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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Weak Like Paul

Posted on May 4, 2017 by Pete

Paul was in a battle. Not so much a battle for himself, but a battle for the hearts of those who were being drawn away from the things of Christ. The enemy forces were a group of fake apostles, those who came claiming to be messengers of God, but who corrupted the message as they preached “another Jesus” (2Cor. 11:4). The enemy’s battlefield? The minds of the Corinthian believers. The enemy’s goal? Secure these believers’ hearts and their following. The enemy’s tactic? Discredit Paul by exposing his weakness.

All this sets up 2Corinthians to be less theological and more emotional. Less about teaching the word and more about opening up his heart. As Paul contends for their faithfulness to Christ, he is forced to talk about himself, laying open his heart, his motivations, and his compassion for these precious believers as he pleads for faithfulness to the gospel.

And so, his enemies identify some of Paul’s apparent weaknesses. And vulnerability number one was the fact that, while Paul could put on a pretty tough front in the letters he wrote to the church when he was absent, he seemed kind of wimpy when he was in their midst. The ESV says they accused him of being “humble when face to face”, the NKJV renders it “lowly among you.” Literally, the original word could be rendered “cast down” or “not rising far from the ground.”

The fake apostles on the other hand, were bold and confident and boastful. They were charismatic, their very presence commanded a respect, their arrogant speech demanded others follow them. In some ways, they were the Goliaths stomping around Corinth and Paul was David. In fact, Paul sounds somewhat like David when he declares, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds” (10:4).

But what grabs me is the fact that Paul’s lowliness wasn’t some character fault. It wasn’t some natural trait that he had to combat to overcome. Not some genetic thing that he needed to compensate for by attending assertiveness training.

In fact, if you think about it, Paul was naturally wired to “dust it up” and kick some keester. In his previous life he was Saul, the Pharisee of the Pharisees. The one who aggressively defended Judaism and it’s religious tenets and practices to the point of hunting down those of “the Way” and throwing them in prison and consenting to their execution.

No, I think Paul’s lowliness was less about his natural disposition and more a result of his divine sanctification. His humble and timid presence wasn’t some weakness to be overcome, instead it was the fruit of being conformed to the image of Christ. It was the servant reflecting the Master, the disciple taking on the character of the Teacher.

Paul makes the connection himself . . .

I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ . . .

(2Corinthians 10:1 ESV)

That was Paul “weakness”, the meekness and gentleness of Christ. Isaiah describes it this way:

Behold My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen, in whom My soul delights; I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up His voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench; He will faithfully bring forth justice.”

(Isaiah 42:1-3 ESV).

Behold our Savior! Meek and gentle. Tearing down strongholds, not with legions of angels, but through His death on the cross. Proclaiming victory, not with a thundering voice from heaven, but with a last breath cry upon a tree, “It is finished!” Knees bowing to Him in worship and service, not because He commands it by force, but because He has gently wooed souls to Himself, and in His great love has “raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places” with Him (Eph. 2:6), and thus, it is the only response befitting a sinner saved by grace.

And all this He accomplished as the lowly King (Matt. 21:5).

Oh, that we might be “weak” like Paul. Characterized by divine meekness and gentleness. Not rising far from the ground. Patient and soft-spoken with God’s word. Careful when handling a bruised reed or in the presence of a faintly burning wick. Portraying the heart of Christ as we have the mind of Christ who “made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant” (Php. 2:7).

To be weak like Paul, that the power of God might be known.

By His grace. For His glory.

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Generous in Every Way

Posted on May 3, 2017 by Pete

Don’t know exactly why the Spirit has determined to put this on my radar this morning, but evidently He does.

As I think about it, I’m probably still getting comfortable with 2Corinthians 8 and 9. I’ve never been a big fan of fund-raising–especially fund-raising in the church. I’m sure it stems from stuff in my past. Certainly from my days outside the church where I developed a cynic’s attitude about Christians and money from the tele-evangelists I saw on TV. And probably from being saved into a fellowship of believers who, for the most part, did not discuss money. They took great care to ensure the left hand didn’t know what the right hand was doing within the church family (Matt. 6:3) and, wouldn’t be caught dead asking outsiders for money as they held to the conviction that the Lord’s work would be supplied by the Lord’s people as the Lord led. Or, maybe I’ve become jaded a bit by the number of times I’ve heard this part of 2Corinthians used to apply what I thought was over-the-top pressure towards some financial goal under the guise of “teaching on stewardship.”

Whatever the discomfort, I need to get over it. The fund-raising Paul was doing for the saints in Jerusalem was God ordained. That the record of it is in my Bible is God-breathed. And, like I said, that it captures my attention this morning is most certainly God directed.

