Which element of prayer is harder to practice? Confession? Or thanksgiving? This would seem to be an easy question to answer. The confession of sin is obviously more difficult than the offering of thanksgiving, right? Not necessarily. Pride makes our flesh resist both elements. A proud heart cannot admit in confession, “I did it.” A proud heart cannot acknowledge with thanksgiving, “I didn’t do it. God did!” For that matter, pride makes adoration, supplication, intercession difficult to practice, as well. A godly heart is filled with perpetual thanksgiving. It is not merely a national holiday. For the humble spirit that knows...

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of god. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly. – Psalm 52:8-9 In many instances, the opening line of a psalm reveals its dominating theme. Psalm 52 is a case in point: “Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The steadfast love of God endures all the day” (Psalm 52:1). In this psalm, David confronts the wicked...

O my God, Thou fairest, greatest, first of all objects, My heart admires, adores, loves thee, For my little vessel is as full as it can be, And I would pour out all that fullness before thee in ceaseless flow.   When I think upon and converse with thee Ten thousands delightful thoughts spring up, Ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed, Ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart, Crowding into every moment of happiness.   I bless thee for the soul thou hast created, For adorning it, sanctifying it, though it is fixed in barren soil; For the...

Tomorrow - Father's Day - will mark 23 years to the day since my father died. The past several years, Father's Day has been a downer for me. My wife and children have been kind, generous, and understanding. I appreciate it. But I have missed my dad around this time. I also think that being on the other side of the country, disconnected from my roots in Los Angeles, has exasperated my feelings of sadness. This year is different. I approach this coming Father's Day with gratitude, rather than grief. The Lord blessed me to have a great dad. I...

There will not be a Midweek Worship Service at Shiloh this evening. We will meet in the morning for a special Thanksgiving Day Service at 9 AM in our Coleman Auditorium. Start your holiday be joining us for corporate worship. God is the source every good gift and perfect gift. And he is worthy to be praised for all of his undeserved benefits toward us. Hope to see you there! “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)