Psalm 96, Sing a New Song to the Lord: 1 Sing to Adonai a new song! Sing to Adonai, all the earth. 2 Sing to Adonai, bless His Name. Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. 3 Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples. 4 For great is Adonai, and … [Read more...]
First Fruits of the Resurrection
The following is an article by Andrew Alexander Bonar. The first fruits of the resurrection is generally regarded as meaning Christ's resurrection. But Bonar ties the resurrection of the saints of Matt 27:50-53 in with the concept of "first fruits." This is interesting to me for two reasons: Firstly, some today tend … [Read more...]
Richard Baxter on God’s Love
Richard Baxter on God's Love for the saints: Baxter (1615 - 1691) is well known for his monumental work "The Saints' Everlasting Rest." This work was a product of the turmoil the Puritan experienced throughout his life. There was civil war and disease. Some 868,000 people died through battle and disease over three … [Read more...]
The Shepherd of Psalm 23
Who is the Shepherd of Psalm 23? He is none other than our LORD Jesus Christ. He is also the King of glory of Psalm 24. Who is this King of glory? — The LORD strong and mighty; the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this … [Read more...]
They’ll Walk in White
In your goodness, O God, you have provided for the needy. Psalms 68:10 All God's gifts are prepared gifts laid away to meet wants He has foreseen. He anticipates our needs; and out of the fullness that He has treasured up in Christ Jesus, He provides from His goodness for the poor. You may trust Him for all the … [Read more...]
Happy Thanksgiving 2024
Happy Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate! Regardless of life’s circumstances, we have much to be thankful for. Alf and I thank God for our family and friends, for His provision, protection, for the Blessed Hope and for His faithfulness. We thank Him for the ways He has drawn us closer to each other and to … [Read more...]
When Elijah Wanted to Die
There was a time when Elijah wanted to die. God had answered his prayer and defeated the prophets of Baal right in front of him (see 1 Kings 18). The surprising thing is that his reaction to Jezebel's threat was to run. In a way, that is comforting to me. Even the BIG saints have their off days after all. And Ahab … [Read more...]
Highs and Lows: the Christian Life
The Christian life is a constant stream of highs and lows. Sometimes we soar high in the mountains, but more often we find ourselves languishing in deep valleys. At least I do. All the following observations are, once again, fully indebted to Ian Hamilton's book "The Gospel-Shaped Life." In a previous chapter, … [Read more...]
Three Hymns on Christ’s Second Advent
Three Hymns on Christ's Second Advent - The following three hymns on Christ's Second Advent are chosen from Charles Spurgeon's Own Hymn Book. I've come to appreciate the old hymns. I hope some readers will do as well. Since Christ ascended to heaven there has been a hope and yearning for His return. The disciples … [Read more...]
Faithful Even Unto Death
Faithful unto death: the following is taken from Spurgeon’s poem “Be Faithful unto death.” See Christ Our All. Be Faithful Even Unto Death Strange sounds amid a world of caresNow fall upon my ear;That calls me on through toils and snaresAnd bids me not to fear Be faithful even unto death,A crown for thee is … [Read more...]
