Richey and Keli Goodrich's Blog

Our Last Blog Post

2009-08-31T10:44:00.002-05:00

Friends, this is going to be our last blog post, as we are no longer going to be updating it. Facebook is just so much easier to share pictures and ponderings and get feedback and interaction on them. Thus, if you are not already on Facebook, we encourage you to join and become our Facebook "friends." It will not only help you keep up with our lives but it will enable us to keep up with yours. Thanks!

Reflecting on Proverbs 19 (Investing in the Poor?)

2009-08-27T08:07:00.000-05:00

A number of verses from this chapter caught my attention, but the focus of my reflection this morning is verse 17: “One who is gracious to a poor man lends to Yahweh, and He will repay him for his good deed.” One might say that this is a very counter-intuitive investment strategy! I believe a verse like this can be a great motivation to help us open our heart and wallet to the poor and needy among us, especially in our church family. It reminds us that serving the poor, especially those in the covenant community, is very important to our Lord. Indeed, it is so important that our God here promises reward for so doing. To serve another Christian in need is to serve Christ himself, for there is such an intimate union between Christ and his people.

Lord Jesus, help me to truly know that I love you only to the extent that I love the least of my fellow Christians. Grant by the power of your Spirit that I would use the material resources that you have entrusted to me in a way that would greatly please you and significantly serve your body. Amen.

August Pics of Hadassah

2009-08-25T21:11:00.003-05:00

Hadassah's newest toy.

She likes it!

Hadassah with our friend, Krista.

Hadi and Daddy in the kiddie pool.

I think she is yelling because the water was so cold!

Hadi and Daddy at the waterpark.

Hadassah doing her best Stevie Wonder impersonation.

Getting your sunglasses on straight is not as easy as most folks think!

Hadassah having fun with her keys.

She thought she was unlocking the door with these.

Reflecting on Proverbs 18 (Yahweh as Our Strong Tower)

2009-08-23T18:07:00.000-05:00

Three verses (10 to 12) in the center of this chapter caught my attention this morning: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe. A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own imagination. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor.” In this section of Proverbs where almost every other verse is a new topic, these three verses do seem to go together. They are very reminiscent of Jesus’ teaching on either serving money or God, for that is the comparison here. One can either put their trust in Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, or he can put his trust in his material possessions. It is really interesting that the middle verse sounds at first like it is commending wealth as a refuge, for it simply says that “wealth is his strong city,” but when you get to the parallel verse that follows, it becomes clear that it is only refuge in the imagination. Ultimately, it will not deliver as Yahweh will, for those who find refuge in him are safe. The last verse sums it up well, for the end result of trusting in one’s possession is destruction, while the result of trusting in Yahweh is honor.

Father in heaven, for the sake of your Son, please forgive me for how quickly I try to find refuge in my material possessions instead of you, my faithful covenant keeping God. You have given me your own Son, so I know that with him you will freely give me everything else that I need for life and godliness. By the grace of your Holy Spirit, help me to put to death a haughty spirit that trusts in myself or my possessions, and give me a humble heart that quickly and often runs into you, my Strong Tower. Amen.

Reflecting on Proverbs 17 (The Importance of Friendship)

2009-08-18T20:01:00.001-05:00

One verse in this chapter especially caught my attention this morning: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” I am increasingly interested in what the Bible teaches about friendship and its necessity as a means of grace for Christians to persevere in the faith. Here the calling of a friend is set before us, and it challenges the fair weather mentality that we sometimes have to those we would call “friend.” What is striking here is that it seems the true calling of a friend is seen exactly in those times when one’s friend is going through difficulty. The true friend delights to encourage and help in whatever way possible.

What especially should motivate Christian friendship towards this approach is that Jesus is the friend of sinners. When our adversity was greatest (i.e. when we were dead in our transgressions), he did his greatest work in putting himself as our substitute by his law keeping life and his atoning death. As a faithful friend to his followers, he is always a refuge when we are in adversity. Since we have tasted of such faithful friendship, by his grace, we must strive to do the same in our friendships. It indeed is a means of grace for us and our Christian friends.

Father, thank you for the gift of Christian friends! Enable me to love them well, especially when they need it the most, in order that my love for them may be a picture of your Son’s love for his own. Amen.

Reflecting on Proverbs 16 (Yahweh's Sovereignty)

2009-08-15T17:12:00.001-05:00

In this chapter of Proverbs there is an unusual occurrence of the personal name of God, Yahweh. Verse after verse speaks of Yahweh’s interaction with his covenant people and how they are to respond to him. One of the themes that occurs is that Yahweh is in absolute control over the destiny of individuals, and yet, men act and are held morally responsible for their actions. Four examples from this chapter are: “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh (16:1)…Yahweh works out everything for his own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil (16:4)…The mind of man plans his way, but Yahweh directs his steps (16:9)…The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh (16:33).”

What is notable about each of these examples is that men are acting and making choices, yet Yahweh is working towards his own ends and purposes in their lives. There is obviously mystery here, for we who are created cannot fully understand how these two are compatible, yet our Maker has revealed that they are.

Now this might be a terrifying thought that Yahweh is in absolute control of our lives, were it not for the revelation of his personal name. Yahweh is the covenant keeping God who has acted in power and grace to redeem his people and promise and commit himself to be their God. Thus, all his sovereign actions for those who belong to him are for their ultimate good. This is unspeakable comfort in a world that often seems chaotic and out of control!

Yahweh, I praise you that I can call you Father, for you have purchased me by your Son and sealed me by your Spirit. I am in awe and wonder of your sovereign work in my life and the lives of every person I encounter. Grant that such knowledge would grow my trust in you that I might take you as my refuge in whatever befalls me this day. Amen.

Reflecting on Proverbs 15 (The Delight of Our Father)

2009-08-13T22:45:00.001-05:00

This day’s chapter in Proverbs has me focused on verses 8 and 9: “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves one who pursues righteousness.” I think these two verses should be a great encouragement to believers, but especially those from the Reformed tradition. What I mean is that we who are Reformed have a healthy emphasis on our depravity and rightly recognize that the only acceptable obedience we can offer to our heavenly Father is through the merits and mediation of our dear Savior. However, sometimes we (at least me) can so focus on our utter inability that we forget that God does indeed delight in his children’s pursuit of righteousness. It is important that we do so because it is great incentive to put to death sin and live for his glory. What an encouraging truth that my worship of and obedience to my covenant Lord brings joy to him!

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for uniting me to Christ that I may become your dearly beloved child! I rejoice that through him I can offer worship and obedience that is acceptable to you and even brings joy to your heart. May your Holy Spirit invigorate me with that truth this day that your joy in me would be my consuming passion. Amen.

Reflecting on Proverbs 14 (Trust Your Heart?!)

2009-08-10T10:41:00.000-05:00

My reading of Proverbs 14 this morning has my attention on verse 12, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Every time I hear someone on television, in a movie, or in person speak of trusting in one’s self or following one’s heart, I want to yell out this proverb. It is a helpful warning about our need for good counsel, especially that which comes from our Maker and Savior. More specifically, it is a reminder of our creaturely dependence on the word of our Creator to know what it truly means to live in his world in a way that is in accord with his design. This truth should lead to deep gratitude to God for his word and should motivate us to chew on it and ingest it continually. For in it, we find the way of life, for in it we find the way of salvation: faith in the person and work of the God-man, Jesus Christ.

Father in heaven, I praise you for the unspeakable gift of your word. Forgive me for my lack of love and delight in it. Grant that knowing you through it would be the great passion of my life. Amen.

Reflecting on Proverbs 13 (Christian Friendship)

2009-08-08T18:00:00.001-05:00

In trying to draw together some common themes out of the diverse one line proverbs of this chapter, one reality strikes me: the indispensability of Christian friendship. After all, a number of the proverbs speak of benefiting from the instruction of others, whether it is one’s godly parents or the teaching of the wise. Perhaps verse 20 is most telling, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Certainly this is not a warning to not build friendships with non-Christians so as to love them with the gospel, but it is a warning to have deep Christian relationships that will move one along as one walks with one’s covenant Lord. This is really what the church of our Lord Jesus Christ is supposed to be: a community where deep relationships are fostered so that the young in the faith learn from those more wise (i.e. mature) and also are able to walk with others who are growing in wisdom.

Father in heaven, thank you for the Christian friendships that I do have; they are a grace to me beyond what I normally consider. Help me to deepen those friendships that we might press each other on in the way of wisdom, which is ultimately to live our lives in a filial fear of you, our gracious and holy heavenly Father. Amen.

Brief Reflection on Proverbs 12

2009-08-06T15:27:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 12 has the following to say about the use of words: “The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, But the mouth of the upright will deliver them…An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will escape from trouble…A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, And the deeds of a man's hands will return to him…He who speaks truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit…There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing…Truthful lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is only for a moment…Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight…A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims folly.”

It seems that a true faith in Christ will greatly impact the use of our tongue, for a true faith in Christ leads to dealing with what controls our tongues: our heart! Thus our Savior could say in the gospels that we will be either justified or condemned by our words in the final day.

Father in heaven, so work in my heart that my tongue would be a true reflection of your holy character that I may bring you glory and my fellow image bearers life through the use of this small but powerful instrument. Amen.

Entrusting our Children to Jesus

2009-08-03T16:57:00.001-05:00

Just this morning I heard about another family who has tragically lost a young child, and it has me contemplative.

As I prepare to take my daughter, future son, and any other future children with me to south Asia to pursue God's glory in missions, I have been contemplating more how I am to think about taking my children to a more, humanly speaking, dangerous environment. Regularly I watch my daughter laugh and play and am amazed at God's goodness in granting her to me and Keli. I enjoy most of my moments with her, but I recognize that I am not guaranteed tomorrow with her. She ultimately belongs to my and her faithful Savior, Jesus, and he has the right to take her tomorrow (or sooner), if he so wills. Though I would be greatly grieved for some time, if he did so, I know that I could not be angry at God. He is the one who gave her, and he can take her away. If such a tragedy occurs, in the midst of my grief, I pray that God will give me the grace to abound in thankfulness, thankfulness for every moment I rocked Hadassah to sleep, every wonderful shriek of delight as we played peek-aboo, every sweet kiss that she gave me, etc. Those are precious gifts that I do not deserve, yet so far have been able to enjoy for almost 16 months. By God's grace I hope I would abound with thanksgiving and gratitude even in the midst of terrible grief and loss.

I could try to stay in comfortable, suburban American, but ultimately I cannot protect her here either. I cannot shield her from sickness, kidnapping, harm, etc. It can come here just as easy as somewhere else. No, I must entrust Hadassah to my faithful Savior. She belongs to him, and I am grateful for every moment I get to enjoy her on this earth.

Brief Reflection on Proverbs 11

2009-08-03T16:41:00.000-05:00

The proverbs in this chapter, like many others, try to paint an attractive portrait of righteousness by contrasting it with the fruit it ultimately brings compared to the fruit that wickedness ultimately brings. For example, righteousness brings deliverance from trouble and death (v. 4, 6, 8, 9), receives a reward (v.18), and most importantly illicits the pleasure of Yahweh (v. 20). “Righteousness” is a covenant term, and it refers to living in fidelity to the norms of the covenant lord, who is Yahweh. In other words, righteousness is essentially living in response to God’s grace. God, in his rich mercy, paints for us a beautiful picture of the blessings of covenant fidelity.

Too often I am shortsighted in seeing the value of righteousness, and I thus give in to the temptation to rebellion against my faithful Savior and King, Jesus. The proverbs reminds me of the exceeding beauty and worth of holiness, which gives me a weapon in the fight of faith. May I wield it often this day!

Our Future Mission Field and Our Team Leader

2009-08-01T17:13:00.000-05:00

Reflecting on Romans 16 (Alluding to Genesis 3:15)

2009-07-30T17:17:00.000-05:00

In Romans 16 Paul draws his important letter to the Romans to a close. First of all, he greets by name many of the members of the church in Rome that he knew from his travels throughout the Roman Empire (Paul had not been to Rome yet). He then gives a few final exhortations and encouragements. In the midst of those encouragements Paul makes a remarkable statement when he mentions, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." For those who know Genesis well (and Paul would be one of those), this is most certainly an allusion to the first news of the gospel in Genesis 3:15 when Yahweh promised Adam and Eve that one would be born from Eve that would crush the head of the serpent. In one sense, the rest of the Bible from that point forward is an outworking of that master redemptive promise made to our parents right after the Fall.

This is a reminder to me that the incredible exposition of the gospel is really the work of God in Christ coming to bring judgment on Satan, the one who encouraged and instigated mankind's foul revolt against our good Creator and King. The one born of the woman brings in the Kingdom of God by crushing the leader of the rival kingdom, the kingdom of darkness. This has already begun though Christ's death and resurrection and will be consummated at his return. Our enemy has been struck a fatal blow, and we who are in Christ can rejoice that God's promise long ago is coming true: our great enemy, Satan, will be crushed!

Father in heaven, thank you for this encouraging reminder that Jesus is the victor. I thank you also that we who are in Christ get to share in that victory, for Paul stated that you would crust Satan under OUR feet! I marvel at such grace and faithfulness. Truly you are a covenant making and covenant keeping God! May I walk this day as one who knows that Christ for and through his church is the victor! AMEN.

Video of Hadi Saying "Hi" and "Bye"

2009-07-28T21:54:00.000-05:00

Reflecting on Romans 15 (The Priority of Unreached Peoples)

2009-07-27T15:34:00.000-05:00

Romans 15 stirs my ministry passions, for it is a reminder of what the church of our Lord Jesus Christ is to give its priority to: preaching the gospel and planting churches among unreached people groups. This is more than just "doing missions." Church planting and evangelism is needed everywhere, here in America in whatever area we live in, and in other countries. So it is always good to send and support missionaries anywhere they go. However, far too little of our missionaries even go to unreached people groups. There are a little over 16,000 distinct people groups in the world and about 6,500 of these are unreached peoples. This means that there is not an established church that is strong enough to continue to spread the gospel and spread churches in that distinct ethno-linguistic group. Most of the individuals in an unreached people group have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, and thus, live, die, and go to hell without ever being told of the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. And the church in America is doing fall too little about it, yet it is supposed to be our priority. It was the apostle Paul's priority, and the church as a whole carries on the mantle of the apostles.

Paul stated in 15:20 his ministry calling, "And thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation." As well, in Romans 15 he speaks of a huge geographic region (from Jerusalem in the southeast to Illyricum, which was in the northwest of Macedonia) and says that he no longer has room for work. Amazing! There is no way that he had personally preached the gospel to every person there, not even close. However, he had planted strong enough churches in those regions that could continue the work of evangelism. He said that in these regions he had "fulfilled his ministry" and wanted to go on to Spain, where the gospel had not yet been taken. The church in America must gets it heart around the implications of what Paul is saying. Right now only a very small percentage of our missionaries and our money for missions goes to reaching unreached people groups, yet it is to be our priority and about 40% of the world's population lives in unreached people groups.

If you are a Christian and God has not called you to go as a missionary, then you have a responsibility to participate in reaching unreached people groups through your prayers, giving, and encouragement. So how much are you giving to missionaries or ministries that are reaching unreached people groups? Are you praying regularly for unreached people groups (check out www.joshuaproject.org for a great prayer resource for this)? Are you encouraging missionaries who are working in unreached people groups?

One could summarize the heart of Paul's ministry in Romans 15 by saying (1) Christ calls us to the unreached. (2) Christ works through us to reach the unreached. (3) Christ expects our plans to be shaped by the priority of reaching the unreached. So, how are you responding to the calling of our Savior in this regards?

Father in heaven, please raise up laborers for your harvest! Grant that the church in America would get their heart around this priority of reaching unreached people groups that Paul lays before us, in order that we might send our best people and significant parts of our giving to supporting this great work that you are calling your church to. For your glory and the good of the unreached millions I pray, AMEN.

Update on our Missions Progress

2009-07-27T15:18:00.002-05:00

Keli and I rejoice to report that MTW accepted us at our readiness evaluation last week! It was an exhausting and challenging week, while at the same time wonderful. The next step for us is to go to Interview and Orientation in September where our acceptance with MTW becomes official. We will then have our call to south asia and can begin support raising. I also will be able to pursue ordination at the November presbytery, as I will have my call. This is really good news, and we are rejoicing at the opportunity with what we believe to be our life's call: to serve our Savior among the nations advancing his kingdom where it is yet to take hold. Please rejoice with us and give thanks to our God for his grace towards us.

Reflecting on Romans 14 (Christian Liberty)

2009-07-20T22:03:00.000-05:00

In this chapter in Romans, Paul is dealing with the issue of how Christians relate to one another over areas of conscience. Christ has revealed much in his word that is clearly right or wrong, but there are still numerous issues in the believer's life that are left to the individual conscience. The historical situation that Paul was addressing was the relationship of Jews and Gentiles in the church in Rome. Those from a Jewish background were used to certain dietary restrictions and the observation of some days over another, such as the sabbath. So even when they became Christians, many of these Jews felt constrained to not eat some things and to observe certain days as holy. Most of the Gentiles felt the liberty to eat whatever they want and to treat everyday the same. The Gentiles were tempted to look down upon the Jews for their weak consciences, and the Jews were tempted to be judgmental towards to the Gentiles for their liberty. Paul addressed the issue by challenging both parties to fully accept one another because God in Christ had fully accepted them both. So essentially, it is the gospel that is the basis for full unity in the church.

As well, Paul called each side to recognize that the other approach could rightly serve Christ. The one who didn't make full use of liberty in food, drink, and days restricted that liberty out of a desire to serve Christ, and the one who made full use of their liberty did that out of a desire to serve Christ. Thus, both sides could serve Christ well.

Also, in the exercise of their freedom, they must take into consideration the conscience of the weaker Christians. Because the ones who restrict their liberty or use their liberty must do so with a grateful heart to God, the Christian must be on guard against pressuring some one who does not feel the liberty to do something to actually go against their conscience and do that which they can't genuinely do with a clear conscience. The tendency for those who have full liberty of conscience is to not consider how the use of their liberty might cause a weaker Christian to sin against their conscience. Thus, true Christian maturity is not just exercising full liberty of conscience but having the love for others in Christ that moves one to not take advantage of a certain liberty, if it might cause a weaker Christian to stumble.

Paul ends the discussion by reminding his audience of a principle that is really key, "Whatever is not from faith is sin." Thus, as I determine whether I can participate in something that is in the area of liberty, I have to make sure that I can do it with thanksgiving towards God. I must be fully convinced that my drinking the beer, or watching a certain movie, or being in a certain situation is pleasing to Christ. If I participate in one of these activities when I am not convinced that I can do it to Christ's glory, then I am not doing it from faith and I am sinning. Likewise, I must be careful to not participate in anything that will put pressure on a fellow Christian to do something that they are not convinced that they can do to the glory of Christ.

