How Long O Lord?

April 14, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Habakkuk 1

Habakkuk was weary of asking why God would allow wicked practices to continue. Does that sound familiar? In our world today many believers are bewildered that God doesn’t intervene to deal with some of the evils of our day.

Thousands of years ago, Habakkuk lived in a confusing world. How could a God who is holy allow His people, the Jews, to get away with increasing apostasy without punishing them (1:2-4) and the second question is – how could God use the Babylonians, a people more wicked than the Jews, to punish the Jews (1:12-2:1)?

Jesus asked “How long shall I stay with you? How long will I put up with you?” Calling the crowd “unbelieving and perverse” (Matthew 17:17), He was exasperated; His disciples were given the opportunity to heal a boy of seizures, but their faith wasn’t strong enough and they failed. Why? They didn’t even recognize this was demonic activity in the boy, so if they had rebuked the devil the child would have been healed.

These evils all exist today….lack of recognition in the church of demonic activity, preventing spiritual health and healing, and, as Habakkuk experienced, rejection of the one true God, with Jews (and others) continuing idol worship. How many idols are worshiped in our world today while men rely upon their own strength and ingenuity?

And so, Habakkuk feared that God was not listening. Their once fearless leader, King Jehoiakim was described by the prophet Jeremiah this way: “Your eyes and your heart are intent only upon your dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing oppression and extortion” (Jeremiah 22:17). Habakkuk had prayed for years. Prophesying just before Nebuchadnezzar first invaded Judah and took Daniel and other princes captive to Babylon, Habakkuk was commissioned to announce the Lord’s intention to punish Judah by this coming deportation to Babylon.

Having asked some honest questions, Habakkuk becomes a theodicy, a defence of God’s goodness and power in view of the existence of evil. The best known verse is chapter 2, verse 4, a verse quoted 3 times by the Apostle Paul “The righteous will live by his faith” (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38). “Not only does this reveal the heart of God, but it is the New Testament truth central to the doctrine of justification by faith” (Ryrie Study Bible).

Habakkuk prays “I stand in awe of Your deeds O Lord. Renew them in our day….in wrath remember mercy” (3:2). He knows “The Lord is in His holy temple [heaven Psalm 11:4]; let all the earth be silent before Him” (Habakkuk 2:20) Silence – a very strong command Hush! Be Quiet! “When He opened the seventh seal there was silence in heaven for about half an hour” (Revelation 8:1). Listen to the noise of wailing around us. “Why?”

Reflection:

Perhaps when all hope seems gone, we need to be silent to sense the salvation of the Lord coming in power and glory. No more asking “Why”, but rather let us conquer by exercising faith in our amazing God! “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Do we believe that?

Devotional

And He Will Make it Again!

April 6, 2026April 6, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Jeremiah 18:1-10

When something we treasure is broken we will go to any lengths to fix it, won’t we? My mother had a dainty needle-point chair with a fragile back that broke every time a heavy man sat on it and tilted back. When I inherited it, the same thing happened. Although it is mended, one can still see the line in the wood where it was repaired. It would be impossible to make it new again.

However, there is an account in scripture that tells us when the clay pot broke, the potter threw the clay back on the wheel and made it again – new! This is used as an illustration of what God wants to do with our lives. He tells us through the Apostle Paul that in Christ we are made into new creatures – that the old has passed away and we have been remade (2 Corinthians 5:17) – “born again” if we use Jesus’ words! (John 3:3).

Think of all the people in this world who want another go at life. Feeling inadequate or like utter failures, feeling broken – how many long for a second chance? Here in God’s Word is the offer of a life-time. Just imagine, offered by Almighty God, the One who so many fear will judge us for all the wrong choices we have made, or the mess we have made out of circumstances.

However, there are some people who don’t know that their lives are cracked, who won’t admit it anyway. We cannot be healed if we don’t face the fact that our wounds need treatment. Perhaps some are hairline fractures in the clay of our lives – those secret sins we have been able to hide from everyone (but God). The Potter needs/wants to fix these. He isn’t asking us to fix ourselves, but rather to let Him do it, as Lord of our lives.

