“For you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Revelation 5:9b Someone speaking at church last night made a statement that has been resonating in my heart: Christ purchased us with His blood. Every crack of the whip, laced with bone and […]
“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his […]
“Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called upon his name. They called to the LORD, and he answered them.” Psalm 99:6 I just want us to dwell here for a moment. On this beautiful, wondrous truth. The Lord of heaven hears us when we cry to Him. And […]
“Does He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—just as Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness? Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.” Galatians 3:5-7 How easy […]
“The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; He is […]
“And [Jesus] took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drink of it. And he said to them, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.’” Mark 14:23-24 While the act of giving thanks was likely expressed by Jesus at every […]
“But Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you…but you will not always have me.’” Mark 14:6-7 The woman in this passage poured out an offering of great sacrifice, seeing Jesus’ worth and taking this opportunity to […]
“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:4 Under His wings we find refuge. Refuge. From our self-criticisms. From the weariness of trying to be more, to do more. From guilt of past choices, whether sinful or simply unwise. […]
“O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O LORD, with your faithfulness all around you?” Psalm 89:8 Might and faithfulness. Inextricably linked in this verse. It is a declaration of the Lord’s great power. And in the same moment, of His unending and definitive faithfulness. The God of heaven demonstrates His […]
“O LORD, God of my salvation; I cry out day and night before you… For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.” Psalm 88:1,3 The opening of this psalm, this prayer, strikes me this morning. “O LORD, God of my salvation.” The writer begins with this statement of who […]
In Pleasant Places 