Psalms – Hymns and Prayers of God’s people How are we going, praying? Is prayer becoming more relaxed as we first reflect on his Word in our prayers. Can we get a sense of being in David’s shoes, for example, as we express the very depth of our being in very down-to-earth, even rhetorical language? A few thoughts in Psalm 23: God as the Shepherd dominates the psalm and is constant throughout. The emotional centre is v4 …
Psalms – Hymns and Prayers of God’s people Book 1: Psalms 3 to 41 We continue our journey through the psalms of “Book 1”. We will follow last month and just pick two psalms and look at them in more depth. I hope this encourages you to spend more time in the Psalms. Psalm 27 When I was young, I often had relatives (on my Mum’s side) ask me what my favourite psalm was. This …
Psalms – Hymns and Prayers of God’s people Book 1: Psalms 3 to 41 Introduction Last month we looked at the opening two Psalms, which provide an introduction to the whole collection. Christopher Ash argues that we should always keep Psalms 1 and 2 beside us as we read the other psalms: Psalms 1 and 2 have set before us a good rule and a good Ruler. The good rule is the Law of God …
Psalms – Hymns and Prayers of God’s people Whilst reading Psalm 15, it could be so easy just to tick off all the attributes of a Christian and think to ourselves that we measure up. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! God measured up, in sending Jesus to the cross for us. Jesus paid the price and now we, as baptised children of God, live in the power of Jesus’ resurrection. We are God’s temple and the mercy …
Psalms – Hymns and Prayers of God’s people INTRODUCTION – Psalms 1 and 2 If a Bible with study notes, such as the NIV Study Bible or The Lutheran Study Bible is available, it will prove an invaluable tool during these studies. This month we will look at the Introductory Psalms, namely Psalms 1 and 2. Read Psalm 1 Note this Psalm has no heading and no author is given. It has also not been …
Psalms 1 and 2 Psalms 1 and 2 work as funnels directing all the Law (through Psalm 1) and all the Prophets (through Psalm 2), into the way of prayer. By means of Psalm 1 we become a tree, putting down roots into well-irrigated soil of the Law. Psalm 1 concentrates our energies into mediative attention. A righteous life is blessed (1:1a) When we live a life like Christ – a righteous life – we …
INTRODUCTION If a Bible with study notes such as the NIV Study Bible or The Lutheran Study Bible is available, it will prove an invaluable tool during these studies. In his popular (brief) commentary on the book of Psalms, Australian Lutheran theologian, the late Dr JTE (Erich) Renner wrote: “Of all the many books of the Old Testament, it can be safely asserted the Psalter has been the most treasured in the history of the …
Hymns and prayers of God’s people Most Christians over the centuries have learned to pray by praying the Psalms. The Hebrews with several centuries of a head start on us in matters of prayer and worship, provided us with this prayer book that gives us a language adequate for responding to the God who speaks to us. The Psalms as a book of 150 songs (or poems) which refer to events throughout the Old Testament …
How Great Thou Art! – The Wonder of Salvation What is Salvation? How would you briefly explain or describe Salvation to someone with whom you came into contact? Have a think about that and then write out an “Elevator Pitch” to share with people in the group. An elevator pitch is about 20–30 seconds long. Usually three or four sentences. See how you go. (about five minutes to do this) When you have finished, share …
God-given Gifts Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10 NIV) I started learning to play the piano when I was about nine. I was never a good student and didn’t do much practice. However, my parents felt it was important that I kept learning, and they paid for my lessons for about six years. My teacher …
Lutheran women certainly know how to organise and run an inspiring convention, and the recent one held in Murray Bridge, South Australia was no exception! From the beautiful venue at Unity College campus, to the enjoyable spring weather, to the awesome theme, to the magnificent floral arrangements, to the Bible studies and inspiring speakers and presenters, every moment gave those attending an unforgettable experience. A warm welcome President Grace Kroehn warmly welcomed us and opened …
Good News But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people”. (Luke 2:10 NIV) We all love to share good news. When my children were born, I was eager to let people know and they in turn spread the good news to other people. To spread good news, we must talk about it. When Jesus our Saviour was born, an …