Author: astherainandsnow

“At the dedication of the wall they sought the Levites, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres.  The sons of the singers gathered together from the district surrounding Jerusalem and from the villages…

“Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks. One went to the south on the wall… After them went Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah… and certain of the priests’ sons with trumpets..; with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Ezra the scribe went before them.  At the Fountain Gate they went up straight before them by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, to the Water Gate on the east.

“The other choir of those who gave thanks went to the north, and I followed them with half of the people, on the wall, above the Tower of the Ovens, to the Broad Wall,  and above the Gate of Ephraim, and by the Gate of Yeshanah, and by the Fish Gate and the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, to the Sheep Gate; and they came to a halt at the Gate of the Guard.  So both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house of God… And the singers sang with Jezrahiah as their leader.  And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.” Nehemiah 12:27-28,31-32,35-40a,42c-43

The rebuilding of the wall under great duress and opposition was finally complete. The Lord had provided supplies, protection, and stamina. There was much reason to give thanks, so leaders Nehemiah and Ezra made it happen in a grand, meaningful way. The joy at all God had done welled up to melodious, unrestrained praise.

Giving thanks with deliberation, attention, and responsive joy is a vital part of spiritual life. We own innumerable spiritual riches, and receive new morning mercies and blessing upon blessing every day. God provides ongoing, generous wisdom, inspiration, and peace. What selfishness causes complaint instead? How will we make praise to this good and gracious Lord a daily rhythm? (Psalm 34:3; Lamentations 3:22-23; Ephesians 1:3; 5:19-20)

“Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
God’s own love is reigning o’er us,
Joining people hand in hand.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.” ~Henry Van Dyke (1907)

How infectious is our praise? How far will our song be heard?

“Thou that hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, a grateful heart.

Not thankful, when it pleaseth me;
As if thy blessings had spare days:
But such a heart, whose pulse may be
Thy praise.” ~George Herbert (1593- 1633)

Worthy Lord, with whole soul and voice may I ever sing Your thanks and praise.

“Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.  And when they came to him, he said to them:

“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia,  serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews;  how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.  And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there,  except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.  But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God… I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God… 

“‘And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified… ‘ And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.

“Paul answered, ‘What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’  And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, ‘Let the will of the Lord be done.’” Acts 20:17-24,27, 32,36; 21:13-14

When Paul was drastically saved, a testimony he repeatedly recounted, his mindset and passions were completely reoriented. The Lord had revealed that he would suffer much for the sake of His name, and a humbled, grateful Paul embraced that call wholeheartedly. His every breath was spent to finish the work God had saved him and sent him to do: preach the gospel. Even when fellow believers attempted to persuade him to avoid impending harm, it was important to him that they take note of and take up this passion to fix their eyes on Christ and finish His race. (Acts 9:10–16; 21:7-12; 2 Timothy 4:7)

Where has the Lord nudged us to serve and we have rebuffed His Spirit’s promptings due to ease and personal preference? Even when we say we are all in, are we prone to flagging in zeal and giving up when things get difficult? Where have we focused more on the risks and roadblocks than the promises of God? How many projects do we start and not finish? (Romans 12:11)

How might the Lord change our motivations to welcome His call with eagerness and faith? Maybe we list His promises, and memorize them. Could we match His word to every doubt and fear in order to face obstacles head-on? Would we pray for reoriented passions and bold courage?

It is an amazing gift to be saved by the relentless love of God. And it is an indescribable privilege to serve Him in response. Are we committed to finishing the course He marks for us?

Lord, may I finish all You’ve called me to do with zeal and for Your glory.

“So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

“But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry.  And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it.  And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.”

“Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it… [they] sent to me, saying, ‘Come and let us meet together in the plain of Ono.’ But they intended to do me harm. And I sent messengers to them, saying, ‘I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop..?’  And they sent to me four times… the fifth time… with an open letter. In it was written, ‘It is reported… that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports you wish to become their king… So now come and let us take counsel together.’ I sent to him, saying, ‘No such things as you say have been done…’ For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.’ But now, O God, strengthen my hands…

“So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.  And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God… And Tobiah sent letters to make me afraid.” Nehemiah 4:6-9; 6:1-9,15-16,19b

Any great work for God will at some time meet great opposition. The devil snarls and plots against anything that would honor God or promote God’s kingdom, seeking to undo, steal, kill, divide, and destroy. It’s his nature- he hates God’s people and plans, and does all he can to disrupt and discourage them. Although unsettling trials and temptations to give up will certainly come, handling them with truth and prayer secures our footing and fortifies us to proceed and prevail. (Luke 17:1; John 10:10 1 Corinthians 11:19; 1 Peter 5:8)

Often God orchestrates circumstances so it is evident only He has done it. When we are challenged or shaken, rather than rely on ourselves, we must look to and rely on His wisdom and strength, work His way through and seek His victory over enemies. Deep faith is forged in deep trouble, and great work for God gives great glory to Him.

