How Heavy is Heaven?

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Pete

True confession . . . I start most days with the NY Times and a quick scan of the headlines (right after I do the day’s Wordle). And then, as time permits, over the course of the morning I tap into other news sources and podcasts. Some with a more “left” bias, those that would be classified as having a “liberal” leaning, and also some that tilt “right” and would come from more of what would be considered more of a “conservative” predisposition. Oh yeah, and I also go to what I consider to be a somewhat neutral news source so that I can try and establish what’s factual through the “evidence of two or three witnesses”(2Cor. 13:1). I find I need to try and keep up on the truth of what’s happening, not because I necessarily like soap operas, reality TV, and drama, but because I think it’s important to keep trying to answer the question, “How should we then live?” (Thanx, Francis Schaeffer).

But there’s a price to be paid for that habit. In case you’re unaware, what’s going on in our world can be pretty heavy. A lot to try and take in. Somewhat burdensome. Discouraging even. Add to that the run-of-the-mill personal trials, tribulations, and sufferings and, oh man, the weight can be crushing.

That’s why I also start most days with my bible. Why, in addition to staying in touch with the left and right of my horizontal existence, I need to be tethered and cling to the up and down of my vertical reality. Knowing that regardless of how heavy things are here and now, things will be heavier there and then.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

(2Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV)

We do not lose heart . . . our inner self is being renewed day by day . . . this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison . . . Chew on that for a bit!

Take in all the daily news you want (from reliable sources not algorithm-driven social media). Seek to be like the ancient men of Issachar “who had understanding of the times,” to know what they ought to do (1Chr. 12:32). But know it’s gonna affect your heart. Depending on your own bias, it’s gonna evoke ire or empathy. At times you’re going to be livid for feel like you’re languishing. As my friend used to say, your heart’s gonna be up and down like a toilet seat.

But don’t lose heart. Be renewed day by day.

How’s that gonna happen? Take in the good news daily as well — lots of it! Consider not just the things that are seen, the things that are transient, but meditate — think long and hard — on the things that are not seen, things which are eternal. Know that whatever the weightiness of the world we experience, it is but preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

How heavy is heaven? Way heavier than any heaviness we experience here and now.

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.

(2Corinthians 4:16-17 MSG)

Small potatoes compared to what’s coming!

To misquote the old southern gospel song, “How heavy heaven must be . . . ” (Check out the actual song by clicking here)

Not a day goes by without His unfolding grace . . .

And not a day goes by without the renewed inner self giving Him glory!

Amen?

Posted in 1Corinthians | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Reflecting & Radiating (2015 Remix)

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Pete

A letter from Christ. Written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God. Engraved not on tablets of stone. Instead, inscribed on tablets of human hearts. That is how Paul regarded the saints at Corinth (2Cor. 3:3). And, not gonna lie, that’s how I regard myself. I think it’s a safe application. Written to them but also written for me, I think it’s fair to count myself as a page in the eternal epistle God is writing through grace by His Spirit.

Not that I’m much of a letter to read. There’s a lot more editing to be done. But as I hover over 2Corinthians 3 this morning . . . and if I’m understanding Paul’s comparison of the old and new covenants correctly . . . and if I’m picking up on what Paul is laying down concerning the life giving ministry of the Spirit of God . . . then I am, to some degree, reflecting and radiating the glory of God.

But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

(2Corinthians 3:16-18 ESV)

The old covenant was given through Moses. Written on tablets of stones, it provided the means for relationship based on the letter of the law. Though Paul describes it as “the ministry of death” (v.7) and “the ministry of condemnation” (v.9) it came with glory. Such glory that it caused Moses’ face to shine. Such glory that the Israelites couldn’t look upon the face of Moses and so he wore a veil (v.7). Glorious not because it provided the means of salvation, but rather, glorious because it was God’s appointed manner to direct men and women toward the Son of salvation. Yet it was a glory that faded.

Cue the glory that surpasses it (v.10), the glory that is permanent (v.11). Not the glory of a binding law conveyed through a man of God coming down from a mountain, but the glory of born-again life given by the Spirit of God come down from heaven itself. The Spirit of life and light supplanting the letter of the law. The glory of the Spirit surpassing the fading shine on Moses’ face. The Spirit of God providing once for all, and once forever, freedom. The veil removed through Christ (v.14b). The glow of glory directly reflected upon, and radiated from within, the faces of believers.

