You have rejected and humbled us…and our adversaries have plundered us….You have scattered us among the nations….I live in disgrace all day long, and my face is covered with shame. (Psalm 44:9-16 portion) The Blues and the Psalms Blues music originated in the Deep South of the United States in the 19th century by African-Americans building on work songs and …
Praying Psalm 44 (Part 1)
Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever. Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression? We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love. (Psalm 44:23-26) Psalm 44 doesn’t have a happy ending. Sometimes …
Praying Together
Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always….Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.” (1 Chronicles 16:11, 34-35) United in and by …
The Hem Of Jesus’ Garment
I am the Lord, your healer….God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away…..She said, “If I touch even His garments, I will be made well.” (Exodus 15:26; Rev 21:3-4; …
Jesus’ Disciples are on His Mission
Jesus said: As you (the Father) sent me into the world, I have sent them (the disciples) into the world….Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. (John 17:18, 20:21) Our English word “mission” comes from the Latin “missio” which means sending. God the Father sent His Son to be the Savior of the …
Jesus’ Disciples are Salt and Light
A Coach Makes Disciples Amos Alonzo Stagg (1862–1965) was an American college coach in multiple sports, primarily football. He popularized the huddle, the Statue of Liberty play, onside kick, the T formation, the end-around, and the forward pass. People say that he practically invented football as we know it. He was a devout Christian and his biggest legacy was shaping …
Marks of Jesus’ Disciples
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” (John 8:31) Dave Was an Example I recently retold a story by Donald A. Carson, New Testament scholar and professor. When Carson was in college, he led an evangelistic Bible study. When he felt out of his depths and when skeptics asked the hardest questions, Carson would …
Human Plans and God’s Over-rulings
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails and will stand. (Proverbs 19:21) Our Plans and God’s The Lord expects us to make plans for work, education, family and finances. But often we are frustrated by detours. In traveling, construction and traffic can block our planned route. On a long-distance trip this …
Jesus: Fishing for People (Part 2)
Peter said: The Lord is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance….Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:9,18) This builds on Jesus: Fishing for People (Part 1) Last time we saw from Luke 5:1-11 how …
Jesus: Fishing for People (Part 1)
Peter said: I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth….And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember. (2 Peter 1:12-15) The word disciple means learner or pupil. As the soldier follows their general, as the servant follows …