KISS

Posted on December 28, 2010 by Pete

Some of what I’m on the look out for when I’m reading in the morning are “commands to obey.” I’m not looking to construct a “to do” list . . . or, for that matter, a “not to do” list . . . so that I can try and merit God’s favor — that’s a done deal. This morning, solely because of the grace of God and the work of Christ on the cross, I am accepted as a child of God . . . redeemed by the blood . . . declared righteous in Him . . . having believed in Him as the Son of God and the Savior of men. So why look for stuff to obey? K.I.S.S. . . . Keep It Sincere Saint . . .

The Scriptures are clear that believers should walk in a manner consistent with what they say they believe (Eph. 4:1) . . . that their walk should line up with their talk . . . that those who are being conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29) should, in fact, reflect something of that image and act like He would act (Eph. 5:1). So, if I’m going to take that seriously . . . and if I believe that the Scriptures have been preserved through the ages so that I don’t have to figure out what “consistency” looks like on my own . . . then, when I read the Word, it makes sense that one of the things I should be on the look out for are commands to obey. K.I.S.S. . . . Keep It Straight Saint . . .

And the command that grabbed me this morning is found in Psalm 2 . . . a simple command . . . “Kiss” . . . “Kiss the Son” (Ps. 2:12a)

The command is contrasted with those who rage and plot against the Lord in vain . . . those who set themselves against the Lord . . . who arrogantly try to “out noodle” the Almighty. And God, as it where, laughs from heaven at the foolishness of the Created trying to elevate themselves above the Creator. One day, the kingdom that Jesus is now establishing in the hearts and lives of believers will give way to a visible kingdom . . . His kingdom on earth . . . the nations His heritage . . . the earth His possession . . . His rule visible and indisputable. So why do men fight against it? Instead says the Psalmist, “Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son . . . blessed are those who take refuge in Him.” (Ps. 2:11-12)

Kiss the Son. Lean in, as it were . . . get close and personal . . . and honor Him with a holy kiss. There’s no honoring Jesus from a distance. There’s no punching salvation’s ticket with a profession of faith and then going on with life as usual. But those who are His are called to draw near . . . to revere and honor . . . to abide . . . to follow. There really isn’t any middle ground. Jesus said, “You are either with me or you are against me” (Luke 11:23) . . . you either kiss Me or you rage against Me. Someone once said that the opposite of love isn’t hate . . . it’s indifference. The Psalmist says, “Don’t be indifferent . . . don’t align with the ways of a world that sits in basic opposition to the Me . . . Kiss the Son.” K.I.S.S. . . . Keep It Strong Saint . . .

It doesn’t just happen by default . . . it’s a verb . . . something I need to do. I think it finds its expression in serving Him . . . in imitating Him . . . in rejoicing in Him . . . in worshiping Him . . . in humbly falling at His feet in awe of Him. It’s accompanied with affection . . . it’s driven by appreciation . . . it’s manifest in adoration.

I think that’s at least some of it . . . Oh, that I might learn more of what it is to Kiss the Son . . . for His glory.

K.I.S.S . . . Keep It Seeking Saint . . .

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Anticipation . . .

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Pete

At least when it comes to my yearly Bible reading plan, the “new year” has tended to begin two or three days after Christmas. It’s been awhile since I’ve actually read the January 1st set of readings on January 1st. Part of it is that for whatever reason I like to be “ahead of the plan” . . . maybe to ensure that I don’t get behind and discouraged. Part of it is that it’s simply too long to wait until the New Year before getting back into what’s become a routine of taking a bit of time to chew on the Word. But I think the other reason, and maybe the most driving aspect, is that there’s a sense of anticipation . . .

It’s the anticipation of connecting again with an old friend . . . or sitting down to watch a favorite movie . . . or revisiting a place that has many fond memories associated with it. And, more than that, it’s the anticipation, that while I’m heading down paths that I have trod before . . . reading stuff that’s been read before . . . hearing the old, old story that’s been heard before . . . that, while I’m heading down a well-worn road, I just know there will be new and fresh encounters with the Word of God . . . and with the God of the Word.

