In Psalm 100 – serve the Lord, we are called to worship the Lord with gladness. What is the connection between service and worship? Psalm 100 Psalm 100 is listed simply as a Psalm for Thanksgiving. It begins with a call to worship (NASB translation): “Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with jubilation; […]
Read More
While we commonly understand God as light, what about the God of clouds and darkness? In Psalm 97 – clouds and darkness, God is surrounded by clouds and thick darkness. What does that mean for us? Psalm 97 Psalm 97 falls in the middle of three psalms of praise. “Psalms 96-98 each hail God’s coming as […]
Read More
What do you worship? What are the hidden idols in your life? Idols crop up everywhere. Throughout history they take new forms. We are hard-wired for worship. Often we are misled into seeking out false idols to fill that need for worship. Our idols may not be images of silver and gold, but may be […]
Read More
During the summer of 1980, I spent two months in the Dominican Republic, living in the mountains with two religious sisters in the small town of San Jose de Ocoa. At night I would sit in a rocking chair on the porch and enjoy the sight of the mountains. Much like the early Hebrews and […]
Read More
Sunrises over a mountain, the changing seasons, a baby’s laugh, some things never get old. No matter how many times we see the sun rise, it still inspires awe. No matter how many times we watch the changing seasons come and go, they remain a wonder. We hear a baby laugh and the sound still […]
Read More
Psalm 96: Sing a New Old Song Whenever unsure about what song to write, musicians frequently look to old songs and do remakes. Remakes of old songs are often sure hits. Sometimes they surpass the popularity of the original. Sometimes the original is forgotten entirely. We may be surprised to learn a song we love […]
Read More
Where is your Temple? Where do you find God? For the writer of Psalm 84, the answer to these questions is easy, the Temple in Jerusalem. This Temple is all of this and more. It was magnificent and beautiful, inspiring awe in all who entered its gates. Psalm 84 Psalm 84 starts by singing her […]
Read More
If it can be celebrated, it must be celebrated! At least that’s my thinking. I’m halfway through the book of Psalms. Once Psalm 75 is done I’ll have only seventy-five to go! That’s a reason for celebrating. A Cup of Spiced Wine Time to raise a glass of wine. “For in the hand of the […]
Read More
When you or a loved one are sick, it’s easy to become impatient with the slow healing process. You can’t wait for them to get better. The writer of Psalm 70 knows about being in a hurry! Dealing with Sick Kids When my kids were in grade school, it seemed that between snow days, special […]
Read More
It was my first time riding this section of the Falling Waters Trail. The path was tree covered, providing ample shade from the sun, when to my right I glimpsed blue. Lime Lake? I had been looking for the lake but so far had only seen a swampy pond. As I road further, more blue […]
Read More
