February 2, 2025
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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Psalm 71 is a prayer of an old saint. Ours is an age that values neither old age nor the wisdom of years. Certainly, we have seen foolish old people, and the young are always too ready to dismiss their elders. But the author of Psalm 71 shows us the wisdom of a seasoned faith.
The psalmist looks back upon his life, and sees clearly that he did not reach his old age in his own strength. His life was hard, but God was faithful. So he prays, "Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. (71:3)" And he gives thanks. "Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you. (71:6)" The psalmist remembers God's faithfulness as he faces the challenges of his old age. "Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent" (71:9), "O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your powers to all those to come. (71:18).
There is grace in weakness. The psalmist knows he cannot make it through life without God's help. Life is too hard and the challenges are too many. But wisdom has taught him two things — his own weakness and God's strength. Thus Psalm 71, equal part praise and prayer, gives us hope. For God has promised. He will never leave or forsake us.
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Growth Resources
This year: Please see the full list of 2025 books as well as Bible reading plans on our church webpage.
This month: We are reading "Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer" by C.S. Lewis.
This week: We are reflecting upon Shorter Catechism Q. & A. 5.
Everyday: Noted pastor and theologian Sinclair Ferguson posts a short reflection every day, each around 5 minutes long. "Things Unseen" cover various aspects of the Christian life, worship, and theological topics in a very accessible and edifying way. We encourage you to incorporate this into your daily life. Please see this page for more information. There you will find links to various podcast platforms as well as YouTube page.
Upcoming Events and Notices
February 2 (Lord's Day): Fallbrook Food Pantry is in need of empty 1 dozen egg cartons. Please see Peggy if you are able to help.
February 2 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for Sunday School to reflect upon Edmund Clowney’s “The Unfolding Mystery.”
February 5 (Wednesday 7 PM): The Zoom study of the Pentateuch will resume. Meeting ID: 885 5287 2349 / Passcode: 711992
February 16 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for Sunday School lesson from “Essential Truths of the Christian Faith” Ch. 45 “Human Beings Created in the Image of God.”
Thank you for your continued support of Grace Fallbrook (PCA). Your loving support makes the proclamation of the gospel and the building up of the saints possible. Please visit gracefallbrook.church/give and click on "Give Online Now." You will be directed to the PCA Foundation where you can give towards Grace Fallbrook (PCA).