The Cross Cancels the Curse

Posted on May 6, 2020 by Pete

I start reading Psalm 109 and, at first, it has a messianic ring to it. Messianic like Psalm 22 is messianic, the opening verses (v. 1-5) portraying a suffering servant.

Wicked and deceitful mouths are speaking lies against the songwriter, David. He is encircled with words of hate and attacked without cause. In return for the love he has shown others, he receives only their accusations. His reward for his goodness and love is evil and hatred. Hmmm . . . sounds a bit familiar.

But then . . . not!

Learned a new way to describe a psalm this morning. Imprecatory. While Psalm 22 is a messianic psalm, Psalm 109 is an imprecatory psalm.

Imprecatory. From the word imprecation. Meaning a spoken curse. Familiar with a benediction? An imprecatory psalm is a malediction. Far from a “may the Lord bless you” serene melody, this is a “may God curse you” rage anthem. And, among imprecatory psalms, apparently Psalm 109 is a doozy!

For the next ten verses, David asks the “God of my praise” to let his enemies have it. One guy in particular. And on this one guy, David calls on the Lord to unload upon him.

Appoint a wicked man against him; let an accuser stand at his right hand. When he is tried, let him come forth guilty . . . May his days be few . . . May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow! . . . May the creditor seize all that he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his toil! Let there be none to extend kindness to him . . . May his posterity be cut off; may his name be blotted out in the second generation! May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD, and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out! Let them be before the LORD continually, that He may cut off the memory of them from the earth!

(Psalm 109:6-15 ESV)

Ouch! I wouldn’t wish all that on my worst enemy. Oh wait . . . this guy is David’s worst enemy. But even if he deserves it — and I’m guessing he did — it’s startling to read what the Spirit moves David to conclude as the reasonable wages for his sin. As the just retribution for his rebellion.

But as I’m reading this, the Spirit brings these words to mind:

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

(Luke 23:34a ESV)

Now that’s messianic. That’s the voice of the Messiah.

Oh, praise God for those words! Intercession in place of imprecation.

They silence the sentencing worthy of my sin. They nail to the cross the curse I deserve. They erase the just judgment due those who, at one time, aligned themselves against God’s Holy Servant.

The finished work of the cross cancels the curse. What glorious truth!

Such amazing grace!

To God be the glory!

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For the Sake of God’s Glory

Posted on May 5, 2020 by Pete

Connecting a couple of dots this morning from my readings. Somewhat in awe of Paul’s all-out commitment to the Corinthians. Why did he care about them so much? But then wondering, if at its core, it isn’t the same dynamic found in Psalm 108 where God seems to have ordained that His people’s good and His own glory would be inextricably linked together.

Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?

(2Corinthians 12:14-15 ESV)

Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me . . . but ready to go again for a third time? Hasn’t Paul done enough already? Multiple letters, multiple visits. The roller-coaster ride of two steps forward, one step back. And now, they’re listening to self-acclaimed super-apostles who slander not only Paul’s counsel, but his character, and even countenance, as well. I don’t know. At some point, wouldn’t you say, “I’m done?” Evidently not.

I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls.

Paul is ready to contend for the Corinthians to the point of exhaustion. He is ready to empty himself if it means they would be filled again. He is ready to drain his tank if, by God’s enabling, it would fuel their fire.

He makes it clear. It wasn’t about defending himself, but about building them up (12:19). Not about answering the accusations and restoring his reputation, but about reminding them of Christ and wanting them to walk in a manner worthy of their calling.

How come? Why was Paul ready to “be spent” for their souls? Why care so much about their walk?

Something in Psalm 108 provides at least a partial answer, reminding me that what is ultimately at stake is God’s glory.

In Psalm 108, David opens with praise due God’s name (v. 1-4) but at it’s essence it is a plea for God’s help (v. 6-13). The enemy had gotten the upper hand and all their best efforts at saving themselves had failed (v. 12). Though they clung to the promises of God (v. 7-9), the presence of God seemed absent (v. 11). Yet David remains confident that with God they would do valiantly. For it was God, ultimately, who would show Himself mighty and “tread down” their foes (v. 13).

And in the middle of David’s song, linking the praise and the plea, there’s a clue, I think, as to why Paul so cared about the Corinthians.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let Your glory be over all the earth! That Your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer me!

