As the rain and snow

“O Lord, in your strength the king rejoices,
    and in your salvation how greatly he exults!
You have given him his heart’s desire
    and have not withheld the request of his lips. 
For you meet him with rich blessings;
    you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
He asked life of you; you gave it to him,
    length of days forever and ever.
His glory is great through your salvation;
    splendor and majesty you bestow on him.
For you make him most blessed forever;
    you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
For the king trusts in the Lord,
    and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.” Psalm 21:1-7

“David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. David said: ‘Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.  Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.  And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

“‘But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are strangers before you and sojourners… Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided… comes from your hand and is all your own.’” 1 Chronicles 29:10-16

David’s intimacy with his Lord was so real, so pronounced, that any benefit and blessing he owned and enjoyed he knew was from the Lord. Though he was not perfect, he continually acknowledged that it was God‘s grace and favor that made him great in the world. Written song and bold proclamation were the rhythm of his soul and kept pride in check.

We can so easily slip into thinking too highly of ourselves, or too much about ourselves. Success and achievement inflame arrogance, but so can troubles and busyness. They press us into inflated importance and a prideful disregard of others.

But gaze at God, and practice singing praise to Him, and He changes our whole perspective. When God gets in the way, we move from all-about-me to all-about Thee. Sights filled with His greatness and majesty and glory and splendor see ourselves only in light of Him. And there we are small. Loved, of immeasurable value, but under His benevolent authority and pleasure.

Where have we become puffed up? Do we talk more about what we have done or need to do than we genuinely care and listen to others? When was the last time we bowed our knees before God Almighty, and praised Him with psalms? He delights to hear His word. What changes in our perspective might He make that bear out in more humble, generous, gracious living?

Father, fill my thoughts of self with all of You, so You are extolled.

“Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior…

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you…

“We ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life… Grace be with you all.” Titus 1:4b; 2:11-15; 3:3-7,15b

Paul’s letter to Titus began and ended with grace, progressing through its admonitions and instruction dependent on and laced with that same grace. Grace had greeted them into salvation, and would keep them steadfast and pure. Eventually it would close their lives here on earth and usher them into eternity.

For every Christian, God’s grace in Christ saves and seals us, and takes us home. In between it abides and guards, convicts and quickens, sanctifies and fortifies. It is gritty getting into and uncovering our mess, and gracious in its grating to fit us for full life in Christ. By God’s Spirit grace convinces of sin, gives strength to renounce it and choose right, and inspires holiness and praise.

Tracing God’s grace through our spiritual journey makes note of the ways and places He applies it. By its nature it shows up, unsought and unearned, to make alive our sin-dead souls. The Lord graciously sprinkles undeserved love into hated and hating sinners, saving us out of death unto life, foolishness unto wisdom, meaninglessness unto purpose. (Ephesians 2:1-5)

Where have we seen God’s grace work in the past, and how are we living differently? In what areas is it working now, teaching, refining, restoring? In what relationships do we need an infusion of grace? Are there grudges we hold, or judgments we nurse? If by grace we’ve been saved, it will see us through to put off these besetting sins. Where will we yield to God’s ministry of grace today? How and on whom will we lavish as Christ has on us, that they might share our hope?

“Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come:
’tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.” ~John Newton (1779)

Lord, may I ever sing of Your grace, and live out my gratitude by responding to its inner work and extending its outer glories.

“If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Your threshing shall last to the time of the grape harvest, and the grape harvest shall last to the time for sowing. And you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land securely. I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. And I will remove harmful beasts from the land, and the sword shall not go through your land. You shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand, and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. I will turn to you and make you fruitful and multiply you and will confirm my covenant with you. You shall eat old store long kept, and you shall clear out the old to make way for the new.  I will make my dwelling among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.” Leviticus 26:3-12

The Almighty God set seasons in place to prepare for man, the crown jewel of His creation. His promises to His people intertwined the rhythm of blessings He’d designed with their receptivity to His statutes. All He ordained was for their good according to His order. (Genesis 1:14; Jeremiah 29:11)

Walking in truth we learn the ways of God, and to see His gracious and supernatural provision through every season. We learn to accept rains of confusion, pain, even despair as intending and enabling fruit and fruitfulness. Knowing His steadfastness and unchanging character, we learn constancy and unwavering faith through waiting and change we cannot control. Knowing the love behind His plans and the necessity of variation, we learn to trust that darkness and rest give way to light and energy, that fallowness and sowing are necessary for reaping and harvest.

