Be Glad!

Posted on March 16, 2010 by Pete

I came across the word “rejoice” four times this morning in my readings. Three times in Deuteronomy 12 . . . once in Psalm 66. And so, this morning, I’m thinking about God’s desire for us to rejoice. Be glad.

In Deuteronomy 12 Moses is instructing the people that, when they enter the land promised by God, He will also establish a place for their worship . . . a place where they are to offer their sacrifices. Moses exhorts Israel to “seek the place where the LORD your God chooses, out of all your tribes, to put His name for His dwelling place; and there you shall go” (12:5). And repeatedly in this passage, Moses instructs, “And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God” (12:7, 12, 18). And it seems to me that there’s an intent here that offerings of worship are to be accompanied with a spirit of rejoicing or gladness. Though it would become so, visits to the temple to offer sacrifice were not to be ritualistic but “rejoicing-istic.” The offering of sacrifice and the payment of vows, far from being the same old, same old, were to be acts which stirred a deep abiding joy within the worshiper . . . a gladness sourced not from the circumstance of life but from the worship of the Life-Giver.

If Deuteronomy 12 told me “what” should happen at the place of worship, then Psalm 66 stirred my heart with the “how”. “Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your works!’ . . . Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men. He turned the sea into dry land; They went through the river on foot. There we will rejoice in Him” (Ps. 66:1-6).

Deuteronomy speaks of rejoicing before Him . . . Psalm 66:6 tells us to rejoice in Him. We connect the dots between who He is . . . what He’s done . . . and where I am . . . and the result is rejoicing. He is awesome God . . . He is faithful God . . . He is the God who has brought us into relationship with Himself. And He is the God who will turn the sea into dry land in order to protect us. We may have . . . or may currently be . . . going through “fire and water” but He will bring us out to “rich fulfillment” (66:12). He is the One who preserves our lives and keeps our feet from slipping (66:9 NIV) . . . the One who has tested us and refined us as silver is refined (66:10). And its there . . . on the shores of the Red Sea . . . on the banks of the Jordan . . . in the crucible of refining . . . where we experience the sustaining reality of God’s presence . . . and know eventually the deliverance of our God . . . it’s there that we rejoice.

Our rejoicing is before Him because He is worthy of our praise. Our rejoicing is in Him because He owned us for Himself, sealed us with His Spirit, and infused us with His sustaining grace.

Oh, that His people might go to the place of worship determined to rejoice. That we might come determined to bring offerings . . . offerings of praise and worship that ascend as a sweet aroma . . . offerings born with hearts that are glad. Glad that He is God . . . glad that we are His people . . . glad that we have access into His most Holy Presence . . . glad that He hears when we pray . . . glad that He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.

Make joyful shouts to God . . . Sing out the honor due His name . . . Make His praise glorious . . . rejoice . . . be glad! For His glory . . . Amen.

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Special Because of Grace

Posted on March 15, 2010 by Pete

Two of my readings collided this morning . . . one in the Old Testament . . . the other in the New Testament. Collided, not in the sense of crashing into one another, but in the sense of coming together to reinforce a great truth. Both concerning Israel . . . both concerning grace . . . both having application to me.

As Moses pleads with Israel in Deuteronomy 6 through 8 to “love the Lord your God will all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” and to keep all His commandments “in your heart” (6:5-9), he reminds them that they “are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth” (7:6). They were a people of privilege . . . a people chosen to be a special treasure to God. Now if that’s not enough to give someone a bit of a swollen head, I don’t know what is. They must have been something pretty special . . . a cut above the rest . . . rating 6 on a 5 point scale . . . in order for God to pick them as His special treasure. Yeah . . . not really.

Moses goes on to remind them, “The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people; for you were the least of all peoples; but because the LORD loves you . . . ” (7:7-8a). God set His love on them, because He chose them to love. He didn’t pick them over other nations ’cause they were so special, instead He made them special because, in accordance with His grace and sovereign purposes, He determined to call them His people. It’s not because they were above all peoples that He chose them, but, in choosing them, He made them above all peoples.

