Author: astherainandsnow

“He remembers his covenant forever,
    the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,
the covenant that he made with Abraham,
    his sworn promise to Isaac,
which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute,
    to Israel as an everlasting covenant,
saying, ‘To you I will give the land of Canaan
    as your portion for an inheritance.’

When they were few in number,
    of little account, and sojourners in it,
wandering from nation to nation,
    from one kingdom to another people,
he allowed no one to oppress them;
    he rebuked kings on their account,
saying, ‘Touch not my anointed ones,
    do my prophets no harm!’..
And the Lord made his people very fruitful
    and made them stronger than their foes.” Psalm 105:8-15,24

“But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided. The fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens were closed, the rain from the heavens was restrained.” Genesis 8:1-2

“It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
 and rescued us from our foes,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:23-24

“I, I am he
    who blots out your transgressions for my own sake,
    and I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:25

“Can a woman forget her nursing child,
    that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
    yet I will not forget you.” Isaiah 49:15 

“I will be merciful toward their iniquities,
and I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12

God has a perfect mind, and knows and fulfills all He has pledged. He remembers His word with the power to fulfill it. God remembers His children in tenderness, love, and compassion. And mercifully, because of Jesus, once we are forgiven He remembers our sin no more. In perfect grace and justice He removes it as far as the east is from the west, and never counts it against us. (Psalm 103:11-12; 1 John 1:9)

Though our minds are not perfect as His, He sanctifies our minds to make them like Christ’s. What do we remember, and how might we renew our minds to be more like His? If we spend time taking in trivialities, sarcasm, and divisive opinions and conversation, we will crowd out higher thoughts of eternal significance, benevolence, and lovingkindness. (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5-8; 4:8; Colossians 3:1-2)

When we remember Christ’s mercy to us, we are more prone to forget the offenses of others. When we forget our wants and charms by humbling ourselves before our Savior, we are ready to remember the needs of others. How will we endeavor to exercise our memories to promote love and light and truth about God? What would we ask the Ruler to imprint on our minds so they look and behave like His? (Ephesians 4:32; Philippians 2:1-5)

Lord, make me keen to remember all I should, and not what is to be put away. Purify my mind and the exercise of all things true and lofty.

“When David’s time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, ‘I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, “If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.”’” 1 Kings 2:1-4

“Man is like a breath;
    his days are like a passing shadow.” Psalm 144:4

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:35

“You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:14

David’s many seasons of shepherding under the stars, growing in his knowledge and trust of God, victories and failures as Israel’s king, had instilled in him clear perspective. He knew not only in years but in spiritual wisdom that his life was but a vapor, and would soon end on earth. He had lived for God’s glory and knew that the treasure to leave behind and pass along was Him and His word. The ‘throne’ he left was that of the promised Messiah, the temple for which he prepared a place of worship and looking forward to Him.

We will all go the way of all the earth, as will our earthly treasure, yet the Lord has graciously appointed us a season here to know Him, exalt Him, and make a difference for His invisible kingdom. Are we tuned in to that purpose, or have we allowed the trappings and urgencies of life to cloud our vision? When we ask for His wisdom and zeal, He will grant it for the calling at hand and for responsible stewardship of all He’s entrusted to us, to each according to His grace and plan. We must beware lest we hold too tightly or get too ingrained. (1 Kings 3:7-9; Romans 12:1-3)

With our transience in mind, how will we live? Like David, with a whole heart after God? Will we embolden, encourage, and point to the Lord and His unshakable promises? Would we lift high the cross and the Word, that others might pay attention and walk faithfully? Would we loosen our hold on things and hold fast our confession of truth? Would we seek not to be served but to serve, and spend ourselves for others? Would we make the most of life in order that our words, work, and ministry are life-giving to others? (Mark 10:45; Acts 13:22; Hebrews 10:23)

Lord, grant me an eternal perspective. Teach me to number my days on Your divine timetable, and grant me a heart and mind to life wisely and fully for You with every breath. (Psalm 90:12)

“When your son asks you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the Lord our God has commanded you?’  then you shall say to your son, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt. And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.  And the Lord showed signs and wonders, great and grievous, against Egypt and against Pharaoh and all his household, before our eyes.  And he brought us out from there, that he might bring us in and give us the land that he swore to give to our fathers.  And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day. And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us.’” Deuteronomy 6:20-25

How easy it is to pontificate, exaggerate, or skirt real issues when we have our own inflated agenda. As Moses reminds God’s people to obey for God’s honor and their good, he also makes clear how they should describe these parameters to their offspring. We don’t force obedience to wield superiority or power, or because we can as one with authority, but because they promote a healthy fear of God, are for our good, and are the path to righteousness and life. Moses knew it was vital His people never forgot where they’d come from, that they’d been delivered by love, grace, and great power, and that God intended fruitful purpose in that deliverance.

