Leaving Nothing Undone

"I have brought you glory on earth

by completing the work you gave me to do."

[Jn 17:4]

This is not a boastful statement but one of the most remarkable prayers of humility.  Jesus looks to His Father for the strength He needs to finish the most difficult task at hand and bring to a close His earthly life of accomplishment.

Jesus finished what God gave Him to do.  He completed His mission.  Nothing more; He didn't add His own agenda or toss in a few ideas others made.  And He accomplished nothing less -- nothing.

Everything completed. Nothing left undone. No task unchecked on His To Do list.  I'm a real list person so I can really appreciate what it means to have every item crossed off your list.  There's always the "perpetual list."  You know, the things you can never seem to get to.  When you run out of time (or energy) you just add them to the "running list."  It's impressive just how much He accomplished in three short years!

Jesus teaches how one can best glorify God -- by completing the work God gave to do. Whatever that is.  It's different for all of us.  Apply the talent principle, visit His teachings in a few of His parables and we learn that we can glorify God at any status level, in any occupation or activity, at every task.

When you reach the end of your life, to be able to say you have glorified God by completing what He gave you to do, is the ultimate measure of success.  It's truly something to aspire to.

Heavenly Father; Now and forevermore, glorify Christ with the glory He had before the world began. May I never doubt that He left anything undone that one needs for eternal life with You. All was accomplished by His sacrificial act of living, dying, and being raised to new life. 

Passed Off

When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!" [Mt 27:24]

Pilate makes quite the dramatic statement before an angry mob in this Passion scene. Things heated up, tempers flared, and Pilate backed off. He wasn't about to muddy himself by involvement and wanted no part in this controversial mess.  This Jesus was somebody elses' problem.

Call it the great pass off. Is it possible this is where we get the saying; "I wash my hands of the entire situation?" Isn’t passing the buck a common trait? Or wouldn’t it better be classified a temptation?

Several factors brought him to this display of disdain. Pilate found no culpability in Jesus. He knew the basis for the charges against Him was grounded in pure envy (Mt 27:18). He had received warning from his wife not to charge an innocent man (Mt 27:19). He thought the crowds would choose to have Jesus released. So Pilate passed off. Let someone else take responsibility for the outcome.

There have been times I sure didn’t want to take responsibility where Jesus was concerned. I wasn’t about to take the blame for wielding the hammer, driving those nails. It’s far more comfortable to deny any wrongdoing on my part in putting Him up on that cross. Surely a finger can be pointed to the person whose sins are far worse than mine! (Just so you know, there’s no such thing.) I guess there’s a little bit of Pilate in all of us.

Pilate attempted to relieve himself of any wrongdoing by his words, but his actions spoke louder for he “handed him over to be crucified.”

This Easter, don’t wash your hands of Jesus. When conflict within regarding the Christ of God arises, don’t pass Him off.


Forgive me for the times I’ve washed my hands of You, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Art by:  William Hole

1846-1917

In Silence He Stood

Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"


"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.


When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor. [Mt 27:11-14 emph mine]

Jesus answered Pilate's question but He did not answer the charges against Him.  He did not say a word in His own defense. He remained steadfast in His silence.

He was silent then.  He is silent still.

People continue to make their accusations of Jesus.  We question, slander, defame, doubt.

If there is anyone that could have made a convincing argument to win freedom from an unjust verdict, it is Jesus Christ!  Yet He was non-persuasive.  He made no attempt to present a case.  Neither did He try to negotiate a leaner sentence or make any bargains.  He would settle for nothing less than glorifying God.

One would think that this silence worked against Him.  But did it?  Or does it prove Him even greater still?

Jesus' integrity has always been such:  one must make up their own mind.  He will not force a decision upon anyone.

He was totally submissive to the Father's will.  I think that three things added to His resolve:

• Trust in God
• Determination to complete His mission
• Belief that a reckoning was yet to come ~ there is more to the story then meets the eye

I share Pilate's great amazement.  (Especially given my tendency to be a vocal self-defender.)  He was beyond the norm.  Pilate knew there was no wrong in the man before Him deserving of this death penalty. 

Jesus cared more about saving others than saving Himself.  He placed Himself in God's gracious hands to do the saving.

And the verdict?  There was the human verdict handed down in that moment that sentenced Him to death by crucifixion. God's verdict three days later overruled the first.  It rocked the heavens, earth, and all of eternity by declaring His Son perfectly righteous. Verdicts are pronounced with the confession at every baptism.  And the heavenlies reply.

