Author: astherainandsnow

“To Timothy, my beloved child:

“Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

“I thank God whom I serve,.. as I remember you constantly in my prayers. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother and mother and now dwells in you… Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

“Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling… because of his own purpose and grace… Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

“My child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also… Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker… rightly handling the word of truth… Be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

“You have followed my teaching, conduct, aim in life, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, persecutions and sufferings… Continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it  and… the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:2-9,13-14; 2:1-2,15,21; 3:10-11a,14-15

As he awaited execution in a Roman jail, Paul penned his final letter with a vision of holy calling and the ink of affection. Having been abandoned by several for their fear of persecution, he commended his spiritual son Timothy to continue in and pass on the same holy calling he’d received and exercised so faithfully. There is nothing quite like the endorsement, encouragement, and benediction of one you respect and love. (2 Timothy 1:15)

How carefully am I carrying out my holy calling from God? Assigned my specific location, personality, talents, and resources, my calling is distinct from anyone else’s. Do I spend useless time comparing, criticizing, or procrastinating? Or will I eagerly set about to do the works my Lord has specifically prepared for me to do? How willingly and energetically do I fight the good fight, regardless of opposition? (Acts 17:26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 2:8-10; 2 Timothy 4:7)

And as I go about my calling, whom am I encouraging in theirs? Am I so focused on my task that I fail to see the bigger picture, the wide scope of kingdom work beyond mine and workers who will outlive me? Am I so bent on accomplishing my goals that I neglect the training and building up that multiplies God’s work? Who can I take under my wing and commend unto every good deed for Christ today?

Father, keep me faithful to the end, grateful for those who have gone before me, and generously urging others beside and behind. May I execute every aspect of Your holy call with faith, excellence, and faithfulness, to Your glory and praise.

“In the third year of [Jehoiakim‘s] reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it… The king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some people of Israel, of the royal family and the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. [He] assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time to stand before the king. Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah… 

“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. He asked the chief to allow him not to defile himself… As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom… The king spoke with them, and among them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah… In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom.”

“Certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews… Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought… and said, ‘Is it true that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? If you are ready when you hear the… music to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace…’

“[They] answered, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar,.. if this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand. But if not, be it known, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.’” Daniel 1:1,3-6,8-9,17,19-20; 3:8,13-18

Daniel and his friends were disrupted in life, but never in faith. In fact, the more changes and challenges of location, authority, and culture they encountered, the more steadfast their resolve to honor their Lord. To every command or question, they replied with respect, prudence, discretion, and courage. They excelled in education but not corruption, resisting temptation to serve any false god. They were attentive, measured, and calm against the frenzied caprice of the king. Their secret? Staying spiritually above the fray of Babylon through consistent prayer, engagement with fellow believers, and earnest commitment to praise God. Their dependence on His might and sovereignty armed them with holy boldness and peace in tumult. (Daniel 2:5,14-28, 36-38,45-48; 4:19-27)

When we face threats, disturbances, and temptations, we can be easily shaken or stand high on solid ground. Have we lost our footing, or fellowship? What practical adjustments in focus and time expenditure would remind us who God is, and return our confidence, identity, and security to Him?

While Nebuchadnezzar finally acknowledged God as supreme, there’s no guarantee our faithfulness will yield such results in others. We can be sure we will know Him as supreme. He will honor our obedience and deliver us from fear. (Psalm 34:4; Daniel 4:34-37)

Lord, no matter what Babylon offers, keep me steadfast and immovable in You, and for Your praise. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

“They made a calf in Horeb
    and worshiped a metal image.
They exchanged the glory of God
    for the image of an ox that eats grass.
They forgot God, their Savior,
    who had done great things in Egypt,
wondrous works in the land of Ham,
    and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.
Therefore he said he would destroy them—
    had not Moses, his chosen one,
stood in the breach before him,
    to turn away his wrath from destroying them.

