Category Archives for Inspiring Stories
Three Hymns for Pentecost
Christians throughout the world sing Pentecost hymns in celebration of Pentecost Sunday, the seventh Sunday after Easter. This celebration commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles following the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.The Pentecost, by El Greco (1541-1614) WikiArt.orgNew Testament Eyewitness AccountsEyewitness accounts from the New Testament book of Acts, […]
Continue reading
Connection Opportunity Now
The whole world is at war. Not the kind of war where nations throw their armies and weapons against each other in desperate attempts to destroy and dominate. No, the enemy is invisible, but its deadly casualties reach every nation on earth. Whole sectors of the economy are shut down. People shelter in their homes, […]
Continue reading
Peace When There Is No Peace
World-Wide PandemicIn addition to taking thousands of lives across the world, COVID-19, has changed the way we interact with each other. Social distancing has become the norm as we hunker in our homes to avoid contact with others who may be infected. We can’t go to work, except for jobs deemed essential. Sports of all […]
Continue reading
One hymn – Two Performances
This week is Holy Week, 2019. Our focus is on a great hymn of personal devotion and commitment. “Just as I Am” is our Hymn of the Week.” Charlotte Elliott (1789-1871) is the author. Ironically, though born into a family of devout believers, she doubted her own personal faith.Just as You AreCharlotte Elliott was the […]
Continue reading
Review – It Is Well by Kristene DiMarco
Review – It Is Well by Kristene DiMarcoHymn GiftsSome of the gifts of traditional hymns are the heartfelt expressions of faith of believers facing heartbreak and tragedy. One such example is the hymn, “It is Well with my Soul.” All four daughters of Horatio G. Spafford, died when their ship sank in the cold waters […]
Continue reading
And You Thought You Had it Bad
And You Thought You Had it BadDid you ever have one of those days when everything seems to go against you? Maybe you have misplaced something important (or trivial). You spill coffee all over the counter as you pour yourself a cup. Next, you trip as you carry your plate across the kitchen. The plate […]
Continue reading
Cowper: Inspiration Beyond Depression
Inspiration Beyond DepressionEsteemed poet, brilliant hymn writer and devoted friend, William Cowper suffered from depression. This mental illness clearly took away some of the joy of living from a devout Christian believer. Today, over 200 years after his death, Cowper’s lyrics continue to inspire.Consider this tribute to Cowper by the great Romantic poet, Elizabeth Barrett […]
Continue reading
Hymns from the Saints
Hymns from the SaintsAbout a year ago, my wife fell and fractured her right femur near the hip joint. This traumatic event required emergency hip-replacement surgery. The operation was successful, and she has fully recovered.TraumaSuch accidents happen all the time. But this event had major complications. We were not at home in Carrollton, Georgia. Furthermore, […]
Continue reading
Hymns and Christian Conflict
God of Grace and God of Glory is a most popular hymn enjoyed by Christians of a wide variety of beliefs and worship styles. Ironically, Harry Emerson Fosdick wrote it during a time of great conflict among Christians in the United States. Fierce Religious Battle Fosdick was one of the most controversial religious leaders of […]
Continue reading
You Are Not Alone
You Are Not Aloneby Dr. Larry FrazierA central theme of the Bible is that you are not alone; God loves you. People living during the time of Jesus had Jesus with them. Those living after Jesus’ death and resurrection had God the Holy Spirit, but they didn’t have 2000 years of Christian witness, living and faith […]
Continue reading