Author: astherainandsnow

“I remember the days of old;
    I meditate on all that you have done;
    I ponder the work of your hands.
I stretch out my hands to you;
    my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. 

Answer me quickly, O Lord!
    My spirit fails!
Hide not your face from me,
    lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
    for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
    for to you I lift up my soul…

Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
    on level ground!..

And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies,
    and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul,
    for I am your servant.” Psalm 143:5-8,10,12

“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;..
    my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
    too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
    like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child is my soul within me.” Psalm 131:1-2

The Psalmist knew how to still and quiet his soul, and the lifeline it afforded. Listening to his observations, and memories, he was reminded of God’s great and gracious works. Those brought to mind His steadfast love, that flowed, and upheld, and never failed. Recalling those works of God’s hands opened his own toward Him, to reach, to hear more. HIs quieted soul would listen for the way to go, the level path to follow.

There is nothing like the morning quiet, and listen. Do we even know how to still and quiet our souls? To awaken and set first to listen to the voice, the cadence of truth, the sweet song, of our Savior? To train our minds to think on God’s wondrous works, and to thank Him? To discipline ourselves to read and listen to and occupy ourselves with nothing else except Him? When we take first glance and listen from another, our thoughts begin to stir and fill and react with mental vigor, yet in a spiritual vacuum. But when we seek first His Spirit’s voice, our ears will be attuned to Him in the barrage of noise around us and His leading will be clear. (Matthew 6:31-33)

If we thirst and go to satiate ourselves on anything but the giver of every good and perfect gift, we will come up empty. When we attentively listen to His unfailing love, and allow it to buttress our minds for the day ahead, we will know His sustenance of Spirit in a supernatural way. (James 1:17)

“O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

O fill me with Thy fulness, Lord,
Until my very heart o’erflow
In kindly tho’t and glowing word,
Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.

O use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where;
Until Thy blessed face I see,
Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.” ~Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)

Worthy Lord, my first and best and open ears are Yours.

“I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
    before the gods I sing your praise;
I bow down toward your holy temple
    and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
    for you have exalted above all things
    your name and your word.
On the day I called, you answered me;
    my strength of soul you increased.

All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord,
    for they have heard the words of your mouth,
and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
    for great is the glory of the Lord.
For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,
    but the haughty he knows from afar.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
    you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
    and your right hand delivers me.
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
    your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Psalm 138

“His Son, he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.” Hebrews 1:2-4

“Consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.” Hebrews 3:1

A morning sky radiates breath-taking glory from heaven to wood, stone, and flesh here below. All that is high and lovely and beyond splendor and description meets with the low and banal and transient in the person of Jesus. He who is perfect and knew no sin became sin for us that we might taste and touch and be clothed with his righteousness. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

All that is high, may I ponder. Ponder with wonder, ponder with praise. How can I comprehend that He is high above the winds and the waves, the nations and governments and wars, the rancor in relationships, idiosyncrasies of personalities, secret thoughts of men? What does it mean that He is above the heavens yet regards the lowly? What does it change in my choices, my sentiments, to know He sees me, and sees after me, to perform His bidding? (Genesis 16:13; Jeremiah 1:12)

All that is high, may I love. Lord, captivate my affections, heart and soul, that there be room for nothing else. There are too many things on earth that vie for our attention and steal our affection. Ideas promoted and oft repeated that sully the truth or lofty thoughts toward others. Objects that shine and hum and entice and in the end complicate and entangle.

All that is high, may I share. May I be quick to console, bless, encourage with strength and love from above. May the language of heaven be mine to exalt what is lofty, elevate discussion, enlighten and bring peace.

Of all that is high, may I sing. May I never waste breath on complaint, argument, or lies. On gossip, criticism, demeaning talk, or to stir up dissension. How can I offer melody to the downcast, and inject harmony into stress?

All that is high, mark my life in every way, to the praise of God most high. Amen.

“Listen to me, O coastlands,
    and give attention, you peoples from afar.
The Lord called me from the womb,
    from the body of my mother he named my name.
He made my mouth like a sharp sword;
    in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow;
    in his quiver he hid me away.
And he said to me, ‘You are my servant,
    Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’” Isaiah 49:1-3

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

“It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13

God the Creator has fashioned each of His children uniquely and for specific work. From first call, He sets out to work in us what pleases Him and leads to the end of His intent for us. As His beloved offspring, we have the privilege through life here on earth of joining Him in this work and fulfilling His call for His glorious purposes in the days He’s appointed. (Acts 17:26; 1 Corinthians 12:11)

The design is His, His also the power. But there is a necessary surrender, a cooperation, where we offer ourselves and by working and putting into practice we test and approve His will for us in our circle of the world. For some, this is the home, workplace, church, community, or city. For others, a wider swath in a country or broad public venue. The important thing is that we listen and know our place and work where God has called us. (Zechariah 4:10; John 21:21-22)

How zealous are we, in the trappings of busyness, to be all about God’s call? When do we take time to listen, and attention to make necessary changes and heed? Might He have us doing something more, or different, from what we have always done? How thoughtfully do we number our days, and measure and meet our opportunities? How eagerly to we take on new assignments? (Psalm 90:12)

“May the mind of Christ, my Savior, 
Live in me from day to day,
By his love and pow’r controlling 
All I do and say.