Then they despised the pleasant land...
They murmured in their tents,
    and did not obey the voice of the Lord.
Therefore he raised his hand and swore to them
    that he would make them fall in the wilderness,
and would make their offspring fall among the nations,
    scattering them among the lands.

Then they yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor,
    and ate sacrifices offered to the dead;
they provoked the Lord to anger with their deeds,
    and a plague broke out among them.
Then Phinehas stood up and intervened,
    and the plague was stayed.
And that was counted to him as righteousness
    from generation to generation forever…

Many times he delivered them,
    but they were rebellious in their purposes
    and were brought low through their iniquity.

Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress,
    when he heard their cry.
For their sake he remembered his covenant,
    and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
He caused them to be pitied
    by all those who held them captive.

Save us, O Lord our God,
    and gather us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
    and glory in your praise.” Psalm 106:19-31,43-47

Moses, then Phineas, boldly interceded for their (and God’s) rebellious people. Armed with righteous anger layered with compassionate love layered with zeal for God’s honor and Name, they stood in the gap between the fickle rebels they served and the gracious God who alone could save. (Exodus 32:4-10; Numbers 25:1-13; Deuteronomy 9:13-21)

In choosing independent lives, a number of excuses keep us from getting involved with those on a precipice of need or futility. Annoyance at repeated failure or interruption callouses our hearts. Fear for security driven by uncertain income bends our bent of wanting to share toward self protection. Impatience at ingratitude and disdain for ongoing foolishness convince us it is not worth making the effort. We justify weak wills, borne of self-interest and soft living, with too much ease.

But Jesus Christ, as perfect Intermediary, stood in the breach for us. Absent frustration or arrogance, revenge or malice or greed, He emptied Himself of all but love to make the way for us to escape certain judgment. By His death we can have life, by His wounds we can be healed. Therefore, how can we not seek and seize every opportunity to intervene on behalf of others? (Isaiah 53:4-6; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 2:3-8)

Do we dismiss with disdain the idol-worshipers and murmurers among us? Have we forgotten the majesty of Christ’s generosity toward us? With whom would we today plant ourselves between despair and hope, death and life, to intercede in earnest, passionate prayer and ministry?

Lord, help me stand and intervene for others with the love and mercy with which You have done so for me.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive… your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

“We give thanks.., remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but in power and the Holy Spirit and with full conviction… You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you.., but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere.”

“We had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel in the midst of much conflict… not to please man, but to please God… We were ready to share with you not only the gospel but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. Remember our labor and toil: we worked night and day… while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God… When you received the word,.. you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. ” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5a,6-8; 2:2,4,8-9,13b

Once Paul was gripped by the Lord, his goal was to make His life-changing gospel known. His spoken word and clear witness of faithful, loving, industrious effort resulted in wide-sweeping transformation around the Mediterranean. The gospel works its way into and through those who receive its truth and power. (Acts 9:3-16)

How readily do I speak about Jesus, and give witness to His example of engaged listening, selfless love, and patience? How zealously do I pursue those ripe for hope and significance? How willing am I to work hard so as not to be a burden, and to speak boldly of the Savior who gives purpose and eternal security?

Reluctant or timid? Pray! Ask for holy boldness in open doors to speak with clarity, and in every opportunity to serve with perseverance and model consistent faith in hardship. Ask that the gospel have full spiritual effect in souls, and communities. (Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 3:11-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-13)

What examples of faith in action have inspired stronger faith and compelled bolder action in me? The men who challenge each other to share the gospel with one person a week? The woman who lost her home and has offered its salvageable contents, saying, “It was built to share, why not share in its final days?” The friend coming to grips with a sobering diagnosis, thanking God for every day of opportunity?

