Psalm 141
Talk about a saint who experienced his share of hostility. That was David. Even though God had dethroned the inept, egotistical, power-hungry Saul, and replaced him with the young, unproven, but humble shepherd from Bethlehem, Saul didn’t go quietly into the political night. No, he looked for every opportunity to either eliminate his political opposition, […]
Joy To The World
Isaac Watts, who was born on July 17, 1674, had several God-given gifts. He learned Latin at four, Greek at nine, French at ten, and Hebrew at thirteen. Can you say, wow?! In his lifetime he became not just an amazing student of the Bible, but a powerful preacher and teacher as well. As a […]
What Child Is This?
By the world’s standards, William Chatterton Dix was just an obscure nobody. He enjoyed reading and studying poets, classical literature, and writing his own poetry. Why did he get into poetry? He developed a love for it because his father loved it and encouraged his son to follow in his footsteps. His father went so […]
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
In 2010 my Christmas series focused on the biblical theology behind some of the favorite Christmas carols. Digging into the meaning of the lyrics of these memorable musical numbers was so enlightening and challenging, I thought it wise to circle back this holy season and delve into additional pieces we hold dear. Not only will […]
Psalm 139
Writing to Christians experiencing the leading edge of Neronian persecution, Peter, who likened the city of Rome to the wicked city of Babylon (1 Pet. 5:13), reminded believers how a hostile culture naturally uses slander, ridicule, and discrimination against believers in order to silence. They, therefore, should not be shocked at their treatment for such […]
Psalm 137
From the founding of the kingdom in 1051 B.C. under the leadership of Saul, it took 465 years for Israel to go from a place of power and prominence to national oblivion. During these tumultuous, trying, and sometimes triumphant years, the Lord warned His people of impending doom through the courageous cries, teaching, and preaching […]
Psalm 136 – Part 2
I received an excited and emotional call from one of our former members on Wednesday. After years of struggling with their son’s special needs and brain issues which caused violent, unpredictable seizures, a recent brain scan came back all clear. God had done what doctors and medicines said couldn’t be done. The parents know it, […]
Psalm 136 – Part 1
When someone does something for you, what is the natural, prudent, and courteous thing to do? Yes, you got it. Take a second to say “Thank you.” While shopping with Liz the other day, I opened the door for her at a store and she walked in. Seeing another lady waiting to exit, I did […]
Psalm 135
Psalm 133
I remember the first personal contact I had with a new parishioner we’ll call Dave. I ran into him in the church office while he spoke with the secretary. After I introduced myself, he said, “My wife and I are coming from a very large church which had a number of issues, so I just […]
Psalm 128
Psalm 120
If you had to select a spiritual song to set the tone for your journey to worship today, what would it be? Ten Thousand Reasons Everlasting God Blessed Assurance Is He Worthy? It is an interesting thought, but an important one. For ancient saints living in Israel, they did not just have one song to […]