What is your verdict?

God Almighty; Not only did Your Son remain silent that fateful day, You did as well.  How amazing! The silence of the Lamb of God speaks volumes on how You can be trusted.  He did not give Himself over to Pilate that day, He gave Himself over to You.  I am amazed at His will to obey.  Teach me.

He was oppressed and afflicted,

yet he did not open his mouth;

he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,

and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,

so he did not open his mouth.

[Is 53:7]

Art by:  William Hole

1846-1917

Royal Welcome

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and having salvation,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

I will take away the chariots from Ephraim
and the war-horses from Jerusalem,
and the battle bow will be broken.
He will proclaim peace to the nations.
His rule will extend from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
[Zec 9:9-10]

Jesus came in peace as the prophesied Messiah. He rode in on a gentle donkey, bringing salvation.

He knew He came to a fickle crowd that would turn on Him in a matter of days. But today He was welcomed and celebrated in a grand victory parade.

"To wave a palm branch in first-century Palestine would be like waving the Stars and Stripes in colonial Boston or shouting "Remember the Alamo!" in old Texas."

~Thomas G. Long

The Hope of the Ages had finally arrived. Jesus was finally receiving the honor He was due (although short-lived).

Lift up your Hosannas in celebrfation and declare Jesus King. This holy day be reminded that His is a kingdom that runs to the ends of the earth. 

All glory, laud, and honor
To Thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring;
Thou art the King of Israel,
Thou David's royal Son,
Who in the Lord's name comest,
The King and blessed one!

~Theodulph of Orleans

Come, Lord, enter our hearts as we raise our palms of worship. We crown You King. We praise You with Hosannas, for You did come to save. May all glory be Yours forevermore. Amen

When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
[Lk 29:37-38]

A repost from the archives

A Hymn to Pray

Here is another great hymn that makes for a beautiful prayer:

Close to Thee

Fanny J. Crosby

1874

Thou my Everlasting Portion,

more than friend or life to me,

all along my pilgrim journey,

Savior, let me walk with Thee.

Not for ease or worldly pleasure,

nor for fame, my prayer shall be;

gladly will I toil and suffer,

only let me walk with Thee.

Lead me through the vale of shadows,
bear me o'er life's fitful sea;
then the gate of life eternal
may I enter, Lord, with Thee.

Close to Thee, close to Thee,
all along my pilgrim journey,
Savior, let me walk with Thee.

Happy D Day

Strapping son,

Brave and bold,

Your teenage years begin today

Thirteen precious years ago
You filled these arms,

This heart, this home -- perfectly

Swelling with love

This mom's imperfect heart

Was eternally captured

Always such a hungry boy --

For food, for love,

For learning

Rock gardens,

Reptile pets,

Balls in every shape and size

Long, memorable chats,

Question upon question,

Always my curious one

Those dimples, that laugh,

The kindess in your eyes,
A smile so bright to light the world

You're loving, noble,

Giving, and humble,

Playful, easy, and loyal

You're growing in God and in size,

Never to surpass your Mommy's

Ever-ready hug

This special love can't be explained
My joy and pride unending
Your future's filled with answered prayers

"Your monster mama loves you so!"

Mary, Remembered

Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.


But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.


"Leave her alone," Jesus replied. " It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." [Jn 12:1-8]

Our advent of Easter proceeds. In a matter of days Passion Week will be upon us. Let's go back to Bethany, the closest thing to Jesus' home-away-from-Home. Six days prior to Jesus' final meal, He shared a meal with friends.

Peer with me into this intimate setting and see Mary's lavish worship. We're reminded that devotion can be costly. 

Close your eyes and take your mind back. Breathe deeply. Smell the intoxicating, sweet aroma. The house is filled with the fragrance of her worship. She pours out her most valued possession onto her Master, for He has poured out His love and healing upon her.

Remember to be extravagant in your worship of the Holy One of Israel.

My Lord and Master; I pour out my worship to soothe those nail-scarred feet. May the love-aroma fill heaven's throne room and bring You pure joy.

Thine Be the Glory, Risen, Conquering Son

Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son;

endless is the victory, Thou o'er death hast won;

angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,

kept the folded grave clothes where Thy body lay.

Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb;

Lovingly He greets us, scatters fear and gloom;

let the Church with gladness, hymns of triumph sing;

for her Lord now liveth, death hath lost its sting.

No more we doubt Thee, glorious Prince of life;

life is naught without Thee; aid us in our strife;

make us more than conquerors, through Thy deathless love:

bring us safe through Jordan to Thy home above.

Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son,

endless is the vict'ry, Thou o'er death hast won.

~ Written by Edmond Budry, 1884

~ Translated: Richard Hoyle, 1923

Remembering the Prayer of Jesus

After Jesus said this,

he looked toward heaven and prayed:

[Jn 17:1]

Jesus has just finished sharing the Passover Feast with His friends and disciples.  In a matter of hours He would be arrested.  He headed to the garden to pray.  Facing His greatest trial, Jesus looked toward heaven.  So must we! 

He prayed that He would bring glory to God.  He prayed the same for His disciples....and for us.  We should continually pray His prayer for one another, as well.

They are not of the world,

even as I am not of it.

[Jn 17:16]

Remember, fellow alien, we are no more of this world than Jesus was.  Our home is in heaven and we belong to the Kingdom of Heaven.  Jesus has declared it to be so.

I have given them the glory that you gave me,

that they may be one as we are one:

I in them and you in me.

May they be brought to complete unity

to let the world know

that you sent me

and have loved them

even as you have loved me.

[Jn 17:22-23]

Jesus has bestowed upon us the highest honor and blessing -- He is in us.  We are one, as God and Son.   

God has the same love for us as He has of Christ, the Son.  Jesus prayed that we would know the depth of the Father's love. Its depth is unsearchable, unreachable; but we can taste the sweetness in drilling its depths.

Jesus prayed for our continued unity with the Father.  He prayed for our sanctification.  Often I give thanks to God for continuing to answer the prayers uttered years ago by my Yaya (grandmother).  I must remember to thank Him for answering the prayers of Christ Jesus. 

Today, remember the prayer Jesus prayed for you.  Remember God has already answered those prayers.


Lord Jesus; Thank You for bringing glory to our Father. We want to be with You and see Your glory. Continue to make God known to us.  Accept our thanks for Your prayers on our behalf.  Thank You for teaching us how to pray.  Amen.

Remembering the Kingdom

To remember Jesus is to also remember His kingdom.  Often Jesus taught in the form of parables.  Many of them pertained to the kingdom of heaven.  That is where my mind leads and my pen will follow today.

Reflecting upon a few of the kingdom parables of Jesus can also be used as a good measure. I'll consider three aspects in evaluating the state of my heart; perceived value, love for others, and readiness. 

Perceived Value

• The Parable of the Hidden Treasure [Mt 13:44]
• The Parable of the Pearls [Mt 13:45-46]

Do I recognize the value of the kingdom? Do I respond with the same heart and attitude of those in Jesus' examples? Talk about "sold-out discipleship"! The kingdom is great treasure worth selling all our earthly possessions to gain.

Love

• Parable of the Lost Sheep [Lk 15:3-7]
• Parable of the Lost Coin [Lk 15:8-10]

Do I share Christ's love for the lost? Am I adequately concerned whether others enter the kingdom?  Have I extended any invitations lately?

Preparedness

• Parable of the Ten Maids [Mt 25:1-13]

Do I fully anticipate the King's return with the same watchful readiness as the wise maids? 

These are just pieces of a larger picture Jesus painted for us. He came that we might better see those things required by faith. (A kingdom yet to come being one of them.)

Open The Book (or click on one of the links above). Choose a parable -- any parable. Read it. Meditate upon it. What lesson can He teach you today?

Dear God in Heaven; By this truth, may I remember to live a kingdom lifestyle today: that You have "rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son [You] love, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Amen.

Remembering the Call

The voice cut sharp through the thick sea air. 

Sound waves rippled across the waters' surface.

Landing on fishermen's ears. 

It was a call of a lifetime. 

A call that drifts through time and space. 

Reverberating still through all of history.

A call for them.

A call for us. 

A call to those who've yet to come.

The call of Christ. 

The call to follow.

Carefully examining my relationship with Christ this lenten season in hopes that He might show me areas for growth. Today I look closely at His call.  His call to discipleship.

When I said "yes" to that tug of faith on my heart, what was it I said "yes" to?  Remembering what He calls me to is a means for measure.

Follow 

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.  [Mt 4:18-20]

It's not enough to hear, I must also heed the call.  Respond in faith and trust. Unconditionally surrender everything and let Him lead.  Allow Him to use the gifts and talents He has already given, re-forming them to be used for His purpose. He makes me into something new to gather others into the family of God in Christ.