We turn to Jesus and the veil of darkness, guilt, and shame is removed. Thus, we behold the glory of the Lord. Literally, we become a mirror reflecting the glory of the risen Christ as by faith we are brought face to face with Jesus through the active agency of His indwelling Spirit.

Though dimly, we reflect Christ. His majesty and radiance faintly seen in sinners saved by grace. Those once of the letter of the law now walking in the freedom of the Spirit. Those once bound by sin and death are now released by the finished work of the resurrected Christ. Those once with hearts of stone, now given hearts of flesh — hearts which can be written upon by the Spirit to mirror a measure of the wondrous work of God’s overflowing love.

But beyond just mirroring something of the glory, we are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. The reflecting of His glory increasingly becomes a radiating of that glory. The Son’s rays not just bouncing off our faces but emitting from within our very being.

As the Spirit of life continues His sanctifying work of conforming us into the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29), we emanate the glory of Christ. And that, because we no longer live but Christ lives in us (Gal. 2:20). As such, the mind and heart of Christ bubble to the surface exuding the presence of God from within. And this not of ourselves, for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Reflecting the glory of God.

Radiating the glory of God.

Even so, blessed Spirit, keep writing the letter. Keep transforming us from one degree of glory to another.

Only by God’s grace. Always for God’s glory.

Posted in 1Corinthians | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Reality Within Hyperbole

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Pete

“Hyperbole”: a figure of speech that uses exaggeration for emphasis, not to be taken literally.

That’s what I think I’m encountering as Jesus makes a point to His disciples in Mark 10. But within this hyperbole, I’m chewing on some reality.

Peter began to say to [Jesus], “See, we have left everything and followed You.” Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for My sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.”

(Mark 10:28-30 ESV)

Houses and family and lands! Oh my! Whose not in for that deal?

Peter’s just been listening to Jesus tell a rich, young guy to sell all he has and give it to the poor and then he’ll have “treasure in heaven” (Mk. 10:21). And while the young guy walks away, Peter’s doing the math, “I’ve walked away from everything. Same deal me for me? Treasure in heaven?”

Cue Jesus and some hyperbole. He doesn’t dispute that Peter has left everything to follow Him. Instead, He tells Peter, “It’s gonna be worth it all.” You’ve left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for My sake? You’ll get it all back . . . and then some . . . like a hundred times some!

Jesus wasn’t promising Peter a hundred houses for the house that he barely lived in any more because he was always on the road with Jesus. Wasn’t promising him a family a hundred-times bigger than the family he rarely saw because he was following Jesus. Wasn’t promising him a hundred acres for every acre he could no longer tend because he was tending to matters of a land yet to come? Not literally, at least. That’s what hyperbole is, an exaggeration for emphasis. Peter, says Jesus, what you’ve left doesn’t compare to what you’re investing in! Its gonna be worth it all!

Okay. Let’s say you can go with that. But then there’s those two words that get thrown in there . . . with persecutions. Kinda’ sneaky, huh? And guess what? Not hyperbole. Not exaggerating. Persecutions come with the promises– it’s a package deal.

Persecutions. Harassment. Mistreatment. Misunderstood by your friends. Held in contempt by the world. So that’s the deal — a hundredfold yet with hostility. How’s that for some reality within hyperbole?

But guess what, Peter? It’s still gonna be worth it all.

Because, beyond all the “hundredfold” blessings of following Me now — even the blessing of suffering for My sake (Matt. 5:10-12, 1Peter 3:14) — in the age to come eternal life. And Jesus isn’t exaggerating! That’s more reality!

You’ve left everything? Hyperbole? Probably. But let’s not minimize the price you’ve paid for following Jesus.

You’ll reap a hundredfold? More hyperbole? Yeah, but how much family has come into your life because you’re now part of the family of God? How many homes have you been welcomed into? There’s certainly blessings to be known even now.

Persecutions now? Reality? Yes sir. Yes ma’am.

Still gonna be worth it all? I’m thinkin’!

‘Cause in the age to come eternal life! More reality!

By His grace. For His glory.

Posted in Mark | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Smart Thinking . . . Eight Years Later

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Pete

2017 was a pretty significant year for me, so I often go back to journal entries from that year to see how I was processing my morning meals back then. If the following thoughts from eight years ago were based on accurate observations back then, how much truer are they in our highly polarized, antagonized, and villainized culture today? Worth re-considering, I think.