As I read Genesis this morning I underlined the “activeness” of God. God created . . . God said . . . God separated . . . God called . . . God made . . . God set . . . God saw . . . God blessed . . . God rested. And I’m wondering how all that “activity” aligns with the slow imperceptible advances you’d imagine through “theistic evolution”. It’s hard for me to imagine God saying every few million years or so, “That’s good . . . and that’s good . . . oh, and that’s really good!” But hey, could be . . . God’s not bound by time the way I am. But as I read again the Creation account I can’t help but think six literal days . . . at the end of which God rests from all the work He has done and all the wonder He has made . . . “and behold, it was very good” (Gen 1:31).

Then I step through the genealogy of Christ in Matthew. And I note again the three women mentioned in the King’s family tree. Tamar (Matt. 1:3), Ruth (1:5), and “the wife of Uriah” (1:6). And from my perspective, you might as well name each of them Grace. One deceived her father-in-law into sleeping with her so that she might conceive . . . the ends justifying the means in her mind (Gen. 38). One, a foreigner to the promises of God, chose to hang with a bitter old woman and take her God as her own (Ruth 1). And one, seduced a king and was used to turn him into not only an adulterer but a murderer, as well. And the grace in this genealogy goes so beyond these women . . . check out some of the kings in this lineage . . . whoo boy! . . . not exactly a stellar pedigree. But through this line, He who was conceived apart from natural human reproduction, bore the right to the throne of the Most High . . . and the right to sit upon it as King and Sovereign.

Then you read Acts . . . Jesus taken into heaven as the disciples jaws fall to the ground . . . and an angel saying to them, “Why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11) The King is coming! Amen? Until then His disciples receive the power of heaven manifest in the presence of God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit present at creation . . . the One working through the ages in lineage of the King . . . the One now indwelling God’s earthly tabernacle . . . aka us . . . His people . . . the church. Three cheers for the church!

And then, as I do every year, I place the reading in the Psalms last as I work through this part of the reading plan. And my “new year” begins with the age old promise that there is a blessing for those whose “delight is in the law of the LORD” . . . for those who meditate on His law day and night (Ps. 1:2). That there is an expectation that for those who present “good soil” to the seed . . . for those that seek to put aside a bit of time to feed on His word, that they will be “like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers” (1:3). Deep roots . . . fruit borne in its season . . . a leaf which endures . . . such is prospering in God’s economy. That’s the blessing which awaits me at the end of what will be, Lord willing, another year’s much anticipated journey down the path of God’s Word.

Cant’ wait . . . let’s get at ‘er . . . for my blessing . . . for His glory . . . amen.

Posted in Acts, Genesis, Matthew, Psalms | Leave a comment

A Satisfied Thirst

Posted on December 24, 2010 by Pete

It’s really not about boasting . . . but I have been looking back and reflecting. It’s been a number of years now since I’ve gone back to “The Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan” to guide my morning reading times. It’s been five years since I started journaling a few thoughts on my computer after my readings and almost that long since I started sending them out to my girls as sort of an e-Family Altar. And, for the last four years I have taken to the habit of coloring my Bible to help me keep my mind engaged as I read. And, I’m not gonna lie . . . in looking back there is a certain satisfaction. For me, it’s been a good “habit” to nurture . . . a profitable “routine” to establish . . . a great way to start the day. But with the satisfaction, there’s also a thirst. I have my new Bible ready to go for next year (I’ve picked up an ESV so we’ll see how that changes things) and, after taking a few mornings of downtime, I’m looking forward to working through the reading plan again, Lord willing.

