This month, November 2020, is the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s arrival to the New World’s shores. During the first year, their numbers go from 102 people in the new colony to only 53. They suffered much. Psalm 107 is the Psalm that gave direction to their lives both as they arrived in the New World and celebrated the first thanksgiving a year later. Psalm 107 teaches us to cry out to the Lord in our own stories of need and give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love.
Category Archives: Psalms
“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11)
Do you ever feel powerless in the world? There was a time in young David’s life when his whole world crashed down on him. He was a rising star, immensely successful and popular, so famous that the King himself (Saul) gave David his daughter to marry. I am sure that David felt that all wasContinue reading ““If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11)”
An Everyday Prayer of Faith and Thanksgiving. (Psalm 118)
One of the great Psalms of the Bible is Psalm 118. Several things make this Psalm exceptional. Psalm 118 talks about God’s steadfast love, it describes the Lord’s salvation, it is a Psalm that calls us to worship and give thanks, it is often quoted in the New Testament, and it is the Psalm theContinue reading “An Everyday Prayer of Faith and Thanksgiving. (Psalm 118)”
Looking at the immensity of creation, do you matter? (Psalm 8)
Who are we? What does it mean to be a human? This is a question that is asked in Psalm 8 by the writer. Looking at the immensity of creation, do we matter? Psalm 8 begins by observing the majesty of God. It says “1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all theContinue reading “Looking at the immensity of creation, do you matter? (Psalm 8)”
A Soul Strengthened in the Midst of Trouble
What do you do when you are anxious or discouraged about life in general? During this Covid-19 pandemic a lot of attention has been devoted to help people deal with stress and anxiousness that the shutdown has caused. The things I have seen have included activities like increased binge watching tv, yoga meditation, and variousContinue reading “A Soul Strengthened in the Midst of Trouble”
The Steadfast Love of God; Trusting God in Times of Great Uncertainty. (A Study of Psalm 52)
David is on the run. Saul, the king, is out to kill him. The First place he runs to is the old prophet Samuel, but Samuel himself is afraid of Saul and David is unable to stay there. He runs next to the priests, hoping that he may find shelter and sanctuary there with them, but he isContinue reading “The Steadfast Love of God; Trusting God in Times of Great Uncertainty. (A Study of Psalm 52)”
A Covid-19 Gravesite
I think I broke the law today, but I am not sure. A son recently lost his mother, and he asked me to come and speak at her grave today. The cemetery was in Ohio and thus I am not sure if the stay-at-home order given by Ohio’s governor included me, a pastor, in a cemetery. Regardless, itContinue reading “A Covid-19 Gravesite”
Near to the Brokenhearted
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ – As you know, I am not a user of social media. During this time of social isolation though, I feel that words of theological reflection may be helpful as you seek to make sense of the sickness, the panic, and the world at this time. My purpose is not toContinue reading “Near to the Brokenhearted”
The Riddle of Suffering and the Goodness of God
If God is good, why does he allow evil and suffering in this world? That is a question that many have asked and may be asking today. This is an ancient question that is often referred to as “the problem of evil” or the theological term of “theodicy.” The question sees a problem or inconsistence with the assumedContinue reading “The Riddle of Suffering and the Goodness of God”
Concerning the Word of Life 