Father in heaven, forgive me for the times when I violate my conscience and do that which either I believe to be wrong or I am not sure is wrong. Such action is sin. Grant by the power of the risen Christ that I would serve you faithfully in my conscience. As well, please give me such a love for my fellow Christians that I would be sensitive to their convictions and not do anything that would pressure them to go against them. Help me to love them because you have fully loved them in Christ. AMEN.

Reflecting on Romans 13 (Putting on Jesus)

2009-07-18T15:23:00.000-05:00

Romans 13 is mostly about God's role for government and the Christian's submission to it. As well, he explains how love is the fulfillment of all that God requires of his redeemed. However, this reflection is going to focus on the last two verses of the chapter, and especially the last one that states, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regards to its lusts." I am focusing on this verse, because it is such an important one in my battle against sin, especially the temptation towards sexual lust. The verse right before speaks of saying "no" to sin, especially sexual immorality, and this verse presents the positive counterpoint. Instead of giving into sexual and other sin, the Christian is to put on Christ. I find this a most helpful and most biblical way of thinking about our obedience as those united to Christ. Romans has already taught us that we are united to Christ in his death and resurrection so that his death to sin is our death to sin. This is a truth that we are to appropriate by faith. Instead of simply calling us to walk in new obedience and say "yes" to righteousness, the call to "put on Christ" highlights the fact that we are to live in the new resources available to us through our relationship with God in Christ. We don't just follow new rules, we live in relationship with a person, the Savior and Lord of the universe!

Sin, especially sexual sin, can look so appealing, so in the battle against its deceitful temptations, the idea of "putting on Christ" in all his saving glory is a lot more powerful antidote than simply thinking of walking in purity. Jesus is far more glorious to me as a Christian than any sin, and this verse reminds me that it is precisely with this truth that I need to battle. May it serve me well this day, as I seek the life of Jesus to be manifest in me!

Father in heaven, thank you for sending Jesus as my Savior! I rejoice in his work that delivers me both from the penalty and power of sin. Help me to walk in him today so that I will not give into the deceitful allurements of sin, especially in regards to sexual lust. May he be so glorious to me that sin itself would be repulsive. In Christ the Savior I pray, AMEN.

Our Tenth Anniversary Trip to the "Funny Farm"

2009-07-17T19:07:00.005-05:00

Last weekend Keli and I celebrate ten years of marriage by spending the weekend at a Bed and Breakfast in Ben Wheeler named "The Funny Farm." We had a wonderful time and here are a few pics from that weekend.

Here is the sign pointing the way to the Funny Farm.

The entrance.

The view of the house from the long driveway.

The inside of our room upstairs.

The view out the window of our room.

We did a little bit of fishing on Friday night and caught a couple of catfish. Keli hooked them and I reeled them in. What is surprising is that she hooked them on a tube jig which was designed for crappie or perch.

My cute pregnant wife fishing.

The sunset from the gazeebo on the pond Friday evening.

The first of the two catfish we caught on Friday.

We really enjoyed the pool of Friday night after fishing. The stars were big and bright deep in the heart of East Texas.

Saturday morning the couple who runs the B&B let us borrow their "Gator" to drive on some of the trails by the creek on their property. It was a lot of fun, and two of their dogs accompanied us. The brown dog eventually got tired so he hitched a ride with us. If you look carefully you can see the white dog swimming in the pond behind Keli. He led us on the trails most of the time. His owner says he is quite the snake killer and he has some scars around his mouth to prove it!

For lunch on Saturday, we went to a small town just north of Ben Wheeler name Edom. They have some neat antique and craft shops. This is the outside of one of them. We ended up eating both lunch and dinner on Saturday in Edom.

Relaxing in the pool on Saturday afternoon.

Keli caught this bass on Saturday afternoon. We also caught a good number of catfish too when we started fishing with bread, which is what the owners feed them.

Our steak dinner on Saturday night in Edom. It was a very yummy ribeye.

Reflecting on Romans 12 (The Dynamic of Christian Obedience)

2009-07-17T19:01:00.000-05:00

The first 2 verses of Romans 12 are so well known to Christians that we often forget how significant they are in showing us the way we are to think about our obedience to Christ: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." The dynamic I want to highlight is found in the phrase, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God." The "therefore" points us back to the amazing gospel that Paul has been explicating for the previous 11 chapters. He summarizes the gospel as God's "mercies." In other words, Paul is calling us to obedience based on what Jesus has already done for us in his life, death, and resurrection. The order is important. It is not obey first and then you can partake in what Christ has done. Rather, it is Christ has shown you marvelous saving mercy, therefore, now you can live a new life. In sum, our obedience is to be driven and empowered by God's grace in Christ.

As I look at the motives and dependencies of my own heart, I must admit that sometimes I fall back on the old order. I try to obey in my own strength and with the idea that in some way God will love me more if I render a certain level of obedience to him. Such thinking is anti-gospel! God has loved me fully in a saving way in Christ, and nothing can change that. As well, it is his work in Christ that empowers me to live a new life, for I have the resurrection life of Christ at work within me (see chapter 6). Thus, my obedience is always to be empowered and motivated by God's lavish grace. That is the dynamic of Christian obedience!

Father in heaven, thank you for the deep love you have demonstrated in showering your saving mercies on me in Christ. I glory in the gift of righteousness that I have through faith in him, and I delight in the ministry of your Holy Spirit in my life who leads me into holiness. Grant that I would live out this gospel dynamic of obedience so wonderfully presented in these familiar verses from Romans 12. AMEN.

Reflecting on Romans 11 (Theology Leading to Doxology)

2009-07-16T16:20:00.000-05:00

Romans 9 through 10 has dealt with one of the deepest issues in the universe: the sovereign plan of God in saving a people for himself. Sinners have been shown to be responsible for the unbelief, yet behind it all is the sovereign God who chooses some to be believe and allows others to continue in their rebellious unbelief. Just when one thought chapters 9 and 10 went as far back in the mind of God as one might be able to come, along comes chapter 11. In chapter 11 the curtain is pulled back just a little more, and we are allowed to see the big picture of God's redemptive plan. One can summarize it in three stages: (1) harden the Jews, which in turn (2) sends the gospel to Gentiles, many of whom will embrace it, which will in turn, (3) provoke the Jews to jealousy so that many of them will turn in repentance and faith to Jesus. It seems that in the year 2009 we are still in step 2.

This 3 step agenda is the plan of a wise and powerful God who overflows with mercy (remember, if God were to save just one sinner, he would be considered incredibly merciful, but his plan for the end is to have men and women from every tribe, tongue, and nation on the face of the earth as part of his redeemed people). So what is Paul's response to these last 3 chapters of such deep theological reasoning? Worship! Paul cannot but help to end this section of Romans with perhaps the most explosive doxology in the Scripture. It is worth reproducing here: "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."

Paul's example here is a powerful reminder of what all of my study and reflection on God's word is to lead to: deep, soul-erupting adoration of the Triune God. If it is not producing this, then something is wrong with me, and I must admit, that there is often something wrong with me. Too often, the study of God's word can be an intellectual exercise or curiosity. More than I would like to admit, it is merely academic. I need to repent, and seek the gracious work of the Spirit of God in my life that my affections might continually grow for my God even as my knowledge expands.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit you are the true and living God, and you are glorious in all of your perfections. Please forgive me for so often thinking about your word without it leading me to fall on my knees and exult in your marvelous being. You are beautiful beyond description, and your majesty is writ large throughout the text of your holy word. Give me the grace of repentance so that all of my study of your word might deepen my approbation of your great glory. AMEN.

Josiah Amos Goodrich at 18 Weeks In Utero

2009-07-14T17:42:00.002-05:00

Josiah made it pretty easy on the sonographer to identify him!

Reflecting on Romans 10 (Human Responsibility)

2009-07-14T17:39:00.000-05:00

In Romans 9 we encountered one of the more extended discussions of the role that the Triune God plays in the salvation of sinners. We learned that at the end of the day, God has mercy on some and redeems them, and others he simply passes over and allows them to experience the just penalty of sin. This is what I called in the reflection on that chapter the "Difficult, Wonderful Doctrine of Election." There are many (wrong) stereotypes of what believing that very important Christian doctrine leads to. In sum, many believe that embracing the doctrine of election will lead to passivity in the Christian life and a lack of concern for evangelism. Romans 10 shatters such conceptions, because it opens with the apostle Paul showing that this is indeed not the implications of the doctrine. He opens by talking about the grief that he has over his lost fellow Israelites and indicates that he prays earnestly for their salvation. So knowledge of God's mysterious ways in salvation did not harden Paul towards his fellow humans in any way. Indeed, he sets a model of sorts for those who would speak of such grave matters as the eternal perdition of fellow human beings: it should not be done without sorrow.

As well, he also points to the fact that the Jews in his day were fully responsible for their unbelief and the condemnation that went along with that. Indeed, this famous evangelistic text, "But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?" is actually used to point up the responsibility of the Jews. He will go on to say that the Jews of his day cannot say that they have not heard about the Messiah. They have heard about Jesus, but they have rejected him as their promised Messiah, and for that they bear full responsibility.

So here we see back to back in Scripture a very clear teaching on God's sovereignty (in chapter 9), and a very clear teaching on human responsibility (in chapter 10). Even those that God has chosen to harden in their unbelief and not give the gift of faith are still responsible for their unbelief and sin. In our mind, we are tempted to say that these are contradictory. What we must recognize is that we are creatures and God is the Creator. In his mind, they fit together, even though they are a mystery to us. In humility before the revealed word of God, we must simply accept both of them as being true. Really it becomes a test of whether or not we are going to put our own human reasoning about the authority of God's word, or if we are going to have our reason as a servant of God's word that operates under its authority.

Father in heaven, thank you for Paul's marvelous example of love and concern for his fellow Jews. Grant that the lostness of my fellow human beings would move me to deep compassion and concentrated evangelistic action, as it did Paul. May my firm belief in your sovereignty in salvation never be used as an excuse for hardness of heart towards the lost or apathy towards preaching the gospel. May I be an instrument that you use mightily to gather in many of your elect who are yet to obtain the blessings of salvation in Christ that you have prepared for them. AMEN.

Reflecting on Romans 9 (The Difficult, Wonderful Doctrine of Election)

2009-07-13T13:23:00.001-05:00

Romans 8 ended by making some incredible promises to Christians, such as the assurance that nothing could separate them from the love of God in Christ. But there was a historical problem for many who read Paul's letter, so he anticipated an objection: What about Israel? Israel was God's people, yet many (most) had rejected Jesus as their Messiah. How can God's promise to protect his people be believed? This launches Paul into an explanation of one of the deepest mysteries of Christian doctrine: unconditional election (It is worth noting for those who are allergic even to the term, "election," that Paul begins this chapter with weeping over lost Israelites.) "Election" is a very biblical word, as over and over again the Scriptures speak of God choosing his people. The only question is, "On what basis does he choose who to save?" Many have wrongly said that election is conditional. That condition is usually said to be faith. In other words, God is thought to passively look through the corridors of time and see who would receive Christ, if offered the gospel. On that basis, he then elects them. Two problems with that are this: (1) man is so lost in sin, he will never believe in Christ apart from the gracious regenerating work of the Holy Spirit (cf. Romans 3:10-11; John 6:44), (2) God has taught us in his word that he does not passively forsee anything. Indeed that is impossible, for everything is dependent on him for its existence, and he makes it clear over and over again that everything happens according to his will and plan (cf. Ephesians 1:11). This includes the responsible choices and actions of moral agents (i.e. humans and angels). Thus, when God chooses whom he will save, it cannot be based on forseen faith. This is where the adjective "unconditional" comes from. God's choice is not based on any conditions in us. His choice is based in the mystery of his own will.

Anyway, that is the doctrine and it is what Paul is essentially teaching in Romans 9. He is saying that God did not choose every descendant of Abraham to believe his gospel. Thus, verse 6 states, "For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel." So what is the distinguishing factor here? Paul quotes Yahweh from Exodus, which says, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." In other words, God has the freedom to have mercy on some and not on others. Paul puts it more bluntly a few verses later when he states, " So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills."

One of the key indicators that Paul is explaining unbelief in Israel based on God's unconditional choice and not on conditions in the Israelites are the objections that Paul raises for the sake of his argument. (By the way, some try to skirt the reality of the doctrine here by saying that Paul is talking about nations and not individuals. This misses the whole context and argument where Paul is having to explain unbelief within the one nation of Israel.) Paul was a seasoned teacher of this doctrine, and he knew all the key objections that are raised. So as a good teacher, he raises them first and then answers them. For instance, he raises the question, "What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part?." No one raises that question if the distinguishing factor is based on the faith or lack thereof in the individual. People would simply recognize that the person made a choice. It is only when the ultimate explanation for belief or unbelief is the sovereign and free choice of God that this question is raised. By the way, Paul answers this question by asserting the sovereign freedom of God to show mercy or not on whomever he wills.

A second question that Paul raises is, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?" Again, this question would never be raised if Paul was explaining election in terms of conditions in the sinner. If God's election is based on man's choice to chose or reject Christ, then no one is going to object that God cannot hold the unbelieving sinner responsible or that God's will is irresistible. This objection is only raised if the sinner's salvation is totally in the hands of God.

Now I have taken more time than usual in my brief reflection on this chapter to explain the doctrine of unconditional election because it is often misunderstood and/or rejected. It is not meant to be a source of conflict for Christians. It is meant to humble Christians, help us understand unbelief and belief, give us encouragement in regards to the faithfulness of God, deepen our worship, etc. In other words, this doctrine is meant to be one of the most soul comforting and soul assuring truths to which we are to cling. If you are a Christian, you are an object of the deep, unchangeable, mysterious love of the Triune God. Don't object that this somehow belittles your freedom; instead, worship with tears of joy that he graciously chose you to know his mercy and be part of his people.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I worship you for your gracious and sovereign choice of me for salvation. This truth humbles me because it shows me how utterly helpless I was apart from your acting on my behalf. All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you! I love you and desire that my life would be one long response of delight, wonder, and adoration for such free grace. AMEN.

Our Ten Year Anniversary

2009-07-10T07:01:00.002-05:00

Today is mine and Keli's ten year wedding anniversary! We are praising God for ten wonderful years of growing in Christ together and serving him in the context of his church. He has so blessed us, and we are grateful to all of you who have prayed with and for us and encouraged us over this last decade. Thank you!

Peanut Butter Crackers

2009-07-09T20:30:00.003-05:00

One of Keli's favorite afternoon snacks is to spread some peanut butter on saltine crackers and make little sandwichs out of them. Then she takes them apart and licks the peanut butter off both crackers (go figure). She has now turned Hadi on to this enjoyable snack. Below are a few snap shots of Hadi mimicking her mommy in this regard.

Reflecting on Romans 8 (The God who is For Us)

2009-07-09T09:06:00.000-05:00

Trying to write a reflection on Romans 8 is an almost insurmountable challenge, as it is probably the richest chapter of the entire Bible (in my opinion). I could easily write fifty different reflections (and this is not hyperbole) on the various glorious truths presented. However, I only have time to write one, so I am going to focus on the incredible truth that the Christian has the entire godhead working on his or her behalf. One aspect of that which caught my attention this morning is the intercessory role of both the Holy Spirit and Jesus on behalf of the Christian. Verse 26 states, "...but the Spirit himself INTERCEDES for us..." and then verse 34 states, "...Christ Jesus is the one who died- more than that, who was raised- who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is INTERCEDING for us." So we have the second and third members of the godhead beseeching the Father on our behalf. Is the Father hard to convince? Is he not for us as much as the Son and Spirit? No, verse 32 states this wonderful promise about the Father's acting on our behalf: "He (i.e. the Father) who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" The Father is so much for us that he willingly sacrificed his Son for us! The implication of all this is put forth by Paul in verse 31 in this way, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

I simply don't know of any truth that can be more encouraging for the Christian! As the larger context of the chapter clearly shows, this truth is the best medicine for those who are suffering in this life. The middle part of the chapter makes it clear that EVERY Christian will suffer, but this is not a sign of God's displeasure. Indeed, he is even taking those sufferings and using them to make us more life Christ, which is for our everlasting joy! So in whatever difficult circumstances I might find myself in this day or in the future, I can find unspeakable encouragement that the Triune God is exerting all of his love and power on my behalf. Unbelievable!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I am in awe that you would love me so, for I certainly do not deserve it. Quite the contrary! I deserve that you would exercise your power and energy to punish me forever for my foul revolts against you, yet you have redeemed me and promised me that nothing can separate me from your love. May such truth sink deep into my soul that my love, worship and trust of you would only grow! AMEN.

June Pictures

2009-07-06T17:12:00.009-05:00

Here are a few highlights from the month of June.

I think Hadi just realized that she has a big frizzy fro on her head!

Hadi seems to be a bit excited about going to the pool.

Here is my girl in her floatie swimsuit.

A little hot tub action with mom and the grandparents.

Hadi and daddy in her floatie in the pool.

This is me holding up my cousin Matt, who is five weeks younger but 8 inches taller and 50 pounds heavier.

This is a a mini-family reunion we did in Waco. From left to right: me, my cousin Matt, my dad, Matt's girl (Brooklyn), Matt's wife (Amy), my mom, my cousin Kristin, and Matt's girl (Berkley).

Another reunion shot at a local Mexican restaurant.

Hadi had a blast when I drug her around the apartment in this empty diaper box.

Hadi at my parents house having fun with a pan and a spoon. Who needs Fisher Price?!

This is our friend, Maegan. She was in the young singles class we lead at Trinity for the last five years. Keli and I had the privilege to do a Scripture reading in her wedding.

This is another friend, Ann, who was also in the young singles class we lead at Trinity. Keli was a bridesmaid in this one (far right).

This is Ann processing with her dad. It was great shot of her, so I have to post it.

This is my bride processing.

Keli and I before the wedding.

This is a blow up pool at Keli's sister's house.

That's one cool girl!

Hadi enjoying the spray.

Hadi with her grandma (and bacon in her mouth).

Hadassah seems to think its a little too early for bacon!

Whatever grandpa and Aunt Kim are telling her, I don't think she is buying it!

Hadi at a splash pad near her Aunt Kim's house.

Hadi enjoying the spray.

We almost got really soaked here.

Aunt Kim and the grandparents watching Hadi enjoy the splashpad.

This was the community pool right next to the splashpad.

Hadi and mommy.

Hadi just hanging out with daddy.

A close up of my marsupial want-to-be.

Reflecting on Romans 7 (The Believer's Struggle or the Inability of the Law?)