And what’s got me reflecting . . . and anticipating . . . is my final reading of the plan in Revelation 22. I do love reading Revelation 22 at this time of year . . . particularly on these days right before the celebration of the birth of the Savior. As I remember that He has come just as was foretold, it excites me to be reminded too that He has said He’s coming again! Twice in this passage He promises, “Behold, I am coming quickly . . . ” (Rev. 22:7,12). And I find myself responding along with the Spirit and the bride, “Come! Come! Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (22:17a,20b)

But this morning it was His invitation to me that jumped off the page . . . He says to me, “Come.”

“And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17b)

This is the second time the offer has been made in these closing chapters of Scripture . . . the second time this promise has been given . . . earlier Jesus says, “I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts” (21:6b) It is a promise from the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, Himself (21:6, 22:13). And the promise comes with a “warranty” as He who sits on the throne declares, “These words are true and faithful . . . are faithful and true” (21:5, 22:6).

It’s the way of the kingdom . . . he who thirsts and comes to the water will be satisfied . . . and he who has known the satisfaction of living water with thirst for more. It’s the reality of seeking, by His grace, to faithfully feed on His word . . . to know the dynamic of Him revealing sufficient for the day yet stirring within His own a desire to feast on His word more. It feels great to come to the end of my reading plan, but I’m also looking forward to starting from the beginning again.

And so, through His living word, I hear Jesus say this morning, “Come! . . . Keep coming! . . . Don’t stop coming! . . . to the living water I freely offer.”

And so, this grateful sinner saved by grace says, “Amen. Even so, Lord Jesus, I’ll come. Thank You for the living water . . . thank You for the living Teacher in residence within me . . . thank You for Your faithfulness each and every morning in giving me something to chew on . . . thank You for beginning a work in my by Your grace that You have committed to complete until the day I see You face to face . . . thank You for satisfying my thirst, and causing me to thirst for more. Lamb of God, I come!”

Have a blessed Christmas . . . O Come Let Us Adore Him!

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Another Great Commission

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Pete

Ok . . . so who am I to challenge that the “Great Commission” is Jesus’ charge to His disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples?” (Matt. 28:19). They are the last words of Jesus recorded in by Matthew . . . they have become the rallying cry of the church for centuries if not for millennia . . . but, as I wrap up my reading in John’s gospel, can I nominate another “great commission” for the runner up slot?

As I read John 21 this morning, and in particular reflect again on Jesus’ one-on-one conversation with Peter, it occurs to me that after 3 years together . . . 3 years that must have felt like a lifetime to Peter . . . that after 3 years, a death, and a resurrection together, Jesus final words to Peter sound a lot like His first words to the disciple He nicknamed Cephas, “the rock” . . .

“And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ (Matt. 4:18-19) . . . This He [Jesus] spoke, signifying by what death he [Peter] would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ . . . Peter, seeing him [John], said to Jesus, ‘But Lord, what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.’ ” (John 21:19-22)

After witnessing healings . . . after seeing demons cast out . . . after hearing teachings which burned within his heart . . . after grasping the increasing revelation that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God . . . after fighting for Him . . . after denying Him three times . . . after seeing Him die . . . after eating breakfast with Him that morning as Jesus sat before him in His resurrected body . . . after having the chance to affirm his love for Him three times . . . it came down to two words . . . “Follow me.”

John says that the reason he wrote His gospel was so that I might believe . . . and that believing I would have life in His name (John 20:31). He writes that there were many other things he could have recorded . . . so much stuff to tell that “even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25). So I think it’s worth noting that the Spirit led John to conclude His account of the good news with this interaction between the risen Savior and the single disciple . . . to conclude it with this last great commission . . . “Follow me.”

It’s kind of a “command to obey” for all seasons, isn’t it? Times are going well? . . . Follow Me. You’re going through the ringer? . . . Follow Me. You got tons of dough? . . . Follow Me. You don’t know where your daily bread’s gonna come from? . . . Follow Me. You’re going to a foreign land in full-time service? . . . Follow Me. You’re going to work? . . . Follow Me. You’re preaching to hundreds? . . . Follow Me. I’ve given you a family to lead to salvation’s door? . . . Follow Me. You feel like following Me? . . . Follow Me. You don’t feel like following Me? . . . Follow Me, still!

