Rebecca Stark is the author of The Good Portion: Godthe second title in The Good Portion series.

The Good Portion: God explores what Scripture teaches about God in hopes that readers will see his perfection, worth, magnificence, and beauty as they study his triune nature, infinite attributes, and wondrous works. 

                     

Sunday
Nov022008

Sunday's Hymn

I’m still on my Reformation kick, so I’m posting Martin Luther’s A Mighty Fortress as the hymn for today.

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.


I think it’s appropriate to hear it sung by a choir of Lutherans, don’t you? This is the St. Olaf Choir, using the translation from the Lutheran Book of Worship, which is a different one than I’ve used. On verse three, they sing Luther’s very interesting original rhythm.


Other hymns, worship songs, sermons etc. posted today:

Have you posted a hymn today and I missed it? Let me know by leaving a link in the comments or by emailing me at the address in the sidebar and I’ll add your post to the list.

Sunday
Nov022008

Being Thankful on November 2

Grace by EnstromToday I am thankful for the Lord’s supper, in which we remember Christ’s sacrificial death, look forward to his glorious return, and also meet him in the present.

  • Tulipgirl has another list of things she’s thankful for.
  • Dorothy is thankful for hymn writers who “record the tenets of our faith in such beautiful words that clearly convey the depth of meaning of what has been done for us through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.”
  • Kim in Ontario is thankful for good friends.

Updates:

What are you thankful for?

I’m celebrating good gifts from God during the month of November and hoping you’ll be thankful for your good gifts, too. Here’s how you can join in the thanksgiving and even, perhaps, get something material from it.

Saturday
Nov012008

Being Thankful on November 1

I was feeling a little grumpy because it is winter and coldish. Then I took the dog for a walk and saw the beauty of God’s Yukon winter creation with fresh eyes “and behold, it was very good.”

Photo by Andrew Stark
(click on photo for larger view)

Today I’m thankful for the beauty of the place where I live.

What are you thankful for?

Updates:

  • Dorothy is thankful for the health and strength to do yard work…and more.
  • Rain and the strength and energy for a hike are two things for which Willow is thankful.
  • Julana has a whole list of things and she’s thankful for them all.
  • Crystal says, “Here in Hinton Alberta it was a beautiful sunny day and I am thankful we got to go outside and enjoys the beauty of the day and praise God for all he has made.”
  • From Candy
    thankful for rain today. I am thankful for changes in the seasons. I am thankful that in these uncertain times in America that I belong to the God of the Universe, and no matter what changes happen in our country, He is unchanging.

    I am also thankful that you are having a draw for such a beautiful calendar!
  • Karen is yet another Californian thankful for rain: “I am thankful for the few drops of rain we had today and may have tomorrow.”
  • Jean in Wisconsin is thankful for snow. She likes winter.
  • And Suzanne starts with a whole list, too.
  • Sally Apokedak is thankful she’s not fighting snow right now.
  • Connie is thankful for God’s marvelous creation.

I’m celebrating good gifts from God during the month of November and hoping you’ll be thankful for your good gifts, too. Here’s how you can join in the thanksgiving and even, perhaps, get something material from it.