Author: astherainandsnow

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.  As it is written,

‘He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever.’

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.  You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.  By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.  Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

“Who has first given to me, that I should repay him?
    Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine.” Job 41:11

“What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” 1 Corinthians 4:7

“You received without paying; give without pay.” Matthew 10:8c

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

The Lord and Owner of the universe is bountiful and generous beyond measure. He cannot be outgiven, yet gives that we learn to give. We own nothing, and everything we have use of is a gift entrusted to us as a stewardship. He is our gracious supplier and supreme example: He gave the ultimate in His life for us. It is always more blessed to give than to receive. All He entrusts to us is to be held loosely, invested wisely, and put to use lavishly. Only the Giver is owned forever and lasting Treasure. (John 15:13; Acts 20:35)

Do I really understand that I own nothing, that all riches and honor and abilities and successes are the Lord’s? Have I reckoned this so as I manage and manipulate all over which I am a steward? How generously do I sow resources in my neighborhood, workplace, family? How gladly do I serve and contribute at church to build up the Body? (1 Chronicles 29:11-14)

And when the Lord has lavished sufficiency and enriched me, how have I turned His limitless grace to thanksgiving and praise? How deeply am I treasuring, how generously am I giving in life, love, and words, His inexpressible gift of Jesus?

Lord, You have given Your all for me. May I daily be glad and willing to spend and be spent for the sake of souls and for Your glory. (2 Corinthians 12:15)

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,  but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32

“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.  Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 8:29-34

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

Jesus knows the throes of temptation, and that we will surely struggle against the wily enemy, but He doesn’t expect us to fail. He is our great High Priest who experienced every push and pull and taunt of the enemy but remained without sin, and He is available to help us. With every warning comes His promise to intercede for us, and the admonition of what to do when we have turned again. This is our hope and confidence! (Matthew 4:1-11; John 8:44; Hebrews 4:14-16)

How easy it is to give up in the flesh! To think there is no way to resist the devil’s onslaught. To blame our circumstances. To weary of the fight. But God gets all that, and He still admonishes us to keep watch and triumph. He knows our every weakness, but also that His is the strength for the battle and the ultimate victory. He’s called us from the beginning to be conformed to His image, so everything that transpires for us is to that glorious end, and that we might help our brothers reach it also. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

When we feel as though we are being sifted as wheat, pummeled from every side to discouragement, failure, guilt, or regret, what truths lead us forward? What does it mean for us that the Spirit of Jesus in us is greater than the enemy in the world? How does the fact that we are predestined for glory, and the reality of Jesus advocating, defending, and interceding for us before God’s throne, bolster us to face temptation head on and name it, then boldly turn away? What promises of help and ultimate deliverance compel us to endure and keep on? (James 4:7-8; 1 Peter 5:8-11)

And when faith triumphs, whom can we help and encourage? What truths and practices will we pass on to strengthen our brothers to overcome?

Gracious Lord, help me daily rely on You and do all things You have commanded in Your strength, to Your glory. (Philippians 4:13)

“Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,  and said to them, ‘You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him.  I will therefore punish and release him.’

“But they all cried out together, ‘Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas’—  a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder.  Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus,  but they kept shouting, ‘Crucify, crucify him!’  A third time he said to them, ‘Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.’  But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted.  He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.” Luke 23:13-25

Pilate appeared authoritative and orderly in his initial dealings with Jesus. He seemed reasonable enough in his investigation, deducing his conclusion of not guilty from earnest inquiry. Even his wife warned him not to act against Jesus. But weak character turns resolve to mush when challenged by the mob. He could not stand against their hateful rancor and riotous pressure to condemn the innocent and free the offending. He pretended to wash his hands of guilt as he abdicated prudence and upended justice in his decision to yield to pressure from a rabid crowd. (Matthew 27:19,24; Luke 23:1-7)

When we want to please men more than God, reason ruptures and we lose our edge on wisdom. We allow fear and feelings to trump the right and true, and it never ends well. We may win temporary worldly attaboys, but that approval is fickle, short-lived, and meaningless when we must painfully bear our shame before our Savior. Thankfully, He receives the broken and contrite-hearted and redeems our failures. By His grace He restores right thinking. (Psalm 32:1-11; 51:1-2,17)