The Greek tense is imperative, present, and active . . . Just do it! . . . Get ‘er done! . . . Follow me!

“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the LORD of hosts (Zech. 4:6) . . . that’s how I can follow Him at all times. My feeble faith and willingness . . . His all surpassing grace and power.

So, if it isn’t “THE GREAT COMMISSION” . . . I certainly think it is A GREAT COMMISSION.

For His glory . . . amen!

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The Reunion

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Pete

Really, if you think about it, they hadn’t been apart that long. It’s not like their reunion was a get together after ten years . . . nor was it a five year reunion . . . it wasn’t even a one year reunion . . . actually, it had only been three days. Only three days since they had been together . . . stretch it to four days if you clock it from time they last were together in a room interacting.

But it wasn’t so much about the length of time they had been apart . . . it was about the extent to which they had been apart. First, sleep had separated them. They were together in the garden and He had a need to pray . . . “Pray with me,” He asked. But they couldn’t keep their eyes open . . . so He prayed alone. Then came the posse sent by the chief priests and Pharisees . . . and they took Him away . . . and the disciples ran in the other direction. But a few had followed Jesus to the court of the high priest, but there too, one of them removed himself farther from the Master as three times he denied he knew the Man. And I’m guessing most, if not all of them, were standing somewhere in the crowd as He was crucified . . . the distance and separation growing as they watched the One in whom they had placed their hope give up His life. Dead . . . buried . . . for three days. No one was expecting a reunion . . . until that blessed morning.

Mary was the first to find out something was up ( . . . literally . . “Up!” . . . as in “raised from the dead” up!). She found the empty tomb and ran to tell the others. Peter and John high-tailed it to Jesus’ burial site and confirmed Mary’s report . . . stone removed . . . burial garments in tact . . . no body and nobody to be found . . . and it started to dawn on John . . . he believed (John 20:1-8). And then that night, as the disciples huddled together behind closed doors, it happened . . .

“Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you!’ ” (John 20:19-21)

It wasn’t how long it had been since they had last seen Him, but the fact that they never thought they’d see Him again. But there He was . . . alive . . . standing in their midst . . . and they were glad . . . . ya’ think? And notice Jesus’ reunion theme . . . check out the first words out of His mouth that He deemed the most appropriate, most important implication of them being together again . . . “Peace to you!” Twice He says it. And eight days later, when He shows up in their midst again, this time to graciously woo Thomas’ unbelieving heart, He again stands in their midst and the first words He says are “Peace to you!” (John 19:26).

Isn’t that the bottom line implication of encountering the risen Christ? Isn’t that the “natural” outcome of being with Him? Peace? As we approach “the season” how often are we being reminded that “unto us a Child is born . . . a Son is given . . . and His name shall be called . . . Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). He came to bring peace . . . peace to those who were enemies with God . . . peace to those estranged from the promises of God . . . peace to those separated from by sin . . . peace through redemption . . . peace through reconciliation . . . peace through reunion!

Jesus said that He would leave us His peace . . . that He would give us His peace . . . not as the world gives . . . but the peace of heaven itself (John 14:27). In the world, He said, we would have tribulation, but in Him, we would have peace for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Paul says it’s a peace that passes all understanding . . . a peace that will garrison the heart and mind (Php. 4:7).

Peace . . . a tranquility . . . a security . . . a safety . . . a harmony . . . a restful assurance. That’s what happens when we connect with Jesus . . . when He is “standing in the midst” . . . “Peace to you!”

And “Praise to You” my King . . . thank You for being in the midst . . . thanx for the “reunion” again this morning . . .

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Hallelujah!

