Author: astherainandsnow

“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs…’  Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.’ (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, ‘Follow me…’

“When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, what about this man?’  Jesus said to him, ‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!’” John 21:15,18-19,21-22

“So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’ And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’” Acts 1:6-11

Peter the impulsive wanted to understand and anticipate everything, so he made everything his business. But Jesus, purveyor of all truth and knowledge, focused him on what was vital to know and next do, and commanded that he trust what he could not know about others or future times. Some things that piqued his curiosity were not important or would detract from his obedience. Others should take center stage.

We too can become busybodies by making business ours that is the Lord’s (and others’) alone. Usually this distracts from the main thing and gets us off the course He has marked for us. He gives clear commands and reveals everything we need to know for the task at hand. When chafed by impatience or struggling to understand, we must remember that it is His wisdom and privilege to hold secret things, yet reveal all He intends us to apply, obey, and teach now. (Deuteronomy 29:29; Hebrews 12:1-2)

On what do we focus when it comes to God’s instructions? Are we prone to delay obedience or nitpick and try to negotiate with the Lord when we don’t comprehend His reasoning? Are they are commands we get hung up on because we want all the details of how and outcomes first? What is the enemy dangling that causes mental confusion and a divided heart?

Lord, grant me an undivided heart and mind to receive, and a whole will to act on all You want me to know, to Your ends and glory. (Psalm 86:11)

“The high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy  they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.  But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.’ And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.

“Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, ‘We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside…’ And someone came and told them, ‘Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people…’ 

“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’  But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.  God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.  And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.’” Acts 5:17-23,25,27-32

The apostles drew attention as the power of God’s indwelling Spirit transformed lives and healed and worked wonders through them. Although many were drawn, the religious leaders were jealous and wanted them stopped and silenced. But the word of God and the Spirit of God cannot be contained by man. (Acts 5:12-16)

In many places in the world today the Word of God is squelched. Regulations from government leaders to corporate decision-makers, and caustic criticism from professors to colleagues to neighbors to even family members attempt to stop and silence the movement of God’s Spirit. But He is more powerful than any force opposed to Him, and as the Author of life reigns sovereignly over the movement of His gospel. (Acts 3:15; 1 John 4:4)

What tamps down the work of the Spirit in our lives? Have we slid into sloth over time, no longer exposing ourselves to the probing of God’s word and the admonition and refining that regular fellowship brings? Do we shrink at the first remark of criticism or threat of cancellation? What if we embraced the power of God’s Word and daily sought the Spirit’s filling? What might change in relationships, work, outlook, and desires, if we were so bold as to obey God rather than man, fear, and feelings? What if we allowed the Spirit free rein and reign? (Proverbs 27:17; Ephesians 4:15; 5:18; Hebrews 4:12; 10:24-25)

Lord, so fill me with Your Word and Spirit that You spill over in irresistible ways, that many will be drawn to know, love, and honor You.

“No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness.  If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.’

“And the Lord said to him, ‘Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.  You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also?'” Luke 11:33-36,39-40

“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” 1 Peter 3:3-4

Those whom the Lord has saved have His Spirit of light within. Upon regeneration, He clarifies vision and a fits us with a spiritual filter for what we take in from the world, giving discernment and the will to make good decisions. His inextinguishable light creates imperishable beauty that distinguishes His own. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

This light within should be radiating by way of love, grace, ready forgiveness, and generosity. Our living and working should make evident the light that Jesus is and gives. It will expose untruth with wisdom and kindness. It will warm and embrace with interest, care, and hope as it radiates through demeanor and welcome. It will dispel the dark of sadness and invade and lift the heaviness of a heart. And it will shine on the way forward toward eternal life for those who walk in darkness.

But if our shine is dull, it betrays a darkness we coddle inside. Jesus knows everything hidden, and while we might do a decent job of cursory coverup, our glossing over before the seen world doesn’t fool Him. His word penetrates and exposes the darkness within us. It convicts of snapping back with irritated words, rolling eyes with disdain at the unlovable, our huff and crank when inconvenienced. Will we allow Him to enter the inner chambers of heart and mind to wash and shine? (Luke 12:2-3; Hebrews 4:12)

What wrong right are we nursing? What resentment, superiority, greed, sloth, or unchecked drive do we feed, pet, and justify? What besetting sins have we hidden for too long that the Spirit is prompting us to relinquish forever? How can the burning, brilliant light of Jesus transform us today, and where might it shine anew?

“Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that thou art–
thou my best thought, by day or by night;
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.” ~Irish 8th c

Lord Jesus, search me and remove any wicked way, any willful sin. Create in me a new heart that I might shine Your heavenly light for others to see. (Psalm 19:13; 51:7,10)

“Wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—  but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves…

“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For

“’Whoever desires to love life
    and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
    and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do good;
    let him seek peace and pursue it…’

“In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:1-5a,7,8-11,15

Peter knew the impulsiveness of speaking and jumping in to plan and do. Early on, with him it was all talk and brash action. But he’d learned from untamed whim and unchecked assertions. He’d been corrected, and by God’s grace transformed, by the Holy Spirit over years of maturing in faith. Now his instruction went straight to the heart. Since every action stems from what is thought and believed, he addressed the inner and hidden condition that held sway in life. (Mark 14:27-38; Luke 9:28-35; John 18:10)

It is our tendency to assess and measure behavior by things done and said, but tending to the inner self makes more difference then we may want to believe. Our human nature wants to take control of will and actions and reactions, but unless our hearts are right with the Lord and yielded under His sovereign rule, we will fail to exhibit Christlikeness in any disciplined way or winsome manner.

Are we willing to do the hard inner work necessary for an attractive, fruitful witness? Do we focus on performance more than purification? On doing over devotion? The heart at rest and the soul fixed on Jesus will bear out in grace, kindness, and imperishable beauty in the external. What if we endeavored to convince with self-control over argument, sympathy over sanctimony, and devotion over debate? How will we practically pursue a gentle spirit, unity, peace with others, and mutual respect in a culture of sides, blame, and vitriol? (Romans 12:18)

Father, may I daily set apart Christ as Lord of all of me, so I can exhibit all of You to a hungry, needy world.

“Ezra was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses that the Lord, the God of Israel, had given, and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him...

“For on the first day of the first month he began to go up from Babylonia, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, for the good hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.

“This is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra:.. ‘I decree that anyone of the people of Israel or their priests or Levites in my kingdom, who freely offers to go to Jerusalem, may go with you…  and also carry the silver and gold that the king [has] freely offered to the God of Israel… Whatever seems good to you.., you may do, according to the will of your God… And whatever else is required for the house of your God, which it falls to you to provide, you may provide out of the king’s treasury…

“And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people in the province Beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God. And those who do not know them, you shall teach…’

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem, and who extended to me his steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty officers. I took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.” Ezra 7:6,9-11,13,15,18,20,25,27-28

The hand of God had written hunger for His word on Ezra’s heart and guided his hand as a scribe. The hand of God directed his heart in effectual prayer and answered generously beyond imagining as only He can do. Ezra recognized that the king’s favor and provision came from His hand, and took courage and boldness to set to out to do his assigned work. He opened his hands in trust as he led the consecrated contingency in dependent prayer, and God’s hand protected their journey. The hand of God is mighty to perform. (Joshua 4:24; Psalm 89:13; Ezra 7:16-24; 8:21-31)

The hand of God is the mighty hand that upholds, guides, and comforts us. It stills our racing hearts, guards us from worry and evil, and leads us forward in service. Acknowledging His hand compels us to thank Him for its grace and to take it in walking forward.

Would we commit to trust His hand each morning and trace it at the end of each day? How might these determinations and recollections build faith and increase our penchant to praise? How can others recognize God’s hand at work in us? (Acts 4:13)

Father, keep me in Your grip and favor that I might handle all You ask of me to the magnifying of Your name.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.  God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

“And God said, ‘Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’  And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.

