Here are some good posts about congregational singing:
A Good Hymnal Is a Terrible Thing to Waste – Kevin DeYoung
Keep Singing the Doxology – Jason Helopoulos
The Reformation Changed the Way We Sing – Collin Hansen with Keith Getty
Author: Brian
Follower of Jesus, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pastor
Prayer Quote of the Week
Prayer should not be regarded as a duty which must be performed, but rather as a privilege to be enjoyed, a rare delight that is always revealing some new beauty.
– E.M. Bounds
Reflections on Psalms 21-25
Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today? Use those words to talk to the Lord.
- Trust – Again and again, David speaks of trusting God (21:7, 22:4-9, 25:2). Psalm 23 is a psalm expressing his trust in God. In what situations do you need to trust God today? How might the words of Psalm 23 help you?
- Forgiveness and Instruction – David seeks God’s mercy, asking God not remember his past sins (25:6-7). He asks God to pardon his guilt (25:11) and forgive his sins (25:18). But he goes further. He also wants God to instruct him in God’s ways, in God’s truth, in what is right (25:4-5, 8-9). For what sins do you need to seek forgiveness? Will you then seek God’s help to overcome those sins in the future that you might follow God’s ways?
Classic Quote
We should hear God’s Word with fear and study in it with humility.
– Martin Luther
Psalms 21-30: Different Types of Psalms
(28) What is David doing in v1-2? How might you use these verses in your trials?
What trial is David facing according to v3-5? What trials are you facing?
How does the psalm change in v6-9? Have you experienced this change in your prayers?
(23) Why do you think this psalm is so popular?
How does it specifically encourage you right now?
(30) What is David doing in this psalm?
For what recent event in your own life could you use this psalm as your own prayer?
(29) For what does David praise the Lord in this psalm?
How might this psalm help you to praise the Lord?
(22) How does this psalm point to Jesus (see especially v1, 16, 18)?
How might it have helped Jesus? How might it help you?
(21-30) Which verse(s) or psalm especially speaks to you, and why?
Passion Points
Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:
What A Wonder – Tim Challies
You, Christian, are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit of God makes his habitation within you. He has joyfully, willingly, come to you so you can be near to him. This knowledge, this wonder, has powerful consequences…
Give Yourself to Constant & Committed Prayer! – Geoffrey R. Kirkland
Every Christian has at his disposal the most mind-boggling wonder. The weakest saint can come before the throne of Almighty God in heaven in simple prayer.
From Flight to Fight: How Christians Struggle with Sin – Greg Morse (DG)
The paths we take from various temptations will differ, but the principle is the same: seek to find refuge in Christ. Passivity will not keep us from tasting the forbidden fruit. So we actively flee to Christ through well-worn paths such as prayer, Bible intake, camaraderie with fellow soldiers, confession, repentance, accountability, and private and corporate worship.
God Knows What You Need in Worship – Nick Roen (DG)
We come together each week — this multifaceted mosaic called the body of Christ — and somehow, God meets us where we are.
Hope you have a great Lord’s Day worshiping the Lord with your local church!
Sermon Songs: Mark 2:1-12
Tell of Him in the house preaching
As four men carry their friend
See their committed faith reaching
Hear Him proclaim “Forgiven!”
See His divine authority
This man to heal and forgive
The crowds amazed cry out “Glory!”
Join them each day that you live
Tell me the story of Jesus
Write on my heart ev’ry word
Tell me the story most precious
That I might live what I’ve heard
(Some words by Fanny Crosby, to the tune of “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”)
Abiding
The heart of an abiding Christian life is a love relationship with Him who loved us and gave His life for us.
– Stanley Gale in A Vine-Ripened Life
Reflections on Psalms 16-20
Which psalm or verse especially reflects your heart today? Use those words to talk to the Lord.
- My portion – David says that God is his portion and inheritance (16:5-6). God is the giver of every good thing (16:2). God gives joy and pleasure in his presence (16:11). How have you experienced God this way?
- Revelation – God reveals himself in his creation and through his Word (Psalm 19). How have you seen God’s glory in his creation? How has God’s Word revived you, made you wise, brought you joy, and enlightened your eyes?
Brian J. Mikul 