The Grace of Withholding

Posted on by mikepeercy

We are arrogant creatures, are we not?

When it comes right down to it, most of us tend to reasonably comply with the laws and regulations that fit our own understanding or thought processes, but scoff and disregard others that don’t make any sense to us. We think something is a good step if it makes sense to us. We tend to see someone’s actions as stupid if it doesn’t fit our frame of reference.

Most of the things that we determine are good or bad are based upon what we have reasoned are the right things. Even on hot-button issues in our society, much of our villainization of those who hold opposing views comes from the fact that, to us, our perspective is clearly superior.

Why are we so adamant?

Is it possible that we all have an inordinately high opinion of our own opinion?

I was reading a passage that started my mind swirling this morning. It’s found in Psalm 84:

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you! (Psalm 84.11-12)

Continue reading The Grace of Withholding

Ch-ch-ch-changes…

Posted on by mikepeercy

There was a time when the word “change” made me reach into my pocket. Now it makes me hold on to my hat.

I’ve written about the craziness of the season of family life that we are in. Today is another one of those days of change amidst a season of change.

Our world-changers are returning today from almost a year spent in Honduras. That’s exciting…and difficult. But God is continuing to grow them and teach them and use them for His glory.

My one and only SweetPea is about to move from undergrad to grad school. It’s exciting, except for the loading stuff in a trailer and hauling it around part. But I’m dad and it’s what I do.

My Army man is in the process of being transformed from a boy to a soldier in one of the most intense seasons of change he will likely ever experience. All I can do is pray hard and write letters…both of which I am diligently doing.

I’ve had another anniversary and another birthday this month. I’ve been wrestling with the richness and majesty of our great salvation in my current theology class. I am in the process of being stretched in my ministry life in ways that I have never yet experienced.

Change is the one absolute constant condition in life right now. Continue reading Ch-ch-ch-changes…

Kenny Rogers and Me

Posted on by mikepeercy

I’ve never considered myself a very courageous man.

But I have had a few moments.

One day, almost twenty-six years ago, I somehow managed to summon the courage to ask out a girl that I was pretty sure was way out of my league. She was kind of quiet, so cute, and seemed to have a sly ornery smile. And I went for it.

Twenty-four years ago today, by what I can only say was God’s provision of a blinding love, she took a vow to go with me anywhere and everywhere. And what a journey it has been.

There are so many steps for which I would never have found the courage were it not for her faithful presence by my side, believing in me far more than I have ever believed in myself – even when I gave her every reason not to do so.

Continue reading Kenny Rogers and Me