As Fall makes its presence known with chillier weather and ruddier foliage, it’s an excellent time to reflect upon the Lord’s provision over the busy summer season. In an attempt to help you refresh your gratitude, I’d like to share another poem with you. It’s a prayer of thanksgiving to God the Father.   Thank You for Your love that drew me Out of darkness into light. Thank You that You still pursue me, Though I’m prone to frequent flight. Thank You for Your discipline; Without it, I’d have left the fold. Thank You that I’m safe within My gracious

Let me introduce you to my favorite English poet, George Herbert (1593-1633). He was a Welshman born to wealth and nobility but preferred to serve the Lord as a pastor in the English countryside. His poetic efforts were kept private until his friend published them after his death. Early on, he dedicated his poetic skill to the aim of worshipping God. This poem, titled Prayer I, is an excellent example of his poetic reflection on the wonders of prayer. Pay careful attention to the many beautiful ways he describes our conversing with the living God.   Prayer the church’s banquet,

What has proven most effective in changing your demeanor toward someone: a severe punishment or a surprising display of mercy? Paul asks us in Romans 2:4, “Do you presume on the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” He later exhorts Christians to counter evil with kindness: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head” (12:20). The following poem is a personal meditation on how God’s kindness

Dear church, I’d like to share a poem I wrote while reflecting on the present encouragement that comes from recalling God’s past faithfulness. I hope it inspires you to recall God’s perfect track record of promise keeping in your own experience and provides you with encouragement to persevere as it has done for me time and time again. He owns the sea, great and wide, And everything that lives inside. O how much more can God provide And see His children’s needs supplied! All things at His disposal are– Each molecule, each wandering star. Is His hand short? My need

What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? Though many suggestions have been offered, I think the answer lies in the context here (Mark 3:29-29) and in the context of redemptive history. Remember that the Holy Spirit had not yet been poured out, and it is the Spirit who causes men to recognize who Jesus is. Hebrews 6 and 10 contain discussions of unforgivable sins, but the distinction between blasphemy against Christ and the Spirit has disappeared. Jesus seemed to be saying this: Because the Holy Spirit has not yet been poured out in fullness, the Jews will be forgiven for

Clarence Jordan, author of the “Cotton Patch” New Testament translation and founder of the interracial Koinonia farm in Americus, Georgia, was getting a red-carpet tour of another minister’s church. With pride, the minister pointed to the rich, imported pews and luxurious decoration. As they stepped outside, darkness was falling, and a spotlight shone on a huge cross atop the steeple. “That cross alone cost us ten thousand dollars,” the minister said with a satisfied smile. “You got cheated,” said Jordan. “Times were when Christians could get them for free.”   A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is