Habits
Lisa Schnedler
They Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes

Each year, I listen to a daily audio Bible podcast—and complete the Bible in one year. This year marks my sixth year through the Bible.

Why don’t I stop?

Every year, I learn new aspects of the Bible because each year, I am in a different place in my life, and the Holy Spirit speaks to me where I am.

The Bible is always fresh! It is always alive!

It is the only book that has a Living Spirit within it.

Each year, when I get to Judges in the Old Testament, I say, “Oh boy!” because I know what is ahead.

They Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes
Lisa Schnedler
What Passover Means to Christians

Passover begins this evening.

It is one of the most significant Jewish Holidays, commemorating when the angels of God “passed over” the Hebrews as the firstborn children and animals of the Egyptians were killed—all because Pharoah would not set the Hebrews free as God commanded.

With this final plague on Egypt, Pharoah agreed to free the Hebrews so they might begin their journey to the promised land.

God instructed the Jews to commemorate the first Passover, when they had marked their houses with blood, alerting the angels to “pass over” their homes.

Christians draw parallels in their faith,

What Passover Means to Christians
New/Renew
Lisa Schnedler
The Days After Easter...

This week, I was listening to a minister on the radio who noted that in the days after His resurrection, Jesus did not appear to Pilate to tell him that he had been wrong in ordering His crucifixion.

Jesus did not appear to the Jewish leaders and chastise them for not believing and demanding His death.

He did not appear to the Roman soldiers who nailed Him on the cross.

Why?

The Days After Easter...
Lisa Schnedler
Holy Week

Today, I was drinking in the beautiful hymns of Psalm Sunday. They are majestic, powerful, and inspirational!

Among my very favorites is All Glory, Laud and Honor. When I close my eyes and listen to the lyrics, I can feel all the emotions I imagine those present at Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The hope. The joy. The expectation.

As Christians, we carry the hope, joy, and expectation at our Lord’s second coming. Feel this excitement. Play this song and sing along. It is a wonderful way to enter into the spirit of Holy Week.

What are some of your favorite Holy Week Hymns/ song?

Holy Week
New/Renew
Lisa Schnedler
An Irish Blessing

My mother is Irish—which makes me Irish as well!

One of my favorite blessings is The Irish Blessing, which is a favorite benediction of my forefathers—and so appropriate for St. Patrick’s Day!

It is a great blessing for everyone—even if you aren’t Irish!

An Irish Blessing

Hymns

Learn the Great Hymns - and Let Them Speak to Your Heart!

Learn the Great Hymns - and Let Them Speak to Your Heart!

I love praise songs and contemporary hymns. I enjoy the beat, the spirit, and the ease with which they can be sung.

But I find it sad that so few churches today incorporate traditional hymns into their worship services.

The traditional hymns were written when there were no computers, television, or radio. It was a time when men and women focused on faith, family, friends, and the work of their hands. They read many books and met regularly in churches, gathering houses, pubs, and each other’s homes to discuss thoughts, ideas, and faith.

The Story Behind "Joy to the World!"

The Story Behind "Joy to the World!"

“Joy to the World” is one of the most beloved carols. But, a review of the history of the song proves that it is actually not a carol. In fact, it isn’t even about Christmas—at least not as its author intended.

Isaac Watts, the author of this hymn, is considered to be the “father of English hymns,” having penned more than 750 hymns.

Isaac Watts was born in 1674, in South Hampton, England. He was raised in a deeply religious family. In fact, Watts earliest memories were of his father’s convictions about religious liberty. His father was jailed twice rather than conform to the Church of England…

The Story Behind "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

The Story Behind "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is one of the oldest existing Christmas carols. It dates back to the 1500s and earlier. This English carol has undergone many changes over the years.

In the 15th Century, church music was typically sung in Latin and was dark and rather somber. Consequentially, most church goers did not like the religious songs of the period. So, the faithful counteracted this tone by singing more uplifting songs in the streets.

O Little Town of Bethlehem - The Story Behind The Song

O Little Town of Bethlehem - The Story Behind The Song

Regarded by many as the greatest preacher America has produced, Phillips Brooks was born in Boston and educated at Harvard. He then prepared for ministry at Episcopal Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia.

Brooks was rector of Holy Trinity in Philadelphia from 1859 through 1869. His parishioners in August of 1865, sent him abroad for a year. His travels took him through Europe and in December to the Holy Land. The itinerary included a horseback ride from Jerusalem to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve.

Give Me That Old Time Religion - Hymns!

Give Me That Old Time Religion - Hymns!

My husband and I have an ongoing debate.

He firmly believes that a church without an organ—preferably a pipe organ—is like a Broadway show without the music. He feels something is missing. And, the drums and guitars don’t make up for this loss. In fact, in his eyes, they only point out what is missing.

While I don’t share his need for a pipe organ, I do believe that there are hymns that all Christians should know. It is part of our heritage. It is a uniting force.