Changed Living

Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. [Lk 5:10b-11]

The lives of the twelve disciples of Jesus would never be the same, so it is with His faithful followers throughout time.  We must be willing to leave everything behind, bury it in the baptismal waters, and be raised to a new life hidden in Him.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  [Mt 16:24]

This calling is key to discipleship.  Denying self, taking up my cross, and following -- steps that often bear repeating several times over daily.  He calls me to a life centered on Him.  A life that lives for Him ceases to self.  It puts Him first, then others.  Jesus endured the cross to bring glory to the Father.  We are to expect trials and bear them in such a way as to bring glory and honor to His Name.  We are able to endure difficulties by the strength He provides all the while remembering that we can trust God's goodness and perfect will. 


Messenger Duty

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.  [Mk 16:15]

We have been called to share the good news message of the Gospel.  We are to simply tell.  Tell others what He has done for us.  Tell others He is the Way, the Truth, the Life.  That He lives and will return.

 
Love in Community

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  [Jn 13:34-35]

Answering the call is to respond in obedience to His commands.  Obedience to love, to gather, to love those gathered. To love in such a way, fueled by the Spirit, that others see Him.


There's my remembering list for today. Of course, this is more than creating a list. It is creating a measure.  One where I can ask and honestly answer; "Am I living up to The Call?"

Jesus has called me to follow Him; to live differently and according to His standard; to be His messenger; and, above all, to love.  Am I willing to anchor my boat on shore, walk away from comfort, ease, and familiarity? Remember, too; God's grace is sufficient.



Lord Jesus; You are ever calling from distant shores.  Am I listening as I should?  Living and loving as I should?  Still this mind to hear.  Move these feet to follow.

Remember to Praise

Praise the LORD.

Sing to the LORD a new song,

his praise in the assembly of the saints.

Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;

let the people of Zion be glad in their King.

Let them praise his name with dancing

and make music to him with tambourine and harp.

For the LORD takes delight in his people;

he crowns the humble with salvation.

Let the saints rejoice in this honor

and sing for joy on their beds.

May the praise of God be in their mouths

and a double-edged sword in their hands,

[Ps 149: 1-6]

Today, let's remember to praise the Lord of the Universe.  Together, let's rejoice in our King and Maker.

Jesus has adorned us with the robes of His salvation.  He delights in His church and has bestowed honor upon us.  Let's celebrate joyfully and shout our Hallelujahs. 

Use the Bible to speak blessed words of praise.   Fill the air with the sweet songs of worship.  Remember, this day, what the Lord has done for you and give Him loving thanks.


Art:
Alexander Ivanov
(1806-1858)
"Appearence of Christ to Mary Magdalene"

Death Denying

Her green eyes pooled with tears as she tried to choke out the words.  "I'm dying."  Lack of understanding and fear struck its pounding blow.  "No, Mommy!" this then 17 year old girl protested.  There was no rationalizing.  An emotional response was blurted out in sheer ignorance.  Malignant cancer?  What is that?  What does that mean?  Someone is terribly confused!

He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." [Mk 8:31-33]

Three times Jesus told His disciples of His impending death.  He was met with three different responses each time.

The 1st was denial (Mt 16:21-28)

The 2nd time met grief (Mt 17:22-23)

The 3rd, answered by a mother's request (Mt 20:17-28)

It is because of my experience I can marginally empathize with the impulsive response Peter had for Jesus when he predicted His death the first time.  Isn't death for denying?

It is good to take heed at His warning not to be ashamed of the words He spoke, no matter how hard to hear, and for us to have in mind the things of God. It sure is tempting to do otherwise.

Jesus knew He was going to suffer and die. And yet, He loved. And yet, He served. And yet, He faithfully administered God's grace for three years in His earthly ministry.

Our Most Remarkable Jesus;  How You amaze and take our breath away!  Accept our Lent devotions as worship.  Receive our love, adoration, and thanksgiving for The Lamb of God, slain for the dying who are often in denial of Your truth.

Priests, Kings & Prophets

Many great men served both God and man through the ages covered by the Old Testament era. There were the patriarchs; Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The priests (beginning with Aaron). Don't forget the kings (who doesn't love David?). Then came the prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, to name a few). All mediators. Go-betweens for a holy God to an unholy people.

The patriarchs, priest, kings, and prophets were chosen and called by God to step into a less-than-favorable position. They served as mediators, conveying God’s promises and covenant message toward an approaching time and Person to come. All pointed forward to Jesus. They prefigured The Mediator.

