As the rain and snow

“Joshua summoned all Israel,.., and said to them, ‘I am now old and well advanced in years. You have seen all that the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake, for it is the Lord who has fought for you… Therefore, be very strong to keep and do all that is written in the Law of Moses,.. that you may not mix with these nations or mention the names of their gods… or serve or bow down to them, but you shall cling to the Lord your God… For [he] has driven out before you great and strong nations… [He] fights for you, just as he promised. Be very careful… to love [him]… 

“’I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord God promised. All have come to pass; not one has failed.  But just as all the good things the Lord promised have been fulfilled, so the Lord your God will bring upon you all the evil things, until he has destroyed you from off this good land.., if you transgress [his] covenant.., and go and serve other gods… Then the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you…’” Joshua 23:2b-3,6-11,14-16a

Joshua knew his time on earth was coming to a close and what he wanted to impart to Israel. It had been his calling to lead them to conquer and settle in God’s promised land, and they must now continue in that victorious mindset with Him at the helm. As He had gone before them, so he would continue. As he had fought for them, so would He still. As his promises had been fulfilled, so would he ever be faithful to His word. As He was supreme over all other gods, He was the only God they were to revere, obey, and trust. Joshua’s blessing was meant to establish them in settled faith and faithfulness.

Human nature can have a short memory. Great things the Lord has done for us, once we grow complacent, can morph into great things we have accomplished ourselves. Gifts from him can turn to entitlements for me. the splendor of his majesty can wane as our eyes are drawn to the glitter of worldly idols. Consumption with ourselves cuts short the marveling at all the Lord has done and given for our good. (Joshua 24:2-8,13)

So here we dwell, no longer heeding God’s warnings because we’ve moved onto (and edged Him off) His throne. We think we know better, feel better doing what we want, given to the enemy’s lies and blatantly ignoring His stated consequences. We choose visible over invisible, temporary over eternal, and fail to connect that what has all been Him can be still.

How to return to right thinking? To gratitude and righteous commitment? Remember what He has done, record His faithfulness, recount His graces, renew our minds in biblical truth, release strange gods, and rededicate ourselves to serving Him first. (Joshua 24:22-23,31)

When we consider where we are as God’s saved and richly blessed children, whom will we worship? Whom do we serve with our desires, energy, resources, and days? Will we confess our idolatry and recommit to honoring Him alone? (Joshua 24:14-17)

Lord, may I never forget and always praise and serve Your greatness and goodness. 

“Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, ‘You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess. This is the land that yet remains: all the regions of the Philistines, and all those of the Geshurites (from the Shihor, which is east of Egypt, northward to the boundary of Ekron, it is counted as Canaanite; there are five rulers of the Philistines, those of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron), and those of the Avvim, in the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the boundary of the Amorites, and the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrise, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath, all the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim, even all the Sidonians. I myself will drive them out from before the people of Israel. Only allot the land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you. Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes and half the tribe of Manasseh.'” Joshua 13:1-7

Joshua may have been tired. He had certainly taken charge and successfully led Israel to defeat dozens of kings, to possession of God’s promised land. He may have thought it was time to pass the baton. While Moses’ eye was undimmed and his vigor unabated when the Lord finally closed his years on earth, it is implied here that Joshua’s strength was waning. But God, with the call, gave the promise to do the driving out. He would faithfully direct, enable, and sustain as He always had, and Joshua was to finish his task of dividing the land for His people. (Deuteronomy 34:7)

None of us knows the number of our days, but in different seasons the Lord God makes very clear His purposes for us. As Christians, we are bound for heaven, not retirement. At any one time, whether we stay the course or are presented with a new assignment, there remains yet very much to learn and do for Him. It is the Lord and His interests we serve, not ourselves, and He promises to take care of and undertake for all He calls us to pursue.