What a glorious hope! I do not have to renew my own spirit, but it is done by the Master. Only the power of God is adequate to renew a right spirit according to the Psalmist (51:10). He is petitioned by many to renew their strength. This renewal is absolutely transforming! (Romans 12:2) Broken minds, broken hearts – nothing is beyond the scope of God Almighty to make new. What a mighty God we serve!

“The pot was marred, so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him”.

Jeremiah 18:4

Reflection:

The Lord Jesus came to earth as a baby with the specific purpose of sacrificing Himself as the Lamb of God, once for all our sins (Hebrews 10:14, 18).

Did you ever experience failure feelings? Have you ever wanted a fresh start?

Devotional

Awake O Zion!

March 30, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

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Isaiah 52

At Easter time we often think of Isaiah’s prophecy regarding the One who was despised and rejected of men, oppressed and afflicted without opening His mouth and attribute it, rightly so, to Jesus the Messiah. However, it is important to read chapter 52 as an introduction to the message of chapter 53.

Writing to encourage the remnant after pages of dire prophecy pronounced for both their immediate and the distant future, Isaiah is given a salvation message of hope, beginning in chapter 49. “The Lord comforts His people and will have compassion….I will not forget you [says God]….see I have engraved you on the palms of My hands!…..those who hope in Me will not be disappointed.” (49:13,16,23)

Pursuit of the Lord’s righteousness is taught throughout chapter 50 “My righteousness draws near speedily, My salvation is on the way….My righteousness will last forever, My salvation will never fail!” Happy thoughts! (50:1, 5, 6,8)

Then the lyrics change. “Awake! Awake!” (51:9) As the arm of the Lord takes action on behalf of His people, the nation itself must also awake! (:17) Even those who have been under the wrath of God are being called to awake, to clothe themselves with strength. At this time “The redeemed of the Lord will return”(11-12) What joy and celebration as the Lord comforts His people!

In the midst of hopeless circumstances we cannot see the way out of our distress, but clearly here the Lord lays out His eternal plan. Throughout Chapter 52 we see the joy of renewal. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news! who bring glad tidings, and proclaim peace”….because once again they will know their God reigns! (:7)

Reflection:

How much we need this message today – a message of great joy and amazing hope that will draw us to the feet of our God where, despite the politics of our world, we will worship the One who still reigns! Awake!

by Marilyn Daniels

Devotional

Presenting a Prophet

March 25, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

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Isaiah 21

Many jobs seem to be glamorous to the human mind. Flight attendants, for example, get to travel the world. No one sees the sleeplessness caused by perpetual time zone changes. Nor do the passengers care if the person serving them has needs as simple as eating or washroom breaks…after all the passenger comes first….. and so health issues evolve from job-related limitations.

In years gone by a prophet was someone of status. After all they were connected with God. Even today people want to be known for their ability to prophesy, but I wonder if they are willing to pay the price?

It would take a book to comprehensively study the lives of more than one prophet, so let’s just glimpse into Isaiah’s life for the moment. My morning devotions came from Isaiah 21 where he records a vision that staggered and bewildered him (21:3). God’s judgment was about to fall on Babylon and against their neighbour Edom. Reaction set in – even his body was racked with pain. His heart faltered and fear made him tremble (:4).

Isaiah had just come through three years of going barefoot, stripped of warm garments in order to play out the coming judgment against Egypt, in the dress of a prisoner of war. His entire life, committed to serving God, required that he even name his children according to the word of the Lord. Isaiah 7:3 – Shear-Jashub means “a remnant shall return”. His second son was Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, meaning “quick to plunder, swift to the spoil” (8:3).

Now God was giving Isaiah words of prophecy against Babylon, Edom and Arabia. “The Lord God of Israel has spoken” (:17). However, God’s judgement doesn’t end there. Jerusalem also falls under God’s condemnation. Why? They had ignored God (22:11). This is an unforgivable sin, then and now. Those that joy in revelry, eating and drinking and making merry without thought for tomorrow (22:12-13) will be judged (22:14).

