This week our pastor will be preaching from Colossians 2:8-15. One of the themes found in these passages is the sufficiency of Christ to save his people. Listen to the testimony of the Apostle Paul, “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13-14). This will be the focus of our meditation this week and the theme of our praise as we consider Him who knew no sin yet became sin for us and put away the penalty of sin as He took our sins to the cross and nailed them there. Hebrews reminds us that without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sins. And so, in God’s glorious wisdom and rich mercy, He sent His only son to shed His blood at Calvary for His people. In doing so, He canceled the debt of sin that we owed. Not only this, but let us consider that He canceled ALL of our sin (past, present, and future). While we may see the sinfulness of our life in this fleshly body as a constant reminder of our fallen nature, we must look to Christ and realize that His grace abounds more than our sin ever could. In this reality is the hope and assurance of every believer.
Scripture Reading for Sunday, February 2, 2025
Lamentations 3:21-26 (ESV)
21 But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”
25 The LORD is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul who seeks him.
26 It is good that one should wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Reflections on Lamentations 3:21-26
According to Miriam Webster’s dictionary, a lamentation is “an expression of sorrow, mourning, or regret.” For the readers of the old testament book of Lamentations, that expression of sorrow is found in the judgement of God that has been poured out on His people, Israel, as they are taken captive by Babylon. These were God’s covenant people. But they had disobeyed His law and were suffering the consequences of His judgement against them. It is clear from the reading of this book that there is great sorrow and anguish over the sins that have been committed against God and the ramification of those sins in sorrow and misery.
The writer of Lamentations, often assumed to be Jeremiah, says in the verses just before our reading. “He has filled me with bitterness; he has sated me with wormwood. He has made my teeth grind on gravel, and made me cower in ashes; my soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is; so I say, ‘My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the LORD.’ Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me” (Lamentations 3:15-20). We as Christians also suffer the consequences of our own sin here in this life. At times, our sin can weigh us down in despair as we become fixated on our shortcomings and not on our savior. Like the writer of Lamentations, we may find our soul bereft of peace and having forgotten what happiness is. We can feel alienated from God–not because He has left us, but because we have wandered from Him.
Take heart, dear child of God! Our verses this week remind us that in Christ we have hope! With the writer of Lamentations may we call to mind and therefore have hope in the steadfast love of the Lord that NEVER ceases. According to His promises, His mercies are new every morning and never end! Great is His faithfulness! I love how the writer proclaims that the Lord is his portion. This means that his hope is in God who will provide for Him. And so God is our portion as He has provided for our future through Christ. Are you in a season of lamentation? Dear christian, turn your eyes upon Jesus. He has finished the work at the cross. His mercy is without end! Your sin cannot outrun the mercy of God. Confess your sin and He is faithful to forgive it. Wait quietly on the salvation of the Lord.
Song Selection for Sunday, February 2, 2025
The Solid Rock
God is our portion. We can then raise our voices in song because our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. The second verse echoes the verses from Lamentation: “When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace.” May your hope be in the solid rock of Christ.
Grace That is Greater Than All Our Sin
This hymn recalls the great truth of Romans 5:20: “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” And therein lies our hope and joy in Christ–grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
A Debtor to Mercy Alone
Written by Augustus Toplady in the 1700’s, this hymn is a reminder that we have absolutely nothing to offer God. We are debtors to nothing but His mercy. And we rest assured that His promises are true: “The work that your goodness began, the arm of your strength will complete. Your promise is yes and amen, and never was forfeited yet.”
As we continue to reflect on the walk, or way of life, of the Christian as described by Paul in Colossians, we return again to the reality that we, as the redeemed of God, must give thanks at all times and for all things (see my original blog post on Walking Wisely with Thankfulness). For God’s people, our thankfulness springs from a heart that knows all too well the sinfulness and deadness from which we were redeemed. Beginning in that reality of a new birth, a heart of flesh, and a stark realization that God paid the greatest price of all to save us–He sent His only begotten Son to die to suffer and die in our place–we proceed with a heart of genuine thankfulness for that salvation, that forgiveness of our sins. As we continue our walk through this fallen world and toward our heavenly home, we encounter many struggles, countless trials and temptations, and much suffering. Through all of these we are shown the goodness and loving kindness of our God. Our thankfulness, which began with our redemption, continues forth as those who clearly see the sovereign hand of God carrying us through all of life’s troubles. From this heart of thankfulness must then come our profession and praise. As we will see in this week’s scripture reading, the psalmist instructs us to give thanks to the Lord and commands us to speak of what He has done for us–“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so…”.