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Pete

“Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” (Rev. 19:9) And with that declaration Revelation 19 stirs the heart and the imagination.

Christ is presented in His conquering glory as He is beheld on a white horse and bears the name of “Faithful and True!” (19:11) He leads the armies of heaven with eyes which are like a flame of fire and on His head are many crowns . . . He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood . . . and His name is called the Word of God.” (19:12:14) On His robe and on His thigh this name is written: “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” (19:16) He executes final judgment upon the earth — He treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. (19:15)

And I’m reminded this morning that this Awesome One has called me to His marriage supper. Far from fearing His wrath, I’m reminded that a day awaits me when I will be “glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” (19:7) That I will stand ( or, more likely, be facedown) in the midst of His glory overwhelmed at my calling to His table. And what will I do? I will worship . . . I will declare His praise . . . I will be part of the “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Revelation 19 is the only place in the New Testament where we find the word “Hallelujah!”

It will be the echo of heaven as “a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven say, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!” (19:1) . . . . as they rejoice over the putting down of the enemies of Good, “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!” (19:3) . . . as a sound like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, cries out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!” (19:6) . . . as the twenty four elders and four living creatures again go facedown and worship God sitting on the throne, saying, “Amen! Hallelujah!” (19:4)

And who is leading this “Hallelujah Chorus?”

“Then a voice came from the throne, saying, ‘Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!’ ” (19:5). A voice from the throne of God . . . not God’s voice for He is the subject of the exaltation. Perhaps it is the voice of the Lamb in the midst of the throne (Rev. 5:6) who, as a Son, determines to, in all things, bring glory to the Father. Perhaps it is the voice of the seven-fold Spirit of God before the throne (Rev. 4:5) who desires to magnify the Father and Son. Or, maybe it’s just the “natural” calling heard by those who find themselves in the presence of God . . . “Praise our God, Shout Hallelujah!” burns within their heart.

The apostle John is so overwhelmed by it all that he falls down at the feet of his escort angel . . . as John tries to digest it all he feels compelled to humble himself and worship something . . . anything!! And the angel directs John to the only object worthy of his adoration, “Worship God!” (19:10)

What else is there left to do amidst such a wondrous sight . . . before such an awesome God . . . called by such a Wonderful Savior? And right there, in the middle of it all, there I’ll be!!! . . . part of the bride of Christ . . . the wife which has made herself ready! Amazing!! By the grace of God I have been invited . . . by the love of God the price for my admission has been paid . . . by the gift of faith from God I have RSVP’d, “Yes! I’ll come . . . O Lamb of God, I come!!” How overwhelming to imagine the marriage celebration which awaits me . . . to be part of that heavenly chorus.

How I look forward to being part of that choir. . . to fall at His feet in worship and adoration . . . to sing at the top of my lungs, “Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! And again, Hallelujah!”

Amen?

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Think

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Pete

Is it too early to start making New Year resolutions? Maybe. Is it too early to start thinking about them? Maybe not.

Decembers, as a month, has a way of being a catalyst for a lot of stuff. It drives some into a material frenzy . . . shop ’till you drop . . . wheel to get the deal . . . spend likes there’s no end. For others it creates a lot of anxiety . . . seems troubles are magnified during this season of “peace on earth, goodwill towards men” . . . family tensions, if they existed, become greater . . . problems become more depressing . . . the focus is often on just getting through “the season”. And, for some, it ignites the advent countdown . . . flames the fire of wonder and awe concerning “God with Us” . . . captures again our hearts with adoration and thanksgiving . . . O Come Let Us Adore Him!

But there’s at least one more thing December has a way of fueling. Because it’s the homestretch of another year, as we work our way through the days of the last page of our calendar, it often is a time of reflection. Where’s the year gone? What’s been accomplished? What’s ahead? As, such, December is not a bad time of year to read Haggai.

