“But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29). Do you remember how galling it was to see your brother finish picking his row of beans, only to drink lemonade under the … More The Cup of Communion, and the Intercession of Jesus Christ
“My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word” (Psalm 119:81). What do you do when your soul is at the point of exhaustion? Having held out for some time, your strength is now gone, and you cry out in desperation, “How long, O Lord? When will you comfort me?” Perhaps you … More The Point of Exhaustion, a Doorway of Hope: A Meditation on Psalm 119:81-88
“My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD” (Psalm 104:34). This past Sunday was Father’s Day, and like holidays in the past, many dads enjoyed their day with their family in the Great Outdoors , instead of worshiping the Father in heaven on the Lord’s Day with His family … More Worshiping God through Creation, Rather Than Worshiping Nature
“The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). As a boy, my family often traversed the Great Plains en route to the mountains “out west.” Compared to our destination, the middle of South Dakota or Nebraska left me unimpressed–so open, so plain (no pun intended), so boring. My attitude then was give me snow-caps … More What Is Your Favorite Part of Creation?
“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26). This year, I heard a meaningful commencement address at our town’s high school graduation ceremony. In contrast to some years, when the address seems as predictable as the attire and the music, generating as much … More Death in the Definition of Success: Thoughts on a Commencement Address
“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments” (Psalm 119:73). Affliction is often used by God to correct us; and used in this way, affliction makes the most sense to us: “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word” (v. … More The Outlook and Prayer of an Afflicted, Mature Christian: A Meditation on Psalm 119:73-80
“Cursed be the day wherein I was born: let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed” (Jeremiah 20:14). Last week, I had a very strange experience on my birthday. Searching for a text of Scripture in the morning, as is not uncommon, my Bible fell open to Jeremiah chapter twenty; and since … More Curse My Birthday?
“Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word” (Psalm 119:41). Easily unnoticed, this stanza begins with the Hebrew letter waw, which implies is a continuation of the prayers of the previous stanza: “Let thy mercies come also unto me” (v. 41). For this reason, we should see … More The Rewards of Patient Obedience: A Meditation on Psalm 119:41-48
“Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end” (Psalm 119:33). In Hebrew, the letter he (pronounced “hay”) can be added to the front of a verb to speak of causation. This is foreign to English, but it works something like this. Take the verb “return”. Add … More Utter Dependence in Obedience and Worship: A Meditation on Psalm 119:33-40
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). Out of all human beings, some of the most helpless are newborns. As in physical life, so also in spiritual life, newborn Christians need the most help–not only from their pastors, but also from the entire body … More Help for the Newborn Christian
Spring Branch Academy - Jonesville, Michigan 