Push comes to shove in the sixteenth section of Psalm 119, in which each verse in the original begins with the Hebrew letter Ayin. In our amble through Psalm 119, we've noted that nearly every verse contains a word that is synonymous for God's word, which is no surprise since the Psalm is well-known as … Continue reading The Climax of Psalm 119, Ayin
URCNA Classis Central US ponders and prays
As with the previous meeting of Classis Central of the URCNA, its meeting on April 11-12, 2011 at Covenant Reformed Church in Pella was primarily held in executive session and was characterized by prayer. The meeting included a candidacy examination and several weighty pastoral issues. Classis concurred with the consistory of Covenant Reformed Church that … Continue reading URCNA Classis Central US ponders and prays
Our Hiding Place in Psalm 119, Samekh
Deadly tornadoes recently ripped through the Midwest, destroying towns and taking lives, leaving a distressing wake of devastation and despair. If you live in the Midwest, you know there is only one thing to do if a tornado threatens: take shelter. That is why most homes are constructed with a basement. When the tornado sirens wail, … Continue reading Our Hiding Place in Psalm 119, Samekh
New Haven oil spill update
Rev. Drew Eenigenburg reports that the New Haven URC has nearly completed building repair and recovery work following the heating oil leak that forced them to vacate their building at the beginning of February. “God has graciously answered our prayers, and it appears that they will return to worship in their own building by mid-May, … Continue reading New Haven oil spill update
The Lamp of Psalm 119, Nun
Although the previous section of Psalm 119 contained two well-known verses, this section shines with the radiance of another well-known verse: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (105, ESV). God's word is the lantern that illuminates our walk through this dark world. We must clutch his word … Continue reading The Lamp of Psalm 119, Nun
Loving the law in Psalm 119, Mem
This section of Psalm 119 begins with its well-known verse: Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day (97, ESV). Perhaps for you, as it is for me, this is the most familiar of all the 176 verses in Psalm 119. Do you know what the next verse says? I admit … Continue reading Loving the law in Psalm 119, Mem
URCNA Classis Eastern US: Ecumenical and evangelistic efforts
When Classis Eastern US of the URCNA met on March 17, 2011, it decided to proceed in joint fellowship and church planting endeavors. Classis asked its fraternal relations committee to cooperate with the OPC Presbytery of NJ in planning a joint meeting. Delegates of both bodies will combine worship and fellowship times while meeting separately … Continue reading URCNA Classis Eastern US: Ecumenical and evangelistic efforts
Limited perfection in Psalm 119, Lamedh
"I have seen a limit to all perfection," says the psalmist, "but your commandment is exceedingly broad" (Psalm 119:96, ESV). Those words remind me of the oft-repeated Ecclesiastes refrain that "all is vanity...under the sun" (Eccl. 1:2-3, ESV). Our finite minds and physical vision limit our ability to see perfection. We plod through life with the … Continue reading Limited perfection in Psalm 119, Lamedh
Discipline and Discovery
Carey Wallace, author of The Blind Contessa's New Machine, writes this excellent article "On Discipline" over at the Cardus website. Her advice rings true. It is when I am most disciplined that I am also most creative.
New Holland’s URC obtains building
After five years, Covenant Reformed Church in eastern Lancaster County, PA, anticipates worship in its own building. Rev. Steve Arrick of Covenant Reformed Church in New Holland, PA, reports that the Zeltenreich UCC, which was originally a German Reformed congregation, is disbanding and has decided to donate its building and grounds to Covenant Reformed Church. … Continue reading New Holland’s URC obtains building
Glenda Faye Mathes 