I need these Psalms. We all need these Psalms because they not only expand our view of who God is but they put our humanity in perspective. Did you notice how David began his song in what we call Psalm 8? “O LORD, our Lord.” The first LORD is Yahweh – the self-existent One, who…… Continue Reading
Author Archives: Marilyn
MORE THAN WORDS – Intro to Lesson 3 – Jan. 22 – 29
It has been said “poetry is a kind of multi-dimensional language. It is directed at the whole person, not just at his understanding. It must involve the reader’s senses, intelligence, emotions and imagination.” (I.B. Iskov) Is it any wonder then that the Psalter is actually a book of poems, which were set to music so…… Continue Reading
Does God Hear My Prayers? An Insight for Lesson 2
What made David so confident that God would really hear his prayers? That God would pay attention to his groaning, to his problems? That God would surround him with His shield of love? It seems to me there are 2 clues in these Psalms. The first is that he thought of God in a very…… Continue Reading
IN THE MORNING – Intro to Lesson 2 – Jan. 15 – 22
Is it your daily habit to greet each new morning with at least a brief conversation with God? An anonymous writer shared that this was his prayer as he awoke each new day. “Dear God, so far today I’ve done all right. I haven’t gossiped. I haven’t lost my temper. I haven’t been greedy, grumpy,…… Continue Reading
No Favorites! – Insight for Lesson 1 (Psalm 1 & 2)
In some classrooms it is obvious that there is a “teacher’s pet”. In some families it feels like there is one child who seems to get more than his/her fair share of attention and favors. Isn’t it amazing that with God, our Heavenly Father, there are absolutely no favorites! What He promises to you, He…… Continue Reading
UNDER WHOSE INFLUENCE? – Intro to Lesson 1 – Jan. 8 – 15
What or who impacts your thinking and choices the most at this time in your life? Would you say it is your friends, your family, the media, your culture, your fears or health, what you read, past experiences, old habits, your hopes and aspirations, or your faith? Young children are generally most influenced by their…… Continue Reading
HERE’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
HERE’S THE FINAL COUNT DOWN! 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 more day until our new study begins – “Praise, Petitions, and Promises”. You’ll want to be a part of this study in 1 of 3 ways. Spend an hour each week doing the study for yourself or with a friend or…… Continue Reading
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO?
What are you looking forward to in the New Year? It’s a random and simple question on the surface, but the answer is often somewhat elusive and difficult to articulate? It could be that happiness would be among the top 5 desires of most people. Would you agree? None of us want problems, pressures, failure…… Continue Reading
BEFORE YOU KNOW IT . . .
Have you been around a newborn baby recently? If that little one was your own child or your grandchild, you probably just wanted to sit and rock him or her, studying every feature of that tiny face and soft skin, marveling in the miracle of the birth of this new little person. The reality is…… Continue Reading
A Gift Idea
Looking for a very special little book? One that will give you a word of hope each day? Take a look at the brand new daily devotional based on the Psalms, The Songs of JESUS, written by Timothy Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. The Psalm is printed right there in…… Continue Reading