I'm thrilled to announce the impending launch of my 12th published book, which has been decades in the making. Regularly reading through the Bible each year as well as my research and writing have led to this reflective Bible reading plan--just in time for implementation in 2023! Finding Faithfulness: A Year of Reading and Reflecting … Continue reading Finding Faithfulness: A Year of Reading and Reflecting on God’s Word
In light of the state of our country and our current political climate, this text from my morning devotions seems particularly appropriate: First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and … Continue reading Truth for today
Awesome. How often we hear or use that adjective! Too often it refers to something a little less than awesome: a piece of pizza, a great basketball shot, a friend's kind action, or catching a flight connection. These things can be delicious, amazing, touching, or stress-relieving. But are they truly awesome? Something awesome inspires awe, … Continue reading God’s Awesome Deeds, Psalm 66
In today’s culture of death, when evil men persecute Christians and sin remains deeply woven into society’s fabric, consider David’s pleas and praise in Psalm 54. As he so often does, David begins the psalm by begging God to hear his prayer: O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might. O … Continue reading Already delivered, Psalm 54
How was your Sunday? Did you enjoy it as a "festive day of rest"? Festive rest may seem like an oxymoron, but that's the wonderful way the Heidelberg Catechism describes Sunday in its comprehensive answer explaining God's will for us in the fourth commandment (Lord's Day 38, Q&A 103). My devotional A Month of Sundays: 31 Meditations on … Continue reading God over all the earth, Psalm 65
What a fun Friday! A radio interview and book signing doubled the fun during my local launch of two new books. Between 10:15 and 10:45 yesterday (December 19), Patricia interviewed me on the local Christian radio station, KCWN 99.9. After that, I signed books during the station's Christmas open house until 1:00. I want to thank General … Continue reading Two new books launched
In this Thanksgiving season, I'm thankful for many things. I'm thankful I don't have to go away on this snowy day, and I'm thankful to finally announce that my newest devotional is available. Discovering Delight: 31 Meditations on Loving God's Law is available from Reformation Heritage Books or Amazon. Don't believe the Amazon listing if it says it's … Continue reading Discovering Delight
In the Literary Study Bible's introduction to Psalm 64, editors Leland Ryken and Philip Graham Ryken call it the "prototypical" lament psalm, the "specimen in which the conventional elements stand out highlighted" with "vivid poetic texture and memorable imagery" (p. 815). An awareness of this psalm's lament construction and literary techniques helps us derive more meaning from David's "complaint" … Continue reading Complaint, Psalm 64
Iowa may not have mountain vistas or white beaches, but in summer its lush green fields and rolling tree-covered hills are beautiful. The land between the mighty Mississippi and the churning Missouri, creased by river valleys and meandering streams, displays more summer beauty than I-80 drivers realize. And it's a far cry from the arid wilderness … Continue reading Thirsty soul, Psalm 63
What does it mean for the soul to wait for God in silence? The Psalms surge with emotional expressions, communicating deep feelings of joy or despair. They provide a pattern for expressing universal human emotions to a God who hears and answers prayer. But Psalm 62 speaks of waiting for God in silence. Why does … Continue reading Silent soul, Psalm 62
Glenda Faye Mathes 