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 …
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 and respect 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: This …
When King Uzziah Died, I Saw the Lord
In the year that King Uzziah died, Isaiah said: “I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne. And the hem of His robe filled the temple…. I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:1,8) Big Idea: Sometimes, God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) takes away good things to give us better things. Blessed After a …
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, …
Rest in the Lord
Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. (Psalm 116:7-9) A Sweeter Song Ancient Greek sailors faced many perils at sea and this was reflected …
Love for God Should Drive Us
I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. (Psalm 116:1-2) Success in Running and Life Jess Movold is a runner and coach in New York City. In a 2020 interview, she discussed principles for successful running …
Precious in the Lord’s Sight
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants (His saints, Jesus’ followers, His loved ones). (Psalm 116:15) The Pain of Death and Loss Liz Shepherd is a Boston artist and one of her works, “The Wait,” was done near the time her father was dying. Liz spent long days at her father’s bedside, feeling …