There are consequences of loss and upended seasons when we fail to walk with the Lord, when we neglect His truth or rebel against His ways. The God of bounty will not bless the selfish idolater. He is a God who keeps His word and upholds His honor. (Leviticus 26:14-20,23-24,31)

Do we desire spiritual fruitfulness? Do we live to give robust offerings and glad praise that fills the sanctuary? Do we want to bear God’s graces and love around us and make an eternal difference? The Lord ordains the land of our days for varied yield and fullness.

Where do we see rottenness or anemic growth? How are our character and countenance and affections developing? What stubbornness or pride is hindering an upright walk in obedience? Would we confess and put it away today in order to enjoy the blessings of all God’s seasons? God’s presence in us delights to make new. (Leviticus 26:40-42)

Lord, help me rejoice in every season, faithfully walking in Your truth and promises rain or shine, trusting Your good and exalting Your glory.

“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,  I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,  that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,  having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might  that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,  far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Ephesians 1:15-21

For this reason– that you’ve been saved and redeemed unto an everlasting inheritance in Christ according to His eternal and glorious purpose- I pray this for you. Paul longs for the Ephesians to know every spiritual blessing they own securely in Christ, to rejoice in it, and to experience its fullness. Great reason and purpose compels great prayer! This knowing and realizing would be the secret to their perspective and power for ministry life going forward. It would determine action and develop both the individual and church. It would be the source of effective gospel living in every arena. (Ephesians 1:3,7-14)

As God’s adopted children, how well acquainted are we with the vast bounty of spiritual treasure He has given us in Christ? Do we know His eternal purpose for us is to be holy and blameless? Is that our desire also? From personal experience, how familiar are we with the grace He supplies for challenging decisions, relationships, and uncertainties? How have trials heightened the anticipation of what awaits us, and desperation the greatness of His power over our own? In what situations have our eyes been enlightened by His living word, or spirits quickened by His resurrection power? The more these gifts become joyfully ours in daily life, the more we will want others to know them too.

For whom are we in regular, earnest prayer, and what drives those prayers? Do we mumble off rote lists, or repeat empty platitudes seeking ease and happiness, wishing all the hard would go away? Or do we plead for God to unfold these deeper realities for those we love, no matter what it takes? Imagine what glory and growth we would see if God poured out His spirit of wisdom and revelation to those seeking to know Him and His will, or His immense power for the relinquishment of long-held resentment or victory over a sin habit, or His hope for those who suffer or grieve. There is no higher calling or greater gift than to know Jesus.

“I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I’ve committed
unto him against that day.” ~D. W. Whittle (1883)

Lord, from all that You’ve done for me, may I pray with wisdom and boldness for others in the power and for the sake of Your name.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Ephesians 6:10-18

Devil schemes. Rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers over this present darkness. The evil day. All circumstances. All the flaming darts. Paul’s admonition was not to fear, or dread, or cower, or flee, but to stand firm against all of these. He knew them, having endured suffering and hardship beyond most humans’ imagining. But he knew even better the triumph of securing and utilizing the full armor of God. (2 Corinthians 11:24-28)

Not some, but all. Some flaming darts we recognize, others we don’t see, or think impossible. We know the blatant temptations of mind and flesh, the caustic sting of false accusation or gritty criticism, the pesky doubts and haunting fears, the damp of discouragement and darkness of depression. But we can be oblivious to the eating away at resolve, the slow wane of fidelity, or the subtleties of manipulation, niggling tension, or loosening morals. The enemy lures to gradual declines we’re too busy or distracted to notice.

Yet, we must be on the alert and at the ready. His darts pelt our confidence. They puncture security. They inflict burning and pain in plans and relationships. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, so his weapons are intentionally destructive and disabling. He fully intends to dismantle faithfulness, corrupt righteousness, swerve us off course, and undermine commitment. It is vital we prepare each day both to defend and attack. The armor of God meets every wile and protects every target. (John 10:10)

How aware are we of the raging unseen battle? When and how do we secure each peace of armor and take up God’s weapons? Greater is our God than the devil! (1 John 4:4)

“A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.” ~Martin Luther (1529)

My Victor, fix my armor and firm my stand to meet and defeat the enemy’s fiery darts, to Your praise.

“Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
    blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
    and cleanse me from my sin!

For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
    and blameless in your judgment.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
    and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
    and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins,
    and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and renew a right spirit within me.”

