Date:
January 16-20, 2015Two Songs for Moms and Dads
Psalms 127 and 128 provide the encouragement we need to put the Lord at the helm of our families, and they show that blessings come if we keep Him at the centre of our lives and endeavours.
Resource Library
Browse
Old Testament
Struggling through reading the lesser-known Old Testament passages and long prophetic oracles may seem to have little relevance to everyday 21st-century life. But there are important things we can learn from the Old Testament. First, the New Testament is based on the Old Testament. Second, the Old Testament reveals the character of God. Third, the Old Testament has transformational power. Its message transcends time, geography, and culture. It speaks to everyone, everywhere, in every situation.
A Song of Sovereignty
This psalm provides help for the helpless. No matter how bad life may seem, God is in control. And because He’s sovereign, He’s a perfect refuge and place to hide when life comes unglued. Why is God’s sovereignty such a help to us? We’ll see in Psalm 46 how the Lord’s sovereign power puts our fears to rest and instils triumphant confidence.
A Song for Times of Crisis
Who hasn’t felt alone and abandoned? Who cannot remember times when God seemed far away? Who doesn’t understand when a friend suffers a “panic attack”? Who hasn’t asked, “O Lord, how long?” If those four questions strike a note of relevance, you’ll have no difficulty identifying with David’s feelings as he composed Psalm 13. The psalmist may have begun on his face, but he wound up on his feet. Let’s find out what made the difference.
A Song of Single-Mindedness
The first psalm extols the virtues of single-mindedness by emphasizing the danger of compromise. The godly life is placed in bold contrast to the ungodly…one leading to true happiness and the other to tragic destruction. Single-mindedness keeps the believer on the right track.
The Significance of Songs
The Bible is chock full of songs. Down through the centuries of the illustrious history of the Hebrews, songs were used to unify and rally those whose hearts overflowed with joy. We Christians continue the tradition and have done so for almost 20 centuries. This message will take a quick safari through Scripture, discovering just how significant songs have been throughout time.
Creating a Legacy of Moral Purity
At the height of his success, King David fell in the midst of battle. But his lost battle wasn’t against the lion, the bear, the giant, or the Philistines. David lost the battle against himself.
Wrapping Up a Ragged-Edge Journey
The book of Ecclesiastes ends with the rebel back in the pulpit, now that his heart and soul are above the sun.
Grey Hairs, Fewer Teeth, Yet a Big Smile
Since all of us will “return to the earth” and since our spirit “will return to God who gave it,” now is the time to remember Him in all our ways.
Enjoying Life Now, Not Later
Enjoying life is inseparably linked to the life and plan of our Creator.
Be Bullish!
Perhaps the best way to paraphrase Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 would be the five-word command, “Stop existing and start living!”