 For there is one God and one mediator
between God and men,

the man Christ Jesus,

[1 Tm 2:5]

Jesus is the perfect -- the only -- mediator.  The Mediator of a new and better covenant. A superior covenant, says the author of Hebrews.

Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines a mediator as; “a person who mediates, especially between parties at variance; an intercessor; to intervene between two disputing parties; reconciles differences; one who acts as a medium of communication between two contracting parties.”

Goodness surely knows that our varying differences with God needed reconciled.  This human race was most definitely in dire need of a mediator. A mediator was the only way to the Father.

These men of ancient days were never able to reconcile man to God. Never able to remove the enmity that existed. They could not bridge the great divide that kept us eternally separated. Cursed by our own sin and inability to uphold the first covenant, we have inherited a new covenant secured for us by Jesus Christ, through the grace of a merciful Father.

Today I remember the men in various roles down through history that ushered in a new and more perfect way. The Way. And I remember that I have a compassionate, merciful, trustworthy Mediator interceeding on my behalf before God.


Lord Jesus; I give thanks that in this era I have One that has reconciled me to God and met the requirements of a covenant I would not otherwise meet.  I thank you deeply for the new covenant You bought with Your life.  And I give thanks for this time to reflect upon the rich lineage of this family of faith and the history preserved for our instruction and growth.  Amen.

Remembering the Law

In my remembering, I travel through the Old Testament and let my heart and mind rest at milestones along the way. As I journey toward Easter, I move closer to the New Testament and the Christ I celebrate this season.

Of great significance in God's over-arching plan is the Law. I pause momentarily here today to glean spiritual application in my Lent experience.

Do I fully appreciate all the law represents? The true depth of it's meaning and foundation? No. For me to understand and explain it would be to over-simplify it. Nonetheless, I will make an attempt to mentally process for application to what it means to me here and now.

The law was intended to be the moral instruction and ethical standards for a community of God’s people. It reflected God’s character. Wholehearted obedience to it was to restore the character of the follower as a reflection of their God as His created and chosen image-bearers.

Hebrew tradition holds that the law is more than commandments. It is all God's revelation of moral and civil codes and the ceremonial system of external behaviors. It includes all the statutes, precepts, and testimonies held in the entire Pentateuch. These instructions were embraced by the Israelites. They were not considered a list of cold, impertinent rules.

From the Psalms (19 & 119 specifically) it is clear that the Law of God was seen as God's gift that imparts blessing. The law was core to relationship with God and brought a unique delight to one's life.

We do learn, however, from the prophets that it would not be a permanent system. And the writer of Hebrews expounds that the law was a shadow of good things to come.

As society created written laws that were ever-changing and inflicted unjust punishments they became burdensome or disregarded. The law became corrupted by man as a means to righteousness. They easily evolved to a means to God's blessing to works to earn salvation. An easy temptation to be ensnared, discouraged or distracted....or all three.

The religious leaders and Pharisees believed man could keep the law, creating even more rules to aid in their effort. Jesus promptly and passionately corrected this wrong belief.

The moral conduct Jesus taught in the Beatitudes went deeper. It dealt with internal motives over external behaviors and ritualistic religious systems. His was a matter of the heart.

He spoke of a righteousness that surpassed the Pharisees. A righteousness from Him, compelled by love. The law was not a means to righteousness, only Jesus is our righteousness. Atonement and righteousness always and forever being an act of grace.

Part of the message of the good news of the kingdom is that Jesus came to fulfill the law. Not only did Jesus fulfill the law and set a new pattern (Mt 5:17) He has set us free from sin and death that came by the Law. Death because the law condemned me of my sin and the wages of sin is death (Rm 6:23). Jesus has forgiven my sin and the Spirit gives me power over sin.

Paul taught that the law was good (Rm 7:12) but that it condemned man. I fall far short of keeping the law. That is precisely why it points me to my need for Jesus. Trying to keep the law in Christ easily entangles us to attempt to earn our salvation by works. Salvation can never be achieved by my own effort -- no matter the level of commitment and diligence.

By the law I realize several key things. I see a holy God’s standard and my sinfulness. By it I become aware of sin. (Rm 3:20; 7:7) I see my inability to keep the law apart from divine power. I learn of my need for a Savior. I learn how to best live in relationship with my Lord and others.

The principles still apply for living in Christ in the spirit of the law is a way to grow in Christ-like character. But we are led by the Spirit. The Spirit produces the desire, the will, and the ability to live transformed lives. The Spirit produces the fruit of love and Romans 13:8 says that “he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.”

