A Response, Not a Religion

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Pete

On vacation and with no schedule . . . so doing double readings in my daily plan fit pretty well. As a result it creates a little bit of a different dynamic as I work my way through Psalm 119. Rather than reading single 8-verse stanzas each day, now I’m combining two. And this morning the 16 verses I read caught my attention because of their “bookends.”

Deal bountifully with Your servant,
that I may live and keep Your word.
. . .
I will run in the way of Your commandments
when You enlarge My heart!

(Psalm 119:17, 32 ESV)

I have a friend who often reminds those around him that Christianity isn’t a religion, it’s a relationship. True enough. But this morning I’m reminded that it’s also a response.

Religion would rewrite the songwriters opening line, “I live and keep Your word, Lord, so deal bountifully with Your servant.” I perform, You reward. I obey, so You owe. I’ll try to be good for You, in hope that You’ll pour out some of Your goodness on me.

But this morning these bookends remind me that a master owes his servant nothing. Nor are we as the Master’s servants capable of stepping it up apart from His help.

Thus our plea, “Deal bountifully!” No legal claim hear, only an appeal to unmerited favor. As Spurgeon says, “Let my wage be according to Thy goodness, and not according to my merit. Reward me according to the largeness of Thy liberality, and not according to the scantiness of my service.”

Don’t hold back, Lord, on Your benefits. The blessings with which we have been blessed in Christ in the heavenly places (Eph 1:3), let them be poured out afresh! Not because of who we are, but only because of who You are.

Enlarge my heart! Make room for Yourself amidst the clutter of self that tends to build up. Open wide to Yourself what has a tendency toward being ensnared by the world. Claim again as Your own what is often distracted with idols. Make broad the inner man–the mind, the heart, my soul, my strength–to receive Your word.

And then, in response, I will seek to walk in a manner worthy of Your calling (Eph. 4:1). I will desire to keep Your word as You enable me. And I will run the race as You empower me.

Though, within the bookends, I may know scorn and contempt (119:22), though my soul, at times, clings to the dust and melts away for sorrow (119:25, 28), when You deal with me according to Your steadfast love, then my soul will return to its rest and my lips will sing again of Your praise.

Oh, the burden of religion. The weight of having to gut it out before the Almighty in some disillusioned, desperate hope that, if we can do enough, then He will make known to us His presence.

But when His presence is first known, when His Spirit testifies again to our spirit of the promise, then, instead of the burden of religion, there is the blessedness of response. Of loving Him because He first loved us. Of keeping His word through the abundance of His grace. Of running the race because He has made ready our heart and straight our path.

Response . . . not religion. Is that the way of life and life to the full? I’m thinkin’ . . .

Also thinking I might like doing double portions in Psalm 119 over the next few days.

All by His grace. All for His glory!

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The Gospel Covers the Gap

Posted on May 23, 2017 by Pete

Travel day today. Made my way to a bit of paradise today to mark our 36th anniversary, remember the past 35, and take advantage of some extended quiet time (can Maui be considered one’s prayer closet? . . . hoping so).

Anyway, did my reading in the airport this morning before the plane took off and have had something running through my head from 1Kings throughout the day. And as I’ve been chewing on it throughout the day, I’m thanking God that the gospel covers the gap.

Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt. He took Pharaohs daughter and brought her into the city of David until he had finished building his own house and the house of the LORD and the wall around Jerusalem. . . . Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places.

(1Kings 3:1, 3 ESV)

Bible says: Solomon made a marriage alliance with Egypt, AND Solomon loved the LORD. Pete hears: Solomon longed to be a friend of God but was unequally yoked with the world.

ESV translates it: Solomon walked in the statutes of David, BUT also sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. Pete’s paraphrase: Solomon obeyed the law and he still ate at the table of demons.

Okay, so this is Solomon. Chosen by God through promise. Visited by God in a dream. Approved by God for asking for wisdom. Blessed by God with a discerning mind like no one else ever. Abundantly graced by God with riches and honor so that no other king could come close to him. And this is Solomon, in bed with Egypt (literally) and worshiping at the high places.

Follows the LORD yet sacrifices to other deities. Can anyone say, “Inconsistent?” Loves the LORD and loves the world. Does that sound like an oxymoron? I’m thinkin’ . . .

There’s a gap here. Solomon’s only firing on six cylinders. His elevator’s not going to the top floor. He’s straddling the fence. Playing both sides of the field. My instinct is to judge him. My gut reaction is to criticize him (maybe because I’ve read ahead and know how his story ends).

