Pastor Buddy’s Blog

The refuge of the blessed…

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Well Journal,

I’m running a little behind again. Yesterday was a pretty full day with visitors. Enjoyed my day? emmensely.

Actually Sunday evening Andre and Judy came by for a visit. It is always such a treat to get to visit with my kids. Nathan also dropped by for awhile. Poor fella — He is having to play bachelor til this evening. Lori and the girls are in Houston visiting her dad.

Yesterday was another great day for visitors. My sister Bonnie spent the afternoon with us. Had a great time just sharing together. While Bonnie was with us,? Larry Jeane dropped by for a visit. Larry is so good about checking up on me. He is a good friend. Larry will be preparing the meat for our 31st Jubilee next month. Maybe it will work out where I can be there. Sort of iffy at this point.

Just an update on my health? — Mentioned earlier that I am at the half-way mark on my chemo.? Occasionally? I’ll have a touch of nausea.? I simply can’t do physical things that I normally? do. (Tire out.) As for my spiritual and mental well being, I am doing great. In fact Betty is really encouraged over how well I am doing. Most everyone who sees me is surprised just a bit.? I’m not surprised. Seems the Lord has some unfinished business for me to tend to.?

Plans for the future –? Now that Christian Challenge is well-in-hand under Nathan’s capable leadership, Betty and I will likely do some traveling. Plan to minister out as the Lord provides opportunities. I’ll probabaly fill in for Nathan as the need arises.? Then there is the? School for Christian Workers. I remain director of the school with Lane as my assistant. Need to pump new ideas into the school. All in all Betty and I will be the extensioned arms for CCI. Of course only time will determine what all this means.

I shared my last devotion from Psalm 1, and how the? book of Psalms opens with a benediction. Just a reminder in that the? Hebrew word for ‘how blessed’? speaks of the multiplie blessings and of the happiness that rests upon the man and woman who walks the pathway? of the righteous.?

The Amplified Bible says it this way:? “Blessed (happy, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lies not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.”

My devotion for today comes from? Psalm 2. I want to that this? issue of ‘blessedness’ a step further.

Psalm 2 is very important for more than one reason. It was the Psalm that the early Jewish believers drew from when the apostles had been persecuted by the Jewish leadership. It is very much a prophetic Psalm. Listen to just a bit:

“But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain. I will sure tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” (Vv6,7)

This Psalm is about the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. But what I really want you to see is how once again we see the ‘blessedness’ of believers. Note how Psalm 2 concludes:

“Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling. 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 who take refuge in Him!” (Vv10-12)

This rebuke reaches across time and eternity. When the time of the outgathering of God’s people from the earth is fully completed, then comes what the Bible describes as ‘the day of God’s wrath.’ The doctrine of God’s wrath is taught throughout the Scriptures.

The book of Revelation encapuslates this final wrap up of the ages. Notice how closely it fits with Psalm 2:

“Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; and they said to the mountains and the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand.” (6:15-17 nasb)

However, no believer needs to dread the day of God’s wrath. Keep in mind how Psalm 2 ends: “How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!”

There is so much I would like to share here. Taking refuge in Christ speaks to all believers throughout the ages. Listen to some Scriptures:

“For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” (Col3:3,4)

“Come, my people, enter into your rooms [our heavenly provision] and close your doors behind you; hide for a little while until indignation runs its course. For behold, the Lord is about to come out from His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity…” (Isaiah 26:20,21 - A clear reference to the catching away of God’s children.)

“You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.” (Psalm 32:7)

“For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock, and now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tend sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.” (Psalm 27:5,6)

All the expressions used in these portions speaks to the lifting up ‘heavenly’ blessedness that belongs to those? who have found their refuge in Jesus Christ.?

As Moses the man of God looks down on the tribal people of Israel, he expresses this blessedness that belongs to all the chosen in the Lord. Moses says,

“Lord, You have been our dwellihng place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or you have birth to the earth and to the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” (Psalm 90:1,2)

Is it any wonder that we sing songs like, ‘My heavenly home is bright and fair, I feel like traveling on. Nor pain nor death can enter there, I feel like traveling on.’

Did you know that one of the great signs that a person? belongs to the Lord is this inward longing for? our heavenly refuge in Christ?? The apostle said that the Lord is coming back for those who? long for His appearing.? Jesus plants this longing in our hearts when we come to know Him as our personal Lord and Savior.

Peter speaks of this longing for our ultimate salvation with this expression? — “And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice (over His coming) with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the [final] salvation [Or, 'the bringing home] of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8,9)

11:00 a.m. - CJ and I went for our second morning walk. Up on the hill to the quiet place. The clouds are hanging overhead. Looks like a bit of rain in the works. Of course the General always loves these outings. Gets to do his? roll in the grass.

On a sad note, I really do miss Snickers a lot. (Betty does to.) Find myself gazing at his resting place? from our dining room window. Just? miss his snuggling in your lap.? Then he had this puzzled look on his face when he cocked his head from side to side. But I also have to remember what a? bundle of aggravation? he could be at times.

For some reason I’ve always had this special liking for dogs. I well recall? every dog I’ve ever had.? A good example was Butch. When I was a policeman in Moab, Utah, Butch was my German Shepherd sidekick. Still have a picture of the two of us? while in my uniform.

Butch was another personality plus. Had a panel truck with a motorcycle that I’d tie down in the back. Butch would let Betty ride in the passenger? seat, but she had to let him sit by the window. I remember the first time Butch saw a bunch of cows. He didn’t know what to do with himself. Must have thought those were the biggest dogs he’d ever seen.? : )

But again, I well remember them all. In fact Betty had to keep me from running off to the dog? pound when we first got married. I’d go, bring one back. Then I’d go again, bring another one back. Well, she decided that two dogs was plenty dogs enough.? (Most I ever had at one time was three.) Course when you catch? a beautiful bride like my Betty, you pretty much go with her wishes.? Makes for a good marriage. ? ?

11:45 a.m. - Betty is enjoying grand-younguns today. Since I am a master cook, believe I’ll go fix me some soup.

Wait a minute - What is this I hear?? The back door has opened. Ok, CJ, let’s get in our defense stance. Around the corner it slip. What do I behold? A beautiful blued eyed girl with something in her hand. Well, I’ll be. That blue-eyed girl is my wife and in her hand is a Chinese meal. Boy, does that girl ever love me.

I’ve rambled enough. Time for the eating. Think I’ll sign off for the day.

And so,? ‘Remember your refuge and be sure to? keep looking? heavenwardly. Never know when the Lord will say, ‘Ok, it’s coming home time!’

Sending plenty of love coming your way,

Buddy

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