Psalm 139:1-14 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right han
Asking for Help Psalm 40 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. Sacrifice and offering you did not desire— but my ears you have opened[
One of my favorite TV shows of all time is The West Wing. Produced by Aaron Sorkin, it had an amazing cast and included a group of extremely talented writers. The show depicted life in the West Wing of the White House among the President and his inner circle. In one-episode President Bartlet, played by Martin Sheen, is up for re-election. His opponents are being asked the question “Why do you want to be President?” They fumble through responses when one member of the President’s staff asks him if he knows his answer to the question? The President who is having a tough day says, “well today I’m not sure why anyone would want this job!” Over the last two weeks, I have been walking with young p
This week I am at Montreat N.C. with over 1000 teenagers who are celebrating their faith at one of the 6 summer Youth Conference held by the Montreat Conference. Montreat is one of the three conference centers of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Our little congregation is well represented by members and friends of LPC at this week’s conference. We have a group of 3 youth, one member of the work crew, and 4 small group leaders. It’s exciting. Now one thing I notice about these young people celebrating their faith is that they are willing to struggle with their faith. They are anxious to learn about God and are willing to stretch their faith and let it grow. They seemingly embrace the struggle.
Galatians 6:2-3: Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. Hebrews 13:15-16 Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. 16 And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Acts 4:32-35 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at