But the bottom line is that even while Solomon loved the LORD during the day and went home to an Egyptian wife at night, even while he was faithful to the law as his father David had been . . . except for the times when he wasn’t, even then God blessed this man who sought the LORD–though imperfectly. And God used this man to manifest His glory in and through His people.

Because, although with Solomon there may have been a gap, with God there has always been the gospel. Although Solomon’s flesh may have failed from time to time, God’s faithfulness never wavers.

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)

. . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith. This was to show Gods righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins.

(Romans 3:23-25 ESV)

Divine forbearance. God knew what would be accomplished on the cross and, in His grace, applied Christ’s finished work as the covering for the inconsistencies in Solomon’s behavior. The blood of Christ was sufficient to cover the sins of those who, centuries earlier, by faith sought to follow the LORD.

The gospel covered the gap.

It did for Solomon then, it does for me now.

Not that I presume upon it. Not that it leaves me with license to court the world or permission to dine with demons, but, when I falter, when I fail, when I am tripped up by the flesh, when I’m living my own set of inconsistencies, there is an atoning sacrifice, once paid, which is sufficient to pay for my transgression and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness.

My gaps are covered by His gospel.

Such is grace. To Him be all the glory.

Amen?

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In Due Season

Posted on May 19, 2017 by Pete

Ask me about the law of the harvest and I’m pretty quick to respond, “You reap what you sow” (Gal. 6:7). Not going to get carrots from flower seed. Don’t count on cherries if all you’ve planted in the orchard are peach trees. And, in the spiritual realm, don’t count on heavenly treasures if you’re only about investing in earthly pursuits and pleasures, for “the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life” (Gal. 6:8).

So I get the “type” thing. The type of things harvested are dependent on the type of things sown. You reap in kind.

But as I read Galatians 6 what hits me this morning is also the reminder about the “time” thing.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

(Galatians 6:9 ESV)

The harvest is not immediate. The reward comes “in due season.” Or as other translations put it, “in due time”, “at the proper time”, or at “just the right time.”

You sow now to reap later. You put in the effort today with an expectation for tomorrow. You invest in the here and now because you believe in a there and then.

And, as long as the work now doesn’t seem overwhelming, waiting for the fruit of our labor then is pretty doable.

But what happens when the sowing gets super hard? When the toil feels like so much trouble? When what’s required to get through today obscures the hope for tomorrow? It’s then, I’m thinking, you need to bring every thought into captivity and remember that there will be a “just the right time.” That there will be fruit from today’s faithfulness in due season.

Makes no sense to get up in the morning and till the hard ground without the anticipation of it bearing much fruit at some point. Working through what seems like never-ending weeds only becomes worth if it if, in due time, the fields are ripe for harvest. We get out of bed and take on the uncertainties of the day only because we know who holds tomorrow.

In due season . . . it’s the sustaining, inviting, and invigorating hope of all who believe.

So let us not grow weary. Let’s not give up. Let’s press on.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

(1Corinthians 15:57-58 ESV)

By His grace. For His glory.

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Just Say It

Posted on May 18, 2017 by Pete

It was a promise we made to each other when we were first married and, for the most part, a promise we kept throughout 35+ years of marriage. We said we would not turn out the lights at night without saying, “I love you” to each other. And, for more nights than not, we did. For the vast majority of those nights, it was easy to do. For some of those nights, especially those that were at the end of an exhausting day, it likely was more out of habit than as a fresh expression (but hey, as a friend’s mom once told him about the habit of going to church, “At least it will be a good habit”). And, on some nights, it’s what we needed to reset the day, to repent and ask for forgiveness for some tension between us.

Not sure it was THE secret to a happy marriage, but it was one of them.

Came to mind as I read Psalm 116 this morning.

I love the LORD, because He has heard
   my voice and my pleas for mercy.
Because He inclined His ear to me,
   therefore I will call on Him as long as I live.

(Psalm 116:1-2 ESV)

I love the Lord. You’ll only find that four word phrase here. You’d think you’d find it more often throughout Scripture, but you don’t. That simple expression of fact and feeling is found but once in all the Bible. Oh sure, we are often exhorted in the Bible to love the Lord, but how often do we articulate it? When’s the last time we spoke out loud, “I love the Lord?”

