A Plentiful Redemption

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Pete

I read Colossians 3 this morning . . . kind of overwhelming . . . more words underlined or shaded with colored pencil than not. Truths to digest . . . commands to obey . . . everything from setting my mind on things above to living life well on earth below. A ton of stuff! And then I read Psalm 130 . . . and two words jumped off the page which seemed to capture at least some of what I felt while reading Colossians.

O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
and with Him is plentiful redemption.  (Psalm 130:7 ESV)

“Plentiful redemption” . . . with the LORD there is plentiful redemption. Chew on that!

Redemption . . . literally “ransom.” To be redeemed is have had a ransom paid for you. To be redeemed is to have had a price tendered on your behalf. To be redeemed is to be bought from the ownership of another. To be redeemed is to be purchased and thus become the possession of the redeemer. And when it comes to our great Redeemer, His redemption is plentiful . . . it is abundant . . . it is multiplied many times.

It is plentiful in that it is available to all who will acknowledge the need and by faith look to Him as Savior and Redeemer. Abundant in that it is sufficient to pay the price no matter how great the debt racked up by sin. Overflowing in that, no matter how enslaved to the previous owner, it is able to rescue completely from sins grip and the world’s dominion. The ransom paid on my behalf is available . . . sufficient . . . and able.

And, as I was reminded in Colossians 3 this morning, my God’s plentiful redemption is not just “over the top” in what it can purchase “out of” . . . but, and perhaps more amazing, what it ransoms us “in to.”

“You have been raised with Christ (v.1) . . . your life is hidden with Christ in God (v.3) . . . when Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory (v.4) . . . you have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator (v.10) . . . you are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved (v.12) . . . you were called in one body (v.15) . . . you are serving the Lord Christ (v.24).”

What kind of redemption plucks us from the marketplace of sin and raises us to the heavenlies? What is the manner of ransom sufficient to rescue us from being consumed by the spirit of this age and secures us hidden with Christ in God? Plentiful redemption . . . abundant ransom. More than just the price paid to rescue, but the fullness of the riches poured out that we might be called chosen and holy . . . made into one body . . . and graced with the privilege to be slaves of the King of Kings. Slaves of Him . . . who Himself . . . paid the ransom . . . bodily on the cross . . . His life poured out . . . that He might secure for us a plentiful redemption.

How can I not respond with thanksgiving? How can help but praise Him? How can I not seek to serve Him? Purchased . . . redeemed . . . with a plentiful redemption. To God be all glory . . . amen!

“Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it! . . . Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb . . . Redeemed through His infinite mercy . . . His child and forever I am.”

Posted in Psalms | Leave a comment

The Issachar Distinctive

Posted on June 28, 2011 by Pete

I like keeping in touch with what’s going on around me. If I think about how many news sources I check throughout the day, it’s more than just a couple. Before I start work in the morning I do a quick run through of the CBC.ca web site to see what’s happening in the homeland. Mid-day I’ll usually eat my lunch at my desk and do quick once through of the CNN web news. When I get home we often watch one of the local news broadcasts as well as one of the national broadcasts on the tube. And then, I’ll get online and check out a few more news and/or sports and/or entertainment related sites. Mostly headlines and glancing . . . reading a few of the stories in depth . . . just a desire to keep in touch. Even though this world is not my home, I just think it’s important to be know what’s going on. Maybe that’s why the following jumped out at me as I was reading 1Chronicles this morning.

I’m in chapter 12 . . . reading through a roll of “the numbers of the divisions of the armed troops who came to David in Hebron” (1Chron. 12:23). Big army! . . . “From day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God” (12:22). 6,800 from Judah . . . 7,100 from Simeon . . . 20,800 from the tribe of Ephraim . . . 50,000 of seasoned troops of Zebulun . . . 120,000 from the tribes who settled on the east side of the Jordan. If I’m reading it right, the total army size would have been well over 350,000 fighting men. Impressive! But what stood out was a bit of commentary on the men from Issachar . . . what seems to have been an Issachar distinctive.

“Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.” (1Chronicles 12:32 ESV)

The leaders of Issachar had understanding of the times and knew what Israel ought to do. I looked at a couple of commentaries this morning. Some would understand these men to be astrologers and astronomers who were familiar with the physical sciences . . . they knew the seasons and what Israel should be doing during each of them . . . they were learned men and even learned men joined the army. Others say it is best interpreted as they were politically savvy . . . familiar with the finer points of public affairs and able to provide counsel as to how to navigate the relationships with the nations surrounding Israel . . . they were statesmen and you needed statesmen in your military.

I’m sure the strict literal meaning is with these learned men, but as I read of this Issachar distinctive this morning, it hit me as being that these guys were very aware, very astute, and very wise. They knew what was happening in their world around them . . . they understood the times . . . they picked up on the nuances of the spirit of the age . . . they had their ears on and their eyes open . . . and they could counsel David and the nation how to skillfully maneuver through the prevailing culture about them. And as I read it . . . I wanted to be an Issacharite.

It’s one thing to know what’s going on around me and around the world . . . easy to read or listen to the news and get the facts . . . but then to have understanding . . . and to know how to respond . . . I’m thinking that calls for a bit wisdom from above. Oh, to have the mind of Christ as I encounter this world. To be able to see what’s going on with His eyes . . . to internalize it with His heart . . . to react as Jesus would react . . . that, it seems to me, is understanding the times and knowing what to do.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)

That, by the grace of God, I might possess this Issachar distinctive . . . that I might too be a discerning soldier in the great army of God . . . that I might walk wisely in enemy territory . . . for His glory . . . amen.

Posted in 1Chronicles | Leave a comment

Debt Free

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Pete

I’m no economist . . . but, it seems to me, that if anything should have been learned over these past few years of “economic meltdown” it is the burden of debt. From people who over-leveraged their homes . . . to banks who made it too easy to borrow too big . . . to a whole mortgage industry based on what people didn’t have but believed they could repay . . . and then throw in credit cards with a “monthly minimum” to give you the allusion you’re on top of it . . . and we’ve built a whole wealth system not on how much you own but how much debt you can sustain on a month to month basis. Your proverbial house of cards . . . and the walls came tumblin’ down.

And I’m reminded this morning of another type of debt . . . the debt accumulated by sin. The penalties accumulated to our account due to trespasses. A debt which I, on my own, have no means to pay. Without some sort of intervention, my transgressions against the ways of God, and my violations against other people, only increase the amount owed for atonement . . . an atonement that is beyond any “works of righteousness” to offset. Without a “bail out” I’m lost. But praise God, there is a way to being debt free . . .

“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with [Christ], having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13-14 ESV)

Before Christ we accumulated a huge I.O.U. We leveraged sin in pursuit of the things of this world and the things of the flesh. But the “pleasures of sin for a season” comes at a cost . . . and we might be able to “keep up the payments” for a while . . . maybe even for a lifetime . . . but the day of reckoning is assured to all. The ledger will be open . . . the record of debt will be tallied up . . . payment will be required. Unless, of course, that I.O.U. is scrapped . . . unless the debt is canceled . . . unless it is marked “Paid in Full.”

And that’s exactly what transpired on the cross. The penalty for my sin . . . all my sin — past, present, future . . . was paid. Forgiveness of trespasses made possible by the canceling of the record of debt. The righteous and just requirements of the “note holder” fully met through the atoning sacrifice of the Lamb of God. My I.O.U. nailed to the cross . . . set aside . . . marked “paid”. All through the shed blood of the Son of God on Calvary’s cross.

And I reflect this morning on the fact that I am debt free. Not sin free . . . but also not accumulating any more debt for, when I do trip up . . . when I do stumble . . . if I confess my sin, He is faithful and just to forgive my sin and cleanse me from all unrighteous (1John 1:9) . . . all because the price has already been fully paid.

Oh, what a Savior! What a blessed salvation! To consider afresh the wonder of His grace . . . and the beauty of being debt free.

How can I help but praise Him?

Posted in Colossians | Leave a comment

Treasure Hunt

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Pete

I can’t imagine anyone not being excited by the thought of a treasure hunt. Holding the map . . . gazing at where “X” marks the spot . . . calculating what will be needed to make the trek . . . anticipating the discovery of riches. Jesus told a parable of a man who found treasure hidden in a field and invested everything he had in buying that field so that he would possess its treasure. And He told another story of merchant in search of pearls who, when he found one of great value, sold everything he had to buy it (Matt. 13:44-46). Treasure hunters seek treasure . . . and when they know they’re getting close to it . . . give their all to attain it. That was Paul’s desire for the Colossians . . .