What significant work for God carries challenge today? Would we turn any flesh-pull to quit to a press toward our all-sufficient God? Would we trust His presence with us to confirm and sustain the work? (1 Peter 5:10)

Father, keep me focused on all You assign despite opposition. Establish it for Your good purposes and glory. (Psalm 90:17)

“All the people gathered into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard… And he read from it facing the square… from early morning until midday… And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law…  And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people [on a wooden platform], and as he opened it all the people stood.  And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen,’ lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground… The Levites helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading…

“On the second day the heads of fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, came together to Ezra the scribe in order to study the words of the Law.” Nehemiah 8:1-8,13

“An Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship  and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over and join this chariot.’ So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah and asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ He said, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him… Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.” Acts 8:27-31,35

Through the ages, God has appointed people to help others make sense of His Word, and since Pentecost, He has also given His Spirit to guide in truth. What a privilege to have access to the complete Scriptures and these means of grace for knowing God Himself! (John 14:26; 16:13; Acts 8:36-38; Ephesians 4:11)

When and how are we availing ourselves of God’s powerful word? If we struggle to be consistent, ask Him to develop an insatiable taste for it, and persevere. If it seems stodgy, difficult, or impenetrable, pray for enlightenment. Would we seek out someone or a group for study, encouragement, and accountability? Whom can we help with what God has taught us? We have not because we ask not, and God delights to awaken holy motivation and supply what He knows will be life-giving. (Matthew 7:7-8; James 4:2-3)

Making sense of the Word brings conviction, and confession brings freedom and joy. Understanding compels obedience which results in gladness, life transformation, and hunger for more. The Word guards against sin, and imparts wisdom, strength, and direction for our days. It actively works to sanctify us, bears eternal fruit, and never returns void. (Psalm 119:11,105; Isaiah 33:6; 55:10-11; Nehemiah 8:10,12,14-17; 9:1-3; Hebrews 4:12)

Lord, keep me hungry to make sense of Your word. Lead me to those who can help, and those to help, as we grow together in knowledge and love for You.

“Pray then like this:

‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.'” Matthew 6:9-13

“I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy… I prayed and made confession, saying, ‘O Lord, the great and awesome God… we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules… To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but to us open shame,.. because of the treachery committed against you… To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him and have not obeyed… We have sinned, we have done wickedly. O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away… O Lord, hear,.. forgive,.. pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God.” Daniel 9:3-5,7,9-10,15-16,19

“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

There is nothing like exalting God and hallowing His name and character to bring us to a genuine understanding of who we are before Him. Acknowledging His holiness necessarily exposes where we fall short of His glory. Truth humbles us into confession and repentance. (Isaiah 6:1-8; Romans 3:23)

Would we take regular time for thoughtful confession from top to bottom? My mind: On what do I think? Is there jealousy, smug superiority, criticism? Indulgence of fear, worry, prurient interests? (Philippians 4:6-8; Colossians 3:1)

My eyes: Do I look with envy, coveting, judgment, prejudice? Does what I watch implant beauty or sensual suggestion? (Matthew 6:22; James 2:1-4)

My ears: Am I a busybody that seeks out gossip, salacious information, music that offends the divine? Do I develop discernment by balancing worldly opinion with biblical truth, or tickle my ears by listening only to what I want to hear? Have I stopped my ears to conviction or the cry of the needy? (Acts 7:55-57; 2 Timothy 4:3; James 1:19)

My mouth: Have my words diminished others, interrupted, pontificated in pride, cast doubt on another’s motives, spread untrue or unflattering suggestion, confessed another’s sins, betrayed a confidence? Does my language break down or build up? Include filth that reduces the soul, or elevate the atmosphere and give life? (1 Corinthians 14:3; Ephesians 4:15,29; Colossians 3:14-16; 1 Timothy 5:13; 1 Peter 3:15-16)

My hands: Where do I busy myself unnecessarily, or neglect vigor in work? Do I use my hands to hoard or give, in caprice or intention, temper or gentleness, anger or love, destruction or creation, idleness or serving? (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:11)

My heart: On what idols or temporal things have I set my affection? Is my default response toward those unlike me to loathe or love? (Matthew 6:19-21,24; Colossians 3:1)

My feet: Do I daily charge out on own agenda, or readily bring good news wherever God leads? (Isaiah 30:21; 52:7; Ephesians 6:14-15; Colossians 3:23)

Based on the merit and mercy of Christ, true repentance leaves sin behind and walks anew forgiven and free.