(Psalm 108:5-6 ESV)

God had tied His exaltation above the heavens to the deliverance of His beloved ones on the earth. The Sovereign had determined to wire His glory overall the earth to the salvation made known by His right hand. God had purposed to tie together the wonder at His name with the walk of His people. David knew that’s how it was to work in ancient Israel. Paul knew that’s how it would also work with Christ’s blood-bought people.

To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

(Ephesians 3:8-10 ESV)

The exaltation of God, His glory known over all the earth — that’s what David saw as really being at stake with the battle against his enemies.

The manifold wisdom of God, the testimony to those on the earth, and those above the earth, of God’s multi-faceted nature and power — that’s what Paul knew was at stake with the Corinthians fidelity to Christ and to the gospel. And so, Paul was ready to be spent in contending for them for the sake of God’s glory.

Christ’s bride is worth the effort.

Because of God’s grace. That she might bring God glory.

Amen?

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Thrive Through Thanksgiving

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Pete

A couple of weeks ago I encountered a psalm that I thought was particularly suited for this season. A song helpful when it came to sheltering in place as it invited me to also shelter in the shadow of the Almighty. This morning I’m hovering over another song that looks particularly suited for this continuing time of quarantine. But not just because it helps me cope with “Stay at Home” directives which have been extended again, but because it actually provides perspective on how to thrive in this crazy, socially distanced way of life. Seems to me, if I’m picking up what the songwriter is laying down, we can thrive through thanksgiving.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.

(Psalm 107:1-3 ESV)

The redeemed of the LORD . . . love that term! Only used twice in my Bible. Those who have been ransomed. Those who have been bought out of bondage with the price paid in full. If anybody has a story to tell, and thanksgiving to give, it’s the redeemed of the LORD. The ransomed of Jehovah!

And that’s what Psalm 107 is, a bunch of stories.

Some of these redeemed were rescued from wondering aimlessly in the desert (107:4-9). So hungry and thirsty for real bread to eat, and living water to drink, that their souls fainted within them. Unable to find any place to land, they eventually cried out to the LORD. And He delivered them. Led them in the way. Brought them to a place where they could settle down. And so, says the songwriter,

Let them thank the LORD for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of man!

(Psalm 107:8 ESV)

And that’s just the first story. It’s followed by the story of those who were prisoners of darkness because they had rebelled against the words of God (107:10-16). In bondage, chained with irons, but determined to go their own way, they were bowed to the ground by the Most High. And with noses to the ground and none to help, they too cried to the LORD. And He delivered them also. Brought them out of darkness. Burst their bonds apart. And they too are encouraged by the songwriter to thank the LORD for His steadfast love and for His wondrous works to the children of men.

Then there’s the story of the fool determined to follow the way of his sinful nature (107:17-22). And eventually the way that seemed so right in his own eyes led him to staring death in the face (Prov. 14:12). And guess what? In his story he too cries out to the LORD in his trouble. And God delivers him, as well, from his distress. And how come? Because of the LORD’s steadfast love and His wondrous works to the children of man. So what to do? Let them thank the LORD!

And then there’s the story of those just going about their daily business (107:23-31). Commuting to work like they’ve always done. Filling their schedules with the sort of things people are wont to fill their schedules with, they were busy . . . really busy . . . just doing life. Sure, out of their peripheral vision “they saw the deeds of the LORD”, but they were too busy, really, to respond. So, God “commanded and raised the stormy wind.” The going got tough. And the tough stuff just kept on going and going. And it got to the point where they “were at their wits’ end.” You know what they did? You guessed it, they cried out to the LORD. And He delivered them. He made the storm be still. He brought them to their desired haven. So whaddya do?

Let them thank the LORD for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of man! Let them extol Him in the congregation of the people, and praise Him in the assembly of the elders.

(Psalm 107:31-32 ESV)

The redeemed of the LORD. We’ve all got our story of redemption. Everyone, a tale to tell of God’s deliverance by His steadfast love in our past, able to evoke songs of praise and thanksgiving in our present. Even if there’s no congregation of the people to join us in our thanksgiving at this current time.

The Redeemer of yesterday’s story, the same redeemer today and forever (Heb. 13:8).

We can noodle on the past, and be empowered for the present.

Even as we shelter in place, we can thrive through thanksgiving.

Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.

(Psalm 107:43 ESV)

By His grace. For His glory.