“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:1-3 ESV)

There! Do you see it? The “X”? The treasure? It’s “all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery” and “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Sound big? Sound valuable? Worth going after?

Divine wisdom . . . comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God (Amplified Bible) . . . spiritual knowledge and understanding and the assurance and conviction that is born from comprehending “the mystery” of God. Sounds intriguing . . . sound ambitious . . . sounds kinda’ valuable. And where’s it all found? In Christ. In Him is hidden this “out of this world” wellspring of riches.

When we lost people were found and saved by grace through faith . . . when He transported us out of darkness into marvelous light . . . when He made us new creations and made all things new . . . we were given the map . . . our blind eyes caught a glimpse of the treasure . . . our feet were set on the pathway. And Paul says that he agonizes, with a great contending desire, that believers would attain to all the treasures that are theirs. And that treasure is in Christ.

We’re closer now than when we were first saved. We’ve encountered some of the treasure along the way. We know there’s more to be mined and appropriated. We know we’re not alone in the pursuit . . . that the Holy Spirit of God has taken up residence to guide, strengthen, and encourage us to keep seeking the kingdom and its wealth.

Oh, to hunger and thirst for the treasure of knowing Christ and possessing the mind of God. To count everything as loss and invest it all in attaining the glorious riches of heavenly insight and comprehension. To press on, and keep pressing on, for not just a “head knowledge”, but the living knowledge of encountering and interacting with the risen Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit. To know that its not up to our ability but, just as the trek started by the grace of God, the full riches of Christ will attained also by the grace of God . . . and some holy determination on our part. That was Paul’s desire of the believers . . . some holy determination in pursuing the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Oh, that it might increasingly be my desire and passion and drive, as well.

Hidden in Christ . . . there’s treasures to be discovered . . . anyone up for a treasure hunt?

Posted in Colossians | Leave a comment

Keywords Are Everything

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Pete

Last night my daughter applied for a job . . . from home . . . on her computer. With the advent of the “online application” it’s pretty easy to provide your qualifications and credentials to a potential employer. On the “other end” of this “web form” is a “search engine.” In addition to some program assessing whether or not you have the minimum qualifications based on how you answered the “Yes/No” questions, recruiters have the ability to search the database of applications for job relevant keywords. Kind of helps to know that when you’re filling out one of these “web forms” . . . keywords are everything.

So, if I were a searching for a Savior what keywords might I be interested in? What qualifications would I be looking for? The latter part of Colossians 1 (vv. 15-19) was on my reading plan this morning, and I read it . . . and re-read it . . . and read it again. It is one of the most awe-inspiring, heart-captivating, worship-evoking list of attributes of Christ contained anywhere in Scripture. Check out these keywords . . .

“Image of the invisible God” . . . “Firstborn of all creation” . . . “Creator of all things in heaven and earth” . . . “All things created through Him and for Him” . . . “Before all things” . . . “In Him all things hold together” . . . “Head of the body, the church” . . . “Firstborn from the dead” . . . “In Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” . . . “In everything, preeminent!” (Colossians 1:15-19 ESV).

How’s that for a list of qualifications? Not many results ( like only one! ) are gonna pop up when you Google those attributes. My Lord is unique . . . my Lord is in a class all of His own . . . my Lord is before, above, and over anything else to which you might want to compare Him . . . preeminent! Oh . . . how I love that word . . . preeminent! It’s used only once in the New Testament . . . of course . . . by it’s very definition it can be applied to only one . . . and that One is Jesus. He is first in everything (NLT) . . . alone having supremacy (NIV) . . . towering over everybody and everything (MSG). There’s no competition . . . no rivalry . . . no close second. He share’s the limelight with no one. Oh, what folly when we seek to put other people or other stuff above Him. By His very nature, in everything He is to be preeminent.

