Walnut Grove

Advent Message 04: Candel of Love, Candle of Christ

Sermon Date: 12/21/2025
Bible Verses:
1 Corinthians 10:31
Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-
Introduction: The Final Candle, the Final Word—Christ
On this final Sunday of Advent, we light two candles:
The Candle of Love
The Candle of Christ
These aren’t just ideas—they’re inseparable realities. The love of God is not a theory, it’s a person. And that person is Jesus Christ.
That’s why this week, we sing:
All glory be to Christ our King,All glory be to Christ.
This modern hymn, written by Dustin Kensrue to the tune of Auld Lang Syne, beautifully captures the heart of Christmas and the hope of eternity. It reminds us that everything we build, achieve, or leave behind is nothing—unless Christ is the center.
As Paul puts it in 1 Corinthians 10:31:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Let’s explore the message of this song in three parts, through the lens of Advent love, and the supremacy of Christ.
The Futility of Self-Made Glory
Verse one opens like a cold splash of water to the face—because Advent isn’t sentimental, it’s truthful:
“Should nothing of our efforts stand, no legacy survive,Unless the Lord does raise the house, in vain its builders strive.”
This is the gospel confronting our obsession with accomplishment. We live in a culture that measures worth by productivity, followers, résumés, and the legacy we leave behind. We’re told to build something that lasts, to make our mark, to secure our name. But Scripture interrupts that story with a hard and holy reality:
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)
Not some of our labor. Not misguided labor. All of it—without Him—is vanity.
James presses this even further:
“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”
That’s not meant to depress us—it’s meant to free us. Advent reminds us that we are not saved by what we build for God, but by what God has built for us in Christ. Our accomplishments don’t endure. Our trophies gather dust. Our names fade. But God’s love does not, because it is not dependent on our performance.
Here’s the shift Advent calls us to make:
From self-made glory to God-given grace
From “Look at what I’ve accomplished” to “Look at what Christ has finished”
True love doesn’t announce itself with applause. It kneels at a manger and later hangs on a cross.
✦ True love doesn’t say, “Look at what I’ve done.”It says, “Look at what He has done.”
The Reign of the King of Love
Advent is not merely about arrival—it’s about authority. The baby in the manger is the King of the universe. Christmas is not a soft introduction to Jesus; it is the unveiling of the rightful ruler of all things.
That’s why this line matters:
“His will be done, His kingdom come… Praise Him the Lord of love.”
These aren’t just lyrics—they are allegiance. They echo the Lord’s Prayer and force a question: Whose kingdom am I really living for?
Advent doesn’t ask us only to receive Jesus as Savior—it calls us to submit to Him as Sovereign. Isaiah 53 shows us the cost of that kingship:
“He was pierced for our transgressions… the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him.”
This King reigns not by domination, but by devotion. His authority was purchased with wounds. His crown was first made of thorns. And because of that, heaven declares:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.” (Revelation 5:12)
His reign is not harsh. It is not distant. It is not self-serving. It is shaped by love that:
Became flesh for us – God stepping into our frailty
Was broken for us – Love absorbing justice
Rose and reigns for us – Power secured through sacrifice
That’s why we don’t just say, “All glory be to Christ the Judge.”We say, “All glory be to Christ—the Lover of our souls.”
Because His glory is not about crushing us—it’s about restoring us.
✦ Christ’s glory is not distant—it’s devoted.
The Hope of the Coming King of Love
The third verse lifts our eyes beyond the manger and beyond the cross—straight into the future God has promised:
“When on the day, the great I Am, the Faithful and the True,The Lamb who was for sinners slain, is making all things new.”
This is Advent at full strength. Not nostalgia. Not sentimentality. Expectation.
The same Jesus who came quietly in Bethlehem will come again visibly, unmistakably, and gloriously. This time, not as a helpless infant—but as the victorious King.
Jesus Himself promised it:
“They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30)
That’s not symbolic language meant to soften the blow. That’s reality meant to steady the saints. History is not drifting. It is moving—deliberately—toward a return. And the One who returns is called Faithful and True because He keeps every promise He has ever made.
John gives us the most breathtaking picture of what that return means:
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them…” (Revelation 21:3)
That’s the end of Advent longing. God with us—fully. No more distance. No more waiting. No more tears whispered in prayer. Love came down at Christmas, walked among us, died for us, rose for us—and love is coming back to finish what it started.
On that day, every false glory will collapse. No resumes. No platforms. No personal brands. No highlight reels. No self-congratulating eulogies.
No one will be singing:
“Look how successful I was.”
“Look what I built.”
“Look how true I was to myself.”
There will be only one song left standing.
“All glory be to Christ!”
And for those who love Him, that won’t be a loss—it will be the greatest joy imaginable.
Conclusion: Light the Candle, Lift the Praise
As we light the final candles—the Candle of Love and the Christ Candle—we are not merely finishing Advent. We are declaring allegiance.
We declare that:
The love of God is not an idea—it’s a Savior.
The glory of God is not a threat—it’s a gift.
The hope of God is not a dream—it’s a kingdom that is coming.
So this Advent, let go of the exhausting chase for your own glory.Rest in His grace.
Release the pressure to leave your mark.Cling to His cross.
Stop waiting for the world to finally get its act together.Wait for the King who makes all things new.
And let this be the confession of our hearts, our lives, and our worship:
✦ All glory be to Christ our King.All glory be to Christ.