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Stay Awake

Posted on May 1, 2020 by Pete

It’s a mystery. How God the Son, who is one with God the Father, doesn’t know something the Father knows. How God the Son, who is fully God, and thus is omniscient, is all knowing except for one thing. How God the Son, who one day will come “in clouds with great power and glory” (Mk.13:26), doesn’t know what day that will be. Honestly, I don’t really get it. But then again, if this mortal, earthbound mind could fully comprehend how the Triune God is wired and functions as Three-In-One, He’d probably be more a God of my making than the God who made me. So, for now, by faith, I’ll marvel that the Son doesn’t know when the day of His return will be.

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake — for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning — lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” ~ Jesus

(Mark 13:32-37 ESV)

The Son may not know that day or that hour, but if repetition is the megaphone of God’s word (and I think it is), the Son knows what His followers need to hear. “Keep awake . . . stay awake . . . and what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” Don’t fully get the Trinity, but I think I’m picking up what Jesus is laying down here.

Be watchful. Be vigilant. Give strict attention to. “Take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake you” (Online Bible Greek Lexicon). Make sure your head’s in the game.

It’s a command, not a suggestion. It’s in the active voice, something that Jesus’ disciples are expected to be doing not thinking about doing. It’s present tense, for the here and now. Not something to put off until a more convenient day or when I find a bit more time to schedule it in.

Heads up! Jesus says in effect. I’m coming. In power and glory. At any time, though I don’t know exactly when. It might be in the evening. Could be at midnight. Maybe one morning when you’re just starting to rub the sleep outta your eyes. But know this, I am coming and I don’t want you snoozing when I do. And that, for your good, and for My glory.

Yup, lot of stuff about the Godhead I may not get. But this ain’t one of them. Jesus is coming again.

Jesus Is Coming Again

Marvelous message we bring
Glorious carol we sing
Wonderful word of the King
Jesus is coming again

Forest and flower exclaim
Mountain and meadow the same
All earth and heaven proclaim
Jesus is coming again

Standing before Him at last
Trial and trouble all past
Crowns at His feet we will cast
Jesus is coming again

Coming again, coming again
Maybe morning maybe noon
Maybe evening and maybe soon
Coming again, coming again
Oh what a wonderful day it will be
Jesus is coming again

John W. Peterson © 1957. Renewed 1985 John W. Peterson Music Company

Yes He is! Stay awake.

By His grace for His glory.

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Paul’s Anxiety

Posted on April 30, 2020 by Pete

Busted! Found out! Tripped up by his own words. If CNN were around then they’d be playing the sound bite over and over again. And, at the bottom of the screen the ticker tape banner would scroll from right to left:

. . . Apostle Paul, who said, “Be anxious for nothing,” admits he suffers from daily anxiety . . .

Scandalous!

Meditating on 2Corinthians 11 this morning. Particularly the section where Paul allows himself to be drawn into comparing himself with those who were messing with the church at Corinth as self-acclaimed “super-apostles” (v. 5). And in his boasting, Paul not only matches his credentials against their proclaimed pedigrees (v.21b-22), but also presents “far greater labors” (v.23) he’s endured for the sake of the gospel.

More imprisonments. Countless beatings. Dangerous missionary journeys. Hardship, insomnia, hunger, and thirst. Paul lays out the list (v.23-27). And then caps it off with the “CNN sound bite.”

And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.

(2Corinthians 11:28 ESV)

Paul, who exhorted the church at Philippi to be anxious for nothing but to always pray (Php. 4:6), now tells the church at Corinth that he is constantly anxious and feels the pressure every day. And that the weight of these cares was comparable to all the other things he had suffered as a steward of the gospel. Worthy of the list of Paul’s “greater labors” was the constant, internal “crowding upon me” concern for all the churches God had established through Paul’s ministry.

So what drives the guy who knows we should be anxious for nothing to experience daily anxiety?

For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

(2Corinthians 11:2-3 ESV)

Paul was concerned that the church of Corinth would be “led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” So, if this was worthy of Paul breaking his “no anxiety” rule, how much should we also care about this ourselves?

A sincere and pure devotion to Jesus. Free from pretense and hypocrisy. Singularly focused. Open, honest. Not self-seeking. Wholly desiring Him who “loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to Himself in splendor” (Eph. 5:25b-27a). It’s worth caring about, says Paul. Worth caring about a lot!

Often, the conversation had with those I’ve been staying connected with over these past weeks of self-isolation has been about the opportunity for the church to come through this pandemic different than when she entered it. And that, even as we anticipate the economic aftershocks to come and the marathon before us, through it God would continue His work of preparing a pure bride for His Son.

