As the rain and snow

“I thank God whom I serve,.. as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day... I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” 2 Timothy 1:3,5-9

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

“It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13

Paul reminds Timothy repeatedly that he has a special place and role in God’s mission. Personal and particular, he expresses great gratitude for this young protégé and urges him to exercise the faith and gifts he’s been given to fulfill his holy calling. Life and days for God’s stewards are to be spent in an eternal mindset and cadence.

The Scriptures are replete with the message that we were made in purpose as God’s image-bearers, on purpose with our specific gifts and according to His eternal will at our time and place, and for the divine purpose of living, suffering, and giving for Jesus’s sake and kingdom, to God’s glory. Yet often in the gnarl of the immediate, banal, and earthly, we don’t sense a high or holy aspect to anything. The world has its way of choking out and blinding to what is significant and lasting. (Genesis 1:26-28; Esther 4:14; Psalm 139:13-16; Isaiah 43:1,7,10; 49:1-6; Acts 17:24-28; Philippians 1:6)

It’s important to take time to consider the layers beyond what we see and feel at the moment. Pausing from the press of input and the tyranny of the urgent, we need to think about what is truly important and lasting. Why am I here, and now? For what has the Lord situated me in this position, these relationships, this neighborhood, with these difficulties? What resources has He entrusted to me, and how can I step into and fulfill His purpose here?

As the Lord God works His will into and through me, how readily do I cooperate? Do I aim for holy ends in earthly chores and responsibilities? Do I anticipate with heightened awareness the heavenly being accomplished through the earthly?

How closely do my desires align with His? How will I synch the rhythms of my days with His purposes and ways? A daily practice of offering ourselves to the Lord and trusting Him to teach and lead assures the right path. (Psalm 25:4-5; Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 12:1-2)

Lord teach me to live with purpose, on purpose, for You, Your purposes and glory.

“If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and… keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach…

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:3-12,14,17-19

Paul describes what causes pangs of angst and turmoil of soul with clear warning. He understood the urges of flesh and spirit and steered Timothy to align his pangs with godliness. Here should be his focus of passion, hunger, and yearning: to know the Lord and grow increasingly like Him. Misplaced affections and ungodly cravings would lead only to ruin and friction, but wanting godliness and pursuing righteousness would assure the joys of eternal life.

Our world is rife with false doctrine, controversy, and idols. Everywhere we look and listen we are confronted with pomposity, quarreling, ugly residue from depraved minds, and messages emphasizing what we must have. Often these temptations are disguised to intrigue at first, and they awaken hunger that then becomes disordered. The desire for goodness and satisfaction and niceties becomes distorted into a warped reality of how we should spend resources and effort.

In Christ, with the guidance and conviction of His Spirit, we can keep our pangs directed aright. He trains us to recognize where we have skewed what is true and gone after fruitless, even dangerous pursuits. He gives discernment and fortitude to realign our desires with His and set out with holy hunger toward godliness, steadfastness, generosity, and love.

What do we crave that leads us adrift from Jesus? Money or things- more and better and bigger? Attention, applause, to be seen as important or successful? That one elusive item, or dream, or person, that we think will finally bring happiness? How has this disordered love snared and pierced us?

What will we do to develop pangs to know Christ better and be transformed into His likeness? What do we need to flee, and pursue, to set our hope on God alone?

Lord, may I hunger only for You.

“The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside!
    I shall be killed in the streets!..’

“Do not toil to acquire wealth;
    be discerning enough to desist.
When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
    for suddenly it sprouts wings,
    flying like an eagle toward heaven…
Do not withhold discipline from a child;
    if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.
If you strike him with the rod,
    you will save his soul from Sheol…
Let not your heart envy sinners,
    but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day…

“Fret not yourself because of evildoers,..
for the evil man has no future;
    the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

My son, fear the Lord and the king.” Proverbs 22:13; 23:4-5,13-14,17; 24:19-21

Solomon wanted his son to be wise. It was vital to be saturated in the truths of God and fear Him over man and what-ifs. The world would tempt otherwise, but he always had a choice.