Paranoia — that’s just smart thinking when everybody’s against you.

Heard that years ago from a colleague. Made me laugh then. Still causes me to chuckle now.

And I kind of think that, overall, our culture is full of “smart thinkers.” If not full-blown classic paranoiacs, then those who exercise a “healthy level” of mistrust. Ours is something of a society of cynics as we assume that everyone is working an angle. While there’s truth that we need to be discerning on the one hand, and willing to earn other’s trust on the other, I fear that all too often we start at a deficit position in our relationships because our culture assumes everyone is working some sort of personal agenda, be it political, ideological, theological, ecological, physiological, or, from our point of view, simply illogical. And maybe that’s just smart thinking when you’re living in this world. But what if your peer group is of another world?

For our boast is this: the testimony of our conscience that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.

(2Corinthians 1:12 ESV)

Paul did what he did with simplicity and godly sincerity. Whether it was suffering for the faith or apparently meddling in the affairs of one of the churches he had planted, his motives were born of a “mental honesty” and free from pretense and hypocrisy. His actions were spurred not from a preconceived agenda he put together but from a divine stewardship he had been given. His motives were pure. His actions were consistent. And his barometer for knowing this to be true? The testimony of his conscience.

And while I get that when going out into the world we need to be “wise as serpents” (Matt 10:16), I’m also thinking that when hanging out with the family of God we should know such gospel-founded security that, when it comes to our brother and sisters, we receive them more in a manner best characterized as “innocent as doves.” Regarding other believers as without malice of intent, on the up and up, and seeking to live by the grace of God in simplicity and sincerity for the glory of God — just as we should be.

But I fear that too often we get drawn into embracing the world’s “smart thinking.” We live in a way that conveys that even believers should be received with a measure of “godly suspicion.” That while they may be new creations in Christ, we don’t really think we can engage them as all that new. That we need to assume they too have an agenda. That they, themselves, are not really walking in simplicity and sincerity and with a good conscience towards God.

Sure, there’s a level of risk in starting from a point of trust with another person. But isn’t it a risk worthy taking when that other person is a brother or sister in Christ? I think so. For then, by determining to behave ourselves in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity and believing that others seeking the kingdom are doing likewise, we portray a dynamic within our gospel community which refutes “earthly wisdom” and instead puts on display the grace of God.

Simplicity and godly sincerity, that’s how Paul determined he would govern all his actions. But especially, supremely, actions directed toward the people of God.

Sure, there may be a place for “smart thinking”, but there’s even more a need for sanctified thinking. Amen?

May God’s people be marked by simplicity and sincerity of purpose and may we be known for how we love and trust one another.

Because of the gospel.

By His grace.

And for His glory.

Posted in 2Corinthians | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Could Half-Hearted Lead to Hard-Hearted?

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Pete

Hovering over Psalm 95 this morning. A familiar psalm. The first part familiar because of a “chorus” we used to sing back in the day, the latter part because I’ve encountered it in the book of Hebrews (Heb. 3:7-8, Heb. 3:15, Heb. 4:7). And it’s the familiarity that arrests me this morning, because it seems to be mismatched.

How does — why does — a song that begins consumed with worship end concentrated on a warning? Is there a connection? Yeah, probably. So, what’s the connection? I’m wondering if it isn’t found in comparing the commands found in the song.

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD;
       let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation!
Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving;
       let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!
. . .
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
       let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
For He is our God,
       and we are the people of His pasture,
       and the sheep of His hand.
Today, if you hear His voice,
       do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,
       as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
when your fathers put Me to the test
       and put me to the proof,
       though they had seen My work.

(Psalm 95:1-2, 7-9 ESV)

Check out the commands. Three times the song listener is exhorted to “come”. To come sing. To come into God’s presence with thanksgiving. To come worship and bow down. And then, the fourth command; don’t harden your hearts, “don’t turn a deaf ear” (MSG).

Seems that if we’re not determined to sing songs that adore and glorify the Lord, then, like the example of those wilderness wanderers the psalmist refers to, we may be prone to saying stuff that accuses and groans against the Lord. If we are not going to praise, we may find ourselves putting God to the test. If we refuse to worship and bow down, don’t be surprised if we find ourselves whining and being disdainful.

If we’re half-hearted when it comes to giving God the glory He is due are we in danger of becoming hard-hearted and some day giving God more grief than we dare? I’m wondering . . .