Imagine the response to such a prophecy, from the people of God. The Israelites were not impressed. Prophets did not hold an enviable position. They were ridiculed, ignored and persecuted for giving unfavourable messages from God. Then as now, people chose to hear what they wanted to hear. Prophets today remind us that Jesus is coming again, but how many want to get ready for that great event?

Sadly, the church is even lukewarm to the message that instructs us to be vigilant. Resting on wealth and comfort as our “right” we fail to realize that we may be among those who are “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” Those are the words of Jesus as He prophesied about end times (Revelation 3:17).

Reflection:

What is it you want to hear from God, if you are honest?

What words of prophecy are most often taught by the church today?

Are we listening to the words of our Prophet, Priest and King?

Is your heart lukewarm?

Devotional

Where Does Evil Originate?

March 16, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 14

Where did evil begin? When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, His reaction was kindly. He provided a covering, clothes for their nakedness. However, by the time their sons were old enough to make responsible sacrifices to their God, the first act of human depravity was recorded. Cain killed Abel in a fit of jealous rage because Abel’s sacrifice was more pleasing to God.

Recently our Bible Study group was looking at the subject of evil. It is interesting to note that Cain’s reaction was not against the object of his anger, God, but rather he took it out on someone he could actually handle. Mankind has been doing this ever since. How often do women and children pay the penalty for the anger of man? Whether it is personal or national, abuse creates a scandal against humanity.

It is terribly sad that in venting anger there seems to be so little relief. Strangely it seems to grow, rather than diminish. Where did it all begin? It might be oversimplifying the answer, but let us suggest cruelty began the moment the taste of apple was on Eve’s tongue. Why? At that moment her mind was poisoned with thoughts of evil. The tree gave her something she had never tasted before, an understanding of evil.

Our question is one which philosophers have studied for years. Whether they attribute evil to a neurochemical cause or find the source in philosophy, some have even gone so far as to attribute evil to God. Did God create evil? Of course not. He created Satan as an angel of light, but Jesus witnessed Satan’s fall “I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven” (Luke 10:18). That fall is described more fully by Isaiah, who reads the mind of evil very clearly. “I will” is at the centre of it all (Isaiah 14:12-14).

Lucifer means “light-bearer”; Ezekiel describes him as the model of perfection, full of wisdom. He was created, ordained by God and anointed as a guardian cherub (Ezekiel 28:12-14). Until wickedness was found in him, until he sinned, Lucifer was blameless (:15, 16).

Perhaps we need to check out the source of evil still in our midst today. Is it not in the self-determination of man to be in control? Just as Satan rebelled, so did Cain. Why did he have to bring a blood sacrifice to God? Why weren’t the best fruits of his labours enough? Surely he could justify his intentions on the grounds it was his best turnip or pumpkin! And so, we see the tragedy of pitting one’s mind against the mind of God, a mind so far-reaching in its outlook that we cannot possibly see today what will happen tonight, but we still want it our way!

Where does evil originate? David Hume the 18^th century neo-sceptic, had no answer. He just asked the same old questions perhaps in a new way, and his thoughts make God into something evil. If God could prevent evil, but is not willing, He is malevolent. If He is not able but willing, then He is not omnipotent, but rather impotent. However, there is one question that remains. Why did God give man the ability to make choices?

If man chooses to operate outside of the clear will of God, resorting to his own devices because of an exaggerated concept of who he is and what his own capabilities are, evil will result. The evil will be very personal. Like Satan, that man will be cast down, brought down to the very depths of the pit (Isaiah 14:12 & 15). But the God, whose kindness saved Adam and Eve from embarrassment, provides for us today. He is willing to cover us with the blood of Christ, which will not just cover, but will take away our sin. Clothed in Jesus Christ we have all the promises of God’s loving favour, to keep us from evil.

