Helping you grow in God's all-sufficient grace and truth
Yesterday, our family returned from a 2-week, 4,200-mile road trip to Arizona. We had a wonderful time of being awed by the creative works of our awesome God (the red mountains of Sedona and the Grand Canyon, to name just
Continue readingNo matter what valley the Lord is taking, or has taken, you through, let your heart and mind be counseled by the Spirit-filled lyrics of this song. Don’t be surprised if the refrain brings you to tears. There is strength
Continue readingWe learned this new song, based on Luke 18:9-14, in corporate worship yesterday. It reminds us of where we stand without Christ and exalts Him as the only true source of righteousness. No list of sins I have not done,
Continue readingThis morning, while getting ready for school, one of my daughters asked if I could help her remember a song we sing at church about God taking care of us. The reason for the question is that the frostbite warnings
Continue readingSeveral weeks ago, my son-in-law loaned me two CDs from the Christian band Casting Crowns. One disc, Lifesong, ministered to me in deep ways, especially tracks two through five, which I must have played in my car a hundred times.
Continue readingThe church needs more gospel-saturated Advent hymns. Therefore, I rejoiced yesterday morning when our church was introduced to another work from Chris Anderson, “Praise Our Savior, Jesus Christ.” Consider adding it to your church’s congregational singing repertoire. Here are the
Continue readingHere are 5 articles I encourage you to read: Why Men Have Stopped Singing in Church – “Men are doers, and singing was one of the things we used to do together in church. It was a chance to participate. Now, with
Continue readingAnother wonderful modern hymn from Keith and Krystyn Getty… What grace is mine that He who dwells in endless light Called through the night to find my distant soul And from his scars poured mercy that would plead for me
Continue reading“Propitiation” is probably my most favorite biblical, theological word. Therefore, any hymn that would attempt to include it in its lyrics gets my attention. And any hymn writer who gets the word’s meaning correct and makes it work musically is
Continue readingIf you’d never been struck by lightning, Daddy, I think my life would be different today. Sarah Ascol reflects on the night her father, Tom Ascol, was struck by lightning and the difference it has made in her life. Why
Continue readingHere’s a beautiful new hymn that has ministered to my soul in recent days. It’s from the album Safely Home by St. Andrews’ Hymns and is also included in the Trinity Hymnal. The lyrics by Edmond P. Clowney are tremendous
Continue readingHere is Psalm 130 put into the form of a hymn by Martin Luther. The actual hymn title is “From the Depths of Woe,” but I have titled this post after what I think is one of the most powerful
Continue readingStill my soul be still And do not fear Though winds of change may rage tomorrow God is at your side No longer dread The fires of unexpected sorrow God You are my God And I will trust in You
Continue readingDay by Day is a classic hymn that our congregation loves. Often, when we have a hymn sing or testimony service, it is one of those selected. Its God-centered lyrics minister strength to the heart and naturally lead to prayer.
Continue readingGod-centered music is a very important part of the way the Holy Spirit ministers to my heart in times of joy and times of sorrow—two emotions that are forever mixed, mingled together in the Christian experience. Of these two mutually-existent
Continue readingMeditating on the gospel means that I must consciously fix my mind on truths revolving around the love of God for me in Jesus Christ. This includes anything ranging election in eternity past to glorification in eternity future. But central
Continue readingYesterday, in our evening service, a ministry team from Northland International University led our congregational singing and introduced us to a new hymn. I Run to Christ, written by Chris Anderson, is a treasure! 1. I run to Christ when
Continue readingI will never forget the first time I sang Hark! the Herald Angels Sing as a genuine believer in Jesus Christ. It was Christmas 1984. I had been saved about seven months. For the first time, I understood the words
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By God’s grace, I’m a husband, dad, grandpa, and pastor at Cornerstone Community Church in Mayfield Hts, OH. I love Christ because He first loved me.