Search me, O God, and be glorified through my honest confession. (Psalm 139:23-24)

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

“Fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,  for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

The perfect incandescent white crescent encupping a grey circle of moon pokes large and bright above the horizon in a sky smattered with stars. (A star streaks in an arc, then quickly burns out.) This new day is barely unfolding, yet full of promise from that one slice of light that there is more awaiting, more at work than meets the eye. There is completeness in the sharp edges, substance in the darkness. Though we may not see fully, the moon is still round.

In many seasons and situations we see dimly and know incompletely. We scramble for information and long for answers. We rage at what we learn because it cannot really be so, and yet it is, so we search to tie pieces together to gain understanding. Is the valley endless? Can the shadow be any thicker? Will the darkness ever lift? Is there even a glimmer of hope in the heaviness? Why can’t I see it all now? (1 Corinthians 13:12)

As long as we live here below, we will have unanswered questions and unresolved pain. But there are truths we know for certain and can trust by faith. Faith propels us forward without fear. Faith in God guards against bitterness. Faith’s fruit develops and fosters deeper trust as we learn to walk by the light we have. We can believe the moon is still round, though we cannot see it all.

Where am I fainting, fearing, or flagging in faith? Would I trust more than my eye can see, that God is working behind the scenes, and reveals gradually increasing slices of light as He sees fit? He who designed and sustains lunar cycles knows the beginning from the end and every part in between, but calls me to do the next right thing as light is revealed to me. (Isaiah 46:9-10; Revelation 1:8)

“Jesus, I am resting, resting
in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
of thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee,
as thy beauty fills my soul,
for by thy transforming power,
thou hast made me whole.

Simply trusting thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold thee as thou art,
and thy love, so pure, so changeless,
satisfies my heart;
satisfies its deepest longings,
meets, supplies its ev’ry need,
compasseth me round with blessings:
thine is love indeed.” ~Jean Sophia Pigott (1876)

Lord, keep me ever trusting and resting in Thee, knowing the moon is round, and that You are writing my story according to Your perfect, glorious will.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and all that is within me,
    bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
    who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The Lord works righteousness
    and justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
    his acts to the people of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide,
    nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
    nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
    so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father shows compassion to his children,
    so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
For he knows our frame;
    he remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:1-14

“Jesus answered, ‘The most important is,.. you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.’” Mark 12:29-31

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

The benefits from knowing and loving God are vast and innumerable, and reciting them lifts our souls to bless the Lord and Giver. They flow from who He is in His very nature, from His vast heart of love. Every blessing comes in lavish measure for as high as the heavens are above, so great is His love toward us. Do we grasp the greatness and greatestness of God’s love? (Ephesians 1:3; 3:18-19)

“What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul!” ~Anonymous, American Folk Hymn (1835)

When we grasp His wondrous love, what impact does it make on our affections and our actions toward others? How does it affect or reorient our mindset each day, our outlook on the world? Do we not desire a mind so full of such love that we can think only the best of another, and always have the appropriate word of truth, encouragement, consolation, and hope to offer? Would we not also want a heart so full of love we can not help but feel compassion, comfort the sorrowing, and serve the needy?

What can I learn of Christ’s love from the cross? How will I endeavor to know better the facets and measure of how it translates to and through me? How can I practice it afresh in my home, workplace, church, and community? (Ephesians 3:14-19)

Lord, may I never forget and ever bless You for the benefits and blessings of Your love. Fill me with that love to overflow so that You are known and adored.

“The centurion replied, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed…  And to the centurion Jesus said, ‘Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.’ And the servant was healed at that very moment.

“When Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever.  He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him.  That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick… 

“And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. There arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?’”