So here’s what I’m chewing on this morning . . . that generosity should mark the people of God.

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

(2Corinthians 9:10-12 ESV)

Enriched in every way to be generous in every way. That’s what caught my attention.

The redeemed should be among the most generous of people. With all that we have been blessed with, not just materially but spiritually as well, we should be the first to want others to benefit from our blessing.

We know we didn’t earn our salvation, for God “saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Tit. 3:5-6). Enriched in every way through the outpouring of the Spirit.

And, really, our pay checks are only in part about our labor. Mostly they’re just another evidence of God’s faithful provision. And, for many of us in this land of relative abundance, they’re often the substance of God’s overflowing goodness and grace toward us.

So, having been enriched in every way, we are to be generous in every way.

Whether we’re talking about what we possess spiritually or materially, evidence of our new heart in Christ should manifest itself through generosity. If all that we have, be it money in the bank or treasure stored up in heaven, has been graciously supplied by a gifting God, then shouldn’t we in turn be ready and willing to let others share in the abundance we know? If, as Jesus said in Matthew 10, we have freely received, shouldn’t we freely give? I’m thinkin’ . . .

And here’s the other thing that’s grabbed me this morning: we have been enriched in every way to be generous in every way so that God might receive the glory in every way. Twice Paul speaks of their financial gift as not only benefiting the believers in Jerusalem, but also producing thanksgiving to God. That in supplying the need of the saints, their generoistiy more importantly overflows in many thanksgivings to God.

When we purpose to be a cheerful giver, when we act not out of compulsion nor reluctantly to sow bountifully, when we seek to grace as we have been graced, then God gets the glory. What greater motive to do anything than that the LORD would be praised?

Enriched in every way . . . to be generous in every way . . that God receives the glory in every way.

I can get comfortable with that!

By His grace. For His glory.

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A Garment of Praise

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Pete

Jesus claimed the prophet’s words as His own. On that Sabbath day in the synagogue, the carpenter from Nazareth read the words from Isaiah 61 and declared that in Him they were fulfilled (Luke 4:18-19). As He sat down, many still saw Him just as Mary’s boy. But by His declaration that morning, He was standing up and claiming to be the LORD’s anointed, the Messiah.

As such, He had come to bring good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives (Isa. 61:1). What’s more, beyond the proclamation business, He would be in the comfort business (Isa. 61:2-3). For those who mourned, He promised He would exchange their covering of ashes with a crown of beauty. He would ease the pain of their mourning by applying the oil of gladness. And He would cover their fainting spirit of heaviness with a garment of praise.

Psalm 103 is such a garment.

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)

How good is our God to provide such garments of praise? A covering of remembrance that causes us to rejoice? How we need to put these clothes on from time to time, especially when those times occur in deep, deep valleys.

It has become so evident to me how easy we can miss out on the blessings of the day because we are consumed with the uncertainties of tomorrow. How easy it is to allow the sadness of what might have been to rob us of the joy of what has been. To let the disappointment of expectations not met to silence the thanksgiving for all the blessings known which we could never have imagined.

And so, to hover over a song like Psalm 103 is like putting on a garment of praise.

To be reminded of iniquities forgiven, diseases healed, and a life redeemed from the pit. To rejoice afresh in the reality that He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor has He repaid us according to our iniquities–instead, He  has loved us with a steadfast love as high as the heavens are above the earth.

To read again that, as a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those He has called to be His own. That with tender affection He knows their dust-formed frame and understands the frailty of their lives. And that, though our days on earth may be as the grass, His unfailing love will be ours to experience and enjoy from everlasting to everlasting.

How can we not turn our eyes upon Jesus as we clothe yourselves with such truth? As we taste and see again for the first time that the Lord is good? Such a garment compels us to look unto the Author of our faith and respond afresh with “Thank you.”

Beyond the joy of having been saved from the penalty of sin in the past and rescued from the power of sin in the present, praise can’t help but flow from our lips as our redemption draws near and we anticipate deliverance from the very presence of sin in the future. And such anticipation of being in His holy presence, and knowing fully what it is to have life everlasting, can only bring about adoration.

The living water of the word has a way of priming the pump of worship.

And worship has a way of renewing the weary. Anticipation, a way of easing the burden. Adoration, a way of displacing the clouds. The garment of praise, a way of lifting the spirit of heaviness.

Bless the LORD, O my soul,
   and all that is within me,
   bless His holy name!

Because of His amazing grace. All for His everlasting glory.

Amen?

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