We might thank the Lord, bless the Lord, and worship the Lord. But when’s the last time we told someone, “I love the Lord?” When’s the last time we took a break from our list of people to pray for, and from the many petitions to lift up, just to say to Jesus, “Lord, I love You?”

Or, are we like that proverbial guy who responded to his wife’s complaint that he hadn’t stated his affection for her in a long time by saying, “I told you I loved you when we got married . . . and if anything changes, I’ll let you know.” Ouch!

I love the Lord. Can’t help but think that if those four words were part of our regular vocabulary it would make a difference in our relationship with the risen Christ. That, to be more purposeful in declaring to Him our affection for Him, would only enhance abiding in Him.

I love the Lord as I look again to the cross, the source of my salvation. I love the Lord as I sit at His feet and listen as I open His word, the place of my sanctification.

I love the Lord when I head out to face the day, for He has promised never to leave me nor forsake me.

I love the Lord when times are good. I love the Lord when times aren’t so good. I love the Lord when the way seems clear, and still love the Lord when I’m confused.

I love the Lord when He’s heard my voice and my pleas and answered as I asked Him to. I love the Lord when He hears and His answer is different than what I desired.

I love the Lord, because He first loved me.

I love the Lord. Say it. Say it often. Say it if only out of habit. Say it ideally from the heart.

Just say it.

Because of grace. For His glory.

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Run!

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Pete

He was a runner. And runners run.

Not that he ran for sport or for competition, but that he ran in support of, and in service to, his king. When David had been forced to flee Absalom, it was he who was sent to tell David to keep on going as the armies of Israel would soon be assembled against David and his men (2Sam. 15:36, 2Sam. 17:17-21). When those loyal to David went out to do battle with Absalom, he was there as well–though the son of a priest, he didn’t shy away from the front lines. And when the army of David had won the battle and David’s treacherous son had been slain in war, it was he who wanted to carry the good news of victory back to the king. After all, Ahimaaz was a runner . . . and runners run.

Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Let me run and carry news to the king that the LORD has delivered him from the hand of his enemies.” And Joab said to him, “You are not to carry news today. You may carry news another day, but today you shall carry no news, because the kings son is dead.” Then Joab said to the Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed before Joab, and ran. Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, “Come what may, let me also run after the Cushite.” And Joab said, “Why will you run, my son, seeing that you will have no reward for the news?” “Come what may,” he said, “I will run.” So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran the Cushite.

(2Samuel 18:19-23 ESV)

“Come what may,” he said, “I will run.”

Sure, there was risk in bearing the news to the king of the death of his son. Who knew how David would react in his grief over such news. “Don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger” doesn’t necessarily play before a father reacting to the loss of his son–even if it were his no-good son. And certainly, there’d be no reward. Though the rebellion had been quashed, the news of the loss of Absalom would quench any dancing in the ranks. The thrill of the army’s victory would be offset by the agony of the king’s personal loss. But come what may, risk or lack of reward, Ahimaaz would run. ‘Cause runners run.

And as I hover over this servant’s single-minded focus to do what he had to do, I can’t help but think again on the importance of operating from a sense of calling. Can’t help but consider the difference it makes when what we do is less from our strengths and preferences and more from a sense of what God has called us to steward and the role He has asked us to play. Whether that role is as a husband, a father, or an employee. Or, the task is serving my church or ensuring my employer gets a good days work for a good days wages.

When I run because I believe I’m called to run, it makes all the difference. Come what may, I will run.

It’s clear that we have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ not just that we might enjoy whatever heavenly activity awaits us in the there and then. But we have also been saved by grace alone through faith alone for service here and now. That we are His “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). And so, whatever our hand finds to do, we should do it will all our might as unto the Lord, knowing that from the Lord we will receive the inheritance as our reward.  For, ultimately, we do what we do because we are serving the Lord Christ (Col. 3:23-24).

Run, saint, run!

Whatever the call to run looks like by God’s sovereign determination, come what may, let us run by God’s sustaining power.

Because of grace. For His glory!

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Good Theology, Great Transformation

Posted on May 16, 2017 by Pete

Paul’s concern was less about theology and more about transformation. Not to say that Paul wasn’t contending for the true gospel of God when he wrote the church at Galatia, but, more importantly, he was laboring as an expectant mother about to give birth for true children of God.

My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you. Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?

(Galatians 4:19-21 ESV)

They had heard the gospel preached. They had seen, by faith, Christ crucified. Known firsthand the regenerating work of the Spirit of God in their lives. Their names were in the Book. Mission accomplished, right? Not really!