As we age, or pass one season to another, or complete a momentous task, it is natural to want to kick back and let others take on the work of the Lord. Of course, with years come changes that may require an adjustment of what we are able to take on, but the Lord always has use for us. As we seek His will, He makes clear where and what and how specifically He would have us serve.

How has the Lord spoken to call us to particular ministry? Through His Word in our systematic study, by His Spirit as we pray, through the request of another, or all of these? Are we faithfully serving where He has assigned? Then keep on. Has He spoken anew, nudging us to make ourselves available for something requested or needed? Would we seek confirmation, then trust His lead and provision?

Lord, may I leave none of Your allotted land fallow, but plant and flourish as You call, to Your ends and glory.

“Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon.  And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.’  But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she is crying out after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’  And he answered, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.” Matthew 15:21-28

The Canaanite woman desperately sought Jesus on behalf of her demon-oppressed daughter. She was an outsider quickly rejected for her status, but her sights were solely on the Healer. When Jesus at first did not answer, she begged for mercy. When the disciples misjudged her as impudent, she appealed for help. When all around her stood and rudely tried to have her sent away, she knelt in reverence and trust. On behalf of her loved one, she persisted with the Lord to procure a crumb of His healing. She knew He was able, by power and character, and believed He would. And by grace, the Lord Jesus commended her faith and granted her desire.

It’s natural and common to go to Jesus with personal wants and perceived needs. We confidently call out for our own sake and benefit, and assume He will dispense accordingly. Seldom do we meet ridicule or opposition, seldom kneel. What and how we pray does not often require much faith.

But if through sanctification and long seasons of walking with Christ we share His compassion, He will change the focus and tenor of our prayers. Our hearts will soften, and break with what breaks His. We will be compelled to implore Him on others’ behalf, and reach for Him in faith with the urgency of their eternal needs. We will grasp for His mercy and known power. We will persist.

Which describes us? When do we deliberately rise from ease or activity to approach Jesus on behalf of another? How willing are we to set aside comfort and selfish wants? What priority do we give to beseeching Him for the needy, the desperate, the spiritually lost? When we do so, are we distracted by criticism or deterred by opposition that says our requests are futile, how dare we ask? Do we flippantly demand our desserts, or appeal in dependence on God’s mercy?

Do I love enough, care enough, have faith enough to seek out Christ on behalf of another?

“For my beloved I will not fear,
Love knows to do
For him, for her, from year to year,
As hitherto.
Whom my heart cherishes are dear
To Thy heart too.

O blessèd be the love that bears
The burden now,
The love that frames our very prayers,
Well knowing how
To coin our gold.  O God the Lord,
Do Thou, Do Thou.” ~Amy Carmichael (1867-1951)

Amen, and amen.

“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says,

“‘In a favorable time I listened to you,
    and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’

“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

“We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return… widen your hearts also.” 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Paul is passionate about evangelism, making Christ known. His ministry is active and potent, incorporating many prepositions to empower his communication of the gospel. In every way, by great endurance, Paul willingly suffered in affliction, by the Spirit, with spiritual weapons, through good and bad. Along with the Lord, his work is focused, zealous, and urgent. Compelled himself to preach, he compelled those who heard and read his letter to respond. (Isaiah 49:8; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21)

It takes getting involved in life and other lives to make a difference. With the Lord, we have influence as He makes His gospel appeal through us. We’ll likely undergo many trials, yet our example of enduring in affliction and exhibiting grace, patience, and purity displays God’s steadfast love, sufficiency, and faithfulness. When we stand on truth and battle the devil by faith, with spiritual armor, we show that in Christ there is victory. When we stand alongside others to understand and converse, and uphold them as they wrestle and grieve, we exemplify Christ. How many prepositions are involved in our daily mission?

How willing are we to get involved with a variety of people in order to bring the gospel to them? In what different situations, comfortable and challenging, do I find opportunity to speak truth in love and open the word of God? How might I pursue or come alongside someone to introduce him to Jesus?

“Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet, and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice and let me sing
Always, only, for my King.

Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages for Thee.
Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold.

Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my love: my God, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.” ~ Frances Ridley Havergal (1874)

Lord, with all of me, may I go after You, and others for Your sake.

“When the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they acted with cunning and made ready provisions and took worn-out sacks for their donkeys, and wineskins, worn-out and torn and mended, with worn-out, patched sandals on their feet, and worn-out clothes. All their provisions were dry and crumbly. They went to Joshua and said.., ‘We have come from a distant country, now make a covenant with us.^‘ But the men of Israel said, ‘Perhaps you live among us; how can we make a covenant with you?’ They said, ‘We are your servants.’ Joshua said, ‘Who are you? Where do you come from?’ They said, ‘From a very distant country.., because of the name of the Lord your God. For we have heard a report of all that he did… So our elders… said, “Take provisions… and go say, ‘We are your servants. Come, make a covenant with us.’” Our bread… was still warm when we took it from our houses… These wineskins were new… And these garments and sandals are worn from the journey.’ The men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord. Joshua made peace with them and a covenant to let them live…

“Three days after.., they heard that they were neighbors… The leaders said.. ‘We have sworn to them by the Lord, and now we may not touch them.'” Joshua 9:3-9,11-16,19

Joshua had recently renewed Israel’s covenant with God, reading aloud His Law. Focused and freshly committed to obedience, Joshua led and the priests blessed the people. Enter the Gibeonites with crafty wiles to challenge their allegiance by tricking their perception and appealing to their senses. Joshua’s detailed description demonstrates how ‘carefully’ he considered their request, yet he neglected to consult his Lord. Like in Eden, the enemy’s physical appearance betrayed his sinister plot. The attack came unexpectedly and convincingly, deluding the victims, causing dire and lasting consequence. (Genesis 3:1-7,16-18,24; Joshua 9:26-27)

We are created with perception and agency, so we process and make decisions throughout our days based on input and observation. Argument, persuasion, and illustration can undermine reason. In the flesh, we like to be served, succumb to flattery, are easily swayed by agreeable circumstances and apparent providence, and are driven by desire and ease.

Yet we must always beware the lurking enemy who crafts keen deceptions to undo us. He catches us on emotional highs, a settled comfortable place, or in the glow of success. He needles at commitment and resolve with attractive lies. He appeals to the situation at hand and our wont to control, he strokes ego, and offers to benefit. He is the master of making wrong look right and lies sound like truth. (Isaiah 5:20; John 8:44; Ephesians 6:12; 2 Timothy 3:12-17; 1 Peter 5:8)

How do we prepare for the devil’s deception? How regularly do we return to the mind of Christ? How careful are we to discern and confirm with the Lord before making decisions? Would we begin our days immersed in His Word, on our knees surrendering our activity, renewing our minds, and determining to obey? A mindset aligned with the Lord’s clears vision, shapes compulsion, and receives God’s gracious redemption when we fail. (Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 2:16; James 1:5)

Father, grant clear eyes and thought in all my dealings so every decision situates with truth and honors You.

“Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea.  And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. He told them many things in parables, saying: ‘A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some  a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.  He who has ears,  let him hear.’

“Then the disciples came and said to him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’    And he answered them, ‘To you it has been given to know  the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away…  

“‘Blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.'” Matthew 13:1-12,16

Jesus had all power and wisdom, and offered freely of His graces. While He approached and ministered to many, often it was those who approached Him whose efforts were met with life transformation. When individuals made the effort to come and listen, to watch and connect, to think and converse, what Jesus did and taught became real to them. The Spirit worked to translate the meaning of the Teacher’s words and actions to strengthen, heal, and illuminate, to bring understanding and change. Their eyes saw, their ears heard, they gained spiritual abundance. (Matthew 9:20-22,32-33; 11:28-33)

In a self-centered world, we are programmed to think everything exists to serve us. My concerns are the most important. I can make plans and invest time and resources as I want. Goodness, favor, and success are deserved and to be expected. I can manipulate my schedule and responsibilities to avoid winds of opposition, distractions of different opinions, and the grit of difficult people. People can initiate if they want some of what I have.