A good thing to be anxious about? Apparently.

A good thing to be praying about? Definitely.

By His grace. For His glory.

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The Weapons of our Warfare

Posted on April 29, 2020 by Pete

Got one of those 911 type of calls from a friend last night. Potential for some stormy weather on the homefront. Earlier in the day a fuse had been lit and, knowing himself, he didn’t want to throw any gas on even such a small fire. “Talk me down,” he asked. So we talked.

And as we talked, we talked about our enemy. Not that we want to see the devil behind every disturbance, but also not wanting to be “outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs” (2Cor. 2:11). And recognizing “his designs” isn’t all that hard sometimes, for our foe isn’t particularly creative in his approach. After all, he’s called “the accuser” for a reason (Rev. 12:10).

And a couple of verses in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians hit me this morning as an “Amen!” to last night’s brief conversation.

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

(2Corinthians 10:3-4 ESV)

The weapons of our warfare. That’s what I’m chewing on this morning.

A reminder that while the skirmishes may ebb and flow, there is always a battle going on. Even when times are good and the pressure is off, every morning I awake and the old nature within me is ready to butt heads with the Spirit within me (Gal. 5:17). Apart from any external influences, apart from any supernatural interference, there is always an internal struggle.

But the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh.

Then throw into the mix an adversary who “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1Pet. 5:8), and the potential for some pretty serious flare ups shouldn’t be surprising. Add to the mix a lying destroyer (Jn. 8:44), often masquerading as an angel of light (2Cor. 11:14), who loves to chirp untruths and misquoted scriptures into our ear (Matt. 4:1-11), and the battle can get pretty intense pretty quick.

But the weapons of our warfare have divine power to destroy strongholds.

Sometimes it’s a cage match and often we’re not even aware of when we entered the cage. An MMA fight (Mixed Metaphysical Attacks) and we haven’t even changed out of our street clothes yet.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

(Ephesians 6:12 ESV)

But we refuse to wage wage according to the flesh.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

(Ephesians 6:11 ESV)

The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, they are the armor of God. The belt of His truth. The breastplate of the righteousness credited to our account. Shoes able to endure for however long we must tread the battlefield as they endure through the gospel of peace. The shield of faith able to deflect anything and everything thrown our way. The helmet of salvation protecting our mind, confident that the work God has begun in us He will complete in us. Along with the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, able to pierce through all our enemy’s lies. And praying in the Spirit providing the air cover needed and sufficient for every battle, great or small. (Eph. 6:13-18)

And so, last night, we talked a bit. We prayed a bit. And we entered our different battles with the weapons of our warfare.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Distressed, In Debt, Discontent, Oh My!

Posted on April 28, 2020 by Pete

He was the man who would be king but, for now, was a fugitive. The man who had been promised the throne, but who now set up court in a cave. And from there he would build his army.

We know David is a type, a picture, of the Son of David, Jesus the Christ. We know that the promise made to David, of a forever throne to be forever inhabited (2Sam. 7), points to Him born of the line of David who, one day, will be confessed by all to be King of kings and Lord of lords. But what was hard to grasp for all those who awaited the promise of a kingdom come, was that before the throne there must be a cave. Before the glory, humility. Before ruling in sovereignty, experiencing suffering. Before wearing the crown, enduring the way of the cross.

And what grabs me this morning is the army that David built. The material out of which he would form his “mighty men” (2Sam. 23:8).

David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men.

(1Samuel 22:1-2 ESV)

Those in distress. Those in debt. Those bitter in soul, or as the other translations render it, discontent. Those were the ones who gathered to David.

In distress. In dire straits. Trapped in a narrow place. Oppressed with no seeming way of escape. In bondage with no hope of breaking loose of their chains on their own. Desperate, they flee to the cave and to the man who would be king.

In debt. Owing a price they could never pay. Their creditors ready to extract usury at an exorbitant rate. Extortioners who effectively demand their lives in order to service their debt. Without means, they flee to the cave.

Discontent. Bitter in soul. Exasperated under the tyranny of an unjust ruler. Trapped in a no-win situation. Waking every morning to inner turmoil, turning out the lights at night with no hope in sight. Looking for rest, they flee to the cave.

Distressed, in debt, discontent. Oh my!

Those where the types of people who found solace in a cave under the leadership of a man who would be king, but who looked anything but a king.

And he became commander over them.