May the word of God dwell richly 
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph 
Only through his pow’r.

May the peace of God, my Father, 
Rule my life in ev’rything,
That I may be calm to comfort 
Sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me 
As the waters fill the sea.
Him exalting, self abasing:
This is victory.

May I run the race before me, 
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus 
As I onward go.” ~Kate B. Wilkinson (1925)

Lord, keep me marveling at Your works, and exhibiting Your character as I go about mine. May all I do be from You and unto You, and for Your honor and ends. (Psalm 111:1-10; Romans 11:36; Colossians 1:16; 3:23)

“In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. Isaiah the prophet came and said to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover…”’ Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord… The word of the Lord came..: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will heal you... I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria… for my own sake and for my servant David’s sake.’ And Isaiah said, ‘Bring a cake of figs. And let them take and lay it on the boil, that he may recover…’

“At that time Merodach-baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. Hezekiah welcomed them, and showed them all his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his armory, all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them.  Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah, and said, ‘What did these men say? And from where did they come?’ And Hezekiah said, ‘They have come from Babylon.’ He said, “What have they seen in your house?’ And Hezekiah answered, ‘They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them.’

“Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, ‘Hear the word of the Lord: Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left.’” 2 Kings 20:1-2,4-7,12-17

King Hezekiah had faithfully and effectively led Judah to follow God, establishing his kingdom through prayer and in His name for over a decade. But some glint of self-importance sparked after the Lord graciously healed him from an otherwise fatal illness. Pride at being so favored? Fear of losing everything had he died? Suddenly pesky pigeons of arrogance nested in his esteem of God to overtake everything entrusted to him. When he pompously exposed the treasures of his kingdom to the enemy, the enemy took the lust-bait. And in judgment, the riches he’d treasured would soon be his treasures no more. (2 Kings 18:1-8; 19:14-19; 20:1-5)

Where is my treasure? In my transient kingdom here on earth where moth and rust destroy, or in eternal heaven? What occupies my interest, time, and mental energy proves my treasure, and where it settles, so does my heart allegiance, my delight, and my desire. (Matthew 6:19-21)

What might happen if the treasures we valued and introduced to others were the treasures of Heaven? What if instead of parading achievements or possessions we displayed Jesus? How vibrantly do His peace and joy adorn our demeanor and conversation? How are we demonstrating the beauties of His grace and security of His salvation so to make them attractive? What needs to change so that Christ in us appeals to others as their hope of glory? (Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 3:1-4)

Father, may I so treasure You that others do too.

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people,
from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 125:1-2

“The righteous will never be moved;
    he will be remembered forever.
He is not afraid of bad news;
    his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:6-7

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“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

Like a mountain. Unmoved, abiding forever, surrounded from this time forth and forevermore. Surely these describe strength, stability, security beyond any we humans can fathom or put into place. The solid promise is that those who trust in the Lord are immovable, strong, established on earth and touching the heavens.

If this is true, which God’s word is- He does not lie but every word spoken is backed by unchanging righteous and the sufficient might to fulfill- why do we spend so much time wrangling in fear? Afraid of danger, afraid of sickness, afraid of failure, afraid of being exposed. Afraid for our children, afraid for our country, afraid for our future, afraid for our health. Afraid of pain, afraid of uncertainty, afraid of being cheated, afraid of death. We are surrounded by the Lord, and He is on our side and rules eternally from His perfect throne. Why do we outright disobey His consistent command not to fear? (Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10; John 6:20; Romans 8:31-39)

What moves us to quaking that should be moving us to Jesus? When will we start taking the Lord at His word, and taking that word to battle? Into hard circumstances beyond our control, into strained relationships, anxieties, and incapacities?

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

‘Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

‘When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

‘When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

‘The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.'” George Keith (1787)

Father, in every activity and proclivity, may my heart devotion and faith be unmoved. Keep my soul firm as a mountain, grounded in You and always touching heaven.

“Israel is a luxuriant vine
    that yields its fruit.
The more his fruit increased,
    the more altars he built;
as his country improved,
    he improved his pillars.
Their heart is false;
    now they must bear their guilt.
The Lord will break down their altars
    and destroy their pillars.

