Author: astherainandsnow

“Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, ‘Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord and save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies. And this shall be the sign that the Lord has anointed you to be prince over his heritage… Go down before me to Gilgal. And behold, I am coming down to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. Seven days you shall wait, until I come to you and show you what you shall do.'”

“He waited seven days… But Samuel did not come, and the people were scattering from him. So Saul said,’Bring the… offerings.’ And he offered the burnt offering. As soon as he had finished.., Samuel came… [and] said, ‘What have you done?’ And Saul said, ‘When I saw that the people were scattering, and that you did not come.., and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash,  I said, “Now the Philistines will come against me.., and I have not sought the favor of the Lord.” So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.’ Samuel said, ‘You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God… Now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart.’” 1 Samuel 10:1,8; 13:8-14

Saul was a flawed man (as are we all), appointed by God to a great stewardship and supplied with clear instructions to obey. On the surface he seemed willing enough, but there were areas of control, pride, and impatience he never yielded to his Sovereign King’s control. While God sought a man after His heart, Saul proved he was directed by his own, and when confronted, he only made excuses.

How falsely affirming it is in the flesh to proclaim and pretend that we wholeheartedly follow Jesus. Seldom is this true. Because of conviction, helplessness, or weakness, as Christians we can, with lip-speak, turn over certain areas of our lives in desperation. We also step up to serve or donate, feigning sacrifice. But behind the public scenes, in the hidden places of the heart, the Spirit uncovers the true motive of pride. We yield to impatience, greed, and impetuous action. We nurse pet sins, coddle charms, hoard favorite things, and stroke wrong affections for our own indulgence. We play at righteous surrender, but in truth say, Lord take this, but don’t touch that. We like being master. (Matthew 26:33-35)

The only way to escape this spiritually poisonous attitude is to offer ourselves fully as living sacrifices, laid bare and open in confession for the Lord’s healing light and balm. We might perfect the appearance of being ‘sold-out,’ but until God has full sway, we will be miserable by His mercy. Once He handles every pulse and place with His grace, we are free to do the works He’s prepared for us with power. (Psalm 24:3b-5a; 32:1-3,5; 51:2,6,10; Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 4:6-7; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:12-13)

Where have my self-willed proclivities hindered spiritual growth and fruitfulness? What specific areas of my life need His probing, uncovering, and cleansing touch?

Father, expose and remove all taint in my rebel heart. Take all of me that I might be all for You, today and forever.

“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.  Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,  and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,  and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us…

“Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation… For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1-5,9-11,17

The access to God the Father opened by Jesus’s crucifixion is a wonder-door. By faith we enter- all by His gift and quickening- and oh, the charmed delights that are ours to possess! Abundant grace! Assurance in salvation! Endurance and hope in suffering! Redemption! Ever-flowing love for Him and others! Righteousness in thought and deed! Fellowship divine! (Mark 15:37-38; Ephesians 2:8-9,18; Hebrews 10:19-25)

Are we acting on what is true? Since we are justified and declared righteous, are we enjoying the peace and fullness that Jesus made possible for us? Why do we, as children of God and people of faith, dance around the opening and fail to enter the joy and grace He offers? Why do we only flirt with Holy Spirit filling, and go about work and play as spiritual paupers? He has died and been raised to give us hope of His glory! To give us purpose in suffering, to train us in endurance and develop character and fill us with zest! He has poured His love and Holy Spirit into our hearts so we can live boldly and wholeheartedly as His redeemed, bringing reconciliation to others! Would we partake of these immeasurable spiritual riches?

If Jesus’s work of our salvation is finished, and God’s throne is always available, how readily and regularly do we practice accessing His grace? He gives help, insight, healing. He gives guidance, fresh morning mercies, and strength. All for the approaching, asking, and taking. (Psalm 32:8; Lamentations 3:22-23; Hebrews 4:16)

How purposefully, how fruitfully are we living day to day? Are we effective stewards, or do we waste the gifts entrusted to us? Are we intentional to pray over our schedules, to prepare for conversations, to be eager for service in His kingdom, and brave to share His gospel with the lost?

Lord, cause me to access and utilize the immeasurable riches of heaven You have won for me, for the good of others and the praise of Your grace.

“You, O Lord, are a shield about me,
    my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3

“Let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
    let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
    you cover him with favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:11-12

“He brought me to the banqueting house,
and his banner over me was love.” Song of Solomon 2:4

God plants in His people a natural desire for security, as well as fire for significance requiring growth and action. By grace He vows to circle us about with His shield of protection and coincidentally lift our head for vision and hope and exultation. There is tension in His involvement with us, but no dichotomy with the contrasts it presents. His banner and favor are meant to propel us to engage with His kingdom purposes in the world with great rejoicing.