And then I read in Romans 11 that the “gifts and calling of God are irrevocable” (11:29) and that, though Israel as a nation had rejected Jesus as Messiah and spurned the gift of salvation He offers, God had not cast away His people (11:1-2). In fact, Paul writes, “at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace” (11:5-6). And it’s that phrase, “the election of grace” that accentuates the Deuteronomy passage. That ancient people were chosen by grace . . . today, though the nation at large walks in unbelief, yet God has a select few who embrace Messiah as Savior . . . chosen by grace.

And I can’t help but take it personally. I can’t help but sit in awe and wonder that I should be among those chosen by grace. I can’t help but marvel that I am part of that company of believers declared to be “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy” (1Peter 2:9-10). Not because I’m anything special . . . not because of anything I’ve done or haven’t done. But solely because God determined, in His grace, to love me . . . and, by that same grace, invited me to respond and love Him.

Through faith, God extended His grace toward me. Through His Son, God loved me. Through His Spirit, God has sealed me as one of His own. I’m not one of His ’cause I’m anything special . . . but I’m special, because I’m one of His . . . special because of grace.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! “For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?” For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:34-36).

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Soul Food

Posted on March 12, 2010 by Pete

It’s one of those concepts that’s better felt than “tellt”. Ask someone to describe the soul, and I’m guessing they’ll usually pause for a moment or two in order to come up with words to describe something so intangible yet something that we interact with — or something that “inner acts” with us — all the time. Call it the inner being . . . call it our essence or substance . . . call it the seat of emotions and appetites . . . call it the mind . . . call it the seat of who we are . . . call it the core of our personality. We all know we have a soul . . . we all know that we are more than just physiological beings. As I read Psalm 63 this morning, the soul is mentioned three times giving us some insight as to the working of the soul for those who are in relationship with the God who created them and infused them with a soul.

It’s another wilderness Psalm written by David. I’m guessing that his throat is parched and his stomach is growling, but his attention is to the yearning of his soul: “O God, You are my God. Early will I seek You. My soul thirsts for You. My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory” (Ps. 63:1-2). While a burger and soda might hit the spot right about now, the thirst of David’s soul for His God is such that it directs all other yearnings toward knowing afresh God’s power and glory . . . that power and glory which He knew in the place of worship. What would satisfy David’s longing? To know the presence of His God in the wilderness. Sure, to be delivered from the wilderness would be great, oh, but that his soul would know the nearness of God would be so much greater. If the wilderness was the place of intimate communion with his God, then I think David might say, “Buy me a one way ticket!” My God, early will I seek You . . . my soul thirsts for you . . .

I find it remarkable that a Psalm that is written in the wilderness is so packed with praise . . . but that’s what happens when the soul’s thirst is quenched by the presence of God . . . worship is the outcome of the soul that hungers after God: “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness.” Think of the richest foods . . . think of the juiciest steak . . . think of whatever your favorite food is . . . and the smile it puts on your face to eat it . . . and the satisfaction that comes from dining on it . . . that’s the soul’s response to knowing the presence of God. “Seek me and you will find me” our God promises. And when the soul hungers and thirsts for Him, oh the deep, deep satisfaction that is known. And the response to “being full” on God is to praise and exalt the Feeder of our souls. “Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name . . . And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips” (63:3-5). Praise is the physical manifestation of the satisfying of our soul’s longing for God. You just can’t hold back! He’s met with You . . . His Spirit has touched the essence of who you are . . . and what do you do? . . . you praise Him.

The soul that seeks God is the soul that is satisfied by God . . . and, it is the soul which holds on to God for dear life . . . the soul that determines to cling to God. The Psalmist writes, “Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me” (63:6-7). Thirst begets satisfaction which begets more thirst. To have known a good meal which “hits the spot” is to want that meal again. To have communed with God . . . whether it’s in the wilderness or in the land of plenty . . . is to want to know that sweet fellowship again and again and again. And so, the soul’s GPS locks on seeking Him . . . following close behind Him . . . wanting to never be far from Him . . . on continually hungering and thirsting for some more soul food.