So, let’s sing. Let’s make a joyful noise. Let’s worship and bow down. Let’s not give our hearts the opportunity to become calloused.

For He is the LORD! He is the Rock of our salvation! He is the LORD, our Maker! He is our God!

Hear His voice, “Come!”

Worship by His grace. Worship in His grace.

Worship for His glory.

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

Where Favor is Found

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Pete

As I read in Ruth this morning, it’s a thrice repeated thought that captures my thoughts. A thought about encountering grace. A thought about finding favor. And where is favor found? It’s in the beholding. It’s in the eyes.

And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” . . .

Then [Ruth] fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to [Boaz], “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” . . .

Then she said, “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.”

(Ruth 2:2, 10, 13 ESV)

Ruth was looking for a little favor. She was in need of some grace.

She wasn’t from around these parts. She was a foreigner. She had no heritage in Israel. No birthright to the land. Other than being her mother-in-law’s companion, she had no real attachment to these people. And the only way she was going to feed herself was by finding some favor. So, she’d need to encounter grace if she were to walk into some random field to pick up the leftovers. She’d need to encounter some unmerited favor if she were to be received rather than run off.

So, without being known, without any credentials to vouch for her, without any previous performance to credibly present on her resume, any reception she found to anyone’s field would be dependent on how she was viewed. She’d need to find favor in someone’s eyes.

I chew on that for a bit and I find myself identifying with this Moabite widow.

I too was “alienated from the commonwealth of Israel”, a stranger “to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12). A nobody. An unknown. And, in great need. Desperate for the bread of life. Thirsting for living waters. But with nothing to offer in return. Bankrupt and unable to purchase such provision. My only hope, grace. My only optimism, to find favor. And that, in Someone’s eyes.

Why have I found favor in Your eyes, that You should take notice of me?

Why indeed, Lord?

Isn’t that the question behind finding favor? The question which, by the very nature of favor, has no answer? Finding favor means there’s no reason, no obligation, nothing which demands being seen, much less being shown kindness. In fact, when it comes to the greater Boaz, Jesus, being seen by Him happened before we ever looked to Him. Favor found before we knew our need. Grace determined, before we took even a step in His direction. Nathanael’ story comes to mind . . .

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered Him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

(John 1:47-49 ESV)

How do You know me?

I saw you . . .

Seen by the Son before we ever looked for Him.

That’s where favor is found. In His eyes.

Oh what grace!

To God be the glory!

Posted in Ruth | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Days of Famine

Posted on April 22, 2025 by Pete

I read the opening words to the book of Ruth and I find I’m chuckling to myself as I whisper, “Ya’ think?!?!”

In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land . . .

(Ruth 1:1a ESV)

In the days when the judges ruled . . .

You mean the days when God’s people “served the Baals” (Jud. 2:11), “abandoned the LORD” (Jud 2:12), and “whored after other gods” (Jud. 2:17a)? The days when, even though God’s anger was kindled, and He gave His people over to plunderers (Jud. 2:14), He also saved them out of the hands of their oppressors when His people cried out to Him for help? The days when, after God had raised up a judge and delivered His people, His people went lower than before, finding more despicable and deplorable ways to go after other gods, “serving them and bowing down to them” (Jud. 2:19)?

Just so I’m picking up what the author’s laying down . . . we’re talking about the days when the judges ruled, yeah?

These are the days when the LORD’s fighting men feared fighting for the LORD on foreign fields (Jud. 4), while the average guy at home was setting up altars to foreign gods in his own backyard (Jud. 6). The days when entire clans were slaughtered by those wanting to seize and secure power (Jud. 9), and a beloved daughter was sacrificed because of a rash, self-serving vow made by her dad (Jud. 11). The days when even one of the LORD’s raised up judges, one who had been dedicated to God since birth, played fast and loose with his morals and his man-bun (Jud. 13-16). The days when individuals freelanced their own worship, building their own idols, making their own gods, and hiring their own priesthood (Jud. 17). The days when, to spark outrage in a nation desensitized to sin, a Levite carves up the cadaver of his sexually-abused-to-death concubine and sends pieces of her throughout the land to rally a vigilante hoard to almost wipe out one of the twelve tribes of Israel (Jud. 19-20). Just to be clear, those are the days we’re talking about, right?

So, it was during the days when the judges ruled — the same time period when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Jud. 17:6, 21:25) — that there was a famine in the land?

