Simple-Hearted Praise

“Out of the mouths of babies and infants,
You have established strength because of Your foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger.”
~ Psalm 8:2 ESV

The name of the Lord is majestic all over the earth. His splendour, which is not contingent on people’s confessions – nor their acceptance of who He is – testifies of His omnipotence. God’s glory, displayed above in the heavens, is not a fleeting phenomenon either. Rather, it has been established from everlasting to everlasting, inspiring awe and reverence in the lives of all those who even attempt to comprehend it.

A Matter of the Heart

On April 29^th, 2007, Pastor Walter Masih was attacked and beaten in front of his wife and daughter. Two men who led the attack by punching Pastor Walter in the face were joined by four others who started beating him with wooden rods. During his recovery, Pastor Walter stated: “I will never quit! I will continue the ministry I have been doing these past 17 years.”

The Advantages of an Open Heart

"O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to Thee.
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
and feel the promise is not vain,
that morn shall tearless be."
~ Dr. George Matheson (1842-1906)

The story of how Dr. Matheson came to write the hymn, O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go, is worth reading. While penning the lyrics, this blind Scottish minister felt divinely inspired:

Heart Murmur

“O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners
of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams.”
~ Augustine of Hippo

I was in my late teens when our family physician discovered that I had developed a heart murmur. He did not seem concerned and explained that many healthy children can develop this condition, which often tends to occur after a rapid growth spurt. Still, the doctor assured me that most children eventually outgrow it as they reach adulthood. Therefore, the term “innocent” is medically used to describe these murmurs since no long-term heart conditions nor any other serious medical concerns are associated with them.

Offering a Heart of Wisdom

The following testimony is part of a report that was sent to the staff of VOMC’s International Ministry department. This compelling read provides a unique perspective of the perseverance and resilience demonstrated by those whom this ministry serves.

Resolutions

“Resolution One: I will live for God.
Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.”
~ Jonathan Edwards
 

The word “resolution” has become closely linked to the beginning of each new year; a time when people are prone to ponder what has passed after one year ends and speculate about what lies ahead. When negative aspects of the previous year come into view, resolutions are made to assert that the past will not control the future. In this sense of the word, Noah Webster describes a “resolution” as a “fixed purpose or determination of mind; as a resolution to reform our lives; a resolution to undertake an expedition.”¹