This morning the Psalmist’s words are mine: Father, my soul thirsts for you . . . my soul is satisfied in You . . . my soul clings to You. My lips shall praise You . . . my inner man will bless You. You are so good to me! Amen.

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Don’t Talk Back

Posted on March 11, 2010 by Pete

To be honest, there are passages in Scripture that, when I read them, it is like stepping on to holy ground . . . and then, there are those that are like walking on rice paper. Romans 8 is an example of the former . . . it draws you into the very presence of God and drives you to your face in awe and thanksgiving. But Romans 9 is an example of the latter . . . while it too is filled with amazing truths, they are the “thoughts that are higher than our thoughts and the ways that higher than our ways” (Isa. 55:8-9) . . . and, at least at first, instead of falling facedown we might be more inclined to scratch our heads . . . and cause some to question God . . . and cause some to talk back.

“But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’ Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?” (Rom. 9:20-21 NKJV)

“Who in the world do you think you are to second-guess God? Do you for one moment suppose any of us knows enough to call God into question? Clay doesn’t talk back to the fingers that mold it, saying, ‘Why did you shape me like this?’ Isn’t it obvious that a potter has a perfect right to shape one lump of clay into a vase for holding flowers and another into a pot for cooking beans?” (Rom. 9:20-21 MSG)

Peterson’s paraphrase in The Message might come across a bit harsh, but I think he kind of captures the essence of the question pretty well. It is kind of folly and arrogance for the creation to try and debate the wisdom of the Creator. When you step back, it is kind of silly for the pot to question the potter. But sometimes we believers are prone to do just that. Sometimes, though we shouldn’t, we talk back.

While there are many things I now grasp, at least in some measure, because I have been “called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1Peter 2:9) it’s also true that “now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1Cor. 13:12 ESV). Though I’m now in relationship with God . . . though I no longer live but Christ lives in me (Gal. 2:20) . . . though I have the mind of Christ and access through the Sprit to the wisdom of God (1Cor. 2:12-16) . . . this piece of pottery . . . this jar of clay . . . is still a work in progress . . . still this side of heaven . . . still working out my salvation with fear and trembling. So, to argue with God doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense.

When you think about it, there’s a bit of the old man at work when we talk back to God. A bit of pride . . . mixed with Satan’s worn out line, “Has God really said” (Gen 3:1) . . . mixed with a propensity to want to create a god in our own image. When we talk back, aren’t we really saying, “If I were God then it would be like this.” Think about that . . . how scary would it be if I were God.

Nope . . . there’s really not any place for the lump of clay to talk back to the potter. Not that God seeks to oppress us . . . not that God isn’t open to questions born out of our confusion or desire to understand Him and His ways better. But when we talk back . . . when we question parts of His word because, to our finite minds, they don’t align with how we think God should work . . . then we’re kind of walking on shifting sand. Instead we should be walking by faith (2Cor. 5:7). I read a passage like Romans 9 and while it might be difficult to fully understand . . . and while some of the implications might seem contrary to the implications of other Scripture I’ve read . . . mine is to ask the Spirit to help me grasp these high and holy truths, trusting in the goodness and grace of the God who reveals them. And, it’s a reminder that God is God.

And so, far from wanting to “talk back”, I just sit back in awe and wonder at my Creator God. And, as a lump of clay in the Potter’s hands, I want to give back praise and thanksgiving for being a recipient of His amazing grace . . . for having been privileged to grasp just a bit of the riches of His glory (Rom. 9:23). He is God and nothing less . . . I am man and nothing more . . . saved by His grace and for His glory . . . that much I get . . . amen!

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Lead Me to the Rock

Posted on March 10, 2010 by Pete

So, Google Maps has pretty much revolutionized life for many of us. Want to know where a city is located? Google Map it (hey, it’s a verb!). Wanna know how to get there and what alternative routes are available? Google Map it. Want to know how long it will take to drive somewhere? Google Map it. Ok, so all those things were kind of available before Google Maps. It was a bit more work of course. You had to actually go buy a map. But once you had it you could use the index to find a city . . . you could trace the alternative routes to a place . . . there was even numbers between major segments to give you an idea of how far you had to drive, so you could estimate the time of travel. But do you want to know what the best part of Google Maps is? You don’t have to try and fold it back up again! I hated that with those maps! They looked really nice and compact in the stand . . . but that’s cause they were folded a million times. Once I opened up one of those things, it was the most frustrating thing to try and get it all folded back the way it was. Never once had a problem putting away Google Maps . . . it’s my friend . . . faithfully showing me the way to the place I want to go. But it has it’s limitations . . .