Reflection: “Since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus….Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience.” (Hebrews 10:19, 22)

Devotional

Defined by Love

March 9, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

1 Corinthians 4

As we have noted before, people who came to Jesus were not defined by their mistakes, but rather by the love of a Saviour who gave everything He had to bring us life and light and love. His love is something we have the privilege of sharing with others, but it can only be given in the measure with which we have experienced it.

Think of the Pharisees. They tried to be what they thought God wanted them to be. They were so very religious, legalistically obeying the law to the letter. They came from generations of well-intended people who were proponents of that law, given by a loving God to protect them as they wandered in the wilderness, as they fought with their enemies, as they raised their children to become God’s children. Israel became a force to be reckoned with among the nations because their God was with them, but alas! they missed the spirit of the law.

From the beginning God demonstrated His love for everyone. He provided sinners with clothes to cover their nakedness; He still provides sinners with all that they need today. The rain falls on the unjust as well as the just (Matthew 5:45). God met with an Egyptian slave-girl in the desert and cared for her and her teen-aged son; today that son’s descendants are scattered across the middle east, a powerful group of Arabs bearing the heritage of Ishmael, whose very name means “God listens”. As we go on through scripture we recognize that God’s love saved folks from other tribes, beyond His particular “chosen” people…Ruth and Rehab who are among the genealogies of Jesus, because God’s love defined their later choices.

What it is that defines your life and mine? Have you been given eternal life because you received salvation purchased by the Lord Jesus Christ? Jesus came to give us an abundant life (John 10:10). What might that look like? His desire was to walk with us day by day, impacting our thinking and our feelings, giving us a new perspective and creating a new spirit (attitude) within each child of God. Through our new lifestyle God uses us to share the light of His truth with everyone we meet….family, friends, colleagues at work and even strangers.

The Apostle Paul had something to say about the way we live out our Christian lives. He taught that God “will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts” (:5). We, as God’s servants must prove ourselves faithful to the trust we have been given (:2). Paul was practical. “Who makes you different from anyone else?” “What do you have that you did not receive?” (:7).

It seems the church at Corinth was fighting against pride and arrogance. Paul draws their attention to the humility required in a servant of God by telling them we might look like fools for Christ’s sake (:10). Then he lists many things we may have to endure, preferably with a loving and gentle spirit (:21). We need to remember we are in a battle for truth and righteousness. We need the Holy Spirit to empower us with kindly thoughts towards everyone, so that we can be true representatives of the love of Jesus. “The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power!” (:20)….power to reach out to those who are unlovely, just as God reached out to you and to me!

Reflection:

What a challenge it is to live for Jesus! First of all He knows our motives. Are they pleasing to Him? Do we behave as He would? Do we walk in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake? Are we motivated by a powerful compelling desire to please Him? Are our lives defined by the love He poured out at Calvary?

Devotional

The Joy of Thy Salvation

March 5, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 51

Sometimes I like to reflect on the richness of the old English language which to me sets God apart as very special. The King James version reminds us of Thy salvation, a gift the Psalmist frequently dwells on. In one sense it is my personal salvation, but the gift is from our heavenly Father, since He is the author and finisher/perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

In today’s world we hear a lot about depression, people who are overwhelmed perhaps by circumstance, such as pandemics. What is it that causes so many young people in developed countries to commit suicide? I often try to imagine what life in a refuge camp would be like, in the twenty-first century; so many people have left the comforts of home to escape from their enemies. What psychological traumas do they endure? What distractions from the terrible realities of each day might they enjoy? Do they have the advantage of a faith that lifts their spirits?

These are broad general conditions that we could very well imagine leading to depression, but what of those secret sins and sorrows of the individual heart? David knew something of those feelings and prayed that God would restore “the joy of Thy salvation” (Psalm 51:12). He knew the source of all healing is God. Some folks have deep regrets about their evil thoughts, expressing innermost feelings of anger and hate. For these we desperately need supernatural help! Those thoughts separate us from God as does any and every sin, and our sorrow is compounded by regret.

