Trust in God

Good morning!

God never promises us an easy time, only a safe arrival (Anon). 

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12). 

A hymn to read, sing, hum, or whistle to the glory of God: GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH (Trinity Hymnal, 598).

Love

Love Is the very essence and life of the Christian religion. Matthew Henry.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (I John 4:7-10). 

A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34-35). 

A hymn to read, sing, hum, or whistle to the glory of God: LOVE DIVINE, ALL LOVES EXCELLING. 

The choir of Wells Cathedral sing Charles Wesley's wonderful hymn Love divine, all loves excelling to the beautiful tune Blaenwern under the direction of Malcolm Archer. The descant at the end is superb. Again I only post this because it is one of my favourite hymns. All the pictures used are of Wells Cathedral.

Yielding to God's Will

Good morning!

I dare not choose my lot; I would not if I might; Choose Thou for me, my God, So shall I walk aright. Horatius Bonar.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

A hymn to read, sing, hum, or whistle to the glory of God: SAVIOR, LIKE A SHEPHERD LEAD US, Trinity Hymnal, 599. 

2008 Bethany University Spring Concert performed at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz, CA

The Church

Good morning!

The excellence of the church does not consist in multitude but in purity. John Calvin.

...but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:21-22). 

A hymn to read, sing, hum, or whistle to the glory of God: GLORIOUS THINGS OF THEE ARE SPOKEN (Trinity Hymnal 345). 

Sunday, August 24, 1997: Southern Cities String Quartet in Concert at the First United Methodist Church of Long Beach for the Summer Sunday Concert Spectacular Program.

Christine Ho, Violin
Oliver Truong, Violin
Melissa Bowers, Viola
Anthony Aviguetero, Cello

The theme of this piece is also recognized as the:
- Christian Hymn, "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken" with lyrics composed by John Newton
- German National Anthem

Atheism

Good morning!

Atheism is the ultimate ignorance.  John Blanchard

The fool says in his heart, There is no God (Psalm 14:1).

A hymn to read, sing, hum, or whistle to the glory of God: HOW GOOD IT IS TO THANK THE LORD (Trinity Hymnal 635). 

Preparation for the Lord's Supper

Good morning!

 1.   Reverence and attention.

 2.   Discernment of the Lord's Body, a clear understanding of the

       meaning of the Lord's Supper

 3.   Meditation on Christ's death and suffering.

 4.   Self judgment.

 5.   Sorrow for sin.

 6.   Desire for Christ.

 7.   Feeding on Him in faith.

 8.   Trusting in Him.

 9.   Rejoicing in His love.

10. Giving thanks for His grace.

11. Renewing my covenant with God and commitment to Christ.

12. Special love to all Christians. 

--- From the bulletin of Second Presbyterian Church, Greenville, SC.

For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup (I Corinthians 11:26-27. 

A hymn to read, sing, hum or whistle to the glory of God: Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness. 

Soul, adorn yourself with gladness,
Leave the gloomy haunts of sadness;
Come into the daylight's splendor,
There with joy your praises render
Bless the One whose grace unbounded
This amazing banquet founded.
He, though heav'nly, high, and holy,
Deigns to dwell with you most lowly.

Gratitude

Good morning!

The man who forgets to be grateful has fallen asleep in life. ---- Robert Louis Stevenson.

Christians should have a gratitude attitude. ---- Stuart Briscoe

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most HIgh (Psalm 50:14).

O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the people. Remember His marvelous works that He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth (Psalm 105:1,5-6).

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ... (Ephesians 5:20).  

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (I Thessalonians 5:18). 

A hymn to read, sing, hum or whistle to the glory of God: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing(Trinity Hymnal 457).