Taking the Long View

“When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down with her face to the ground… ‘My lord..; hear what your servant has to say. Please pay no attention to that wicked Nabal… His name means Fool, and folly goes with him… Since the Lord has kept you from bloodshed and avenging yourself with your own hands, may your enemies and all who are intent on harming my lord be like Nabal…

“’The Lord your God will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because you fight the Lord’s battles, and no wrongdoing will be found in you as long as you live.  Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God, but the lives of your enemies he will hurl away… When the Lord has fulfilled for my lord every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler over Israel, my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself…”

“David said to Abigail, ‘Praise be to the Lord who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed.’” 1 Samuel 25:23-26,28-33

Abigail heard of her husband’s insulting, foolish response to David, whose men had only treated him with respect and benefited his shepherds. As David reacted in immediate anger, planning to retaliate against Nabal’s rebuff to his polite request, Abigail took the long view. She believed God’s promise to bless David’s house. She considered the harmful consequences and lingering guilt and regret of taking vengeance. She acted promptly in the present to make way for what she, in faith, saw as God’s glorious future. Her wisdom penetrated and calmed David’s riled heart, preventing an attack with all its fallout. (1 Samuel 25:9-22)

The heat of a moment can easily ignite unwise decisions. We feel put-upon, pressure, or anger, and the flesh lusts for quick action without taking thought for what it could trigger. We lash out with words we cannot retrieve, we make rash decisions to remove or fix the immediate and actually perpetuate the deeper causal issues. The devil’s way is to agitate emotions and squelch reason so we react unwisely, then claim victory in every consequent fraction, grief, regret, and shame.

Oh, to be like Abigail! To be wise enough to perceive the realistic long view, rooted enough to draw from established knowledge, still enough to measure ongoing results in tandem with God’s better plan! Her discretion was grounded in a deep understanding of God’s promises, her haste then reasoned and confident. David immediately recognized her prudence and praised the Lord for restraining him.

Are we prone to making quick decisions just to get things done? In what situations are we most likely to act on impulse or react foolishly? This can be manifested by ignoring or glossing over blatant sin because we don’t want to deal with it, or by brazen impulsive reaction to it, both of which cause future damage. How can we better ground ourselves in God’s wisdom so decisions reflect His will? Where will we pause to adjust our vision from the immediate to longer-term consequences?

Lord, help me thoughtfully and wisely respond to all You set in my way so I reflect Your virtues and honor.

Wise, Gracious, Seasoned: A Recipe

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

“Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.  I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,  and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

“Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (…if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus… They have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.  For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, ‘See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.’” Colossians 4:5-17

Ah, wise Paul! As he draws his letter to the Colossian church to a close, he encourages them to walk and use their time wisely, to speak with graciousness and seasoning that befits the Lord’s people. Then, in his final greetings, he exemplifies exactly what he’s commended them to do. Naming individuals personally (and even by preferred nickname), lacing his mentions of work and ministry and struggle and help with particular interest, love, and appreciation, tying them together by reminding them of prayers on their behalf, his words sum up his final admonition: ‘Fulfill your ministry.’ He is fulfilling his by intentionally spreading grace, comfort, and encouragement.

Much is said today about fulfilling purpose and making dreams happen, but little is mentioned about any motivation higher than self. A life bent on serving personal interests, self-protection, and maintaining distance from anyone uncomfortable or who might impede my progress is actually unfulfilling. As with most worldly motives and teachings, these goals are far different from the Lord’s. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve, shows us the better way. His recipe for maturity in Christ and His will combines godly wisdom with selfless, generous, active, meaningful ministry. It includes intentional relationships that model and build up and refine, urging gratitude and gracious service. (Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 4:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

How wisely are we walking, and where do we need correction? How richly seasoned is our speech, and what needs changing? What graciousness, love, persistence, sympathy, encouragement, and hospitality are exhibited in our daily interactions? These are no trite suggestions, but matters vital to Christian fellowship and growth. What might we initiate to make a difference today?

