As the rain and snow

“Give ear to my words, O Lord;
    consider my groaning.
Give attention to the sound of my cry,
    my King and my God,
    for to you do I pray.
O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
    in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.

For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
    evil may not dwell with you.
The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;
    you hate all evildoers.
You destroy those who speak lies;
    the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
    will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
    in the fear of you.
Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
    because of my enemies;
    make your way straight before me…

Let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
    let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
    you cover him with favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:1-8,11-12

David relished his morning watch. There were times when his days began with a groan, a cry, a desperate prayer. Burdened the wicked and the consequences of their boasting, lying, deceit, and cruelty, he had to lay his concerns down in God’s presence. His expression found solace in the Lord His refuge, his angst in His purity. This God who welcomed him by way of steadfast, abundant love and grace was worthy of his thoughtful sacrifice- of time, devotion, affection, trust. He was the holy One, He the King. David watched, waited, surrendered in heart and mind. His soul depended on His shelter and leading, and rejoiced.

“O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You.” Psalm 63:1

It takes time and intention to prepare a morning sacrifice for the Lord, an assessment and surrender of desire, anxiety, and will to the God of the universe. It takes acknowledging Who is in charge, and yielding control. The morning watch is as much an affirmation of God’s sovereignty and holiness as it is of our unburdening of requests. The rhythm of days so begun is orchestrated music by the King.

Where do we go for refilling, renewing? How do we unburden our souls? Do we practice devotion with only a quick nod or distracted, rote check-off, a scripted prayer or wishlist? Meaningful personal connection with the Lord begins with reverence in His throne room. Self quieted and yielded, we offer our all to His welcoming presence. Will we early approach Him for love, joy, protection, and blessing?

Do we think such daily offering seems an insurmountable challenge? It requires commitment and devotion, yet is always rewarded. When it starts the order of a day it is a lifeline like no other, setting straight the eyes, steady the heart, and stalwart the will.

“Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!” ~ Henry Van Dyke (1907)

Lord, take my morning and my days, for Your ceaseless praise and glory.

“The plans of the heart belong to man,
    but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord…
The heart of man plans his way,
    but the Lord establishes his steps…

Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
    but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 16:1,9; 19:21

The wise king knew the inclinations of his own heart- the desire to plan, to manage, to control himself and everyone else. His knowledge of God’s creation and personal experience amply taught him that no insight, plan, or counsel could succeed against the Lord. As he grew in wisdom, he gratefully resigned his intentions to God’s sovereignty over all things. His rest in God’s goodness compelled him to record this wisdom for others. (1 Kings 4:29-33; Proverbs 21:30)

“His brothers came and fell down before him and said, ‘Behold, we are your servants.’  But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?  As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.  So do not fear; I will provide for you…’ Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:18-21

It is in a man to consider and make plans. We are motivated by both dream and necessity, and being created with agency to think and do, we can strategize and prepare and purpose toward many an action and end. Some plot for evil, some for good. What the child of God needs to understand and accept is that we, in all this intending, are not our own masters. Certainly we can aspire and make ready and even begin to implement for what is to come, but we must know that the Lord by His hand establishes our steps. His will is where we can rest. The working of HIs will exalts His glory.

But oh, how we can chafe! In the flesh we resist another Master, in passionate desire we push to make our will come to pass. The Lord watches, allows, upends, intervenes, all according to His goodness and perfection. His high thought supersedes our thinking, His high ways override our limited ones. We make the choice to keep maneuvering to escape His roadblocks or detours, or to accede to His supremacy and trust His hand to guide and carry to the best end. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

What plans and efforts is God calling me to relinquish gladly to His sovereignty? In what situations do we kick against the goads, attempting to quench His Spirit, stubbornly intent on our wants and dreams? Where will we entrust our hearts, safely and expectantly, to His hands? (Acts 26:12-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:19)

“Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth;
shelters thee under his wings, ye so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thy desires e’er have been
granted by what he ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord, who dost prosper thy work and defend thee;
surely his goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty will do,
if with his love he befriend thee.” ~Joachim Neander (1680)

Father, into Your hands I commit my heart’s best plans, that Your will be done.