I’m reading Psalm 61 this morning. It starts like a lot of the Psalms . . . with a tone of desperation . . . “Hear my cry, O God, attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You when my heart is overwhelmed . . .” Prayer . . . it’s what you do when you don’t know what to do . . . it’s where you go when you don’t know where to go. Prayer was quite literally David’s lifeline. When his heart was overwhelmed . . . when it was faint . . . when it was down to its last gasp . . . David used that gasp to cry out to the God of heaven. And David was never worried about whether or not he “had enough bars”. He could cry out to God from the end of the earth assured that the “signal” was strong enough to reach heaven’s portal. And what really grabbed me this morning . . . and what kind of sparked the Google Maps thing . . . is what David prayed . . .

“Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” — Psalm 61:2b

No Google Mapping that ( ??? Googling Map that ??? ). That’s a destination only known by the God who hears the cries of our heart. He knows the way . . . and He knows how to lead us there. Through the internal GPS of the Holy Spirit there is a trip available for the child of God from the overwhelming challenges of the day to the peace that passes all understanding (Php. 4:7). Ours is to cry out. His is to lead us to the rock that his higher than I.

The rock is a fortress and a place of refuge. It is protection and it is a seat of strength. It weathers the storm and provides stability when everything else seems so shaky. And it’s not so much, “Where is the rock?” . . . as it is, “Who is the rock?” “I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Ps. 18:1-2). “For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me” (Ps. 31:3). Our God is our rock . . . and the way into His presence, into the Holy of Holies has been secured by Christ . . . and “transport” has been given through the Holy Spirit . . . and so ours, in those times of desperation and difficulty finding our way, is to cry out, “Lead me O God to the rock . . . Lead me, Lord, to Yourself . . . Let me know again the reality of Your presence . . . and the assurance of Your care and protection.”

The rock is “higher than I.” It is a place and refuge that transcends the horizontal plain that so often blocks out the heavenly. This place is not known by the 5 senses but is accessed through faith. To go to the rock is to be lifted up in soul and spirit. It is the place where the Spirit of God interacts with our Spirit and reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). And this high place if so accessible . . . the blood of Jesus having made it available 24/7 . . . the intercessory work of Jesus at God’s right hand making it a place of security and strength. Mine is to believe that the rock exists . . . that refuge is available . . . and to cry out to God asking Him to lead me there.

“O what peace we often forfeit; O what needless pain we bear; All because we do not carry; Everything to God in prayer!”

Father, I am thankful for a web app that allows me to so easily find my way to those places I want to go. But God, I will sing praise to Your name forever (Ps. 61:8) that You have made known the way to the Rock that is higher than I . . . that the directions are clear . . . that the journey is doable . . . and that the destination is sure. To You be all glory . . . amen.

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Five Questions

Posted on March 9, 2010 by Pete

No one! He will! No one! Not Christ! No one! Those are the answers . . . now let’s go take the test . . .

You gotta love Romans 8. Need a lesson in salvation? . . . Need a primer on sanctification? . . . Need your basic, everyday “pick-me-up”? . . . read Romans 8. It causes the soul to soar . . . the mind to spin . . . the praise and worship to ascend. And this morning, as I’m reading it, there are five questions at the end of the chapter that have got me thinking. I know that they are rhetorical questions . . . not really expecting an answer as, to the believer, the answers are obvious. But there’s something about whispering the answers that brings comfort, hope, joy, and praise. No one! He will! No one! Not Christ! No one!