Are we prone to starting off right and then losing our sure footing? What pests or heat soften firm resolve to think and make decisions biblically and do the right thing? Perhaps we begin by clinging to God’s help, then loosen our grip and lean on our own understanding? Or has alluring worldly influence overridden what we know is pleasing to the Lord? Whom and what do we fear- being cancelled for taking a stand? Ridicule or teasing for a ‘narrow’ viewpoint or refusal to participate? Or standing before the righteous Lord Almighty? Where are we tuning out the truth and listening to the crowd? What riot of emotion are we allowing to hold sway over senses and reason? (Proverbs 3:5-6; James 3:16-17)

If we’ve failed to hold fast God’s standard,

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:
though your sins are like scarlet,
    they shall be as white as snow.“ (Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 1:9)

Lord, swallow my human reason in Your wisdom, that I may know and continue in all that is right and true.

“The Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded,  and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, ‘Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: The Lord is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, and without a teaching priest and without law,  but when in their distress they turned to the Lord and sought him, he was found by them. In those times there was no peace to him who went out or to him who came in, for great disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands. They were broken in pieces. Nation was crushed by nation and city by city, for God troubled them with every sort of distress.  But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.’

“As soon as Asa heard these words,.. he took courage and put away the detestable idols from all the land of Judah.., and he repaired the altar of the Lord that was in front of the vestibule of the house of the Lord.  He gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and those from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who were residing with them, for great numbers had deserted to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord his God was with him… They sacrificed to the Lord on that day from the spoil that they had brought 700 oxen and 7,000 sheep. And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul…  They swore an oath to the Lord with a loud voice and with shouting and with trumpets and horns.  And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought him with their whole desire, and he was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around.” 2 Chronicles 15:1-9,11-12,14-15

After a miraculous defeat of a million Ethiopians, a stern and forthright message from the prophet established Asa’s passion and priorities. The king had steered Judah aright from the start of his reign, and the Lord had prospered him militarily, economically, and religiously. But God knew that pride could set in after such successes and that warm hearts grow cold under the smallest influence of the flesh. (Sadly, this is the state where Asa ended decades later) For the season, God’s warning captured his whole desire, and all Judah benefited and rejoiced. (2 Chronicles 14:2-13; 16:1-12)

To seek the Lord in every situation and behave courageously in both rest and distress is to make way for the Lord to triumph. He always acts for our good and sanctification. What will it take for us to surrender and give Him our whole desire?

Where has my passion for the Lord waned? Has laziness or a subconscious apathy set in to disrupt long-held commitments and disciplines? Has selfishness or fatigue convoluted regular fellowship or willingness to serve the Body? How immediately do I heed warnings the Lord graciously sends by way of His people and word?

Father, own and rule my whole desire, that every impulse of heart, mind, and hand be initiated by Your grace and for Your glory.

“Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim.  So Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.’  So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.  Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.  But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.  And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword… And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner.” Exodus 17:8-13,15

"Commander, soldier, hold arms high, 
Each is needed in God's eye
To fight the fight that He's ordained;
His banner leads, He proves His reign."

A foreign enemy attacks, and the God who is never surprised sets His people in place to take charge, lead the charge, and support. He issues directions through His servant leader as His banner waves above and before. We do not know all Moses said, but we know he stood with steady hands to preside over the battle. We know Joshua fought, that Aaron and Hur upheld their leader’s arms, and that God Almighty brought the victory. “With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” (Exodus 14:13-14; 2 Chronicles 32:8)

In God’s grand scheme of battle between good and evil in this world, He appoints His people to take their places and do their part. We battle not against flesh and blood but against principalities only He knows and understands. He strategizes, determines our specific roles, and supplies the strength, wherewithal, and armor. (Nehemiah 4:17-18; Esther 4:14; Ephesians 6:10-18; Philippians 4:13,19)

Where is the Lord calling me to command as He directs, to lead with careful eye and heart? Where can I come alongside to fortify leaders with practical help, sustenance, or encouragement? Where does He want me on the front lines doing battle with sword, tool, or prayer? And as He gives the victory, how quickly and fully will I thank Him?

