Take Heart!

Posted on December 5, 2013 by Pete

Reading in Revelation this morning. Of John . . . in heaven . . . by the transport of the Spirit . . . weeping aloud. You don’t equate heaven with crying very much. But John weeps because heaven comes to a stop as a mighty angel with a loud voice asks a question, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” (Rev. 5:2) And heaven pauses . . . and looks around . . . and “no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look into it” (5:3). And in that hush . . . in that moment of divine silence . . . panic sets in . . . John’s brain does not compute. No one worthy to bring the church to final victory? No one suitable or deserving of fulfilling the hope of the ages? John weeps.

And then He appears. A Lamb amidst the throne . . . as though it had been slain yet shining forth in glory and power . . . identified as the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David. Worthy to take the scroll . . . worthy of all heaven’s homage as those who had bowed and worshiped before the throne now fall before Him. Worthy, because He has “conquered, so that He can open the scroll and its seven seals” (5:5).

Before coming to this awe invoking scene I had been reading another of John’s writings, his gospel. Reading some of Jesus’ last words to His own before He would suffer on a cross . . . and be raised from the dead . . . and be taken back into heaven. And in those words was this promise . . .

I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.  —  Jesus     (John 16:33 ESV)

Take heart . . . I have overcome the world.

The promise echoes beyond the chaos His disciples would experience that next day. The promise reverberates long after they witnessed the empty tomb and encountered the risen Christ. Pulsing beyond His ascension . . . and the price they would eventually pay for their witness to a world at war with its Creator. The flow of the promise pouring into a vast congregation throughout history who have known the reality of tribulation in this world and yet, a peace that passes understanding. Having taken heart . . . having been of good cheer . . . having been strengthened by divine comfort . . . because He has conquered.

I’m thinking that sometimes we experience on earth what John, in his vision, experienced in heaven. An apparently unsolvable question . . . a momentary pause of panic as we think, “What now?” Hearing the silence, we don’t know what to think . . . or what to do . . . save weep. It is then (for how many has this been the experience?) . . . it is then that He emerges from the confusion . . . that He shows Himself anew as the Lion . . . reveals Himself afresh as the King . . . reminds us again that He is the Lamb who has conquered . . . and our souls are flooded with an inexplicable calm. Nothing’s changed, except our focus . . . nothing’s different, but the Conqueror in our midst.

Able to take the scroll and, with might, to wrap up the age . . . but willing also, as He sympathizes with our weakness, to bear us up through the next few minutes . . . to draw near through the next few days or weeks or months . . . to whisper in our ears through His Spirit, “Take heart! I have overcome!”

And because He has overcome . . . because He has conquered . . . because the One who died–more than that, who was raised–who is at the right hand of God, is indeed is interceding for us . . . “in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rom. 8:34-37).

To Him be all glory!

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
(Revelation 5:13-14 ESV)

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An Open Door . . . A Loud Voice

Posted on December 4, 2013 by Pete

I’m a skipper. I skip ahead. I know what’s coming so I gloss over stuff until I get there. Some parts of God’s Word I read . . . some parts I speed read. Some verses I chew on . . . and others I barely taste. Such, I think, is the case most often with the opening verses of Revelation 4. I’m so excited to leave the things of earth, where the Son of Man walks amidst the churches, and be drawn into the happenings of heaven where the twenty-four elders go facedown before the throne of God. I’m so ready to leave the continual call for those who have ears, to hear, and move to the rhythm of heaven, where living creatures beyond imagination cry out, day and night without ceasing, “Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD God Almighty!” But in that anticipation, most often I miss the transition. But not this morning. For some reason (can anyone say Spirit of truth) I’m drawn to an open door and a loud voice.

After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with One seated on the throne.   (Revelation 4:1-2 ESV)

That there should be a door standing open in heaven should be enough, in and of itself, to illicit great praise. That mortal men should have any access into eternal realms . . . that sinful man would possess any hope of passage into God’s holy presence . . . is a reminder of God’s over-the-top love . . . and Christ’s hold-nothing-back sacrifice.

The door is open because God the Father so loved the world. It is open because God the Son so humbled Himself . . . making “Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men . . . And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” The Lamb of God come to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29), shedding His blood as the once-for-all atoning sacrifice for man’s rebellion. And, having offered Himself on the altar of Calvary’s cruel cross, the work was finished . . . and the barrier to the Most Holy Place was torn from top to bottom . . . and a door into heaven was propped open.

But what good is an open door if no one knows about it? What good is sure passage if it’s obscured by the distractions of the storms of this life? Cue the loud voice!

