Uplook -January 24, 2026
Happy Saturday,
While working at my desk today I was reminded of several songs because of the wonderful (though cold) sunshine which we have uncharacteristically experienced over the last few weeks. Consider these lyrics.
Sunshine in the Soul - by EE Hewitt 1887
There is sunshine in my soul today, More glorious and bright Than glows in any earthly sky, For Jesus is my light.
Refrain:
O there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine, When the peaceful happy moments roll:
When Jesus shows His smiling face, There is sunshine in the soul.
2 There is music in my soul today, A carol to my King, And Jesus, listening, can hear The songs I cannot sing. [Refrain]
3 There is springtime in my soul today, For when the Lord is near, The dove of peace sings in my heart, The flowers of grace appear. [Refrain]
4 There is gladness in my soul today, And hope and praise and love,For blessings which He gives me now, For joys "laid up" above. [Refrain]
Would to God that we all had the glorious light of Jesus beaming not only into our souls but also reflecting back to others from our souls. I have often mentioned to people here that on sunny days people are just nicer to one another in general. This is always true of the Christian because of the smile of Jesus. Romans 8:1 declares that we are free from the guilt and condemnation which clouded our lives as sinners. Verse 3 speaks of the "dove of peace" singing in our hearts and "flowers of grace" appearing. What an inspiring thought, that God's peace which passes our understanding is within our hearts and His grace springs up even in the coldest and most unlikely places. May we (as encouraged in verses 2 and 4) let our souls be filled music and gladness: A spontaneous response to the light of God's love (no matter the weather around us). While it is not likely that we will experience this physical sunshine a lot more during this season of the year, we can experience God's sunshine in our souls no matter the season or weather. His blessings given now and the hope which we have laid up for us above should carry us through by God's grace.
Sanctuary update: Our sanctuary remodel is nearly complete. Paint was completed a couple weeks ago and new carpet installed last week. Our AV system has been upgraded to include 3 cameras so our live stream for those who are unable to get to service is of a much better quality. This week new pews were delivered and installed and early next week new blinds will be installed on the windows. God has provided and we thank Him for that as well as the many who have come down to help with the work and the transition of chairs, hymnbooks, music stands, etc. for these past few weeks. God bless you all. May we all give God glory for all He has done.
In Christ,
BB
William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
While working at my desk today I was reminded of several songs because of the wonderful (though cold) sunshine which we have uncharacteristically experienced over the last few weeks. Consider these lyrics.
Sunshine in the Soul - by EE Hewitt 1887
There is sunshine in my soul today, More glorious and bright Than glows in any earthly sky, For Jesus is my light.
Refrain:
O there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine, When the peaceful happy moments roll:
When Jesus shows His smiling face, There is sunshine in the soul.
2 There is music in my soul today, A carol to my King, And Jesus, listening, can hear The songs I cannot sing. [Refrain]
3 There is springtime in my soul today, For when the Lord is near, The dove of peace sings in my heart, The flowers of grace appear. [Refrain]
4 There is gladness in my soul today, And hope and praise and love,For blessings which He gives me now, For joys "laid up" above. [Refrain]
Would to God that we all had the glorious light of Jesus beaming not only into our souls but also reflecting back to others from our souls. I have often mentioned to people here that on sunny days people are just nicer to one another in general. This is always true of the Christian because of the smile of Jesus. Romans 8:1 declares that we are free from the guilt and condemnation which clouded our lives as sinners. Verse 3 speaks of the "dove of peace" singing in our hearts and "flowers of grace" appearing. What an inspiring thought, that God's peace which passes our understanding is within our hearts and His grace springs up even in the coldest and most unlikely places. May we (as encouraged in verses 2 and 4) let our souls be filled music and gladness: A spontaneous response to the light of God's love (no matter the weather around us). While it is not likely that we will experience this physical sunshine a lot more during this season of the year, we can experience God's sunshine in our souls no matter the season or weather. His blessings given now and the hope which we have laid up for us above should carry us through by God's grace.
Sanctuary update: Our sanctuary remodel is nearly complete. Paint was completed a couple weeks ago and new carpet installed last week. Our AV system has been upgraded to include 3 cameras so our live stream for those who are unable to get to service is of a much better quality. This week new pews were delivered and installed and early next week new blinds will be installed on the windows. God has provided and we thank Him for that as well as the many who have come down to help with the work and the transition of chairs, hymnbooks, music stands, etc. for these past few weeks. God bless you all. May we all give God glory for all He has done.
In Christ,
BB
William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
Recent
Archive
2025
January
February
March
August
September
October
November
2024
January
February
March
August
November