~Video Version~ **************** I listened to a conversation emerging from a Bible study focused on the hope and contentment God brings as we spend time with Him. It had to do with cups, teabags, and contentment. There was talk of how teabags in hot water have a positive impact on the cup into which they are placed. They may be saturated with the hot water, but it is the tasteful tea marked by an attractive aroma that rules the cup and beyond. The longer the teabag is in the cup the mor…

~Video Version~ -------------------------- The prophet Jeremiah prophesied the setting of the book of Daniel. In Jeremiah 20:5, it says, “All the famed treasures of the city—the precious jewels and gold and silver of your kings—will be carried off to Babylon.” And precious people were taken there too, including Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Their names got changed, but the quality of their character didn’t change. They were God’s jewels, His gold and silver. They were rock solid …

~Video Version~ ------------------------- I love Psalm 23. I think it’s my favorite. It’s such a portrait of praise that flows out of rest. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You …

~Video Version~ ------------------------------------ Praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord (Ps 150:5-6) These final words closing the book of Psalms----praise. The invitation is encouraging, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” For me it’s easy to imagine the sound of a stream or the trees in the wind or birds making a joyful sound….but it can also happen in a noisy city. As …

~Video Version~ ************************** Psalm 117 Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. This is a very short Psalm with very powerful words, pointed words. It is short, with brevity valued, and yet broadly inviting. "Praise the Lord, all you nations; exalt him, all you peoples!" And there is expansive love, pointed at you, both big and direct. “For great is his lo…