Psalm 124:1-8

Our help is from the LORD,

who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 124 offers a stirring word of encouragement. It begins by asking a rhetorical question: "What if the LORD had not been on our side?" (124:1). The simple answer is: We'd be a complete mess, utterly without hope. But, because God is on our side, "the trap is broken, and we are free!" (124:7).

The last verse of this psalm reminds us of the glorious power of the Lord who is there for us: "Our help…

Ezekiel 34:1-10



Human one, prophesy against Israel’s shepherds. Prophesy and say to them, The LORD God proclaims to the shepherds: Doom to Israel’s shepherds who tended themselves! Shouldn’t shepherds tend the flock? You drink the milk, you wear the wool, and you slaughter the fat animals, but you don’t tend the flock. (CEB)







Today's news is full of stories of leaders who care more about themselves than about the people or institutions they lead. They…

Psalm 69:1-36 

But I keep praying to you, LORD,

     hoping this time you will show me favor.

In your unfailing love, O God,

     answer my prayer with your sure…

s There Any Point in Praying for Non-Christian Rulers?

1 Timothy 2:1-4

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and…

Ezekiel 41:1-26



Above the entrance, from the interior to the exterior of the temple, and on every interior and exterior wall, there were carved winged creatures and palm trees. The palm trees were positioned between the winged creatures, and each winged creature had two faces.



[Ezekiel 41:17-18]



The fact that we can perceive things as beautiful, I believe, points to the existence of a God who loves beauty and created us in his own image. I talked about this in…

Ezekiel 41:1-26



Above the entrance, from the interior to the exterior of the temple, and on every interior and exterior wall, there were carved winged creatures and palm trees. The palm trees were positioned between the winged creatures, and each winged creature had two faces.



[Ezekiel 41:17-18]



In the past several days, I have been considering whether it's appropriate to display art in spaces set aside for worship. Along the way, I shared my experience of…

Yes, joyful are those who live like this!

     Joyful indeed are those whose God is the LORD.

[Psalm 144:15]

The bulk of Psalm 144 deals with David's role as king. He praises God for the help God has given him and he asks for more of it. Then, in verse 12, David changes course. He prays…

Ephesians 1:4-6

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

[…

Ephesians 1:4-6

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

[…

Ephesians 1:4-6

[In love] he predestined us for adoption to son ship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.

[Ephesians 1:5]

Mention the word "predestination" among Christians and you're likely to get strong, diverse responses. For some in the Calvinist/Reformed tradition, you'll get a cheer, because predestination is believed to be a core doctrine of the faith. Predestination encapsulates the grace and sovereignty of God. For folks in the…

Ephesians 1:4-6

[In love] he predestined us for adoption to son ship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.

[Ephesians 1:5]

Mention the word "predestination" among Christians and you're likely to get strong, diverse responses. For some in the Calvinist/Reformed tradition, you'll get a cheer, because predestination is believed to be a core doctrine of the faith. Predestination encapsulates the grace and sovereignty of God. For folks in the…

Psalm 145:1-21

The LORD is close to all who call on him,

yes, to all who call on him in truth.

[Psalm 145:18]

Psalm 145 celebrates the greatness and goodness of God. We know God's superlative nature because of his powerful, gracious actions. In particular, the Lord cares for the fallen and the hungry (145:16). Yet he is "filled with kindness" for all and is "close to all who call on him" (145:17-18).

This does not mean, however, that we should fashion God in…