First question, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (8:31). Answer: No one! And God is so for us . . . having foreknown us and predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son, He called us . . . and justified us . . . and glorified us . . . declaring our heavenly destination as a done deal even though we are yet to fully enter into it (8:29-30). God began the work . . . God has promised to complete work . . . and so all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (8:28). Is God for us? Yeah! Who can be against us? No one! Move on . . question two . . .

“How shall He not with [Christ] also freely give us all things?” (8:32) Answer: He will! God, who did not spare His own Son, delivered Him up for us all. God gave heaven’s best . . . He pulled out all the stops . . . held nothing back . . . in order to redeem our souls. We couldn’t earn an ounce of salvation . . . but, as I was reminded this past Sunday at church, we have redemption through the blood of Christ, the forgiveness of sins, “according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight” (Eph. 1:7-8). We have already been lavished upon according to the riches of God’s grace . . . everything from here on in is “gravy” . . . the overflowing heart of the Father manifest in the giving of His Son. How shall He not also freely give us all things? He will!

Are you sure about that? What about all the junk in my life? What about the times I’ve tripped up and messed up? Question 3 . . . “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect?” (8:33) Answer: No one! Why? ‘Cause it is God who justifies. Sure, bring it on Satan . . . be the accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10) . . . dredge up the failings of my past and bring them before God . . . make sure He knows about the failings of yesterday . . . but, guess what, the One who is Just is also the Justifier of those who have faith in Christ (Rom. 3:26). The One who in holiness demands payment of sin, paid the price through the giving of His Son in my stead. Bring on the charges . . . I know them . . . but the blood of Christ is sufficient to cover all my sin — past, present, and future. Mine is to confess my sins . . . to repent of my sins . . . to seek by His grace and through the power of the Spirit to live free from sin. And God is faithful and will forgive my sin and cleanse me from all righteousness (1John 1:9). Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? No one!

And then check this one out! “Who is he who condemns?” (8:34) Well, I know that Christ will judge the living and the dead (2Tim. 4:1). That He has all authority and all things are subject to Him as He sits at the right hand of God (1Peter 3:22). But I’m reminded this morning that the Son of God who died, and is now risen, who is at the right hand of God, is actually making intercession for me (8:34). Far from condemning me before the Father, He is pleading on my behalf. Far from being against me, He is so for me (refer back to question 1). There is now therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (8:1). Who is he who condemns? Not Christ!

Ok kids . . . let’s wrap up this morning’s quiz with the last question: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (8:35) Answer: No one . . . not a thing . . . nada . . . zippo . . . can’t happen! Paul was absolutely persuaded that nothing could separate us from the love of God which is in Christ (8:39) . . . that in Him we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (8:37). Told ya’ this portion of Scripture could be a bit of a “pick-me-up”. How great is our God? How wonderful is our Savior? How cool is this quiz?

To Him be all praise and honor and glory . . . amen!

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Expecting the Unexpected

Posted on March 8, 2010 by Pete

There are a lot of clues . . . a lot of data to work through . . . a lot of theories on how it all falls together . . . but at the end of the day, when all is said and done, no one knows the day and hour of coming of the Son of Man. That Jesus is coming again is certain . . . as to when, that’s not so certain.

Three times in my reading in Matthew this morning I’m reminded “you do not know what hour your Lord is coming (24:42) . . . for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect (24:44) . . . for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming (25:13).” The Lord is coming . . . the Son of Man is coming . . . we just don’t know when. But, we’re told to expect the unexpected.

Jesus said that His people were to “watch” and to “be ready” for His return. The uncertainty around the timing shouldn’t be an excuse to snooze, instead it should be motivation to make sure that we’re “packed and ready to go” at a moments notice . . . ready to go with but a “twinkling of an eye” warning (1Cor. 15:52). So, how do you expect the unexpected?

The clue for me comes in Matthew 24:45-46, “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over household, to give him food in due season? Blessed is the servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.” Pretty simple really . . . the “watching” and “ready” servant is the one who simply is found doing what the master’s asked him to do. When the master shows up unannounced, the servant is ready . . . not because he’s been sitting by the window idling looking for the master’s return . . . but because he had determined to do what the master asked him to do. The blessing . . . the “well done” . . . the “come on home” are all in the context of the servant faithfully discharging the duties given by the master.