Lord, with wisdom, graciousness, and Your heavenly seasoning, may I zealously fulfill the ministry You have given me for Your purposes and glory.

Ear to Mouth

“The Lord God has given me
    the tongue of those who are taught,
that I may know how to sustain with a word
    him who is weary.
Morning by morning he awakens;
    he awakens my ear
    to hear as those who are taught.
The Lord God has opened my ear,
    and I was not rebellious;
    I turned not backward.” Isaiah 50:4-5

The prophet had been inspired to foretell many a judgment, difficult messages that were a mysterious display of God’s mercy to His own. He also spoke rich encouragement to remind God’s people their Lord was with them to save, redeem, and strengthen, and would be ever faithful to His servants. Isaiah’s poetic mention of the Lord’s voice to him, a loving, consistent nudge to awaken and listen for His life-giving, mission-affirming voice, is a soft reminder to all who read his words: The Lord speaks through His Word to teach, sustain, nudge, guide, and inspire.

“The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
    and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
    whose voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
    which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
    and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
    and its circuit to the end of them,
    and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether…
By them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:1-9,11

Early pasty clouds are lit from below by the approaching herald of the day. The transformation from monochrome grey to emblazoned pink announce the sun’s power to alter and invigorate everything. Such an anointing from the Son of Righteousness illustrates how His presence awakens us to behold HIs glory, to listen as those taught, to receive what He has prescribed for this moment, this day. What the Lord speaks by heavens or Word is to be savored and shared. (Malachi 4:2)

When we rise in the morning, is it at the alarm to hit the ground running, or have we carved out time to allow God’s voice to speak? Are we frenetic and distracted, or eagerly tuned in to listen?

What responsibilities, or charges in ministry, has He entrusted to us that beg our full attention and need for divine filling? Before we teach, talk, strategize, or negotiate, how have we learned His voice? What biblical understanding and spiritual guidance directs us? Knowing our every care and assignment, the Lord faithfully instructs and reveals His glorious might so we can do His bidding. Keep alert!

Father, awaken all of me each day to receive from You so I can serve You and Yours with excellence, zeal, and joy.

 

To Combat, with Song!

“The Moabites and Ammonites and Meunites came against Jehoshaphat for battle… Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord… Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord…

“Jehoshaphat… said [to the assembly], ‘O Lord, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all kingdoms. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you…  Behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir…[are] coming to drive us out of your possession… O God,.. we are powerless against this great horde… We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.’

“Meanwhile all Judah stood before the Lord… The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel… He said, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Do not be afraid [or] dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.  Tomorrow go down against them… You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm,.. and see the salvation of the Lord…” The Lord will be with you.’

“Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah… fell down before the Lord, worshiping. And the Levites… stood to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

“They rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. Jehoshaphat stood and said, ‘Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established;.. you will succeed!..’ He appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him as they went before the army, and say,

“’Give thanks to the Lord,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.’

“When they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir… so that they were routed.

“Then they returned… to Jerusalem with joy, for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies…. with harps and lyres and trumpets.” 2 Chronicles 20:1,3-6,10-22,27-28

Godly King Jehoshaphat was committed to God’s ways, and so delighted in them that even in trepidation, he advanced his armies with song. God was His praise! Through Bible history, astounding accounts abound of victory borne of song. While most battles are described by military strategy and taking up of arms, it was not uncommon for the Lord to defeat enemy armies, collapse the walls of wicked cities, break prisoners’ chains, and humble rebel hearts with the robust confidence and melodious joy of praise. (Joshua 6:8-20; Psalm 22:3; 43:4; Acts 16:22-35)

Many are the fortified walls in our lives, structures we build from shame and regret, fear, relationships broken by misunderstandings and unmet expectations and selfishness, bodies broken by the sad residue of the fall. We pursue an array of therapy, self-help gurus, pills, and other substances, but seldom accept the prescription of song.