How might we exercise more creative service, more compassionate ministry, more courageous proclamation of the gospel? We never know who is observing our obedience, generosity, and love. But we can know, if we work as unto the Lord, He will work in glorious ways to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

Lord, engage all my faculties to proclaim and exemplify Your gospel. Have Your way with me, Your word, and the witness of Your children, to fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by Your power and for Your glory. (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

“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.” Acts 15:37-39

“Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.” Colossians 4:10-11

Mark had changed. Having been mentored by his steady, optimistic, servant-minded, encourager cousin Barnabas, Mark had obviously matured in Christ. Through growing surrender to God, and tangible experience along their mission travels, he’d tested and approved God’s direction, enabling, and will. His Redeemer had transformed him from Paul’s craw into a comfort. (Romans 12:1-2)

Paul had also changed, chiseled and molded by the harsh tumble of suffering, injustice, and opposition. He had become more gracious, willing to strive and work with others’ weaknesses toward spiritual growth. (2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Philemon 10-20)

In Christ, we never stay the same. Sanctification is a dynamic process by which the Spirit continually transforms, refines, and shapes our every aspect to be like Christ. It bears growth in personal character and the willingness to extend grace, acceptance, forgiveness, and love to others because of all Christ exhibited toward us. (Romans 15:1-3; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:32)

How am I changing? Have I settled in to irritations that make me cantankerous and unappealing, or that prevent me from seeing the good and building up the potential in someone else? Do I dismiss someone with whom I find few commonalities with impatient repulsion, or ask God to open possibilities? Where am I exhibiting more patience, graciousness, generosity, kindness, forgiveness, courtesy, compassion, self-control? How have I become a better listener, lover, servant, helper, encourager, communicator, steward of resources?

How entrenched am I in idiosyncrasies and habits that can be off-putting or irritating to others? Do I distract from their seeing Jesus by foolish antics or unsavory talk? While being overly self-conscious isn’t a healthy preoccupation, it’s important that we’re self aware enough to know how we come across. We’re to put off old ways and put on Christ and spread His fragrance in this acrid world. What in my countenance or behavior would draw another to Jesus? Are my words a constant drone of complaint and negativities, or of upbuilding and gratitude? In what specific areas do I need the Lord’s mighty touch and transformation? (2 Corinthians 2:14-16; Colossians 3:5-17)

Good Father, extricate any vestige of craw from my attitude and actions, and help me do all I can to be a palpable comfort instead. Help me see others with Your loving and merciful eyes and embrace them with your generous heart, that we all grow up into the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-14)

“When you allot the land as an inheritance, you shall set apart for the Lord a portion of the land as a holy district, 25,000 cubits long and 20,000 cubits broad. It shall be holy throughout its whole extent…

“Thus says the Lord God: Enough, O princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and execute justice and righteousness…

“You shall have just balances, a just ephah, and a just bath^. The ephah and the bath shall be of the same measure, the bath containing one tenth of a homer, and the ephah one tenth of a homer; the homer shall be the standard measure. The shekel shall be twenty gerahs; twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels shall be your mina.

“This is the offering that you shall make: one sixth of an ephah from each homer of wheat, and one sixth of an ephah from each homer of barley, and as the fixed portion of oil, measured in baths, one tenth of a bath from each cor (the cor, like the homer, contains ten baths). And one sheep from every flock of two hundred, from the watering places of Israel for grain offering, burnt offering, and peace offerings, to make atonement for them, declares the Lord God.” Ezekiel 45:1,9-15

In Ezekiel’s prophetic vision of the temple, the Lord imparted specific illustrations and instructions regarding the new temple and worship surrounding it. Led by the Spirit, Ezekiel recorded explicit descriptions of what he saw and heard to impart God’s message to the house of Israel. Order, beauty, and just measure carried peace and hope for this rebellious nation in bleak times. (Ezekiel 40:1-4; 1 Corinthians 14:33; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

The Lord almighty is precise in every way, instructing and working and loving in perfect measure. No word He speaks falls empty or returns void, no time He spends is frivolous, no blood He spilled was wasted. Where He prescribes for man exact measures for practical uses and priestly services, they point to the exquisite, perfect measure of His love and grace toward His own. (Isaiah 55:11; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

In His holy economy, God cares about how we treat and deal with those among us. He calls us to be fair and just, and even generous in stewardship of resources. The practical measures in how we interact with and treat others is an indication of the higher interest we exhibit spiritually. Humanity’s best pales in comparison to having the mind of Christ and exhibiting His character and generosity. (Deuteronomy 25:15; Luke 6:38; Ephesians 4:32; Philippians 2:3-4).