2009-07-06T12:35:00.000-05:00

Most people assume that the last part of Romans 7 describes the Christian's struggle with sin. I can understand why, as it seems to capture the struggle that all Christian's face as they battle the remaining corruption in their own hearts. As well, Paul speaks in the first person, so on the surface it seems like he is describing his current experience as a Christian. However, when you look at the passage carefully in its larger context, I think this passage is most likely not describing Paul's experience as a Christian but the inability of the law to deliver the non-Christian from the power of sin. Paul elsewhere in Romans speaks in the first person to take on a position that is not currently true of him to make that position (cf. Romans 3:7-8), so that alone cannot determine if this describes Paul's current experience. In this reflection I don't have the time to make the other arguments that support this position. I will simply say that I think Romans 8:3 is a good summary of what Paul is describing in the last part of chapter 7: "For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh."

What I want to focus on here is the take home of understanding this section describing the inability of the law to deliver from the power of sin. And that is this: we as Christians should NOT think of our struggle with sin in the terms of Romans 7. Why? Because there is no mention of our union with Christ or our indwelling by the Holy Spirit. In every other place in Paul's letters (including chapter 6 and 8 of Romans) where he describes the Christian's pursuit of holiness, he always focuses on our union with Christ and/or our possession of the Spirit as that which enables us to put to death sin and walk in new obedience. Paul does not want the Christian thinking about fighting the battle of sin on his own resources, which is exactly what the scenario is in Romans 7. As well, Paul makes the point in Romans 6 and 8 that the person who is in Christ is no longer a slave to sin. The reigning power of sin has been broken in the life of the believer. It doesn't mean that we won't struggle, but our battles are fought from a position where victory is possible. The Christian should NOT have the defeatist tone of Romans 7. This belittles the work of Christ and the gift of the Spirit. We can say "NO" to sin because of the work of Jesus in us. Yes, we all still have remaining corruption in our heart, and we will all battle sin until the day Christ returns or we die. Nonetheless, we must garner all the resources of God's grace to battle sin and know that through Christ and the Spirit we can put to death sin. To do anything less is to dishonor his saving work on our behalf.

Great triune God, I worship you for the fullness of your salvation. I thank you that you have not only delivered me from the penalty of sin but that you have also delivered me from being a slave to sin. That is glorious, and I desire more and more to walk in the freedom of that liberty to effectively fight the desire to sin. For your glory and my good I pray, AMEN.

Reflecting on Romans 6 (Raised to New Life in Christ)

2009-07-04T11:40:00.000-05:00

In the first five chapters, Paul has made the gospel so free and so focused on the work of Christ that some wrongly conclude that it doesn't matter whether or not we give ourselves wholeheartedly in obedience to our Savior. This he addresses here in chapter 6, but he does it in a way that we might not expect. We might expect him to say something to the effect that we should be so grateful for our redemption that we should pursue holiness. Instead, he talks about the FACT that we who are united to Christ by faith share in his death and resurrection. Christ died for us, but it is also true that we died with him. His death to sin is our death to sin, and his resurrection to new life is our resurrection to new life! If we are Christians, the resurrection life of our Savior is at work in us, and anyone who has the Savior working in them cannot be unconcerned about whether or not they are walking in obedience to Christ.

This is a glorious truth that I would do well to ponder often. I know it intellectually, but often (too often) I think (and so live) as if I have not been raised to new life in Christ. The challenge of Romans 6 is that we are to lay hold of this glorious truth by faith in order that we may might experience the full benefits of this. This is NOT wishful thinking; we have in FACT been raised to new life in Christ. So when I am struggling with sin and feel that it has mastery over me, I must prayerfully consider this truth: sin no longer has mastery over me, for I am raised to new life in Christ!

Father in heaven, thank you for this important chapter in Romans that so powerfully reminds me who I am in Jesus Christ. I exult in the fact that his resurrection life is at work in me, and I ask you to forgive me for the many times throughout each day where I fail to remember and live in accordance with this amazing reality. By the power of your Spirit, please help me today to keep this truth in view and so live as the new man that I am in Jesus. AMEN

An Ode to Keli on Her 33rd Birthday

2009-07-02T09:22:00.001-05:00

Today my sweet Keli has turned 33,
And I hope this day is for her as happy as can be.

She is a blessing to me and so many others,
And she is turning out to be one excellent mother.

Her humor and laughter delights me every day,
The funniest things she often does say.

Her beautiful smile can make my heart melt,
With her some of my most joyous emotions I have felt.

She is the most trustworthy person I know,
And I delight that her love for me she does daily show.

I am so grateful that she is the mother of my little girl,
And not just because from her Hadi got her beautiful curl.

She loves and cares for our daughter as good as any mom around,
Hearing her laugh and play with Hadassah is a beautiful sound.

More than all this is her love for our blessed Jesus the King,
This is what most compelled me to give her that diamond ring.

I could not ask for a better partner with whom to live on this sod,
As long as we both breathe, together we will serve our God.

So you can see why her birthday makes me lyrical,
In so many ways her life from God is like a miracle.

May our Redeemer grant her joy in him this day,
For today is my sweet Keli’s 33rd birthday!

Reflecting on Romans 5 (The Two Men in History)

2009-07-02T08:43:00.000-05:00

Very often we need realize how bad our situation is before we can understand how great the remedy is. In great measure, Paul has already done this in Romans. In the first 3 chapters, he painted a devastating portrait of humanity. Every one of us personally sins against our Maker and deserves only the white hot anger of his justice. Thankfully, in God's unfathomably deep grace, he provides a gift of righteousness for helpless sinners through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Such a gift is received by faith alone. In this chapter he goes on to talk about the blessings of those who are in Christ (some of which comes through suffering). But in order to explain in more detail how our salvation is accomplished, he pulls back the veil to reveal that our situation before Christ was even worse than we ever imagined! You see, God so constituted the first man, Adam, that he would represent all those joined to him, which is all his physical descendants by natural birth (i.e. you and me). Thus, when Adam sinned in the garden, we sinned with him. This means more than just the fact that we are now born with a sinful nature (though that is bad enough), it means that we are born guilty of the divine judgment that Adam deserves before we ever even sin personally. In other words, we are born under God's condemnation!

Many object to such a teaching because it does not seem fair. We might can swallow that we are born with a nature that is in rebellion against God and so we sin and deserve condemnation for our personal sin, but how can we be held responsible for what our first forefather did?! Well, the response of this passage is that if we cannot be represented by Adam, then we cannot be represented by the Second Adam, Jesus, either! Those of us who believe in Jesus alone as our Savior are saying that we trust God to deal with us based on the obedience of Jesus, which culminated in his substitutionary atonement on the cross. In other words, we are trusting that God will credit to us the work of Jesus. He is our representative. This is really why Paul calls Jesus the Second Adam. It is because God also set up Jesus as a representative as he did Adam so that all who are joined to him may be represented by him. The result of partaking in the work of our representative is perhaps best summed up in verse 18 when Paul states, "Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men."

We are all born with Adam as our representative, but the glory of the gospel is that through faith we can move from Adam to Christ as our representative. When we do so, we gain the gift of righteousness and the eternal life that comes along with it. May we glory in God's wisdom in so governing his universe that representation by another is one of the deepest realities of our existence!

Father in heaven, thank you for giving me new representation in Christ! I exult that his work is credited as my work, even as Adam's wicked work was credited as my wicked work. May such knowledge deepen my trust in Christ alone as my Savior, for it shows even more so how salvation is all of Jesus! AMEN

Warning for Wireless Headset Users

2009-06-30T14:41:00.001-05:00

Reflecting on Romans 4 ("Sola Fide")

2009-06-29T10:36:00.000-05:00

"Sola Fide" (i.e. "faith alone") was one of the five great battle cries at the time of Reformation, and few chapters in the Scriptures make this point as clearly and persuasively as Romans 4. Romans 3 spoke of how God gave the gift of righteousness on the basis of the work of Christ and mentioned that we receive this gift through faith. This chapter goes into detail to explain that faith alone is always how the people of God have received God's gift of righteousness. As Abraham is the focus point of God's redemptive plan in the Old Testament, Paul shows from the Old Testament that faith alone was how Abraham was counted as being righteous before God. Verse 4 and 5 state it succinctly: "Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness." In other words, if salvation is going to be the gift of grace, then faith alone is the only thing that can receive such a gift without making it no longer be grace! This is because faith looks away from itself to its object, which is the God who promises salvation for those who trust him.

I am afraid that way too often I try to smuggle in works as the basis of my relationship with God, yet Romans 4 vividly reminds me that faith alone is my responsibility. Jesus is the one who has won my salvation, and I can do nothing but open my hands to receive his gift. So just as I began with Jesus by faith alone, I must walk with Jesus by faith alone.

Father in heaven, thank you for the marvelous gift of righteousness. Thank you for this wonderfully clear chapter in Romans that drives home the point so effectively. Grant that today and always I would look away from myself to the all sufficient work of your glorious Son, who has done everything needful for me to be right with you. AMEN.

Reflecting on Romans 3 (The Justice of God at the Cross)

2009-06-27T15:06:00.001-05:00

Romans 3 continues and concludes the devastating portrait of humanity as fallen and under God's wrath. There is no one righteous before God, for no one can keep his holy law. Thankfully, Paul then transitions to the work of Christ and explains how the gift of righteousness can be given to sinners through faith alone in Christ alone. In the midst of explaining the work of Christ on the cross, Paul talks about one aspect of that which we seem to think little of. When we think of the cross of Christ, we think (rightly) about it being the greatest expression of God's love and grace. Yet, in Romans 3, Paul also shows that it is the greatest expression of God's holiness and the fact that he never simply passes over sin. He must punish all sin; it is simply the marvel of the gospel that One can substitute for us in the wrath that we deserve. This is what Jesus did for those that he died. The key verses in this regards are 25 and 26, which state, "God displayed [Jesus] publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." Because God poured out and satisfied his wrath against sinners by punishing Jesus (this is the meaning of "propitiation"), he can show mercy to those sinners for whom Christ died without compromising his holiness. He has not simply overlooked sin; instead, he has completely punished it. This is why verse 26 says that he is both just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Christ.

So as we Christians marvel in the forgiveness of sins and the gift of a right relationship with our Creator, we must always remember that this forgiveness was purchased by the death of Christ. As well, we should marvel at the character of our holy God, who is completely just even in showing mercy. What incredible wisdom and power!

I have some Muslim friends and family, and this is one of the many areas where the difference between the character of the triune God of the Bible and Allah of the Koran are seen. Islam claims that Allah is holy, yet they believe that in the final judgment he can simply choose to have mercy on sinners whose good deeds outweigh their bad ones. He simply passes over sins. The true and living God revealed in the Bible has shown that true holiness means always punishing every sin. Christians will pass muster at judgment because they will be able to point to Jesus, who has already born the full punishment for their sins. The triune God alone is holy, for only he takes justice with deadly seriousness.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit I worship and praise you because you are holy, holy, holy. No where is this revealed more than in the cross of Christ where both your infinite grace AND justice are seen. May such knowledge of the gospel cause my heart to overflow with affection and love for you, and may this truth be grasped and embraced by my Muslim friends and family who are holding on to a false hope that will not deliver them from your wrath in the final day. This I pray through Jesus the Christ, AMEN.

Reflecting on Romans 2 (The Condemnation of the Legalist)

2009-06-22T08:59:00.000-05:00

Paul ended Romans 1 by demonstrating that all Gentiles are under God's wrath because they have rebelled against the clear revelation of the true God in nature and have set up idols in his place. Because of this, Paul said the Gentiles are literally "without an apologetic (i.e. a defense)." To this point, his Jewish readers/hearers would be agreeing and cheering. In 2:1, Paul goes on to say, "You are without an apologetic, O man," and the Jews are probably rubbing their hands together in gleeful anticipation of another blast at those idolatrous Gentiles; however, the next words from Paul's pen are, "Everyone of you who judges." Paul goes on to explain that those Jews who are trusting in their own righteousness because they have the torah (i.e. the law) are condemned too! This is because in being able to point out the sin of the Gentiles through the use of the law, they are testifying that they know what is right and wrong in God's sight; however, they do the very things that they judge the Gentiles for! Thus, they too are liable to God's judgment. You see, Paul, is in the process of putting every single person under the wrath of God for their sin. He is persuasively showing that both Jew and Gentile (i.e. everybody) is justly deserving God's fierce, eternal judgment. He states, "For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified." And he will end his argument about the universality of human sin in chapter 3 by explicitly saying that no one will be justified by their obedience to the law, as no one can perfectly obey it.

This of course, leaves all people in a state of desperation and ready to hear the gospel, which is the wonderful news that God provides the gift of righteousness through the person and work of Jesus for all those who will receive him by faith alone.

Understanding the gospel is not only important for beginning the Christian life, it is so key for living it as well. We all tend towards legalism, and we need to be reminded daily that it is not our obedience to God's word that merits his favor. It is the work of Christ alone. We must regularly preach this to ourselves for God's glory, our own benefit, and for others. If we are self-righteous, we make it hard for unbelievers to understand the gospel and we will not treat our fellow Christians with the love and kindness that God's expects. Instead of delighting in the fact of their mutual acceptance before God because of Christ, we will find ways to create a Christian caste system where some Christians are better than others. A healthy appreciation of Paul's argument in Romans 2 can go a long way towards us avoiding such gospel hypocrisy.

Father in heaven, forgive me for my tendency towards legalism. Thank you for Paul's powerful reminder that my obedience is never the basis of my relationship with you. May I always glory in Christ alone as the basis of my relationship with you, and may that shape the way I relate to others, especially other Christians. AMEN

Reflecting on Romans 1 (Understanding Unbelievers)

2009-06-21T20:30:00.000-05:00

Today I began the book of Romans, and I can already tell that it is going to be a challenge to meditate on just one thing as I read through it a chapter at a time. It is indeed a wonderfully rich letter, perhaps as some have said, the greatest letter ever written.

One of the more important things that Romans 1 does that is not done in quite the same way in any other place in Scripture is give an anatomy of mankind's rebellion against God. In Romans 1, it is clear that everyone on the face of the earth needs the gospel, because EVERYONE on the face of the earth is under God's wrath. God's wrath is justly upon all mankind, for EVERYONE is in continual rebellion against him. This is true of the man or woman in the tribal group in the middle of Africa, South America, or anywhere else one might imagine. This is because God has revealed himself in the created order in such a way that mankind cannot escape being confronted with the knowledge of the true God. That is essentially what these important verses say: "For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened." The result of such a clear revelation is that ALL men know God. However, fallen mankind's mind is in rebellion against their Maker, so they rebel against him and pretend like such knowledge is not indelibly marked on them. Most don't just profess to be atheists, instead they come up with a substitute god and a substitute religion (this explains the proliferation of world religions - they are all expression of rebellion against God.)

This knowledge of unbelievers and unbelief is so helpful to us in at least three ways: (1) It helps us to appreciate God's sovereign grace in our own lives. Before he made us willing and able to believe the gospel, this is a description of our rebellious minds! Thus, the riches of God's saving power become greater to us, and we recognize more and more that salvation is all of his grace. (2) It should shape the way we challenge unbelievers with the gospel. Way too much effort is put in trying to prove the existence of God to rebellious unbelievers, when Scripture says that is not their problem! They know God; lack of revelation or ignorance is not their problem. When we act like it is, we play into their hands. Instead, our gospel witness and apologetic must challenge them that they are rebellious in their opposition to the gospel. (3) In light of number 2, one of the most important things we can do for non-Christians is pray that God would graciously overcome the rebellion in their minds towards him. He alone can do that and make our gospel witness to them effective.

Father in heaven, when I consider how rebellious and darkened my mind was, it makes me all the more in awe of your saving mercy in Christ. Thank you for making me willing and able to believe in Christ through the work of your Spirit! In addition to this leading to deep praise in my life, may it help me as I try to convince lost sinners of the good news of Christ. AMEN.

Reflecting on Joshua 24 (Who Will You Serve?)

2009-06-19T23:43:00.000-05:00

Today my reading of Joshua has come to an end. In this last chapter of the book, Joshua gives his farewell speech to the people. In so doing, he lays a challenge before them that climaxes with what is probably the most well known verse of the book of Joshua: " And if it is evil in your eyes to serve Yahweh, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh." The familiarity of this verse should not lessen its challenge. The last part of the verse appears on plaques and other Christian junk in many a Christian home (I have a nice framed plaque with it in my living room). Nonetheless, it is a call to make a choice to either give yourself fully to serve Yahweh or some other god (which is, of course, no God). As a father and leader of the household, it is also a challenge to lead the home in way that the entire family follows suit. What is often lost in our thinking about this verse (in large part because we have cut it out of context and hung it on our walls and such) is the reminder that Yahweh is Redeemer. In the verses previous to this, Joshua recounts how Yahweh had acted over and over again in redemptive grace for Abraham and his descendants. It is in light of Yahweh's redemptive work that the call to follow him wholeheartedly is issued. Thus, as we begin each day and seek to follow Jesus, we too should do so in light of his great work of redemption on our behalf. He is the Savior, and there is no other!

Lord Jesus, I worship you this morning for your mighty redemptive work on my behalf. Truly you are the only Savior of sinners, and I commit this morning to follow you and to lead my family in following you. Help me to do this wholeheartedly through the strength which your Holy Spirit provides. AMEN.

Reflecting on Joshua 23 (Your Love Life)

2009-06-18T22:07:00.001-05:00

Joshua 23 is effectively the first part of Joshua's final speech to the leaders of Israel before he dies. In it, just like his predecessor, Moses, he encourages the people to be faithful to the covenant that they have made with Yahweh. Indeed, he warns them strongly that if they turn from their fidelity to Yahweh, Yahweh will utterly destroy them. One of his warnings in this regard captivates my attention, and it is verse 11, which states, "So take diligent heed to yourselves to love Yahweh your God."

This short but rich challenge is a good one for me and all Christians. It can be easy for us who have tasted the sweetness of Jesus' saving work on our behalf to start out well with great ardor for our Redeemer. There can be times where we can't imagine loving anyone more. Nonetheless, over the course of time, subtly our love for Jesus can grow cold, almost without us noticing it. As our love for Christ goes cold, we begin to pursue our joy in things of the world, which were never meant to be an end in themselves but a conduit to move us to greater love and appreciation to our Maker and Savior. We need warnings like this to give ourselves completely to all the means of God's grace at our disposal to foster our love and delight in Christ. One of these greatest means is simply desperate prayer to our Triune God that he would keep the flame of our affections strong for him. We need to taste the fact that our lives are characterized by the line from the hymn that states, "Prone to wander, prone to leave the God I love." We must be diligent to work on our love life with the our covenant keeping Savior and King.

Lord Jesus, your are marvelous beyond description! Your glorious person and saving work draws out my affection for you. Yet, I must confess that often I do not keep the brightness of your redeeming beauty in front of me, and I slowly but surely loose my love and delight in you, the Father, and the Spirit. Help me to be diligent this day and always to stir up my love for you, a love which manifests itself in joyful, whole-souled obedience to your revealed will in Holy Scripture. This I pray for your praise and my benefit, AMEN.