Advent Message 03: Candle of Joy

Sermon Date: 12/14/2025
Bible Verses:
Psalm 98
Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-
Introduction: The Sound of Joy in a Weary World
We come today to the third Sunday of Advent—the Sunday of Joy. The pink candle, often called the Shepherds’ Candle, reminds us that the news of Christ’s coming brings joy so deep that it shakes the foundations of the world.
And what better hymn to drive that home than “Joy to the World”?
What most people don’t realize is that Isaac Watts wasn't writing about the baby in the manger—he was writing about the King on the throne. This hymn is not just about Christmas past; it’s about the coming kingdom. It’s rooted in Psalm 98, which opens like this:
“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things…” (Psalm 98:1)
It’s a psalm of triumphant joy—not naive happiness, but world-shaking, sin-conquering joy grounded in God’s promise and power.
Let’s break down that kind of Advent joy in three parts.
Joy Declared: The King Has Come, The King Will Come Again
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King!”
Watts was pointing to the fulfillment of Psalm 98, which celebrates a God who:
Acts with power (v. 1)
Reveals righteousness (v. 2)
Remembers His love and faithfulness (v. 3)
Advent joy doesn’t start with us—it starts with God. The Lord has come. He entered our world not to observe suffering, but to overcome it—from Bethlehem to the cross to the empty tomb.
Every time we sing “Joy to the world,” we’re not just remembering Christmas—we’re rehearsing the moment when Jesus returns as King and joy floods everything that’s been broken.
✦ Advent joy isn’t rooted in what we feel—it’s rooted in who reigns.
Joy Received: Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room
Joy is offered—but it must be received.
The line we sing so casually—"Let every heart prepare Him room"—is a direct challenge. It asks:Have you made room in your life for the King?
Joy doesn’t come from a perfect December. It doesn't come from the right gifts, the right balance in the bank, or even the right relationships. Joy comes from surrendering the throne of your life to the One who already rules heaven and earth.
Psalm 98 repeats the word “all” and “every”—indicating the reach of God’s joy:
“All the ends of the earth have seen…” (v. 3)
“Let the sea resound, and everything in it…” (v. 7)
“Let the rivers clap their hands…” (v. 8)
If seas and rivers and mountains can rejoice—how much more should the people He came to save?
✦ Joy is not automatic—it’s the echo of a heart where Jesus is welcome.
Joy Restored: Far as the Curse Is Found
Why is this hymn connected to Genesis 3? Because Jesus didn’t just come to save souls—He came to undo the curse.Every sorrow, every brokenness, every ache in your bones comes from a world still shadowed by sin. But Watts reminds us:
“He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found.”
Psalm 98 ends with anticipation:
“…for He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.” (Psalm 98:9)
That’s not bad news—that’s good news. Jesus doesn’t just bring joy—He restores justice. He doesn’t just save hearts—He heals creation. He doesn’t just reign someday—He reigns today.
In Jesus, joy is not fragile—it’s unstoppable. It’s coming with Him when He returns, and it’s breaking into the world now through every believer who refuses to let despair have the last word.
Conclusion: Light the Candle, Live the Joy
Today we light the Candle of Joy—not because life is perfect, but because God’s promise is. Joy is not a mood—it’s the music of heaven breaking into earth.
So let the good news of Advent ring louder than the bad news around us. Let every heart prepare Him room. Let every home, every workplace, every struggle, and every silence feel the weight of this truth:
✦ Joy to the world—the Lord is come.✦ Joy to the world—the Lord is coming again.✦ Joy to the world—let us live like we believe it.