Scripture Reading for Sunday, January 26, 2025
Psalm 107 (ESV)
1 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble 3 and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. 4 Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; 5 hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. 6 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 7 He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. 8 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 9 For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. 10 Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons, 11 for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. 12 So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help. 13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. 15 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 16 For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron. 17 Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; 18 they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. 19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 20 He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. 21 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 22 And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy! 23 Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters; 24 they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep. 25 For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. 26 They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight; 27 they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits' end. 28 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 29 He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. 31 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 32 Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. 33 He turns rivers into a desert, springs of water into thirsty ground, 34 a fruitful land into a salty waste, because of the evil of its inhabitants. 35 He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water. 36 And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in; 37 they sow fields and plant vineyards and get a fruitful yield. 38 By his blessing they multiply greatly, and he does not let their livestock diminish. 39 When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, evil, and sorrow, 40 he pours contempt on princes and makes them wander in trackless wastes; 41 but he raises up the needy out of affliction and makes their families like flocks. 42 The upright see it and are glad, and all wickedness shuts its mouth. 43 Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.
Reflections on Psalm 107
The psalmist gives us several examples of God’s sovereign hand in saving His people from the different trials they face in life. If we read this psalm closely enough, we can surely find one, if not more, instances where our own lives mirrored the circumstances mentioned in one way or another. If you do not see some aspect of your life reflected in this passage, then I challenge you to read it again. Either you have missed the goodness of God in your circumstances or, perhaps, you have yet to meet our great God and Savior.
Redeemed from Sin, Death, and Hell
These are truly the people of God. We have a redemption in Christ from those enemies that only He could conquer. And in the wisdom that only God could devise, Jesus came in human flesh to fulfill the law (which we could never do), to suffer and be humiliated (which we deserved), and to bleed and die as payment for sin and satisfaction of God’s wrath as the penalty sin (which were ours and ours alone).
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!
People Without Place or Provision (v4-9)
4 Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; 5 hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them.
Does this reflect any of the circumstances you have faced in life? No place to call home. No food. No water. Notice that they cried out to God for help and he delivered them. You may not have been through literal homelessness or hunger (some have and can relate), but each of us can relate spiritually. For we were lost in our sins and without a spiritual home–destined for death and hell and separation from God. We were starving for His word and thirsty for the water of life.
Prisoners (v10-12)
10 Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons, 11 for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. 12 So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help.
Here is the spiritual plight of every believer before Christ. Some will know the reality of chains and prison on this earth (justly or unjustly). But for all who are being saved, we can relate to our spiritual condition before Christ as a time of rebellion against the words of God and spiritually chained to the deeds of our sinful flesh.
Fools (v17-18)
17 Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; 18 they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.
This is an apt summary of every one of us before our salvation. For some of us, we return to these foolish ways from time to time and suffer the discipline of our loving God.
Tossed by the Storms (v23-27)
23 Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters; 24 they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep. 25 For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. 26 They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight; 27 they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits' end
Surely we have all been here at one time or another in life. Whether, like the men described here on a ship being tossed about by an angry sea, or facing some other natural disaster, we have at one time or another felt helpless and afraid at the great fury of the natural world in storms, earthquakes, floods, or fires. But we can also relate to this reality in our spiritual lives. For we often walk through the storms of suffering, temptation, and trials.
The Common Cry
No matter what circumstance you find yourself in, the common factor between all of these described by the psalmist is that they needed a savior. And each one of the redeemed did the following:
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble…
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble…
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble…
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble…
The Loving Response of a Sovereign God
And what was God’s response to the cries of His people?
and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in
and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart
and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction
and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed
The Redeemed of the Lord Say So
For those who have been rescued by God, the only genuine response is one of gratitude, thankfulness, and praise. We cannot remain silent. The redeemed of the Lord must say so!
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron.
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
Have you been redeemed by God? Have you cried out to the Lord for help and seen the strong hand of His salvation? He is ready to save you. If you have been saved, then your heart should be filled with thanksgiving for the goodness and loving kindness of our great God. That thankfulness should then be heard as we offer sacrifices of praise to our God for all that He has done for us. Let us sing His praises in the congregation. Let us declare His wondrous works to the children of man.
Song Selection for Sunday, January 26, 2025
O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing
The redeemed of the Lord must say so. They must proclaim His deeds in the congregation and his wondrous works to the children of man. The first verse of this hymn calls for a thousand tongues to sing the praises of our great redeemer–Jesus, who bids our sorrows cease; who breaks the power of cancelled sin and sets the prisoner free!