So, if David is a type of Jesus, then are those who fled to David reflective of those who flee to Jesus? I’m thinking.

I am the distressed, in debt, and discontent who goes to Jesus “outside the camp” to “bear the reproach He endured” (Heb. 13:12-13).

Distressed. In dire straits, cornered by sin. Desiring to do what is right but without the power to carry it out (Romans 7:18).

In debt. Unable to atone for the guilt. Unable to service the usury of shame demanded. No way of redemption in myself. Needing another to deal with the wages of my sin.

Discontent. A soul designed to bear the image of its Creator but without the ability to do so. Eternity wired into my heart but powerless to procure it. Always off balance. A thirst beyond satisfying with anything on earth.

But when I found the cave . . .

When, by God’s grace, I believed in the One who would be King and found refuge in the shadow of His cross . . .

Then, like that rag tag bunch of David’s day, this member of the distressed, in debt, and discontented was received into the ranks of a glorious band, to be made into a great army, known forever as His mighty men and women.

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

(1John 5:4-5 ESV)

Praise God for the King who invites us to Himself in the cave.

By His grace. For His glory.

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God’s Dealing with Us

Posted on April 27, 2020 by Pete

Hovering over Psalm 103 this morning. A familiar friend. A welcome reminder. A catalyst for worship.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.

(Psalm 103:1-2 ESV)

Who the LORD is (His holy name), and how He has dealt with with us (all His benefits), are inextricably linked and, when pondered, prime the pump of praise. The living water of the Spirit deep within pours forth from the heart as a river of humble appreciation, adoration, and acclamation (Jn. 7:38-39).

For, while He is the God whose throne is established in the heavens and whose kingdom rules forever over all (v. 19), and while we are but dust whose days are as fleeting as a flower which flourishes but for a short time (v. 14-16), the steadfast love of the LORD in heaven is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear Him (v.17). So, how do you love forever those which are fleeting? By providing a way for them to live forever too! Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Thus, the LORD who works righteousness and is compelled by justice (v. 6), not only makes a way for the unrighteous to justly stand before Him, but also to eternally, and effectively thrive through Him. He forgives all our sin, heals all our heart-born disease, redeems our lives from the pit, crowns us with unfailing love and mercy, and satisfies us with His own goodness so that daily we are renewed with supernatural renewal (v. 3-5).

And how is all this possible?

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.

(Psalm 103:10-12 ESV)

He does not deal with us according to our sins. That’s what I’m chewing on this morning. That’s what I’m thankful for this morning. Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Instead, He deals with us according to His steadfast love. His great and unfailing, unfaltering love. The love with which God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son (Jn 3:16). So grateful this morning for the cross. Bless the LORD, O my soul!

And what comes to mind is Paul’s desire that God’s people would be “rooted and grounded” in that great love. Able to comprehend the love of Christ which is incomprehensible. Being able to lay hold of its “breadth and length and height and depth” (Eph. 3:17-19). Seems Psalm 103 helps give some definition to those dimensions.

The steadfast love of the LORD is as high as His throne in the heavens above. It is as deep as the corrupted, frail flesh of every man, woman, and child on earth below. Its breadth from everlasting to everlasting. And its length as far as the east is from the west.

He does not deal us according to our sins because of the length to which His love has removed our sins from us — as far as the east is from the west. And, unlike heading north will eventually become heading south, the east never meets up with west. Our sins, having been forgiven through the finished work of cross; our transgressions, having been atoned for by the shed blood of the Lamb; are put away. All of them — past, present, and future — put away forever. Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Forget not all His benefits.

Because of grace. For His glory.

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The Way and The Walk

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Pete

Spurgeon sees it as the sort of song a “man after God’s own heart would compose when he was about to become king in Israel.” A psalm written in that time between his anointing for the throne and his ascension to the throne. So, in a sense, it’s a song sung in the green room before going on stage. A self-administered, melodic pep talk in the locker room before entering the big game. A prayer prayed in the back room before taking the pulpit.

The newly anointed king is ready. He’s lived under the failings of the old king. Seen what not to do. Experienced the bad decisions that come from a self-serving approach to governing. Witnessed the consequences of not obeying the voice of the Lord. And so, as much as lies in himself, David aspires to be different.

Ten times in these eight short verses the man who would be king declares, “I will.” Purposing to pursue that which is righteous and just, and to put down that which is unrighteous and wicked. And what catches my eye this morning, in particular, are two I will’s at the center of his holy determination.