For any prescribed life adventure, we want to be enveloped in appropriate gear- unencumbered by excess that would hinder full performance but dressed securely with what would enhance it. When the Lord issues a call to special relationships, work, or ministry, He is refuge, glory, and freedom all at once. Provider, purpose, and joyful passion. It is not only possible to have safe harbor in Him and safe release to fly, but it is His very way with His own and fully consistent with His character and plan. Do we know this beautiful blend and blessing and interdependence of being held fast in love and freed to soar? Of perfect rest and perfect release? (Isaiah 26:3; Hebrews 12:1)

How ready are we for His daily call? Are we in a rut of repetition, slothfully relishing the ‘shield’ of sameness and monotony but going through days and seasons without joy or sense of blessing? Are we tempted to stagnancy, having ‘served our time’ and determined to enjoy the fruits of others’ labor? Do we prefer nestling into our envelopes of safety and comfort to lifting our heads for fresh vision with what God’s arms around us provide by way of support and courage? Where is God issuing a new opportunity to participate in His kingdom work and a call to abandon ourselves to it? (Romans 12:11)

“All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed pow’rs,
all my thoughts and words and doings,
all my days and all my hours.

Let my hands perform his bidding,
let my feet run in his ways;
let my eyes see Jesus only,
let my lips speak forth his praise.

Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside;
so enchained my spirit’s vision,
looking at the Crucified.

O what wonder! How amazing!
Jesus, glorious King of kings,
deigns to call me his beloved,
lets me rest beneath his wings.” ~Mary Dagworthy James (1810-1883) 

Lord, grant both gratitude for Your gracious, protective envelopment, and grit to raise my head and go engage with Your world. All of me I commit joyfully and confidently for Your great glory.

“And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.” Genesis 1:16

“He is wise in heart and mighty in strength…
    who seals up the stars;
who alone stretched out the heavens…
who made the Bear and Orion,
    the Pleiades and the chambers of the south.” Job 9:4,7-9

“I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place…” Psalm 8:3

“He determines the number of the stars;
    he gives to all of them their names.
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power.” Psalm 147:4-5

“Praise him, all you shining stars!..
    For he commanded and they were created.
And he established them forever and ever.” Psalm 148:3,5-6

“By him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,.. —all things were created through him and for him… and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17

“He upholds the universe by the word of his power.” Hebrews 1:3

The early sky is flocked with gray, a monochromatic scape of ambling irregular tufts. An occasional star pokes a bright dot in the vast pale, while its constellation companions are hidden behind the brightening morning, tricking the eye from a set perspective. Though they are momentarily invisible, I know they are there, holding name and position, because the Word says so.

In the same way, God holds our lives. He knows us by name, orders our place, and perfectly sustains us within His purpose. Yet there are times, and even long seasons, when we feel abandoned, suspended, groundless, directionless, and therefore unsettled. We can’t see companion lights around us confirming our position or completing our ‘pattern,’ nor sense clear direction for moving clouds that obscure and confuse. Where is the rising sun, my vantage point for direction? In these uncertain breezes and bleak light, we are called to trust His unshakable plans and rest in His sustaining power. (Psalm 55:22; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 43:1; John 20:29; Acts 17:26)

“The Lord of hosts has sworn:
‘As I have planned,
    so shall it be,
and as I have purposed,
    so shall it stand.'” Isaiah 14:24

Where has the loving Lord ordered uncertain circumstances to develop our dependence on Him and His promises? Where need we exchange fretting for faith, frenzy for fixed, full confidence in His design and timing for every divine intention? Would we ask Him to help us believe His sovereign hand is at work, even when we cannot trace its path? (Hebrews 11:1,6)

God orders our ways, and understands every turn of listless focus, loneliness, and longing. His plans for us are good, redemptive, fulfilling, and life-giving. He’s working toward gold, fruitfulness, and flourishing. Will we trust Him? “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Will we keep shining His light even in uncertainty, receive its cheer and follow its beam in faith that He goes before us and is working all for our good? Job 23:10; 42:2; Isaiah 14:24; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28)

Lord, help me see with eyes of faith, to trust Your vision when all to me is invisible. Great is Your faithfulness, and great Your goodness, power, and glory.