Isn’t it remarkable that our loving God has provided for this condition by giving us the Holy Spirit. He produces fruit in us – the fruit of righteousness (Philippians 1:12). That fruit includes self-control. Most of us know that learning often takes place with three steps forward, then two steps back. But let us not lose heart – one step forward is progress! This forward movement becomes the joy of God’s salvation. As long as we are looking at the goal, pressing forward towards the prize, the past will fade away.

However, for many who have been abused, for example, that past never quite disappears. From its reflection we are reminded of hours of pain and suffering, but once again the Holy Spirit steps in to remind us of Jesus’ innocent pain and suffering, on your behalf and mine! WOW! Would I do what He did for my abuser? He has left us an example that we might follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21). Can we? Might we? Will we?

David’s prayer enlightens us. He needs God to reprogram his spirit. “Grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:13). Are we able to sincerely pray that God, who searches every heart, will change mine, since I don’t seem to be very good at that?

Reflection:

God’s intention is for His children to be people of joy and love. Without His help these things do not come naturally to most of us. The fruit of the indwelling Spirit of God produces goodness and kindness and gentleness, so desperately needed in a world torn by worry and fear. Those of us who know Him have the unspeakable joy of sharing the source of our peace is the One who saves us with His perfect salvation!

Devotional

The Heart of Worship

February 24, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

John 4:23-24

Michael W. Smith has written many songs for the modern era of hymnology. It is interesting to compare these with the songs David wrote thousands of years ago. Has anything really changed? What is it that forms the heart of worship? King David, in humility, recognized the sovereignty of God as he bowed down before the Lord his Maker (Psalm 95:6). Michael Smith calls God the “King of endless worth”!

David recommends that we worship the Lord in a spirit of gladness, coming before Him with songs of praise and joy (Psalm 100:2). Michael Smith writes that God deserves even more than a song, because that might be an external expression without the internal reality God is looking for.

When the music fades,
All is stripped away,
And I simply come,
Longing just to bring
Something that’s of worth
That will bless Your heart,
I’ll bring You more than a song;
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required.
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear –
You’re looking into my heart

I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You,
It’s all about You, Jesus.
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about You,
It’s all about You, Jesus

King of endless worth,
No one could express
How much You deserve.
Though I’m weak and poor
All I have is Yours,
Every single breath!
I’ll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required.
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear-
You’re looking into my heart.

Reflection:
As we bow in worship do we mean what we think about God, what we say, what we sing? Is it all about Him? Just what do we know about God that draws real praise from our spirits? Are we passionately in love with the Lover of our souls?

“The time is coming” Jesus said, “and has now come, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (Matthew 4:23-24). How seriously do we take these words of Jesus?

Devotional

The Valley of Decision

February 18, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Joel 3

“In those days”….Joel writes. Joel whose name means “Yahweh is God” was a compatriot of King Joash. This young boy was under the regency of priests, having ascended the throne at the early age of seven (2 Kings 11:21).

At that time a severe drought devastated Israel, and an invasion of locusts was seen by the prophet Joel as punishment from God for the sins of His people. Locust swarms commonly number in the millions, if not the billions. In this instance they came in waves, first the great locusts, followed by the young locusts. He directs his first prophecy to the “elders” of the people. “Hear this, you elders, listen!!” (1:2)

The Word of the Lord continued as recorded by Joel. “The day of the Lord is near”. He saw this as a day of judgment: “Alas for that day” (1:13). He calls “Wake up you drunkards and weep” (1:5). The trumpet should have warned the people that “the day of the Lord is coming” (2:1). He envisioned God returning in a day of darkness and gloom: “The Lord thunders at the head of His army, His forces are without number” (2:2, 11).

Yet how precious it is to read that God is also speaking hope through His prophet. He calls “Return to Me with all your heart….rend your heart and not your garments” (2:12-13). Don’t go through the rituals but be sincere in your commitment to Me! His invitation is warm and loving. “Return to the Lord your God for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love” (2:13).