John heard “the first voice” . . . a loud voice like a trumpet . . . the voice he had encountered back in chapter one . . . the voice of “One like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around His chest. . . . the hairs of His head were white like wool, as white as snow . . . His eyes were like a flame of fire, His feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters” (Rev. 1:10-15). It is the voice of the King of Kings, Himself, to His redeemed people . . . the voice of the Shepherd to His lost-and-found sheep . . . the voice of the Bridegroom to His blood-bought Bride . . . the voice of the Son of God to those He calls brothers and sisters. It is the voice that says, “Come up here!”

O what grace that we have heard and responded to the voice that beckons to all people, “Believe in me!” What grace that we continue to hear the voice, through the active agency of the Spirit within us, inviting us into deeper and deeper relationship, “Abide with me!” What grace that, one day, we too will see the open door and hear His blessed voice, “Come up here! Behold, I will show you the fulfillment of your hope . . . the ultimate fruit of your faith.”

An open door . . . a loud voice . . . a guy sitting in his chair at his desk lingering over the wonder of it all . . . not a skipper today . . . by His grace . . . for His glory.

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Just Grace

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Pete

You don’t need to wait until Black Friday or Cyber Monday in order to take advantage of this offer. Doesn’t matter what time of year you’re ready to purchase, the deals the same. Anyway, it’s not really a matter of how much you can pay . . . it’s already been paid for. The currency is grace . . . no limit on the card . . . no minimum monthly payments . . . just grace.

I’m reading the last letter to the seven churches in Revelation . . . the letter to the church of Laodicea. Perhaps the best known of the seven churches . . . seems that the picture of vomiting has a way of sticking with people. The Laodicean’s were the lukewarm church . . . the neither hot nor cold assembly . . . the “I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing” congregation of the self-righteous. Enough to look the part . . . measuring up to their own standard . . . pretty content in who they were and what they had done. Barf!

But what strikes me this morning is that “the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of God’s creation” (3:14) doesn’t just spew them out and walk away. Rather He professes His love for them (3:19) . . . and then, He offers them a deal . . .

I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.    (Revelation 3:18 ESV)

They could buy gold refined by fire . . . the Calvary tried gold of the cross . . . the Founder of their salvation made perfect through suffering that many might be brought to glory (Heb. 2:10) . . . He who possessed the riches of eternity becoming poor for our sake, that we “by His poverty might become rich” (2Cor. 8:9). They could buy white garments to cover their nakedness . . . robe themselves in the imputed righteousness of Christ . . . clothe themselves in His purity and spotlessness . . . stand sure in His merit. And, they could buy salve that would open blind eyes . . . the revealed Word of God illuminated through the active agency of the Spirit of God . . . given insight which transcends their self-centered view of the world . . . possessing the mind of Christ . . . understanding something of the mysteries of heaven.

That’s the offer Jesus makes to those worthy only of being spit out of His mouth. And the currency to make such purchases?  Grace . . . just grace.

It’s wan’t about earning the dough in order to buy the goods . . . but about opening the door in order to dine with God . . .

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to Him and eat with him, and he with Me.    (Revelation 3:20 ESV)

It wasn’t about doing more . . . actually, they had done enough. It was about receiving more . . . about grace, abundant grace. No need to desperately search for Him, He’s standing at the door. No need to frantically plead with Him to enter . . . He’s knocking, He wants in. Just opening the door . . . and letting Him come in . . . and reclining in intimate fellowship with Him at the table.

That’s the deal . . . no standing in line all night to get it . . . just opening the door. No need to work harder . . . to earn enough . . . to save up more . . . in order to afford it. Because it’s of grace . . . just grace.

O’ thank God for His amazing grace!

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He Knows

Posted on December 2, 2013 by Pete

The rhythm of Revelation chapters two and three is pretty evident. Seven letters to seven churches. The churches are described as seven lampstands . . . they are represented by seven angels . . . and in their midst is He who has the seven spirits of God. And the letters are patterned the same. Addressed to the angel of the church, they begin with a brief description of some attribute of the Author. There is then an assessment of their works. For most of the churches, but not all, there is commendation for faithfulness. And, for some of the churches, there is rebuke and a call to return to being the church that Christ intended. Finally there is a promise for “the one who conquers” followed by a final exhortation to “he who has an ear” to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Pretty recognizable pattern. The cadence is clear. The rhythm reverberates.

