Truth For The Heart
Psalm 118 is the last psalm of the ‘Egyptian Hallel.’ It is a song of Passover. Derek Kidner explains: “A short run of psalms used at the yearly Passover begins here [at Psalm 113], and is therefore commonly known as the ‘Egyptian Hallel’ (Hallel means Praise). Only the second of them (114) speaks directly of […]
Read MoreThe stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief corner stone. This is the LORD’S doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. Psalm 118:22–23 – If you look in the Gospels, you’ll find records of Jesus’ confrontations with the Pharisees during Holy Week. After telling the parable of the vine-growers killing the son of […]
Read More“Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 – I was looking for a video of this song, and in God’s providence found this […]
Read MoreAnd the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15 KJV – The words of the “Hallelujah” chorus in Handel’s Messiah are from Revelation 19:6, 16; […]
Read MoreI first heard of Coventry Carol in a novel by Helen MacInnes when she used it at a critical moment in her story. It’s a song that’s probably unfamiliar to many Americans. I know I’ve never heard it sung in church or in concert here in the United States. The carol is both lullaby and lament, sung […]
Read More– For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 – The lyrics of “Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendour” were written in China by Frank Houghton, an Englishman. […]
Read MoreChristmas and the holiday season are not always times that are cheery and bright. Loneliness and loss have a sharper edge then in contrast with our longings for warmth and love and joy. Suffering and grief can also inflict a terrible sense of alienation on our hearts. We can feel as if we don’t matter. […]
Read MoreMany people know that Handel wrote the music for Messiah. Much less commonly known is Charles Jennens, the man who chose the Bible passages for its libretto. Messiah was born out of a tragic event in his life. Dr. Al Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, described this tragedy as he spoke of […]
Read MoreLast year I read a mystery by George Bellairs that opens on Christmas Eve 1940 as Detective-Inspector Littlejohn is traveling to meet his wife who has evacuated to Yorkshire after their London flat was destroyed in the Blitz. On Christmas night they visit the local Methodist church in a small village to hear the choir […]
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Kindling for Candles 