We must stick to unadorned truth, and be able to explain reasons and benefits of a life of faith. God does great wonders that captivate our senses and take our breath away: a speck of a rainbow to give hope in sadness, a message of love that breaks through loneliness, a spiritual transformation from darkness to light. He also performs grievous works that teach deep lessons: grief that chokes but becomes our friend, losses here on earth that remind us our treasure is in heaven, agony that gives birth to comfort that we can then pass to others. In all His orchestration of moments and days, His word is a steady foundation and guide. (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

How much do we tell when we meet the lost? How do we answer questions about Jesus and our faith? How do we explain the hope we have to the despairing? When we know God’s word and apply His word, we express His truth in practical living. When we think His wisdom and sing His melodies, we bless others with His fragrance. To explain the meaning of God’s statutes is to motivate the knowledge and fear of Him, and rich meaning and fulfillment ensue. (2 Corinthians 2:15; 1 Peter 3:15)

How prepared are we to answer for our security and joy? To whom will we offer the hope of faith?

“Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee.” ~Frances Havergal, 1874

Lord, may my words spread truth and hope, and everywhere and always glorify You.

“The Lord has both planned and done
    what he spoke concerning the inhabitants of Babylon…
It is he who made the earth by his power,
    who established the world by his wisdom,
and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.
When he utters his voice there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,
    and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth.
He makes lightning for the rain,
    and he brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
Every man is stupid and without knowledge;
    every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols,
for his images are false,
    and there is no breath in them.
They are worthless, a work of delusion;
    at the time of their punishment they shall perish.
Not like these is he who is the portion of Jacob,
    for he is the one who formed all things,
and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance;
    the Lord of hosts is his name.” Jeremiah 51:12b,15-19

Man made in God’s image is incapable of fully grasping His transcendence, and the objects and endeavors we collect and manipulate on this earth do not help. In limited knowledge, we craft gods of image, performance, and pretend security, and are deluded into spiritual ecstasy by success, applause, and ease. Idols only belittle the Spirit and confuse the highness of God in our minds, rendering worthless any self-directed worship we attempt to practice.

And along comes a storm. Winds of God that whip and bite at self-protection, tumults of waters that wash away delusion and upend the structures we have erected. O, God’s ways are so much higher than ours! Not like these transient things of earth is the omnipotent God of heaven! He plans and does exactly what He says. He performs everything with perfection of purpose, while we still whittle away at our idols! He established the world and forms all things in wisdom while we, without knowledge, make images false and shameful. Our worthless idols have no match in the Portion of Jacob. (Isaiah 55:8)

Would we bow before the Lord of Hosts? Would we bring every trophy and lay it down before the cross of Christ? Would we thank Him for exposing stupidity and our valuing of worthless things, and ask that He reform in us hearts that throb for what is true, noble, good, and lasting? (Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:1-2)

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

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

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.” ~Isaac Watts (1674-1748)

Amen. Create in me a clean heart, O incomparable God, and renew a right spirit in me that worships You alone, above and before all things. (Psalm 51:10)

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Galatians 1:3-5

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:2

“May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” 2 Peter 1:2

Grace and peace are gifts from God freely given to His own. Grace and peace flow from God the Father and His Son Jesus, with power and great effect. Grace and peace flow from the perfect and eternal will of God, through the condescension and life blood of Jesus Christ, to deliver us from sin and guilt and secure us in eternal life. Grace and peace flow by and from God’s mercy to meet us in daily living, and unto His glory. (Galatians 1:6; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 2:5-8)

This divine flow courses from the heart of God to seep into into our everyday. Its source is our abiding Christ, its depth and spread deep and wide and amply sufficient. It is effective to convict and cleanse, and pleasant to enlighten, renew, and invigorate. It soothes away tears of the brokenhearted, and fills with hope.

So how do the amazing grace of God and the peace of Christ Jesus that transcends human understanding work themselves out in practical experience? Having received, been washed by, and daily nourished by the grace of God, how does it flow from us to those who are weak and untested in the faith, to those who’ve wronged us and we do not feel like forgiving? How does the peace of Christ in our hearts affect how we react to tragedy, hardship, or loss, and the atmosphere in our homes and workplaces? How does it infuse speech, interactions, deliberations, relationships, and our countenance? (John 14:27; Romans 15:1; Ephesians 4:32; Philippians 4:6-7)

“Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!

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

Are we asking for and receiving this bounty by faith? Soaking in Scriptural promises and benedictions open wide their access, and the flow starts with the first seizing and making application to circumstance. After that, they are unstoppable.

“This is all my hope and peace: 
nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
This is all my righteousness: 
nothing but the blood of Jesus.

