In His Praise

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God  without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe…” Philippians 2:14-16 There are three important points found in these verses: We as children of God should be willing to do the work we are called to do with a good attitude. Just as parents instruct their children to do their chores and not complain, so we as God’s children should be happy to do whatever work the Lord gives us to do. There should be no grumbling or fussing about our tasks. 2) Why should we do this? So that our character will grow more Christ-like, our faith will grow  stronger, and our walk with…

“For this God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” Psalms 48:14 What a wonderful reminder this verse is that God will never leave us. Whatever or wherever life takes us God is always with us. He guides, protects and moves to bring about good things for us. From birth to death, our God lovingly cares for us and has a plan for us. As the children’s prayer goes, “God is great and God is good.” We just need to draw close to Him and trust His leadership. He will never forsake us or disappoint us.

“In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” Titus 2:7a Have you ever watched the ripples that a stone makes when tossed into the water? They start where the stone lands and then travel out. A larger stone may make larger ripples, but it doesn’t matter if the stone is large or small, there will still be ripples. The same is true of waves made by passing boats on a lake. It doesn’t matter what size the boat is, its  movement creates waves that will travel across the lake. Again, a large boat may cause big wave, while a small boat will create only a small wave. Both the stone and the boat have an effect on the water. The stone, the boat nor the water think…

“… yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”  Habakkuk 3:18 Having a positive attitude is something we have to choose sometimes. Happiness does not always come naturally. Sad things happen and we cannot always wear a smile and act as though we’re not bothered or touched by the circumstances. God has given us emotions that do influence our reactions.  In the verses previous to the one above, the prophet Habakkuk had learned from God that Israel was about to be attacked and defeated by the Babylonians! That sounds frightening and depressing. Habakkuk was concerned to say the least, his attitude was not positive about the situation. He questioned why God would allow this to happen. He tried to make sense of it…

“… he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” Philippians 1:6 As children of God we all have work to do. Ephesians 2:10 tells us this: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”.  It is easy  to become discouraged though. Satan tells us that what we do does not amount to much, that it is not important or that it is not making a difference. We may also run into other obstacles — health issues, financial hardships, time restraints, just to mention a few.  The world can throw all kinds of stumbling blocks in our paths. But these also, are just ploys of the devil to distract us from…

“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…