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

“To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.  It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:1-8

Paul knew how to compose a letter that had great impact. The status of his heart for God’s people was at once communicated, setting the tone for whatever encouragement, admonishment, or hard truth needed to be conveyed. He began with grace because that was his platform and their adjoining need. He affirmed their spiritual standing as fellow saints, settling their souls. He expressed gratitude, and the love and humility and yearning that accompanied his truly grateful heart. Surely these set the scene for his messages and adorned his care. (Galatians 1:1-5; Ephesians 1:1-2; Colossians 1:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-2; 1 Timothy 1:1-2; 2 Timothy 1:1-2; Titus 1:4)

Grace is always welcomed. Grace ushers in an atmosphere of mutual respect and affection. Grace begets humility. Grace unites hearts and minds under the umbrella of Jesus because it points to Him and His unmerited provision. Grace effectuates receptivity. Grace prompts holy desire and empowers prayer.

Are we astounded by grace extended to us? Do we recognize it? Do we value it enough to desire to begin our day’s worship with thankfulness for it, our decisions with the filter of it, and our interactions with the loveliness of it? Does God’s grace received compel us to extend it to others? (Ephesians 4:32)

What would have to change in our mindset for us to begin every moment, every communication, every greeting, every answer, every message, with grace? How would it shape our expression, affections, and words? How would it fuel gratitude and humble dependence on the Lord for how to proceed? How might it stoke deeper love for others also saved by, or in desperate need of, grace?

When we see and appreciate the amazing grace expressed to and enveloping us every day, we cannot help but be affected by it. The more its beauties seep into our souls and perspective, the more we are filled to overflow. Grace becomes our beginning.

“We give thee but thine own,
whate’er the gift may be;
all that we have is thine alone,
a trust, O Lord, from thee.

May we thy bounties thus
as stewards true receive
and gladly, as thou blessest us,
to thee and others give.” ~William How (1858) (PEB)

Lord, at the beginning of every day and every budding opportunity, help me thank You for, and extend, Your glorious grace.

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,  complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.  Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:1-8

Paul has just urged the Philippians to let their manner of life be worthy of the gospel, even when for the sake of Christ, they would suffer. Then he reminds them of the blessed gifts that come in such a believing, salvation-enveloped life. Since they have experienced encouragement in Christ, comfort from love, participation in the Spirit, and affection and sympathy with other believers, he now directs them to be unified in mind and love. This takes stepping back to second place, counting others as more significant than themselves, conceding to and preferring others’ interests. These are not natural, yet were perfectly exemplified in their Savior and therefore, through His resurrection power, possible. How to have full accord and joy? Be like Christ! (Romans 12:9-10; Philippians 1:27-30)

We are called to have His mind, which always chose for the ultimate good of others over His own immediate wants. His thinking, talking, and responding were filtered in truth and love. How will we count ourselves nothing, though we might be something mighty special in our own eyes, or even the world’s? We don’t have to be first, assert our rights, get our way. Having all things in Christ bids us fix thought and treasure in heaven and relinquish earthly privilege. (Matthew 6:19-21,24; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Colossians 3:1-2)

We are urged to take the form and practice of a servant, deliberately and wholly subservient to God the Master and doing for the benefit of others. Where can we humble ourselves, kneel, step in to do menial tasks, the dirty work, for the Sovereign’s sake and others’ good? How willing are we to get low in order to esteem and build up? He is King and I am not. (John 13:3-5,14-17; Romans 12:16)

No selfish ambition? Others and their opinions or needs more important than I and mine? Look out for their interests, maybe at the expense of mine? How is this possible? Wrestling with the flesh is real, and difficult. Apart from God’s Spirit, I cannot, but must remember the Christ-life is God’s work, my surrender. He grants the will and guides the doing. He must increase, and will, as I decrease to less and less. In what specific proclivities, passions, or priorities need I relinquish my will to be in fuller accord with Christ Jesus? (Matthew 19:26; John 3:30; Romans 7:15-25; Philippians 2:13)

Lord, empty me of self and fill me with Your mind and Spirit, so You are seen and glorified.

“Mary stood weeping outside the tomb… She turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him…’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him, ‘Rabboni!..’

“Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, [with] Thomas… Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands;.. and place [your hand] in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!'” John 20:11,14-16,26-28

“That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus,.. talking with each other about all these things that had happened… Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him…  Then one of them, Cleopas, [said], ‘Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened… concerning Jesus of Nazareth.., and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up… and crucified him?’… He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe..!  And beginning with Moses.., he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself…

“When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him…  They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, [and] opened to us the Scriptures?..’  Then they told… how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

“As they were talking about these things, Jesus stood among them, and said, ‘Peace to you!’ They were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. He said, ‘Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see.'” Luke 24:13-16,18-20,25,27,30-32,35-39

Mary, Thomas, Cleopas and companion, the Twelve… one by one the followers of Jesus, shattered by His cruel, unjust death, at first failed but came to recognize His resurrected body. What they’d known in part Jesus revealed anew by His power and ministry.