But what’s caught my attention is the foundational beat of the rhythm . . . the reality behind each of these letters . . . the source of each commendation . . . the source of each correction. Jesus, the One in the midst of the lampstands, knows what’s going on within His church.

Seven letters and seven times Jesus says, “I know.” To the churches at Ephesus, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodecia, Jesus says, “I know your works.” To the church in Smyrna, “I know your tribulation and your poverty and the slander.” To Pergamum He says, “I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is.” In every letter Jesus reminds His church, He knows.

Regardless of what church government structure a local body of believers might adopt, I’m thinking it can be easy to forget who’s really in charge. Whether our organization structure tops out at the pastor . . . or at a body of elders . . . or at a bishop, or such, over many congregations . . . the rhythm of Revelation reminds me that Jesus is the Head of the Church . . . and that He knows.

God has appointed Him as head over the body (Eph. 1:22-23). As head over the body, He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, “that in everything He might be preeminent” (Col. 1:18). And the expectation is that “we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ” (Eph. 4:15). And so, while we might focus on our polices and practices and programming, we need to do so keeping in mind that the Head of our church knows His church and seeks to direct His church.

That’s why everything we do needs to be submitted to His will for the church.

Each local body of believers is unique . . . God having brought into fellowship a sovereignly determined mix of blood-bought, Spirit-enabled, gifted body parts. Each individual called to do their part . . . each congregation called to ministry in the context of their location and their situation. And among each of these local gatherings of His people, He is in their midst . . . and He knows.

And so, ours needs to be to align ourselves to, and evaluate ourselves against, His Word. Ours needs to be to seek His leading and submit our planning to His Spirit in prayer. Ours needs to be to remember that He knows . . . and that He cares . . . and that He is building His church.

Our is to have ears to hear what the Spirit says to the churches . . . by His grace . . . for His glory.

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Let Righteousness Rain

Posted on November 29, 2013 by Pete

God’s covenant people, planted as a vine to bear much fruit, instead emptied themselves into the altars of false gods . . . and, as such, became a dead vine . . . a vine laid waste. Planted through the promise of abundant blessing in a fertile place, they had become a dry land . . . a dry and barren land. The ground had become hard. Seed, sown through the word of God and the evidence of His presence, was blown away by the winds of rebellion and infidelity. Though they thought they were living, they were dead. And as I continue reading in the prophets, God’s just-ness compels Him to warn of judgment. But God’s love, compassion, and grace, propel Him to continue to offer a way of escape. This morning I hear the Father’s plea, Let righteousness rain!

Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the LORD, that He may come and rain righteousness upon you.    (Hosea 10:12 ESV)

It’s time to seek the LORD . . . that He may come and rain righteousness upon you.

A much needed plea for a withered vine which has spent itself in pursuit of false lovers . . . a much needed reminder for a sinner saved by grace with a heart prone to wander.

There is a righteousness available to be poured out upon the people of God. They sow the seed of righteousness . . . they prime the pump of the outpouring . . . by faith. But the righteousness is not their own. It is that of Another. It is not earned . . . it is gifted. It is not of merit . . . it is of grace. And mine is seek the LORD that the righteousness might rain.

I was also reading in John 15:1-8 this morning. Jesus identifies Himself as “the true vine” . . . the Father as the vinedresser . . . and His own as branches intended to bear fruit. Kind of like His ancient people Israel, huh?

He says that a branch cannot bear fruit unless it abides in the vine . . . neither can a follower of Christ bear fruit unless he remains, or continues, in fellowship with the risen Savior. He says that fruit bearing is an evidence of discipleship. And He says, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit.”

So I’m thinking how much I don’t want to be barren . . . how much I long to avoid becoming like dry and hardened land . . . how regretful I’d be if I became unable to bear fruit because my heart sought another.

O that I might continue to seek the Lord . . . the His righteousness would continue to rain down upon me. That I might continually break up the fallow ground . . . that His grace would pour out upon me . . . that I might abide in Him . . . that His life, through His blessed Holy Spirit, might flow through me.

Let righteousness rain . . . that fruit might be born . . . that others might know we are His disciples . . . that God might receive all the glory.

Amen?

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Wondering at the Fringes . . . Desiring the Fullness

Posted on November 27, 2013 by Pete

I think it’s pretty easy to fall into a mindset that puts us at the center of life. After all, by the very nature of perspective, things are viewed in terms of where we stand . . . encountered in the context of what we have experienced . . . processed against the body of knowledge we have acquired. I’m just thinking that it’s kind of natural to see the universe as it relates to me rather than see me as it relates to the ways of this universe. Reading in Job this morning kind of upset that all too natural apple cart . . . shifted the paradigm . . . put me, as it were, in my place. And it’s left me wondering at the fringes . . . and desiring the fullness.