You can’t read Galatians without knowing two things. First, Paul would fight fearlessly for the sake of the gospel’s purity–Jesus plus nothing, that is the power of God for salvation for all who believe. Nothing to be added to the work of Christ on the cross–it is finished. No human merit needed to earn salvation, no human effort able to secure salvation.

The other thing you can’t miss is that, for Paul, it wasn’t enough that followers of Christ be saved by grace, but that they also grow in grace. The gospel was not simply to be “fire insurance”, it was to be fullness of life. Having people respond to the good news that Jesus saves wasn’t an end game for Paul, it was the beginning of a race. Being made a new creation in Christ wasn’t the ultimate goal, as much as it was to live as a new creation in Christ.

I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you

Christ formed in you. That’s how Paul viewed the gospel’s purpose. That those created as image-bearers of God would be re-created to be image-bearers of God’s Son. That having being crucified with Christ, they would know what it was to have Christ live in them. That having confessed the folly of the flesh, they would now desire to live by the Spirit. Having been born again by grace, they would be formed again by grace to emit something of the nature of the risen Christ.

To add anything to the gospel, such as the need to follow the law, not only distorted the message, it also derailed the metamorphosis. It not only corrupted the text, but it also curtailed the transformation.

Responding to the gospel is only the beginning. Being reformed by the gospel is a life-long work. And what began as work of the Spirit, cannot be completed by works of the flesh.

It’s more than just a message Paul was contending for, it was those redeemed by that message. That the gospel seed would bear much fruit, fruit evidenced by Christ formed in them.

Good theology leads to great transformation.

By His grace. For His glory.

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In Step with the Gospel

Posted on May 15, 2017 by Pete

It was a big deal. And he had to be called on it. Though Paul valued Peter’s right hand of fellowship, he could not stand by silently when Peter took a wrong turn–not if it implied something about the gospel that was not true.

Peter knew better. It had been revealed to him, and then through him, that God shows no impartiality. That salvation through the finished work was not only available to the Jew but to the Gentile as well (Acts 10:34-48). That what God would cleanse through the blood of Jesus should not be called common or unclean. That it wasn’t obedience that resulted in justification, but grace. That acceptance before God was not a matter of legalism and law, but of a reverential fear and faith. Peter knew that. But, even apostles war against the flesh.

So, when certain men of James came to Antioch, where Peter had been enjoying fellowship with his Gentile brothers and sisters, the fear of man overcame the fear of God. These who had embraced the cross but couldn’t let go of their circumcision apparently criticized Peter freely for eating at the Gentiles table. In their estimation, though the sins of the Gentiles may have been washed away, their food was still unclean. Though they might have been adopted by God, they weren’t yet fully part of the family. And so when they came and applied their pressure, Peter “drew back and separated himself” from the Gentile believers “fearing the circumcision party.”

And it was a big deal. Other believing Jews followed suit. Peter was a leader and he was leading by example . . . leading others astray through his hypocrisy.

So Paul called him on it.

But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

(Galatians 2:14 ESV)

The conduct of Peter and those who followed him was not in step with the truth of the gospel. Though they embraced the freedom of the power of salvation by faith alone, they failed to live out practicing a salvation by faith alone. Though they had gloried in being deemed clean through the blood of the Lamb, their actions communicated that the blood only worked in concert with their self-cleansing efforts. Though they relished being loved by God despite their failure, others could not expect the same self-sacrificing love apart from their performance. Though they said they believed God so love the world , their practice implied, “only if the world so follows the law.”

They were out of step with the gospel. They failed to walk in a straight course. Literally, they “did not foot it aright.” And Paul called Peter & Co. on it.

Too much was at stake to not demand that they behave in accordance with their belief. The potential distortion of the gospel required a consistency with their creed.

If God so loved the world, so too must those redeemed through that love. If whoever believes should not perish, then whoever believes should also not play the hypocrite. If those who receive the gospel would have everlasting life, then, by that same gospel, they should receive all who have everlasting life–and embrace doing that life together.

It’s important to be in step with the gospel. That our conduct align with our catechisms. That what we say we believe is evidenced by how we behave.

And not that it’s some new law to keep. Instead, it is our liberty in Christ to be lived out through the sanctifying power of the indwelling Spirit of God. Not another set of rules on how to “gospel behave”, but an overflowing, gratitude-induced response in light of the gospel we believe.