Advent Message 02: Candle of Peace

Sermon Date: 12/7/2025
Bible Verses:
Luke 2:8-14
Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-
Theme: “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”
Introduction: When Peace Feels Far Away
Advent is a season of promise—but it’s also a season of tension. We celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace, yet we live in a world riddled with chaos, conflict, and pain. If you’ve ever been heartbroken, afraid, or desperate for something to change—you’re not alone. Christmas is not just twinkling lights and warm memories. It’s also tears on the floor of a stable and angels shouting peace into a battlefield.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow knew this well. On Christmas Day in 1863—during the darkest days of the Civil War—he sat alone, grieving the death of his beloved wife, worrying over his wounded son, and listening to the Christmas bells.
He wrote:
“…And in despair I bowed my head;‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said,‘For hate is strong and mocks the songOf peace on earth, good will to men.’”
Ever felt that way? When the promise of peace seems like a cruel joke? The Candle of Peace is for that moment.
Peace Promised: The Angels’ Song
Luke 2:14 isn’t just a gentle lullaby for a holy night. It’s a battle cry from heaven to earth. “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” That’s not wishful thinking—it’s a declaration of divine reality. The angels weren’t pointing to a feeling or a fleeting moment of rest—they were announcing the arrival of a Person whose very presence would shatter the reign of fear.
Before Jesus ever preached a sermon about peace, He was peace. Before He stilled a storm, He was the calm. Before He told His disciples, “Peace be with you,” He was living proof that peace starts from heaven and invades the chaos of earth.
Let’s get this straight:
Peace isn’t something we achieve.
Peace isn’t something we earn.
Peace is something God sent.
Wrapped in swaddling cloths in Bethlehem wasn’t just a baby—it was the very heartbeat of God’s peace nestled into a violent, power-hungry world. Peace doesn’t start with us climbing up to heaven. It starts with heaven coming down to us.
That’s why we light the Candle of Peace. It’s not to remind us of what ought to be. It’s to remind us of what already is—because God Himself has entered our story.
✦ Before Jesus spoke peace—He embodied peace.
Peace Troubled: When Angels Sing, but We Hear Cannon Fire
But let’s be honest: not everyone hears angels singing. Some of us hear explosions, arguments, headlines, bad diagnoses, and broken promises. Longfellow looked out on his war-torn world—and into the wounds of his own heart—and confessed, “There is no peace on earth.” And maybe you’ve felt that too.
Jesus doesn’t gaslight us. He doesn’t say, “Just cheer up and believe harder.” Instead, He looks us in the eyes and says:
“In the world you will have tribulation…” (John 16:33)
He calls it like it is. Tribulation—pressure, pain, battles, grief—will come. But here’s the difference: He doesn’t leave us in the darkness. The full verse says:
“…but take heart; I have overcome the world.”
So what’s the promise? Not that we’ll escape the storm—but that Jesus is greater than the storm. Peace isn’t pretending. Peace is trusting Someone bigger than whatever threatens to undo us.
And when Jesus says:
“My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives…” (John 14:27)
He’s drawing a sharp contrast. The world gives peace like a cheap gift—it breaks, it fades, and when life shatters, so does our peace. But the peace of Christ is bulletproof. Blood-proof. Death-proof.