Reflecting on Joshua 22 (The Worship of our Children)

2009-06-14T19:06:00.000-05:00

Joshua 22 is an interesting account of how the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh were settled into their land just outside of Canaan across the Jordan River. Joshua blessed them and warned them to be faithful to keep Yahweh's covenant. Not long after these tribes were settled in, they built a huge alter by the Jordan. The other tribes thought it was an idolatrous alter, so they gathered to go to war against these tribes (for once in their history, Israel was taking idolatry as a very serious sin). When they came to these two and a half tribes and asked them how they could do such a wicked thing in rebellion against Yahweh, the leaders of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh explained the reason they built the alter. They said it was not to offer sacrifices on but to be a witness to their children that they worshiped Yahweh. They were fearful that the children from the other tribes inside the land of Canaan would say to their children that they were not worshipers of Yahweh because they did not live inside the boundaries of the Promised Land. The alter was meant to serve as a witness to their children that they and their fathers do indeed serve Yahweh.

As I consider the concern of these two and a half tribes for their children to be worshipers of the true God, it challenges me to think of how I can rear my little Hadassah so that she too will know that her mom and dad and her worship the Triune God of Scripture. By God's grace, I want to be regularly considering how to help Hadassah and any other children God blesses me with to know that they are called to worship the covenant keeping God to whom they belong. Such concern for the worship of our children should be a high priority for we who follow Christ.

Father in heaven, thank you for this model in Joshua 22. Please grant me wisdom to know how to lead my little Hadassah to follow Jesus with all of her heart, soul, and mind. Grant your blessing to mine and Keli's efforts, and use them as means to work your rich saving grace in her life. AMEN.

Reflecting on Joshua 21 (Yahweh, the Covenant Keeper)

2009-06-11T10:17:00.000-05:00

Most of Joshua 21 is a list of the cities that were given to the Levites among the tribes of Israel, and it brings to a close the many chapters that give the specifics on how the Promised Land was divided. The theological heart of these "riveting" chapters on whose city and territory is whose is seen in the closing verse of this chapter, when the author states, "Not one word of all the good promises that Yahweh had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass." What a wonderful testimony to the power, wisdom, and truthfulness of Yahweh! He is the one who makes a promise (i.e. a covenant) and keeps it. As fallen people (even as redeemed fallen people), we tend to be covenant breakers, but not our Redeemer! He is always faithful to his word, and the entire history of his dealings with Israel are a testimony to that.

I must admit that though I believe this intellectually, I often struggle to live it out in practice. Sometimes my concern about finances or my future betrays the fact that God has promised to give me everything I need for life and godliness through my relationship with Jesus. When I reflect on God's dealings with his often wayward people in the Old Testament, I see a marvelously faithful Savior, and it rebukes me for my unbelief. Yahweh is a covenant keeper who will not let one word of his promises fail!

Father in heaven, thank you so much for the record of your faithful dealings with Israel. It is such an encouragement to me. Forgive me for how often I fail to bank on your faithfulness. Grant that by the power of the Spirit of the risen Christ who dwells in me, I might grow in my dependence on your ever faithful word. AMEN

Reflecting on Joshua 18 to 20 (Cities of Refuge)

2009-06-08T13:48:00.001-05:00

Joshua 18 and 19 focus exclusively on more details of how the land of Canaan was divided among the tribes of Israel. The details were important for the original audience, and in the larger picture of redemptive history this is a helpful analogy of the Christian's future inheritance. However, I have already dealt with that in a previous reflection, so in this one I am going to focus on the cities of refuge that Yahweh designated in chapter 20. A "city of refuge" was a designated city where someone who accidentally killed another person could flee for protection from the family members of the deceased, who might seek vengeance. He was to have protection until he stood before the whole congregation to prove that the death was truly accidental. If it was proved it was accidental, he could remain in the city of refuge and be protected by its people from the "avenger of blood," (i.e. the deceased's relative bent on retaliation).

This concern for true justice in Israel is a reflection of the character of Yahweh, who is the righteous Judge. He is the one who judges the motives and intents of the hearts and renders judgment in truth. As his Redeemed we are to reflect his character in our dealings with those who sin against us. We tend to jump to hasty conclusions and want to exact our revenge against those who have wronged us, but the principle of having cities of refuge in the Old Testament should warn us against hasty conclusions. We are to seek the truth and not by ourselves. The whole congregation was the one to test the innocence of the supposed manslayer to determine whether or not his intentions were murderous or the death was indeed an accident. In the church, we Christians have access to other Christians for mediation, and, if need be, the leadership of our church. When we bring others in to help us in dealing with those who sin against us, we are reflecting the truth and justice of our Maker and Savior. If Christians consistently practiced this principle in humble reliance on God's grace, then there were be far less division in local churches than there often is, and the witness of Christ's church would shine all the brighter in the midst of this dark world.

Father in heaven, forgive me for so often failing to reflect your just character in my dealings with others. I have a sinful tendency to impute evil motives to those who insult, slight, ignore, or speak evil against me. Often those things are incidental and are not motivated in any ill will. Grant that I would be charitable in my imputation of motives to others. When there is a real issue of being sinned against, grant that I would have the humility, patience, and wisdom to bring in others in the body of Christ to help me pursue reconciliation with the one who has sinned against me. Thank you for giving me such wonderful resources in the gospel to deal with conflict. You are a holy God, and I so desire to reflect the beauty of your character in just dealings with others. AMEN.

Reflecting on Joshua 17 (Partial Obedience)

2009-06-04T16:30:00.000-05:00

This chapter in Joshua continues the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. Manasseh is the major focus here, and something interesting is said about him in passing. The author states, "Yet the people of Manasseh could not take possession of those cities, but the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land. Now when the people of Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not utterly drive them out." The author does not comment on why Manasseh would only put the Canaanites to forced labor instead of utterly drive them out. The standing command for dealing with the peoples of Canaan was utter annihilation. They were not even allowed to make the choice of making them slaves instead of destroying them. The author is subtly noting the partial obedience (aka "disobedience") of Manassah, and he expects his readership to recognize that. Those who know the larger story of Israel know that such partial obedience would later down the road provide a huge stumbling block for Israel. It is the people who were left in the land who would tempt Israel to idolaty, and it is a temptation that Israel would give in to in large measure. Partial obedience had drastic consequences!

The theme of partial obedience is something that has plagued God's people throughout the history of redemption. In God's perspective, partial obedience is essentially disobedience (cf. the life of Saul and why Yahweh deposed him!). As I consider my own life, I see too that I am often tempted to partially obey. For example, I may be very good at fleeing from the outward practice of a particular sin, but I sometimes delight in the inner consideration of that sin. My father in heaven calls for an integrity between heart and action (see the Sermon on the Mount), so to give attention to one is only partial obedience, which is really disobedience. When I allow one aspect of sin to remain in my heart as Manassah allowed the Canaanites to continue in their territory, it is both sinful and leads to more sin. May the Spirit of the Risen Christ who dwells in me grant me both the diligence and power to utterly annihilate my flirtations with half-hearted obedience to the One who has died and rose again on my behalf!

Father in heaven, thank you for sending Christ to die for all of my half-hearted attempts at obedience. In truth, all of my obedience is half-hearted and would never be acceptable to you if it were not cleansed through the blood and obedience of Christ. Thank you that you accept me as righteous in your sight because of his righteousness, credited to me by faith. From this position of acceptance before you, grant that I might battle with all the resources of the gospel to fight for a whole-hearted obedience to you. AMEN.

Reflecting on Joshua 15 and 16 (Our Plot in the Promised Land)

2009-06-02T19:43:00.000-05:00

Joshua 15 and 16 are two more chapters in this book that are not particularly stimulating reading. 15 deals with the details of the portion of the Promised Land that the tribe of Judah would possess, and 16 does the same for Manasseh and Ephraim. As I consider what is going on here in the larger redemptive story of Scripture, I am reminded of how the Lord Jesus promised his followers that he would be preparing a place for them with his Father. In the renovated earth that will appear when Christ returns, everyone of his redeemed will have a place to live. Just as these chapters in Joshua map out the inheritance in Canaan that Yahweh had for his people, so also Jesus has mapped out in his plans where his people will dwell in the new earth. And thankfully, these "retirement" plans are not subject to any change because of economic crisis!

At least one benefit of pondering the unshakable inheritance that we who are in Christ have is that it can free us up to live for the glory of God in this fallen world. We need not expend our effort in making ourselves comfortable and hoarding our resources so that we can live in plenty when we retire from our present vocations. Instead, we can spend modestly on ourselves and give generously to the works of mercy and mission. We need not fear in helping the poor or giving lavishly to support the work of our local church or missionaries working to take the gospel to unreached people groups that we will impoverish ourselves. No, Jesus has an unshakable inheritance in the new earth which he has prepared for us, and such knowledge rightly applied frees us to find true joy in a life that does not try to make our present place of residence the Promised Land!

Great Triune God, I glory in your marvelous grace that has won my redemption and assures me of dwelling forever in a renewed earth where righteous reigns and you dwell among your people. This is such a glorious hope! Grant that today and every day I would keep this hope ever before me that it might free me up to live for your great glory. AMEN

Still More May Photos

2009-06-01T11:00:00.006-05:00

On Memorial Day, my parents go together with Keli's parents to throw me a graduation party. Here is the family on the patio at my in-laws house. My father in law grilled us some yummy prime rib steaks!

Here is Hadassah helping me with my graduation cake.

Me and Hadi with my parents.

Since I did not go to my graduation ceremony in Philadelphia, my dad gave me a short commencement speech of his own! It was much more meaningful to me than anything a stranger could have said at a commencement ceremony! Here is his speech:

A Commencement for Keli & Richey Goodrich

by Richey's dad – Monday 25 May 2009

You have not totally escaped a commencement ceremony. It is perhaps fortunate that I am not an official commencement speaker. Such persons are like a corpse at a funeral. You can't have a funeral without the corpse but you really do not expect the corpse to say much. Since I am unofficial I will try to break that stereotype. Commencement actually marks a beginning more then it does an end.

I want to tell Keli and Richey something that Albert Mohler often tells his graduates. It is a good news - bad news story and something you all ready know. The bad news is that after all this time, effort and education you are still fundamentally unqualified for gospel ministry. The good news is so are all your professors and indeed all men. The good news is that the Holy Spirit will equip you and allow you to use that education to glorify God. More good news is he has given you a godly Proverbs 31 wife that has made possible that education and is bearing us godly covenant children. She is to be honored and blessed as much as you Richey in this commencement in your life and ministry.

My one piece of practical advice – also something I gleaned from listening to Albert Mohler and my own life experiences is: Remember who your friends are and keep up with them especially those of your church and seminary family. That old adage; that it is not what you know but who you know is certainly true. It is the penultimate truth for any one who finds that fulfillment in Christ.

Both of you are in the process of fulfilling the following Proverb in the life of both your parents:

Proverb 23:22-25

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding. The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!

Now as both your earthly father and an elder in the Presbyterian Church In America, I call all three of you up here to lay my hands on you and give you this blessing from Numbers 6 (24-26). (to be followed by a Holy Kiss that Presbyterians have a hard time applying!)

The Lord Bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious to you;

The Lord turn His face toward you

And give you peace.

Here is Hadassah's reaction after trying a lemon.

Me with my sweet mother-in-law, Elaine.

Keli and her parents walking in the garden with Hadi.

Hadi enjoying time in Grandpa Johnny's arms.

Hadi's first popsicle. She really didn't know what to do with something that she was only supposed to lick and not bite.

You can't get the country out of my carrot picking, cowboy hat wearing wife!

Hadi walking with her Grandma Elaine.

Max the Dog is here intensely watching Hadi because she is holding his dirty tennis ball that he likes to retrieve. She never did throw it, and it drove him nuts!

This is Hadi enjoying a cupcake at a birthday party for Keli's friend's 1 year old baby.

Hadi and I got in the pool a little at the party.

Here is Hadi sporting her hat and new swimsuit.

A close up of Hadi's swimming suit.

Hadi in the kiddie pool.

Reflecting on Joshua 14 (Fully Following Yahweh)

2009-06-01T10:09:00.000-05:00

Joshua 14 continues the account of how the Promised Land was divided among the tribes of Israel. One individual is the focus of most of the 15 verses of this chapter, and that is Caleb, the only other spy besides Joshua who had brought back a favorable report when Moses sent the spies into the land 45 years earlier. He asks from Joshua to have the part of the land that he had originally spied out, for Yahweh through Moses had promised that he could have it. In his explanation to Joshua of why he felt that he had a right to it, he characterizes his own faithfulness to Yahweh in these terms, "I wholly followed Yahweh my God." In the conversation that ensues, this phrase about Caleb is mentioned two other times, once by Moses (in his recollected words) and another time by Joshua. Obviously, the idea of wholly following Yahweh is something the author of Joshua wanted to emphasize.

As I consider the life of Caleb, it is a reminder that wholly following Jesus will often mean that I have to do what he calls me to do, even when no one else (or few else) are doing so. Caleb believed Yahweh could deliver the inhabitants of the Promised Land to the Israelites, when 10 out of 11 other spies did not. His confidence in his Redeemer was strong, and that enabled him to look past what he could see with his physical eyes. His fellow spies had seen the strength of the Canaanites, and Caleb with the eyes of faith saw the strength of Yahweh. By God's grace, I want to imitate the faith of Caleb in wholly following Jesus, even when it means standing alone or with the great minority.

Lord Jesus, I believe but help my unbelief! Too often in the midst of other people I lose sight of your sovereign kingship. Help me to wholly follow you even when all around me are not. Grant that what was said of Caleb may be said of me this day, and all the days to come until you return in power and glory. AMEN.

Reflecting on Joshua 13 (What or Who is Your Inheritance?)

2009-05-30T11:53:00.001-05:00

Joshua 13 is a turning point in the book. The first 12 chapters dealt with Joshua and Israel conquering the land of Canaan, and now until the end of the book it will deal with issues of dividing the land among the tribes of Israel. So most of this chapter is simply explaining who got what portion of land. It is not exactly exciting narrative until one reaches the last verse of the chapter dealing with the inheritance of the tribe of Levi: "But to the tribe of Levi, Moses did not give an inheritance; Yahweh, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as He had promised to them."

The idea of Yahweh being their inheritance means that they have no one piece of land to call their own. They were to be given places to live in each of the territories of the tribes of Israel so that they could assist in the worship of Yahweh. The way they were fed was that they were allowed to partake of the sacrifices that were offered to Yahweh. So in a more direct way than the other tribes, what belonged to Yahweh belonged to them.

I think about this truth in relation to the hope of the gospel. The promise of the gospel is that the redeemed will dwell in a new earth forever. That is going to be great, but what we are called to be more excited about is the reality of being in the enjoyed presence of our magnificent Savior. All that he has (i.e. the entire earth) will be ours, but it is really him that is the best part of our inheritance as adopted sons and daughters of the living God. His person and not just what he gives to us is the great treasure of our lives. Jesus is our inheritance, and as the old beer commercial used to say, "It just don't get any better than this!"

Lord Jesus, you are my inheritance. I am so thankful for all the things that you give me as your redeemed follower, but none of them compares to the gift of yourself. You are my inheritance now and always. Grant that my heart would be fixated on this truth this day so that I would not seek my treasure in anything or anyone else. AMEN.

Reflecting on Joshua 12 (Kings and Kingdoms)

2009-05-27T06:35:00.000-05:00

This chapter is one of those that no one would read devotionally, unless they were reading a book chapter by chapter as I am. All it essentially consists of is the list of the 31 kings and their kingdoms that Israel under Joshua defeated as they took possession of the Promised Land.

All portions of Scripture need to be viewed in their place in the larger story of redemption that the true God has been working out since Adam fell in the Garden, and this is certainly true of this chapter if much fruit is to be gleaned. When this broader context is considered, the list of these kings defeated by Joshua and Israel becomes a preview of sorts of what King Jesus will do when he returns in glory to consummate the work of redemption that he began some 2000 years ago. He will come not as a suffering servant but a conquering king, and all those who have not sought refuge in him as Savior will be utterly destroyed, whether they be the lowliest servant or the greatest king. All the rebellious kings of the earth will be slain by King Jesus with the breath of his mouth, and they will face the just punishment due all covenant breakers. In the final judgment, I suppose there may be a list of sorts like this one in Joshua 12 that shows who the Greater Joshua conquered as he claimed the new Promised Land for his redeemed people.

The take home value of reflecting on this truth is confidence in King Jesus and the gospel that centers on him. Jesus is everyone's king, and he is one's king to save or destroy. We need not shrink back in proclaiming the rule and reign of Christ to non-believers and in inviting them to bow the knee to him now. Jesus reigns and that reign will someday soon become evident to all, even the greatest and most powerful men and women on the face of the earth. May such knowledge embolden our witness and walk as we serve our awesome (in the true sense of this word) King!

King Jesus, I praise you for your power and authority. Indeed, because of your suffering, death, and resurrection, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to you. Grant that I would see that truth with the eyes of faith this day that I might boldly live for you in a world that can often be intimidating. For your glory and my good I pray, AMEN.

More May Photos

2009-05-25T13:16:00.003-05:00

Hadassah at our church's Memorial Day picnic.

My cousin, Matt, and his wife, Amy. The little girl, Berkley, is eight months old, and the older girl, Brooklyn, is three years old.

My cousin, Matt, and I. I am five weeks older than him, and we played together from the time I was the age of his little girl in my arms.

Little Brooklyn hamming it up.

Our three kids together.

This was Hadassah's first experience with bubbles. She was scared at first but soon had lots of fun with them.

Hadi and her favorite talking, singing dog.

Hadassah sporting her new outdoor hat. You can see her first real boo-boo below her lip. She did a face plant in the asphalt a few days before.

Hadassah has learned to really enjoy her bath times.

This was a surprise guest that we had at my in-law's place on Memorial Day.

May Cell Phone Pictures

2009-05-25T12:12:00.006-05:00

Hadassah and I at the 99 Cent Only Store

My work (Interstate Batteries) had a graduation party for me and two of my co-workers. David just finished his B.A. from Dallas Baptist University and Sumaira just finished her MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas.

This is my supervisor, Farah. She was the mastermind behind the party, and here she is getting everything set up.

My graduation cake.

Hadassah scooting around DSW Shoe Warehouse.

Hadi helping mom find a pair of shoes.

Hadi dangling her legs.

Hadassah and I took Keli out to Macaroni Grill for Mother's Day.

Keli and I at Macaroni Grill on Mother's Day.

Hadi and mommy walking along.

I think we are in trouble, as Hadi already likes purses.

Hadi tried to help us play croquet at our church's Memorial Day picnic.