Five times in the prophet’s short, two-chapter letter, written to those who had returned after the captivity, God says to His people, “Consider. Consider your ways . . . consider now from this day forward . . . consider it!” (Haggai 1:5, 1:7, 2:15, 2:18)

The NIV says, “Give careful thought” . . . the NLT, “Look at what’s happening” . . . and Peterson’s take in the MSG is “Take a good, hard look at your life. Think it over.” Literally it has the idea of setting one’s heart on one’s ways.

God had brought them back from exile to rebuild His temple, instead they rebuilt their houses. He asked them to raise His earthly dwelling place from the ruins, instead they put nice siding on their homes. He had promised to meet their needs if they would be about His business, instead they were frustrated farmers getting no cooperation from the weather as they sought to meet their own needs. And so God says, “Consider . . . give careful thought . . . take a look around . . . think!”

And they were not to just think about where they had been . . . or just about what they were doing (or not doing) . . . but the prophet says, “Think ahead, too!” “Be strong,” says the Lord, “I am with you . . . according to the word that I covenanted with you . . . so My Spirit remains among you, do not fear!” (Hag. 2:4-5) In light of what God had promised . . . in view of what they knew to be true concerning Him and His plans . . . remembering is promise to dispel all fear through His abiding presence . . . they were to give careful thought to how they were investing the time here and now in light of there and then.

Yup, in many ways December is a gift. A great time to bless others with a little of the material blessing we’ve known . . . a time to worshipfully focus on God’s gift to us . . . and a time to take stock. A time to ask myself if I’ve been about the business God wants me to be about . . . to check priorities and make sure they’re aligned . . . to be honest if I’m settling for what’s good and not pursuing what’s best. It’s a time to remember the promises of God . . . those fulfilled in the Babe in the manger . . . those concerning His presence and help for the present time . . . and those which speak of a future of which we can only imagine.

It’s a good time to think . . . amen?

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It’s A Duet!

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Pete

Most often, it occurs to me, I think of praise as a solo. This morning I’m wondering if, at least sometimes, I should be thinking of it more as a duet. For the most part I think of praise as “one way” . . . as God’s people offering up “the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15). When I think of rejoice and lifting up of loud voices, it’s the bride extolling the Groom . . . the sheep declaring the wonder of the Shepherd . . . the body humbly acknowledging it’s Head. But then I come across Zephaniah and am reminded that sometimes God sings back . . . that it’s a duet.

“Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away your judgments, He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; You shall see disaster no more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: ‘Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak. The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.’ ” (Zephaniah 3:14-17)

Ok . . . so I know I’m in “application mode”. Strict interpretation concerns a future day when the returning King puts down His enemies and establishes His earthly home . . . when He restores to the people a pure language and they all call upon the name of the Lord (3:8-9) . . . when gathered to His holy mount is a remnant, a meek and humble people trusting in the name of the Lord (3:12). This passage deals with a future time . . . a future promise . . . a future reality for God’s ancient people. But I’m still thinking it reflects something of the reality of God’s disposition towards the “special people”, the “chosen generation”, the “holy nation” which declares the praise of Him who called them out of darkness, that I’m part of (1Peter 2:9). And if it does . . . then it’s a duet!

Think of it. God’s people singing . . . His own shouting . . . glad and rejoicing in heart . . . hands lifted high (well, figuratively speaking for us conservative types) . . . praise flowing from hearts and lips that are crazy in love with Him who first loved us . . . thankful for blessings and a hope that really is beyond fully knowing this side of heaven. We look heavenward . . . we turn, as it were, our eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face . . . and we sing with loud voices of the wonder and glories of the King. Our own attempt at a command performance before Him who is worthy of praise. Think of it. But then think too of Him singing back!