The world gives peace based on circumstances. Jesus gives peace based on His character.
The world gives peace as long as things are calm.
Jesus gives peace that thrives because He is present—even in turmoil.
Peace is not the absence of conflict—it's the presence of Christ in the conflict.
✦ Peace isn’t found in the silence of the battlefield—it’s found in the Savior who walks into the battle with us.
Peace Practiced: Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Peace began with God. Peace comes through Christ. But peace doesn’t stop there. It’s not a museum relic to be admired—it’s a mission to be lived.
Jesus said:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Notice He didn’t say, “Blessed are the peacekeepers.” Peacekeepers avoid conflict. Peacemakers enter it with grace and truth. They don’t sweep things under the rug or whisper empty platitudes. They do the hard work of reconciliation because they carry the DNA of the King who reconciled them to God.
Being a peacemaker means:
Forgiving when you’d rather hold a grudge.
Listening when you’d rather argue.
Building bridges when you’d rather burn them.
Healing wounds you didn’t cause.
Laying down your rights for the sake of someone else’s redemption.
That’s not weakness—that’s Christlikeness.
Why are peacemakers called “sons of God”? Because they act like their Father. Wherever they go, they bring heaven’s peace into earth’s warzones. They embody the gospel with hands that serve, mouths that bless, and hearts that refuse bitterness a bed to sleep in.
In a world of division, bitterness, and digital shouting matches, true peace is radical. It shines. It disrupts. It reveals the kingdom of God one obedient life at a time.
✦ When the world is noisy and angry, a peacemaker becomes a living sermon—an advent candle in human form.
Peace Kept: The Prince of Peace Has the Final Word
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow did not sugarcoat the brokenness around him. He felt the weight of war. He grieved the loss of his wife. He nearly lost his son. And he still dared to hope.
He ended his poem with these words that still ring like church bells across history:
“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:‘God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,With peace on earth, good will to men.’”
This is not wishful thinking—it is a proclamation of faith. The promise of peace is not rooted in what we see but in who God is.
Paul writes:
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
Not just in church. Not just at Christmas. Not just when things are good—at all times, in every way.
God’s peace is not fragile—it’s fierce. It doesn’t crumble when cancer comes back, when they walk away, when the nation divides, or when the headlines scream despair. His peace stands because He stands.
Christian peace is not denial—it’s defiance. It doesn’t say, “Everything is okay.” It declares, “Even if everything falls apart, God has not fallen off His throne.” The cross did not have the final word. The grave did not get the last laugh. The Prince of Peace reigns—and His peace will reign with Him.
✦ Peace is not dead. Peace is a Person. And He is alive.
Conclusion: Light the Candle, Live the Peace
As we light the Candle of Peace, we’re not ignoring the darkness—we’re defying it. The light shines in the darkness. The world might offer distraction, denial, or temporary calm. But only Jesus offers peace that:
Guards the heart,
Ruins our fear,
And reigns forever.
So this week, let the bells ring in your soul:God is not dead. God has not lost. Peace is coming—and peace is here.