“Barnabas and Saul returned from  Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.” “When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues… And they had John [Mark] to assist them.” Acts 12:25; 13:5

“Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.’ Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark.  But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.  And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,  but Paul chose Silas and departed.” Acts 15:36-41

“Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.” “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do[es] Mark,.. my fellow worker.” 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 23-24

John Mark was a faithful helper to Paul and Barnabas, until he was not. What caused him to abandon them at Pamphylia? Was he too young and unseasoned to follow through on a long journey? Did he let personality clashes or physical discomforts work him into giving up? Whatever the reason, it caused sharp disagreement, and the two comrades parted ways. But Barnabas the encourager (perhaps his cousin) saw something- his potential, a willingness to grow- and took him along to Cyprus. Over time, as he was mentored in faith, God changed John Mark into a strong, useful worker.

Moses was tongue-tied. Jesus had nowhere to lay his head. Several disciples went from local fishermen to nomads with their Teacher. Paul’s life turned from status to suffering. Not everyone called by God to ministry was a natural adventurer, risk-taker, or bold speaker. But through willing obedience, God enabled them to do His work, equipping and changing them along the way. (Exodus 4:10-18; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 9:58; Acts 22:3-5; 2 Corinthians 11:22-29; Philippians 3:6-8)

As long as we live, we can change. The God who calls us to specific roles or tasks is able to equip and transform. He perseveres to sanctify us in the process. (2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 3:20)

Where have we grown stagnant and crusty? How willing are we to be changed by God? What excuses do we make for sloth in service, habitual sin, or ungodly attitudes? That’s just the way I am. We can’t get along. It’s too hard. I don’t know how. Am I prone to procrastinate, or bullishly plow through people to accomplish tasks? Do I shirk confrontation when it’s required, or brazenly chastise without listening? Do I accept doing only what is easy, or plunge into ‘yes!’ without prayer at all? Do I fail to speak when the Lord prompts, or run my mouth with gossip or ugly speech?

What would change if we asked the Lord to reveal parts and patterns He desires to remake, then repent, and surrender to His re-work? Where do we want to transform and grow? What’s impossible for us is possible with Him! (Matthew 18:15-17; Luke 18:27; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:15,29; Colossians 3:16)

Father, give me humility and desire to grow. Change and sanctify me to be more like Thee.

“The donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. So Kish said to Saul,.. ‘Go and look for the donkeys.’ And he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. And they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then they passed through the land of Benjamin, but did not find them.

“When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, ‘Come, let us go back, lest my father cease to care about the donkeys and become anxious about us.’ But he said, ‘There is a man of God in this city..; all that he says comes true… Perhaps he can tell us the way we should go.’.. So they went up to the city… [and] saw Samuel coming out toward them…

“Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed to Samuel: ‘Tomorrow… I will send to you a man from Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel…’ When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord told him, ‘Here is the man of whom I spoke to you!’.. Then Saul approached Samuel… Samuel answered Saul, ‘Go up before me to the high place, for today you shall eat with me, and in the morning I… will tell you all that is on your mind.  As for your donkeys.., they have been found…’

“So Saul ate with Samuel that day… and he lay down to sleep. At the break of dawn… Saul arose, and both he and Samuel went out into the street. As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul,.. ‘Stop.., that I may make known to you the word of God.’

“Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, ‘Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord.'” 1 Samuel 9:3-6,14-20a,24c-10:1

It all started with lost donkeys, and orchestrated by the sovereign hand of God Almighty, ended with young Saul being anointed first prince over Israel. What Saul thought was a short-term errand God intended for long-term transformation. Saul set out to obey his father’s request that God had planned for far greater influence. The search would get him to Zuph to the city of Samuel to whom God had announced the real purpose of his journey. And what a surprise it was. (1 Samuel 10:2-9)

Often we go about errands and activities, pressed by what we’ve deemed important or been told is urgent, without vision and oblivious to God’s greater purposes for our time and lives. He alone knows the works for which He’s made us, and orders our steps and places to bring them about. His plans cannot be thwarted. (Job 42:2; Psalm 139:3-5,8-10,16; Jeremiah 10:23; Acts 17:24-26; Ephesians 2:10)

How can we develop an eternal perspective every day? Wouldn’t it build high expectation and holy zeal to offer ourselves living sacrifices for whatever transformation of character and spirit the Lord deems vital to His plans, whatever divine appointments He intends? What narrow vision, timidity, or fear keeps us from seeking and making ourselves available for His errands? (Romans 12:1-2)

Lord, keep my daily vision high and eternal. I submit myself to Your sovereign workmanship, for Your purposes and glory.