We can spend all kinds of time trying to figure out the hour of His return so that we’re ready . . . or we can just be ready by being faithful to what He’s asked us to do. Our watchfulness is played out as, each day, we determine, as much as is within us and by the grace of God, to live in a manner worthy of our calling as Christians. Our readiness is manifest as we set our sights on wanting His will in our lives . . . and our lives to be lived in accordance with His will. We expect the unexpected by purposefully desiring to live for His glory.

For me, it will involve going to work in a little while and seeking to work in a way that brings Him honor. Should he not come today then, later this week, there will be other things that I’ll be doing . . . that I believe my Master has asked me to do for Him . . . and doing those out of a heart of submission and obedience. Will I be thinking about His imminent return every minute, 24/7? . . . . uh, probably not. But will I be ready? . . . I think so.

There is something about expecting the unexpected that’s a powerful motivator. The thought that I could be standing before Jesus in the next moment has a way of creating some focus on my thoughts, decisions and actions . . . it is the unknown timing of his return which really can get our heads in the game as we watch and seek to be ready. But I don’t think that being ready needs to be overly complex. Mine is to seek first His kingdom . . . mine is to confess and repent of sin . . . mine is to abide in Him . . . mine is to invite Him to abide in me . . . mine is to seek to walk in the Spirit and be led by the Spirit . . . mine is to be faithful with the talents He’s given and to do the work I believe He’s asked me to do . . . “Someone the Master can drop in on unannounced and always find him doing his job (Matt. 24:46 MSG).”

I’m thinking that’s how I am to expect the unexpected . . . and I can do that . . . by the grace of God . . . and for the glory of God . . . amen!

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Bring On Newness!

Posted on March 5, 2010 by Pete

On Wednesday night we had a great discussion about the Holy Spirit at our men’s study. The specific context was that there is a blessing realized by suffering for Christ as “the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” (1Peter 4:14). One brother brought to our attention the nature of this Spirit who will “come alongside” . . . “The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD” (Isa. 11:2). Though the subject of Isaiah’s prophecy is specifically the Messiah, the same Spirit which would come upon Him is the Spirit which rests upon those suffering for Christ. And our conversation went from the Spirit’s presence during trials to the broader topic of recognizing the Spirit’s active engagement in all aspects of our life.

We talked about how we might have a tendency to view the Holy Spirit as the “least” of the Trinity . . . somehow diminishing His divine attributes. To use a Francis Chan term, we talked of Him being the “Forgotten God” (check out Chan’s book, “Forgotten God”, for some great teaching and exhortation concerning the Holy Spirit). We talked about the difference He should make in our lives given that He indwells us . . . that He is the agent of God’s sanctifying work in our lives . . . and, that He is the means by which we can say “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).

So, it’s probably because that conversation is still fresh in mind that a phrase jumped off the page at me this morning when I was reading Romans 7. The first part of Romans 7 speaks of the relationship between the Law and man and sin. The Law’s purpose was to make known the reality of sin (Rom. 7:7) and thus to lead us to the Savior (Gal. 3:24). The Law has no power to save, but only to condemn . . . to desire to be under the law is an absolute “no win situation.” To try and live by the letter of the Law as our way to heaven is a dead-end street . . . literally. Instead, Paul says, there’s a new basis by which we “do life.”

“But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.” — Romans 7:6

Having recognized my need . . . having confessed my sin . . . having asked forgiveness based on the finished work of Christ on the cross . . . having received Christ not only as Savior but also having bowed the knee to Him as Lord . . . the Scriptures declare that I have been: 1) delivered from the law; 2) died to the power of sin that held me; 3) enabled to serve in the newness of the Spirit. And that’s the phrase that’s swimming around my head this morning, “the newness of the Spirit.”

If God is in us, how can life be “the same old, same old?” If the very power that raised Christ from the dead has found residence in us (Rom. 8:11), then how can there not be “an edge” to every day as we anticipate interacting with the living God . . . the God living in us?