He stretches out the north over the void and hangs the earth on nothing. He binds up the waters in His thick clouds, and the cloud is not split open under them. He covers the face of the full moon and spreads over it His cloud. He has inscribed a circle on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness. The pillars of heaven tremble and are astounded at His rebuke. By His power He stilled the sea; by His understanding He shattered Rahab. By His wind the heavens were made fair: His hand pierced the fleeing serpent. Behold, these are but the outskirts of His ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of Him! But the thunder of His power who can understand?   (Job 26:7-14 ESV)

Behold the outskirts of His ways . . . the NKJV says that “Indeed these are the mere edges” . . . the NLT, “just the beginning of all He does” . . . the NIV and NASB translates it as “the fringes.” And when I remove myself from the center . . . and realize I am but on the outskirts . . . I wonder at the fringes . . . and I desire the fullness.

I don’t know exactly how Job knows all he knows . . . given that he lived in “ancient times” without all the scientific breakthroughs we know today (or, are they just repeat breakthroughs?) . . . but there’s some pretty sophisticated understanding of creation’s marvelous structure. Job knows that God stretches the northern sky over a vast empty space . . . and that He hangs the earth on nothing . . . that clouds are filled with water yet do not break under the weight of it (Job never lived in Seattle) . . . that there’s a circular horizon over the water, at the place where light meets darkness (doesn’t sound like Job thought the world was flat). Job recognizes that God stirs up the sea . . . breaks up the storm . . . and dresses up the heavens. Wow!

What we see of God . . . what we understand to be true of God . . . what the Spirit has made known to us concerning the Person and work of God . . . they are just the beginning . . . a mere whisper. Or, to coin a less eloquent phrase, “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”

Yes, I have been born into this world. Yes, by the grace of God and through the finished work of the cross, I have been born again into His kingdom. Yes, I abide in Christ and Christ lives in me through the Holy Spirit. Yes, I have access into the very holy presence of God through the blood of Christ. But as much as all this is . . . I can’t help but think I ain’t seen nothn’ yet.

What has been revealed is only the tip of the iceberg. To think that what I know of God is to fully know Him, is to not know Him at all. It’s but a taste . . . a teaser of things yet to come. Far from satisfying my hunger it should inflame a desire for more. While His living water quenches my thirst, it should leave such a taste as to want to seek out the Source of such a life-giving flow in all its fullness.

The marvels of Creation . . . the wonders of salvation . . . the on-going work of sanctification . . . all of it should prime the pump of wanting the realities of a deeper relationship with Him who we have but encountered a whisper of. He, whose power is beyond understanding, is not beyond pursuing.

O’, that I would not be satisfied with just the mere edges . . . that the outskirts would not be enough to satisfy my longing. But that I would worship at the extremities and press on after the essence . . . that I would wonder at the fringes and desire the fullness.

Praise God for the mere edges . . . but I ain’t seen nothin’ yet . . . can’t wait to know Him more.

. . . by His grace . . . for His glory!

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Partners

Posted on November 26, 2013 by Pete

He was on the island called Patmos. Not on vacation but in exile. Not because he purchased an all-inclusive package at some resort but because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Not because he had bought a ticket but because he had been banished as a criminal. But though his circumstance as he was given the Revelation of Jesus Christ was very different than mine, I hear him, through the inspired word of God, call me his partner.

I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
(Revelation 1:9-10a ESV)

The way I read this, John identifies three realities he is experiencing “in Christ” as he does life on Patmos . . . the tribulation . . . the kingdom . . . and the patient endurance. And in these, he acknowledges he is not alone . . . but that he is a companion of others who know the same realities “in Christ.” And that’s the hook for me.

I know John wrote TO a specific audience at that time, but I also know that he wrote FOR those who would also be “in Christ” for all time. So while John’s words might not be specifically to TO me they are FOR me . . . and to that degree, we’re partners. Partners in Christ.

Now I’m all in when it comes to being blessed in Christ . . . and seated together with Him in heavenly places, in Christ . . . and shown the immeasurable riches of His grace, in Christ (check out Ephesians 1). But being a co-participant in the tribulation that is in Christ? Yeah . . . that too . . . we’re partners.