Often we allow what we know to be dwarfed by the threat of what could transpire, and we tremble. We fear if we don’t amass wealth, or give lavishly to the Lord and others, we won’t have enough. If we don’t skirt the rules like everybody else, we can’t get or stay ahead. That our children won’t like us if we withhold what they want or inflict discipline. We fear losing face or being ridiculed if we stand for truth. If we fess up to an old sin, or try to make amends when much time has passed, we’ll be criticized or rejected. It’s always appropriate and never too late to set to work, do the right thing, honor God, admonish and edify our children, confess sin, and focus on and revere the Lord. Fear God and experience His redemption, forgiveness, and peace, regardless of any other person’s reaction. (Ecclesiastes 11:1; Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 6:38; Hebrews 12:7-11; 1 Peter 3:15

God’s truth is far more sure than our what-ifs. Do we know His promises well?

When will we, with an act of the will, set aside what we fear in favor of what we know? What could change in long-held habits, resentment, unresolved relational issues, delayed decisions, if we took His truths to heart? Where could fresh healing occur, soothing peace seep in, new light shine, burdens be released? When will we stop trembling in the unknown of ‘what might happen’ and instead step forward in solid faith in what is known- the Lord and His word to us? It’s in deliberately taking the next step, away from fear, worry, and doubt, and toward the Lord, that we experience the fullness of His presence and promises.

“My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Tho’ some may dwell where these abound,
My pray’r, my aim is higher ground.

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s table land;
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” ~ Johnson Oatman Jr. (1898)

Lord, lead me in truth and keep me living by all You have made known, to Your honor.

“All the ends of the earth shall remember
    and turn to the Lord,
and all the… nations
    shall worship before you.
For kingship belongs to the Lord,
    and he rules over the nations…

Before him shall bow all who go down to the dust…
Posterity shall serve him.”

“Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord, strong and mighty,
    the Lord, mighty in battle!..
Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord of hosts,
    he is the King of glory!” Psalm 22:27-30a; 24:8,10

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11

“The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings.” Daniel 2:47

“[He] is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.” 1 Timothy 6:15

“Jesus Christ… the ruler of kings on earth… On his robe and his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” Revelation 1:5; 19:16

Many kings in Scripture recognized Who was really king. Anointed, crowned, ruling lands and kingdoms, they exercised their regal positions but knew their authority was subservient to the Lord on high. Any royalty owned was endowed by His sovereign hand, and they were in place to serve at His behest.

Most earthly kings do not think this way. Even with no royal arms, we want to be kings. Oh, how we want to be kings… of my universe, my plans, my time. Manager of my schedule, ruler of my health, dictator of my loved ones’ choices. We want the weather and circumstances and other people to serve our interests. We want to control the actions and responses and emotions of those around us to our comfort and convenience. So is the ugly Eden-bit flesh. (Genesis 3:16-19)

As much as we desire and press, this is not and shall not be so. The more we try to exert our authority and demand our rights, the more frustrated we will be. God is King, I am not. He orders responsibilities to teach wise management, but not supreme control. He came not to be served but to serve, and demands the same of His children. (Proverbs 21:1; Matthew 20:28; Galatians 5:13)

How different life’s revolution and unfolding is when we consider and exalt King Jesus: “Being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,.. and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11

In what situations is the Lord prompting us to humble ourselves under His hand and rule? Where will we determine to serve others rather than ourselves? How can our stewardship of God-appointed positions emulate the grace, loveliness, and holiness of Jesus, so He is revered as King?

“To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17

And amen.

“Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge…
Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise.” Proverbs 17:27-28

“I went to Jerusalem and was there three days. Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode.  I went out by night.., and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire. Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool…  Then I went up by the valley and inspected the wall, and I turned back.., and so returned. And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, and I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the rest who were to do the work.” Nehemiah 2:11-16

“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools… Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:1-2

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak.” James 1:19

Nehemiah was a man known for self-control, his thoughtful, measured prayer a source of steady trust, few words, and effective leadership. His first reaction to hard news or fearful situations or temptation to go astray was to be still and listen to the Lord, thoughtfully assess the circumstances, then carefully address the matter. His establishing Jewish worship back in Jerusalem was life-giving because he was devoted, intuitive, and observant, and he conducted his life under God’s control. (Nehemiah 1:3-11)

In the scurry of life, hearts twists, emotions juice, and minds race to react to input or challenge by spouting a retort or reply. Whether from competition, impulse, insecurity, or the need to be heard or noticed or important, we often feel we must jump into the melée of activity or opinion. My contribution is vital, right?

But how might God show up if we paused? What thoughtfulness and peace could breeze into home, church, or workplace if we exhaled, still and silent? How might we add an invisible quiet and calm, create space to unify, or show deference, or settle? When we’re quick to jump in, immediate and loud as our default, we can miss the voice of the Lord or another’s necessary input. (Psalm 4:4)

As we interact with others, might withholding comment quell gossip and soothe tempers, or quarrels resolve if we simply held our tongues? How might Spirit-led soul conviction occur if we restrained ourselves from being the convicter? Where will we resist passing on expertise or answering another’s questions so discovery can take place? Yielding to the Lord’s voice and doing adds more than we can imagine in any situation. (Proverbs 15:4,18; 1 Timothy 5:13)

Lord, keep me still so You are exalted as You work all things to Your glory.

“[Job] said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.'” Job 1:21

“There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, and those riches were lost in a bad venture. He is father.., but he has nothing in his hand. As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away… This is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind?” Ecclesiastes 5:13-16

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19-20

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Both Job and Solomon had known great wealth and abundance. They had lived well, enjoyed much, and experienced bereavement and testing of faith. They each, in very different circumstances, testified to the meaninglessness of vesting identity and fulfillment in anything they would not keep eternally. All earthly gain was subject to the fickle wind of loss, while the Lord’s name and treasure with Him was eternally blessed. (1 Kings 4:21-33; 11:1-7,14; Job 1:1-3,13-19)

For assignments and ventures, we plan what we need. I must have this, I need to take that. According to ‘them,’ there are many imperatives we must own and use to get along and get ahead. The world offers a plethora of stuff we are made to think we must own, yet nothing will we take with us from earth.

God’s economy orders importances differently. The Scriptures tell us not to worry about what we go after here below. It enumerates lavish riches we have in Christ, and teaches that the one doesn’t fuss but listens to Jesus has the one thing needful. Real, everlasting, yet unseen treasure is ours in salvation and an ongoing relationship with Christ. Compared to Him and His bounty, guaranteed by the Holy Spirit, there is nothing else to be desired! (Psalm 73:25-26; Matthew 6:25-32; Luke 10:41-42; Romans 8:29-32; Ephesians 1:3-14)

What do we really think we cannot do without? How many items do we plan to take here and there that are of no lasting significance? How would we go about our days differently if we planned along spiritual lines, how we can store heavenly riches? What might we invest today- of attention, time, prayer, resources- to build treasure in heaven? Who needs to know His worth? What crowns we lay at Jesus’s feet? (Revelation 3:11; 4:10-11)

“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise;
Thou mine inheritance, now and always.
Thou and thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.” ~St. Dallán Forgaill (530-598)

Lord, may I pursue only what lasts and brings You glory.

“The Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared…

“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and the good doctrine you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come… To this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior…

“Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have… Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:1-2,6-7,9-16

Paul is instructing his spiritual son Timothy how to lead the church at Ephesus, a body rife with erudite but false teachers. Staying true to the Scriptures would not just happen, considering the proliferation of wayward teaching and weaknesses of the flesh. He must continue to be trained and to steadily train in the Word and faith. Godliness was not inherited but must be honed through consistent teaching, devoted practice, and persistent watchfulness.