Jesus’s way and ways are so much different. He came not to be served but to serve. He makes Himself available and gives opportunity for people to come and seek. He offers great bounty to those who have the will and faith to gather to Him- His gifts must be received to be unwrapped and enjoyed. (Matthew 20:28; John 1:38-39; 4:28-30)

What fills our hours? With what do we busy and invest ourselves that requires attention? Do we take the time and focus to gather our senses to listen to Jesus? What do we need to move away from in order to sit beside the sea? When we make it a priority to inquire and dig and ponder- whether spending time in His word, worship, or communion in prayer- we will behold His character, receive wisdom, understanding, and a blessed bounty to use for His kingdom’s sake.

Lord, may I heed Your call to come, see, listen, be changed, and glorify You.

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls,  who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:44-46

“And behold, a man came up to him, saying, ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?’  And he said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.’  He said to him, ‘Which ones?’ And Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness,  Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  The young man said to him, ‘All these I have kept. What do I still lack?’  Jesus said to him, ‘If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’  When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Matthew 19:16-22

Jesus’s parables often exposed the penchants and passions of the human heart. Those of the hidden treasure and the pearl speak less of the treasure found than of what the individuals are willing to sell in order to procure it. That of the rich young ruler highlights the opposite: he would rather do anything (that was easy) than surrender what he valued most. Jesus illustrates the inestimable worth of knowing Him by pointing out what man must give up in order to own and enjoy Him to the full. He is clear on the impossibility of honoring and serving both God and money or things, and contrarily, the absolute blessing of choosing Christ. (Matthew 6:24)

In our lives, it can be painfully hard to make this great exchange. We want to gather all the stuff we value, hoard it and hold it tight, and add Jesus. What we fail to realize in our loves and excesses and distractions of mind and heart is that there must be a priority kept, a first love. It is only as we give up our idols that the Lord takes His rightful reign. Seeking Him first, which means yielding all that would compete, brings the addition of so much more than we can imagine. The exchange makes possible what is unknowable apart from it. (Matthew 6:33)

What do I value most in life? Am I free enough from the pull of the world to seek out treasures of darkness, and splendid pearls? Do I pursue Jesus and the true life He gives? Do I recognize the necessity of the great exchange if I am to know the true treasure of God?

How willing am I to trade in my throne and will for the Lord’s? What keeps me from fully going after and yielding to Him? What is the Holy Spirit prompting me this day to surrender or spend to unencumber myself for Christ’s sake and riches? (Ephesians 1:3)

Father, help me always value You above all, and willingly give up anything and everything to know You better.

“I will extol you, my God and King,
    and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you
    and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall commend your works to another,
    and declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
    and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
    and I will declare your greatness.
They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
    and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and merciful,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all,
    and his mercy over all he has made.

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
    and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
    and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
    the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord is faithful in all his words
    and kind in all his works.
The Lord upholds all who are falling
    and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
    and you give them their food in due season.
You… satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways
    and kind in all his works.
The Lord is near to all who call on him...
He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
    he hears their cry and saves them.
The Lord preserves all who love him…

My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
    let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.” Psalm 145:1-21

David’s gratitude gushes forth as he ponders and describes the greatness of his Lord. His life had been full of experiences with God’s limitless life and kind works, and as His infinite, everlasting attributes came to mind, praise to Him abounded. Who could contemplate this great Sovereign and not exalt Him?

Consider these attributes: unsearchable greatness, mighty, glorious splendor, majestic, wondrous, awesome, abundantly good, righteous. And that from just five verses! Continue the song with gracious, merciful, patient, steadfast love. These attributes describe His character, motives, manner, and deeds. Faithful and kind. Supplying and satisfying. Near, responsive, and timely. Saving and keeping. Holy.