I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. — Jesus    (John 16:33 ESV)

While I am in Christ . . . I am in also in the world . . . and in the world, stuff happens. Not just the “natural” stuff . . . the trials of health gone bad, or tragedy come by surprise . . . but also the spiritual stuff . . . a world system at odds with our calling . . . a world ruler at war with our Master. And so we are partners with those who know the tribulation that is in Jesus. To be sure, the price I pay is not to be compared with what others suffer for the name of Christ. But I shouldn’t be surprised if I don’t quite fit in . . . if I’m not quite understood . . . if I’m not really accepted . . .  if I feel like I’m living a bit on an island because of the world’s hostility towards Christ. Partners.

Partners in tribulation because I am also a partner in the possession and pursuit of another kingdom. Living as though in a foreign land . . . living as though in a temporary dwelling . . . looking forward to “the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” (Heb. 11:10). Seeking first the kingdom of God . . . desiring more the prize of a future reality than the supposed success of this reality. In Christ, I’m part of the kingdom of heaven . . . experiencing it by faith today . . . looking forward to entering into fully on that day.

And,in that we pursue the kingdom that is ours in Christ, . . . and in that we experience the associated tribulations that are ours in Christ, . . . we also realize the patient endurance that becomes ours in Christ. It is an endurance enabled by minds set on things above . . . a steadfastness fueled by the power of the Spirit within. It is a hopeful constancy built upon the promises of God . . . a persistent perseverance known because of the abiding presence of God. And so, we’re partners.

Partners in Christ . . . by His grace . . . for His glory.

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Him Who Loves Us

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Pete

I get that some might avoid the Revelation because it can be pretty hard to wade through. But this morning, as I start in on this final part of my reading plan, I’m thinking that the journey is worth it if only for the opening chapter of this book. While the majority of what was given to John to record are visions of unseen realities that stretch the limits of human description, there are some parts of the letter that are crystal clear . . . among them, these opening verses I’ve just finished reading. Oh, how the heart is stirred as I read of Him who loves us.

John, to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.    (Revelation 1:4-6 ESV)

For whatever difficulties in interpretation lie ahead in trying to understand this book, at this point, here’s what’s beyond second guessing . . .

A grace has been poured out from the very portals of heaven which allows defiled sinners on earth to know a peace and rest with the triune holy God of heaven. This grace is sourced from the God of eternity, He who is, has always been, and will ever be. It is a grace which flows through the all-knowing, ever-present, perfect Spirit of God . . . a grace realized through the Faithful Witness, the conqueror of death, the One who will one day rule over all the earth. It is grace which, by its very nature, is poured out not because it is earned or deserve . . . but flows abundant only because of Him who loves us.

Because of His great love for us, He freed us from our sins by His blood. The King of Heaven took on the flesh of man that He might be presented as the Lamb of God to offer His life as an atoning sacrifice for our rebellion and transgression. He who knew no sin . . . became sin for us. He who was rich . . . became poor of our sake. He who ordained that life would be in the blood, poured out His own blood that we might be released from sin’s tyranny.

Because of His great love for us He enlisted us in His kingdom . . . ordaining us as priests to His God and Father. Those who were once enemies of God have been made into a royal priesthood . . . a people of His own calling . . . witnesses after the Faithful Witness . . . in order that we might proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness and into marvelous light (1Peter 2:9).

A grace that pours out holy blood . . . a grace that purchases from slavery . . . a grace that produces a holy priesthood out of ordinary people . . . all because of Him who loves us.

To fathom the depths of the love of God toward us in Jesus Christ is impossible. It’s breadth and length and height and depth surpasses knowledge (Eph. 3:18-19). But, while it can’t be fully known, it should be fully entered into. Though we may never reach the depths of full understanding, we should, nevertheless, dive deep . . . and meditate long . . . and consider earnestly . . . Him who love us.

. . . to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

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To Him Who Is Able

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Pete

We have a pretty amazing men’s group at our fellowship. Probably one of the things that surprises me the most is the degree of candor that exists within this group of men. Not that we get all touchy-feely . . . but that there is just a willingness to be open and to talk about things that . . . well, quite frankly, would be just as easy not to talk about and leave in the basement of the past or bury in the benign things of the present. Interestingly, one of the residual effects, for some, of hearing these stories of guys having gone through a tempest . . . of those who have, admittedly by God’s grace, come out of the other side of the storm . . . is a kind of fear. It’s a fear that wonders, “If I were to find myself in the same situation, would I prevail as well? Would I stand the test as they did? Or would I falter, and thus dishonor the Name of the One who saved me?” And I get the question . . . I can relate to the uncertainty . . . you don’t really know how you’ll respond in a situation until you’re there.

