HYMN DAY! The exact origins of “We Shall Not Be Moved” aren’t known. One of the earlier printings available is in Spirituals Triumphant Old and New (1927), compiled by African American composer, choral conductor, and singer Edward Boatner (1898–1981). Boatner heard many spirituals from his father, an itinerant Methodist minister,…
A seed planted in the ground sprouts and grows. With rain and sun to feed it, it bears fruit in season. A life planted in God’s word sprouts and grows. With mercy rains and the Son’s guidance, we grow, too, into righteous ones who point others to God’s love. Do…
Anybody else like trees? My favorite is the willow tree. Its graceful, waving branches invite me to draw near and sit beneath its cooling shelter. I love how trees seem to reach for the heavens, as if striving to touch the face of God. Trees have a music, too–a whispering…
Oh, the promise of eternal life. What a glorious gift! To reside IN HIS PRESENCE forever! In a place where no sin, no sorrow, no pain, no grief exists. Being dead to self means being alive in Christ, and that aliveness (is that a word?) extends beyond this world into…
A 1970’s comedian used to lament, “The devil made me do it.” I used to think, “If Adam and Eve hadn’t sinned, I wouldn’t be tempted.” It’s easy to cast the blame for our behavior on other people or situations. But the truth lies in this scripture: when we receive…
HYMN DAY! “Heaven Came Down” by John W. Peterson is one of my favorites. My folks sang it with another couple in a quartet when I was a girl. So much promise here! “Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling He made all the darkness depart!” Amen! (1) O what…
I love the symbolism of baptism. Being “buried” in the water, which represents sin’s death, then emerging drenched in the newness of Christ. There’s a joke about a church overrun by squirrels. One of the deacons says he knows how to get rid of them—“Let’s baptize them. After that, we’ll…
Has someone ever apologized to you for a wrongdoing, then turned around and did the same thing again? Their apology suddenly doesn’t seem so sincere, does it? Saying we’re sorry when we’ve done wrong is the first step; being repentant—turning from that behavior to wiser choices—is the second. God forgives…
Paul had a calling directly from the Lord to tell others about God’s grace. He was determined to fulfill that call because he had experienced its power for himself. The job Paul mentions isn’t limited to him. Are you saved? Have you basked in the incredibly extravagant generosity of grace?…
There have been many times in my life when I’ve felt compelled to pray for someone. Sometimes it’s for their salvation, other times for their strength, peace, or comfort. When you are compelled by the Spirit, it’s best to answer that call, no matter the cost. Paul’s determination to go…