The Bible is replete with examples of the power of music to allay formidable and destructive enemies. Evil spirits, cruel nations, and even despondency have been conquered by song. Why do we discount this glad and potent antidote, opting instead for other defenses, excuses, and ‘cures’? (Exodus 15:1-13; 1 Samuel 16:23; Psalm 42:5-11)

What are we combating today? Spiritual malaise or lack of direction? Anxiety over unwanted changes or the unknown ahead? Pesky attitudes or rabid temptations that we cannot evade? To battle! Sing a new song! To sing to God and praise His attributes establishes us in grateful victory. (Psalm 33:1-3; 96:1-4; Isaiah 42:10-12)

Lord, may I face every battle by singing to You who are worthy of trust and praise.

A Psalm as a Mantra

“Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
    be not envious of wrongdoers!
For they will soon fade like the grass
    and wither like the green herb.

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
    dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself… over the man who carries out evil devices!

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
    Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
For the evildoers shall be cut off,
    but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land…

The wicked plots against the righteous
    and gnashes his teeth at him,
but the Lord… sees his day coming.

The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows…
    to slay those whose way is upright;
their sword shall enter their own heart,
    and their bows shall be broken…

The Lord knows the days of the blameless,
    and their heritage will remain forever…

The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
    when he delights in his way;
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
    for the Lord upholds his hand.” Psalm 37:1-9,12-15,18,23-24

David had been anointed king by Samuel, though Saul was still in power. Saul benefited from David’s spiritual ministry and brave military prowess, yet jealousy and anger boiled within, and he repeatedly tried to kill him. A man after God’s heart, David continually turned to the Lord in trust for his future and purpose. Putting prayer to song, Psalms were his theme through this tumultuous season under threat and awaiting the Lord’s timing. Reminding himself of spiritual realities when tangible ones were gnarling had to be food for his soul. (1 Samuel 13:13-14; 16:13,16-23; 17:32-50; 18:10-12; 19:8-10)

The future holds many unknowns, but also fulfillment of specific promises. The tension of living in the now and not yet calls us to live by faith with a song in our hearts. Reminding ourselves of God’s word, and persisting in trust, righteousness, and patience are key when circumstances are difficult or go awry. Some messages thrum loud with urgency, others flow melodiously. Whether stated to convince or sung to praise, psalms of truth are Spirit-given. Put to memory, they can serve as mantras that encourage and refresh.

When pressure boils and uncertainties threaten, when financial or relational or physical instability looms, we react. What is our default mode of mind and response? Panic? Scramble to control as best we can? Fret because everything is not as we’d anticipated? Doubt God’s word? Or do we realign our rhythm with Him?

Gathering worry and desire, envy and fear, and tethering them to the Lord stills the soul. Deliberately delighting in the Lord, His attributes and promises, enables us to wait, be patient, and sing. This is hard, but the Word sustains.

What person, work situation, attitude, spiritual malaise, presently troubles? Fret not! What unsettles faith and resolve? Trust in the Lord, and do good! Where do we rue unmet desire and expectation? Delight in the Lord who does all things well in His time! Maintaining spiritual rhythm grounded in songs of the Word restores our souls. (Mark 7:37; Romans 8:28)

Father, keep me singing Your songs all the day, and night.

Spirit Secrets

“We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written:

“‘What no eye has seen,
    what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived’—
    the things God has prepared for those who love him—

“these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

“The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things… for,

‘Who has known the mind of the Lord
    so as to instruct him?‘

“But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Paul delineates clearly between wisdom of the age and wisdom from God. There is much natural man cannot and will never understand, apart from the ministry of the Holy Spirit. None can know the mind of the Lord, His secret wisdom and infinite treasures, except what is revealed by divine power. Paul’s very description compels the church to wonder, and delve, and discover, the depths of God. (Romans 11:33-36; Ephesians 1:3-14)

Man’s wisdom is limited and temporal; God’s wisdom is eternally decreed. For the believer, a wisdom that existed before the ages becomes ours as we are increasingly sanctified and grow in spiritual understanding. The indwelling Christ who gives life imparts insight and understanding alien to the world. Do we crave it?

