Author Archives: Pete

Not Ashamed

Posted on August 27, 2018 by Pete

Chewing on the last nine verses of Hebrews 2 this morning. Almost too much to take in. Multiple meals here. I could feast on a God, “for whom and by whom all things exist.” Or savor His gracious determination to … Continue reading →

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Not Firm in Faith, Not Firm at All

Posted on August 24, 2018 by Pete

Isaiah’s prophetic word was spoken to a king, but it was recorded for us. While his words had specific context for his day, they have great application beyond his era. Though the circumstance may have been specific, his counsel transcends … Continue reading →

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There Will Be A Canopy

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Pete

Isaiah saw a day when the glory would return to Zion (Isaiah 4:2-6). A day when the Branch, the promised Messiah, would visibly reign, beautiful and glorious. A day when those living in Jerusalem–those enrolled to abide there–are called holy … Continue reading →

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Embracing the Splendor

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Pete

You can’t miss it. The rhythm of repetition pounds through Isaiah 2. “The LORD of hosts has a day,” declares the prophet (2:12a), and on that day there will be terror amidst splendor. Dread before majesty. Run-and-try-to-hide fear before unescapable … Continue reading →

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Nature or Nurture? . . . Or Something Else?

Posted on August 21, 2018 by Pete

Continuing this morning to work my way through Solomon’s Twitter feed . . . aka Proverbs. And Wisdom continues to speak, providing insight concerning the dynamics of human nature, instruction as to skillful living, and indications of how to recognize … Continue reading →

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Rebuke is Just Fuel for the Fire

Posted on August 20, 2018 by Pete

It’s a reminder of the role heat can play in promoting purity. Leave precious metals at room temperature and they can look pretty precious. But apply the right amount of heat and the dross becomes evident. A scum forms on … Continue reading →

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There Is A Refuge

Posted on August 13, 2018 by Pete

We sang about heaven yesterday morning. One of the songs, probably not the most theological in nature, was a real toe tapper. In what is normally a non-clapping church, some were even moved to assume the “clappetory” position and make … Continue reading →

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A Curse-based Oath vs. Grace-based Determination

Posted on August 10, 2018 by Pete

You gotta hand it to Nehemiah & Co. They did it! Despite unrelenting opposition they rebuilt the walls. But perhaps more impressive, after decades of exile in a foreign land they rediscovered the Word. The Law read resulted in hearts … Continue reading →

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Reveal or Conceal?

Posted on August 9, 2018 by Pete

Not everything you know, does everybody else need to know as well. That’s the word for me this morning from Proverbs. A prudent man conceals knowledge,    but the heart of fools proclaims folly. (Proverbs 12:23 ESV) Probably two ways … Continue reading →

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The Word Had Its Way

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Pete

Though rebuilt it was still a shadow of the glory it had been in the day. Sure the walls were in place, the gates re-hung, the temple again marked by the ascending smoke of offerings to the Lord, but it … Continue reading →

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