“Stand up, stand up for Jesus
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner,
it must not suffer loss.
From vict’ry unto vict’ry
his army he shall lead
till ev’ry foe is vanquished
and Christ is Lord indeed.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict
in this his glorious day.
Ye that are men now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger
and strength to strength oppose.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in his strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.” ~George Duffield (1858)

Lord, wherever called to duty or do battle, keep me zealous and faithful, to Your praise.

“Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.  By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,  that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day…

“For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.  But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4,9-10a

“Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—  that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,  that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

“I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:7-14

The gospel captivated and compelled Paul. The good news of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ that had saved him was the truth on which he lived, breathed, stood and urged others to stand. It pressed upon him as he pressed on to know his Lord and make Him known.

The gospel saves, and holds us secure as we stand in salvation. It is also our resurrection power for endurance. Working out our salvation is a daily sacrifice of self-determination to the Lord’s will, a daily reckoning that what He has done for us is true and effective. It is working out salvation with fear and trembling, a constant acknowledgment that we no longer live but Christ lives in and through us. The gospel charges and sustains the exchanged life. (Romans 6:11-13; 12:1-2; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12-13)

Do I see the gospel as having worth surpassing the privacy, independence, and self-coddling I treasure? Can I count as rubbish everything that would keep me from knowing and abiding in Jesus? To what attitudes, affections, and activities do I cling that keep me from pressing forward in faith, obedience, and sanctification? Where has the upward call of God placed me to live out the gospel before others so they too can know His prize?

Lord, keep me watchful, strong, standing firm in the gospel and faith, doing all in love for Your purposes and glory. (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.’  So Moses and Aaron said to all the people of Israel, ‘At evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt,  and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord’…

“I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’” Exodus 16:4-7a,12

“I will refine them as one refines silver,
    and test them as gold is tested.
They will call upon my name,
    and I will answer them.
I will say, ‘They are my people’;
    and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’” Zechariah 13:9

“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. 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 12:1-2

The Lord often tested His people, and not all the Israelites proved themselves worthy students. Even with the satiation from His miraculous provision of manna, some kept to their impulses and stubbornness over His clear instructions, betraying their rebel spirits. God always designed these challenges to showcase His patience, mercy, and kindness. (Exodus 16:16-30)

All of God’s tests are intended to teach us the disciplines of obedience and holy living. He tests us for the cultivating of our faith, our edification and upbuilding. He tests us so we learn to rely on His strength, and look beyond to higher purposes. He tests us in order to reward us, and ignite passion to do what He says. He wants us to experience His enabling and pass, and then delight in praising Him. (Job 1:20-22; 2:10; Malachi 3:10)

As we grow in faith, we learn the rhythm of daily surrender, and so continually test and approve His will through mind renewal and godly pursual. What holds us back from tackling tests of faith? How can we test His power by a specific obedience? Where is He testing our resilience in hard circumstances or a difficult relationship? Where is He testing our resolve to rise above gossip, cattiness, and constant crabbing? Will we pass His tests to endure and stay the course, even when buffeted by discouragement and distractions?

Lord, make me bold and faithful in every test of obedience so I can discern and do Your will and magnify Your glory.

“[Jesus] entered Jericho and was passing through.  And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich.  And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature.  So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.’  So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.  And when they saw it, they all grumbled, ‘He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.’ And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’  And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'” Luke 19:1-10

Jesus entered the city and made His way through, measured and purposeful. Zaccheus was almost frenetic, his desire to see Jesus hindered because of the crowds, so he ran and hoisted himself up in a tree to catch a glimpse. At the perfect moment, steady met frenzied, love met longing, intent met intensity. Jesus was under love’s compulsion to save this spiritually hungry tax collector, and would have His way in effecting eternal transformation.

When God has a work to do at a specific time, in a specific way, He can be counted on to do it. He may bring particular wisdom, the scripture’s consolation, or palpable comfort. He might open doors to our mess of sin-proclivities and wayward affections for deep conviction and cleansing. His end is always that we know Him better, love Him more, and be sanctified. All He intends to do by way of coming into our house He must do, and will.

