Learning to love others the way Jesus loves us
Psalm 119:105-112 The old illustration about how lamps light the way seems especially relevant these days. Lamps (or candles or flashlights) don't make the whole path clear, but they provide just enough illumination to safely take the next step. In these uncertain days, we can't plan very far into the future. Plans people made for… Continue reading NUN
Psalm 119:97-104 Why study scripture? Why does the psalmist say that he loves God's law and commandments? Why should we continually read and meditate on the Word of the Lord? We read, study, and meditate on God's Word because we live in a broken world where people do what is right in their own eyes.… Continue reading MEM
Psalm 119:89-96 Forever. Firmly fixed. Standing fast for all generations. Six months ago we never could have imagined the uncertainty of our current world. We can't trust anything we hear or see on the news. The economy, robust just months ago, has become fragile. Where we used to have 5-year plans, we struggle now to… Continue reading LAMEDH
Psalm 119:81-88 2020 is looking to be a year where we cry out, "How long?" How long? is a theme that returns again and again throughout scripture. This iteration has two components: physical and political. The components operate separately, but together are wreaking havoc on the US (and the world). "One nation, under God, indivisible"… Continue reading KAPH
Lamentations 4 and 5 Lamentations 4 and 5 with Proverbs 3. You, O Lord, reign forever; Your throne endures for all generations. (Lamentations 5:17) My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments. (Proverbs 3:1) So, when things go bad, we just need to learn the lesson God intended, repent… Continue reading The Lord still reigns
Lamentations 3 When times are hard, even the faithful suffer. As long as we are in this world, whatever disasters strike, from pandemics to wars to natural catastrophes, we can expect to endure along with all of humanity. The prophet in Lamentations (presumably Jeremiah) described his own suffering with the people under the Lord's judgement.… Continue reading This I call to mind
Lamentations 2 and Proverbs 21, 25 " Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice" (Proverbs 21:2-3). "The Lord has done what He purposed; He has carried out His word" ( Lamentations 2:17).… Continue reading Lamentations 2
"For these things I weep; my eyes flow with tears; for a comforter is far from me" (Lamentations 1:16). "By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil" (Proverbs 16:6). When cities are destroyed, all the people who live there pay the price.… Continue reading Lamentations 1
Hope Las Vegas, 6-14-2020 On Sunday, Pastor Vance spoke powerfully about our need for hope. It resonated with me, especially as I had just returned to Atlanta and the continuing tumult there. Between the pandemic, social injustices, political divisions, economic uncertainty, and fear over the future, the prevailing emotion of the world is despondency. But… Continue reading Reflections on a Sunday sermon.
Jehovah Jireh. יְהוָה יִרְאֶה Jireh, as an attribute of God originated with His provision of a ram for the sacrifice, as Abraham demonstrated his faith and obedience even to the point of losing his son (Genesis 22). God's faithfulness as provider for Israel is demonstrated over and over again throughout the Old Testament. In the… Continue reading Weekend interlude
Defaulting to Grace 