And I’m not talking about manufacturing some sort of hype or faking some feeling . . . I’m asking, “What should be the logical reality of having the Third Person of the Godhead wired into our spiritual DNA?” Answer: the newness of the Spirit.

The word for new literally means “of a new kind, unprecedented, novel, uncommon, unheard of” . . . “fresh” would be a good word. And when I think about walking in the newness of Spirit it creates a bit of discontent within me. Too often I do life by rote . . . I settle for routine . . . I have very little expectation of Divine interaction . . . and so when I think about newness in the Spirit it leaves a bit discontent . . . good!!! I should be hungering and thirsting after the things of God and the realities of being a new creation in Christ. I should be aware that “newness in the Spirit” is what I’m wired for and should desire to recognize it . . . and desire to learn how to be led by the Spirit (Gal. 5:18) . . . and walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:25) . . . and live to the glory of God through the Spirit of glory who rests upon me.

Oh, that by the grace of God, I would learn more and more to walk in this spiritual reality . . . indwelt by the Spirit . . . empowered by the Spirit . . . led by the Spirit . . . doing life fresh in the Spirit. Bring on newness!!!

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Bottled Water

Posted on March 4, 2010 by Pete

There’s something about being known that brings comfort. Something about having not to “hide it” or “pretend everything’s fine” that takes off a lot of pressure. Not that we necessarily want everyone to know everything about our struggles . . . but just to know that someone’s familiar with what we’re going through . . . that can be such a balm for the soul. Not that they can necessarily fix it . . . but just that they know . . . and they care . . . what a source of strength that can be. And even more so when that someone is the Father . . . who not only knows and cares . . . but, should it be in His will, can fix it too.

It’s Psalm 56, this morning, that has me considering the comfort which comes from knowing God knows. It says that this song was written by David when the Philistines captured him in Gath. David certainly had no lack of enemies during his life . . . from Goliath . . . to the Philistine armies . . . to Saul . . . to even his own son, Absalom, it seems that for a good portion of his life someone was pursuing him. Here it’s the Philistines. And here David pens with confidence, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? . . . What can man do to me?” (Ps. 56:3-4,11).

Although it isn’t too surprising, I don’t immediately think of David as someone who was afraid. Somehow we think of mighty men enduring tough times doing so by setting their jaw, leaning into the wind, and allowing their red cape to flap behind them in the wind as they sport a big “S” logo on their chest. But knew what it was to be afraid, to be gripped by fear and uncertainty . . . and when he did, he trusted God . . . and the fear was diminished . . . the anxiety reduced. And his basis for trusting God? Bottled water.

“You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book?” – Psalm 56:8

David believed there wasn’t a path he took, that God didn’t know about . . . that God hadn’t kept track of it. David believed there wasn’t a tear He shed that God had not recorded and couldn’t collect and place in a container. And that belief, which allowed David to envision each tear shed being collected by Almighty God and placed in a bottle, resulted in trusting God with every situation . . . it increased his confidence that “God is for me” (56:9b). And this morning it’s got me thinking too about the beauty of bottled water.

My tears are known by the God of creation. Counted drop by drop. None shed without His knowing the reason behind it. He is aware of them all. Some are of my own making . . . some are according to His will . . . all can be collected and put in a bottle because none pass His attention.

And as I think about tears, I think about the picture of those in Revelation who have come out of the tribulation . . . having washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb . . . they neither hunger nor thirst anymore . . . and they are before the throne of God . . . and the Lamb is in the midst of the throne . . . and the Lamb shepherds them, leading them to living waters . . . and, it says, “God will wipe away every tear from their eye” (Rev. 7:14-17). The bottle emptied . . . the weeping over . . . the hand of God Himself having cleared away every drop of sorrow. He knows. He is able to deliver. “In God I have put my trust, I will not be afraid . . . “.

And, then I think about the bottle . . . and my mind goes to that sinful woman who anointed Jesus feet with her tears and a flask of fragrant oil. She “stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil” (Luke 7:38). And I think how appropriate a use for that bottled water . . . to take those tears, known and collected by the One who made me, and use them as an offering of thanksgiving and praise at the feet of the One who saved me. Even held captive by his enemies, David declares, “I will render praises to You” (56:12b).

