Author Archives: Pete

Right Sacrifice, Right Setting, Real Salvation

Hovering over Psalm 50 this morning. At its essence, the song seems to be a wakeup call for the people of God. People who are faithful in religious ritual to God but far away in real relationship with God. A … Continue reading

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A Pleasing Theme

That it is a Messianic psalm is without question. Hebrews 1:8-9 clearly declares that Psalm 45:6-7 refers to God’s Son, the One by whom God has spoken to us in these last days, the One who is “the radiance of … Continue reading

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The God to Whom I Belong

Reading about Paul’s Mediterranean cruise this morning in Acts 27. I think he should ask for his money back. Poor sailing conditions. Bad decision making. A “tempestuous wind, called the northeaster.” All leading to being so “storm-tossed” that they “jettison … Continue reading

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A Lifeline

David knew about cause and effect. He connected the dots between external circumstance and internal response. Know the ever-present reality of oppression and distress without? Be consumed by darkness and mourning within. Experience unrelenting obstacles day after day? Be prone … Continue reading

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A “Both/And” Thing

It’s a song of depression. Of a “cast down” soul. The seat of human emotions in deep despair as waves of unrelenting trials break over the songwriter. Day and night tears are the psalmist’s food as a voice echoes continually, … Continue reading

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A “Step One” Savior

Don’t know if I’m connecting dots here that should be connected, but let’s run with it. Hovering over Matthew 18:15-20, a “go to” passage when it comes to church discipline. A progressive path towards calling a brother (or sister) to … Continue reading

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Not To Give Offense

The key that unlocks understanding the passage is identifying what the “two-drachma tax” was. It wasn’t a Roman tax collector who came knocking. Nor was it a Jewish tax collector working for Rome. Instead it was a temple tax collector … Continue reading

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The Sinner’s Prayer

Hovering over Psalm 38 this morning. And talk about your desperate, seemingly unbearable situation! Israel’s poet is flat on the mat and not sure he can get up before the ten count. Or, to use a different metaphor, he feels … Continue reading

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Fret Not Yourself

They are like old friends. Verses that I haven’t read for probably a year. But they were implanted within me as a young believer and have been part of me ever since. While our formal interactions may not be frequent, … Continue reading

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“No, LORD!”

I cringe a bit as I type the title for this entry. Is “No, LORD” even a thing? Many times, I have heard teaching that such a response is an oxymoron. “No” and “LORD” just don’t go together. Most often … Continue reading

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