How well do we measure in comparison to His perfect standard? Are we scant or lavish in worship? Do we skimp on love and mercy with those in our households? Are we cheap against fair wages, do we cut corners in honesty, or do we take unfair advantage of others at work, in commerce?

How we deal with others on earth is a reflection of our understanding of how Christ has dealt with us in heaven. When we fail to accept His full pardon and rest in the lavish sufficiency of His love, we will treat others out of the dearth and insecurity we carry. Resentment, greed, and fear unsettle God’s quantity of grace in any interaction.

Lord, fill me to full measure with the bounty You’d have me share, that Your perfection and sufficiency are magnified.

“He brought me back to the door of the temple, and behold, water was issuing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east… The water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. Then he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate that faces toward the east; and behold, the water was trickling out on the south side.

“Going eastward with a measuring line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water, and it was ankle-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was waist-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through. And he said to me, ‘Have you seen this?’

“Then he led me back to the bank of the river.  As I went back, I saw on the bank of the river very many trees on the one side and on the other. And he said, ‘This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down… and enters the sea; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh. And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes… And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.’” Ezekiel 47:1-9,12

Water issued from the temple. Ezekiel would see that as he followed flowing flood and fresh fruit, he needed to remember the initial source. Trickle to ankle, knee-deep to waist-deep to swim-deep, this sanctuary water was running its course to sanctify all who would see and be filled.

How kind of the Lord to stand with us at the door of His temple, to greet us in His sanctuary and lead us to behold His work. How good of the Lord to measure His flow in our lives, and give gradually more as we can handle it, expanding faith and perspective. How merciful of the Lord to take us aside for protection when the depth of circumstance is too heavy for navigating and current too forceful for passing through. It is there He explains that His purposes are redemptive, His outcomes glorious. We must remain in the fresh water from the Sanctuary. (Ezekiel 11:16b; 37:27)

Is there an ugly flood that’s disrupted life as we know it: a death, a slammed door, a choking new debilitation, a raging temptation? Have we strayed from the Source of fresh, life-giving water? What will we change to drink and wade deeply from Jesus again?

Father, sanctify me. May Your life-giving Spirit flow into and through me to produce rich spiritual fruit and well up in glory to You.

“The Lord is a great God,
    a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth;
    the heights of the mountains are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,
    and his hands formed the dry land.” Psalm 95:3-5

“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
    let the many coastlands be glad!
Clouds and thick darkness are all around him…
His lightnings light up the world;
    the earth sees and trembles…
The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
    and all the peoples see his glory.” Psalm 97:1-2,4,6

“Bless the Lord, O my soul!
    O Lord my God, you are very great!
You are clothed with splendor and majesty,
    covering yourself with light as with a garment,
    stretching out the heavens like a tent.
He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters;
he makes the clouds his chariot;
    he rides on the wings of the wind;
he makes his messengers winds,
    his ministers a flaming fire.

He set the earth on its foundations,
    so that it should never be moved.
You covered it with the deep as with a garment;
    the waters stood above the mountains.
At your rebuke they fled;
    at the sound of your thunder they took to flight.
The mountains rose, the valleys sank down
    to the place that you appointed for them.
You set a boundary that they may not pass,
    so that they might not again cover the earth.

You make springs gush forth in the valleys;
    they flow between the hills;
they give drink to every beast…
Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell;
    they sing among the branches.
From your lofty abode you water the mountains;
    the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work…

O Lord, how manifold are your works!
    In wisdom have you made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures.
Here is the sea, great and wide,
    which teems with creatures innumerable,
    living things both small and great…

May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
    may the Lord rejoice in his works,
who looks on the earth and it trembles,
    who touches the mountains and they smoke!
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
    I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
May my meditation be pleasing to him,
    for I rejoice in the Lord.” Psalm 104:1-13,24-25,31-34

Catching our breath by inhaling the beauty of nature brings a life rhythm of wonder and praise. God the Creator touches man His creature through the beauties of all He has made, lifting thought, illuminating senses, inspiring praise to the Indescribable for what is inscrutable.