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.  [Rm 13:8-10]

The law was a heart matter. First, in that it reflected the heart of God. And that by it His people might have a heart for Him. Following Christ is also very much a heart matter. They commonly share in the fact that they both gave instruction for holy living with commands to live consecrated lives to God.

The law, handed down in love, followed in love, expressed in love, fulfilled in love. Followed now in the Spirit of love. No longer rule-keepers…rather, rule-breakers.

Yet another reason to celebrate the Christ and give thanks this holy season. I am free from the burden the law brings and free to live joyfully by it's teaching.


Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

Remembering Our Father's Response

Psalm 32, considered a penitential psalm, teaches much about the effects of sin, benefits of confession, and God's forgiveness.

When I read this Psalm as worship through the spiritual lens of my relationship with God it becomes so personal.

Under the weight of sins shame and from the depths of guilt and remorse, the only place to turn is to God. Now satan, of course, will try to convince us otherwise; preferring we remain separated under its burden and in the dark.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you and watch over you.

Do not be like the horse or the mule,

which have no understanding but must be controlled

by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

Many are the woes of the wicked,

but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.

I view verses 8 through 10 as God's gracious and merciful response. He speaks intimately and personally as a Father (verse 8; "I") and makes four assuring promises:

1. To instruct with wisdom, reason, and insight
2. To teach, guide in the right direction
3. Advise as to plan and purpose
4. Keep His eyes and presence upon me

What an incredibly loving and gentle response - filled with a promise to discipline. He adds the comfort of being present; lends wise advice, and goes on to add a firm warning.

Remember this Lent that He graciously accepts the honest confessions of His children and promises to help so that a right relationship is restored and maintained.

Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you
righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
[Ps 32:11 ]

A celebration of His unconditional love is also expressed as part of this Psalm. Worship and obedience is an appropriate response to a Father such as this. The conclusion re-enforces the opening verses of the blessedness of the forgiven.

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,

whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose

sin the LORD does not count against him

and in whose spirit is no deceit. [Ps 32:1-2]

Loving Father of all mercy; The joy in Your forgiveness is indescribable! Thank You for accepting my humble and sincere confessions, for granting such freedom, and restoring my heart to a state of righteousness. Teach me prudence and understanding that I might not behave as a stubborn beast, but to come to You of my own free will, trusting You. Thank You for the blessedness of not counting my confessed sins against me and covering them with the purifying blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In the Name of my Savior, Amen.



Stunning photo compliments of LilGoldWmn

A repost from the archives

Prayers of the Saints

Holy Father,

From Whom alone all good proceedeth,

let the Christian graces of faith, hope, and charity

be every day more firmly established within me.

O God, I believe --

that Thou rulest all things in wisdom and in righteousness;

that Thou hast called me to be Thy loyal servant;

that Thou dost rightfully demand of me

complete subservience to Thy will;

that in Jesus Christ Thou has shown me

a way of salvation whereby

I may be delivered from my sins;

that if I truly repent,

Thou art willing to pardon and save me.

O God, I hope--

for the continuance of Thy daily mercies;

for the lessening of sin's hold upon my will;

for my growth in grace and in true holiness from day to day;

for a more perfect holiness, when earthly days are done;

for a day when I shall know even as also I am known.

O God, I love Thee--

who Thyself art love;

who in love didst create me and in love dost still preserve me;

who didst so love me as to send Thy Son to suffer and to die

that I might live with Thee;

who hast commanded me to show my love to Thee

by loving my neighbour for Thy sake.

Help Thou mine unbelief, O God,

give me greater patience in my hope,

and make me more constant in my love.

In loving let me believe and

in believing let me love;

and in loving and in believing

let me hope for a more perfect love

and a more unwavering faith,

through Jesus Christ my Lord.  Amen.

~John Baillie

A Diary of Private Prayer

Remembering Rahab

Kind thanks for your permission, Christian!

Art graciously provided by:

Christian Dare Art

(Click link above to travel to her site

for use by permission only)

And what do we learn by remembering Rahab?

In the plains of Jericho this gentile harlot heard of Israelite's God and believed. She believed theirs was a Living God that parted the sea and defeated the desert kings. Before a prophet spoke the words that God would come, she believed.

From Rahab we learn of patience. How long did she wait? From the time she hid the spies on her roof until their return, how long did that cord for deliverance and protection hang from her window? Some scholars say as much as three weeks.

Imagine that first day the priests marched around the fortress carrying the Ark of the Lord. They never stopped. They never attempted to enter the city gate. They marched...and left. Then, again, the next day. And the next. For six days she saw them come… and go. She waited. She hoped. She endured.

