COVENANTER

“Bilbo’s Last Song” is a wistful poem that imagines this Lord of the Rings character’s final journey “west of West,” to a peaceful shore where rest and beauty await. With images of fair winds, starlit skies, and quiet seas, Tolkien paints a picture of an enchanting eternity beyond Middle-Earth. Yet, for all its loveliness, Bilbo’s vision leaves out something essential: the presence of God Himself!

Division is not just a problem out in the world; it has crept into the church as well. Increasingly, Christians are tempted to view those who differ from them in personal practices, opinions, and even preferences as opponents to be dismissed or despised. We must be committed to cultivating the fruit of the Spirit and maintaining unity within the church.

Familiarity, it’s often said, breeds contempt. The saying reminds us that when we grow too accustomed to something, we risk losing our sense of wonder and gratitude for it. Nowhere is this more true than with God’s creation, which surrounds us daily yet too often goes unnoticed or unappreciated. Let’s be Christians marked by gratitude and wonder at God’s glory!

When we think of light, our gaze naturally turns upward to the stars, galaxies, and heavens that proclaim the glory of God. Yet the brilliance of the skies primarily reminds us of His transcendence—His greatness and exaltation beyond our reach. In His kindness, God also gave us immanent light here on earth, light we can see, touch, and even hold in our hands, pointing us to the One who is both Creator of the stars and the Light who drew near.

Picture the joy of returning from exile to Jerusalem — planting fig trees, harvesting crops, and eagerly anticipating the rebuilding of God’s Temple. Yet only 18 years later, the prophet Haggai rebuked the people for abandoning God’s house while settling comfortably into their own. Their story challenges us to ask: are we more concerned with building comfortable lives for ourselves, or are we devoting ourselves first to the worship and glory of God?

Most of us know what it’s like to hear without truly listening. We can recall moments when someone’s words entered our ears but never really reached our minds or our hearts. In worship, God calls us to something far deeper than passive hearing. He calls us to listen with full attention, understanding, and the intent to obey.

What keeps us from gathering with the people of God for the worship of God? Is it possible that other good things have taken first place in our weekly priorities? Scripture calls us to consider the value of assembling in Christ’s name, not only for His glory but for our good, as the very means by which God strengthens our faith, forms our community, and prepares us for eternity.

We live in a culture that prizes self-sufficiency and independence, where needing help can feel like weakness or failure. But what if neediness isn’t a flaw to fix, but a feature of God’s design? From creation to salvation, Scripture shows us that our dependence on God is not only unavoidable — it’s actually good.

We live in a world that constantly invites distraction. From background noise to multitasking, we’ve become so accustomed to constant stimulation that we’ve lost the ability — and perhaps even the desire — to truly concentrate. But Scripture calls us to something far richer: undistracted meditation on God’s Word, a practice that leads not just to deeper thought, but to deeper worship and delight.

The conversation around music in worship often centers on style, instruments, and preferences. But Scripture calls us to focus less on how we sing and more on why we sing—and with what kind of heart posture. Regardless of our tastes, our songs must rise from a place of joy in the Lord, for He is our salvation.

Have you ever wondered what the rhythm of Jesus’ daily life actually looked like? While we often picture Him constantly on the move—teaching, healing, and ministering—Scripture reveals that He didn’t live in a perpetual rush. Surprisingly, even with a mission of eternal significance, Jesus made space for something we often overlook: leisure.

Most of us long for financial stability, friendship, comfort, and ease, and we’re often disappointed when these don’t materialize. Yet the Christian life is not ultimately about gaining these things, but about being shaped into the likeness of Christ, even through suffering. What may seem like hardship is actually a gracious gift from God, meant to free us from clinging to lesser dreams.