Ya’ think?!?!

No food? The least of their problems? What about no faith? No fidelity? No foundation for being the people they had been called to be? Throughout the land there was only the foolishness of the flesh, and the folly of worshiping inanimate objects.

Yet, it was in those days that God purposes to pen the story of Ruth. The story of a foreign woman who believes in the One True God and finds favor at the feet of a kinsmen-redeemer.

I can’t wait to read of the grace to come. Grace despite the days — days that aren’t a lot unlike our days — days when there is a famine in the land.

But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

(Romans 5:8 ESV)

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved.

(Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV)

Praise God for grace in the days of famine.

Amen?

Posted in Ephesians | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

A Two-Step Miracle

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Pete

It’s unique among Jesus’ healings, but I’m wondering this morning if it shouldn’t be considered normative.

Jesus comes to the village of Bethsaida where He encounters a blind guy begging Jesus to “touch him” (Mark 8:22). And touch him Jesus did; but in a way that is unlike how Jesus had touched others. This was a two-step miracle.

. . . and when [Jesus] had spit on his eyes and laid His hands on him, He asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid His hands on his eyes again; and He opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

(Mark 8:23b-25 ESV)

This guy would have sung that well-known hymn a bit differently than most:

       Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
       That saved a wretch like me
       I once was lost, but now I’m found
       Was blind . . . but then I kind of saw . . . but now I see.

And as I chew on it, isn’t that my song too? Even though my eyes have been open by Jesus’ gracious touch, even though my spiritual sight has been restored, and even though I think I see “everything clearly”, I wonder how much I’m still seeing with less-than-clear, skewed eyesight. How much of what I see I’m really seeing as “trees walking.”

I know this is the case because, just a couple of days ago in my daily readings, I was reminded my vision is less than 20/20.

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

(1Corinthians 13:12 ESV)

While I should stand firm and with conviction concerning what the Spirit has given me eyes to see, hears to hear, and a heart to receive, thinking about this “two-step” guy makes me think there’s also a place for humility and teachableness. A recognition that while my eyes are open, they are not yet fully open. An awareness that though my sight has been restored, it’s not fully restored. A humbleness born of knowing that while I might think I see everything clearly, in fact I still see in a mirror dimly.

Yeah, I’m just a two-step miracle still waiting for the next step. Actually, for this remedial student, I’m probably a multi-step miracle — a more-steps-than-I-care-to-admit — miracle.

But I’m Jesus’ miracle.

A trophy of His grace.

A work in progress for His glory.

Amen?

Posted in Mark | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

A One-Two Punch (2010 Rerun)

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Pete

Re-posting, pretty much “as is”, some thoughts from this day in my reading plan 15 years ago. After reading and chewing a bit on these passages this morning, I’m still knocked out!

By His grace. For His glory.

It was a “one-two” punch that got me this morning. Set up by “the jab” in Mark’s gospel . . . and then the “knock out” blow delivered in the Psalms. You gotta love the word of God! Amen?

The latter part of Mark deals with a couple of miracles. First, a Syro-Phoenician woman’s young daughter is delivered from a demon that had come upon her. Imagine that . . . a little girl tormented by the forces of hell . . . released by the command of Jesus, the true Ruler of all principalities. Then, Mark writes of a deaf man who could hardly talk who is brought to Jesus. And touches the man . . . physically and spiritually . . . “At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly” (Mark 7:35). And here’s the “setup jab” . . . “They were astonished beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done all things well . . . ‘ ” (7:37).

Astonished beyond measure (NKJV) . . . overwhelmed with amazement (NIV) . . . beside themselves with excitement (MSG) . . . blown out of their minds (Hippie-speak, 1960’s) . . . Jesus does all things well! Ya’ think?

But how often do I take time and pause, reflect, and just say, “Wow!!!”

I read this and my spirit joins with His Spirit and whispers into heaven, “Yes Lord, You do all things well. I am overwhelmed with amazement!” So much to distract us . . . so prone to becoming complacent . . . so easy to take Him and His works for granted . . . but then, you read the Word . . . and a phrase like this leaps off the page and into your heart . . . and afresh you see Jesus . . . and in awe and wonder, beyond measure, you say, “Yes!!! He really does all things well!”

And that’s what set me up for my reading in Psalm 89. Just the first 18 verses this morning . . . but in those verses, two words are repeated 4 times, and they delivered the “knock out blow” . . .

