See a great throne – earth and sky flee
Dead are judged by what they’ve done
Lake of Fire – great misery
For the sins that they have done
Run to Jesus, Plead for mercy
Be found in the Book of Life
To the tune of “Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending”
The Lord’s Day…was taken as a celebration of the three great events of salvation history. It was first of all the day of the resurrection of the Lord and therefore the beginning of the new creation. It was also the very first day of the first creation, and therefore a time to rejoice in the goodness of God’s bounty. And it was the eighth day of the week, and therefore a day of hope pointing to the consummation of all things.
– Justo Gonzalez in A Brief History of Sunday
Here are some helpful posts for pastors:
Burnout Begins with Bad Theology – David Murray (DG)
Pastoral Burnout: Its Causes and Its Cure – Geoffry Kirkland
An Open Letter to the Weary Pastor – Mike McKinley (Crossway)
Confident hope– Charles Spurgeon
He will tend (feed) his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
– Isaiah 40:11 ESV (KJV)
Isaiah gives us the picture of a gentle shepherd who cares for his sheep. He tends, feeds, gathers, carries, and leads his flock.
Our God is like a shepherd to us. He tends and feeds us, taking care of our needs. He gathers and carries us in his arms. And he gently leads us along the path we should go. He doesn’t harshly drive us. He doesn’t violently beat us. He cares for us with the gentleness of a shepherd.
Is this how you think of God – as a gentle shepherd?
In what situation in your life do you need God to carry you right now?
How do you need God to gently lead and guide you today?
See an angel seize the dragon, Bind him for a 1000 years
See the saints raised to life again, Reigning for a 1000 years
Blessed and holy, Priests to our God, Jesus wins the victory
See Satan released from prison, Deceive, gather an army
See fire fall down from heaven, Satan judged eternally
War is over, Christian rejoice, Jesus wins the victory
To the tune of “Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending”
Even if we do not understand what God is doing, we can believe that he is still at work. Trusting in the sovereign goodness of God will help us turn our attention to others in love rather than focusing on our own frustrations.
– Phil Ryken in Loving the Way Jesus Loves
Sunset over Lake Superior
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
– Psalm 19:1
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature,
have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,
in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
– Romans 1:20
Just a short post to say that I am taking summer off from our study and reflections on the Old Testament. Planning to resume them in the Fall. I’ll continue to post other things as I have time…
Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:
God’s Presence Is the Essence of Heaven – Randy Alcorn (EPM)
The best part of Heaven on the New Earth will be enjoying God’s presence. He’ll actually dwell among us (Revelation 21:3-4). Just as the Holy of Holies contained the dazzling presence of God in ancient Israel, so will the New Jerusalem contain his presence. The New Earth’s greatest miracle will be our continual, unimpeded access to the God of everlasting splendor and perpetual delight.
Ten Short Truths about the Shortest Psalm – Barry York (GR)
Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord! – Psalm 117
Psalms for Men Who Are Struggling – Scott Slayton (One Degree To Another)
When you read these Psalms and absorb their message, pray them as if they are your own words. Take these complaints, fears, and confessions before the Lord. Pray them, laying your sins, anxieties, and burdens before the Lord. Then, rest in the peace, assurance, strength, and forgiveness that only he can give.
Five Great Benefits from Preaching – Tim Challies
Preaching gives us a hunger for the Word, teaches us how to read, interpret, and apply the Word, and shows us the great benefits that come when we commit ourselves to it.
Hope you have a great Lord’s Day hearing the preaching of God’s Word!
Brian J. Mikul 