But do these attributes “qualify” Him for the “position” of Savior? Certainly, if I were doing a job search for “King” . . . “Creator” . . . “Sovereign” . . . “Judge” . . . these keywords would place Jesus at the top of the list. But Savior? One more set of keywords needs to be considered . . .

“For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, He has now reconciled in His body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before Him.” (Colossians 1:19-22 ESV)

Pick up those keywords? “Reconcile to Himself all things” . . . “Making peace by the blood of His cross” . . . “Has now reconciled in His body by death” . . . “Will present you holy, blameless, and above reproach.” Now those are qualifications for a Savior!

Preeminent . . . and Peacemaker. Ruler over all things . . . and Reconciler of those who were enemies of God. Creator of all things . . . and Cross-bearer . . . Sustainer of all things . . . and once for all atoning sacrifice . . . shedding His blood for the payment of my sin. Master . . . and Makeover Artist conforming us to His holy and blameless image. God, fully God . . . and gracious Groom preparing His bride to be presented to Himself in all of redemption’s glory.

Keywords are everything! Hallelujah! Now that’s a Savior! Amen?

Posted in Colossians | 1 Comment

From Why? to Wow!

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Pete

I get the “why?” question. I have a certain appreciation for looking to heaven when everything in my life on earth is feeling upside down and asking, “How come you let this happen? Can’t you intervene and make it stop?” But I also know that, for the child of God, on the other side of trouble and trial there is a perspective born and an insight given concerning the presence and power of our God . . . our God who is “a very present help” and “a stronghold in times of trouble” (Ps. 9:9, 46:1). Reading Psalm 124 captured some of that insight this morning . . .

“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side–let Israel now say–if it had not been the LORD who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters.” (Psalm 124:1-5 ESV)

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side . . . say it you people of God . . . if it had not been the Lord who was on our side! How awe-invoking is that realization? How comforting is that thought? Instead of asking, “Why!” shouldn’t I instead be saying, “Wow?!”

It’s not if we have trials and troubles, it’s when . . . and how deep . . . and how long . . . “In the world you will have tribulation” (Jesus, John 16:33). The psalmist didn’t ask why people rose up against them . . . it wasn’t about questioning the floods that could have swept them away . . . or the torrent that could have consumed them . . . or the raging waters in which they might have drowned. Instead, he reflects, if the Lord hadn’t been our side . . . we would have never made it through . . . we would never have escaped.

“Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped!” (Psalm 124:6-7 ESV)

Escaped . . . slipped away . . . preserved . . . delivered. It wasn’t about avoiding the trial it was about getting through. David was face to face with the predator but given as prey . . . we had been snared by the fowlers, but the snare was broken and the way of escape was provided. And why? Because the Lord was on his side. Yes, in this world we will have tribulations, but, praise God, Jesus has overcome this world (John 16:33) . . . and He is on my side.

Why would God be on my side? That’s the “why” question I should be asking. Why would the God whose ways are so much higher than my ways and whose thoughts are so much higher than my thoughts concern Himself at all with my struggles? . . . much less draw alongside to help me get through? It certainly isn’t because of my merit or worth . . . but solely because of His grace and sovereign determination to complete the work He has begun in me . . . because of His divine wisdom and purpose in seeking to be magnified and glorified in and through my life . . . that glory sometimes being realized in and through the life overwhelmed by flood waters. And it is when we have escaped, that the perspective is born and the glory given . . .

“Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 124:8 ESV)

And that’s the “Wow!” The Lord who made heaven and earth is my help. Almighty, eternal God is for me. And, “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

Oh that I might not be consumed by the “Why?” and led more to be awestruck by the “Wow!” . . . for His praise and for His glory . . . amen.

Got a few more minutes? Click here to enjoy some vintage Talleys singing about the “Wow!”

Posted in Psalms | Leave a comment

Extreme Giving

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Pete

I heard a sermon years ago on cassette tape (. . . tells you how many years ago . . . ). It was entitled “Legions of the Un-Jazzed.” The preacher talked about the difference between ho-hum Christianity (the un-jazzed) and that mindset which propels us to seek to “catch the big waves” of this pilgrimage (the jazzed). He talked of the difference between going through the earthly motions of “living for Christ” and the passion ignited when we do the same stuff with a heavenly perspective. And, as I hover over the latter part of Philippians 4 this morning, it occurs to me that giving money, that sharing of “my” material possessions, can also be an act of the un-jazzed or an act of the jazzed.

“Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:16-18 ESV)

The Philippians had determined to support Paul financially. They were faithful to write the check (aka cheque). But notice the perspective Paul had on the gift he received. It was “fruit that increases to your credit” . . . it was “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” Their gift was so much more than just going through the weekly routine of dropping an envelope into an offering bag . . . it was more than just reaching into their pocket and mindlessly dropping a couple of bucks onto the plate . . . instead, it was part of “catching the wave.”

Their gift was an investment. For every dollar they purposefully put in the offering, a greater deposit was being accrued to a heavenly account. Jesus called it “laying up treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:20). Paul would tell Timothy that “to be generous and ready to share” was to store up treasure “as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life” (1Tim. 6:18). Doesn’t that sound like the language of the jazzed? How I give is part of laying hold of true life. Tithing was an Old Testament obligation . . . cheerfully giving an offering is an act reflective of the grace and gift we have received. And, let’s be clear, it’s not about the amount . . . it’s about the mindset. That which is accrued for us in heaven is not some factor or multiplier of every dollar we give away . . . the “interest” accrued for that day when we are with Him is determined by Him out of the abundance of His grace. Ours is to make the deposit . . . His is to give the increase.

Secondly, the gift is an act of worship. We use the phrase, “Take up the offering” . . . but how often do we really see it as an act of glorifying our God . . . of ascribing to Him immeasurable worth . . . of trying to express in some feeble way our love and awe of Him? I’ve often thought we lose something when we distance the offering from the worship during our Sunday morning meetings. If it were up to me, I’d be passing the plate in the middle of our singing . . . I’d be sending around the bag or the bucket or the whatever while the sacrifice of praise is pouring out from our lips.

When’s the last time I wrote the cheque (aka check) and thought of it as a fragrant offering . . . an acceptable sacrifice . . . an aroma pleasing to God? Instead, it’s most often just fulfilling my “commitment” . . . or it’s just part of being faithful will “my little” or faithful with “my much” . . . it’s just being obedient as a good steward of that which God has blessed me with. Not that there’s anything wrong with any of those perspectives . . . they’re biblical . . . but, honestly, not much jazz factor there. But to pause just a moment before placing the envelope in the bag . . . to actively engage in the “let’s pray for the offering” part of the service and reflect on the sacrifice I’m about to make . . . that kind of takes it up a notch. To consider that it pleases God . . . hmmmm . . . that’s kind of exhilarating!

An investment in an account in the treasuries of heaven . . . an aromatic sacrifice ascending to heaven itself, pleasing to God. That’s catching the wave . . . that’s “extreme giving” . . . that’s the way of the jazzed! Amen?

Posted in Philippians | Leave a comment

Think On These Things

Posted on June 20, 2011 by Pete

That the game is either won or lost in the mind seems clear. That it is just as much about the heart as it is about how hard you play is evident. Skill only takes you so far . . . it’s what’s going on in the inside that provides the “secret sauce” . . . that creates the “X” factor. True too, I think, concerning the things of God. Knowledge only gets you so far . . . checking the boxes concerning doing the right stuff is but a good start. But it takes something deeper, something internal, to make the difference between just going through the motions and going the distance. A couple of my readings this morning combined to get me thinking on these lines . . .

First was reading about the reform under King Josiah in 2Kings 22 and 23. Made king of Judah at age 8, his heart was stirred to do “what was right in the eyes of the Lord” . . . unlike his father and grandfather before him. When he was 18 he decided that the temple was in need of repair and so ordered that a cleaning and repair crew be sent in. In the course of the cleanup, a copy of the Book of the Law was discovered. And when king Josiah was brought the law, and read the law, he came to realize just how far Judah had fallen from God’s commands. It says that his heart was “penitent” and that he humbled himself before the Lord (22:19). As a result, he enacted reform in Judah the likes of which had not been seen since King David.

He destroyed everything concerned with the worship of other gods. He tore down idols and places of worship that had been established as far back as the days of Solomon. He enacted reform throughout the land, even restoring the observance of the Passover feast. Concerning Josiah it is recorded that, “Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him” (22:25).