Hadi on the way to Greenville for the Memorial Day with the grandparents.

Reflectiong on Joshua 11 (The God who Hardens Hearts)

2009-05-25T09:58:00.000-05:00

Joshua 11 continues to recount how Joshua led Israel effectively in conquering the kings and the peoples in the Promised Land. Joshua was certainly a great military leader, but his true greatness was found in his trust and obedience to Yahweh. Yahweh was the one really fighting Israel's battles, as the text makes clear over and over again that Yahweh was the one who was determining the battle in favor of Israel.

Most Christians have no trouble seeing Yahweh as sovereign over wars and such, but they surprisingly have trouble with his sovereignty over the human heart. (It is funny that we want Yahweh to control the cosmos but not have any ultimate say over the decisions we his image bearers make.) Those who have such aversion to the absolute sovereignty of the triune God may not like what Joshua says about Yahweh's dealings with the people in the land. You see, almost all the people in the land fought against Joshua and Israel instead of fleeing the land or trying a tricky scheme to make peace like the Gibeonites did. Why did they do that when it was obvious even to pagans that Yahweh was fighting for Israel? The text explains it this way: "Joshua waged war a long time with all these kings. There was not a city which made peace with the sons of Israel except the Hivites living in Gibeon; they took them all in battle. For it was of Yahweh to harden their hearts, to meet Israel in battle in order that he might utterly destroy them, that they might receive no mercy, but that he might destroy them, just as Yahweh had commanded Moses." You see, Yahweh actively hardened the hearts of these pagans, and the purpose was clearly so that they would NOT receive mercy. His intent was to destroy them.

Now, I take no delight in the hardening and destruction of sinners in and of itself. As one who has received the free grace of Christ, I want all to experience that. However, I can appreciate and worship Yahweh for how his justice and sovereignty shines through such an episode. It is also a vivid reminder that the only reason my heart is submissive to Jesus instead of hardened against him is the sovereign good pleasure of the triune God. I am completely subject to his sovereign will, and all I can do is overflow with gratitude and praise that he has given me a heart to believe instead of hardened me in judgment.

Father in heaven, I worship you this day as the sovereign ruler of heaven and earth. You accomplish your good pleasure in the large events of history, like wars, and in the small events of life, like the choices that your morally responsible image bearers make. You are sovereign, and I glory in you this day that you have opened my heart to see and savor your saving glory in Christ. May gratitude and praise fill my heart all this day. AMEN

Reflecting on Joshua 10 (A Preview of the End)

2009-05-23T16:05:00.000-05:00

In Joshua 10, Israel conquered multiple peoples in the Promised Land with apparent ease as the hand of Yahweh was with them. Per his instructions, they utterly devoted every person to destruction. Many have struggled with how Yahweh could command the slaughter of so many people, yet those who do so forget that Yahweh is the righteous judge who is just in destroying both now and in the life to come all who do not enter into a redemptive relationship with him. Every second of breath that an unbeliever takes is sheer mercy. Joshua and Israel were simply agents in Yahweh's hand to execute his just wrath on these rebellious sinners.

In the larger scope of redemptive history, this account serves as a preview of sorts of what the greater Joshua (i.e. Jesus) will do when he returns the second time as the King of King and Lord of Lords. He will unmercifully destroy ALL who have not bowed before his saving Lordship. And when he comes to do that, he will do so with more ease than Joshua and Israel had in clearing these many peoples out of the Promised Land.

This should be a great encouragement to we who belong to Christ, as it means that one day soon, all injustice will be corrected. Of course, we are to long for and labor towards more and more people bowing before King Jesus now so that they can have Jesus fighting for them and not against them.

Lord Jesus, I praise you as the conqueror of whom Joshua is only a dim preview. I worship you that you presently are subduing many hearts to yourself, and I also praise you because one day you will utterly destroy the wicked. You are a glorious King, and I entrust my life to you this day. May your lordship over my life be evident to all this day! AMEN

Reflecting on Joshua 9 (Don't Forget to Pray!)

2009-05-22T09:18:00.000-05:00

In Joshua 9, all the inhabitants of Canaan are "shaking in their boots" because of how Israel had defeated Jericho and Ai. The people of Gibeon know their situation is desperate and that Yahweh has commanded Israel to utterly destroy all the peoples in Canaan, so they devise a devious plan. They get old food and old clothes and send some messengers to the leaders of Israel, including Joshua. They tell them that they are not from the land of Canaan but a distant land. They ask for Israel to make a covenant with them, and because they look the part, Israel grants their request and makes a covenant with them. Three days later Israel discovers that the men are from Canaan and that they have been deceived; however, because they swore to Yahweh in a covenant with them, they cannot break that to kill them. Instead, they simply make the Gibeonites their servants. What is quite interesting is that when they were trying to figure out whether or not the men from Gibeon were lying, they forgot to do one crucial thing. The text states: "So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from Yahweh." In other words, they forgot to pray!

As I think about how this applies to Christians today (mainly me in this reflection), I don't think it means that every decision we make without seeking the Lord in prayer is going to be doomed to failure. However, as the people of God, we should be earnestly seeking the face of our Redeemer for his guidance and direction. Israel demonstrated an attitude in that instance of dealing with the Gibeonites of self-reliance instead of Yahweh reliance. I know that I can easily tend towards Richey reliance instead of relying on Christ the Savior. So this chapter serves as a warning and good reminder that I need to be regular in seeking the face of our triune God for his guidance and direction in my life. I must be God-dependent and not rely on myself, which seems to be my default approach most often.

Father in heaven, please deliver me from self-reliance. You have granted me open access to your throne of grace through the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus. Help me to continually take advantage of that access to seek your direction and leading in my life. What a wonderful comfort to know that you are a good Father and that you will delight to respond to such an attitude and such petitions in a way that bring ultimate benefit to me. I bless and praise you for such a confidence that I can have in you! AMEN

Reflecting on Joshua 8 (The God who Turns Evil to Good)

2009-05-20T08:33:00.000-05:00

In the previous chapter Israel was badly defeated when they attacked the city of Ai. The defeat was owing to their sin against Yahweh, as Achan had taken some spoil from Jericho (and Yahweh had told them specifically not to take any.) Joshua and Israel sought Yahweh, and he had them stone Achan, his family, and all that belonged to him as a way to purify themselves from the sin. After that, Yahweh told them to again attack Ai and that this time he would give the city into their hands. What is interesting is the strategy that Yahweh told Joshua to employ. They were to set one group of soldiers in ambush behind the city. Another group they were to take to attack Ai head on. As the warriors of Ai engaged them, they were to turn and run, pretending that they had been defeated again. When Ai ran after them, the soldiers in ambush behind the city would take the city. Well, Yahweh's military strategy worked, and Israel completely destroyed Ai and its inhabitants.What is interesting is that Yahweh was using the result of their previous sin (i.e. them getting defeated) to make this new attack strategy work. He was taking bad and turning it to their good!

This shows the wonderful mercy and grace of our Redeemer, who is so great that he even takes the bad in our lives (even that which is owing to our own sin) and turns it for good. Of course, Romans 8:28 is the most famous verse that speaks of this, but it is illustrated often throughout the Bible including the account here in Joshua 8.

My wonderful Redeemer, I praise and honor you for your deep covenant mercies to your people! I exult in knowing that everything that comes into my life is being used by you for my ultimate good, that is to conform me to the image of Jesus. May such knowledge give me encouragement, gratitude, and quiet trust in you when difficulty and hardship arise. AMEN.

Reflecting on Joshua 7 (Sin in the Camp!)

2009-05-15T18:51:00.000-05:00

The account in this chapter immediately follows Israel's miraculous defeat of Jericho. The people are confident because it is obvious that Yahweh is fighting for and with them. When Joshua sends spies to the city of Ai, the spies come back and tell Joshua that they need only send two or three thousand troops to attack Ai. They think that should be plenty. Joshua listens, Israel gets whipped by the people of Ai, and the Israelite army returns with its tail between its legs, having lost 36 men! Joshua didn't know what to do, so he tore his clothes, put dust on his head, and prayed to Yahweh all day, asking why this happened. Yahweh was curt with Joshua, told him to get on his feet and explained that Israel had sinned against him by taking from the loot of the people of Jericho, which he had explicitly warned them not to take. Joshua called the people together and by lot found that Achan was the culprit. The people stoned Achan and his whole household and then burned them with fire!

Now such a reaction might seem overboard to us. I mean, why did his sons and his daughters have to die with him? Why couldn't just Achan have been stoned and burned? The reason is because of what I mentioned in my meditation on chapter 6. God deals covenantaly with his people. Achan was part of the larger family of Israel, so all of Israel suffered for his sin. Achan's sons and daughters were part of his family (obviously) so they bore the consequences of his sin too.

I won't go more into the covenantal nature of God's dealings with his people. This incident illustrates that our Redeemer is holy and that sin never just affects us alone. We often deceive ourselves into thinking that most of our sins only impact us, if anyone, but this is not the nature of sin. When we rebel against our holy Redeemer our sin always, in some way, affects others too. At the very least, in some way we will have failed to love our family, friends, or neighbors because we sinned instead. We must never let our Savior's redeeming grace be an excuse to take sin lightly. It always affects our relationship with him and it has consequences for others, even if we are not discerning enough to see what they are in every instance. May we take advantage of the gracious invitation of our Lord to be a people who are daily repenting and banking on the promises of the gospel. Our God is holy and he does not take it lightly when there is "sin in the camp"!

Father in heaven, I am ashamed of how often I belittle your glory when I treat my sin lightly. I am so selfish that I do not consider how it assaults your majesty and affects those around men. May the incident of Achan serve as a warning to me of your holiness and the consequences of sin. Grant that I might hold fast to the gospel promises so that I would live a life of regular repentance and faith in my wonderful Savior, your Son, Jesus Christ. AMEN.

A Cell Phone's View of Grandpa Johnny's 60th Birthday

2009-05-14T17:58:00.004-05:00

On April 25th, we went to Greenville to celebrate Johnny's (Keli's dad) 60th birthday. Here are 10 photos I captured with my cell phone.

Hadi was so excited that she feel asleep on the hour car ride to Greenville.

So did Keli!

Hadi, Max the Dog, and Grandpa on the patio.

Hadassah inspecting the pear tree with grandpa.

Hadassah and Grandma Elaine.

We all enjoyed a little time in the garden. The dog is jumping on Keli's aunt, Jackie. And to the left is Keli's grandma, Juanita.

Johnny giving Hadi a personal tour of the garden.

Our journey to the garden.

Hadi and mommy, hand in hand.

Hadassah enjoying the patio.

Reflecting on Joshua 6 (Covenantal Dealings)

2009-05-14T17:40:00.000-05:00

Joshua 6 records what is for many Christian children (and adults) one of the more fascinating accounts: the walls of Jericho crumbling down before Israel as they marched around it, blew their horns, and shouted. Certainly it was a mighty work of Yahweh, and it served to provide a great reputation for Israel and Joshua as their leader. Indeed, the last verse of the chapter indicates that as a result of the incident, Joshua's "fame was in all the land."

The aspect of the account that strikes me is the covenantal nature of blessing and cursing. By the use of "covenantal" I simply mean that Yahweh relates to his people not only individually but as families. For example, Rahab is the one who exercised faith in Yahweh by hiding the Israelite spies, yet salvation did not merely come to her, but also to all those who were in her household. A big point of this is made in this chapter. Blessing for Rahab's family was covenantal. But, cursing was covenantal as well. Before they take Jericho, Joshua warns them not to take any loot for themselves, and if anyone does, it would bring cursing not just on the one who took it but on the whole camp of Israel. (Those of us familiar with Joshua know that indeed this is what will happen with Achan in the following chapters.)

So Yahweh is pleased to bring his favor and displeasure to his people in family units. This is hard for individualistic, Western Christians to grasp, but it is how Yahweh is pleased to work. This is the reality that drives many Christians to practice paedobaptism (i.e. baptizing the children of believers), for we recognize that the triune God promises not only to be the God of his people but also their children. This is mostly to serve as a great comfort and encouragement, for we can take comfort in knowing that the promises of the gospel will be shared in by our offspring as well. As a new father, I certainly take great delight in God's covenantal dealings, and Hadassah's baptism serves as a wonderful reminder of this.

Father in heaven, I praise you for being a covenant making and keeping God! I rejoice that you are not only the God of believers but their children after them. I delight to know that my little Hadassah belongs to you and that all the promises of the New Covenant are hers. May you grant her faith to embrace the covenantal promises of the gospel won for her by the work of Christ. AMEN.

Reflecting on Joshua 5 (For Us or For Him?)

2009-05-13T16:59:00.001-05:00

Joshua 5 recounts some of what happened as soon as Israel crossed over the Jordan into the Promised Land. Yahweh commanded Joshua to circumcise the males, for they were all those who had been born in the wilderness wanderings and had not been circumcised. As well, they celebrated the Passover, and the daily supply of manna stopped because they could now eat the produce of the land of Canaan. At the end of the chapter, a mysterious warrior appears to Joshua with his sword drawn. Joshua doesn't recognize him as an Israelite, so he asks the man whether he is for Israel or for their enemies. It turns out to be the captain of the army of Yahweh, and his response to Joshua's question is most intriguing. In response to whether or not he is for Israel or their enemies, he says, "No; rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of Yahweh." Joshua's question wasn't of the yes or no type, yet he got a "no"! What did this "captain" (With what follows, it seems this may have been a theophany, that is, an appearance of Yahweh himself.) mean? I think the point is that Yahweh is not taking sides with Israel so much as Israel is called to take sides with Yahweh! And there is a difference. Sometimes when we take someone's side, we support them regardless of what they do. Yahweh is holy and Israel had to walk in covenant righteousness if Yahweh is to bless them and fight for them. Israel needed to be sure that they were on Yahweh's side. I do believe that is probably the point of the unexpected response.

I also think this is the way we need to think about our relationship with Christ and our invitations for others to follow Christ. We are not seeking Christ to be on our side so much as we are seeking to be on his side. (I know that there are many other passages that speak of God being for us or on our side, such as numerous ones in Romans 8.) The idea of Christ being on our side could encourage us to think of Christ as an idol whose job is to meet our every whim. When we think of being on Christ's side, we should recognize that our life has to conform to his standard and not vice versa. He is the King, and we want to take refuge in him and experience his mercy instead of his just wrath.

Lord Jesus, I praise you that you are so merciful that you allow all who come to you in repentance and faith to be on your side. You are holy, holy, holy, and I marvel that you are so gracious! May I walk as one this day who has joined with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. AMEN

Reflecting on Joshua 4 (Remembering God's Redemptive Acts)

2009-05-10T22:30:00.000-05:00

In Joshua 4, the children of Israel crossed the Jordan River, which Yahweh miraculously dried up before them. As they passed through, Yahweh commanded Joshua to have them take one rock from the middle of the river bed for each of the 12 tribes. The purpose of this was to set these 12 rocks up as a memorial of Yahweh's powerful work. Joshua instructed the people in this way, ""When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, 'What are these stones?' then you shall inform your children, saying, 'Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground.' For Yahweh your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as Yahweh your God had done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed; that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of Yahweh is mighty, so that you may fear Yahweh your God forever." Yahweh wanted both the descendants of these Israelites to know his mighty works of redemption and the present Israelites to recall how he had mightly worked on their behalf. The fruit of this would be that they would fear him always.

I believe there is much for we who are in Christ to learn from this. We have experienced a redemption far more glorious and stunning than the parting of a river. We have been delivered from the fierce wrath of a justly angry God and given the status of righteous in his sight. As well, the Spirit of the resurrected Christ is at work within us to put to death our sinful patterns of thinking, speaking, and acting. I think we need to set up our own stones, so to speak, of God's might redemptive work in our life. We should never tire of telling others (especially our children) how God forgave our sins and the joy we first experienced when we knew that the guilt of our sin was gone. Also, when God has acted mightily to deliver us from particular instances of the power of sin, we should regularly reflect on that and tell it to others. This will bring much glory to our Redeemer, encourage others to worship and trust him, and will strengthen our own faith in him. We must ever be a people remembering Christ's might redemptive acts in our life.

Great triune God, I worship you as a God of rich and boundless grace. Thank you so much that you set your favor upon me to save me from your white hot wrath against my sin and to deliver me from my sinful self. These are indeed the mightiest acts you have ever done, and I worship and praise you for them. Grant that I might be careful to regularly reflect on and recount to others what you have done in my life for your own glory and my good. AMEN.

A Tribute to our Mom's

2009-05-09T23:40:00.000-05:00

Reflecting on Joshua 3 (Moses' Successor)

2009-05-08T22:16:00.001-05:00

In Joshua 3, Yahweh dries up (more accurately, heaps up) the waters of the Jordan so that Joshua and the children of Israel can go into the Promised Land. Those familiar with the Exodus know that Yahweh did the same for Moses and the Israelites when they came out of Egypt some 40 years earlier. Indeed the incredibly miraculous event is intentionally similar. The point was for the Israelites to know that Yahweh was indeed with Joshua as he was with Moses. Verse 7 states, "Now Yahweh said to Joshua, 'This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you.'" This was important to demonstrate to Israel because Yahweh had worked very mighty miracles through Moses that only the most spiritually dim-witted could have denied were through the hand of Yahweh. Well, let's just say that it worked. From this point, the people of God began to look to Joshua even as they did to Moses.

As I reflect on this account in light of the larger context of redemptive history, I cannot but help to see the parallel between the Greater Joshua and Moses. In Deuteronomy 18, Yahweh promised to raise up another prophet like Moses, and in Deuteronomy 34, the text mentions that no prophet ever rose up to the same level of Moses. As Israel's history went on, they would begin to look for this greater prophet. Well, he came when the second person of the Trinity became incarnate. Jesus was the new Joshua, and he not only was on par with Moses but far outstripped him in miraculous power.

It is interesting to note that Yahweh made known his presence with Joshua to Israel first in the Jordan River as well. As Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, the Spirit in the form of a dove came down and landed on Jesus, and the Father said from heaven, "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased." Jesus would go on to perform many miracles to show that Yahweh was with him, and the greatest was of course his own resurrection from the dead. As the One to whom Moses ended up being only a type and shadow, he is the One who leads his people into the true Promised Land!

Jesus, I worship you as the greatest prophet, priest and king. Indeed all such offices in the Scriptures find their fulfillment and goal in you. I praise you because, like Joshua and more so than him, you lead your people to the Promised Land. Through Joshua, Yahweh conquered the Jordan River. Through you, Yahweh conquered sin, death, hell, and the grave! I praise you and (by your grace) I will follow you all the days of my life. AMEN.