It’s important that we recognize we are Zaccheus: small before holy Jesus, and desperately in need of Him. Only then will we take time and effort to seek Him, only then can we joyfully receive Him. Only in responding to His love look will we know the blessedness and fullness of salvation.

Do we awaken each day with a sense of urgency for Jesus to come and enter our world? Would we invite Him to inspect every corner of our minds, all the space of our heart, each room of schedule and dreams? Would we fling open every closet door, every nook and cranny of confusion and consternation, greed and selfishness, of resentment, fear, and salacious indulgence, and yield to His poking and purifying presence? Would we welcome Him not only to come but to stay until He’s finished His work?

What difference is the Spirit’s power making in my daily life? How is His presence inspiring my attitudes and efforts in industry? How is He refining my impulses and cravings? What changes is He making in my discernment, my generosity in ministry?

Lord, may I ever welcome Your compulsion to abide with me. By Your Spirit effect every change You intend, for Your glory.

“Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.  For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,  to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?..  As commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.”

“Our sufficiency is from God,  who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

“God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us… We who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”

“The love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;  and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised… Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16,17b; 3:5b-6; 4:6-7,11; 5:14-15,20-21

Paul spent his redeemed life for the gospel. His heart pulsed with the compulsion of Christ to make known His grace and truth. The time was always urgent, his message always clearly conveyed with open heart and mouth. He preached under pressure, extreme hardship, controversy, and mistreatment, caring only that the life of Christ be presented and received. Every now was a favorable opportunity to present his Savior to be seen and savored. (2 Corinthians 6:2-11)

Do we realize the quality of life we own in Christ? What are we doing with it? How are we, in every encounter, spreading the eternal life He’s given us to produce and enhance life in others? With whom do we share love and light that are other-worldly and life-giving? Where are we conveying forgiveness, compassion, mercy? Whom are we lifting up, edifying, consoling?

To reproduce life we must cultivate and nurture it in ourselves. Rich seasons of time in God’s word, specific application of His character and principles to everyday pondering and situations, and a willingness to share the fruits of life with others all contribute. The Spirit does the work, both hidden and seen, and guides us in our part. How passionate and available are we to manifest His life wherever He plants and leads us?

Lord, with every breath You give, may I speak and live Your life to others for their hope and Your glory.

“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.” But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted…’

“And a ruler asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’  And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.  You know the commandments: “Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.”’  And he said, ‘All these I have kept from my youth.’  When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’ But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.  Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, ‘How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!'” Luke 18:9-14,18-24

The Pharisee, tax collector, and rich ruler betrayed whom they exalted by their words and posture toward the Lord. The Pharisee spoke for all to hear his litany of self-righteousness, making notable that he was justifiably on the throne of his life, merely informing God. The rich man inquired more earnestly, yet rued the thought of releasing his wealth. Did he treasure it too much? Only the tax collector was stricken with his sin, helplessly and trustingly casting himself and his idols on God’s mercy.

In order to exalt God, we must get out of the way. But the problem with us is us. We think too much of ourselves, our goodness, efforts, accomplishments, and stuff. We’ve made these gifts from God into ultimate things for which we take credit, and can’t seem to remove self from the pedestal of our life. We give lip-service to God, but we are almighty. As John Calvin described, “the human heart is a perpetual idol-making factory.” As long as we are pumped full of pomp, self importance, and materialistic endeavors, we will not give proper praise to the One worthy of this due. Bow before Jesus, and everything falls into a holy perspective.

Whom and what do we exalt? The answer is in what occupies our thoughts, dreams, and affections. Do we habitually make much of ourselves, incessantly talking as if my life is the only one of interest or importance? Where have I misplaced value on achievements, acquaintances, possessions, experiences? Anything or anyone (even family members) who preempts the high, holy, incomparable God in our hearts and souls must be displaced. (Isaiah 40:18-23,25-26; 44:6-8)

Almighty God, may I worship, adore, and exalt You alone, the only One worthy.