How do we see the Lord? Is He distant, unreachable, unknowable? Or do we daily interact with Him through His word, by His Spirit, in prayer and pondering? If we’re willing, He will draw near to reveal Himself. The more we meditate on His greatness the more He’ll make known and personally real His attributes. With filled senses, we’ll respond in wonder and praise.

In what times of day and areas of life can we draw nearer to the King? What attributes of His has He displayed in our inner life of wrestling, repentance, desire, inspiration, anticipation? How has He revealed Himself at work, in ministries, through interactions with others? As we seek Him in these situations, we will wonder at His glorious expressions.

Lord, may I ponder and proclaim Your greatness and fame forever.

“The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it imparts understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant,
    because I long for your commandments.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    as is your way with those who love your name.
Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
    and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
Redeem me from man’s oppression,
    that I may keep your precepts.
Make your face shine upon your servant,
    and teach me your statutes.
My eyes shed streams of tears,
    because people do not keep your law.

Righteous are you, O Lord,
    and right are your rules.
You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
    and in all faithfulness.
My zeal consumes me,
    because my foes forget your words.
Your promise is well tried,
    and your servant loves it.
I am small and despised,
    yet I do not forget your precepts.
Your righteousness is righteous forever,
    and your law is true.
Trouble and anguish have found me out,
    but your commandments are my delight.
Your testimonies are righteous forever;
    give me understanding that I may live.” Psalm 119:130-144

The psalmist ordered his song and life by God’s word. He longed for and delighted in its promises as right and righteous, relevant and true. Knowing and trusting them, he loved them as well-tried companions that enlightened, inspired, guided, and guarded him. In them he found and rejoiced in the light and life imparted.

In order for God’s promises to be well-tried, they must be known. Once a fixture in heart and mind, they secure our souls, fuel our decisions, lead us forward, and buoy our spirits. Each time we take them as our own, we test and prove their faithfulness. The word delighted in is the word that becomes our all in all.

How diligent are we to familiarize ourselves with God’s promises so we can well-try them? What habits of reading, studying, recording, recounting, or memorizing will we implement? With whom do we exchange encouragement and accountability to know and understand them? Whom do or will we teach about their goodness and trustworthiness?

Once we are well-acquainted with God’s promises, it becomes more natural to test them in varied situations. Where do we lack wisdom or resources? He knows our needs and supplies! Are we anxious, fearful, or distracted? The Lord gives peace, strength, and focus! Will we search our hearts, then the Bible, to match concern with promise? The more well-tried, the more treasured is God’s beautiful, bountiful word. (Psalm 138:2; Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 6:8-13; 7:7-8; John 14:27; 16:33; Philippians 4:6-8; James 1:5)

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you He hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.” ~George Keith (1787)

Lord, help me know and love Your promises, and apply and prove them faithful, to Your glory.

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” “And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 17:18-20 

“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

“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.” Colossians 3:1-2

From the earliest days of Israel, the Lord God made clear what was to be His people’s highest priority and first love. God knew the flesh nature, that theirs would be a constant struggle against loving and serving themselves. If they sought and loved Him first, all else would flow. They were to remind themselves and each other of this Sh’ma, their one priority, again and again, to connect hearing and action as an expression of their commitment to their God. (Genesis 3:1-6)

This repeated refrain would also serve us well to keep the Lord at the fore. We have many deterrents to wholehearted commitment, from vociferous impulses to a wide worldly menu of distraction and entertainment. While the pull to major in anything but the Lord is forceful, it can be resisted with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Where have I lost my first love of Christ, and what has caused my drift? Do I earnestly desire to put Him first, and live under and from His supremacy? What will I do today to correct my allegiances, to put away lesser gods in order to hear and heed God as my highest priority and focus? (Joshua 24:14-24; Revelation 2:4-5)

“Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.” ~St. Dallán Forgaill (530-598)

Lord God, may I neither major on the minors nor minor on the majors, but hold and love You first of all.