Hadi is "So Excited"

2009-05-08T21:27:00.001-05:00

Reflecting on Joshua 2 (God's Fame and Redemption)

2009-05-06T07:35:00.000-05:00

Joshua chapter 2 is about the familiar story of the prostitute, Rahab, in Jericho, who believes in Yahweh because of what she has heard about him and hides the Israelite spies and helps them escape. There are a number of things to give considerable thought to about this event. For one thing, it is an amazing episode of Yahweh's sovereign grace in finding a pagan prostitute and bringing her to faith in himself. After all, only she and the ones who hid out with her were spared the destruction of Jericho by Israel's army. Secondly, it is a wonderful preview of what Yahweh's intent was from the beginning: that his saving deeds on behalf of Israel would bring the Gentiles to faith in him as well. Very closely tied to this last idea is what I want to center my attention on, and that is how God's fame is tied up in his redemptive work. When Rahab told the spies about how she and her fellow citizens had heard of Yahweh's deliverance of them from Egypt, she said that they were afraid. For many it was probably simply the fear that Yahweh would enable Israel to destroy them. For Rahab it went deeper than that and she seemed to genuinely believe in Yahweh. After all, she appears in the great "hall of faith" in Hebrews 11 in the New Testament. The dynamic of what went on is that God gains glory by his redemptive work on behalf of his chosen people. As non-Christians see what God delivers his people from, it is supposed to lead them to become worshipers of him too.

In response to this truth, it makes me yearn to make it clear by my words and deeds what Jesus has delivered me from. First of all, it is God's fierce wrath against my sin. Secondly, he is at work in me by His Spirit to deliver me from the power of sin in my life. He is taking self-centered me and making me actually be concerned about the honor of God and the good of others. That is some power! This makes me want to really lean into my sanctification that God's saving power might be even more evident in my life and that others would be led to see my Savior's fame and glory.

Lord Jesus, I am a trophy of your fabulous grace. Grant that I might shine for you ever more brightly. Amen.

Reflecting on Joshua 1 (The Courage to Obey)

2009-05-04T14:22:00.000-05:00

My Old Testament reading is now taking me to the exciting book of Joshua. In this opening chapter of that book, Yahweh is calling Joshua to take up the mantle of leadership that has been left by Moses. The great encouragement to Joshua is that Yahweh will be with him, just like he was with Moses. (Of course, the idea of being "with" his people doesn't mean he is just present but he is present to help and aid them.) Joshua is being called to a great task and one that could easily overwhelm him, but it is Yahweh's promised aid that can give him the courage to face the challenges head on. One aspect of the challenge is the temptation that Joshua would face to disobey the commands of Yahweh's law. At times, perhaps through the influence of others, Joshua would be urged to go about something in a way other than Yahweh commanded. (For example, Yahweh called Israel to utterly wipe out all the inhabitants of the land of Canaan, and I am sure at times there would be some calling for him to at least spare some of the people.) So it would take courage to obey Yahweh. Notice verse 7: "Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you." This English translation does not quite bring out strongly enough the thought of the Hebrew text. It might better be translated, "Only be strong and very courageous FOR THE PURPOSE of being careful to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded you." In other words, it would take courage to obey, and in the context that courage was gained by banking on the fact that Yahweh is with him.

The Christian is in a similar situation today. We are called to obey Jesus even to the point of laying down our lives instead of denying him. How is this possible? It is possible because Christ, in the "Great Commission" promises to be with us! It is his presence, mediated through the indwelling Holy Spirit, that can give us the courage to obey, even when it is unpopular and leads to verbal abuse, the cold shoulder or even something like physical persecution. Our Savior is with us, and that makes all the difference!

Lord Jesus, thank you for your promised presence with your people. Forgive me for so often forgetting that glorious truth as I go about my day and face many temptations to disobey your word. This day may you grant me the faith to hold on to the truth of your presence with me in order that I might live a life of joyful obedience that brings praise to our Father. Amen.

Reflecting on Psalm 11 (Spiritual Vision)

2009-05-02T22:02:00.000-05:00

Psalm 11 is another psalm of confidence. David's enemies surround him and someone suggests that he flee. But David refuses to give into evil, despite its apparent overwhelming fierceness. What can give David that kind of courage? It is certainly not through the power of positive thinking! David can have courage against evil because he has eyes of faith to see that Yahweh, his redeemer and covenant Lord, is on the throne and ready to judge the righteous and the wicked. Verse 4 proclaims, "Yahweh is in His holy temple; Yahweh's throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men." David has what we might call spiritual vision. He can look beyond what his physical eyes see to embrace the truth about Yahweh revealed in the written word. His physical eyes tell him that wicked men are in control; his spiritual eyes see that Yahweh is in control.

We who are in Christ need this type of spiritual vision. Of course, the Bible calls this "faith." It is laying hold of that which our triune God has revealed about himself in his word. Our Savior now reigns as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It often does not look like this, but it is indeed the greatest reality. We can have courage to engage this evil world with the good news of the gospel because Jesus is indeed Lord!

Now in this psalm, what is the reward for having true spiritual vision? It is what some of our forefathers in the faith called the "beatific vision." We who are righteous by our covenantal union with Christ will see "the face of God"! Contrasting the fate of the righteous with the wicked, the last two verses state: "Upon the wicked He will rain snares; fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup. For Yahweh is righteous, He loves righteousness; The upright will behold His face."

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit I worship you as the true ruler of the world. I thank you that it is a benevolent rule for those who are united to you by faith in Christ. Please grant by your Holy Spirit that I would have spiritual vision this day. Enable me to see with the eyes of faith that you reign and rule for your good pleasure and the good of your covenant people. May this strengthen me to serve you without fear in an otherwise intimidating world. AMEN.

Reflecting on Psalm 10 (If God Were Not the Judge)

2009-04-29T22:51:00.000-05:00

Psalm 10 is a poem of lament over the rampant wickedness of people who oppress the afflicted. These men unjustly harass and harm the innocent, all the while rebelling against the idea that God will do anything about it. And it seems to the psalmist in his present experience that God is not doing anything about it. Thus, the opening line of the psalm: "Why do You stand afar off, O Yahweh? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?" The cry of the psalmist is that the true God, Yahweh, would show himself and judge the wicked: "Arise, O Yahweh; O God, lift up Your hand. Do not forget the afflicted... Break the arm of the wicked and the evildoer." He ends the psalm with the renewed confidence that Yahweh will indeed act on behalf of his covenant people: "O Yahweh, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear to vindicate the orphan and the oppressed..."

As I ponder this desire for God to be the righteous judge who brings justice to the wicked, I am reminded on some philosophy I was reading yesterday. The philosopher was trying to construct a system of morality that had no reference to God (or at least it did not have to). He essentially came up with the Golden Rule as a standard and virtuous character as a goal. The problem he did not address, and which the author of this psalm anguishes over, is what to do with those who are not pursuing a virtuous life. In the philosopher's system, there is no One to keep mankind accountable to live the "good life" of morality that he proposes. And as much wickedness and injustice as there is in this world (and many of us in America are shielded from so much of it), that is a real deficiency. Thankfully, the true and living God is a righteous judge who never compromises with sin. Indeed, even in showing mercy to sinners, he punished his own Son in their stead. Thus, he showed mercy without compromising justice. God is indeed the righteous judge of the earth, and those of us who have bowed our hearts to Christ can take great comfort in this glorious truth. The wicked will not always prosper. In the consummation of our redemption, righteousness will reign!

Great triune God, I praise you as the God of justice. You indeed judge the wicked, regardless of how things may sometimes look in the present. Your commitment to justice is seen in the cross of Christ, where you judged my sins and all those who would trust Jesus as Savior. May I take great comfort in you as judge as I see the prevailing wickedness all around me. Amen.

Hadassah's Brother or Sister

2009-04-27T15:00:00.000-05:00

April Cell Phone PIcs of Hadassah

2009-04-24T17:22:00.002-05:00

The quality on these pics are not that great, as they are from my cell phone. But some of them are pretty cute, as Hadassah stars in each of them. Enjoy!

If you look closely, you will see that the tennis shoes that Hadassah is wearing a wee bit too big for her. They belong to a three year old, but she had a lot of fun putting them on and trying to move around in them.

Hadassah REALLY likes black beans, both for food and warpaint!

This is the first pair of sunglasses that Hadassah has owned. We bought them for her on her first birthday. She really likes them!

Those new sunglasses come in handy when on a stroll under the bright Texas sun.

Here is Hadassah doing her best imitation of her dad!

Reflecting on Psalm 9 (Knowing God's Name)

2009-04-24T16:09:00.000-05:00

In this psalm of confidence, David reflects on how Yahweh fights for his people and ultimately delivers them from all their enemies. The part of this psalm that captures my attention the most is verse 10: "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Yahweh, have not forsaken those who seek You." Knowing the "name" of Yahweh is deemed extremely important, as it is the basis of trusting him. In his name is revealed his character (This is, by the way, why I always use "Yahweh" instead of merely "LORD" when I reflect on the Old Testament. It is a proper name for God in the Old Testament like Jesus is in the New Testament. To read the name of Yahweh was for the Old Testament believer a reminder that he was their redeemer who had committed to them by way of covenant.) Yahweh is the God who had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and had shown himself faithful to his promises. To know Yahweh's name is to know that he is faithful to fight for and deliver his people. As the last part of verse 10 explains, it is because Yahweh has not forsaken those who seek him that he can be trusted. The last part of the psalm contrasts Yahweh with men in this regard, as David's final plea is "Put them in fear, O Yahweh; Let the nations know that they are but men."

Great triune God, I worship you because you have revealed your name as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Indeed you have put your name on me in my baptism, and knowing your name gives me confidence that you will always be my deliverer. Help me to trust you this day as I face my three great enemies. Amen.

Reflecting on Psalm 8 (The Majesty of God in Creation)

2009-04-23T11:28:00.000-05:00

Psalm 8 is one of the more well known psalms, as it begins with these words, "O Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth." It is also ends with the same line, thus bookending this psalm and making it clear that this is the major point of this short but meaty hymn to our Creator and Redeemer. Our God made us in such a way and the world in such a way that his divine attributes are reflected everywhere in it. The fact that every time we see a blue sky, a bright sun, a wispy cloud, a red rose, green grass, etc. our hearts don't explode in praise and worship to such a glorious God is owing to the hardness of our hearts and not to a lack of clarity in our Creator's revelation in nature. "O Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" should be the continual cry of our hearts every time we step outside.

As the psalm denotes, it is only as we see our God for how great he is that we will see both how insignificant we are yet how much honor and glory he has graciously poured on us in giving us dominion over this glorious creation: "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty! You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet."

This psalm finds its fulfillment in the true Man, Jesus Christ. Only the incarnate Son of God perfectly fulfills what God calls mankind to be and do in this psalm: be hearty worshipers of him who exercise benevolent dominion over the created order. As we are united to King Jesus by faith, we can really begin to live out this psalm in our own lives.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I worship you as my glorious Maker who reveals your majesty all around me. Forgive me for being so dull to the echo of your splendor that envelopes me. By the Spirit of the Risen Christ, open my eyes and enlarge my heart to glory in you as I behold your creation. Through your Son, the true Man and only Mediator, I pray. Amen.

Reflecting on Psalm 7 (The Desire for an Angry God)

2009-04-21T17:44:00.000-05:00

In this psalm of lament we discover something that is counter to the conception of God that many people have. In a fallen world, we really want the true God to be an angry God. We like to talk about the love of God, and for good reason, but we also want him to be angry too. Indeed, any who suffer at the hands of others want God's love to express itself in anger towards those who are unjustly persecuting. In this psalm we find that this is exactly what our Redeemer is for his covenant people. The psalmist worships Yahweh for being angry at those who mess with his people: "Arise, O Yahweh, in Your anger; Lift up Yourself against the rage of my adversaries, And arouse Yourself for me...God is a righteous judge, And a God who has indignation every day."

Jesus' rage towards our enemies sometimes is very much hidden in the present. Sometimes his rage consists in simply letting sinners go their own way, while at other times he brings severe judgments even in this life. At other times, he transforms their hearts by his mercy and makes them no longer our enemies but our dearly beloved brothers and sisters. If he does not eventually do the latter, all of our enemies will have to stand before King Jesus in the final day and his pent up anger will express itself in white hot, eternal wrath. Our God is a God who is angry every day at the rebellion of sinners who refuse to repent and who harm his people. This should be a source of unspeakable comfort for us.

King Jesus, I thank you that in your holiness you are angry with the unjust actions of the unrepentant against your dearly beloved people. It is a great comfort to know that you are not passively indifferent to your suffering followers. Grant that today I would take refuge in you from the assaults of my enemies. Amen.

Reflecting on Psalm 6 (Dark Days for Disciples)

2009-04-17T13:44:00.000-05:00

Psalm 6 is the first of many psalms of lament. Indeed, there are more (by far) psalms of lament than any other type in the psalter. Apparently, our Redeemer thought it was pretty important that his people who are still living in a fallen world need to know how to deal with sorrow and suffering in such a way that they continue to fight for faith in their covenant keeping God. The psalms of lament do this, for every one of the 60 plus lament psalms (except for Psalm 88) always close with an expression that Yahweh will hear and respond savingly for his distressed follower.

What I want to focus on from this psalm is just the fact that Yahweh will allow his people to go through some very dark times before he delivers. Notice some of the intense language of suffering in this psalm: "I am pining away...my bones are dismayed. And my soul is greatly dismayed...O Yahweh-- how long?...I am weary with my sighing; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears. My eye has wasted away with grief; It has become old because of all my adversaries." It is very apparent that the psalmist's suffering is not short lived. Thus he asks, "How long?" Sometimes, in and of itself this can really help us as we suffer and struggle: simply knowing that this is no sign that our Savior has abandoned us, for it has long been his ways with his people to send dark providence, sometimes even for an extended period of time. Such times are a testing of faith, for faith during such times must wait (a very common word in the psalms of lament) for Yahweh to act in the future.

As we Christians wait for Christ to return to consummate our redemption, we continue to live in a fallen world that often rightly calls for tears and sorrow (both for ourselves and others). Our Lord may wait long times to give us spells of deliverance, but we can be assured that at the great return of our King and Savior all suffering and sorrow will once for all be put asunder. As Revelation 21:3-4 promises: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.'"

Lord Jesus, I thank you that you experienced the ultimate dark day in the place of your people. You truly were abandoned of the Father on that rugged cross as you bore the fierce wrath of God against the sins of all who would trust you as Savior. I rejoice that because you were abandoned, I can know that I never will be! Even in the dark days that your wise providence brings, I can be assured that you are my Savior who will respond in due time. This is a great source of confidence in a fallen world that has so many reasons for sorrow. Amen.

Reflecting on Psalm 5 (Expectant Prayer)

2009-04-13T20:01:00.001-05:00

Psalm 5 is yet another psalm of confidence, as David seeks Yahweh and expects that he will deliver him from his enemies. The first part of the psalm is simply a request for Yahweh to hear his prayer, but at verse 3 the confidence of David that Yahweh will indeed hear him becomes apparent: "In the morning, O Yahweh, you will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to you and eagerly watch." Because Yahweh is David's God and King (5:2), he knows that he will answer him.

It strikes me that David's commitment and expectation in regards to prayer should be that of every Christian. David knew that each day he had enemies to face, so he cried out to his Redeemer for help at the beginning of his day. Each day we who are in Christ engage in spiritual warfare against the world, flesh, and the devil. (The fact that we often don't realize this shows what a good job our enemies are doing!). I often encourage Christians to start their day in prayer. It is not because we somehow earn God's favor by so doing. It is simply because each day we are engaging in deadly spiritual conflict, and we need the resources of God's grace to battle in such a way that his glory is upheld in our lives. I don't know of any other way for us to do this than to seek his face in prayer with humble cries for his help. We should be praying each morning because of the seriousness of the situations we face each day!

The second thing we need to imitate in regards to David's faith is his expectation that Yahweh will answer him. Notice that he prays in the morning and then looks throughout the day for Yahweh to respond. We who are in Christ have God's favor pledged towards us, and we should pray with the same expectation. We should expect and look for God to help us as we seek him in the morning. I think we often pray and then forget to watch (and correspondingly give thanks as we see him answer). As we pray AND watch, I believe it will lead us to further prayer and requests for God's assistance. This can only be to our benefit as we engage our subtle and sadistic enemies.

Great triune God, I worship you that you have given me access to your throne of grace through the death and resurrection of Christ on my behalf. Grant that I would take advantage of that access each day, starting in the morning, and that I would be looking for you to respond in grace to my pleas for help. You are such a gracious God, and I rejoice that I can have confidence in you, regardless of how intimidating the world, flesh, and devil can be. For your glory and my good I pray, amen.

Hadassah's First Birthday Party

2009-04-11T16:13:00.006-05:00

We celebrated Hadi's first birthday with a little party with some of our family. Hadi had a blast, and we all did too as Hadi entertained us with her new found walking skills and her cute personality. Man did she put away some birthday cake!

Hadi got her first purse from her aunt Kim, and here she is holding it in her right hand.

Hadi has really started walking well this weekend. Here she is carrying around her maraca and a gift sack.

Hadi with her new maracas.

Hadi waiting patiently as her Grandpa Richard and mommy try to dislodge her new drum and maracas from their packaging.

Hadi enjoyed the tissue paper in the gifts sacks as much as any of her gifts!

Hadi really took to this porcelain dog. Here she is hugging it.

Grandpa Richard had to make sure that Hadi did not bite the balloons.

Hadi with her three great-grandmas.

Hadi with her great Aunt Betty.

Hadi's cake.

Hadi couldn't quite figure out how to blow into the party favor.

Hadi looking cool with her birthday sunglasses as her Grandpa Johnny holds her.

Hadi walking to her Grandma Jan.

Hadi looking cool in Grandpa Richard's lap too.

Notice that Hadassah was using the spoon to shovel in her cake and ice cream. We were impressed!

This little round cake was just for Hadi. She stuck her hand in it and just left it there for a while!

Hadi excited about her first birthday cake!

Mommy had to help Hadi blow out the candle.

Keli, Hadi, and Daddy.

Reflecting on Psalm 4 (Better Than Wine)

2009-04-11T16:08:00.000-05:00

Psalm 4 is another psalm of confidence from the pen of David. In the midst of facing enemies, David is again assured that Yahweh will be there for him. For example, he states, "But know that Yahweh has set apart the godly man for Himself; Yahweh hears when I call to Him...In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Yahweh, make me to dwell in safety." Indeed Yahweh is the redeemer and gracious covenant Lord who, as the shorter catechism says, "restrains and conquers all his and our enemies."

