Deus Misereatur

Faith of our Father: Expositions of Genesis 12-25 by Dale Ralph Davis My rating: 5 of 5 stars Dale Ralph Davis smacks another ball out of the park with this recently published, 176 page paperback book. The chapters are around eight pages long, but easy to read, thus making this material delightful devotional reading on Genesis 12 through 25. The main points are set in bold, and the substance is nourishing, warm, instructive, substantive, biblical, sometimes delightfully counter cultural, and easy to follow. These are sermons Dr. Davis has preached at First Presbyterian Church (ARP) in Columbia, SC. "Faith of our Fathers' is ideal for individual reading, group discussion, family devotions, and Adult Bible studies. Everyone who delves into the chapters will walk away glad they've read the book. I unreservedly and unhesitatingly recommend this book! View all my reviews

Guide to Prayer: For Ministers & Other Servants by Rueben P. Job My rating: 3 of 5 stars A functional devotional for ministers. Each day has a great opening prayer, then a scripture reading that seems to have very little rhyme or reason; A Psalm for the week; a set of eight or nine readings from various authors like George MacDonald, Henri Nouwen, Theresa Avila, Gregory of Nyssa, Charles de Foucald and many others; space for silent and written, reflection; A hymn for the week; and a benediction. There are also twelve monthly retreat models, maybe something a covenant group could use to lay the foundation to a season of communal prayer. The goal of this work appears to be to facilitate the practice of daily prayer, meditation, lectio divina, and communion with God by forming and shaping the habit of Scripture reading and prayer for the minister. One of the clear benefits of a minister employing this material is that none of it is following the lectionary, or lectio continua, a...

O LORD , who goes out like a mighty man, like a man of war stirring up his zeal; who cries out, shouts aloud, and shows himself mighty against his foes (Isaiah 42.13): We are grateful for those who have faithfully served, and are presently serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces. We implore you to watch over them, especially those still in harm’s way; may they see your daily help in their lives as you preserve them. For those requiring ongoing medical care, particularly those with Traumatic Brain Injuries, PTSD, internal wounds and amputees; may they find and receive the assets and assistance they need to recover. And may there be many in our land who will continue to be willing to stand up and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. We bring these requests through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, ever one God. Amen. [If you would like to use this prayer, then you have ...

God’s Beloved Son: “Listen to him.” Perplexing Parables Matthew 13.1-3, 10-17 Holy God, who gives wisdom; and from whose mouth comes knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2.6); open our ears, clear away the scales from our eyes, remove the calcifications of our hearts, and teach us this day, for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son and our Lord. Amen. Stories can be pleasantly distracting and imaginatively propelling, “2016 Young Explorer Adventure Guide,” which I’m reading now for fun. It’s a series of short stories – mostly sci-fi – written for young adults to stoke their imaginations and desire to read. Other stories are meant to morally and mentally shock the reader, sometimes in bad ways, and sometimes in good ways; like Flannery O’Connor or Cormac McCarthy. And some stories are meant to do something unexpected, in a way that subverts the reigning mindset and religious sensitivities. I think that’s what is going on with the perplexing parables of Matthew 13. Perspective of Para...

Sunday morning: Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father; there is no shadow of turning with thee; thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; as thou hast been thou forever will be. Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided; great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! We call upon you to smile upon this your congregation that our hearts might be courageous in the ways of the LORD, and that our words, thoughts and actions would be governed by your Holy Word and Holy Spirit. Further, Lord, we ask you to help us to promote godly peace with those who are at odds with us, or despise us, not being overcome by evil, but overcoming evil with good (Romans 12.21). For your Church throughout the world, including Brazilian Baptist Convention; the Baptist Bible Fellowship International; the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus; Batak Christian Protestant Church; the Presbyterian C...