Anticipation

December 11, 2016 Speaker: Scott Hanberry

Scripture: Psalm 85

Words of Christmas 
Psalm 85
Dr. Scott Hanberry

1) Anticipation builds as we _______________ the mercies of the past (1-2). 

                He is a God of _______________. 

Your words of peace have warmed our hearts, enlivened our minds, and encouraged our spirits - and for this, we praise and honor You with songs of joy. 

                He is a God of _______________.

Your righteousness has smiled upon us with love and compassion, and You seek to guide us on our pilgrimage, so that we do not return to our foolish ways. We listen to Your words of truth and peace, Your guiding and blessed words of salvation, so that right living and right relationships can come together in the joy of Your peace. 

2) Anticipation sweetens as we _______________ the evils of the present (4-7).

                Moving from _______________  to _______________! 

3) Anticipate blossoms as we _______________ on the good of the future (8-13). 

How can we be confident, sure, and hopeful?

_______________ (John 1:14)

_______________ (Isaiah 40:8) 

We praise You for You many blessings in the past, and the way You have renewed and redeemed us. Your love and mercy encompasses us with its richness and glory. Because this has been our own personal experience of God's goodness, we look with anticipation to future experience of God's gracious generosity and bounty. You prepare the way ahead for us, so that in peace and joy we may journey onwards to our Home in You. Amen.