One aspect of finding refuge in Jesus is particularly helpful to me in this psalm. It comes in verse seven: "You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound." (Maybe this captures my attention in part because I love food so much!) One difficult aspect of dealing with non-Christian enemies is that often their life seems so easy and carefree. Everything seems to go their way. David presents his enemies as having plenty of food and drink and finding requisite happiness in such things. However, David has learned that knowing Yahweh is more joy giving than anything in creation that is enjoyed apart from thanksgiving to the true God who made it and generously gives it. He finds more delight in Yahweh than all the abundance and (seemingly) care free reveling of those not in a relationship with the true God. This is a great reminder to me of where I need to be seeking my joy. It is also an encouragement, because no human can deprive me of true happiness, for it is found in a right relationship with Jesus, not in the things of this world, like grain and wine.

Jesus, you are the true joy-giver, and surely your love is better than wine! Forgive me for so often believing the deceitful lie that life apart from you is so great. Forgive me for sometimes envying sinners, who really don't know the first thing about true joy. Grant that knowledge of your gracious care for your people would drive me to you time and time again throughout this and every day that you grant me breath on this globe. For your glory and my good I pray, Amen.

Reflecting on Psalm 3 (A Psalm for Naysayers)

2009-04-10T18:12:00.001-05:00

Psalm 3 is what is characterized by some scholars as a psalm of confidence (Ps. 23 is probably the most well known psalm of confidence). Yahweh has delivered the psalmist (in this case, David) in the past, and despite the overwhelming number and power of enemies, the psalmist is confident that Yahweh will deliver again. The line that I really want to focus on this reflection is what he says in verse 2: "Many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God." The classic enemies of the Christian are the world, the flesh, and the devil. I think this line is used pretty much by all three of our enemies, but it is certainly the dominant one presented by the world. The world offers we who are in Christ many false Messiahs: other religions, psychology, education, wealth, pleasure, other people, etc. The line is that Jesus is not enough; he is not a sufficient Savior; you need something or someone else. This message can be very subtle at times, and sometimes it can be right in our face. For we who are in Christ, perhaps the subtle messages are most deadly. To take one example, in our present economic "crisis" (I put it in quotes because it is a relative term; Americans in this economy are better off materially than 99% of the rest of the world.), Christians may be tempted to worry about their financial security, but such worries belie the fact that we have a God who promises to provide what we need (not what we want). He promises to never leave us or forsake us. "Financial security" is a lie, and it is a competitor god for many American Christians. When we look to the god of "financial security," we are believing the lie of the world that this psalm records: "There is no salvation in God."

Father in heaven, help my unbelief! I so easily lose sight of the completeness of the salvation that you have worked for me in Jesus. In him, I have every spiritual blessing; in him I am rich beyond all comparison. Help me to see through the lies of the world, the flesh, and the devil that there is not salvation in Jesus. May the knowledge that salvation is from you give me the confidence in you that it gave David in this psalm. Amen.

Hadassah is One Today!

2009-04-08T10:32:00.004-05:00

Today Keli and I are celebrating Hadassah's first birthday! She has been such a gift from God. We prayed and labored (no pun intended) to have a baby for almost four years, and Hadassah was our gracious God's answer to those prayers (and the prayers of many of you). We truly delight in the last 365 days we have been able to enjoy her. She belongs to God and he can do with her as he pleases, so we are not guaranteed tomorrow with her. We are just thankful that he has given us this long to enjoy her and love on her. We revel as we see his glory manifested in her beautiful blue eyes, her six teeth, her amazingly curly hair, her sweet disposition, etc. As I see her grow and develop my heart is continually going out in praise to the One who so marvelously makes mankind to bear his image.

We are looking forward to this next year of life, as she is on the verge of walking and talking. Most of all, we are looking forward to teaching her the wonderful story of redemption that is the gospel. We are praying that the promises that have been signed and sealed to her in her baptism will soon be embraced as she gets her little heart and mind around this Good News.

Below is a picture I took of our little birthday girl with Keli just a couple of days ago. Happy Birthday, my sweet Hadassah!

Reflecting on Psalm 2 (A Challenge to Wimpy Gospel Presentations)

2009-04-08T10:31:00.000-05:00

Psalm 2, like Psalm 1, seems to serve an introductory function to the whole Psalter. Psalm 1 sets the basis of delight in God's word as characteristic of those who walk in covenant fidelity to Yahweh. Psalm 2 demonstrates the focal point of Yahweh's word: the promised Davidic king (i.e. the Messiah). Submission to Yahweh means submission to his Messiah, so those who read the Psalter are to do so as those who are subjects of the Davidic King. To fast forward in redemptive history, we can now say that one must read the psalter as a worshipper of Christ. Indeed, we must read the psalms with an eye towards their fulfillment in him. He was/is the true Israelite who both sang the psalter and whose life was characterized by the trust and worship that the psalmists write about.

Psalm 2 presents the Messiah in strong terms. The surrounding unbelieving nations are challenged to submit to him; otherwise only certain destruction awaits. The end of the psalm states, "Do homage to the Son that he not become angry and you perish in the way, for his wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all those who take refuge in him." I think this type of thinking about the Messiah needs to inform our gospel presentations. Too often we present a wimpy Savior who is wringing his hands wondering if people will accept him as their Savior. Psalm 2 reminds us that he is an awesome warrior King who will destroy those who refuse to bow the knee. At the same time, he is a gracious Savior to those who do willingly worship him now. May we present such a balanced portrait of him as we call men and women to repent and trust him as their Savior King.

King Jesus, I worship you as mighty and fierce, yet tender and kind. I would want no other king than what you have revealed yourself to be for your people. Grant that such knowledge of your powerful reign would embolden me to fearlessly preach your gospel to even the most hardened of sinners. For the glory of your reign, amen.

Reflecting on Psalm 1 (The Word of God and Joy)

2009-04-07T17:20:00.000-05:00

Psalm 1 sounds more like a section out of the Proverbs than one of the Psalms, but this is probably because it serves an introductory role to the whole Psalter. Psalm 1, much like Psalm 119, exalts the role of the Torah (i.e. the law of Yahweh) in the life of Yahweh's people. Indeed, one's very happiness is found in immersing one's life in the word of Yahweh, as the opening line of the Psalm states: "How blessed... his delight is in the law of Yahweh." Listening to the counsel of those not in a covenant relationship with Yahweh leads to destruction and judgment, but Torah leads one in the way of life. This orients one to properly using the Psalter, for it is only those who walk with Yahweh in covenant obedience who can know him as their refuge and God.Only they can cry out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me..." (Ps. 22:1) and expect that he will answer them.

This Psalm reminds me of how dependent we as God's people are on his word. Without it we would not know the provision of redemption nor the path of obedience that we are to walk on for our joy and God's glory. Indeed it should be our delight day and night, and by his grace it can be. He has given us his Spirit so that we might know and understand his word in such a way that leads us to humble reliance on his grace towards us in Jesus.

Great triune God, I thank you for your word. Indeed it is the treasure of your people, and it brings life and joy as we ponder and apply it. Enlarge my heart to saturate my life with it that I might experience true life. For your glory and my good I pray. Amen.

Reflecting on Acts 28 (The Unstoppable Word)

2009-04-06T18:00:00.001-05:00

My reading of Acts concluded today with this 28th and final chapter to Luke's riveting account of the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem outward to the Gentile world. Some are dissatisfied with the ending of Acts, as it has Paul in prison in Rome; however, it should be noticed that he was there for two years and had full liberty to preach the gospel of the kingdom. Indeed, the last two verses state: "And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered." Paul was in chains but the gospel was most certainly not! I believe that in Luke's mind, Paul preaching the gospel in Rome, which was the center of the Gentile world, was the fulfillment of Jesus' call to the disciples in Acts 1:8 to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, all Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth. We tend to read that promise in light of our greater knowledge of global geography, but I think Luke probably saw at least initial fulfillment of it in Paul preaching the gospel in the very center of the Gentile world.

Though Acts focuses a lot of attention on the ministry of Peter and Paul, it is most importantly about the spread of the word. Peter and Paul suffered greatly for their gospel ministries, but they were successful because the word of Christ was going forward. For those of us in Christ, this must be our primary focus as well. God's goal in life is not to provide us a comfortable existence but to use us to spread his glory through the gospel, and he will often engineer suffering and difficulty in our lives to do so. We often fail to see those as the best times to witness for Jesus, and I think Acts and especially this closing chapter challenges us to have that perspective. It is not about our freedom and comfort, it is about the Word of our Savior, which is the only hope for lost sinners and the means to create more worshipers for our triune God.

Lord Jesus, please grow my passion for the spread of your word. Help me to even look at difficult times as prime opportunities to witness for you. Forgive me for my idolatry with comfort and ease; by the power of your Spirit, may I gladly embrace trouble and difficulty for the sake of your great name. AMEN

Reflecting on Acts 27 (A New and Better Jonah)

2009-04-04T11:56:00.000-05:00

As I read the account of Paul being transported in a ship through stormy seas on the way to Rome, I could not but help to see echoes of another Jew on a ship in a stormy sea some hundreds of years before: Jonah. Except, this later man, by the grace of Christ, is the exact opposite of what Jonah was. Jonah was a prophet of the true God who was on a boat because he was fleeing the command to preach repentance to Gentiles. Paul was an apostle of the true God and on a boat precisely because he was obedient to preach the gospel to Gentiles. Both faced storms, and while Jonah hid himself away, Paul actively encouraged those aboard. Both crews despaired of life, and both Jonah and Paul told the crews that the God they served was in control of what was going on; however, whereas Jonah told the crew to throw him overboard to spare everyone, Paul told the soldiers no one could leave the boat, if everyone was to be saved. Jonah essentially told the crew that their life was in jeopardy because of him; Paul told the crew that God was going to spare everyone on the ship only because of him. As one can see, the similarities yet differences are striking. Paul was a new and better Jonah because of the grace of Christ.

Individual Christians today do not have the same calling of an apostle, but the mission entrusted to the apostles is carried on by the church, of which every individual Christian is a member. In other words, by God's transforming grace in Christ, we Christians are to be new and better Jonahs as well! We are called to take the gospel to unbelievers despite the risk, and in the midst of trial and hardship will often be our best time to testify of the sovereign Savior. Indeed, there is much to be learned by God's messengers and their experience on ships!

Father in heaven, I worship and praise you because your grace is so powerful that it can take self-centered, comfort loving sinners and turn them into those who will gladly risk their lives to make your glory known through the gospel. That is power! I rejoice that this kind of transforming power is at work within me, and I pray that I would see more of its fruit in my life that I too might be a new and better Jonah. AMEN.

Reflecting on Acts 26 (Repentance and the Gospel)

2009-04-01T21:29:00.000-05:00

In Acts 26 Paul is making his defense before King Agrippa of Judah and his wife Bernice. He again recounts his conversion on the road to Damascus, and makes the case that he is being accused by the Jews for the very hope that their Scriptures point to. What is striking to me is the way Paul characterizes the gospel that he preached. He stated, "I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance." It is the last part of his statement that might be shocking to some. Paul (wrongly) gets the reputation of preaching a gospel that so emphasizes the grace of God that it could easily lead to not treating obedience as very important to the Christian life. Now I don't believe one would reach this conclusion if they gave careful study to even one complete letter of Paul, but nonetheless this reputation sometimes persists. As well, it is the functional theology of many Christians in the south. When Paul characterizes the gospel that he preached, he said that he made it clear that such a gospel includes repentance, which will result in a changed life. That is why he says he always encouraged those who heard and responded to the gospel to be "performing deeds appropriate with repentance."

First of all, this must be a challenge to our own Christian profession of faith in Christ. Does our faith in Christ lead to deeds that are appropriate to repentance? If not, then we have embraced a less than biblical gospel, and such a gospel will not save. Secondly, when we proclaim Christ as he is offered in the gospel, are we making it clear that to embrace Christ is to pick up one's cross and follow him? We are inviting men and women to come to him as a complete Savior, that is one who delivers them both from the penalty and power of their sin. May the gospel we hold to be the gospel that Paul preached!

Great triune God, I praise you that your salvation is a complete one, delivering believers from both the penalty and power of sin (and one day from the very presence of sin.) Thank you for your powerful work in your elect so that they embrace such a Savior whole-heartedly. Grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit I might live this day as one who is "performing deeds appropriate with repentance." AMEN.

Reflecting on Acts 25 (A Time for Justice)

2009-03-31T17:54:00.000-05:00

In this chapter Paul is still imprisoned by the Romans, and the Jews are doing everything they can to get him killed. They even devise a plan to have Paul sent from Caesarea to Jerusalem so that they can kill him along the way. They are bringing charges against him that cannot be substantiated, and the Roman officials are saying that he has done nothing worthy of death. Does this sound familiar? It should, because Paul's situation bears many similarities to Jesus' trial and crucifixion. The remarkable difference here is that as Jesus allowed himself to be led like a lamb to slaughter without any substantial defense, even though he was truly innocent, Paul is making quite a defense because he knows he is innocent. He protests his innocence in this chapter and refuses to give into the Jew's request that he be tried in Jerusalem. Indeed, to avoid this he appeals to Caesar. So why would Jesus forgo justice and Paul seek it? I think the gospel was the motivating factor. Jesus needed to forgo justice from men in order that he might provide redemption for the world through his atoning death and subsequent resurrection. Paul needed to continue to testify to the gospel before Roman leaders and get to Rome to minister the gospel.

Thus, sometimes we as believers in Christ are right to seek justice from men, and sometimes, for the sake of the gospel, it is better to be wronged for the sake of the gospel. For example, in Paul's letter to the Corinthians he rebukes them for taking law suits against one another to court instead of having someone in the church make a decision. He states that it would be better to be wronged than present such a bad testimony of Christian strife before non-Christians. So the advance of the gospel must shape our lives, even if it means we get slighted here and now in some way. Our just Lord will no doubt reward such kingdom priorities (cf. Hebrews 6:10), and in that we can take great comfort.

Father in heaven, forgive me for often being concerned more about my rights than the progress of your gospel, which turns men from darkness to serve and worship you. Help me to have the wisdom and kingdom mindedness to know when to pursue justice for myself and when, for the sake of the gospel, to forgo it. Though Christ and by the Spirit I pray, AMEN.

Reflecting on Acts 24 (The Centrality of the Resurrection)

2009-03-27T22:24:00.000-05:00

As most evangelicals share the gospel, it is the death of Christ that is the focus of the message. The reality of the resurrection is often just a little add on to the end of the message. No doubt the death of Christ is central to the gospel message, but the resurrection is meant to be as well. This is illustrated well in Acts 24, where Paul gives his defense before Felix. The Jews had accused him of causing trouble among them and were there to charge him towards that end. What is very noticeable in Paul's defense is the centrality of the resurrection. Paul characterized his Christian hope that was consonant with the Old Testament by saying, "But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked." A little later on in his defense he again points to the centrality of the resurrection when he says, "This one statement which I shouted out while standing among them, 'For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.'"

Paul preached a once crucified but now resurrected Christ, and we should too. It is the resurrection that not only demonstrates the significance of Christ's death, but indeed it is the basis for our own resurrection. Because of our union with Christ through faith, his resurrection is our resurrection. We are spiritually raised from the dead now, and we will be physically raised from the dead at the return of Christ. The resurrected Christ is reigning and ruling in heaven, and he is ready to come to judge the living and the dead. Non-Christians need to know this that they might be encouraged all the more to flee to him for refuge from his fierce, righteous anger at their rebellion against God. The resurrection is central to the Christian proclamation and to our every day lives as Christians!

Father in heaven, I praise you that you raised Christ from the dead, and I rejoice that his resurrection is my resurrection. I also rejoice that the resurrected Savior is at your right hand to intercede for his people and to rule the nations as he subdues the hearts of men to himself through his Holy Spirit. May the reality of the resurrected Christ shape my Christian life this day and the way I proclaim the good news to others. AMEN.

Reflecting on Acts 23 (Invincible for a Time)

2009-03-25T22:50:00.000-05:00

In college I had a missions and evangelism professor from Romania who bore the scars on his back for his witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I will never forget his challenge to us that we would become faithful witnesses to the gospel once we realized that in Christ we are invincible. What he meant was that our sovereign God would sustain us through whatever persecutions we might face for following him until he was ready to bring us home. Death could not defeat us because Christ has overcome death, and if our enemies physically slay us, we will be in the presence of our Savior! This truth is illustrated in the life of the apostle Paul in Acts 23. He is in prison in Rome and the Jews are so zealous and murderous that more than forty of them made a vow not to eat or drink until they had killed him. (I don't know about you, but I don't think I have ever made one person that mad at me, let alone 40!) Yet, one night Jesus appeared to him and told him not to worry because he still had ministry to do. Verse 11 states, "But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, 'Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.'" In other words, despite how many people were out to kill him, Paul could rest that they would not be successful (yet) until he had fulfilled the ministry that Jesus had for him.

We comfort loving American Christians might have a hard time taking encouragement from this, as we tend to love our lives a little too much (okay, a lot too much). However, it is supposed to be the perspective of every follower of Christ, not just apostles. We are to faithfully live for Christ and preach Christ wherever our sovereign Lord has us, and we need not shrink back in fear in any situation or from anybody. Yes, they could kill us at worst, but that won't happen until Jesus' plans for us on this earth are finished. And if they do kill us, we get a promotion, as we get to be in the presence of our Savior. I know my own heart, and I tend to get fearful easily, but as we humbly look to our Savior, he can strengthen us by his Spirit to give us this sort of holy boldness. May we do so daily as we fight the fight of faith and preach Christ as a dying man to dying men!

Father in heaven, I must confess that I am often fearful of what others will do to me as I boldly stand for the gospel of Christ. I repent of my fear, for it is unbelief and rooted in an idolatry with comfort and ease. Thank you that I am invincible in Christ until your plans for me on this earth are done. Grant that such knowledge would give me courage and fidelity in making the only Savior of sinners known in word and deed. AMEN.

Reflecting on Acts 22 (Praying for the Enemies of the Gospel)

2009-03-24T16:30:00.000-05:00

In this chapter, Paul is giving his defense to an angry crowd of Jews in Jerusalem who want to kill him. In so doing, he again recounts his conversion to Christ on the Damascus road and points out that before this he was a violent persecutor of the church. In verse 4 he characterized his pre-Christ life this way: ""I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons."

What struck me as I read and pondered again Paul's conversion account about how the risen Christ had utterly forgiven him and transformed him is that Jesus took the number one enemy of the church and turned him into its most passionate proponent! Christ is powerful to save even those who, from a human perspective, are the most unlikely candidates for following Christ.

I think this means that we who are Christians should exercise due diligence in praying especially for the conversion of our personal enemies and those that are enemies of the gospel. I wonder how we might see God respond if we pleaded for the souls of those who are most violent in their opposition to Christianity. Perhaps he would be pleased to bring glory to himself by forgiving and transforming some of them. What enemy in your life are you failing to pray for in this way?

