Enriched Affections

I love old hymns. I don't mean old as in 1985. I mean old as in written by candle light, authored by men and women who never knew how much their words would be loved by the church. As I was preparing our worship for this coming Sunday I was hunting through my Trinity Hymnal for a good hymn on prayer. There is a lot to choose from, but not a lot that was familiar. How many hymns on prayer do you know of? Many echo the Psalms or speak of relying on God's sovereign hand. But I was looking for something fresh, at least fresh to me. Finding a fresh old hymn isn't an oxymoron. Just because it's old doesn't mean it can't be new. It's like finding a vintage bottle of wine that's increased its flavor as it was waiting to be discovered on an empty shelf. That's how I felt when I read the words to an old John Newton (author of Amazing Grace) hymn called "Behold the Throne of Grace!". For some reason the words (written in 1779) struck me. However, ...

" Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Rom. 12:15 As you read this verse, which command do you find more difficult? At first glance, you may say the latter (that's the second one if you have trouble with the whole former/latter thing like me). Weeping isn't easy. It's difficult to bring ourselves to the place of weeping, especially when the source of sorrow doesn't directly affect us. When we're with a weeper for whatever the reason we may find ourselves at a loss for words or reverting back to trite comforting phrases our culture has given us for those awkward times. I often find myself in this situation. I'll hear of the death of a loved one, a tough financial burden, a particularly stressful season at work, or a handful of other difficult situations and just nod my head. I'll offer the traditional, "That's tough, I'll be praying for you, hang in there, things will turn around, God is in control, I hope yo...

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." ~ Psalm 103:1-5 ~ This Psalm reminds us to never forget what the Lord has done for our souls. I love that we live in a culture where every year, no matter how commercialized or secular it gets, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Though this song is fairly new and not usually associated with Christmas, I find it very appropriate to sing. Soon gifts will be opened and traditions will commence. We will get wrapped up (pun intended) in all the craziness that comes with kids playing with presents and grown-ups eating yummy food and seeing old friends. But, in the midst of all that, don't forget the reason behin...

With only 2 days left of our musical encouragement I'm scrambling to narrow down all the options. There are just so many songs that have meant so much over the years. One such song that needs to be heard more is the one for today, I Have A Shelter.  This song accurately tells us that our shelter is found in the cross and has been a great encouragement to me through many trials. I hope it encourages you as well. I Have a Shelter by Steve & Vikki Cook and Bob Kauflin I have a shelter in the storm when troubles pour upon me Though fears are rising like a flood, my soul can rest securely O Jesus, I will hide in You, my place of peace and solace No trial is deeper than Your love that comforts all my sorrows I have a shelter in the storm when all my sins accuse me Though justice charges me with guilt, Your grace will not refuse me O Jesus, I will hide in You, who bore my condemnation I find my refuge in Your wounds, for there I find salvation I have ...

The grace of God is a majestic mystery. Grace is receiving what we don't deserve. The very concept of grace is taken for granted in a culture where so many feel entitled to what they didn't earn. And yet, grace is the foundation for everything a Christian has. We cannot comprehend when, where, and why God chooses to give this grace. There is no reason why we, His enemies, should have received it, but we have. We have God's grace if we are His own, and this truth should overshadow every discouragement, especially the kind that accompanies our sin. Sin can be the most discouraging thing a Christian faces. The guilt that washes over us, the depression that follows failure, casts a shadow over a heart that has been freed from a past of wrong-doing. The truths in this song, coming right from Romans 9-11, remind is that there is nothing we did to earn our salvation and nothing we can do to lose it. It is truly God's grace, from beginning to the end. Because of that truth I ...

As we get closer to Christmas the word "content" seems to used more often. Am I content? Will what I receive make me more content? I'm not content, so buy me ____. Today's song reminds us that, no matter what comes our way in this life, we can be content because of what Christ has done through His death. Presents won't satisfy, job-security doesn't last, and even the most stable members of our family can be taken from us in a moment (as happened to the author of this song). And yet, even in the midst of things that should rock our world, we can still say "It is well." I hope this message is an encouraging one for you today. "It Is Well" by Horatio Spafford (1873) When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, "It is well, it is well with my soul." Refrain: It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul. *Though Sat...

It seems there are an unusual amount of people around me staring heaven full in the face. A couple from my old church that were my youth leaders and close mentors growing up have less than a year left in their battle with cancer. You would never know it to look at them, but they will probably be with the Lord before my next birthday. I have friends who've called in hospice for their parents and a sweet man in our choir who regularly reviews his funeral service with me and the other members of our staff at church. All of these individuals are facing heaven with different perspectives. For the couple mentioned above, they are eagerly anticipating being with their Savior. Of course they will miss their three sons, three daughters-in-law and grandchildren, but their eyes are fixed on their Prize and they are finishing well. I hope I face my end with the same grace and excitement to see my Lord. As Christians, we may be considered strange to have this view of death and the next ...