“All the commanders… and all the people… said to Jeremiah the prophet, ‘Pray… that the Lord your God may show us the way we should go, and the thing that we should do… May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act according to all the word with which the Lord sends you to us. Whether it is good or bad, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God…’

“At the end of ten days… [Jeremiah]… said to them, ‘Thus says the Lord..: If you will remain in this land, I will build you up and not pull you down; I will plant you, and not pluck you up… Do not fear the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid.., for I am with you, to save you and to deliver you from his hand. I will grant you mercy, that he may have mercy on you and let you remain in your own land. But if you say, “We will not remain in this land,” disobeying the voice of the Lord and saying, ‘No, we will go to Egypt, where we shall not see war or hear the sound of the trumpet or be hungry for bread, and we will dwell there,” then hear the word of the Lord..: If you set your faces to enter Egypt and live there, then the sword that you fear shall overtake you, and the famine of which you are afraid shall follow close after you to Egypt, and there you shall die. All the men who set their faces to go to Egypt to live there shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence…

“’Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: As my anger and my wrath were poured out on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so my wrath will be poured out on you when you go to Egypt. You shall become an execration, a horror, a curse, and a taunt… The Lord has said.., “Do not go to Egypt.”’

“When Jeremiah finished speaking these words of the Lord their God,.. all the insolent men said, ‘You are telling a lie…’ And they came into Egypt, for they did not obey the voice of the Lord.” Jeremiah 42:1-3,5-19; 43:1-2,7

Fear worked dirty tricks among the Israelites. Vowed to seek God’s will and obey, they feared Him not and quickly turned on their greater, inordinate fear of imagined suffering. The war of words between God’s truth and Satan’s lies made tumult of their resolve, distorting perception and obliterating their pledge. Ah, fickle flesh! (Ephesians 6:12)

Man is prone to fear, so God kindly, repeatedly warns against it. Fear muddies our understanding of His goodness and sovereignty. Fear makes where we are not and what we do not have seem better than where we are and what we have. Fear upturns long obedience into impulsive choices.

Where do we act on fear of man and troubles more than God? What bad ideas and false threats instigate wrong fear in us? When are we steeping in the Word to align proper fear of God alone?

Lord, calibrate my fear-meter to Your truth and highness. Keep me reverently fearing You above and instead of anything, for You alone are worthy.

“I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
    and I am saved from my enemies.

The cords of death encompassed me;
    the torrents of destruction assailed me…

In my distress I called upon the Lord…
    and my cry to him reached his ears.

Then the earth reeled and rocked;
    the foundations of the mountains trembled…
Smoke went up from his nostrils,
    and devouring fire from his mouth…
He bowed the heavens and came down;
    thick darkness was under his feet.
He… flew… swiftly on the wings of the wind.
Out of the brightness before him
    hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds…

He sent from on high..;
    he drew me out of many waters.
He rescued me from my strong enemy
    and from those who hated me,
    for they were too mighty for me.
The… Lord was my support.
He brought me out into a broad place;
    he rescued me, because he delighted in me…
It is you who light my lamp;
    the Lord my God lightens my darkness…
He is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

For who is God, but the Lord?
    And who is a rock, except our God?..
You have given me the shield of your salvation,
    your right hand supported me,
    and your gentleness made me great.

For this I will praise you, O Lord.” Psalm 18:1-4,6-10,12,16-19,28,30-31,35,49a

After threats and violent pursuit, David had once again escaped Saul’s wicked intention and an onslaught from the Philistines. Tied so intimately with his Lord, he did not gloat, nor pompously boast his victory, but burst forth with praise to the only One who deserved it. All, every inch and idea and ounce of deliverance, was from Him. (1 Samuel 24; 26; 2 Samuel 21:15-22; 22:1-20)

As astounded as we are at God’s personal, powerful involvement in and rescue of his life, we should be more-so that this is how the Lord cares and intercedes for all of His own. Even for me. I was weak, ungodly, dead in sin, a child of wrath, and God in rich mercy died to save me! Hallelujah! (Romans 5:6-8; Ephesians 2:1-6)

All this Christ has done for me; my sole proper response is praise. Praise Him for His love that breaks through enemy lines, that pursues and enfolds and rescues forever. Praise Him for power that vanquishes the enemy, and glory that shines far brighter than any worldly treasure. When and where do I voice and sing praise to my King? How is my love and gratitude reflected in my attitudes and demeanor?