And hers was a faith that brought about righteousness. James writes; "In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?" [Jas 2:25]. A sinner worthy of a visit.

Hers was the faith in action James refers to in 2:17-18. She heard, she believed, she acted. She involved herself in the plan of God. She hid the men, she covered for them. She diverted the search team. She negotiated for her family. She obeyed their instruction for a visible sign. She gathered her loved ones together. She waited. 

Remembering Rahab is to see her concern with having salvation granted to her family. She was not content to be saved herself. For her to be saved meant for her family to be saved.

Can you see any parallels in her story with yours?

Scarlet flowed down.

Walls fell down.

She had a new start.

A new life in the family of God.

She left that old, sinful self behind

to become part of the line of Christ.

Remember, this Lent, the story of Rahab. God placed her story on eternal pages that we might remember that He came to save sinners who believe.


Sovereign Lord; Give me a faith so bold as Rahab’s, patience to wait, concern and actions for the salvation of others; all the while trusting You with the new life You have saved me to live. Amen.

By faith the prostitute Rahab,

because she welcomed the spies,

was not killed with those who were disobedient.

[Heb 11:31]

Remembering Egypt

"Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment." [Ex 6:6]

Remembering Egypt.... the hard lessons learned by a people chosen of God. Remembering the great lengths God went to to save the captives. Remembering His dazzling display of power to break the yoke of slavery and to defeat the enemy.

The importance? Three out of the first five Books in the Bible are devoted to it. The Old Testament is about remembering God's participation in the lives of His created. It really gets me how often in Deuteronomy alone God tells the Israelites to remember (in one form or another).

"be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." [Dt 6:12]


"Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands." [Dt 8:2]

Points to Remember

Past enslavement

"Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day."


"Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today."  [Dt 5:15; 15:15]

Why is it important for me to remember this? A modern, gentile, soccer mom in American suburbia? Because I once, too, was held captive. A slave to my sinful nature. Freed by Christ, kept by Holy Spirit power. But forgetting could quickly put me back in chains.


Not to be afraid

"You may say to yourselves, 'These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?' But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the miraculous signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the LORD your God brought you out. The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear." [Dt 7:17-19]

Fear is a paralyzing, faith robber that can mask itself in many guises.  It can weaken our legs, tighten our throat, put sweat on our brow. It is a thief of all those things Christ came to accomplish in our lives through faith. Remembering what God has done in my life keeps faith strong, courage bold, and confidence alive.


Keeping idol-free

"Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the LORD your God has forbidden." [Dt 4:23]

How many are we confronted with daily? How easy to fall prey!  Remembering God is a jealous God is a formidable deterrent.


Propensity to rebellion

"Remember this and never forget how you provoked the LORD your God to anger in the desert. From the day you left Egypt until you arrived here, you have been rebellious against the LORD. At Horeb you aroused the LORD's wrath so that he was angry enough to destroy you." [Dt 9:7-8]

Remembering God expects obedience and His displeasure otherwise helps me to make wise choices. How easy it is to fall into the temptation to take shortcuts, to living responsively to the noise of life.


Identity-conscious

"for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession." [Dt 14:2]

It is a wise and prudent practice to remember who I am in Christ, the price He paid, His call to holiness and servanthood. Remembering who I am as a treasured child of God and an ambassador of Christ helps prioritize my day -- my goals -- rightly.

"But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted."  [Rm 6:17]

Thanks be my chains have been broken. One time obedience is not the answer, however. Obedience is a lifetime requirement -- one day at a time. We can only obey His commands and teachings as we remember them. Hopefully I will be remembering them often, keeping on track to His promised land. Lest I forget Egypt.


Father God; As I march on through this land, give me reminders of what I've learned from Deuteronomy--to keep remembering.  Amen.


Link to Related Post:
Deuteronomy Revisited

The Great Flood Remembered

Practicing what I'd like to call a spiritual discipline of Rememberance Through Scripture, today my thoughts take me to the correlation between the lessons of renewal from the story of Noah and the spiritual renewal that should result from this season of Lent.

I find Lent is actively living out Paul’s admonition not to “receive God’s grace in vain.” (2 Corinthians 6:1). Remembering who He is, who I am, and just how much I daily need His grace, keeps my perspective healthy.

The record of the Great Flood is for our benefit. It gives us great insight into God’s holiness, power, and hatred of sin.