O precious is the flow 
that makes me white as snow; 
no other fount I know; 
nothing but the blood of Jesus.” ~Robert Lowry (1876)

Lord Jesus, may I daily dive into Your flow of grace and peace. Cause these to guard and guide my heart to meet the needs of others and to bring honor to your great name.

“Son of man, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his multitude:

“’Whom are you like in your greatness?
    Behold, Assyria was a cedar in Lebanon,
with beautiful branches and forest shade,
    and of towering height,
    its top among the clouds.
The waters nourished it;
    the deep made it grow tall,
making its rivers flow
    around the place of its planting,
sending forth its streams
    to all the trees of the field.
So it towered high
    above all the trees of the field;
its boughs grew large
    and its branches long
    from abundant water in its shoots.
All the birds of the heavens
    made their nests in its boughs;
under its branches all the beasts of the field
    gave birth to their young,
and under its shadow
    lived all great nations.
It was beautiful in its greatness,
    in the length of its branches;
for its roots went down
    to abundant waters.
The cedars in the garden of God could not rival it,
    nor the fir trees equal its boughs;
neither were the plane trees
    like its branches;
no tree in the garden of God
    was its equal in beauty.
I made it beautiful
    in the mass of its branches,
and all the trees of Eden envied it,
    that were in the garden of God.

“’Therefore thus says the Lord: Because it towered high and set its top among the clouds, and its heart was proud of its height, I will give it into the hand of a mighty one… He shall surely deal with it as its wickedness deserves. I have cast it out.  Foreigners, the most ruthless of nations, have cut it down and left it. On the mountains and in the valleys its branches have fallen, and its boughs have been broken in the ravines of the land, and all the peoples of the earth have gone away from its shadow and left it. On its fallen trunk dwell the birds of the heavens, and on its branches are all the beasts of the field. All this is in order that no trees by the waters may grow to towering height or set their tops among the clouds, and that no trees that drink water may reach up to them in height. For they are all given over to death, to the world below,.. with those who go down to the pit.'” Ezekiel 31:2-14

The description of Egypt in her prime lifts sights and senses: abounding beauty, lushness, strength, virility. Unparalleled greatness and glory swell the soul, awaken admiration- even envy, and appear permanent, impenetrable. But ascendance also lifts high the head and nose, pride protrudes from fruitfulness, taking on an ugly life of its own. And God the Giver will not be mocked. (Psalm 86:8-10; 89:11-18; Galatians 6:7)

O, the folly of boasting, of peacocking about our greatness and beauty! Of thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought, rather than accepting humbly the great gifts God gives by grace, and exercising them accordingly in love. (Psalm 8:3-6; Romans 12:3; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

What do we value in life? Is our boast in self or Christ, our treasure in achievement or our eternal inheritance? Any measure of success in life comes from our Lord, who become poor that we might enjoy abundant life. (Psalm 18:35; Matthew 6:19-21; John 10:10b; 2 Corinthians 8:9; 10:17)

Gracious God, keep me ever grateful for Your greatness, and never touching Your glory. (1 Corinthians 10:12)

“The word of the Lord came to me, saying,

“’Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’

“Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.’ But the Lord said to me,

“Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’;
for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,
and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you to deliver you,
declares the Lord.

“Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me,

“’Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.
See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms,
to pluck up and to break down,
to destroy and to overthrow,
to build and to plant…’

“But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them.  And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.” Jeremiah 1:4-10,17-19

It is an understatement to assume Jeremiah was not enamored with his call from God to pronounce judgment, and that with little fruit over decades. He saw only his inadequacies, but God spoke His adequacy, directing him to report dressed for duty in confidence of His ability and instruction. And provide He did. Over and over He spoke to the faithful prophet, giving clear messages and word pictures to pronounce the hard truth of judgment and call to repentance.

There is a mysterious combination in our calling and anointing from God. He who was from the beginning has known us as long, and appointed to us gifts and purpose for our day and time. He initiates the knowing and the consecration, and abides as Enabler and Deliverer. Our part is to get dressed, arise, and do His work. (Esther 4:14; Psalm 139:13-16; Acts 17:26; Romans 12:6-8)

How prepared am I for God’s assignments? Do I lollygag in meaningless occupations, filling my mind with information and images that matter nothing for eternity and rob my mind of holy space to listen to God’s voice? Am I quick to frenzy myself with trite busyness and so crowd out substantial, God-inspired efforts? How willing am I to obey exactly what He says to do, as opposed to selecting to do only what I prefer or costs me nothing? (Matthew 17:4-5)

If we avail ourselves of God’s call and guidance, He will meet every weakness with His presence and promises. He who calls is faithful to do what He says, and to supply all we need for His assigned tasks. (Philippians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Father, keep me dressed and ready, in practicality and Spirit, to go when You call, and do all You ask, for the sake of your people, kingdom, and glory.

