goodness of God – Be Still…

1 Peter 2:1-10 – What Do You Crave?

The first verse can send a shiver down most of our backs when we realize we are guilty. “So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.” It’s this same evil behavior that breaks down friendships, families, and especially our relationship with God. We’re all guilty and need to be cleansed. I’ve often said I’m glad Jesus must have a big eraser because he washes away our sins.

Peter is “spot on” with his counsel about life. Verse 5 is a doozy. “And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.” It’s not often that we think of ourselves in terms of “living stones” or “holy priests.” At least I don’t. But Peter calls us out as being just that! Continue reading “1 Peter 2:1-10 – What Do You Crave?”

Ephesians 1:1-8 – Praise

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Paul opens this letter to the Ephesians by introducing himself as chosen by God, acknowledging the faithfulness of the believers there, and giving them a blessing. As an apostle of Jesus, Paul was given the mission of making sure people understood what it meant to be followers of Jesus.

From the start, Paul sets a great example for a life of faith by giving “all praise” to God. It is good for us to regularly sing God’s praises, remembering all the blessings he has given us. We don’t need to wait for our quiet time of prayer and reflection to exalt him for what he has done. Paul is praising in the middle of this letter! Continue reading “Ephesians 1:1-8 – Praise”

Psalm 103 – Praise the Lord!

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Praise the Lord! What an uplifting tribute to God’s majesty, provision, and love. If ever you find yourself at a loss of words in prayer, lean into this truth of who God is. When we remember and call out God’s goodness, more and more examples just flood out of us. God loves to hear our praise.

The psalmist cries out, “Let all that I am praise the Lord.” That some sincere devotion. How many of us have ever been that “all-in” for God in our lives? We tell ourselves we have responsibilities, tasks, people counting on us, jobs, only 24 hours in a day. Yes, we have those things. But are they more important than God? Continue reading “Psalm 103 – Praise the Lord!”

Leviticus 7:22-38 – Final Words

Read Leviticus 7:22-38

For now, our discussion about the sacrificial system has come to a close. I, for one, am breathing a sigh of relief. The book of Leviticus challenges readers today to whom these laws don’t seem relevant. Yet God still speaks to us through his word, even when we don’t understand how it can possibly apply to us.

These final two directions focus on fat consumption and the meat portions for priests. We’ve heard before how God wants us to avoid eating animal fat and how he cares for his servants, the priests. Through these practices, we see how much God cared for his people and wanted to be a good Father. Continue reading “Leviticus 7:22-38 – Final Words”

Psalm 84 – How Lovely It Is

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What a beautiful psalm of respect for God’s house. At first, I wasn’t sure if the psalmist was referring to the temple in Jerusalem, a tabernacle in the wilderness, our local church, or heaven where God reigns forever in his Kingdom. Where is God’s dwelling place? I don’t think God is contained in a physical location. What are your thoughts about where this lovely place might be?

Suffice it to say that the presence of the LORD is magnificent no matter where we are. As so many other Scripture passages assure us, God is with us and never abandons us. When we allow ourselves to acknowledge God’s supremacy over our lives, we can’t help but worship him with our gratitude and praise. We long for more time dwelling in God’s presence. Continue reading “Psalm 84 – How Lovely It Is”