The Weekly Show - Episode 78: Celebration, Two year Anniversary

Join Tim and John as they celebrate two years of the Podcast!
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning and https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/halloween-time
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/
“Two Years Beneath the Grove”
A Poem for the Walnut Grove Podcast – Celebrating Year Two
Two years of roots grown deep in grace, Of truth proclaimed from place to place, Of voices steady, kind, and sure— A gospel sound both rich and pure.
They opened John’s great book of light, Where Word made flesh broke through the night. They told of life from womb to breath— How God still weaves through life and death.
They faced the world’s most sacred strife, The worth of soul, the gift of life. With trembling hands and holy tone, They said: Each child is His alone.
Through pain and loss, through tear and song, They showed that faith still stands strong. That suffering, though hard to bear, Becomes a place where God meets there.
They sought God’s will through every test— Not in confusion, but in rest. In purpose, guidance, sovereignty— They found His heart, and helped us see.
They spoke of anger, right and wrong, Of tempers short and mercies long. Of Saul and Samuel’s shadowed hour, Of witches, fear, and fading power.
They talked of death—and what’s beyond, Of heaven’s gate and Christ’s dear bond. They said, Fear not!—for love is near, And perfect love drives out our fear.
They called the church to stand and fight, To “suit up” strong in armor bright. To wield the Word, the Spirit’s flame, And bear the banner of His name.
They taught of light that will not fade, Of freedom won, of debts repaid. Of hearts forgiven, spirits freed, Of purpose born from grace and need.
They spoke of friends—the kind that stay, When storms of life don’t go away. Of love that laughs, and truth that binds, Of mercy strong and hearts aligned.
And when the hymns began to rise, Their voices joined beyond the skies. Through words and melody combined, The saints of old and new entwined.
So here’s to years of faith well sown, Of seeds of truth the Spirit’s grown. To Tim and John—whose steady tone Has helped the weary find their home.
Two years beneath the Walnut Grove— Where gospel roots and friendship grow. And if the Lord should grant year three, May His Word still set captives free.
Q&A:
How many tacos can you eat in one sitting? - Jack Brewer
What is your favorite parable? Psalm? - Laken Howell
What do you think about the most recent “rapture-tok” situation with the South African pastor (Joshua Mhlakala)?  - Mallory Kaul
Why are so many people so eager/trusting when they know that no one will know the time or place?  - Mallory Kaul
Which LOTR Movie is the Best? (And Why is it RotK?)  - Mallory Kaul
Is Karma biblical?
How should we address other Christian who believe in Karma?
What is your favorite Childhood Memory? - Sheila Shapley
What was your favorite thing to watch as a child? - Sheila Shapley
What is your favorite hymn? - Sheila Shapley
What is your greatest fear?” - Sheila Shapley

Advent and the Promise: Waiting with Hope for Christ's Return

Rev. Tim Shapley delivers a chapel message about Advent, reflecting on Jesus' first coming, the fulfillment of prophecy, and God’s faithfulness throughout history.He explains the hope of Christ’s second coming through a simple overview of Revelation, encouraging listeners to wait with peace, joy, love, and readiness.

Advent Message 01: Hope of Advent

Sermon Date: 11/30/2025
Bible Verses:
Haggai 2:7
Isaiah 8:10
Isaiah 7:14
Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-
Theme: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”
Introduction: A Season of Waiting, A Candle of Hope
Advent isn’t just about looking back to the birth of Christ—it’s also about looking forward to His return. We're stuck living in the tension between what God has already done and what He has yet to do. So every year, we light this first candle—the Candle of Hope—not because everything is fine, but because everything isn’t. Hope is fire in the darkness.
Charles Wesley felt that tension in 1744. As he walked the streets of England, he saw orphans freezing in the cold and massive gaps between rich and poor. He was moved by Haggai 2:7—"And I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come." That verse birthed the Advent hymn: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.” In it, Wesley reminds us: Jesus is not just the answer for ancient Israel—He is the answer for every fearful, longing heart.
Hope Declared: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”
“Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art…”
Advent begins with longing. Like ancient Israel, we are waiting for deliverance—not from Rome, not from Babylon, but from fear, sin, and death.
“Not only that,but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”  (Rom. 8:23)
The world is full of broken strategies and failing plans. But God cuts through that noise:
Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; Speak the word, but it will not stand, For God iswith us.” (Isaiah 8:10)
Advent reminds us—God is with us. Not distant. Not absent. Emmanuel.
Hope Delivered: Born a Child, and Yet a King
It still shocks us, doesn’t it? God didn’t send an army. He sent a baby. The King of Ages wrapped in fragile flesh.
Isaiah prophesied it:
“Behold, a virgin will conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
And Matthew confirms it:
“...they shall call His name Emmanuel, which means ‘God with us’.” (Matt. 1:23)
The gospel is not “try harder”—it’s “behold your King.” He came once in humility; He’s coming again in glory. He broke into history at Bethlehem; He’ll break the skies at His return.
Advent says: He came. He is coming. He is with us now.
Hope Alive: A Living Hope
Peter gives us the heartbeat of Advent hope:
“Blessed be the God and Father… who has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)
“Living hope” means this: our past is forgiven, our present is empowered, and our future is secure. Hope is not optimism. It’s not positive vibes. It’s resurrection power. And it is alive because He is alive.
Hope Ahead: The Blessed Hope of His Return
Advent invites us to lift our eyes and hearts to this:
“Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.” (Titus 2:13)
The same Jesus who came in a manger will come with majesty. The King who wore thorns will wear a crown. And the One who died for us will raise us to glory with Him.
Wesley prayed it this way:
“By Thine all-sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.”
Don’t miss that: not by our merit—but His.
Conclusion: Light the Candle, Lift Your Hope
As we light the Candle of Hope, we aren’t pretending the world is bright. We’re declaring that Jesus is the Light—and He is coming.We remember Bethlehem—and we await the clouds of glory.We acknowledge the ache—and we cling to the promise.
So this Advent, join Wesley in his prayer, and let it become your own:Come, Thou long expected Jesus… reign in us forever. Bring Thy gracious kingdom. Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

