Psalm 136 (Slightly Edited)

Psalm 136 is a song commemorating God's redemptive provision on behalf of the nation of Israel, but interspersed between the lines of the song is the refrain "His love endures forever."  It is as though the love of God is woven together with the story of God's people...

Below are two versions of Psalm 136 (the original version is found here).  One is my own personal creation, and the other is compiled from short phrases of testimony from a group of people in the congregation:


I will give you thanks and praise for you have loved me
   His love endures forever.

You gave me parents who cared for me and corrected me,

who protected me and taught me to be strong
   His love endures forever.

You gave me a brother to love and fight with, to explore and play with
   His love endures forever.

You taught me your love as a small boy,

and buried your words in my heart
   His love endures forever.

In my rebellion you kept watch over me,

when I spurned my family you looked on with sadness
   His love endures forever.

As I tore down my own life with my own hands,

you kept your hand on my heart
   His love endures forever.

You used my own evil deeds to bring me

right to the place you wanted me to be
   His love endures forever.

A place where you could correct me and heal me,

rebuke me and restore me
   His love endures forever.

For you had plans for me that I could never have imagined,

nor chosen for myself
   His love endures forever.

You have given me a family of my own to love as I have been loved
   His love endures forever.

You have given me a life of purpose and hope,

and called me to labor in service to your Kingdom
   His love endures forever.I will give you thanks and praise for you have loved me,
and you do love me
   His love endures forever.

===================

I was kidnapped by sin, a captive--broken, wounded,
and abused; your love rescued my soul,
restores my heart, and re-invents my life story.

   His love endures forever.

Despite my errors, I have always had
the covenant provision of God, never knowing lack.

   His love endures forever.

He rescues me when I do something stupid

   His love endures forever.

I was able to witness life and death
in a way that was presented in mercy and grace
through the loss of my mother.

   His love endures forever.

Despite my constant doubt and shortcomings
God continues to reveal himself to me.

   His love endures forever.

Through my broken-hearted mess,
when my insecurities seem to rule the day…

   His love endures forever.

He gives me songs of joy in the night.

   His love endures forever.

I am in a place where I am flourishing,
surrounded by a community that loves me.

   His love endures forever.

100 Things: Simple Acts of Purpose

1-smile at someone

2-hold a door open for someone

3-tell someone “thank you”

4-tell someone “I love you”

5-tell someone what you like about them

6-let someone else talk first in the conversation

7-hug someone

8-hold someone's hand

9-compliment someone on their outfit

10-take your dog for a walk

11-let someone pet your dog

12-let someone else choose the movie

13-let someone else choose the meal

14-get someone a glass of water

15-pass the salt without being asked

16-let someone else go first in line

17-let someone beat you at a game

18-help cook dinner with your family

19-help clean the house

20-help do the laundry

21-take out the trash

22-dust the television

23-clear the table after the meal

24-do the dishes

25-shovel the sidewalk of snow

26-offer your seat on the bus/train to someone else

27-put your phone away when talking with people

28-help a child tie their shoes

29-keep someone company who is lonely

30-hold someone’s hand when they are sad

31-sit with someone when they are sad

32-forgive someone

33-donate some clothes to Salvation Army

34-donate your spare change to a kids sports team

35-let someone else have the last cookie

36-loan someone your earrings

37-loan someone a sweater

38-say hello to someone new at church

39-make coffee/tea for someone when they are cold

40-invite someone to eat with you

41-invite someone to sit next to you at church

42-introduce someone to your friends and family

43-share a funny video with someone

44-tell someone a joke

45-tell someone “Happy Birthday” on their birthday

46-listen to someone else tell a joke and laugh

47-show someone a picture of somewhere beautiful you’ve been

48-when you see something beautiful, say “thank you, God”

49-make a list of things you are thankful for

50-share the list

51-point out a beautiful sunset to a friend

52-point out beautiful architecture to a friend

53-share a verse from scripture with someone

54-make a list of things you like about someone

55-share that list with them

56-share the list with someone else

57-share your mistakes with others

58-share something personal with someone

59-tell someone the truth when they ask a question

60-apologize to someone you have hurt or upset

61-dance in public

62-tell someone a good thing that happened to you

63-share your successes with others

64-keep a promise

65-help clean the church

66-help with the church BBQs

67-color a coloring book with a kid in church

68-help set up for church on Sunday

69-help someone carry groceries

70-volunteer at the farm

71-cook a meal for someone

72-clean someone else's room

73-organize someone else’s messy closet

74-pick up trash on the street

75-shovel your neighbor’s snow

76-invite people to start a dance team

77-volunteer at the animal shelter

78-help someone move apartments

79-ask someone to tell you their life story

80-share your life story with someone

81-ask someone, “where will you be in 10 years?”

82-share a dream with someone

83-text someone a simple “thank you”

84-ask someone to teach you something you don’t know how to do

85-teach someone something you do know how to do

86-send someone a card

87-tell someone a story

88-let someone help you

89-play someone your favorite song

90-ask someone their favorite song

91-show someone your favorite picture from your childhood

92-write someone a letter

93-write someone a poem

94-invite someone over to watch your favorite movie

95-ask someone their favorite movie

96-walk to the store with someone

97-listen to someone who has something to say

98-pick some wildflowers and give them to someone

99-hide a secret note for someone where they will find it later

100-share this list with someone who thinks they have no purpose in life

A Gentle Posture of Humility

Psalm 137

A painting by Fugel that captures the despair of the Jewish exiles in Babylon; a despair that turns to rage by the end of the 137th Psalm.

Here is a rendition of the first lines of lament from this passage.

Here is a link to another version with voices only.

Coffee Table

Recent sabbath project:

Are We On Mission?

What is Our Mission?