The Lord our God is in our midst . . . we are a dwelling place for God through His Spirit (Eph. 2:22). And He too is rejoicing over us with gladness . . . thrilled with those redeemed from destruction by the blood of His Son . . . ecstatic as He views trophies of His amazing grace. And that rejoicing isn’t something that He keeps in . . . uh, uh . . . He will rejoice over you with singing. God sings! And the original would indicate that it’s not some humming under His breath but that it is loud singing . . . shouting singing . . . at the top of His lungs singing. And the subject? . . . it’s “over you” . . . over His people. Unreal!!!

I’m a sucker for romantic duet’s . . . love songs between a couple as they gaze into one another’s eyes . . . voices in beautiful harmony . . . declaring words of adoration, faithfulness, and commitment . . . kind of brings a tear to your eye. What will it be like when this duet that we enjoy with God “by faith” . . . when this duet, that we see but now as “in a mirror dimly” (1Cor. 13:12) . . . when this duet will be face to face? We in His midst . . . the Lord our God in ours. We, lifting our voices in thunderous heartfelt wonder and appreciation, and He, rejoicing over us with gladness and with singing.

Oh, that I by faith might “hear” His song even today . . . that I might enter into the wonder of a duet with the God in our midst . . . for my joy . . . for His glory . . . amen.

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Stand Still

Posted on December 16, 2010 by Pete

There’s something about reading Job that, for me at least, sets a me bit back on my heals. Not so much chapters 1 and 2 in which God speaks with Satan . . . nor in chapters 38 through 42, where God speaks with Job . . . but in that middle part, chapters 3 through 37, where Job and his “friends” have their conversation about the ways of God. What keeps me a bit off balance is the fact that while I’m reading the Word of God concerning a discussion about God not everything written is true of God. While these men know a lot of facts about God, sometimes their understanding concerning the mind of God is lacking . . . and sometimes their application misses the mark . . . and sometimes their seeming arrogance gets in the way. So I find myself, as I read, always on edge a bit as I read these statements concerning God and seek to discern (with the help of my Teacher) that which is true of Him and that which is misunderstood by these men. This morning though, I found some pretty solid ground offered up by Job’s buddy, Elihu . . . “Stand still!”

“Listen to this, O Job; Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God” (Job 37:14)

Now those are words to take to the bank! When working through the “Why?” or the “How come?” of a tough situation . . . when the stress is piling up and the release valve seems stuck . . . when the going gets tough . . . or it’s just tough to get going . . . then maybe it’s wise to just stand still and look around.

Stop moving . . . cease the churn . . . take a breather . . . and behold the evidence and wonder of God in our midst. Take a peek at creation for the first time all over again. Marvel at the intricacies of how your body is put together. Determine for a few minutes to reflect on where you’ve been and where, but by the grace of God, you might have ended up. Recall the joy of your salvation . . . reflect on the certainty of your hope.

“Be still,” says the Lord through the psalmist, “and know that I am God. I will be exalted in all the earth. I am with you . . . and I will be your refuge” (Ps. 46:10-11). Sometimes we just need to cease and desist . . . stop the bus . . . put ‘er in park . . . and think . . . and ponder . . . and turn to our favorite passages in the Bible . . . dust off those promises that we’ve claimed and clung to for years. Sometimes we need to shut down the noise and seek to hear the still small voice of the Spirit inside us revealing the wondrous works of God in and around us.

This morning I also read the book of Habakkuk. Talk about some churn! The prophet is so bent out of shape over the persistent rebellion and sin of Israel, that He asks God, “How long are you going to put up with this, O Lord?” And the Lord responds, “Hold on to your hat (or yarmulke), Hab. I’m going to deal with the situation . . . I’m sending in the Chaldeans to judge my people.” And that doesn’t help Habakkuk much, “Them, Lord?!? You’re going to use them? They’re worse than us!” But then, check this out, Habakkuk must have read Job . . . “I will stand watch and set myself on a rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected” (Hab. 2:1). That’s it! At some point the striving ceases . . . the questions have been asked . . . and it’s time to stand still . . . to listen . . . to consider . . . to know that He is God.

