Excerpt of Psalm 89

Psa 89:5-16

"Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,
your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD?
Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD,
a God greatly to be feared in the council
of the holy ones, and awesome above all
who are around him?
O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as you are,
O LORD, with your faithfulness all around you?
You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.
You crushed Rahab like a carcass;
you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
The heavens are yours;
the earth also is yours;
the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
The north and the south, you have created them;
Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.
You have a mighty arm;
strong is your hand, high your right hand.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face,
who exult in your name all the day
and in your righteousness are exalted."

Who is our true Provider

In coming back to my office this morning from a week of vacation, I had to sift through a good number of emails... one of them was an article sent to me about the economic crunch the US is in, and, in particular, the housing market and potential bail out of Fannie May and Freddie Mac (two large banking firms) by the Federal Government. (for those interested in things socio-economic-political... you can read the article here: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/13/business/guarantee.php)

Now, before you stop reading because of sheer boredom I want to re-direct to a slightly larger perspective. The article is titles "A New American reality: The government as provider"

What is interesting is that I don't really think this is a "NEW" reality for us here in America. For many years now I have noticed a growing trend, both inside and outside of the church, of an un-healthy trust in government and politics to solve our problems (financially, morally, etc)

Now don't get me wrong... I believe, as a follower of Jesus, it is important for me to be involved in the life and operation of my country, and politics, and to be an influence for the sake of Jesus and HIS WAY in the world. That means, wise decisions about how government is run, who is elected from local to national offices who will uphold those Truths and values that are Biblical and upright...

My HOPE however is NOT in the 'greatness' of a nation, or in who sits above me in government or what legislation is passed... my hope is in God... specifically God in Christ Jesus!

Psalm 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."

Could we have a modern rendering of Psalm 20:7 ... Some trust in politics? or presidents? or congress? (gee I hope not?!)

Yes, have a voice and speak wisdom and hold Truth high in all areas... BUT we must remember that our powerful, merciful, awesome, God IS our provider for ALL THINGS!

Genesis 22:14 "So Abraham called the name of that place, 'The LORD will provide'..." (Jehovah-Jireh)

Blessings!

Charles Spurgeon on the Gospel

In the immortal words of Samuel L. Jackson in "Jurassic Park" - "Hold onto your butts!"

Here are few challenging, encouraging, and butt-kicking quotes from Charles Spurgeon on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

"Never lose heart in the power of the gospel. Do not believe that there exists any man, much less any race of men, for whom the gospel is not fitted." - CHS

"Avoid a sugared gospel as you would shun sugar of lead. Seek the gospel which rips up and tears and cuts and wounds and hacks and even kills, for that is the gospel that makes alive again. And when you have found it, give good heed to it. Let it enter into your inmost being. As the rain soaks into the ground, so pray the Lord to let his gospel soak into your soul." - CHS

"Let this be to you the mark of true gospel preaching - where Christ is everything, and the creature is nothing; where it is salvation all of grace, through the work of the Holy Spirit applying to the soul the precious blood of Jesus." - CHS


And my personal favorite of the day:


"The heart of the gospel is redemption, and the essence of redemption is the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ." - CHS

Before the Throne - Rich Truth EVERYWHERE!

For the past couple of days... I have been unable to stop listening to this song. It is RICH with Theology... and I need it to preach to me every day. Here it is:


"Before the Throne"
Arr. Shane Barnard – “Pages” ©2007
Original Words by: Charitie L. Bancroft, (“Before the Throne of God Above” 1863.)

Verse 1
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great high Priest who's name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me

My name is graven on His hand
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart

Verse 2
When satan tempts me to despair
and tells me of the guilt within
upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin

Because a sinless Savior died
my sinful soul is counted free
For God the just is satisfied
to look on Him and pardon me

Chorus
Hallelujah
Praise the One Risen Son of God.

Verse 3
Behold Him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect spotless righteousness
The great unchangeable I AM
The King of Glory and of grace

One in Himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God