The Weekly Show - Episode 77: Our Favorite Hymns

Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study on Hymns.
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning and https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/halloween-time
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/
 
Tim’s Favorite Hymns:
Wonderful Grace of Jesus - Author: Haldor Lillenas (1918) Scripture: Romans 5:20 — “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.”
Victory in Jesus -  Author: Eugene Monroe Bartlett Sr.
I’d Rather Have Jesus - Lyrics: Rhea F. Miller (1922) Music: George Beverly Shea
All Creatures of Our God and King - Scripture: Psalm 19:1 — “The heavens declare the glory of God.” Romans 1:19–20 — “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.  For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - Based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem written during the Civil War.
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus - Writer: Helen Howarth Lemmel
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - Writer: Isaac Watts (1707) Scripture: Galatians 6:14 - “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
All Glory Be to Christ - Writer: Dustin Kensrue Tune: Auld Lang Syne
John’s Favorite Hymns:

Day by Day - Author: Lina Sandell (1865) Scripture: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. -2 Cor. 12:9 Focus Line: “Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.” -v. 1
The Love of God Author: Frederick M. Lehman (1917) Scripture: … the Lord appeared to him from far away.  I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. -Jeremiah 31:3 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. -John 21:25
How Great Thou Art - Scripture: Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! -Psalm 48:1 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. -Romans 1:19-20 Focus Line: “That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.” -v. 3
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing - Author: Robert Robinson (1757) Scripture: The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. -Proverbs 10:22 … but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8 Focus Line: “Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bound my wandering heart to Thee.” -v. 3
What a Friend We Have in Jesus - Author: Joseph Scriven (1855) Scripture: … do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. -Philippians 4:6 Focus Line: “O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” -v. 1
Seek Ye First - Author: Karen Lafferty (1971) Matthew 6:33 - “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Language Note: The term "Alleluia" (or “Hallelujah”) appears in many hymns, but do we actually think about what it means?  The literal meaning is “God be praised”, so it makes sense it shows up so often.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness - Author: Thomas Chisholm (1923) Lamentations 3:22–23 - “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Focus Line:  “All I have needed Thy hand hath provided” -Chorus along with Verse 3: “Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow…”
Breathe on Me, Breath of God - Author: Edwin Hatch (1878) John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit…”  Focus Line: “Fill me with life anew, that I may love what Thou dost love and do what Thou wouldst do.”
Psalm 19 (The Law of the Lord Is Perfect) - Romans 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested part from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it - the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. Romans 3:31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith?  By no means!  On the contrary, we uphold the law.
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us - Author: Stuart Townend (1995) Focus Line: “Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer; But this I know with all my heart – His wounds have paid my ransom.” Scripture: For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. -1 Timothy 2:5-6

Give Thanks: Discovering God’s Unchanging Goodness (Psalm 107)

Rev. Tim Shapley explores Psalm 107:1-9, showing how thanksgiving begins by remembering God’s unchanging goodness.He highlights three truths: gratitude starts with who God is, it is the natural response of the redeemed, and it remembers God’s delivering and satisfying provision.Be encouraged to tell your story, trust God’s faithfulness, and live a life of daily thanksgiving.