Father in heaven, I must repent of my unbelief in your power to save anybody. This is most shameful, because I know that you saved me, one whose heart was far from you and dead in sin and trespasses. Help me to pray with faith that you are able to save the unlikely people in my life, and grant that as I pray regularly for them, you would be pleased to glorify yourself by saving some or all of them. Grant that more and more I would be able to see you create trophies of your truly amazing grace. Amen.

March Cell Phone Pics of Hadi

2009-03-19T21:39:00.007-05:00

Below are some cell phone pics from March. The quality is not great because it is from a phone, but Hadassah's cuteness still shines through!

Hadi hanging out with her grandpa Johnny.

A little time with Grandma Elaine.

Hadi has just learned to catch a ball, so I am trying to start her early with a love for football.

Hadi has taken to finger foods this month, and here she is enjoying some.

Hadi with her Great-Grandma Hazel.

This is really cute one of Hadi and her Grandma Jan.

This is Hadi on a swing by herself at Pine Cove in Tyler.

This was Hadassah's first experience on a swing like this, and she really enjoyed it, as you can tell.

This is Hadi and I hanging out in our cabin at Pine Cove. It was our church's women's retreat, and I was watching Hadassah so that Keli could take in some of the teaching and fellowship.

These are my two girls on the bluff overlooking Lake Palestine at Pine Cove.

Reflecting on Acts 21 (Willing to Die for Jesus)

2009-03-19T21:37:00.000-05:00

In this chapter, Paul is on his way to Jerusalem. Along the way, he visits with various Christians that he knows, and it seems that just about at every place they urge him not to go to Jerusalem. At one point, a prophet even comes up to Paul and warns him that he will be imprisoned if he goes to Jerusalem. Upon that news his companions again urge him not to go. Paul's response is, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." Not even the certain prospect of suffering and possibly death will keep Paul from fulfilling the ministry that Jesus has for him.(There is a real echo of what Jesus did in this. Jesus set his face like flint to go to Jerusalem, and he knew very well that he would be crucified.)

This seems radical to we who are so comfortable and riskless in our Christianity, but it really is the attitude our Savior would have every Christian take, not just his first century apostles. We are to be so zealous to preach Christ and fulfill the ministry that God has for each of us that no amount of suffering and hardship should deter us from wholeheartedly pursuing it. Like Paul, we must be ready to be not only "bound" but even to die, if necessary. Our hope is in the resurrection not living the longest, safest life we can on earth. As we humbly cry out to our triune God for such boldness and singlemindedness, I believe he will strengthen us for such a calling.

Lord I repent of how easily I can get discouraged from giving myself to the ministry you have called me to. It so often takes a lot less than the threat of physical suffering to make me want to neglect what you are calling me to do. I am weak, but you are strong. Help me to truly believe that your strength is made perfect in my weakness. You can give me the courage to faithfully serve you, no matter what the consequences. Please do that even this day. In Christ the Savior I pray, AMEN.

Reflecting on Acts 20 (The Importance of the Local Church)

2009-03-18T22:07:00.000-05:00

In Acts 20, Paul calls together the elders of the churches from Ephesus and reminds/instructs them as regards the duties they have. This chapter is one of the classic and most important passages in this regard. One thing becomes crystal clear as the chapter is examined: the local church is the center of God's saving activity in Christ. Take for example verse 28, "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." The church is so important to the Triune God that he has called some men to be elders for the purpose of "guarding" it. We guard that which is valuable, and God sees the church as so valuable to him that he gifts and calls men to be "overseers" of it. Another way in which the significance of the church is seen is in the fact that God "purchased" the church "with his own blood." Christ died not just for individuals but for his church. He died to make a blood bought people for himself.

Much more could be said, but this suffices to make the point, and it is an important point to make. Western evangelical Christianity in the current time greatly downplays the important of the local church. Faith in Christ is over individualized and the church is seen as at best a nice add on. Such a view needs to take a hard look at Scripture like this, where one comes to realize that a local church with duly appointed elders administering the word, sacrament, and church discipline is at the heart of God's plan to bring glory to himself as he extends his saving gospel. If we love our God, we will be faithful members of a local church.

Father in heaven, thank you for my local church. I rejoice in the privilege to worship and serve you in this community of believers. Forgive me for so often not seeing the significance of what you are doing in the church. Help me to apply all diligence in furthering its peace, purity, and passion for your worship. Amen.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Hadi

2009-03-16T22:52:00.003-05:00

Hadi (and her parents) are in the St. Patrick's Day mood!

To aid your celebration of St. Patrick's Day, here is a little info on how St. Patrick helped encourage the spread of the gospel in Ireland and beyond:

"As one of the earliest Christian missionaries traveling abroad to spread the Christian faith, Saint Patrick is important because he serves as a testament to the overall missionary legacy of the Church. His example afforded later Christian missionaries the opportunity to assess the best methods to employ when confronting pagan groups abroad. Perhaps the most significant aspect of Saint Patrick’s missionary efforts in Ireland was that he transcended the boundary between Church hierarchy and prominent Church Fathers in terms of the viability of missionary pursuits. Saint Patrick proved that any Christian could live out the Scriptural commandment to spread the word of God while 'exalting and confessing his wonders before all the nations that are under the heavens.'Patrick’s example would inspire later missionaries to undertake great missions to evangelize abroad in later years." -- Wikipedia

Reflecting on Acts 19 (Jesus, the Iconoclast)

2009-03-16T12:01:00.000-05:00

Acts 19 records Paul's long and effective ministry in Ephesus. He rented out a hall and taught the gospel for two years. The result was "that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks." The gospel was capturing many men and women for the glory of Christ, and one result was that these now former pagans were turning from their magic and idolatry. At one point, the new disciples gathered their magic books and burned them, and the value of those books was exceedingly great. Indeed, the gospel was turning so many men and women from idolatry that the craftsmen who made the idols became nervous about their livelihood and tried to stir up trouble for Paul. In the very words of the ringleader, "You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all."

You see, the gospel of Jesus is iconoclastic. That is to say, it smashes our idols. Jesus will suffer no rivals for the allegiance of his people. Though I don't know anybody personally who has a carved image that they bow down to, just about every Christian I know is tempted towards idolatry of one sort or another, whether it be greed, reputation, success, etc. This chapter is a good reminder that King Jesus is greatly displeased with our idolatry and gives us his Spirit that by him we might put to death our idols and worship him alone for his saving splendor. Jesus is the ultimate iconoclast!

Great triune God, I worship you as the self-existent, all sufficient I am. You are God and there is no other. Thank you for opening my eyes to see the saving excellency of Jesus. Thank you that through my faith union with him I am a justified man, as righteous in your sight as he is. Thank you also that the Spirit of Christ is at work in me to deliver me from my temptation to idolatry. Grant that his work would be ever more active in my life so that I might live as an iconoclast. Amen.

Reflecting on Acts 18 (Grace and Faith)

2009-03-13T23:05:00.000-05:00

This chapter records Paul's ministry in Corinth and a number of other places, yet it ends talking about an eloquent preacher of Jesus, Apollos. What captured my attention is how Luke describes his ministry in Ephesus. He says, almost in passing, that "he greatly helped those who had believed through grace." It is the last prepositional phrase, "through grace" and it's connection with "believed" that is quite significant. In Greek there are many options for describing the relationship of this form (i.e. a "genitive") of the preposition "through" with the verb "believed," but the one that is clearly intended here is one of instrument. Grace is the instrument through which believing occurred. In other places, Scripture makes it plain that one's response to the gospel (i.e. faith) is a result of God's working (cf. Act 16:14), but I think this is one of the few places, perhaps the only, that explicitly states that faith is owing to God's grace. People often conceive of God's grace as the work of Christ and the offer of the gospel, and our response to grace is faith. This is true on one level, but the rich theology of Scripture teaches us that it is also by God's grace that we are able to respond. God's grace makes us willing and able to believe (if God doesn't act, we will be unwilling and unable to believe, and God does not act in this way for everyone; grace is not grace if it is not selective.)

Thus, Luke in passing describes Christians as those who "believe through grace." The purpose of this meditation is to point up that this is one very important ways we are to think about ourselves. We are so dependent on God's grace to be saved, that even the act of believing the great news of Christ crucified for sinners is owing to God's sovereign grace. There is no room for boasting, only thankfulness, praise, and awe!

Gracious God, I worship you and thank you for extending your grace to me so that I might believe the the seemingly too good to be true news of the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus. Without your work in my life from beginning to end I would still be lost in my sin and an object of your fierce, just wrath. As it is, I glory to know that I am now your beloved son. May your ineffable grace be praised!

Reflecting on Acts 17 (Provoked to Share the Gospel)

2009-03-12T22:12:00.000-05:00

Acts 17 records Paul's time in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. It is his ministry in Athens that I want to focus on in this reflection. It seems he did not originally have intentions to do much there until his gospel co-laborers joined him. However, the text states that he was provoked by all the idol worship that was going on, so he began to engage the Athenians in the marketplace. For all the Athenians' passion for philosophy, it had not led them to the true God and the salvation that comes in Christ. So Paul preached to the pagans, and he did so in a way that set apart God as the true God, the Creator, Sustainer, Judge, and Redeemer of all people. Many scoffed, but some did believe and began to follow Christ.

What captures my heart this morning is the idea of being provoked to share the gospel because of false worship. Paul was so consumed for the glory of God and the good of lost sinners that he could not stand by and do nothing; he had to preached the once crucified and now risen Christ who will come to judge the living and the dead. I am so convicted that I am not "provoked" more to engage the non-believers around me as I see them give themselves to the gods of materialism, hedonism, and false religions. My desire is that our triune God would so stir in me a longing for him to be worshiped by those who do not yet do so, and that this longing would move me to be more faithful in preaching the biblical worldview that finds its culmination in the work of Jesus Christ, the only Savior of sinners.

Father in heaven, I repent for my apathy for your honor. I repent for my lack of love for non-Christians who are languishing under your wrath for their sin. Move me to engage them more with the wonderful life-giving news of the gospel. Amen.

Funny Video of Dog Dreaming

2009-03-11T21:13:00.000-05:00

Reflecting on Acts 16 (The Heart of a Woman)

2009-03-10T16:34:00.000-05:00

This chapter records Paul's second missionary journey. He had originally planned just to check on the churches he had planted on his first missionary journey, but the Holy Spirit led him to take the gospel new places. In Philippi Paul, Silas, and Timothy went to where some Jewish women were meeting for prayer, and they preached the good news of Jesus to them. At least one woman, Lydia, responded to the gospel message. What is interesting is how Luke records the dynamic of what went on in her conversion: "A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul." Could it be any more clear that our God is sovereign not only over those who hear the gospel (he obviously guided Paul to preach here and not other places) but also on the response of those who hear the gospel. What went on with Lydia is what has gone on with every person who now follows Christ: Jesus is the one who has opened our heart to respond to the message. Had he not opened our hearts, we would not respond. Indeed, Scripture says we cannot respond (cf. John 6:44). We are in the bondage of sin and though responsible for our rejection and unbelief (this is admittedly a mystery), we will not respond to the message of the gospel unless God acts. And he doesn't act on everyone who hears, only some. Salvation is all of grace, and Lydia's example makes that plain!

O sovereign and gracious Savior, I rejoice that you so worked in my life that I not only heard but also believed the gospel. At the end of the day, all I can do is so "thank you!" Such loving mercy is not a cause of controversy for me but a source of endless delight, a challenge to humility, and the greatest encouragement that you will never leave me or forsake me. May I walk in the joy of such grace this day! Amen.

Reflecting on Acts 15 (The Most Important Church Meeting Ever?)

2009-03-09T23:29:00.000-05:00

There have been some pretty important church meetings/councils over the last 2,000 year since the ascension of Christ, but perhaps none more important than the "Jerusalem Council" of Acts 15. Here the Gentile mission and the gospel itself hung in the balance.

Christians zealous for the law had come from Jerusalem to Antioch (a mostly Gentile church) and were teaching that in order to be saved they needed to keep the Mosaic law, starting with circumcision. This caused an uproar in the church, and thankfully Paul and Barnabas were there to contend for the truth. The church commissioned these two along with some others from the church to go to Jerusalem to talk with the apostles and Jerusalem elders about this issue (we Presbyterians like to see this as a proto-presbytery meeting!) Thankfully, the council got it right and understood that God had been testifying to his full acceptance of the Gentiles through faith alone in Christ alone apart from the law. He had testified to this by giving the Gentiles his Holy Spirit (thus the need in some points in Acts for this to be accompanied with speaking in tongues; it was to show the Jews that God had accepted the Gentiles through faith, not to set a pattern for what should always accompany the reception of the Holy Spirit, contra some radical charismatics).

One of the very helpful things to see from this episode is that God leads his church through the church! These were huge decisions, and even apostles like Paul and Peter did not just on their own stand up and make a pronouncement. It was the combined leadership of the early church working together to come to a consensus about what the gospel teaches. This is an illustration of how important decisions should be made in Christ's church: a plurality of spiritual leaders. It is also an illustration of how important decisions in each of our individual lives should be made. We should seek the wise counsel and guidance of others. The resurrected Christ has gifted every believer with his Holy Spirit, and the combined wisdom of multiple people indwelt and filled with the Spirit is a safeguard as we make important decisions about what God is leading us to do. I think we are all greatly influenced by the individualistic culture we live in, and we are tempted to make big decisions all on our own. We need to see how part of Christ's redemptive grace towards us is to give us other wise Christians that can be very helpful in us discerning the best course of action to take in the big and even the not so big decisions of our life.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I praise you as the one God who exists as a community of persons. Thank you for making us in your image, which is reflected when we work together in community. Please forgive me for acting like a Long Ranger Christian so much of the time. Help me to take advantage of the gift of wise people that you have put in my local church, especially my elders, as I make big and not so big decisions about where you are leading me. For your glory and my good I pray. Amen.

Reflecting on Acts 14 (The Fickleness of the Faithless)

2009-03-06T13:18:00.000-06:00

This chapter continues the account of Paul's first missionary journey. There is much fruit born through his gospel ministry, yet it comes at a high cost. At one point, Paul is stoned and left for dead outside the city of Lystra. Despite this, Paul continued to preach the gospel. He understood well what he told the new disciples: "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." What is most interesting to me is that in Lystra just moments before the people stoned him and left him for dead, they were trying to offer sacrifices to him and Barnabas as gods! Paul and Barnabas were barely able to restrain the people from offering sacrifices to them after the crowds saw them heal a man who had been lame from birth. All it took for these unbelievers to go from worshipers to murderers was a little instigation from some Jews from Antioch and Iconium.

This is a good illustration of how fickle fallen humans can be. We can love someone one moment and the next moment (literally) want to kill him or her! I think this must certainly inform how we Christians go about trying to win people to the gospel. If we put too much emphasis on trying to make the gospel palatable to them, it will not take much for them to turn from interest to rejection (This is where I think the seeker friendly approach often falls on its face.) Instead, we must preach the gospel of the kingdom of God come in Christ and call men to repent and believe. We even need to tell them that to follow Christ may cost them everything in this life. Or as Paul said, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." God, who is sovereign over the response to his gospel, will honor such preaching and will turn the hearts of some to follow Jesus. We must be wary of playing to the fickleness of the faithless.

Father in heaven, my heart was at one time just as fickle as these unbelievers in Lystra. Thank you for subduing my heart to yourself through the power of the gospel of your Son. Grant that I and my fellow family in Christ would have confidence in your gospel and never try to water it down to make it more palatable to unbelievers. As we do so, capture the hearts of men and women for yourself, O great and glorious God! Amen.

Today is My 13th Birthday!

2009-03-03T17:25:00.000-06:00

On Sunday I celebrated 32 years of life on this earth. Today I celebrate 13 years of knowing Christ as Savior and Lord. On March 3rd, 1996, the "expulsive power of a new affection" entered my heart as I listened to the preaching of God's word at Vansickle Baptist Church in Greenville, Texas. The Savior I had heard about all my life and intellectually believed in as long as I could remember now became MY Savior. His saving beauty and the irresistible desire to follow him caught me by surprise, and I truly believed in him for the first time. From that moment on, I had a new desire to live for Christ, a love for his Word, a yearning desire to be with Christians and worship the Triune God corporately. I had passed from death to life by the gracious and sovereign work of the Holy Spirit. Life has never been the same. My best day the previous nineteen years pales in comparison to my worst day as a follower of Christ. This is not because circumstances are easier (they are often harder), but I now know that Christ is my righteousness. I know that I deserve death and condemnation, yet Jesus lived, died, and rose again on my behalf that he might give me a gift of a righteous standing before God, which I received through faith. I have been brought into the enjoyed fellowship of the Trinity, and this standing I will enjoy both now and into eternity.

In light of such marvelous grace, I cannot but help but give the Triune God public praise this day, 13 years after he brought me from darkness to light. My soul overflows with joy in him even as I type this testimony of his grace, and I pray that the awe and wonder of such saving mercy would always shape my heart and life. Soli Deo Gloria!

Reflecting on Acts 13 (God's Sovereignty in Salvation)

2009-03-03T17:22:00.001-06:00

I was really torn as I considered this chapter, whether or not I should focus on the Holy Spirit leading the church through their corporate fasting and prayer or on God's sovereignty in determining who believes the gospel or not. I have chosen the latter, though the combination of the two shows the biblical, mysterious balance between humans being responsible actors yet God working out his foreordained purposes. This balance is also seen in Paul and Barnabas' preaching on this their first missionary journey. They preach the good news of Jesus as the fulfillment of all the OT promises and hopes, and they urge men to repent and believe. This is the Christian's duty in sharing the gospel, yet Luke pulls away the curtain a little and shows why some were receptive to the gospel message and others were not: "When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed." Notice the text states that the ones who believed were those who "had been appointed to eternal life." This is the deepest reason for their positive response to the gospel. Now some of my brothers in Christ would want to say that God must have passively foreseen their response to the gospel and then on that basis "appointed" them. However, if this was the case, then it would be superfluous to even mention an "appointing" (or elsewhere "choosing" / "electing"). No, it is God's unconditional choosing (unconditional in the sense that there was nothing in one person to commend them over another person) that determined who would respond to the gospel.

This is not a hindrance to passionate gospel preaching (as some wrongly think) but is the very grounds that should give us confidence to boldly and faithfully preach the gospel. No one taught the sovereignty of God in salvation more passionately and clearly than Paul, yet has there ever been anyone more passionate about preaching the gospel? So may we faithfully preach the gospel in word and deed without the undue burden that all is riding on us and in the confidence that God will do with his word what he desires. There is indeed great practical benefit to this glorious truth.

Father in heaven, the fact that you chose me for salvation is so humbling, because it means I was (and am) in a place of total dependence on you. Yet it is also glorious because it shows the depths of your grace towards me and assures me that you will complete what you started as you bring me to glory. May the knowledge of your sovereignty in salvation motivate me this day to adorn your gospel with life and lips. Amen.