In the dark of the night
when I was lonely and sad
I sought the Lord
but to me it seemed
He wasn’t there
and I grew afraid
that maybe I had
overstepped the limit
and sinned against
His holy name
so much
that He could never again
forgive me.
So I hung my head in shame
and tried to
examine my life objectively.
And in the quite of the night
I knew that
when I call upon His name,
He will never turn away from me
And because He loves me,
I know He’s always there.
Please, God, forgive me for doubting
I have a gift
It was given to me
not wrapped with ribbons or bows
no, it’s not even tangible
it is the most glorious gift
anyone could ever give
Only, no one could give this gift
No one human-
Only God
He gave me this gift
And because of this gift
I can live my life
to the fullest for Him
This gift is the gift of faith.
Thank You, God!
Oh, dear Heavenly Father
I sorrow all day long
for the sins I have committed
for all that I’ve done wrong.
My sins are ever countless
I’ve nothing for myself to say
but thanks to Thee, oh glorious King
for blessings day by day.
Have mercy on me, oh Father,
for this I pray to Thee
that thou wilt ever have mercy
on a sinner such as me.
I need Thy help, uphold me
when I’m drowning in my pain
I pray Thee, carry me out
for my own work is in vain.
I listen to Thy word, Lord,
and things Thou hast revealed
sovereign from eternity
Thy covenant is sealed.
Down on my knees I bow
humbly before Thee, heart and soul
beseeching for forgiveness
Dear Father, make me whole.
The Christian is placed in many different circumstances while on this earth. Some are characterized by hardships and trials, and others are full of joy and peace. How should the Christian respond? Throughout the Bible there are numerous times where God’s people sang in response to their various circumstances. Singing in response to God’s ordering […]
As we examined the first eleven chapters of Genesis last month, we took note of the fact that the book of Genesis is theological, meaning it helps us to grow in our knowledge of God. In addition, we noted that the book of Genesis is historical, meaning that the events chronicled in it are the […]
Who am I? What is my purpose on this earth? Why is everything the way that it is? These are the kinds of questions that often trouble young people as they become more independent from their parents, enter the world of college or career, and make major life decisions such as choosing a spouse, a […]
The book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon to his young adult son. Solomon’s purpose in writing Proverbs was “that the generation to come might know them [God’s wonderful works]…that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments” (Ps. 78:6–7). Throughout the book, Solomon […]
The group of churches that John writes to in this trio of epistles had recently experienced a split because of doctrinal controversy. We do not know the exact content of the error that these false teachers were spreading, but it is apparent from John’s writing that their teaching somehow denied the truth of the incarnation—that […]
This article was originally presented as a speech at a Protestant Reformed mini convention held at Quaker Haven Camp in August 2021. Jael lived during the era of the judges. Deborah the prophetess was the judge who served Israel at the time of Jael. During this time, the Canaanites under the rule of king Jabin […]
Although it’s been a couple of months since we’ve been immersed in news coming from Japan about the 2020/2021 Olympic games, it’s still worth considering how these events are understood in the modern worldview of our country. The “Top Story of the Day” on Monday, August 9 (at least according to my newsfeed), was how […]
One of this year’s “mini conventions” was hosted by Grace and Grandville Protestant Reformed Churches at Quaker Haven Camp. Located just over two hours away in northern Indiana, the camp was a perfect fit for the 120 kids and 15 chaperones who attended. A total of twelve different churches were represented: Byron Center, Faith, First […]
At the point that this edition of Beacon Lights arrives in the homes of our subscribers, most young people in the Protestant Reformed Churches will have been sitting under the catechism instruction of their pastor or elders for more than a month. If our readers are honest, that observation probably comes with a (quiet) sigh […]
The 2021 Tennessee young people’s retreat was held August 9 to 13 by Providence, Hudsonville, Unity, and First (Holland) Protestant Reformed Churches. The retreat took place at Eagle Rock Retreat Center in the city of Tallassee. It was about an eleven-hour drive, give or take a bit due to stops for food and restrooms. Though […]