Author Archives: Pete

Get Them Back

Posted on October 8, 2024 by Pete

If I’m picking up what James is laying down, then we’re part of the process. Just as the Father’s foreknowledge and election are part of the process; just as the Son’s incarnation is part of the process; just as the … Continue reading →

Posted in James | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Jehovah-Tsidkenu

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Pete

Five words. Five words that brings things to a halt. Five words that demand a pause. Words that generate again wonder. Words that evoke again praise. Words that remind again that my righteous standing before a holy, holy, holy God … Continue reading →

Posted in Jeremiah | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Believer Bashing

Posted on October 3, 2024 by Pete

I just finished a book which sought to contend for the faith. But as I’m reading in James this morning, I’m wondering if it also didn’t transgress the law. That the church is not of one mind as to exactly … Continue reading →

Posted in James | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

More Grace (2018 Rerun)

Posted on October 2, 2024 by Pete

If I thought it “a bit disturbing” back in ’18, I might consider it downright unsettling in 2024. We are still quarreling and still fighting. And while the “what’s” of our disagreements may be legitimate and substantive, the “how’s” of … Continue reading →

Posted in James | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Root of the Roots

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Pete

If “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (1Tim. 6:10), this morning I think I may have dug up a couple more. And beyond that, James also puts his finger on what looks to be … Continue reading →

Posted in James | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Underwear?

Posted on September 30, 2024 by Pete

I don’t envy bible translators. Not only are they trying to map ancient languages into readable, modern text, but they are also often trying to connect our modern mindset to ancient images. That works well enough when God’s people are … Continue reading →

Posted in Jeremiah | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Whaddya Want?

Posted on September 27, 2024 by Pete

A well-known passage. A stirring declaration. And in its shadow, a response perhaps unnoticed and a question perhaps rarely marked and answered. So, this morning I hover in the shadow of this great truth, its almost assumed implication, and try … Continue reading →

Posted in John | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Bridled

Posted on September 26, 2024 by Pete

This morning, I’m chewing on a phrase in Jeremiah. A descriptor for sin. A big part of what the prophets do is call out God’s people for their sin. Thus, it’s not surprising that they come up with (or, are … Continue reading →

Posted in Jeremiah | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Asking the Right Questions

Posted on September 25, 2024 by Pete

Hits me as kind of funny (funny weird, not funny ha-ha) for me to be critiquing a man to whom God gave “wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore”, whose “wisdom surpassed … Continue reading →

Posted in Ecclesiastes | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Knowledge Grounded in Heavenly Places

Posted on September 24, 2024 by Pete

I know that many counsel against it. That for those who have studied such things, starting one’s day with one’s phone in hand isn’t recommended. But it’s what I do. Alarm goes off and I head downstairs to make coffee. … Continue reading →

Posted in Colossians | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment