David wrote Psalm 60 after his army commander, Joab, had won a great military victory over the Edomites, but that triumph had not overshadowed recent struggles in Israel. When David became king, the nation suffered from internal divisions and external enemies. But David recognizes all Israel's problems have ultimately come from God. O God, you have … Continue reading Defeated foes, Psalm 60
God’s work in Illiana
Late Saturday night I returned from a five-day speaking trip in Illinois and Indiana. Since then I've been decompressing and processing. My mind churns with memories and images that are difficult to distill. One thing I know: God's Spirit amazed me over and over! He equipped introverted-homebody me, who hadn't been able to prepare as … Continue reading God’s work in Illiana
Learning curves
For technologically-challenged people like me, the learning curve of adjusting to a new computer can be almost as stressful as having the old one die. Yesterday my old one died in the morning and my new one arrived in the afternoon. By God's truly amazing grace, I remained calm and positive all day and late … Continue reading Learning curves
Howling dogs, Psalm 59
When one dog starts to howl, all the neighborhood dogs join in. If this happens late in the evening, roving coyotes may even begin howling. Psalm 59 brings that eerie chorus to mind by repeating an identical refrain. Verses 6 & 7 in the ESV say: Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city.There they … Continue reading Howling dogs, Psalm 59
Walker URC’s centennial celebration
As Walker United Reformed Church celebrated its 100th anniversary, its members remembered the past while looking to the future with thankfulness to God. The theme verse chosen for the occasion was Psalm 145:4, “One generation shall praise Thy works to another, And shall declare Thy mighty acts” (KJV). A special centennial celebration took place on … Continue reading Walker URC’s centennial celebration
Phoenix URC focuses on God’s mission to the city
Phoenix, AZ, named after the mythological regenerating bird associated with the sun, consistently tops the charts of the sunniest US cities. The legendary phoenix can symbolize Christian themes of rebirth and resurrection, and it’s those timeless truths that members of Phoenix URC seek to bring to the almost 1.5 million people living in American’s sixth … Continue reading Phoenix URC focuses on God’s mission to the city
Psalm 58
On Mondays for the last several years, I've been trying to post a meditation on a psalm and today's the day for Psalm 58. Interestingly, Bible Gateway's "Book of Common Prayer" reading plan for today (March 17, 2014) includes Psalm 58. Almost four years ago, I looked at Psalm 58 in a post titled "Broken Teeth & … Continue reading Psalm 58
Writers resources
Susan Olasky regularly posts Web Reads on the WORLD magazine website. Among the fascinating links she posted at the end of this terrific article about Elisabeth Elliot is The Write Life's list of 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2014. I've only had time to scroll through because these days I'm focused on preparing several … Continue reading Writers resources
Christmas and the Arts
During the Christmas season, Reformed Christians enjoy the beauty of the arts more than any other time of year. They decorate their homes with artistic wreaths, creative decorations, fragrant greenery, and nativity sets. They listen to Handel’s Messiah and tap their toes to its rousing Hallelujah Chorus. Many use their God-given talents to craft attractive … Continue reading Christmas and the Arts
New student loan assistance plan for Providence grads
Paying back college loans while working at entry level wages can be a challenge for college graduates. But Providence Christian College is committed to helping its students stay in school and pursue their callings after they graduate without the concern of struggling to pay back student loans. Providence is the first and only college in … Continue reading New student loan assistance plan for Providence grads
Glenda Faye Mathes 