It is hard for me to fully understand just how serious it is to turn my back on God and live in disobedience. It is also easy for me to forget God’s holy and just wrath. Remembering these Old Testament stories renews my mind to that reality.

In the time of Noah, God became so grieved with mankind because of their sin, and rebellion that He chose not to hold back His righteous anger any longer. However, while cleansing the earth of evil God also extended mercy, choosing not to totally destroy all of creation. He spared Noah, his family, the earth, and each animal species and allowed mankind another chance.

Take time to read the incredible account of The Great Flood from Genesis 6-9.

There are five points I would like to share from this account:

1. The story of Noah serves as our warning. It is still relevant today for Jesus has said: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” (Mt 24:37). God proved that He is true to His word.

2. Noah serves as our example of faith and the righteousness that comes by faith in Christ. “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. (Heb 11:7)

3. Noah serves as our encouragement. We are encouraged by Noah because although he was surrounded by wickedness he remained faithful to God. Though the world was corrupt around him, he did not conform to it.  He lived in obedience and relationship with God.

4. Noah serves as a typology for God’s grace as set before us in Ephesians 2:8: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."  God saved him because of His grace responding to Noah's faith.

5. As the story of the flood is a story of renewal for the earth, for creation, and for mankind, so too, is Lent a time of renewal. Every time we repent, our hearts are renewed. Every time we open the Bible our minds are renewed. Every time we forgive we renew our relationships. And when we draw near to God, He renews our spirit.

God demonstrated his wrath, justice, power, and judgment through the Great Flood. There was one other time in history that He did so and that was at the Cross of Christ. He showed His wrath toward sin. His justice and judgment toward rebellion of His commands, and His power in quaking the earth. But He also demonstrated His patience (waiting for the completion of the ark), His love (for Noah and his family), and His grace (to save). Mostly, He showed His tremendous desire for a covenant relationship with mankind.

Covenant – now there's something to remember. It's also another cause for celebration this season.



Father; You have so much to teach us and we have so very much to learn. Renew these minds by Your life-giving Word. As we turn our hearts to you, bring about the cleansing that brings renewal.  Amen.

Praise for the Kingdom's King

“Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”

“Didache”

(Teaching of the Twelve Apostles)

AMEN, indeed! And what a “THINE it is!

I memorized that as part of the Disciples Prayer when I was quite young. I’ve recited it countless times ever since. Different parts of that prayer have touched me in various ways over the years but it wasn’t until the other night that the Doxology created an entirely new perspective. It stirred praise at a deeper level when I meditated upon Who the Thine fully is. Praise Him with me:



Thine is the Christ

Who formed the heavens and all that is in them

Stood guard in the fiery furnace

Saved mankind with outstretched arms

And defeated death




Thine is our trustworthy Savior

Of goodness, mercy, and compassion

Our Righteous God

Full of grace and truth




Whose perfect love never fails

A God that draws near

To save wretched sinners

Never to abandon or forsake





Thine is the Holy I AM

All power is His

All glory is His

Our Everlasting King of Kings





That is the God of the kingdom

And the kingdom is HIS

No lesser God

No other false god

It’s all His and none other



Now, that’s good news of the kingdom!



Lord of all Lords; May Your kingdom come. For Yours is the kingdom! Not ours! Not anyone elses. YOURS! All praise be Yours and Yours alone.


Author note:  What is sometimes referred to as the Didache is not in all early manuscripts or modern translations as part of what is known as the Lord's Prayer recorded in Matthew 6:13.

Prayers of the Saints

The lyrics of “Breathe On Me” makes for a beautiful prayer. (I have made some minor edits for that purpose.)


The words and music were written by Matt Huesmann and Grant Cunningham. It was performed by artist Sandi Patty.


Kneel before God and utter these words in hunger and reverence. Meditate upon each verse and feel His breath breathe on you.

Breathe on me, breath of God;

bring my life close to your spirit.

Beat in me, heart of God;

my soul's in prayer to be near it .

Focus my eyes to only see what's you;

and breathe on me, breath of God.

Breathe on me, breathe of God;

I am a vessel to be filled.

Comfort me, peace of God;

Lord, I am restless for your will.

Silence my fears so that I may hear from you;

and breathe on me, breath of God.

Surround me in your glory,

make your presence known.

Set the path of grace before me,

let your breath become my own.

Breathe on me, breath of God;

cover my sin with your mercy.

Speak to me, word of God;

give me a light for my journey.

Show me your way,

and draw me close to you.

And breathe on me,

breathe on me,

breathe on me, breath of God.