I must also respond by exhibiting and expressing His lavish grace and love to others. Where is He leading me to go out of my way to minister help, compassion, even rescue to one needy, lost, or enslaved? How can I most effectively spread the light of His gospel? (Mark 16:15-16; Colossians 3:12-13)

Who am I, Lord, that You would ride the heavens to my eternal help? Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. Help me give all this for You. (Deuteronomy 33:26-27; Psalm 8:4-5; Horatio Spafford)

“You have tried my heart,..
    you have tested me, and you will find nothing;
    I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips
    I have avoided the ways of the violent.
My steps have held fast to your paths;
    my feet have not slipped.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
    incline your ear to me; hear my words.
Wondrously show your steadfast love,
    O Savior of those who seek refuge
    from their adversaries at your right hand.

Keep me as the apple of your eye;
    hide me in the shadow of your wings,
from the wicked who do me violence,
    my deadly enemies who surround me.

They close their hearts to pity;
    with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
They have now surrounded our steps;
    they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.
He is like a lion eager to tear,
    as a young lion lurking in ambush.

Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him!
    Deliver my soul from the wicked…
As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
    when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.” Psalm 17:3-13,15

David cries out from danger, in imminent need, yet from the safest place of communion with his Savior. Surrounded by enemies, his confidence is in the covenant God, his refuge. He approaches on the basis of forgiveness, pleads on the basis of God’s steadfast love and character, and entrusts his enemies to God’s justice and power. In dark times, the shadow of His wings is his light and security.

When new days begin, and with the sun rise doubts, responsibilities, and pressures, we can establish ourselves by prayer in the Lord’s safe place. On His path clear of sin, under His presence of protection, we have peace no matter what buzzes, entices, pokes, or taunts all around.

What wayward lusts or violent reactions or hatred lurks in situation or mind? Under His wings we can purpose to avoid that way. What adversaries- both flesh and mental- pester our peace, poke discontent or dismay, plant fear, regret, or resentment? In the shadow of His wings we can block out the world and fix our hope on beholding God’s face. Indeed, between the Almighty’s shoulders we find perfect peace and safety. (Deuteronomy 33:12; Psalm 91:1-2; Isaiah 26:3)

While we work, serve, and interact here below, activity and distractions can prevent us from resting secure in Christ. We become jaded to think safety is only a ‘one day’ future promise, and to be sure, in many ways it is. Yet, when Jesus has by grace applied His salvation to our souls, our lives are secure forever. We carry the guarantee of His Spirit within, no matter what happens without. Will troubles occur? Yes! Will opposition ridicule and inflict pain? Yes, and yes! But will our souls remain untouched, safeguarded forever? Yes again! In His word and promises we are at peace. (John 10:28-29; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

What changes would occur in my outlook and demeanor if I perceived life in the adjusted light of the shadow of God’s sovereignty and love?

Lord, help me see troubles in the keeping shadow of Your goodness and justice, and to articulate my prayers according to Your promises. May increasing trust magnify Your grace, might, and glory.

“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.  But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’  And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

“And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:1-7

As the early church grew, there were naturally bumps and bruises in relationships and the smooth running of things. Spirit-filled fellowship and sharing resources within small gatherings brought challenges in organization and opinions over the how what when. The twelve, clear in their calling and trained well by the Good Teacher Jesus, implemented practical and godly solutions. We are all people of faith and the Spirit, yet we have different kingdom callings. Each is vital in contributing to the whole ministry, and must do his own part in God’s grace and power. Rather than pushing to be the superior public face, or belittling the ministry of service, they conferred together to come up with an agreeable plan to make sure the Word and the food were distributed. With each devoted to God’s mission, all were pleased to serve as needed under His anointing. (John 6:5-13)

How easy it is to posture and bicker according to pride, personal preferences, and professed right opinions. How could our churches better thrive if, rather than complaining, and allowing consternation to stew and bubble over into caustic destruction of civility and the joy of agreement, every complaint and need was treated as an opportunity to confer with one another? When we discuss, share ideas, think through strategy together, and maybe even compromise, resolutions are palpable to the masses and pleasing to the Lord. When we pray, He leads us in unity and direction. (Acts 1:12-26)

Whose best interest drives our responses and decisions- our own, or the Lord’s? Where have we not taken the high road in dealing with complaints and disagreements, slipping instead to aggression, bossiness, favoritism, or condescension? Will we commit to seeking first the Lord and the welfare of His kingdom, and trust Him with assignments and outcomes? When called upon, how willing are we to do the menial tasks, or to support others in doing so? Conferring and serving together fortifies the communion of saints, and is a brilliant example to a lost and angry world of how the Spirit works among His people. (Matthew 6:33; Romans 12:1-8,16; Philippians 2:12-15)

Jehovah Shalom, help me bring Your peace, wisdom, and grace into every grumble, and so smooth the way for others to behold and praise You.