It’s a big deal.

Because of grace. For His glory!

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Who Am I

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Pete

Talk about being at the top of your game. Of having achieved. You’re looking down from the top rung of the ladder. You’ve won the Oscar, you’re holding up the Lombardi trophy, you’re sipping out of the Stanley Cup. It can’t get much better. Such, in many ways, was David’s lot as I read in 1Samuel this morning.

He has been acknowledged as king by the Northern tribes, all of Israel now united under one big kahuna, David. He has conquered the Jebusites and claimed Jerusalem as his own. The stronghold of Zion has become the city of David. And he builds for himself a magnificent house in the city, a place fit for a king.

And then, after a false start, the ark of God, the place where the glory of the LORD of host dwells, is brought again into the midst of His covenant people. There has been singing, shouting, dancing, and celebration as the whole house of Israel again knows the blessing of God’s holy presence among them.

But wait . . . there’s more!

There’s peace in the land. For the first time since taking out the giant, David knows rest from all his surrounding enemies. The battles have ceased and there’s war no more.

And so David sits back and reflects on his blessed estate. King of God’s people. Dwelling on a mount by God’s power. Knowing the favor of being in God’s presence. Resting in the reality of God’s peace. How full is his cup? Pretty!

But there’s still more.

David wants to build a house for God, but God informs David that He has purposed to establish an eternal kingdom for him. David plans to upgrade the covering for the ark of God from animal hair to cedar. But God promises to raise up the throne of David forever.

Talk about drinking out of a fire hose of blessing. David has a people, a palace, power, and peace. God is in the midst and the line of David will be established forever. So, if you’re David, how do you respond? What do you say to all this?

Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me thus far?”

(2Samuel 7:18 ESV)

Who am I? What else could he say.

Though David had faithfully served, and fiercely fought, there’s no sense that he felt entitled to such an over-flowing cup of divine favor. Though he had known what it was to be on the other side of the tracks, running from his enemies and hiding in caves, it’s not like he considered himself to have the paid the price and thus was deserving of the reward.

Instead this shepherd boy, the youngest of Jesse’s sons, quiets Himself before the LORD of the universe, gives his head a shake, and with humble gratitude whispers, “Lord, who am I?”

And, while I’m no king, I am the son of the King of the Kings. I may not feel like I’m standing on the victor’s podium right now, but by His sustaining grace I’m still in the race. I’ve known something of His presence about me, His power working through me, and His peace which passes understanding in me.

But wait . . . there’s more. I know the promise of God given me.

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

(Romans 8:16-18 ESV)

A child of God. A fellow heir with Christ. Waiting for a glory to be revealed beyond imagination.

Who am I?

A recipient of grace. All for His glory.

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Paradise U

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Pete

Enjoyed hovering over some thoughts from 2010 this morning after my readings. Took on a little deeper meaning now that we have someone “on campus” . . .

Let’s face it, for some, the university they graduated from is a pretty big deal. To be able to throw out phrases like “Harvard grad” or “Yale alum” as part of a resume is worn as a badge of honor for some. And it’s not just those from Ivy League schools. Around here, being a Cougar or a Husky can be a pretty important identifier. And, I’m guessing it’s not just about the education, but about the school’s reputation, as well. Whether that reputation is attached to a sports team, or some distinctive academic prestige, you find a fair number of folks well past “college age” still talking about “their school.” So did Paul . . .

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven–whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise–whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows–and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man I will boast . . .

(2Corinthians 12:2-5a ESV)

Paul did his graduate studies at GRSP, Gamaliel’s Rabbinical School of Phariseeism (Acts 22:3). There he learned the in’s and out’s of the law and the traditions of the religious elite. But his post-graduate studies, they occurred in a school that is out of this world . . . literally! Recruited by Jesus Himself, Paul was sent on a crash course concerning the mysteries of Messiah, and the grandeur of grace. He was welcomed into the faculty by the risen Christ as he trekked down a self-determined road of ignorance. And starting with their first encounter, the schooling began . . . “Who are You, Lord?” . . . “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5). Lesson one complete, let’s move on. Or, should I say, let’s move up!

After being saved, instead of sending him to the apostles for instruction, the Lord instead sent Paul to Arabia–apparently for some “alone time” and some One-on-one tutoring. It would be three years before Paul went to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles (Gal. 1:16-18). (Hmm . . . three years with Jesus . . . sounds familiar).