Recognizing the need for constant training begins with unsullied discernment of deceitful spirits in present culture and an honest assessment of where we stand. Unless we believe there’s danger we won’t be committed to guarding against it. Unless we understand the forces against us and their power to undermine and destroy, we won’t assume a need for strength, readiness, or vigilance.

How aware are we of the deceit, lies, and seared consciences that surround us and influence most messages we hear? Have we grown uncareful, complacent, even apathetic about the worship of false gods in our society? Do we readily take people at their word without considering their sources? How thoughtfully do we compare what is proclaimed and condoned with God’s word? What study and targeted prayer will we implement to help us discern? If we desire to stand with the truth and be faithful to the Lord, His Spirit will direct us.

With whom can we train for godliness, committing to consistent practice of the gifts and knowledge we have? What sister or brother can we come alongside so we spur one another on to love and good deeds, and stand watch together? Whom will we ask to check our attitudes and assertions? How might we humble ourselves together before the Lord, seek His conviction where we’ve conformed to this world, and allow Him to renew our minds? (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 10:22-25)

Lord God, keep me alert and persistent in training for godliness and encouraging others in the same, for Your glory. 

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    in all generations…
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God…
For a thousand years in your sight
    are but as yesterday when it is past,
    or as a watch in the night.”

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.’

He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
    and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
    nor the destruction that wastes at noonday…

Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
    the Most High, who is my refuge—
no evil shall be allowed to befall you…

For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up…

Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
    I will protect him, because he knows my name.
When he calls to me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble;
    I will rescue him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.” Psalm 90:1-2,4; 91:1-6,9-12a,14-16

“I the Lord do not change; therefore you… are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6

We never know what a day may hold. While the earth spins round and the sun also rises, our moments and expectations can be jolted or shattered in an instant. Crushing news. An accident. War, loss, disease, death. Hours pass and seasons turn in heartful rhythm while we clamor, choke, grieve, fear at brokenness that strikes, looms, suffocates. Where is reprieve? Where recourse, or consolation?

The shadow of the Almighty may be dark, but it is safe. We may not see far ahead, but find security in this dwelling place, within the guarding of angels and unshakable salvation. Here is refuge of soul, here time and trembling are held.

What is it that threatens? What present frightful reality, what shadowy unknown? Would we hide in the exquisite, unshakable, indescribable shelter that is God?

The One who orders time and space
is not alarmed but reigns with grace.

He rules the storms, He stills the sea,
He calls His child, ‘Come dwell with Me.

Nothing comes but through My hand,
and I am guiding to the bright fair land

where safe are you who know My name,
in peace you’re held, and turmoil’s tamed.

My love abounds, My strength and care
are yours to hold and be held there.’ (PEB)

“Crown him the Lord of life,
who triumphed o’er the grave,
and rose victorious in the strife
for those he came to save;
his glories now we sing
who died and rose on high,
who died eternal life to bring,
and lives that death may die.

Crown him the Lord of years,
the potentate of time,
creator of the rolling spheres,
ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail!
for thou hast died for me;
thy praise shall never, never fail
throughout eternity.” ~ Matthew Bridges (1851)

Great Father, help me entrust all brokenness to Your ineffable love, supremacy, and goodness.

“I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer,
    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
    and I am saved from my enemies.

