

“They wear pride like a jeweled necklace, and their clothing is woven with cruelty.  These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others.  They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the very earth. And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words.  ‘Does God realize what is going on?’ they ask. Look at these arrogant people – enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.” – Psalm 73:6-12

“Was it for nothing that I kept my heart pure and kept myself from doing wrong?  All I get is trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.” – Psalm 73:13

“If I had really spoken this way, I would have been a traitor to your people.  So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper.  But what a difficult task it is!” – Psalm 73:15-16

“… until I went into your sanctuary, O God…” – Psalm 73:17

Love God, Love People, Share Hope