I’m Forever Grateful
This short chorus reflects the heart of every true believer. We are indeed forever grateful for what God has done for us through Christ. He did not wait for us–for who seeks after God? But He sent his son in human flesh to die for us. And now, he draws sinners to himself. We are forever grateful for the cross.
All I Have is Christ
This song describes our hopeless situation as we lived as rebellious sinners against God. But God, being rich in mercy, saved us through Christ. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! Let us lift our praises to Him. “Hallelujah! All I Have is Christ!” Hallelujah! Jesus is my life!”
This week’s sermon will dive deeper into Colossians 2:1-7 as our pastor intends to focus on the wisdom that is ours in Christ. Paul writes, “For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:1-3). For the believer, we have access not only to wisdom, but the person of Christ who is our savior and high priest forever. Paul gives us the answer to the mystery–Christ. And in Him are found all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. In this week’s scripture reading, David declares that God delights in truth in the inward being and that God Himself teaches us wisdom in the secret heart. Let us reflect on the word’s of David.
Scripture Reading for Sunday, January 19, 2025
Psalms 51 (ESV)
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem; 19 then will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Reflections on Psalm 51
In verse six of this psalm, King David declares that God teaches him wisdom in the secret heart. But is there any indication of what that wisdom might entail in this psalm? I believe that there is. Look closely at the text before you. David has just been confronted by Nathan the prophet after he had the affair with Bathsheba. David’s thoughts are on what he needs most, mercy from God: have mercy on me, O God (v1); blot out my transgressions (v1); wash me thoroughly from my iniquity (v2); cleanse me from my sin (v2).
David knows that he has sinned against God. His thoughts are on the mercy and forgiveness of God and His steadfast love and abundant mercy (v1). David then turns his eyes inward and declares to God how sinful he his–even from being brought forth in inquiry and conceived in sin (as we all are). He knows his sin is against God and only against God. He then turns his gaze toward heaven and sees God as He is–justified in your words and blameless in your judgement. Davis understands the situation. In the midst of all of this he declares that the Lord teaches him wisdom in the secret heart. I believe that wisdom is Christ–even here in the book of Psalms.
Look at what flows from this secret heart of wisdom: purge me and I shall be clean (v7); wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow (v7); hide your face from my sins and blot out my iniquities (v9); create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me (v10); cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me (v11); restore to me the joy of your salvation (v12). The wisdom God gives David is Christ Jesus. For God’s wisdom demands that David understand the riches of mercy that are his in the work of the savior (forgiveness, washing away of sin, renewing of the heart, joy of salvation, presence of the Holy Spirit). What God has taught David, He has whispered into the innermost secret place of our hearts as well–Christ died for you. Confess your sins and turn to Christ. In Him you will find the joy of salvation. His Holy Spirit will come to dwell in you.
And it does not end there. Once David has expressed the wisdom he has found in God, he proclaims how this is demonstrated in his life: then I will teach transgressors your ways (v13); my tongue will sing aloud your righteousness ((v14); open my lips and my mouth will declare your praise (v15). When we have been transformed by the renewing power of Christ in us, we will be eager to sing His praise and to share this good news of Christ to sinners. This is the essence of the gospel and the very wisdom of God in Christ. He is holy. We are sinners. We need Him to save us from our transgressions and create in us a clean heart. If you know Him today, pray that He will open up your mouth to declare His praise. Give glory to your great God and Saviour! Share the news with those around you. Jesus is wisdom.
Song Selection for Sunday, January 12, 2025
Be Thou My Vision
This song expresses our deep dependence on God to lead us through this world and into the next. It is a prayer that He would be our light to guide us in this dark world and our wisdom. May we seek His light and His presence at all times as we walk through this dark world.
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
This song echoes that of the first, that we need our great God and Savior to guide us through this barren land because the truth of the matter is that we are weak, but He is mighty. May he be our wisdom and our strength.
In Christ Alone
There is salvation in no other name. Christ is our wisdom and our hope is found in no other. Turn your eyes on Jesus and know that through His death and resurrection you have been made new. Open my mouth to declare Your endless praises O GOD!
Song for Consideration
Psalm 51 (Wisdom in the Secret Heart) by Shane and Shane
Dear child of God–for that is how Paul refers to you if you are indeed saved by faith in Christ Jesus. The Bible is God’s word. That Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12-13), not simply a record of past history, but the very word of God breathed out through the Holy Spirit and the very guide of our heart and souls as we live our lives each day (2 Timothy 3:16-17). As we consider the importance of the word of God in the life of the believer, let us take a moment to reflect on what Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus.