And at some point during those three years, Paul’s “studies” took him to Paradise U located on a beautiful campus just past the Milky Way at the corner of Third Heaven and Eternity.

So what was that like? We really don’t know because, Paul says, it was inexpressible. It was so un-earthly that Paul wasn’t sure whether or not he was there “in body” or whether it was an “out of body” experience. The words he heard and the teachings he experienced couldn’t be conveyed in the languages of earth. It was the sort of close encounter that was better “felt than tell’t”. But whatever the curriculum, however the course material was presented, whoever comprised the teaching faculty, this alum of Paradise U was never the same again.

I don’t have much post-secondary education, but I’ve been accepted into Paradise U as well. A seat has been reserved, my name’s been written in a Book. And what never ceases to amaze me, is that I never even applied. Actually, I didn’t really know the place even existed. Yet, I was recruited too.

Where am I staying? In residence, a place that Jesus says He’s gone to prepare for me (John 14:3).

Tuition? Paid in full.

And now, I’m laying up treasures that I’ll be able to draw on when I get there. And that’s in addition to the inheritance reserved for me by my Benefactor, an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away (1Peter 1:4). And when I’m there, I too will hear and learn things which are unspeakable–mysteries revealed as I receive my “higher education.”

But as much as the thought of being on campus at Paradise U excites me and fills me with wonder, what I’m looking forward to more than anything else is my face-to-face meeting the Headmaster and His Father. I can only imagine what it will be like to hear His words and to learn from Him directly. I know I’ll be distracted from time to time by the scars on His hands and feet . . . and I’ll probably interrupt class periodically as I join in with the Third Heaven choral ensemble spontaneously declaring the praises of the Lamb . . . but I’m sure He’ll understand.

Cant’ wait for classes to start!

Because of His grace. For His glory.

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A Bit of Wisdom in the Morning

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Pete

Who doesn’t want to be considered wise? Who wouldn’t want to be characterized as being attentive and discerning. To be known for diligently considering the ways of life, for drawing the right conclusions and then, acting upon those considerations in an appropriate manner. Who wants to be wise? This guy, for one.

So this morning I’m noodling on the steadfast love of the LORD.

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

(Psalm 107:43 ESV)

The “things” to be attended to are illustrated by four distressing scenarios common to life.

Sometimes people find themselves wandering aimlessly in the wilderness searching for something but never finding it. Without life-giving food and water, their souls are just running on empty (v. 4-5). Other times, because they have foolishly ignored God’s counsel, they feel like prisoners chained and bound, enveloped in darkness, with no one to draw alongside to protect or support them (v.10-12).

Still others hit the wall after determining to pursue the pleasures of sin. Having so spent themselves on these fleshy pursuits, they are drained of vitality and feel as though they are drawing near to the gates of death (v. 17-18). And finally, there are those who, through no fault of their own, having simply set sail on the sea of life, encounter raging storms. They find themselves at the mercy of seemingly overwhelming tossing waves. Their courage melted away, they are at their wits end as to how to move forward (v. 23-27).

And while the life experiences chronicled by the songwriter are different, they are bound together by one repeating, resounding chorus:

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
   and He delivered them from their distress.

(Psalm 107:6, 13, 19, 28 ESV)

They cried . . . He delivered. They looked up. The LORD bent down.

The “existing One” condescends to being the “present One.” He who graciously leads the wanderer in a straight way until they reach a safe dwelling place. Who sets the prisoner free, bursts apart their bonds, and brings them out of darkness. Who, compassionately and patiently, responds even to the sin-loving fool who cries out for mercy, by sending forth His word, healing them, and delivering them from destruction. And it is He, the Almighty God, who responds to the petition of the storm-tossed sea-sojourner by calming the waves and making still the storm. Who, in His grace, leads those who look to Him to quiet waters and safe havens.

Behold our God!

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

(Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31 ESV)

Whoever is wise, consider the steadfast love of the LORD. And then, let them give thanks!

Do it! Sing praise! Confess aloud His wonderful, unfailing kindness. That He is faithful and His goodness is overflowing to those who call out to Him.

Take time to remember anew sins forgiven, chains broken, feet set on straight paths, and tempests tamed. Chew on memories of Spirit-led intercession and God-delivered intervention. Acknowledge His mercy and grace. And then give thanks!

That, says the songwriter, is wisdom. And it can’t help but evoke worship.

What a good way to start the day . . . with a bit of wisdom in the morning.

By His grace. For His glory.

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