For now they will say:
    ‘We have no king,
for we do not fear the Lord;
    and a king—what could he do for us?’
They utter mere words;
    with empty oaths they make covenants;
so judgment springs up like poisonous weeds
    in the furrows of the field…

Sow for yourselves righteousness;
    reap steadfast love;
    break up your fallow ground,
for it is the time to seek the Lord,
    that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.

You have plowed iniquity;
    you have reaped injustice;
    you have eaten the fruit of lies.
Because you have trusted in your own way.” Hosea 10:1-4,12-13

“Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and rules and statutes, which I command you today, lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you… out of slavery, who led you through the great and terrifying wilderness,.. who brought you water out of the flinty rock, who fed you in the wilderness with manna… to do you good in the end. Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth… And if you forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish.” Deuteronomy 8:11-19

From early on, the Lord warned Israel of the dangers of amassing fruit and wealth, filling lusty eyes with treasure until they sparkle, and of corrupting affections by claiming them their own. They’d relinquished right thinking and distort the reality of proper authority and who gives every perfect gift. Succumbing to greed and idolatry ultimately brings judgment. (Romans 1:21-25; James 1:17)

We work hard to achieve, build, or overcome, then claim success and victory as our own. We profess to know God, and even identify our bounty as ‘blessing,’ yet we deny His ownership of and favor on our works. In fact, the Lord mercifully saves us unto these works. Our intent should always be to bring Him the glory He deserves by putting into practice His bestowed gifts. (Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 1:16; 3:3-8,14)

What resources or successes am I calling mine? Where am I denying God’s desire or ability to bless? What if I checked my motive against the truth that ‘His 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 His? Both riches and honor come from Him, in His hand are power and might and… to make great and to give strength?’ (1 Chronicles 29:11-13)

Father, may every effort be by Your strength, every achievement for Your honor, and every success unto Your glory alone. (Isaiah 42:8)

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,  so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,  who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:2-14

In Paul’s methodical teaching, he greets the Ephesian church with a blessing, then spells out who they are and what they have. They were always to remember their standing in Christ, and the riches entrusted to them for stewardship in the church and beyond. An inventory would arm them for doing their part in the Body of Christ.

The bounty God’s children own is as unimaginable as it is wonderful as it is awe-inspiring. Only an infinite, all-sufficient God could so endow and supply. The identity and inheritance bestowed is lavish and eternal, empowering and enlightening for daily living with heavenly impact in an earthly world.

If all this is ours, how are we to behave, interact, plan, work, and serve? He’s granted us these precious gifts for a work He’s prepared. His Spirit inspires and unifies and builds, and we are privileged to be caught up in contributing. (Ephesians 1:15-20; 2:10,18-22)

What does being chosen from the beginning to be adopted as God’s child mean to our sense of identity and self-worth? Has it turned insecurity and self-consciousness to Christ-consciousness and desire to emulate Him? If we’re redeemed and forgiven, and are being made holy and blameless for eternity, how does that affect everyday choices, and motivate us beyond living for just me, just now? Where am I working my way, in my strength? If God indeed has a purpose for me, am I exploring His plan and exercising my gifts to that end? How is His indwelling Spirit directing and infusing the way I love, discern, speak, pray? (Esther 4:14; Acts 17:26; Romans 8:26-27; Galatians 5:22-23)

Father, may I daily rejoice in and live out Your bounty, to the praise of Your grace and glory.

“These things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.  I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” John 17:13-18

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned… ‘For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:14,16

When the dark deep of water is your home, you avoid light and air. Think fish, who might tickle the surface or occasionally slice through the unlined barrier in a flip of other-worldly exertion. Their nature always dominates, and back to the wet they return. In contrast, the dolphin, a mammal needing air, breaks the water’s surface in smooth, regular arcs, silent save for the gentle whoof of a blow before intake of fresh breath. The necessary, life-sustaining rhythm is serene and certain.

As mammal sinners, we can do everything possible to remain in the world’s depths and often prefer the anonymity of darkness. We flit about in places we can hide, unwilling to have habits exposed, and flirting with shame. But we’ll never know full life as God intended without regularly breathing out the old and in the new. We must come to the light and partake of His Spirit to live.

While in the world, we will not escape its pull. But as Jesus prayed, we are not of the world, and can resist the evil one. We have every freedom (and urgent admonition) to break the surface of its mania and drink deeply the air of the heavenly Christ. Regularly carry the oxygen of His countenance and truth and loveliness to the madding realm of darkness. (Philippians 2:15)

What do we love and coddle too much in the present world, and so desert, or even recoil from, the things and people and ways of God? Addictive or sultry habits in entertainment? Mindsets of angst, resentment, or catty complaining? Indulgences of the flesh, wallet, tongue, or mind? When will we take the necessary escape and exhale in order to inhale the purity, wisdom, and inspiration of the Lord?