Scripture Reading for Sunday, January 12, 2025
Ephesians 5:1-21 (ESV)
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Reflections on Ephesians 5:1-21
According to Strong’s Concordance, the word for “walk” in Greek is περιπατέω (peripateō). This can mean simply to tread all around, but the Hebrew term for walk had a much more specific meaning. In Hebrew, the way one walked was synonymous with how they lived or conducted themselves. When we take this meaning for the word walk here in Ephesians 5, we clearly see that Paul is providing a blueprint for believers in how to conduct themselves in their daily lives.
I recently read a devotional written by Alistair Begg, pastor at Parkside Church in Ohio and author for Truth for Life Ministry. In that devotional, he stated that we occupy two kingdoms: 1) as believers saved by grace, we are now citizens of God’s kingdom, but 2) as those still living in these fleshly bodies on the earth, we are also living in the kingdom of men. The point of Begg’s devotional was to shed light on the importance of our walk (conduct) as children of God living in the kingdom of man. Begg stressed that we should be very careful to ensure that the way we walk clearly points to our rightful citizenship in God’s kingdom. It should be clear to people in the way we speak, dress, and act that we belong to God!
Here in Ephesians 5, Paul is providing a manual for how to walk as a Christian in this world. Later in Ephesians, he will give us a run down of the armor we should be putting on and using each day, but here in chapter 5, we receive some helpful instruction on how we ought to walk: in love, purity, and thanksgiving. We are to walk in love because Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. We are to walk in purity so that we do not bring shame upon God (this includes guarding what we say). We are also to not only avoid sinful behavior, but to expose the works of darkness (v12) so that we do not get caught up in them. Finally, we are to walk in thanksgiving. It is here that I want to focus the rest of my reflection.
Why does Paul emphasize the giving of thanks for the Christian experience? Clearly we owe our very existence and our salvation to a loving and merciful God! Everywhere in scripture we are provided the reality of our dependence on God.
He sent His only Son to die for us (John 3:16)
We are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)
He is patient toward sinners (2 Peter 3:9)
He is faithful to forgive our sins (1 John 1:9)
He created and upholds all things (Hebrews 1:3-6)
He is a great high priest who intercedes for us (Hebrews 4:14-16)
He is long-suffering, merciful, and abounding in goodness (Exodus 34:6-7)
This list is not exhaustive. Each one of us could find many, many more scripture references describing the goodness of God. Even more, each one of us can point specifically to what God has done in our own lives that is worthy of giving him praise and thanks. Paul exhorts us to, “...be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:18-20). As children of God, our “walk” should be marked at all times with the giving of thanks to God through Christ. Paul here removes any doubt of when this might be or for what things–always and for everything. Those words are crystal clear. As christians, there are things which should always be a part of who we are and how we live. Prayer is one of those things as Paul tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). So should our lives be marked with constant thanksgiving.
Take a moment to consider what God has done for you. Are you redeemed by faith in Jesus Christ? Your thankfulness should find in this spiritual birth the fountain of perpetual thankfulness. Has He provided for your daily needs? Has He seen you through the storms of life? If you can say yes to these questions and can recall the times when God has been at work for you, then you have every reason to give thanks! The truth is, that even in the difficult times we are to give thanks for He is working for His glory and our good.
As we head through this week and toward our worship service on Sunday, I pray that you will find encouragement in these words. Let me close by addressing you with “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”.
Song Selection for Sunday, January 12, 2025
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Do you find that you struggle to be thankful at all times and for all things? Then perhaps you should follow the advice of the hymn writer Helen Howarth Lemmel (1918) whose song was first printed in 1922 with a collection titled Glad Songs. When you feel discouraged, beat down, or are going through difficult times, turn your eyes upon Jesus. Here you will find the motivation to give thanks to God who through Christ is always interceding for you. –And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace!
You Are My All in All
Christ is our everything! Consider the words of this song that provide a reminder that He is our strength when we are weak. He took our sin, our cross, and our shame. Why would we not then give thanks and bless His name? Jesus, Lamb of God, Worthy is Your Name.
Jesus, Thank You
Finally, this song by Sovereign Grace Music echoes the refrain of this week’s blog post–thankfulness. The verses steer us back to Christ and what he did for us as our savior on the cross. With the fullness of that love displayed in our lives, we may sing with the chorus “Jesus, Thank You”.