“And God said, ‘Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.’ And it was so.  God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

“And God said, ‘Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.’ And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:1-12

The beginning of the Word takes us back to the beginning of the infinite past, when God was. The earth as it was not yet called had no form, and was void, dark, and deep, without dimension or substance or color, uncontained. God the Creator hovered, knowing the face of what would be, and set to work with the omnipotent breath of His word. In days whose measure we do not know, days named before the sun and moon and axis of the earth were created, God brought light and order and fruitful purpose. (Genesis 1:14-19; Psalm 90:1)

While it is hard to imagine the chaos of a world without any aspects of world order that now frame our perception, we do encounter chaotic times. We are confronted with situations that loom without form or definition, void of meaning or purpose, and emotionally dark, bereft of beauty or hope. Yet here in these spaces and seasons, Almighty God hovers, watches, controls all that to us is out-of-control. He brings light, and order, on perfect schedule. His unfolding plan brings growth and fruitfulness, life with significance and divine glory. (Genesis 1:20-31; 2:7,15,18,21-24)

What void of direction, zeal, or emotion are we suffering? Has the heart’s fire or spark of joy grown cold? Is there a commitment or discipline hardened stale, a relationship too calloused for renewal, a scarcity of holy desire to pursue the Lord and savor His goodness? Our Lord reigns above, sees all, and with a breath can infuse new zeal, awaken passion, clarify direction and meaning. Will we offer ourselves for His creating today?

Lord, fill me with Your fullness that results in fruitfulness to Your glory. (Ephesians 3:19)

“Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

‘Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

‘Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'” Matthew 5:1-10

“We were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.” 2 Corinthians 1:8b-10

Jesus spoke the beatitudes as a pronouncement of blessing for the present and a storehouse of trust for the future. Blessed gems they were, pledges of assurance, comfort, provision, satisfaction, mercy, and hope. But the dichotomous mystery is that several of the blessings are in answer to a dearth, a sorrow, an unmet longing. Some are God’s divine favor upon righteousness, but others are given for the hurting, the wanting, the suffering. It is against these harsh griefs His exquisite goodness blooms most brightly, into numbness His presence is most palpable.

The phone call we subconsciously dreaded. The life-altering prognosis. The horrific discovery. Grief that chokes and we could never imagine until we’re drowning, and even then it overwhelms beyond definition or reason. Where and to whom can we go? How do we live? Will we ever breathe normally again? (John 6:68)

In comes the Blessed and blessing One. It is in this very space I bring my treasure. You cannot know its fullness apart from your lack, nor its beauties apart from the ugliness you suffer. I am here. Take of My bounty, my beloved.

It is the suffering who share the depths of Christ’s agonies who are blessed to know His resurrection power. It is the weak who know His strength, the helpless who experience His Spirit’s victory, the gasping and breathless who receive His divine resuscitation. While it is unnatural to welcome the suffering, we can welcome His glorious and generous meeting of it with sure hope and confidence. (Genesis 2:7; 2 Chronicles 20:12; Ezekiel 37:1-10; Zechariah 4:6; Romans 7:24-25a; 2 Corinthians 12:7b,8-10; Philippians 3:7-11)

What grief weighs as impossible and forever? What pain excruciating, what regret measureless, what despair all-encompassing, what if-onlys darkly unanswered, what wound incurable? The God of all comfort is nigh. He stands ready, arms opened wide, eager to embrace, save, and uphold. Mercy is His nature, unbounded love His way, resurrection His promise. Would we rest in those everlasting arms, and trust His infinite goodness? (Deuteronomy 33:27a; John 11:21-23; 2 Corinthians 1:1-10)

Father, apply Your divine balm to mourning hearts. Bring comfort as only You can, to their deepest blessing and Your worthy praise.

“Who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd,
    and he shall fulfill all my purpose.’”

“Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus,
    whose right hand I have grasped,
to subdue nations before him
    and to loose the belts of kings,
to open doors before him
    that gates may not be closed:
‘I will go before you
    and level the exalted places,
I will break in pieces the doors of bronze
    and cut through the bars of iron,
I will give you the treasures of darkness
    and the hoards in secret places,
that you may know that it is I, the Lord,
    the God of Israel, who call you by your name.
For the sake of my servant Jacob,
    and Israel my chosen,
I call you by your name,
    I name you, though you do not know me.
I am the Lord, and there is no other,
    besides me there is no God;
    I equip you, though you do not know me,
that people may know,… that there is none besides me;
    I am the Lord, and there is no other…
I have stirred him up in righteousness,
    and I will make all his ways level;
he shall build my city
    and set my exiles free…’
    says the Lord of hosts.” Isaiah 44:28-45:6,13

“In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord… might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:

“’Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem… Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem,.. and rebuild the house of the Lord.” Ezra 1:1-3

“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;
    he turns it wherever he will.” Proverbs 21:1

Kings and kingdoms of earth come and go, but there is one King like none other who rules them all whether they know Him or not. Two centuries before Cyrus would be enthroned in Persia, God’s prophet named this heathen king and spoke of his God-appointed calling to act for the hope and benefit of Israel. God’s foreknowledge and power to perform melded promise and fulfillment to propel His plan forward. All He says He brings to pass, all He appoints He anoints and equips to accomplish His purpose for His renown.