“With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations (89:2) . . . Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens (89:2) . . . And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O Lord; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints (89:5) . . . O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You (89:8).”

He does all things well . . . that includes His faithfulness . . . His steadfastness . . . His stability . . . His firmness . . . His fidelity. God is true . . . our Father is faithful. Yes! Amen! Wow!!!

When things are failing . . . or flailing . . . when stuff starts going south . . . when the seas get choppy . . . when my faithfulness is far from unwavering . . . yet, He remains faithful. His faithfulness is established in heaven . . . it surrounds Him. “What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar.” (Rom. 3:3-4). Our God can be can be counted on . . . when He says that He will never leave us or forsake us, we can rest in it. His promises are true . . . established on the foundation of His faithfulness.

And so, not only will the heavens praise Your wonders, O Lord, but too, the “assembly of the saints” will praise Your faithfulness . . . and with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness. You do all things well . . . Your faithfulness endures forever!

One-two . . . overwhelmed with amazement.

His faithfulness, the praise of my lips.

Knocked out!

Wow!!!

Posted in Mark, Psalms | Tagged | Leave a comment

Dude! Wash Your Hands!

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Pete

Pulling out my black-colored pencil and underlining words and phrases associated with sin is something I know I’m gonna do when I start reading about the life of Samson. He is the embodiment of his age as he cruises along making bad choices because he decides to make life choices based on what’s right in his own eyes (compare Judges 14:3b & 14:7 with Judges 21:25). But this morning, I’m using my black pencil to underline things I don’t think I’ve ever underlined before. And, as I do, I’m thinking, “Dude! Wash your hands!”

And behold, a young lion came toward him roaring. Then the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him, and although he had nothing in his hand, he tore the lion in pieces as one tears a young goat. But he did not tell his father or his mother what he had done. . . .

After some days he returned to take her. And he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion, and behold, there was a swarm of bees in the body of the lion, and honey. He scraped it out into his hands and went on, eating as he went. And he came to his father and mother and gave some to them, and they ate. But he did not tell them that he had scraped the honey from the carcass of the lion. . . .

And he found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, and put out his hand and took it, and with it he struck 1,000 men.

(Judges 14:5b-6, 8-9; 15:15 ESV)

Samson tore a lion to pieces with his bare hands. Yuck! After a few days, he went to admire his handiwork and finds honey in the rotting carcass and scraped it out into his hands and ate it. Gag! Later, to defend himself against a Philistine vigilante, he finds a fresh jawbone of a donkey — fresh, I’m thinking, as still sporting flesh — and picks it up with his hands. Disgusting!

Dude! Wash your hands!

This guy was born into a Nazirite vow (Judges 13:5), a vow of consecration meant to declare he was the LORD’s. And part of that vow, specifically, was to not eat anything unclean (Judges 13:4) — like honey from the cavity of a dead and decaying animal. In fact, the way of the Nazirite required him not to make himself unclean by coming in contact with any corpse at all (Numbers 6:2-7). How come?

“All the days of his separation he is holy to the LORD.”

(Numbers 6:8 ESV)

Yeah, you can underline with your black-colored pencil Samson’s “big sins” . . . like lustfully getting mixed up with a Philistine woman (Judges 14:1-3), or arrogantly messing with his wedding guests (Judges 14:12-18), or angrily murdering 30 innocent bystanders (Judges 14:19), but it’s the small stuff — like playing fast and loose with keeping his hands clean — that sets the tone for whether Samson would take seriously his call to be “holy to the LORD.”

Is there an application here? I’m thinking.

I’ve been called to be separate and touch no unclean thing (2Cor. 6:17). I’ve been told to be holy, even as my God is holy (1Peter 1:14-16). How are my hands?

I should try and keep them clean. But, honestly, it’s pretty hard to do as I battle this old man in me, often referred to as “the flesh.” Too often this guy is also tempted to do what’s right in his own eyes. There’s just too much contact with the flesh I am trying to die to to keep these hands without stain.

But I know how to make them clean again. And again. And again. And again. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. So, dude! Wash your hands!

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(1John 1:9 ESV)

Freshly cleansed hands because of the finished work of the cross. And clean hands are a pretty good start towards being serious about a consecrated life.

Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?
       And who shall stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart . . .

(Psalm 24:3-4a ESV)

Only by God’s grace. Only for God’s glory.

Posted in Judges | Tagged , , | Leave a comment