As we revel in the abundance of Thanksgiving, let’s take time to not only acknowledge the provision we see but to embrace the promise of His eternal care. Our Hymn of Praise this Thanksgiving Sunday, "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come," expresses a deeper gratitude for God's promise of a final harvest, a gathering where we'll be forever in His presence, free from sorrow and sin. It’s a hymn of anticipation for the ultimate gathering of God's saints in His heavenly embrace.
Read MoreThis week’s Hymn of Praise, "O Worship the King," adorns our Lord with the splendor He deserves. It eloquently highlights God's abundant benevolence toward us, while also humbling us in our frailty and reinforcing our dependence on God's mercy. As we reflect on this hymn, may it inspire gratitude for His care, even in the seemingly mundane aspects of life.
Read MoreIn this reflection on the hymn "Crown Him with Many Crowns," we ponder the praiseworthiness of Jesus in His exaltation. The hymn serves as a poignant reminder of the matchless majesty of Christ as the sacrificial King, the Lord of love still bearing wounds for humanity, and the sovereign ruler over time.
Read More“For the Beauty of the Earth” is a classic hymn that expresses praise for the beauty of God's creation and the abundance it provides. It encourages us to give thanks to the Creator as we observe the splendor of His handiwork in nature, in our own bodies, and in our relationships. Finally, it culminates in a call to respond with praise to God for His gifts, especially the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Read MoreThis week we consider Martin Luther’s great Reformation hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” written to encourage and equip believers in their battle against the schemes of the Devil. While acknowledging the intense hatred and fierce wrath of the Enemy, the song’s lyrics encourage us with reminders of God’s power, help, and victory in the fight. The Lord is on our side and, therefore, we have nothing to fear!
Read MoreWe turn our attention this week to the well-known hymn "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" by Joachim Neander. In this hymn we find a three-dimensional exhortation to praise the Lord: to ourselves, to fellow believers, and to all of creation. Our worship becomes joyful adoration as we remind ourselves and others of God’s abundant blessings and benefits.
Read MoreWe focus our attention this week on the hymn "Holy God, We Praise Your Name," which celebrates God's sovereign rule and invites worshipers to acknowledge His lordship over all time and space. It also emphasizes the unity of believers across history and geography and highlights the glory of the Trinity. As you consider the words of this magnificent hymn, envision yourself standing before the heavenly throne, united with believers from all nations and eras, raising your voices in eternal praise.
Read MoreOur third in this series of meditations on worship songs is the hymn “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” written in the 18th century by Charles Wesley to commemorate the first anniversary of his conversion to Christ. As he reflected back on the Lord’s marvelous work in his own life, Wesley was overwhelmed by the magnitude of God’s glory and understood the limitations of human language to praise Him. This hymn serves as a reminder to consider our own conversion and inspires joy and gratitude in our worship.
Read MoreWe continue today with our series of meditations on hymns and psalms that we sing together in worship. This week’s song is Psalm 98, “O Sing a New Song to the Lord.” In it we recognize two distinct realities that ought to guide our worship: who God is and what He has done. Meditating on these two realities helps us to embrace the joy and privilege of praising Him.
Read MoreToday is our first of several brief introductions to the Hymn or Psalm of Praise that we will sing together in worship on the upcoming Lord’s Day. Our goal in doing so is to prepare our hearts for worship in the Lord’s house, with the Lord’s people and the hosts of heaven. This week’s Hymn of Praise is “Come, Christians, Join to Sing,” which celebrates the great privilege we have to come into His presence with praise.
Read MoreThroughout the changing seasons of life, we are called to trust the Lord and to submit to His wisdom for our moments and our days. Although the future is unknown to us, we can look to it with confidence and joy, knowing that He holds the future and is directing every moment of our lives according to His wise and loving purpose.
Read MoreThis morning we explore scriptural distinctions between three uses of the term “law” in God’s Word. As we consider the law of God, believers can take great comfort in knowing that our acceptance before a holy God is based entirely on the perfect law-keeping of His Son Jesus Christ. This removes any reason for fearing God’s wrath and leads to an obedience rooted in the grace and love of our Heavenly Father.
Read MoreHave you let sin go unchecked in the garden of your soul? Like weeds, sin has a tendency to grow and to spread once it takes hold. This morning we consider the mercy and compassion of Jesus, who is eager to restore and renew us when we come to Him with the burdens of our souls.
Read MoreToday we explore five key lessons that can be gleaned from the account in Joshua 1 of Moses’ death and Joshua’s ordination as his replacement. The timeless relevance of these lessons reminds us of God’s eternal faithfulness and our unending duty.
Read MorePsalm 139 is a poignant reminder of God’s loving and compassionate thoughts toward His people. Like the psalmist, we should rejoice in the idea that God's knowledge of us is all-encompassing and intimate. We can also take great comfort in knowing that He is always with us and will help us whatever we face.
Read MoreDo you long for your heart and mind to be transformed by the Word of God? When we study the Bible, God meets with us personally and speaks to us powerfully. This morning we explore a few simple and effective tools for understanding Scripture that will help us accurately interpret it and apply its truths to our lives, that we may glorify God.
Read MoreThis morning, as we consider our remarkable Presbyterian heritage, we reflect with deep gratitude upon the Lord’s providence and faithfulness to us. Throughout history, we and our ancestors have experienced what Psalm 100 so beautifully extols: God’s steadfast love for the generations.
Read MoreThis morning we consider the importance of living a faithful Christian life by drawing inspiration from the examples of past heroes of faith in the final chapters of Hebrews. Believers ought to see themselves as part of a community of witnesses who have demonstrated faith in the Lord. The key to perseverance and growth in the Christian life is to fix one's eyes on Jesus, seeking guidance and strength from Him rather than being distracted by worldly concerns.
Read MoreThis morning we examine the importance of obeying the often-neglected biblical command to sing psalms. The practice of psalm singing is a wonderful way to memorize Scripture, to express the experiences of our souls, and to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” May we embrace the blessings that come from singing psalms in both personal and family worship.
Read MoreToday we discuss the challenges of facing a day filled with difficulties and pressures, emphasizing the importance of Christian steadfastness and peace. Drawing from 1 Peter 2:18–3:17, we explore the force and foundation of such qualities. By embracing these truths and responding with sanctified self-control, believers can exemplify the wonder of the Gospel.
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