“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting!” Psalm 51:1-10; 139:23-24

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

David knew the turmoil of trying to hide sin. It made miserable, it gnawed, it ate away at his inner man. To have power as king he needed cleanness in his soul. He learned the hard way that to fail to govern temptation and selfish desire was to cripple governance of his wider kingdom, but he knew where to go for remedy. His God would expose and extricate his sin. God would deal in mercy with his back and under and hidden side to make him righteous through and through and restore a whole heart. (Psalm 32:3-5; 139:1-3,23-24)

The backside is where power can get disconnected and go out, and also where we get reconnected and tap in. The back side is where we get rid of our trash and kill off the pests and fix faulty fuses. The backside is where we do hard accounting and honest dealings with the unseen God so that we can present a front side emptied of self and full of the Spirit. The Lord’s searching eye and His word’s strict inspection prepare us to be rightly equipped for the service He’s made us to do. (Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12)

What connection with Him and His word has been frayed by the pull of strange affections, or loosened by flippant attitudes, or grown cold through lazy habits and spiritual discipline? What distractions from full engagement have we tolerated too long? How willing are we to invite His pure, all-seeing eyes into our hidden spaces? What confession or renouncement will we make to begin the clean-up His Spirit prompts and by grace completes? (John 16:8-10)

“Hover o’er me, Holy Spirit,
Bathe my trembling heart and brow;
Fill me with Thy hallowed presence,
Come, O come and fill me now.

I am weakness, full of weakness,
At Thy sacred feet I bow;
Blest, divine, eternal Spirit,
Fill with power, and fill me now.” ~Elwood Stokes (1879)

Lord, please cleanse me through and through, and fill me anew, so You are seen, desired, and honored.

“Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’  Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, even though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'”

“Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.'” John 11:21-26; 12:23-25

The crowds and disciples in Jesus’s day knew death in its horror and consequence. It punctured with stark pain and cruel finality. But this man Jesus was always about something greater, farther, beyond. While His friends grappled with the direness and haunt of last breaths, He was fixed on eternal sight and display of glory. His own impending death on the cross would bring everlasting life, so He taught and illustrated this magnificent truth in earthly ways they could understand. (John 12:32)

Death comes to all. This is Eden’s cruel reality. Certainly we must grapple with immediacies, contingencies, and emotions at the devastation, but the Lord’s presence in our midst brings a supernatural element into the rawness we experience. We wrangle against death with lots of ifs and only ifs, subconsciously thinking we can play a part in determining and delaying and managing even ifs. All the while, Christ lifts its horror and sting with divine benediction. (1 Corinthians 15:53-57)

Jesus came to earth to proclaim and exemplify that even if we die, and actually if we die believing, we will live. The curse from the garden was borne by the Christ who put eternal death to death. The life of which He spoke and which He imparts is dimensionally and qualitatively different from what mortals can grasp, yet He offers it freely and often, inviting us to partake. What will it take for us to face death in light of these lofty truths? (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:22-24; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9)

There are types of death we are to welcome and apply daily for the righteous good of our Christian walk. Death to self and to impulses of the flesh are mandatory for living free in Christ. Resolve and faith in the Spirit’s strength enable us to put to death our old self and crucify besetting sin. Even physical death becomes the substance of great hope when we are fixed in the Lord. To live here below is to live for Christ, but to die is to be in His presence forever, a gain we cannot yet comprehend. (Romans 6:5-11; Philippians 1:21; Colossians 3:5-10)

What qualms are we dealing with surrounding death? What might we learn of Jesus if we brought every if to Him to answer and redeem?

Lord, teach me the grace and goodness of death as You have ordered, and to look beyond to the glorious eternal life You promise.

“In the last days there will come times of difficulty. People will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,  treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,  having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people…

“You, however, have followed my teaching, conduct, aim in life, faith, patience, love, steadfastness,  persecutions and sufferings..—which I endured… Evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it  and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering,.. fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5,10-11,13-17; 4:2-5

Godly wisdom gave Paul both insight into the ways of culture and discernment of particular human behavior. He saw through the veneer of superficial righteousness as one who’d lived and breathed it in all its false glory. He’d pretended, with vehemence, in spiritual ignorance, but once arrested by Christ’s grace understood the wiles of a glossy appearance that cloaked a pride-infested rebel heart. So he warned his young protégée to be alert and take caution. Real power was manifested neither in cursory platitudes nor brazen wickedness, but by the Spirit of God at work in His people.

Ours are certainly times of difficulty, with inflamed disordered desires awry in every space. Lovers of self, money, power, intellect, control, idols, and immoral practices abound. They infiltrate weak minds as well as institutions, infecting the language and flow of communal and national atmosphere.

