My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has shown concern for His humble servant. (Luke 1:46-48) Metrical Psalms A metrical Psalter is a kind of Bible translation or paraphrase from the Bible’s Book of Psalms. It translates a Psalm into poetry, often for singing as hymns in a church. James 5:13 asks, …
Christ’s Friendship Toward Us
A “Yes” Face Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) was our third president in the USA. One time, he and a group of companions were traveling on horseback and came to a flooded river which had washed away the bridge. Each rider forded the river on horseback, fighting against deadly currents. Another traveler, not part of the group, walked up to the President …
How Should We Think of Christ?
Come near to God and He will come near to you. (James 4:8) Help From Richard Sibbes Richard Sibbes (1577-1635) was an English pastor who loved to encourage Jesus’ people with reminders of God’s love and grace. In his book, The Bruised Reed, he wrote “We have this for a foundation truth, that there is more mercy in Christ than …
Christ: The Solid Rock
As you come to Christ, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to Him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ….He is a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in Him will never be put …
Our Declaration of Dependence (Part 2)
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you….Do not be afraid….A gale will blow your enemies away. But you will rejoice in the Lord and glory in the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 41:13-16) This continues our earlier post on Psalm 62. …
Our Declaration of Dependence (Part 1)
My salvation and my honor depend on God. He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people. Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:7-8) On July 4, Americans celebrate the Declaration of Independence adopted by the original thirteen colonies in 1776. The document stated the principles for which …
Grace Focused Optimism (Part 2)
I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. (Jeremiah 32:40-41) Note: I am indebted …
Grace Focused Optimism (Part 1)
I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. (Jeremiah 32:40-41) Note: I heard Dr. …
When King Uzziah Died, I Saw the Lord
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the hem of His robe filled the temple. (Isaiah 6:1) Sometimes, God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) takes away good things to give us better things. Blessed After a Bad Thing Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a strong and …
Better Than Optimism
I trusted in the Lord when I said, “I am greatly afflicted.” In my alarm I said, “Everyone is a liar.” What shall I return to the Lord for all His goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. (Psalm 116:10-13) Do Optimists Live Longer? Faith in God (Father, …