There are some chapters in the Bible that seem to speak directly to the human condition. Some chapters comfort us when we’re hurting, or they strengthen us when we’re afraid. Some will inspire us when we are feeling low and discouraged. But Psalm 51 does something different. Psalm 51 exposes us. The words of the Psalmist strip away our excuses and removes the self-justification we can and do often impose on ourselves. Psalm 51 forces us to confront a reality every one of us must eventually face – that is: What do we do when we have sinned against God? You see, David was not writing this psalm after a military victory or celebrating a blessing. He was not rejoicing in prosperity either. What he WAS doing was writing after one of the darkest moments of his life. The heading tells us that this psalm was written after the prophet Nathan had confronted David regarding his sin with Bathsheba. Most of us know the story from 2 Samuel. David saw Bathsheba. ...
On Mother’s Day we had a lesson centered around mothers and the importance of a mother in the life of her children and her being able to let go and let them find their way in the world equipped with the knowledge she has prepared them with to face life. Today our nation has set aside this day for us to pause and be thankful for the fathers we have in our lives. So, it is an appropriate day for us as Christians to observe with a lesson because fatherhood is a position Jehovah created for men in order to bring leadership, structure and guidance to the family unit. Today, all across America, families will be gathering around tables. Some will gather around restaurant tables after worship today. Some around backyard picnic tables. Still others will gather around dining room tables covered with fried chicken, potato salad, and sweet tea. And in many homes today, there will be a chair at the table that means something special. Maybe it’s “Dad’s chair.” The chair no one else sat in when...