But this morning, wrapping up the tiny letter of Jude, there’s a promise that alleviates the fear . . . a word that eases the worry. And it really isn’t about whether or not we think we’ll be able to run any gauntlet that life throws our way . . . instead it’s all about Him who is able.

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.    Jude 24-25

True statement . . . we don’t know what tomorrow (or even today) holds. Equally true statement . . . He is able to keep us from stumbling.

The fear of the trial is that somehow it might cause us to question our faith . . . that questioning might lead to unbelief . . . that unbelief would result in disobedience . . . that disobedience would end in a failure to uphold the Name or, in a falling away from the pursuit of the kingdom. But the Spirit, through Jude, assures the child of God that our God is able to keep us from stumbling.

The stories we hear around that men’s table . . . the testimonies we hear at our men’s breakfast . . . so often testify of a grace that kicks in . . . of a presence known as clearly as it has ever been known . . . of an abiding strength that keeps men keepin’ on. The stories tell of the fulfillment of the promise . . . He is able to keep you from stumbling.

Enough are the cares for the day . . . I don’t need to worry about what lies around the corner or if I’ll be able to stand firm amidst it . . . He is able. This morning I enter the fray fully convinced of His saving power . . . His all sufficient grace . . . and His sanctifying presence. I don’t need to spend time wondering if something’s going to come up that causes my faith to falter . . . for He is able. I can look back on the altars built along the way, recalling His presence in past storms, remembering His strength in previous times of weakness, reflecting on the renewal of the inner man when my outer world was faltering . . . and I know He is able.

We have not been given a spirit of fear (2Tim. 1:7) . . . instead, we have been given a promise. He who begun the work will complete the work . . . He who called us will deliver us . . . He who cleansed us will present us before Himself spotless. Not because of who we are, but because of who He is . . . not because of what we’ll do, but because of what He has done . . . not because we are able . . . but because He is able.

. . . to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen?

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Love One Another

Posted on November 21, 2013 by Pete

I’m not really one for “cool Christian t-shirts.” Not judging anyone who likes to wear “God puts the AWE in awesome” on their chest . . . not saying anything about those who sport a big flexed bicep on their back for “God’s Gym” . . . it’s just not me. Though I do recall once having a t-shirt with a couple of empty high top runners on it . . . smoke kind of rising from them . . . a couple of feet in the top of the picture, having been sucked out of the runners, obviously on their way up to somewhere . . . with the caption, “In the twinkling of an eye . . . 1Cor. 15:52 ” Ok, so maybe I might wear a t-shirt if it was cool like that. But normally, that’s not my preferred method of declaring my allegiance to Christ. This morning I’m reminded of another way to witness . . . another means of declaring I’m His . . . .another way of letting people know I’m a follower of Christ.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”   – Jesus       (John 13:34-35)

I love the church . . . not some building . . . but the assembly of God’s people. While God, in His grace, used a friend and the Word to save me, it was being welcomed into a small gathering of believers that, in many ways, sealed the deal. Though I was first grabbed by the simplicity of sitting around the Lord’s table to enjoy the Lord’s supper together . . . though the text on the wall, “Be Still and Know that I am God,” seemed to penetrate my being and invite me into a place I knew little about . . . it was the authentic care and love of the people around the table that would evidence for me that this new found faith was real. Not any who were necessarily “wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth” (1Cor. 1:26) . . . but people who really seemed to love the Lord and to love another.

Before I left for college, brother Bob invited me over to his place for a chat. While I vaguely recall some of what was said in his office, the one thing that rings as clear today as the day I heard it . . . the words I’m still able to quote from that conversation with that man of God some 35 years later . . . the exhortation that continues to ring like a clarion bell for me was, “Pete, love the people of God.”

A new commandment I give to you, that you love another.

The body of believers I now gather with take the banner, “A Family Growing Together” . . . and we are. Now I know that some come from such a dysfunctional upbringing that the idea of a family is far from an inviting idea . . . but the concept of a family should bring to mind a safe place . . . a place where there is acceptance . . . a place to grow through nurturing . . . a place to go when you’re feeling a bit beat up and just need a hug. And there’s something about a group of people who are not blood-relatives loving one another as though they were that causes others to take note.

All people will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

The love of believers one for another . . . the reality of the family of God behaving like a family . . . what a powerful witness to a lost world.

Let us heed the call. Let us so love the people of God that outsiders will know we’re followers . . . not because of the clothes we wear, but because of the way we care.

By His grace . . . for His glory . . .

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