While destined for this world’s water in our numbered days, take and delight in God’s precepts and have life. Bask in His light, and there we see light. Drink regular deep draughts of Jesus and be refreshed. The longer we linger in the murk of unsound teaching and unchecked passions without taking heavenly air, the harder it will be to make surfacing and remaining in Christ a practice. (Psalm 36:9; 119:92-93; 2 Timothy 4:3-4)

Father, having assigned me to this world for now, keep me coming up for You often and rhythmically. So sate me with Your way, truth, and life that I can spread it here below. (John 14:6)

“At that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews….

“Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king.  Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, ‘Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up?  Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?’

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.  If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.’” Daniel 3:8,13-18

Because God was able to deliver them, the brave young Jewish exiles were readily willing to trust Him and their lives to His keeping, and were steadfastly unwilling to sin. Their allegiance was fixed and would not be shaken, no matter how maliciously threatened or tested. Since God was willing to be their God, they were willing to say a wholehearted yes to Him over any demand.

Nebuchadnezzar’s rage escalated when they did not relent, and he ordered the determined young men be bound and thrown into an even hotter furnace. Fury turned to fear when he witnessed a fourth walking in the fire with them, and all unbound and unhurt. “Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, ‘Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.'” (Daniel 3:19-28)

Many situations we encounter will test what we are willing or unwilling to do. Each choice is grounded in what we believe about God, and how much we trust Him to be who He says He is. When we worship, fear, and serve only Him as supreme and sovereign King, He will come first before any threat, temptation, or idol.

How well do we know God and all He’s willing to do for us? How willing are we to know Him better? Do we trust Him enough above our fears, doubts, and outside pressures that we’re unwilling to betray Him? He is able to make all grace abound to us so we have sufficiency in all things! He is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before His glory! His willingness to defend and supply for us should engender hearty willingness to stand with Him! (Romans 8:31-34; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Jude 1:24)

Lord on high, keep me ever willing to trust You above any other. Willing to give Your all for me, You are worthy of my sole devotion.

“Hear the word of the Lord, O children of Israel,
    for the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land.
There is no faithfulness or steadfast love,
    and no knowledge of God in the land;
there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery;
    they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.
Therefore the land mourns,
    and all who dwell in it languish…
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge;
    because you have rejected knowledge,
    I reject you from being a priest to me.
And since you have forgotten the law of your God,
    I also will forget your children.

The more they increased,
    the more they sinned against me;
    I will change their glory into shame.
They feed on the sin of my people;
    they are greedy for their iniquity.
And it shall be like people, like priest;
    I will punish them for their ways
    and repay them for their deeds.
They shall eat, but not be satisfied;
    they shall play the whore, but not multiply,
because they have forsaken the Lord
    to cherish whoredom, wine, and new wine,
    which take away the understanding.
My people inquire of a piece of wood,
    and their walking staff gives them oracles.
For a spirit of whoredom has led them astray,
    and they have left their God to play the whore…
I will not punish your daughters when they play the whore,
    nor your brides when they commit adultery;
for the men themselves go aside with prostitutes
    and sacrifice with cult prostitutes,
and a people without understanding shall come to ruin.”

“The spirit of whoredom is within them,
    and they know not the Lord.” Hosea 4:1-3a,6-12,14c; 5:4

Judgment is pronounced on the nation for its slack and what that slack does back to their life choices. Like a slap in God’s face is the lack of godly behavior of His people. No steeping in His law, no glorious expression of its beauties. Slack in grappling and applying leads to sloppy living, loose filters, chasing after idols, mistreatment of others, and disordered affections. Overall, a lack of righteousness. Rejection of God and His ways portends His rejection in return.

The more we whore with the world and are influenced by godless opinions, caustic sound bites, and morally vacuous ‘expertise’, the less we will think like Jesus. The more profound our lack of knowledge, the looser our conscience and self-control. The closer we skirt toward boundaries of the profane, the more likely to push through them into riotous living- of the heart, or outward. Slack in spiritual discipline renders us unable to perceive the world with a biblical mindset and therefore impotent to interact with others and do business with pure godly intent and expression. (Matthew 22:29)

The only remedy is transformation: Worshiping God to fear God to gain wisdom and understanding. Girding up our loins with the knowledge of God, and getting to work to put truth to practice. Tightening up the slackness in our tether to the Lord. (Hosea 5:15; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:13)

Where do we evidence a lack of knowing the Lord’s character, or the tested vigor of spiritual life? What slack in attitude, willingness, or zeal need we confess? How will we hone life-altering knowledge of the Lord?

Father, keep me tight with You, pressing on to know You better so I can think and live fruitfully, reflecting Your light. (Hosea 6:3)