How do we begin our days? Self-scheduling, or seeking God’s plans and how we can participate? Where is God calling us to serve or contribute to His cause, even among others not aware of His hand? Are we reticent due to fear or insecurity, feelings of inferiority or insufficiency? Would we instead ask and trust Him for a fresh stirring of His Spirit unto desire and joyful obedience? “He who calls is faithful; he will surely do it.” (Ezra 1:5-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

What might God be calling us to finish or set aside in order to move forward wholeheartedly in a new direction? What time, talents, and resources will we offer? How will we encourage others in His work?

Lord, may I receive Your appointments with Your anointing, that You be known and praised.

“While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.  Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

“And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.” Matthew 4:18-25

Jesus was always seeing: individuals, opportunities, needs. And when He saw He spoke with effectual words. He called, He commanded, He promised, He proclaimed the life-changing gospel. When people heard His voice, they responded. They left present occupations, debilitations, afflictions to follow this God-Man. They set aside the former to begin anew- changed, redirected, healed, restored, and they brought others to hear and follow too.

When days start with Jesus, quieting and humbling ourselves before His face, we learn from His eyes on us to be attentive to His voice. We see His nature and ourselves in its light. We see before us as He does, and develop sensitivity to His word for the way ahead. We understand what is vital. His beckon, His whisper, His pledge of transformation and purpose compel us to leave hindrance and preoccupation behind to follow our Savior anew.

The Lord sees our ordinary and breaks in to disrupt status quo and bring about constructive change in a number of ways. He looks on us and knows every circumstance, want, lack, and crack. He speaks into our fears, fruitlessness, and folly and commands us to follow Him. He imbues sanity and strength and makes all things new.

How attentive are our ears and will to Jesus? What prevents our readiness to respond when He beckons? Are there specific hindrances or distractions we should leave behind in order to follow? How will we spread His honor among those we encounter?

“Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone.
As you have sought, so let me seek
Your erring children, lost and lone.

Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious truths which you impart.
And wing my words that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

Oh, use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as you will, and when, and where
Until your blessed face I see,
Your rest, your joy, your glory share.” ~Frances Havergal (1872)

Lord God, may I daily glean from Your countenance and grow forward from Your living word. May the way I follow You exalt and spread Your fame.

“He saw a man blind from birth… He spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud  and said to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.

“Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.’ But others said, ‘How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?..’

“The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight… So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said, ‘Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.’ He answered, ‘Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.’ They said to him, ‘What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?’  He answered, ‘I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?’ And they reviled him, saying, ‘You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses…’ The man answered, ‘Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes… Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind.  If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.’ They answered him, ‘You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?’ And they cast him out.

“Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ He answered, ‘And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.’ He said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshiped him.” John 9:1,6b-7,16,18,24-28,30,32-38

Both the Pharisees and the blind man were persistent, but neither could see. The Pharisees had God’s word, yet failed to receive its light and truly see. Their world was shaped according to rule, bound by prescription, and perceived through lenses distorted by stubbornness and pride. They persisted to find fault and condemn, spiritually blind to the mercy and power of God. The man blind from birth knew life from a whole different perspective. Though he could not see a calendar or count Sabbath minutes, he understood compassion and commands. He persisted to respond to and know Jesus as miracle-worker and worthy Savior.

How often and naturally do we resist the truth of God because it cuts like a scalpel, or the balm of His comfort because we’d rather suffer (and complain) as a martyr? Do we ignore the plank in our own eye because we’re too busy nit-picking at another’s faults? Where is God offering clarity to see the beauties of His nature, yet we continue in blindness because we struggle with erring people or can’t understand God’s ways? (Matthew 7:3-5; Hebrews 4:12-13; 12:15a)

To perfect spiritual eyesight we must infuse our vision with the Spirit of God. Would we admit to blindness to receive true sight?

Lord, grant me eyes to see You and as You do.