As the rain and snow

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

“’What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
    nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him’—

“These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.  Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God… taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-13,16

“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 12:2

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2

As a missionary, Paul constantly dealt with twisted arguments and false teaching, and was driven to communicate cogent, unadorned truth. He knew that only the Word could set free from lies and deception, and it was vital he make it clear. His aim was that the Word that had saved him would clarify his audience’s condition, and the Spirit of Jesus would lead them to salvation and hold them captive to right thinking throughout life. His spiritual discipline would benefit all who knew and served his Savior. (John 8:32)

The world has never stopped vying for the minds of God’s children. The father of lies delights in tormenting, confusing, and polluting our thought-life. We can be saved by grace through faith, yet struggle greatly with our minds and mindset. It takes determination to submit to the Spirit’s glorious captivity of our thoughts, and daily renewing our minds in order to think rightly about the world, temptation, and God’s will. The Spirit helps us identify deception, put away corrupt thinking, and put on the righteousness and holiness that befit His children. (John 8:44; Ephesians 4:21-24)

When minds wander to doubt, self-loathing, regret, or despair, will we continually renew them in Bible promises? How are we aligning our thoughts with the Lord’s, and where do we need to? When and how do we take advantage of prayer as potent defense, entreating God individually and corporately with scripture? A will surrendered to Christ afixes our minds above. (Isaiah 26:3; Matthew 22:29; Ephesians 6:10-18; Philippians 2:3-8; Colossians 1:9)

“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.

Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word;
I ever with thee, and thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father, I thy true son,  
thou in me dwelling and I with thee one.” ~St. Dallán Forgaill (530-598)

Lord, help me think your thoughts, convey your truth, and live a life that pleases and glorifies you above all.

“The disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’  And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

“’Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the sea…

“’See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.'” Matthew 18:1-6,10

“For who is God, but the Lord?
    And who is a rock, except our God?—
the God who equipped me with strength
    and made my way blameless.
He made my feet like the feet of a deer
    and set me secure on the heights.
He trains my hands for war,
    so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You have given me the shield of your salvation,
    and your right hand supported me,
    and your gentleness made me great.” Psalm 18:31-35

The disciples wrangled constantly as they followed and observed and tried to figure out the ways of Jesus. He consistently pointed them to things above, to vertical and forward thinking, but their natural tendencies and insular lives limited their perspective of things. He was training them for a mindset of self-sacrifice and eternal purpose, and tentacles of their flesh held them in the conundrums and competition of here and now. When they asked who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus upended their convoluted thinking. Humility– full identification with Christ– was the only thing that would make them great. (Matthew 17:22-23; 22:29; Mark 10:37)

Man defines greatness in many ways, often tying it to attainment or achievement. The focus is usually on self: My accomplishments, My accolades. Jesus, whose thoughts and ways are far from ours, teaches another way. It is the life hidden in Him, tied to the cross, we are to emulate. It comes about only by emptying ourselves, having the mind in us that is in Him, and being filled with His Spirit. (Isaiah 55:8-9; Matthew 18:21-22; Mark 10:45; John 13:1-5,13-15; Philippians 2:3-8)

How, and from what, and for whom, do we seek greatness? Where are we striving in our own strength? Do we value performance, or amassing objects and resources, more than we do Christ, and Christ-like humility? Where are we expending concentration, effort, and energy? What would it take for us to die to self and live to Christ? (Galatians 2:20)

“To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to his
Oh how strange and divine, I can sing: all is mine!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat:
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!” ~City Alight (2024)

Lord, may I daily, and moment by moment, be so identified with all You are that You are seen, desired, and known as great and glorious.

“The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, ‘When it is evening, you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.”  And in the morning, “It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.” You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.  An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.’ So he left them and departed.

“When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread.  Jesus said to them, ‘Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ They began discussing it among themselves, saying, ‘We brought no bread.’  But Jesus, aware of this, said, ‘O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered?  Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered?  How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’  Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:1-4 (5-12)

“He will be the stability of your times,
    abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge;
    the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.” Isaiah 33:6

“Understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” 2 Timothy 3:1

Jesus taught practically and with illustration so His disciples would understand what they heard. To emphasize the importance of gleaning biblical wisdom for their times and applying what had been experienced or observed, the Master followed up His response to the Pharisees with a warning. Until they took seriously what had already been conveyed or revealed, their eyes would be closed to further illumination. Dull hearts would yield dull understanding. He would not continue to divulge spiritual mysteries if they refused to receive by faith what was revealed. (Jeremiah 5:21-25; Matthew 13:11-16)

History and current events and our comprehension don’t just happen in a vacuum. Decisions bring about consequences, actions cause reactions, and the Lord God’s eternal plans cannot be thwarted. It’s important as God’s children to perceive the times in which we live, and orient our living accordingly. This takes a deep understanding of God’s word and ways, a determined practice of looking at the world and events through this filter, and faith to believe what has been revealed whether we like it or not. (1 Chronicles 12:32; Psalm 36:9; 119:18,104-105; Proverbs 4:7; 18:15; Isaiah 14:24; 50:4; Amos 3:3-7; Matthew 16:21-23)

What will we do to develop into people who understand the times? When and how do we prayerfully seek wisdom and study our culture? As we grow, God will use our spiritual insight and perception of His hand at work to build up those around us through instruction, warning, and encouragement.

Lord, hone my mind and sight to understand what You are doing in the world, so in these times, my expectation, security, hope, strength, and delight are in You alone, and reflect You to others.

“Let those who delight in my righteousness
    shout for joy and be glad
    and say evermore,
‘Great is the Lord,
    who delights in the welfare of his servant!'”

“His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
    nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,
but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
    in those who hope in his steadfast love.”

“Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
    let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
Let them praise his name with dancing,
    making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.” Psalm 35:27; 147:10-11; 149:2-4

“So God created man in his own image,
    in the image of God he created him;
    male and female he created them.

“And God blessed them… And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:26-28,31

“The Lord your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

The Bible shows many facets of God’s character as He interacts with man, the crown of His creation. And from the beginning, fashioning what He had designed in His mind from eternity past, He took delighted pleasure in His creation of man after His image. His every interaction is compelled by love. His created world was designed for man’s sustaining, fulfillment, and joy, their form, minds, and senses made for work and awe and pleasure. Providing, disciplining, directing, chastising, protecting, and judging, the Lord in infinite love delights in His children. (Hebrews 12:6)

Are we aware of the Lord God’s affection for us? Do we go about our days oblivious to His love, His care, His pleasure in how He’s crafted us to exercise gifts, be productive, contribute to His kingdom purposes, care for His world? Staying consumed with personal agendas and selfish wants and doing precludes us from taking part in His grand delight.

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” ~John Piper (1946-)

When we comprehend that God takes joy in us, we will savor and glorify Him. Reveling in the Lord and the life He imparts, with all its beauties and richness, fulfills us and honors Him.

“This is my Father’s world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas–
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world:
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world:
He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!” ~Maltbie Babcock (1901)

Lord, help me live in Your joy, at Your pleasure.

“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; 15:63; Judges 1:21)

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 keenly crafts deceptions to undo us. He catches us on emotional highs, settled comfortable places, 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 carefully do we 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.