However, there is coming a day – “In those days and at that time…I will gather all nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat” (3:2)….”Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision” (3:14). What is so important about this? It is where God will decide about men, not men deciding about God!

Have you ever heard people judging God? “Why” this and “Why” that? “How could a loving God…?” Often this comes from folks who never ask God to show them the way. But – there is coming a day when we may meet Him in the Valley of Jehoshaphat, the Valley of Decision. Thankfully, if we are believers (John 1:12) when the Lord returns, we have nothing to fear. Our sins have been forgiven, covered over by the blood of Christ.

For those gathered in the Valley of Decision – “Then you will know that I the Lord your God dwell in Zion; My holy hill, Jerusalem will be holy” (3:17). God has given Joel, His prophet, a vision of that day when Messiah will reign in His earthly millennial kingdom.

Reflection:

We live in an era when, by the grace of God we can make a decision to follow His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Joel was writing many centuries before Jesus came to earth. Today we celebrate the Babe, that holy One born of a virgin, fulfilling prophecy. Today are we ready to join multitudes who have bowed down to worship the Christ child? Using the language of Joel, let us prepare our hearts for the day when we will meet our God; we have time to make that choice – to follow Him with all our hearts. We live in the day Joel prophesied about when God would pour out His Spirit on men and women. The moment is near when God will judge the nations, but His love is overwhelming. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (3:32) What choice have you made in your valley of decision?

NB. A Valley is a place where water flows and grass grows, a place of richness and peace.

Devotional

Then Sings My Soul

February 9, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Hebrews 12:1-4

Have you ever watched a bubbling brook? How picturesque the tiny rainbows glistening in the spray! What causes the water to bounce and froth? The water is hitting some obstacle. When your life has hit against some rocks does the reaction causes a thousand little rainbows to impact your world with beauty. The hymnist wrote “Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee – How great Thou art!”

When life is hard, and disappointment turns into pain, does the joy of Jesus fill your soul with song? The Bible tells us that the author and finisher [completer] of our faith endured the greatest public shame with joy, because what He went through offered hope to everyone on the planet, then as well as two thousand years later (Hebrews 12:2).

It’s interesting the words the author of Hebrews uses. Not many of us would consider taking up our cross and scorning its shame as joyous, but that is just what Jesus did for you and me. We are called to be like Him in our response to those difficulties which life so often throws at us. Most of us have not resisted trouble to the point of shedding our blood (12:4). We are called to look at hardship as a discipline, not punishment, but rather training in righteous living.

The rainbows resulting make our world a better place. We all know those whose attitude destroys the small graces often found in the midst of trouble. How much sweeter does the love of Jesus make our choices in such moments? And it is a choice. Jesus made the will of His father the goal of His life. He found joy in pleasing His Father. There is no greater thing than that, as we know, who have experienced His peace in the center of our earthly storms.

Joy comes from looking outward; how sad it is to see people who function happily, only in the moment of self-indulgence. That sort of feeling is so very fleeting. It is never enough, but basking in the opportunities to please God by helping others brings a song to our lips! This is when we really “taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8)

And that song brings glory to our Creator, Redeemer and friend! Immediately our hearts unite because it is the will of God, our Father, to provide for the needs of others through the riches we have experienced of grace, mercy and forgiveness. Then our souls are free to worship in the spirit of holiness, clothed in the righteousness of Christ’s abiding love! Then sings my soul!

Reflection:

How often do we look for externals to create a spirit of happiness? If I only had….? If I were just a bit older? Younger? If I had health and strength think what service I could offer to God. Many years ago I learned that God Himself equips us to do His will. Therefore, circumstances don’t need to alter in order for me to have a joyful song, to celebrate love, peace and hope. I worship God by grasping the opportunities of this moment, today. How sad and actually wasteful it is to live life expecting changes that we think will equip us for acts of mercy, in a spirit of encouragement.

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Psalm 95:7b, 8a). Then sings my soul!