We can manufacture expectations for where we think the Lord should show up and how He’ll behave. We want Him on our time and terms. But the Lord Jesus, always true to His character, has deeper and more far-reaching purposes for our understanding His majesty. To the disciples, He revealed himself by knowing their names, comforting fear, explaining Scriptures, and offering His scars. For us, He meets misunderstandings, sorrow, curiosity, and doubts too, with reminders that He knows and loves us, understands our needs, died for our sins, and is personally present for every aspect of our lives.

How has the Lord recently made Himself known in His Word? My life circumstances? Other people? Do I have only past experiences but dim current expectation or recognition? What am I doing to develop and maintain a close relationship with Him?

Where am I bereft? Confused? Hungry? Anxious? Dismayed? Jesus is alive and present for every pang! How will I seek and marvel at His glorious, living presence with me? (Psalm 46:1)

Lord, may I look for and delight in Your life in mine, to Your praise. 

“As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, ‘Peace to you!.. These are my words that I spoke while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and Psalms must be fulfilled.’  Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.’

“And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.., ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.” Luke 24:36,44-53; Matthew 28:18-20

One of the very present benefits of the open tomb for Jesus’s disciples was the opening of eyes and minds to grasp all Jesus had foretold. Caught and confused in the societal pressures from the Roman government and Jewish leadership, the disciples had a hard time reconciling their perception of Jesus as both King and crucified Savior. The empty tomb shed light into their darkened understanding, and would ultimately compel their feet and open their mouths to proclaim the risen Christ boldly and abroad.

Life is rife with conundrums where we cannot know why things happen or what might be. We try to discern, and base conclusions on what we do know, yet still find ourselves curious, confused, or disappointed. We believe what the Word teaches, yet circumstances do not seem to be in synch with consequent expectations. If only we could control events, keep to our plans, and determine the future!

The open tomb of Jesus opens to us new thinking. He fulfilled His oft-repeated promise to rise again. His work on the cross was finished, and He rose from the dead victorious over sin and death. He met with His disciples and restored their faith, pledged to send His Spirit to indwell them with power, then gave them a benediction. (Matthew 16:21; John 19:30; 20:24-28; 21:15-19)

Convinced of all these, how can we see our challenging personal situations differently? Can we receive the peace He offers and allow it to calm our worries? Would we ask Him to open our minds to His perspective of things, and for His Spirit to remind us what He’s taught? How might praying that He make His promises real in our specific situations and help us apply His truth make a difference in how we handle uncertainties? (John 14:26)

How can God’s absolute authority bring stability today? How are we putting His promises and commands into practice? Christ’s blessing and power from on high are sufficient for us to do His will.

Lord, help me apply Your power and promises with the joy and praise You deserve.

“Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them:.. ‘Let this be known to you, and give ear to my words… 

“’Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst..— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it… David says concerning him,

“‘You will not abandon my soul to Hades,
    or let your Holy One see corruption…’

“Brothers, I say with confidence about the patriarch David that he died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ… This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.  Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing… 

“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

“Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said.., ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.'” Acts 2:14,22-25,27,29-33,36-39

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

The three years of all their experiences following Jesus had marked the disciples forever, but nothing like His resurrection did. Starting life anew without Jesus in the flesh, they were indelibly imprinted with the power of His resurrection and majesty of His ascension. This overwhelming exhibit of divine victory would identify all they did and said from here on, and now energized by the Holy Spirit, would make an eternal difference in the world. That’s what resurrection does.

Jesus’s divine fulfillment of all that had been foretold, and the impact of His final words from the cross, loosed the pangs of death forever. His work of teaching, forgiving, and providing was completed, and the Son of Man returned to His Heavenly Father as eternal Victor. He bore the pangs of death to the ultimate so we need not any longer. Alleluia, what a Savior! (Mark 15:34; Luke 23:34,43-46; John 19:26-28,30)

What does this loosing mean for the child of God? To know that His resurrection conquered death urges us to live free of shame, past hurts, bitterness over consequences innocently borne. We can see all that is difficult in new light of the Risen Son.

How will we apply Christ’s victory over death? What fresh hope or expectation can motivate daily conquering of sinful habits? What forgiveness received compels forgiveness issued? How will we radiate the Spirit of Christ anew through intentional, steadfast, resurrection living?

