In Praise of God

As some of you know, near the first of the year our printer raised its printing rates and, while we were able to print enough copies to have adequate stock of most of our books, our Joshua study has been sold out for some weeks now.  Several of you have been praying that we would be able to print more studies before fall classes began…and it now looks like that will be possible!   Lord willing, we will have enough copies for those of you who have contacted us already, with additional stock available (at least for the foreseeable future) . . . and we will not have to raise the price for these books.  We are so grateful to the Lord!

If you haven’t already let us know of your interest in this study, please contact us as soon as possible.  Also, some leader’s helps will be available at no cost for class leaders.   Just call or write for details!

Isaac Watts (1674-1748), who wrote  such beloved hymns as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and “Joy to the World,” also wrote hundreds of hymns which are virtually unknown.

Three of his lesser-known hymns are based on the well-known Psalm 23…and each one is a precious reminder of the wonder of having the Lord God as our Shepherd.  Below are the first stanzas from each of these three hymns.  Given the uncertainty of the world in which we live, and both the physical and spiritual needs we all have, these are stanzas well worthy of our contemplation!  I have bolded the wording which has had the greatest impact on my heart today. The phrase in italics comes in a close second.  The result:  Greater stillness of heart and trust in God’s care.

My Shepherd is the living Lord; Now shall my wants be well supplied; His providence and holy word Become my safety and my guide.

My Shepherd will supply my need, Jehovah is his name; In pastures fresh he makes me feed, Beside the living stream.

The Lord my Shepherd is, I shall be well supplied; Since he is mine and I am his, What can I want beside?