"My soul melts away for sorrow," writes the Psalmist, "strengthen me according to your word!" One of the things I love about the psalms is their vivid language describing a wide range of human emotions. Even Psalm 119, known as the longest chapter in the Bible and as a praise song about God's law, reflects the depth of … Continue reading The melting soul of Psalm 119, Daleth
The sojourner of Psalm 119, Gimel
"I am a sojourner on the earth," says the narrator of the third section of Psalm 119, which is comprised of eight verses each beginning with the Hebrew letter, Gimel. We all are sojourners. This world is not our home. Trials and tribulations keep us from settling down and becoming too comfortable. But we must do more than merely … Continue reading The sojourner of Psalm 119, Gimel
God’s provision for Sovereign Grace
God’s sovereign grace is evident in his provision for a Grand Rapids pastor and church plant. In an evening service on March 4, 2011, Rev. Mitchell Dick was installed as pastor of the Sovereign Grace United Reformed Church, which is a church plant supervised by Trinity URC in Caledonia, MI. “My wife and I are … Continue reading God’s provision for Sovereign Grace
The young person of Psalm 119, Beth
As we look at the second section of Psalm 119, which is titled "Beth" after the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet, I am praying for a special young person who is going through major life changes. How appropriate this second section seems! Verse 9 begins with a familiar question: How can a young man keep … Continue reading The young person of Psalm 119, Beth
New Haven URC faces aftermath of fuel-oil spill
At the March meeting of Classis Eastern US of the URCNA, Rev Jeremy Veldman requested prayer as he reported that the New Haven URC (New Haven,VT) has been displaced from its church building due to a massive leak from an attic fuel-oil storage tank. The leak, triggered by a heating system failure, was discovered on … Continue reading New Haven URC faces aftermath of fuel-oil spill
The prism of Psalm 119, Aleph
Psalm 119 is well-known as the Bible's longest chapter. Since it may be considered too long to memorize or read during personal or family devotions, it may get overlooked almost as frequently as that short Psalm 117 we recently discussed. But we do well to look closely at Psalm 119 as it extols the beauty … Continue reading The prism of Psalm 119, Aleph
Grotenhuis on URCNA Hymn Proposal
Christian Renewal recently asked Dale Grotenhuis for his opinion on the URCNA Hymn Proposal that was distributed to the churches at Synod London 2010. With over five decades of musical experience and over 600 compositions to his credit, as well as years of service on the committee that developed the 1987 Psalter Hymnal, he is … Continue reading Grotenhuis on URCNA Hymn Proposal
URCNA Songbook Committee augmented with new appointments
Since Synod London 2010 mandated augmentation of the URCNA Songbook Committee with a member from each classis not already represented, four new members have been appointed in recent months. Dan Zylstra (Lynwood URC; Lynwood, IL) was appointed to the Songbook Committee at the September, 2010, meeting of Classis Central. Denise Marcusse (Faith URC; Holland, MI) … Continue reading URCNA Songbook Committee augmented with new appointments
Let’s talk about the URCNA Songbook
Notice some inconsistencies with archaic wording in the proposed URCNA hymnal? Does it seem that the title “Jehovah” has all but disappeared? Wondering when it’s necessary to draft an overture? The answers to these and other questions can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of the URCNA Songbook Committee public page of … Continue reading Let’s talk about the URCNA Songbook
Military mode, Psalm 118
People often speak of Christ's church existing in two parts: the Church triumphant and the Church militant. The difference is often explained as that between believers who have died and believers who are still alive, but the difference is primarily one of location. The Church triumphant is in heaven and the Church militant is on … Continue reading Military mode, Psalm 118
Glenda Faye Mathes 