And, I’m thinking, what better time of year to walk the talk . . . or not walk as the case may be. When all around us the birth of Christ is evident . . . what an opportunity to be still and think Immanuel (Matt. 1:23) . . . God with us . . . amazing. To pause and reflect that unto us a Savior is born (Luke 2:11) . . . to take a few quiet moments and behold the Lamb of God (John 1:29) . . . to hear His voice again call all those who labor and are heavy laden to come to Him (Matt. 11:28) . . . to stand still and know that our salvation is nearer than when we first believed (Rom. 13:11) . . . to quietly gaze heavenward and know that our redemption draws near (Luke 21:28).

Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God . . . now that’s truth! O Come Let Us Adore Him . . . amen?

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New Songs

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Pete

As a kid I used to look forward to the weekly publishing of the “LG73 Top Ten.” LG73 was (maybe still is) a Vancouver (B.C. not Washington) pop music radio station. And every week it would publish the most popular songs played that week. And one of the reasons I looked forward to it was so that it would inform my decision on the next 45 I bought. 45 . . . as in 45 RPM record . . . as in two songs etched into some black vinyl . . . as in dark ages. We actually owned a Juke Box . . . and I loved going down to the record store . . . paying my 99 cents . . . and plugging in the new songs into our tunes player.

Funny how some things kind of don’t change. Now I live in anticipation of Tuesdays . . . I look forward to the second day of the week . . . ’cause that’s when iTunes publishes it’s new music. Almost every Tuesday, without fail, I get onto iTunes and check out the latest “Christian and Gospel” offerings. And guess what? The price is still 99 cents . . . though I don’t get a chunk of vinyl . . . and though I find myself now buying albums more than singles. But I still plug the songs into (aka download) a juke box of sorts . . . my iPod. I love new music . . . I love new songs . . . maybe that’s why the following captured my attention as I read this morning . . .

“Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.” (Revelation 14:1-3)

Oh, what will the music of heaven be like? It’ll be loud . . . like the roar of the sea . . . like “mega thunder” . . . but it won’t be ear-splitting . . . we won’t need or want ear-plugs to “tone it down.” And the music of heaven will be founded on exquisite musicianship . . . instruments being played at their highest levels . . . the sound will be pleasant to the ear . . . and melodies will capture the heart and compel the mouth to want to sing. And sing they will . . . a new song.

I’m thinking the songs of heaven probably won’t come out as part of a “Top Ten” or be released every Tuesday . . . but, that the music of heaven will be new and fresh, to me is clear. The object and themes of the songs won’t change for they are inexhaustible. There will always be words to be put to music concerning our God, our Savior, and our salvation. New thoughts on age old truths . . . fresh verses penned about Him who sits on the throne . . . recently framed choruses borne from the on-going new discoveries to be realized in heaven. As much as I enjoy some of the stuff being put out today by God’s people . . . what will it be like there and then?

And as I think about the on-going concert that awaits me, I’m reminded that these songs are exclusively for the redeemed. The music can’t be appreciated by those still in darkness . . . the lyrics make no sense to those who don’t know the reality of relationship with God . . . its just a cacophony of unintelligible noise to those who have not responded to the good news that “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) A reminder that there are those who still need to hear and respond to the gospel before they too can enjoy the music.

And, a reminder, that but for the grace of God, I too would have no clue as to the “hidden collection” of “hit tunes” that awaits those who have been made new creations in Him. New songs . . . new melodies . . . new lyrics . . . new arrangements . . . concerning “the old, old story of Jesus and His love.”

So, for now, I’ll continue to look forward to Tuesdays . . . and picking up new tune-age that stirs my heart in anticipation of that day of “new songs” . . . in anticipation of that “concert” which will be literally out of this world . . . in anticipation of being facedown before the throne offering up fresh expressions of thanksgiving and praise to Him who alone is worthy . . . amen?

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