Lord, live Your victorious life through me, to Your glory.

“We see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

“For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.  That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers…

“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,  and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:9-11,14-18

In a splendid mysterium tremendum, Jesus laid aside His glory and condescended to become man and die in order to bring us to glory. In what was fitting for such a great deliverance, He partook of our flesh and blood so we can now partake of His- in regular remembrance of His death and in ongoing sharing of His suffering, life, and joy. The Creator of all, the Founder and Finisher of our faith, made perfect our salvation through His suffering and ultimate victory over the devil. How can it be that He would leave His Father’s throne, empty Himself of all but grace, and give His life for our helpless race? What wondrous love is this! How vast beyond all measure! (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 12:1-2)

Oh, that we would love Him in return as we partake in His life and grace! We encounter many a temptation, many a worldly thought and allure, and know that our Jesus did too. We sniff at the stench of death, too familiar with loved ones or nearing it ourselves. We go about work that is impermanent, with no eternal value. We yearn for meaning that extends beyond our earthly lives. The Lord understood all these, took on flesh to experience them, and was crucified for every unfulfilled longing and hurtful consequence of sin.

Would we celebrate His gift by a humbly partaking with Jesus in death to self, and praise? Would we invest in work and service that honors His selfless ministry to us? Would we rejoice in sharing His sufferings because they allow us to know Him intimately? Let the answers be a hearty yes! (Luke 9:23; John 13:12-17; Romans 15:1-3; Philippians 3:10)

“When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died…
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.” ~Isaac Watts (1707)

Lord, help me partake in Your death, bearing Your cross, so I can know Your true life and share its joys with others.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” 1 Peter 2:24

“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members… though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body… and all drink of one Spirit.

“For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

“The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you…’ God has so composed the body… that there may be no division, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-21,24b-27

For the Christian to understand how to die to sin and live to righteousness, he need only look at the beautiful body of Christ. Jesus humbled Himself unto death, an example of perfect obedience and ultimate surrender for others’ sake. To serve as an effective part of His Body, death to self is necessary. (John 13:15; Philippians 2:1-8; 1 Peter 2:21)

“How beautiful the hands that served
The wine and the bread
And the sons of the earth
How beautiful the feet that walked
The long dusty roads
And the hill to the cross
How beautiful is the body of Christ

How beautiful the heart that bled
That took all my sin and bore it instead
How beautiful the tender eyes
That choose to forgive and never despise
How beautiful is the body of Christ”

Contemplating the body of Christ, how might we join Him in self-sacrifice and endurance? What self-will needs sobering, what participation, compassion, contribution need awakening? Serving the Body in tangible ways magnifies God’s grace and glory.

“How beautiful the radiant bride
Who waits for her Groom
With His light in her eyes
How beautiful when humble hearts give
The fruit of pure lives so that others may live
How beautiful is the body of Christ.

How beautiful the feet that bring
The sound of good news
And the love of the King
How beautiful the hands that serve
The wine and the bread
And the sons of the Earth
How beautiful, how beautiful
How beautiful is the body of Christ” ~Twila Paris (2009)

Lord, as a vital, contributing part of Your beautiful Body, may I honor You.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 10:10-18; 15:13

The epitome of abundant life to Jesus was laying down His life as Shepherd for His sheep, as Savior for His friends. While it sounds like an inconsistency in practice, He knew it was the way to redemption, giving up life in order to offer eternal life. Laying down His life was the purpose for which He was sent from the Father, and nothing gave Him more joy than to glorify His Father by fulfilling His will. (John 4:34; 17:1-5)

“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.” Romans 12:1-2

We Christ’s sheep have opportunity every day to lay down our lives for our good Shepherd. As He had authority to give up His spirit and die for our sakes, we have His indwelling Spirit to enable us to live that exchanged life- ours for His, moment by moment. It takes deliberate offering of ourselves- our pride, dreams, regrets, selfish preferences- on His altar, no sliding off, to remain faithful and fulfill His good, pleasing, and perfect will. (Matthew 27:50; Galatians 2:20)

Can we honestly say we have laid down our lives for Jesus? In what areas have we partially surrendered, yet hold onto a few little gods, ugly habits, greedy indulgences? Considering that Jesus gave His all, what might the Lord be calling me to lay down once-for-all in order to fulfill His will for my season of life? What harsh words, unloving attitudes, past shame, hot temper, or prickly arrogance need I sacrifice on Christ’s altar? Laying down means no retrieval.

Lord, help me lay down my life for You, Your people, and Your glory.