But here’s what stopped me in my tracks. After a 31 years on the throne, Josiah is murdered by an enemy and succeeded by his 23 year old son, Jehoahaz. And of Jehoahaz it’s written, “He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his fathers had done” (23:32). Though Jehoahaz had a “front row seat” to the passion with which his father sought after the Lord . . . though he had seen modeled a zeal for obeying the word of the Lord . . . it never took. Josiah could destroy all the external props and instruments of idol worship, but unless it impacted the heart of his son . . . unless there was a change of mind in the people . . . it really made very little difference. No “secret sauce” in the cleanup . . . no “X” factor at play in the reform. And that brings me to the other reading this morning that provided some divine perspective on the lack of lasting impact of Josiah’s efforts on God’s behalf . . .

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

Just has Josiah had tried to do, Paul also was seeking to encourage revival amongst a group of God’s people. Just as Paul had counted all things loss for the sake of Christ . . . just as he had determined to pursue the “surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” . . . just as he was determined to press on in order to know Christ and the power of His resurrection . . . he wanted the Philippians to do likewise . . . “Brothers, join in imitating me” (3:17). And then he says, “Finally” . . . . finally . . . before I end this letter, get this . . . here’s the secret sauce . . . here’s the “X” factor . . . “think about these things.” Get your mind in the game . . . get your heart aligned with the beat of heaven . . . think! . . . meditate! . . . muse on! . . . internalize! . . . the things of Christ.

Jesus is true — He is the way, the truth, and the life. The King of Kings is worthy of all honor. The obedient Son of God is righteous and just The Lamb of God is spotless and pure. The soon returning Bridegroom is altogether lovely. The works and teaching of the Son of Man are of good report and commendable. The Second Person of the Trinity embodies the excellence of the fullness of God. All that Jesus is and all that He has done is worthy of eternal praise. So think on these things!

That’s what makes the difference . . . that’s where the game is won or lost . . . that’s where the mind, soul, and spirit are engaged in support of the efforts of the body. Oh, that I might know more of the “secret sauce” . . . that I might “bring it” with more of the “X” factor . . . that I might think on these things! For His glory . . . amen!

Posted in 2Kings, Philippians | Leave a comment

The Lifeline

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Pete

22 Readings . . . 8 verses each . . . 176 verses in total . . . 9 columns of text in my Bible . . . 4 1/2 pages . . . one grand theme . . . “Your law is my delight.” Finished up Psalm 119 this morning . . . oh, how I love this portion of Scripture.

I underline verses that pertain to the Word of God with an orange colored pencil . . . do you wanna guess that these 4+ pages are pretty orange? Yup. Next most prominent color? Purple . . . my color for obedience. The psalmist’s high esteem for the precepts of God were expressed not only in that he wrote such a wonderful treatise concerning the word but in that he determined to hold fast to the word . . . to not forget . . . to not swerve . . . but to do and keep the testimonies of His great God.

It’s not that the psalmist made a lifeless idol of the words . . . but that he adored the living Author of the book. Not that it was about legalistically checking off the “to do’s”, but that it was about experiencing real life . . . and life to the full. And so the psalmist would plead for understanding . . . would submit himself to divine teaching . . . would delight in the law of heaven. In the revealed word of God the psalmist had found a great treasure . . . and he would seek to plumb its depth and hold fast to its promise.

And it’s the last verse of this mega-psalm which captures my attention this morning . . . that the word of God can be a lifeline for those who will not let go of it . . .

“I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.”  (Psalm 119:176 ESV)

What an apt way to conclude 176 verses of contemplation concerning the wonder, the dynamics, and the benefits of God’s word . . . with the recognition that I am prone to wander . . . to, like a sheep, end up in places that I’m not sure how to get back from . . . to snooze at the wheel and find myself off kilter and/or off course. To acknowledge that I need the Shepherd to to seek me . . . to lead me back . . . to draw my heart once again to Him . . . to stand at the door and knock. That I need the depths of His grace and the power of His living Spirit in me to reel me back in and help me get my feet back under me. And the lifeline? . . . that vehicle by which I hear again the voice of God calling? . . . the agency by which clarity of thought is restored? It is the blessed word of God.