Distinguished as God’s people who hold God’s treasures in jars of clay and can see the world through the lens of an eternal perspective, we have the responsibility to hone spiritual wisdom while conveying it to the blind, unbelieving world. Filled with and led by the Spirit, we should do this with comprehension, patience, and compassion. Our handling of God’s secrets reveals how we value them. (2 Corinthians 4:7)

How eager am I to grow in spiritual wisdom? How committed am I to daily disciplines, dependent on the Holy Spirit? As I do increase my understanding of the word, God, and how He works, how am I applying what has been trusted to me? With whom am I participating in teaching, mentoring, admonishment, or edification? Spirit secrets known and shared glorify their source.

Lord, activate my imagination and desire to explore your infinite secrets by the power and enlightenment of your Spirit, and help me generously share them with others through words and actions that magnify You.

No Room for Strutting

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,

“’I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
    and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’

“Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?  For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.  For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,  but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.  But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.  And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’” 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Paul is always strategic with his words. He asks questions that make his readers think and dismantle many an argument. His logic is cogent and unnerving for the smartest of saints, unveiling their strutting as sham, putting all in their place before the mighty, merciful Savior. Earthly wisdom is mere folly compared to the Source of life. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

Why is it that we are slow to recognize the folly of the world? Facades and thrones are alluring, and our flesh craves them both. When we put a premium on self-importance and controlling our lives, natural man resists any inconvenient truth. Only the Holy Spirit elucidates wisdom and ignites holy passion.

In what situations do we tend to strut our perceived greatness, be it experience, title, knowledge, or pedigree? Around whom are we condescending in thought or deed? What arrogance, or ignorance, or insecurity, causes us to snort and vie, compare and discriminate, find fault and put down, argue and rebuff, making fools of ourselves before the perfect God? Facing the gospel truth will dismantle pomposity and reorient our perspective.

When do we take time to ponder, and bless, the almighty Sovereign? When did we last so soak in His word and remain still in prayer that He spoke directly? How has He revealed a new facet of Himself, prompted a decision, or quickened our understanding? If we are not regularly contemplating His greatness and wisdom, we will default in the flesh to thinking too highly of ourselves. The key is not to think less of ourselves, but to think more of Him. (Job 38-39; 40:1-5)

Lord, keep me humbly dependent on and grateful to You as the source of life, wisdom, and righteousness, to Your praise.

Just As He Did

“‘See, the Lord your God has set the land before you. Go up, take possession, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not fear or be dismayed… Do not be in dread or afraid of them. The Lord your God who goes before you will himself fight for you, just as he did for you in Egypt before your eyes, and in the wilderness, where you have seen how the Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way that you went until you came to this place.’ Yet in spite of this word you did not believe the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 1:21,29-32

Israel was a fickle people, faithful when they wanted to be, and wavering when fear loomed and circumstances were challenging. The faithless generation having died off through forty years of wilderness wandering, God’s people were on the brink of the promised land. His leader prepared them to enter and conquer in faith, recalling all He had done through the years. They knew His deeds, both first-hand and by the telling. Yet weak flesh won out over substance, and Moses called out their unbelief.

“Remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
    I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9

Just as the Lord has saved and carried us, He will continue. A wealth of examples in God’s Word tell of His wondrous deeds. We could never exhaust His works if we were to recount them from our own lives. At any command, we might assess our resources and muster our gumption to obey. Yet, when difficult situations arise, or temptation presents for quick solutions, we are still wont to waffle, and not take Him at His word.

What are we doing to store up a treasure trove of remembrances? How faithfully do we record God’s answers to prayer, His surprises? How deeply do we trust the God who has saved and gone before us? How effectively do we apply faith developed over time and times experiencing His sufficiency? Whom do we tell, and how do we pass along His works to the next generation? Circumstances will not shake those who believe that God continues just as He’s always done. (Psalm 37:5; 78:4; 103:2-13; 105:5)

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” Psalm 77:11

 “Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside.

Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
Great is thy faithfulness, 
Lord unto me.” ~ Thomas Chisholm (1923)

Lord, help me remember Your deeds, reckon Your truths, and live in vibrant faith in Your constancy and greatness.

God-Handled

“You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    it is high; I cannot attain it.

Where shall I go from your Spirit?
    Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me,
    and the light about me be night,’
even the darkness is not dark to you;
    the night is bright as the day,
    for darkness is as light with you.

For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
    my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
    the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:5-16

Hemmed in, covered, led, held, shielded, formed, knitted, made, woven, name written. The handling of God is inescapable for His people. David, who had long known his God, knew full well that the Lord God knew him. Inside out, behind and before, his God who had formed him and held him was worthy of awe and praise.

The Lord’s hands are all over His children, all the time. This almighty One who formed us in our mother’s womb holds us daily as a reminder of His abiding presence, in hands on which our names are engraved. He leads us, prunes us, soothes our sorrows and touches our diseases. He holds us secure in salvation, never to let go. (Psalm 63:8; 73:23; Isaiah 41:10,13; 49:15-16; Matthew 8:2-3,15; John 10:28-29; 15:1-2)

We profess to believe in the Lord, yet worry and stew, as if we, or someone we love, might slide out of His sight and care. If we cannot escape His loving grasp, why do we fret? We say we believe His word, that His nail-scarred hands prove His love, yet doubt our worth. Why not take His hand in faith and confidence? It could be that though we give lip-service to owning ‘faith,’ we do not really know the substance, of object, of it. We recite promises, but do not rest in the truth of them, in the palpable strong arms of Jesus. When will we take time to review His handling of all that concerns us, and thank Him for it?

If we continually ponder the works of God’s hands, and His meticulous, loving, wise involvement in His world and our personal lives, we will naturally respond with hands stretched out to Him. To return Him gratitude, will we lift our hands in surrender of our work and praise of His? He alone deserves our loyal trust and joyful exaltation. (Psalm 90:17; 92:4; 141:2; 143:5-6)

Lord, may I constantly rejoice in the blessedness of being God-handled, and live out Your influence and enabling, to Your glory.

Fellowship’s Rich Joy

“I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me.., after I have enjoyed your company for a while. Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there… After I have completed this task and made sure they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way… 

“I urge you… to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me… that I may be kept safe… and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received.., so that I may come to you with joy… and be refreshed… The God of peace be with you all.

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon in Cenchreae… to give her any help she may need…
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me…
Greet my dear friend Epenetus…
Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.
Greet Andronicus and Junia, who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles…
Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.
Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test…
Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, women who work hard in the Lord.
Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.
Greet Rufus and his mother, who has been a mother to me.
Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brothers and sisters with them.
Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people with them.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
All the churches of Christ send greetings.” Romans 15:24-25,28,30-16:10,12-16

Paul’s letters were meaty and instructional, and always laced with love and affection. His ministry of the gospel was compelled by gratitude to the God who saved him and love for God’s people, and his written communication conveys both. The richness of fellowship he shared with all his churches was continually stirred up and promoted in his writing. He would not be with them forever, but intimate joy of fellowship among the believers would endure.

The arms of God that are not too short to save are wide to embrace and underneath to sustain his people. He envelops us in love so we catch His heartbeat, and upholds us by His power. We have the indescribable privilege of participating in glad, strengthening fellowship within His Body. (Deuteronomy 33:27; Isaiah 59:1; Hebrews 1:3)

What delights of fellowship am I enjoying, and engendering? With whom am I communicating about God’s deeds and prayer needs? How appreciative am I of ministries that are different from my own? Where am I giving personally, or passing along what I have been given, to meet the needs of fellow Christians?

Whom do I specifically name in my prayers, and how regularly do I pray for them? In what ways do I show care and compassion? How quick am I to commend, encourage, and build up? When is the last time I wrote a note or embraced someone with God’s love? The Lord composes His Body of different and interconnected people who together build the church and bring Him glory. (Ephesians 4:16; Hebrews 10:24-25)

Lord, help me build up, care, and love, to the joy of Your people and to Your delight.