Is He Lord of every part of our nature? When do I pause to praise? From what will I rise to transcend the weight of here below to exalt Him above?

“Fairest Lord Jesus, 
ruler of all nature, 
O thou of God and man the Son, 
Thee will I cherish, 
Thee will I honor, 
thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.

Fair are the meadows, 
fairer still the woodlands, 
robed in the blooming garb of spring:  
Jesus is fairer, 
Jesus is purer 
who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine, 
fairer still the moonlight, 
and all the twinkling starry host:  
Jesus shines brighter, 
Jesus shines purer 
than all the angels heaven can boast.

Beautiful Savior!  
Lord of all the nations!  
Son of God and Son of Man!  
Glory and honor, 
praise, adoration, 
now and forevermore be thine.” ~Joseph Augustus Seiss (1823-1904)

Good Father, may I bow in awe and sing Your praises forever.

“Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, ‘So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.’ Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.

“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.’ And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.’ And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, ‘Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.’ And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.” 1 Kings 19:1-8

Elijah knew the sustenance of God. Heaven-sent ravens had already fed him at the Brook of Cherith, nourishing his body and preparing his faith to trust his Lord for supernatural multiplication of the widow’s flour and oil. God could do anything, and tended to deepest needs of body, mind, and spirit to equip His prophet for next steps. He never failed to supply for His own. (1 Kings 17:1-16; 19:9-18)

When the Lord has us on His path and in His grip, He knows our every need. A life of obedience is one of dependence. God does not mark out direction for His purposes then abandon us. Rather, He strives with us to accomplish not only His grand plan in the world but His personal plan in our lives. He’s not about famous public success with flimsy, self-willed people. He’s best glorified through His people, when we’re dependent and surrendered, emptied of self and filled with Him, trusting His daily manna and His strength in our weakness. (Exodus 16:4,14; 2 Corinthians 12:8-10; Philippians 4:19)

Where has God called me to go, to serve, to work, to invest in a new relationship, for Him? Am I reluctant to begin, whining about difficulty and lack? Uncertainty and loneliness? Do I rush ahead in my own smarts and strength, which are bound to run dry? Or do I take time to listen and converse with my loving and able Lord, and receive the nourishment He offers? Am I willing to go when He instructs, and rest and take His fortification when He graciously supplies? Would I then move forward, trusting He’ll continue to provide, to part waters, to feed as each need arises?

Faithful Father, may I glorify You by trusting and taking and savoring Your every provision for the journey You intend for me. Only in and through and with You will it find favor.

“The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and they were very dry. And he said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ And I answered, ‘O Lord God, you know.’ Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord… Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’

“So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone.  And… behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy… say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.^‘  So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.” Ezekiel 37:1-10

Could there be a more vivid picture of lifelessness transformed than the Lord gave Ezekiel? The Author of life, since death was chosen in Eden, never leaves His people in death and despair. He is fully vested in His children to bring life to mortal bodies with immortal power, vitality, and fruitfulness.

“Then he said to me, ‘These bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off.’ Say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:11-14

Has our zeal to move forward or willingness to adapt and change dried up? Where have we lost spiritual edge and relinquished self control to indulgence, patience to impertinence and it’s-my-right-to-be-first, or gratitude to complaining? Do we choose to languish and give up, or earnestly beseech the Lord’s breath of energy and revival of all that lies fallow? God can make us willing to be made willing, and delights when we live to the full all He’s prepared for us. (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Father, rejuvenate me. Fill me with Your life, that others see and come to know You, and desire Your dwelling place and sanctuary among them. (Ezekiel 37:27-28)