In His Praise

“Your word is lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalms 119:105 This verse from the book of Psalms is one that many of us may remember learning as children in VBS or Sunday school. It is a good verse on which to build a foundation of faith. It gives us assurance that God’s Word is filled with the light we need to guide us in a dark world.  As children and adults we need help to navigate life. We need wisdom to make right choices and we need encouragement to continue on the right path. God’s word can do all those things, and more, for us. When we read the Bible prayerfully and thoughtfully, His truths will be illuminated. As we apply His Word to our…

“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”  Matthew 18:19-20      This last Sunday in June has been a different one for the congregation of East Point Cumberland Presbyterian Church. We’re a small congregation and since last Sunday quite a few of our church members have tested positive for Covid-19! As a wise safety precaution our elders decided to cancel services for this Sunday.  Just hearing the words “you have  Covid” are disturbing, but when others around you begin to report the same thing, it becomes a little scary! Your mind could make you…

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Happy Fathers Day!  Dads are important people in our lives, and their influence is felt more than they probably know.  By example they show their children how to live and teach so many lessons without saying a word.  Today’s world is a difficult place to live. There are strains and stresses on finances, relationships, morals, and even the family unit itself. It is easy to become discouraged. It is easy to stop trying. But children need fathers that do not give up, they need dads that are strong and faithful. The world needs men that are grounded in faith, who know their Heavenly Father and have a close…

“O Lord, our Lord,  how majestic is your name in all the earth!” You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants  you have ordained praise  because of your enemies,  to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens,  the work of your fingers. the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,  what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You have made him a little lower than the  heavenly beings, and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all the flocks and herds, and the beast of the field,  the birds of…

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.”  John 14:1 These words of comfort were spoken by Jesus to His disciples as He was preparing them for His death. The disciples did not fully grasp all that was about happen. They loved Jesus and were faithful followers, but they may have been overwhelmed by all that Jesus was telling them. They were confused, afraid and some were even in denial. They did not understand why Jesus had to face such a cruel death. He had done nothing wrong! As followers of Jesus in today’s world, we too can become confused and afraid. Daily we are faced with shortages of all kinds, high prices, violence and so many other trials. We wonder why these things…

“… He is good; his love endures forever.”  2 Chronicles 5:13  These words were spoken by God’s people as the Ark of the Covenant was placed in the newly built temple of God. Chapters 5-7 in 2 Chronicles tell about this event. King Solomon lead the prayers, others played music and sang and everyone praised the Lord! When they worshipped and praised God, His glory  filled the temple!  What an awesome day that must have been! How wonderful   to be part of such an experience! We might call it a mountaintop moment, a once in a lifetime happening, something that would never happen today.  But the scriptures assure us that we too can know God’s presence. James 4:8 tells us  “Come near to God, and he will come near to…

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9 People are not always dependable. Sometimes we say we’ll do something, even make a promise to do it; but then things happen. Circumstances change, we forget, we don’t have time and so our words are forgotten and fall by the wayside. Each of us have probably dealt with results of a someone not following through with a promise or commitment. We may have even been the person that didn’t follow through. Whatever the situation, it just shows that we as human beings cannot always be relied upon to do all that we say we will. But…

“…God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16b Back in 1965 singer, Jackie DeShannon, recorded a song called “What the World Needs Now is Love.” It came at a time in America when there was much unrest. Racial tensions were high, the Vietnam War was going on, attitudes were changing and sometimes people disagreed in ways that were violent and hurtful. This song was a hit for DeShannon and hopefully it caused some people to rethink their behavior and respond in more kind and loving ways. Hurtful actions and unkind attitudes are not new to us today either. We hear of family disputes, violence in our streets and disagreements that escalate out of control everyday. Yes, we do need more love.…

“But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 2:51-52 Happy Mother’s Day! Today many will spend a little extra time trying to make Mom feel appreciated and special. Millions of dollars will be spent on cards, flowers, dinners, and other gifts. Whether it’s  Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Sister or friend, a loving “mother” is very special. To have a Christian mother is very special and a true blessing.  As we focus on our mothers, let’s think  about Jesus’ mother, Mary. Although young, by today’s standards, when she gave birth, Mary was a very devout believer in God. Although she didn’t understand all that was happening to her, she accepted her role as the mother…

“He lifted me out of  the slimy pit, out of mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth,” Psalm 40:2-3 This is May 1, the beginning of a new month and it is Sunday, the beginning of a new week. Each day that we wake up we begin a new day.   Our God is the master of new beginnings. He gave Saul (later Paul) a new beginning on the road to Damascus. He called Moses to a new beginning at the burning bush. He gave the blind man a new beginning when He restored his sight and the woman at the well a new beginning when He asked for a drink. Jesus/God…