St. Paul United Methodist Church

Lately I’ve been thinking about some of my favorite hymns. What are your favorites? Sometimes I begin each day humming some oldie-but-goodies. This morning it was Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me. I really like the lyrics to this hymn:

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee; let the water and the blood, from thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure; save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labors of my hands, can fulfill the law’s demands, could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone; thou must save, and thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling; naked, come to thee for dress; helpless, look to thee for grace; foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyes shall close in death, when I soar to worlds unknown, see thee on they judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hid myself in thee.

These four verses summarize basic Christian theology: We are in need, our attempts for wholeness are limited at best, in Christ there is salvation, we come only in faith, in him we find our all.

If you don’t know how to begin each day, try humming or singing some of your favorite hymns. St. Augustine said when one sings, he or she prays twice. When I begin the day this way, my whole outlook for the day ahead is filled with hope. So may it be for you.

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This week’s reading:

• Monday – Acts 17
• Tuesday – Acts 18
• Wednesday – Acts 19
• Thursday – Acts 20
• Friday – Acts 21

Please Pray for:

• The St. Paul Church family.
• Those who are unwillingly absent.
• Those who are grieving and depressed.
• Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications.
• The United Methodist Church.
• Our nation and our leaders.
• The World.

Lately I have been captivated by Acts 2, especially the beginning of Peter’s sermon right after the giving of the Holy Spirit. Peter said, “God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him.  But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip” (Acts 2:22-24).

My thoughts are drawn to the first and last verses. What comes to your mind when you read, “God publicly endorsed?” How about when you read, “…for death could not keep him in its grip?”  Meditate on these two powerful statements.  What is God speaking to you when you read Peter’s words?

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This week’s reading:

• Monday –  Acts 12
• Tuesday – Acts 13
• Wednesday – Acts 14
• Thursday – Acts 15
• Friday – Acts 16

Please Pray for:

• The St. Paul Church family as we prepare our hearts and minds for for fall activities & studies.
• Those who are unwillingly absent.
• Those who are grieving and depressed.
• Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications.
• The United Methodist Church.
• Our nation and our leaders.
• The World.