The SG Notebook

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Psalm 104. 1

Bless the LORD, O my soul. This psalm begins and ends like the Hundred and Third, and it could not do better: when the model is perfect it deserves to exist in duplicate. True praise begins at home. It is idle to stir up others to praise if we are ungratefully silent ourselves. We should call upon our inmost hearts to awake and bestir themselves, for we are apt to be sluggish, and if we are so when called upon to bless God, we shall have great cause to be ashamed. When we magnify the Lord, let us do it heartily: our best is far beneath his worthiness, let us not dishonour him by rendering to him half hearted worship. O LORD my God, thou art very great. This ascription has in it a remarkable blending of the boldness of faith, and the awe of holy fear: for the psalmist calls the infinite Jehovah “my God, “and at the same time, prostrate in amazement at the divine greatness, he cries out in utter astonishment, “Thou art very great.” God was great on Sinai, yet the opening words of his law were, “I am the Lord thy God; ” his greatness is no reason why faith should not put in her claim, and call him all her own. The declaration of Jehovah’s greatness here given would have been very much in place at the end of the psalm, for it is a natural inference and deduction from a survey of the universe: its position at the very commencement of the poem is an indication that the whole psalm was well considered and digested in the mind before it was actually put into words; only on this supposition can we account for the emotion preceding the contemplation. Observe also, that the wonder expressed does not refer to the creation and its greatness, but to Jehovah himself. It is not “the universe is very great!” but “THOU art very great.” Many stay at the creature, and so become idolatrous in spirit; to pass onward to the Creator himself is true wisdom. ~ Charles H. Spurgeon

In a gem of a book, The One Year Christian History, the entry of the day is about Charles H. Spurgeon, beloved by us all. Do you know the story of his conversion? He was caught in a snowstorm and for shelter ducked into a Methodist chapel. He heard a simple sermon that day, one in which he was exhorted to “look” to Jesus and be saved. He did and he was on the day. The date was January 6, 1850 and his life was forever changed. Wouldn’t you say that we’ve all benefited from that day?

I hope you read the priceless writings of Mr. Spurgeon in your home. He’s a Christian hero, you know.

Maxine, a/k/a Nanna

Away in a Manger
No Crib for his bed,
The Little Lord Jesus,
Lay down His sweet head.

I would imagine that you’ve taught this sweet little song to your children as most people have. I hope you’ve told them that yes, it is true that our Lord Jesus had no bed to sleep in like they did. And you may have told them that in most respects, humanly speaking, He was like other newborn babies, and that He even undoubtedly cried, even though the song says otherwise. I would imagine you have told them that this one special baby was different in one important aspect: He had no sin in His heart like they do, like all of us do. I hope you’ve told them His reason for coming and what He accomplished while He was here; that you told them of Calvary. Surely you’ve told your children all about this dear sweet Jesus and your desire that they will come to embrace Him as their own Savior if they haven’t already.

Christmas has come and gone for another year; if the Lord tarries in His second coming, it will come again. But the message will remain forever. I hope your family had a blessed day together, no matter to what extent you celebrate it.

Remember that Jesus died.
Remember why He died.
Remember that cross.
Remember that hill called Calvary.
Remember the Resurrection.
Remember the One who died, and why, and how, and where, and that He lives, calling you to come to Him as your only hope if you don’t know Him, and to praise Him if you do.

Remember on Sunday to rejoice.

And then remember those who are in chains.

Have a blessed Easter.

Maxine (a/k/a Nanna)

We now have Keys for Kids right here, on our site. These are great stories for your children 8-12 to read and children of all ages will enjoy listening online. Come daily or whenever you and your family want to hear a cute story with a Biblical application. Maybe you could all listen during breakfast or lunch. Hope you enjoy them!

Talk to you soon.

Maxine (a/k/a Nanna)

He has come and He has dwelt among us. He has died for us and He has risen again! Praise the Lord for His goodness to fallen man. If you know Him, rejoice with me. If you don’t, let me say this to you: Wise men still seek Him. Seek Him while He may be found. Pray that the Lord will open your heart to the truths found in the gospel. If you seek Him with your whole heart, He will not fail you.

Have a blessed Christmas everyone!

Maxine (a/k/a Nanna)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! He is the giver of every good and perfect gift! Speakable Gifts, and especially Nanna, would like to send the warmest of wishes for the Thanksgiving holiday. May you know the joy and peace of the Savior and reflect on His goodness. Please join us in praising Him! If you would like to see Nanna’s list of blessings, you’re invited to visit her other blog.

God Bless!

Maxine (a/k/a Nanna)

Let us with a gladsome mind praise the Lord, for He is kind: For His mercies shall endure, ever faithful, ever sure.

~John Milton, 1621