As I've blogged my way through the Psalms, I've noticed over and over how God's promises are for the here and now as well as for the future. While Psalm 37 repeatedly assures believers that they will inherit the land and dwell in it forever (which seems to refer to our eternal future), it also … Continue reading Dwelling in the Land, Psalm 37
Avondale RCNZ: Reaching out to a diverse community
Some may envision New Zealand as a paradise of scenic landscapes and simple living on sheep ranches. But while the suburb of Avondale is only 30 minutes from the black sand and surf of the Tasman Sea to the west and only 20 minutes from the white sand of the Pacific Ocean to the east, … Continue reading Avondale RCNZ: Reaching out to a diverse community
River of Delights, Psalm 36
Since I have a lot going on in my life right now, I'm not taking time to craft a new meditation on Psalm 36 today. Instead I'm posting a link to a brief reflection on some of the most beautiful images of the psalm, which I originally posted almost three years ago: Drinking from God's … Continue reading River of Delights, Psalm 36
Ministry and medical changes for the Sinke family in Woodstock
For Rev. James and Andrea Sinke, health care was an important aspect of the decision-making process before considering his call to Bethel URC in Woodstock, ON. That’s because the Sinkes’ youngest daughter, Sarah, has required special care for continuing health concerns since she was born four years ago. “Sarah’s health care wasn’t our primary consideration,” … Continue reading Ministry and medical changes for the Sinke family in Woodstock
Speak to my soul, Psalm 35
We may not be on the run from the king and his men, as David often was under the reign of Saul, but we all experience times when we feel surrounded. Persecuted Christians or those living in war-torn lands may be physically surrounded by enemies seeking to destroy them, but at some time each believer … Continue reading Speak to my soul, Psalm 35
Proclaiming Christ in Portland
Rev. Steven Oeverman was installed as the pastor of Grace United Reformed Church in West Linn (a southern suburb of Portland), OR, on September 23, 2012. Dr. W. Robert Godfrey officiated the service. Rev. Oeverman is a 2004 graduate of Westminster Seminary California (WSC), who had been an associate pastor at Escondido URC since 2006. … Continue reading Proclaiming Christ in Portland
URCNA Classis Pacific Northwest: Joy and pain for delegates
When Classis Pacific Northwest of the URCNA met in Lynden, WA, on October 16 & 17, it had good reasons for rejoicing; it witnessed two successful exams and welcomed a new congregation. It took care of business, passing an overture regarding the Proposed Joint Church Order (PJCO). But it also dealt with a painful situation, … Continue reading URCNA Classis Pacific Northwest: Joy and pain for delegates
Taste and See, Psalm 34
"Taste and see," David urges us, "that the Lord is good." That's the heading for Psalm 34 in the English Standard Version, which makes sense when you read the sentence repeated in verse 8. But the subheading for Psalm 34 may make you wonder. It explains that David wrote this psalm when he changed his … Continue reading Taste and See, Psalm 34
Jacob or Jonah?
Am I a Jacob or a Jonah? Sometimes I wonder. Jacob wrestled with God, saying, "I will not let you go unless you bless me" (Genesis 32:26). But Jonah fled from the presence of the Lord (Jonah 1:3). One stood still and grasped God, while the other fled from him. But both were not taking … Continue reading Jacob or Jonah?
New Year resolved
Resolution. We hear a lot about it at the beginning of a year. People make New Year's resolutions to lose some weight or spend more time in personal devotions. But often the year comes and goes and we end up making the same vague resolutions at the beginning of the next year. Perhaps the trouble … Continue reading New Year resolved
Glenda Faye Mathes 