For those who love His commandments . . . for those who have cried out to be taught and given understanding . . . for those who have sought to hide His precepts in their hearts . . . for those who have subjected themselves to the revealed mind of God and sought to trust and obey . . . there is an abiding assurance. An assurance that though they may stray or feel they have lost their way, it will be but for a season . . . that though they might trip up, they will also get up . . . that though they wander, the Shepherd will seek them . . . and find them . . . and restore them . . . and return them to His loving fold. All through the inspired, living, and powerful, revelation of God.

His word is the lifeline. It is what keeps me tethered to the shores of heaven. It the anchor which holds fast during the storm. It is the communication link that conveys the “still small voice” of the Father during the raging cacophony of things gone wrong. It is the familiar landmark recognized in the desert which points back to the pathway of life.

Praise God for 22 readings . . . 176 verses . . . 4+ pages. Praise God for the lifeline! Amen?

Posted in Psalms | Leave a comment

Seven Times a Day

Posted on June 16, 2011 by Pete

So what if we took more of the Bible literally? What difference might it make? What if we actually washed each other’s feet? . . . what humility! What if we actually sold more of what we had and distributed it within the church to those who were in need? . . . what community! What if we actually greeted one another with a holy kiss? . . . ok . . . maybe not. But, what’s got me thinking about this though, is something I read in Psalm 119 this morning.

“Seven times a day I praise You, for Your righteous rules.” (Ps. 119:164  ESV)

What if I literally praised God seven times a day?

And it’s got me thinking . . . how many times a day do I, on average, praise God? Morning devotions, one . . . if I eat three meals a day and pray before each, that would get me up to four . . . if, “now I lay me down to sleep, pray the Lord my soul to keep” that might get me up to five. But seven? I don’t hit five very often. I certainly don’t average five. So, what if I purposed to praise Him seven times a day?

I guess part of it has to be what’s the motivation to offer praise to God? For the Psalmist it’s clear: “My heart stands in awe of Your word . . . I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure . . . I love Your law . . . Great peace have those who love Your law . . . I love them exceedingly” (Ps 119:161-168). You gotta love Psalm 119. The Psalmist is crazy in love with the word of God . . . it’s his strength . . . his wisdom . . . his comfort . . . his lamp . . . his revival . . . his hope . . . and, it is a major well from which the spring of praise gushes.

But what else fuels the “praise factor?” How about my sin forgiven? . . . that should generate some praise. How about the knowledge that I am sealed with the Holy Spirit and that He actively is working within me to conform me to the image of Christ? . . . do I hear a “hallelujah” coming from that one. How about the reality of an intimate relationship with the Father? . . . worthy of worship? . . . I’m thinking so. Pile on a “peace that passes understanding” and a “hope that endures” and you’re starting to create a bit of revival meeting here. So . . . why don’t I praise God seven times a day?

And it’s not that I need to set a quota . . . not that I need to schedule seven praises a day . . . but maybe the question is, why don’t I find myself praising God more often during the day? Praying before each meal is a good start . . . a good foundation. A bit of praise mixed with devotion times just seems natural. But what about a spontaneous, “You are awesome God” when I catch a glimpse of Mt. Rainier? Or, how about a “thank you, Lord” just slipping past my lips when I’m reminded of some blessing I enjoy at His gracious hand?

In Luke’s gospel, Jesus declares that He is the One who fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy in the first part Isaiah 61, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19). But if you read on a bit more in Isaiah it also declares that Messiah will “provide for those who grieve in Zion–to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isa. 61:3 NIV). What if I took that literally . . . Jesus has provided a garment of praise . . . what if I determined to put it on? . . . what if I were to become more aware of it’s availability? Oh, that I might be more bound up in the clothing of praise . . . an attitude of rejoicing . . . a mindset of continual thanksgiving.

Father, I’m amazed at how quickly the praise factor that is present during morning devotions can dissipate throughout the day. The focus shifts . . . the distractions increase . . . oh, Father, how I desire to put on the garment of praise . . . oh, that “Praise the Lord” might be a frequently present thought as I encounter life . . . that You would be glorified multiple times a day as I “continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15).

One down . . . six (or more) to go . . .

Posted in Psalms | Leave a comment