The cords of death encompassed me;
    the torrents of destruction assailed me;
the cords of Sheol entangled me…

In my distress I called upon the Lord…
From his temple he heard my voice...
He… came swiftly on the wings of the wind…

He sent from on high, he took me;
    he drew me out of many waters.
He rescued me from my strong enemy…
The Lord was my support…
The Lord my God lightens my darkness…
This God… is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

For who is God, but the Lord?
    Who is a rock, except our God?..
You have given me the shield of your salvation,
    and your right hand supported me…
For you equipped me with strength for the battle…

The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock,
    and exalted be the God of my salvation.” Psalm 18:1-6,10,16-18,28,30-31,35,39,46

David battled without and within. Many and harsh were his foes on the ground, and he faced them armed with confidence in his Lord. Many were the temptations of mind, spirit, and flesh, and he battled these clothed in God’s righteousness. Indeed, the Lord proved Himself his strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, stronghold, support, rescue, and salvation. All these David knew by personal experience. This God who delivered from both despair and destruction was worthy of love and unending praise. (Psalm 18:20-26)

God’s people become acquainted with Him in many ways. It is often the most harrowing situations and challenging times that make real our desperation and open our eyes to the manifold character and work of God. We face the impossible, we cry out, the Lord hears and acts. He could swoop in regardless of our request, but acknowledging need attunes us to His activity, and imploring awakens expectancy for His intervention.

What cords of death encompass our pathway, what torrents of emotion our souls? Does grief, fear, despondency, adjustment to change, shame, or a chafing relationship snare our joy, impede desire to keep on? Where do we turn in times of enemy attack?

The Lord God meets every need. He is Himself strength for weakness, the rock in instability, the fortress round about, the great deliverer. His arms are our refuge, His strength our shield, His presence our stronghold. When we call, He hears, comes, draws up, saves, supports. There is no confrontation or calamity from which He cannot deliver. (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 3:3)

Would I take this psalm and all God offers as mine today? With senses alert to both distress and need, I can anticipate God’s heavenly deliverance and peace of soul. Will I call upon Him? (Ephesians 1:3)

Great salvation is His!
And this He generously gives!
When we bow the knee,
articulate our plea,
He hears, deliverance lives!

We come on the basis of grace,
humbly seeking His face,
And God who is just,
in mercy and must,
does rescue, surround, and embrace.

All praise be to Him, and love!
Who else would I trust but this God?
No other can save,
or overcome grave,
I’ll ever exalt Him above! (PEB)

Lord, in every distress keep me trusting, praising, and loving You.

“’Teacher, which is the great commandment?’ [Jesus] said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 26:36-39

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3

Each day dawns to a new slate ready for words, a blank canvas free to paint, hours to be filled as they fly. The dailies in scripture involved retrieving manna, making sacrifice, moving at God’s behest. Jesus taught the most important commands, to love God and our neighbors. (Exodus 16:4; 29:38-43; Leviticus 6:13)

Fashioned in God’s image, created with will, endowed with agency, we determine how to spend our days. With what and for whom will it be? Through any interruptions and unexpecteds, the commands from Scripture guide us. (Psalm 119:105)

To begin, assess our first waking thought. Consider the Sovereign who gives breath and rest and awakens our body- might our mind go to Him in thankfulness and wonder? Can we there focus and praise?

“Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.” ~ Seth Sykes (1940)

Looking at the time before us, scheduled necessities or not, we can next offer all of ourselves for His service and honor. How will we determine priorities? Who is the ultimate arbiter and recipient of our moments, efforts, resources, and industry?

“God be in my head, and in my understanding.
God be in my eyes, and in my looking.
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking
God be in my heart, and in my thinking
God be in my hands, and in my doing
God be at my end, and at my departing.” ~Old Sarum Primer 1558

And consider how to keep the command to love. How might we fill the vast ocean of a wide day with God’s remarkable, life-giving love? On whose heart can we write His gospel? Whom can we enfold with His care, compassion, promises, truth?

“Could we with ink the ocean fill
and were the skies of parchment made,
were ev’ry stalk on earth a quill
and ev’ry man a scribe by trade,
to write the love of God above
would drain the ocean dry;
nor could the scroll contain the whole,
tho’ stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure:
the saints’ and angels’ song!” ~Frederick Lehman (1917)

To seize the Lord’s gift of a day as an opportunity to give thanks and upbuild honors Him. (Psalm 118:24)

Father, help me steward my entrusted hours for Your purposes and glory.