I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will You come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house.

(Psalm 101:2 ESV)

While David waited for the kingdom, while we waited for God to come to him, he would give attention to the way and he would act accordingly from the heart. This morning I’m chewing on the connection between the way and the walk.

David, according to the ESV, pondered the way which, before God, would be blameless. Other translations say he paid attention to it (CSB); gave heed to it (NASB); behaved wisely concerning it (NKJV); lived carefully according to it (NIV).

While in the wings, sort of speak, David did his homework. Becoming increasingly familiar with the ways of His God, the One who had set him apart for the throne. Regularly feeding on the word of God. Intentionally seeking counsel as to the wisdom of God. Getting his head in the game. His focus on the prize. Pondering the way that is blameless.

And where there is laser focus on the way, there’s the opportunity for it to translate into a wholeheartedness when it comes to the walk.

David longed to walk with integrity of heart. And that would start “within his house.” His family witnessing it long before his subjects would. How he would behave in public would first be modeled in the confines of his home. Because he had focused on the way, his heart would be aligned to the way. And because his heart was aligned to the way, his walk, whether private or public, would reflect the way.

And so, because I can’t help but put almost everything I read through a quarantined filter, I wonder if we shouldn’t view this time in our homes as sort of being in our own locker rooms before we’re called back again into our own games. Our own green rooms before taking again the stage. A time and place where many distractions have been removed and we’ve got the time to ponder the way that is blameless. And confess how insufficient we are in our own strength concerning that way. But reminded afresh that Jesus died for our insufficiency and rose again so that we might know His power.

And having pondered the way, it’s going to impact the walk. A heart saturated with the way, is a heart that is going to direct the walk. Whether that walk is just me in the presence of my God, or me before my family, or me when I’m again rubbing shoulders with those who, for now, are socially distanced.

Integrity of heart. Isn’t that what we want fueling our motivations, setting our priorities, determining our actions? I”m thinking . . .

So, is it as simple as focusing on the way in order to impact our walk? Maybe. Maybe not. But you gotta think it’s a good start while we’re waiting to once again get in the game.

By His grace. For His glory.

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For We Know

Posted on April 23, 2020 by Pete

For many of us, uncertainty adds points to the stress chart. Oh, we know that no day dawns with any guarantees, but we’re most comfortable when this dawn breaks with expectations that the day ahead of us will be much like the day past. A day that, Lord willing, our desired rhythms will repeat, our managed schedules will schedule, and our preferred plans will play out. We know we’re not in control, but we’re most at peace when God’s will syncs up with our ways.

In this current season, though today’s probably going to look at lot like yesterday, our patterns have been forced upon us and our plans are confined to a much narrower set of options. What’s more, we don’t know how long it will be before “normal patterns” will return. Even more what’s more, there looms the unknown of some form of economic tsunami ahead of us even after this current virus tsunami is past us. So, uncertainty about tomorrow becomes increasingly the certainty of today.

Kind of a powerful reminder that we really are not, and never have been, in control.

And so, the Scriptures bring much comfort and encouragement this morning as, in the midst of all this uncertainty, they remind me of what is certain.

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened — not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage.

(2Corinthians 5:1-6a ESV)

For we know . . .

That’s where I need to focus. Away from all that which is uncertain and towards that which is certain. Not stressing on what I don’t know but chewing on what I do know.

We know that right now we’re only tenting here on earth and that God has a house ready for us “eternal in the heavens.” That this is the journey not the destination. That we’re just passing through on our way to a promised place.

We know that while now we groan and are burdened with the effects of mortality, that one day “what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.” Think we were living the “good life” before COVID-19? We ain’t seen nothing yet! We know that Jesus came to give us life and life to the full. That whatever we might think is the good life here is but a small sampling of life in His presence.

And we know that God is preparing us today for a glorious tomorrow because of the “deposit” He has left us with. His guarantee for our future, the Spirit inside us. Chew on that in a time of such uncertainty. We have a guarantee! A down payment from One who is able to payout in full. A pledge from One whose promises never fail. Who doesn’t want a guarantee? Who doesn’t want something they can count on? Especially when everything else is so uncertain.

Uncertainty abounds, but this we know.

“So,” Paul writes, “we are always of good courage.”

Always confident in our future. Sure amidst the uncertainty. At peace not because our plans play out but because His promises are sure.

For we know . . .

By His grace. For His glory.

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