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
Feb032008

Sunday's Hymn: God's Righteousness

The rich theology and old-fashioned wording in this hymn makes it seem like an old hymn, but it was written in 2005.  It relates God’s righteousness to his justice and wrath and our propitiation.

In Righteous Glory Reigning

In righteous glory reigning, our God sits high enthroned,
His right and truth maintaining, His justice making known.
He stands above Time’s river, the worlds within His view,
His right hand will deliver to every man his due.

Before His bar no pleading excuses any flaw;
But wickedness exceeding ignites the flames of Law.
’Mid Sinai’s sounding thunder the verdict has been read:
All men, in awestruck wonder, fall down before Him, dead.

Such wrath, beyond all telling! Can it be turned aside?
Is there a strong, safe dwelling where Hell can be denied?
Can holy, perfect righteousness forgive and reconcile?
Can God, though angered, still bless the wicked and the vile?

Yes, yes, my soul has found out! There is a mercy sure!
A sovereign grace to sound out—a love both true and pure!
The flesh of God is given to meet the Law’s demands,
And now I am forgiven, while Christ in Heaven stands!

With that propitiation, God and His saints embrace!
That perfect expiation has saved His chosen race!
Now mercy kisses justice; now Truth and Love join hands,
Now Him in Whom our trust is: The Christ, our surety stands!

—-Neil Barham

More on God’s righteousness:

 Other hymns, worship songs, etc. posted today:

Have you posted a hymn this Sunday 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.
Friday
Feb012008

Themes and Things

I’m still stuck on last month’s theme (which was weather, for those of you who are not paying attention) and here’s why.

A short list of good things during this cold spell

  • Today’s temperature is better than yesterday morning when it was -44C, so I’m hopeful that the trend is upward.
  • Youngest son has discovered that chopping wood at -40 is a manly endeavor, so I never have to nag or worry about my split wood supply.
  • The dog consolidates all her daily outdoor bathroom trips into one quick one. That’s a plus unless that one quick one is at 4AM.
  • When the temp hits -30, I  become much more satisfied with my home. It’s old, the floors are worn, I need new furniture, especially in the living room, but, you know, it’s a really cozy place when it’s cold outside.
  • I brought a camping-style cot up from the basement, set it up in front of the fireplace with sheets, pillows and a blanket, and it has become the household’s favorite spot for lounging. If there isn’t a person on it, then you’ll probably find a cat or dog there.
That brings me to the subject of next month’s theme. It’s dogs—pet dogs, wild dogs, anything in any way related to the canine species. Once again, I’m inviting your participation. If you post anything dog related, send me the link and I’ll link back to you in the regular round ups of dog related posts, which will be on Tuesdays and Fridays of each week in February Here’s your chance to dote on your pets in your blog and not feel guilty or foolish, because, after all, you’re just being a good sport and helping Rebecca out, right?
 
A few ways you might participate
  • Post a photo or video of your dog.
  • Tell us a doggy story.
  • Write a piece about a childhood pet dog.
  • Explain why you chose the pet dog you did.
  • Say why you’d never in a million years have a pet dog.
  • Search YouTube for humourous dog video and embed it.
  • Rant about dog blogging and how stupid it is.
  • Research dingoes or any other wild dog and inform us.
  • Scan pictures from the bad dog calendar you got for Christmas and post them.
  • Instruct us on the proper way to clip doggy toenails.
  • Compose a poem on the delights of puppy breath.
  • Share your home made dog treat recipe.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless. You’ll find my email address by clicking Contact under the photo in the sidebar. Send me a link to a dog-related post by next Tuesday morning and you’ll be linked in the first dog post round up of this month.
Thursday
Jan312008

Where is the moral law summarily comprehended?

The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments, which were delivered by the voice of God upon mount Sinai, and written by him in two tables of stone;[1] and are recorded in the twentieth chapter of Exodus. The four first commandments containing our duty to God, and the other six our duty to man.[2]

Click to read more ...