By James Kushiner @ Mere Comments

I thought I would post some of my favorite psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. I post this one first because it’s been on my mind lately.

Thy Mercy, My God

1. Thy mercy, my God, is the theme of my song,
The joy of my heart. and the boast of my tongue;
Thy free grace alone, from the first to the last,
Hath won my affections, and bound my soul fast.

2. Without Thy sweet mercy I could not live here;
Sin would reduce me to utter despair;
But, through Thy free goodness, my spirits revive,
And He that first made me still keeps me alive.

3. Thy mercy is more than a match for my heart,
Which wonders to feel its own hardness depart;
Dissolved by Thy goodness, I fall to the ground,
And weep to the praise of the mercy I’ve found.

4. Great Father of mercies, Thy goodness I own,
And the covenant love of Thy crucified Son;
All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine
Seals mercy, and pardon, and righteousness mine.
All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine
Seals mercy, and pardon, and righteousness mine.

                                                           Words by John Stocker

What awesome grace and mercy given to us in Jesus Christ!

Peace,

Nate

Good Stuff

University Cafe: A Play in one Act by Douglas Jones

Peace,

Nate

I thought you would enjoy these.

 Dean Magraw-Eva Arriving, Fox Fire Kilnamona and Isabella

Andy McKee-Art of Motion and Africa Cover

Victor Wooten-Amazing Grace and Norwegian Wood

Peace,

Nate

      What others are saying about Normal’s Journey

“Mark Ballard has written a wonderful allegory about what really matters in the Christian life. The principles are biblical and well applied to our lives today. After reading the book, the reader will not only sense that he or she has read a good book, the reader will be motivated to live more fully for Christ.”

Thom S. Rainer President and CEO LifeWay Christian Resources

“Jesus is not only our Savior, He is truly a friend who sticks closer than a brother. That wonderful truth is made clear in this book by my friend Mark Ballard.”

Daniel Akin President Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary“

“Normal’s Journey” is a fascinating and compelling description of one man’s search for satisfaction and fulfillment. Through his search, he discovered that the dissatisfaction that overwhelmed his life found its root cause in his lack of intimacy with our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a story that describes us all at one point or another and will be a strong guide for the reader to enter into the fullness of an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. We are all on a journey seeking satisfaction and contentment. These pages will be an incredible encouragement to every believer and a sound guide for making the journey successfully.”

Jimmy Draper Past President Southern Baptist Convention

To Order go HERE

 Peace,

Nate

Over the last few weeks our church has been involved in a study of the book of Jonah.  It’s been an awesome study, from an awesome book.  To see God’s mercy and grace demonstrated to unworthy sinners like Jonah, and the people of Nineveh is amazing. This truth should point us straight to the cross where God’s mercy and grace are ultimately given and shown in and through Jesus Christ. 

With that said, over the next little while I would like to do some short posts on some themes we have discussed, or at least that I’ve seen as prevalent in the book of Jonah.

First: God’s Sovereignty.

We see God’s Sovereignty in action:

• In the way He gives commands (1:2,3:2)
• In His Control of the weather (1:4)
• In His control over the lot cast (1:7, see Prov.16:33)
• In His control over the Sea (1:11;15)
• In His appointment of the great fish (1:17)
• In His speaking to the fish to vomit out Jonah (2:10)
• In His mercy and grace shown (3:10)
• In His appointment of the plant to cover Jonah (4:6)
• In His appointment of the worm to attack plant (4:7)
• In His appointment of the east wind (4:8)

So in the book of Jonah we see the living God who is in control of the weather, the lot, the sea, the great fish, grace and mercy, plant life, worm life, and the winds!  What an awesome God we serve!  My only response is to bow to the King of kings, and Lord of lords in humble adoration!

Peace,

Nate

Normal’s Journey–A new book from my boss and friend Pastor Mark Ballard.  Buy one today!

Russell Moore on Exodus

A Theology of Fulfillment by Zaspel

Peace,

Nate

Man, it’s hard to get back into posting when you haven’t done it in so long, but here goes nothing!

As I was reading through Psalm 119 this morning some things really stood out to me, so I figured that’s what I would kick off the new posting with. We’ll start with verse 103, where the Psalmist says:

                “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” ESV

Wow, what a statement, what a comparison.  The Psalmist compares the sweetness of God’s Words to the taste of honey in his mouth; he even says God’s Words are sweeter! 

Let me ask you a question, when was the last time you tasted honey?

I’m not talking about in your tea, or oatmeal.  I’m talking about a big mouthful of 90 proof, straight from the comb honey.  Yeah, I can’t remember the last time I have either.  However, we do buy some fresh, local honey here in the Shire and let me just say, it is wonderful!

This morning as I was meditating on this passage, I went and got a big spoonful of honey, and to be honest I don’t know if there is anything more naturally sweet and tasteful than honey, and this Psalmist compares God’s Words to this.  He says they are even sweeter than honey!  O Lord, let me cherish the sweetness of Your Word in this way.  Let me love Your Word like this today, tomorrow and the rest of my days!

So here’s a thought:  Go get you some honey, get a big spoonful, eat it, and pray that the Lord, by His grace would cause His Word to be even sweeter than this in your mouth!

Peace,

Nate

I decided to come over to wordpress cause I liked the look a little better, and I needed some motivation for blogging more than just twice a year. 

So I guess we’ll see what happens….

 Peace,

Nate