“What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each.  I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.  For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.

“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.”

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 3:5-10; 4:1-2

“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members,and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.  Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:3-8

In an age of independence, where in many countries we are told to make a name for ourselves, and find ourselves, the Lord’s economy has a different message. We are all fellow workers of God’s: He determines projects and assignments, and is the superintendent of every lasting work.

It is freeing and satisfying to know He appoints both work and workers. He instills gifts, He assigns our places to coordinate with needs and His design. We do not forge ahead alone, in a vacuum, or without purpose, but are very much a part of the divine architecture in His kingdom. This should excite holy compulsion to do and be our best in performing our part. (Acts 17:26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11,18,25)

We also have the benefit and joy of working alongside others. We can learn from them, we can help them. Some are easier to labor alongside than others, but all are fellow workmen through whom the Lord builds His kingdom. We can encourage and relish every contribution, and be refined by admonition and wise examples. God builds us even as we build for Him. (Ephesians 2:21-22; 1 Peter 2:5)

How heartily and thoroughly am I accomplishing what God’s gifted me to do? Is my zeal directed each day to personal ambition and endeavors, or for God’s kingdom and honor?

How intentionally am I supporting others in their work? Do my example and words build up and encourage, or stir up and criticize? (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Father, help me exercise my talents alongside fellow workers to fulfill Your assignments and honor Your name.

“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. They gave according to their means,.. and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this,.. they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us… As you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also…

“You started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it… Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you.”

“I know your readiness, of which I boast about you.., saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them…

“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… 

“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… 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.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-5,7,10b,16;9:2,8,10-11,13

There is an unbroken circle of grace, generosity, and favor that ensues when first we give ourselves to the Lord. In the scurry of needs and demands, we can skip this vital submission, even if only by unintentional neglect or in a flurry of well-intended action. But Paul reminds that our source for unselfish, Christ-like desire, the fount of human generosity, is in Him. He who gave Himself to the utmost deserves our firstfruits of surrender. We set our sights on Him and our treasure with Him, and He causes the overflow of riches and immeasurable blessing. (Matthew 6:33; Luke 6:38; John 6:11-13; Romans 8:32; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:6-8)

What wrangles for our attention? Rather than be overwhelmed by the vastness of want and requests around us, would we first offer ourselves to the Lord, and weigh in on His priorities? Yielded to Him, we’re free to relinquish self-directed pushing and open to His orchestration of purpose. He sharpens our senses to see where He wants us involved. He stirs righteous desire. He awakens generosity and opens the locked fist. He plants ideas and causes abounding fruit.

Would we learn the practice of pause? What can I set aside for the Lord to be first recipient of the morning me? How might my daily plans, activities, expenditures of time and resources change if I gave myself first to Him? How might my efforts point to His grace and bounty and bring Him thanksgiving?

Lord, may my every expenditure result from first giving of myself to Thee, so Your supply is spread and Your name praised.

“Whatever anyone else dares to boast of..—I also boast of that.  Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one..—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received… forty lashes less one… I was beaten with rods… stoned… shipwrecked;.. adrift at sea;.. in danger from rivers,.. from robbers,.. from my own people,.. from Gentiles,.. in the city,.. in the wilderness,.. at sea,.. from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.  And,.. daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.”

“I must go on boasting… to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven… into paradise… and he heard things that cannot be told… On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses… So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 11:21-28; 12:1-5,7-10

Paul was one privileged man, born and raised in a privileged Jewish family and training. His culture and education fashioned him into the man God appointed as a powerhouse in building and expanding His early church. But he had some rough edges, inborn tendencies of boasting and ego the Lord would tame as He sanctified him in His service.

Good qualities can run errant and prideful, or be honed for spiritual effectiveness. What God does in divine precision and love may cause us to chafe, but He knows what He needs to do. He applies perfect pressure in perfect measure to bring perfect results. As we mature in Him, He transforms self-driving into glad submission, and irritation into contentment. He may use difficult circumstances externally to do His inward work, which begets an eternal work that builds His kingdom and brings Him glory.

What God-given tendencies are my strongest? What unique or very specific gifts has God endowed me with that He intends to use in His body and world? What rough edges protrude and scratch that need softening or bridling to become less hostile and more effective? Are they yielded to Him, or am I trying to manage, manipulate, and move in my own will and strength? Do I tenaciously steer them my way, or most gladly spend them and be spent in the doing for Christ’s sake? (2 Corinthians 12:15)

Father, use Your righteous authority to refine and build me to be more like Thee, to exercise my natural tendencies in supernatural ways for Your purposes and honor. (2 Corinthians 13:10)