“As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he rose and followed him.” Matthew 8:8,13,14-16,23-27; 9:9

What sort of man is this God-Man, who perceives and responds to faith, heals with a word and a touch, calms a storm, and changes a life course? He is a mighty and unique sort, the Prince of peace, everlasting Father, Healer, Creator and Sustainer of the heavens and earth, Upholder of government on His shoulders. He is worthy of our awe, esteem, fear, praise, obedience, and trust. (Genesis 1:1; Proverbs 8:22-31; Isaiah 9:6; Colossians 1:15-17)

This sort of man is intimately acquainted with all our ways, determined to use us in His kingdom work, and committed to sanctifying us. He is actively involved in awakening holy desire, prompting specific prayer and faith, healing brokenness, resentment, and besetting sins that hinder growth. He calms unreasonable fears and extends effect calls. (Psalm 139:1-3)

What sort of man is Jesus to us? Where has He been active in our thoughts, desires, dreams, and plans? How has He exhibited compassion and comfort so we will go and do likewise? Where is He urging, inspiring, teaching, shaping, and refining us? How is He shaping or reshaping our affections, the way we use our time, where we direct our attention and expenditures? (Luke 10:35-37; John 13:1-5,14-15)

“Jesus, I am resting, resting
in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
of thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee,
as thy beauty fills my soul,
for by thy transforming power,
thou hast made me whole.

O how great thy lovingkindness,
vaster, broader than the sea!
O how marvelous thy goodness
lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in thee, Beloved,
know what wealth of grace is thine,
know thy certainty of promise
and have made it mine.” ~Jean Sophia Pigott (1876)

Lord, keep me marveling at You and responding to You for the sake of Your good purposes and glory.

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless,  that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.’ Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, ‘Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.  And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God…’ When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.” Genesis 17:1-8,22

Abraham had first heard God’s promise of a son by Sarah 24 years prior. Was this walking and waiting command after 13 years of silence from God to be different from what he had done over the last quarter of his life? Could he be blameless after the debacle with Hagar and Ishmael? Would God’s promise really come to pass? Was he worthy of a new name? Indeed, he had initially believed the Lord by faith, which God counted to him as righteousness. The call now was to do so anew, to continue walking before this One who hemmed him in and led him on to fulfill His plans, despite his foibles. Abraham fell on his face in awe and worshipful submission, and remained attuned until the Lord God finished and left. (Genesis 12:1-4; 15:1-6; 16:2-6,15-16; Psalm 139:5)

When God issues a call, if we knew all that walking in obedience would entail – the sacrifice, temptations, conflicts, sorrows, waiting- we might not step forward. But when God says walk, He means one step at a time, in stride with Him, attuned to His voice. This we can do by faith that He is with us, He is good, and He knows the way and will direct us clearly, bringing to pass all He intends in and for us. (Job 23:10; Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 30:21)

Where has God called you and me to serve Him, or to step out in a new direction, a new trust? Do we tire of waiting for fulfillment of a promise, resolution to a quandary, healing in a relationship or of a long-raw wound, and want to give up walking or loving or forgiving or persisting? When God is silent, are we familiar enough with His word to keep on in what we do know, to trust what He has said?

If we remain immersed in His word, and seize His promises backed by His impeccable character, He will give the confidence and courage to walk before Him. Are we listening? Will we step out and on in faith?

Father, keep me listening and walking that Your word be fulfilled.

“An angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Rise and go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza…’ And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah.  And the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over and join this chariot.’ So Philip ran to him… and asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’  And he said, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him… Then Philip.., beginning with this Scripture, told him the good news about Jesus.”

“Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ And he said, ‘Here I am, Lord.’ The Lord said, ‘Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul..,  and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.’ But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem…’ But the Lord said, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel…’ So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 8:26-31,35; 9:10-13,15,17

Going about their duties and hours filled with the Holy Spirit, Philip and Ananias met opportunities to follow the Lord’s lead with ready obedience. Alert to the enemies of God, these steady servants were focused on their Lord and prepared for heavenly service no matter what. Their prompt obedience to the Lord’s clear call put into motion life-altering, world-changing moments all in a day’s service of the King. (Acts 8:5-7)

What a privilege it is as God’s children to be involved in His kingdom building! Every day we can be part of making an eternal difference. As disciples of Christ, how eager are we to seize such opportunities and fulfill God-given appointments with those in need? Devoted worship and love for Jesus compel us to serve His will in word and deed. (2 Corinthians 5:14-21; 1 John 3:18)

Would we begin our days immersed in the Word, getting filled with the Spirit, attuning our ears to prepare for wherever and to whomever God would have us minister? Would we be so yielded and full of love that we can connect with even the antagonistic and unlovable? So confident in God‘s truth that we’re not fearful of His enemies, nor uncomfortable around those different from us? When we go forth in the call, filling, and equipping of the Lord God, He does the magnificent work and we are the privileged servants. (Ephesians 5:18)

Lord, have full way and sway with me that my hours serve Your purposes and glorify Your name.