Praise God for bottled water . . . praise God with bottled water . . . to Him be all glory . . . amen!

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What a Gift!

Posted on March 3, 2010 by Pete

So, who doesn’t like receiving a gift? Especially when it’s a gift into which a lot of thought has gone. The sort of gift that just “nails it” . . . the “it’s just what I wanted or needed” sort of gift. The sort of gift which, beyond just loving the gift, you love the giver because of their thoughtfulness and generosity. It doesn’t necessarily have to be an expensive gift . . . although, it might be . . . but the real value goes beyond the price tag.

This morning, as I wrap up Romans 5 I’m led to think about such a gift. A very expensive gift . . . it came at an extremely high price. A gift which I would never be able to purchase for myself . . . something that, apart from the having been given it, I would never have owned. Nor would I have thought to have owned it . . . not really something that was on my radar or “wish list” . . . such a perfect gift that, for years, I didn’t even know it existed. But when I found out that such a gift existed . . . when I received it . . . it became pretty evident pretty quickly that it was the perfect gift. Though, at the time it wasn’t “just what I wanted”, it was very much “just what I needed.” Fit like a glove. Opened up new worlds of potential. Literally changed my life . . . from the inside out. Re-wired me. Some 30+ years later the gift has not lost a bit of its shine. In fact, the gift is more beautiful today than the day I first received it . . . has gotten better and better. Not something that has sat on the shelf, but something that I put on pretty much every day . . . and the days I don’t . . . well, those typically have not been very good days. What a gift!

This gift was given by the grace of one Man (5:15b). Some gifts are given because they are earned . . . this gift was beyond earning . . . just couldn’t do it, even if I wanted to (which I didn’t). The gift was given solely because of grace . . . because of unmerited favor . . . because the Giver determined in and of Himself to give the gift. He presented me with the gift not because I merited it . . . but because, thought I didn’t recognize it at the time, I desperately needed it. And He loved me so much that we went to great lengths to secure the gift and patiently present it to me . . . free of charge . . . all I needed to do was receive it by faith . . . and even that faith He was prepared to gift me with, if I was but willing to exercise it. This one Man was Jesus Christ. The One who claimed to be the Son of God and through many convincing proofs, not the least of which was His resurrection from the dead, validated that claim. And the Son of God purchased and presented the gift to me. What a gift!

The gift brought justification (5:16). Unlike some gifts which are given because someone has done something good, this gift was given because of all that I did which was bad. It was because of my sin that I needed the gift. In all fairness, my transgressions needed to be judged . . . the only verdict which would have been fair would have been “guilty” . . . the only just result would have been “condemned.” But, because of the gift, the verdict was completely reversed. Instead of “condemned” being found next to my name, the Book of Life now shows “justified” written in red. The gift not only covered the price for my sin, but also imparted to me something that makes it “just-as-if-I’d-never sinned” . . . justified. I’m not some ex-con . . . I’m a new creature. I’m not some second class citizen of heaven, I’m a child of God . . . adopted into His family, soon to partake as a joint heir with Christ. All because of the gift. What a gift!

And Paul calls it “the gift of righteousness” (5:17). It is packaged in the “abundance of grace” . . . imparted to all who will receive it . . . and results in ability to “reign in life” through Jesus Christ. It is His righteousness given to me. That’s why I couldn’t earn it . . . that’s why I’m declared justified . . . because the very righteousness of the Perfect Son of God has been given to me through the all-sufficient provision of grace. And it’s not some gift that sits on the shelf . . . not a trophy that I just look at it. No, it’s a garment . . . something I can put on on daily . . . something that is very practical . . . something that can make a huge difference in how I live life . . . something that allows me to live as a king’s heir here and now . . . something that promises eternal benefits there and then . . . “that grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (5:21b).

Who doesn’t like a gift? Oh, that I might never take for granted the gift or the Giver . . . that I might offer to the Giver my gift of praise . . . for His glory . . . oh, what a gift!

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