As I've been writing this year on the Psalms, I've had several recurring thoughts about the place of emotions both in the Bible and in the Christian life. Certainly nowhere else in Scripture do we find the kind of dynamic and emotional language used concisely throughout the Psalms. I've heard it said before that just … Continue reading Emotions & the Bible
Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly! Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for … Continue reading PSALM 149: This is Honor
"And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness” Romans 4:5 That’s a pretty unbelievable idea. Some might say, almost too good to be true. The idea that God freely gives to us a salvation we could never earn for ourselves is … Continue reading Who were the “Judaizers” from Galatians?
This week, Veritas City Church continued along in our series, Ruth: There is a Redeemer, as we made our way to the scene of the threshing floor in Chapter 3. There is so much to be said about Ruth and particularly about this passage, so it posed some difficulty to me in teaching. It seems … Continue reading RUTH: Providence, Posture & Provision
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,the holy habitation of the Most High.God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;God will help her when morning dawns.The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;he utters his voice, the earth melts;The Lord of hosts is with us;the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:4-7 As my … Continue reading PSALM 46: There is a River
“Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God.Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; your burnt offerings are continually before me. I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds. For every beast of the forest is … Continue reading PSALM 50: 1000 Hills
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. Psalm 16:5-6 What a passage to meditate on as we consider Christ who has purchased into a redemption as Sons and Daughters, situated, held and welcomed into the family of God. Despite … Continue reading PSALM 16: Pleasant Places
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent … Continue reading PSALM 19: Heavens & Handiwork
"Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For behold, … Continue reading PSALM 73: Strength & Portion
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word! Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your rules. I hold my life in my hand continually, but I … Continue reading PSALM 119: Words, Lamps & Light