We must be aware and bold to avoid such people who spread distortions and unrighteousness like gangrene. We must be honest and put off false appearances and lip service to biblical truth when we do not tap into its power. We cannot assume we’re immune to temptation, but must steadfastly pursue the Lord, steep in His life-giving word, and practice wisdom and uprightness. (2 Timothy 2:17)

How do we skim the surface spiritually? What groups of people and manipulated sound bites do we straddle in misguided hunger to please and appease? Where are we pretending at generosity but fostering inner greed, talking up love but concealing inner resentment or disdain, or professing humility but failing to submit to the Almighty?

If we are genuinely the Lord’s, earnestly pursuing Him, His character, His ways, our lives will exhibit His Spirit’s power. Appearance and profession will consistently align with inner impulses, outward behavior will reflect His graces that no supposed power of the world can overcome. Where is He convicting us to come clean and allow His power to take over?

Father, may my manner of life reflect the power of Your grace, purity, and glory.

“Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be as sheep that have no shepherd.” Numbers 27:16-17

“In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said, ‘Ask what I shall give you.’ And Solomon said,.. ‘O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?’ God answered Solomon, ‘Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king,  wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.’” 2 Chronicles 1:7,9-12

For a shepherd of sheep or ruler of men, intention in leading out and bringing in were equally important. God knew this in His appointing, and Solomon knew it in his asking. Going out requires fitness and focus, and coming in assures keeping and renewal. Graciously the Lord inquired of Solomon to elicit recognition and dependence, then matched his voiced need with supply for every task required.

Often we major on how we will go out- into the day, into the fray- and never consider our coming in. We spend all efforts on plan and plan, do and do, with little thought for the inner essentials that fuel the frenzy. Our days open and usher out to responsibility and opportunity and possibility, and the closing of the day is merely a clipped ending. But both going and coming are important in a daily walk with Christ and the governing of our affairs.

In maintaining peace and purpose in our lives, balance and a wide perspective are required. God is generous to supply 360 degree vision when we ask. Wisdom to know our strengths and weaknesses and to understand the times over which we’re called to be stewards is vital in ordering our days and years. How willing are we to admit what we are not capable of handling? In what areas do we need keener discernment, or greater dependence on God’s strength? What pride or stubbornness needs swallowing by humble honesty before the Sovereign? (Isaiah 33:6)

And in places we’re called to lead, how well do we tend to all facets that require attention? Are we prone to concentrate on the big and flashy, on outward action and public impact, and to neglect the inner disciplines and development and rest that attend those efforts? Do we lead out well but fail to finish, or follow up, or train, or encourage, or pray? Every angle matters to God. (1 Timothy 4:6-16)

Father, help me tend faithfully to all areas of life, that You are glorified in my governance.

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

But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
    will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
    in the fear of you.” Psalm 5:1-3,7

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1

David’s songs are melodic accounts of his deep communion with the Lord. Every word chosen contributes to a lovely descriptor of thought, passion, and intimacy. The psalms beckon us to yearn, cry out, bow, surrender, and praise. His carefully prepared psalms offered to God reflect the thoughtful sacrifices his songs inspire.

Prepare: To make ready beforehand for a specific purpose, as for an event or occasion; To put together or make by combining various elements or ingredients

We too can set mind, heart, and hand to prepare and offer sacrifice. True sacrifice does not just occur, and cannot be presented casually or impetuously. It takes honest consideration of Savior and self.

Preparation of mindset and will is inspired by consideration of God’s greatest sacrifice of His only Son for us, an offering far beyond what we could ever offer back. Meditating on the beloved unique and perfect Son sent from glory to live and die and live again for us fills the soul with gratitude. If God the Father could give so much for me, how can I not give myself back to Him?

Gazing and wondering at the beauty of the world He has made compared to the repulsiveness and horror of my sin also elicits holy desire. In light of His gifts, I want to give up what I think and say and do to distort or ruin them- the sordid inclinations of my heart that stain the purity of love and kindness, the greed that warps contentment, the ugly words that mar and sting, the impatience and anger that disrupt His peace. Are we taking time and attention to make ready our offerings?

What in body and practice is He calling me to surrender? How can I better prepare to give sacrifice of praise at the start of each day? How can I live more wholly for His sake and glory?

“When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them through his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.” ~Isaac Watts (1707)

Worthy Lord, keep me mindful to offer You daily the honor and praise You deserve.