Author: astherainandsnow

“Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,  who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,  but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth.” Philippians 1:27; 2:1-8,19-22a

A manner of life worthy of the gospel of Christ looks like that of Jesus. God’s children, having received encouragement, love, and the indwelling Spirit from Him, develop His mind and ways through ongoing sanctification. Paul urges the Philippians to pursue this unity of mind and love, centering their interests and devotion on their Sovereign. A pure and surrendered mind of Christ then inspires selfless living that transfers focus on self to the interests of others.

Interests of all kinds entice and cajole, and beckon us to sit a while and spend a lot. The enemy would have us focus on anything but the Lord, especially ourselves. With every such investment, we’re also deciding where not to take interest. Time spent on pampering and self-improvement is time not spent on helping others, unless physical health and strength need attention in order to make us able. Interest in my chosen topics can dominate conversation, selfish proclivities can rob someone else from exercising their gifts. Are we aware how much our own interests drive expenditure of time and resources that could be steered elsewhere? Am I robbing from God by personal pride and indulgence? (Malachi 3:8-10)

What does putting the interests of Christ and others first look like? It’s taking no effort to be served, but serving with generosity and zeal. It’s sacrificing with abandon for the needs of others and glory of Christ. It’s putting aside anger and bitterness to forgive others, because Christ has forgiven us. It’s spending and being spent for the sake of another’s spiritual welfare. It’s loving with patience and kindness, not keeping count of wrongs or taking advantage or demeaning another. It’s removing ourselves from the limelight and putting the focus and glory on Jesus. It’s faithfully living before others a life fixed on the hope of heaven, not material gain. It’s working humbly side by side agreeably, setting aside differences for the greater good. (Mark 10:45; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Ephesians 4:31-32; Philippians 2:14-15,17,30; 3:7-9,17-21; 4:2-5,14-18)

Lord, captivate my whole interest. May my energy and talents be spent on glorifying You and bringing benefit to others.

“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.  And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.  And I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses. And I will summon the grain and make it abundant and lay no famine upon you… 

“Thus says the Lord God: On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places shall be rebuilt. And the land that was desolate shall be tilled, instead of being the desolation that it was in the sight of all who passed by. And they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden, and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ Ezekiel 36:25-29,33-35

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“You have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off our old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness… Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:21-24,31-32

There are many things that can be cleaned and renewed, and it is prudent not to waste when an object can be revitalized or repurposed. But when we become children of God, our existence is more than revitalized. When we are saved unto true life in Christ, we have a new life as new creations in Him. He cleanses us so deeply He replaces our heart and spirit with new, so we beat divine blood and breathe holy air. When He gives us a new identity, He reorients our motivations and inclinations, thinking and walking.

Do we live as those who’ve been made new? Are our daily minds so transformed that we filter news and listen to media with a biblical perspective, or choose by the Spirit’s leading not to read or listen at all and spend our time altogether differently? How has the Lord Himself guided our thinking, or do we simply absorb and regurgitate what someone else has surmised? How keenly do we feel, and exhibit, the fruits of the Spirit in everyday interactions? It’s one thing to ‘behave,’ yet another to pulse with such new life that we impulsively respond with the righteousness of true life. (Acts 16:6; Romans 12:2; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Timothy 6:18-19)

Lord, help me put off and put on this day to give evidence to Christ’s true life in me, to the praise of Your glory. (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:5-21)

“I want you to know that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

“Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

“And I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me… I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:12-22,25-26a

Paul had spiritual eyes, and eagerly made the most of his situation. If prison was where his Sovereign planted him, there he would proclaim the gospel where it might not otherwise go, to the imperial guard, those tending to his care, and fellow prisoners. God’s chosen were everywhere, and he wanted to participate in their salvation. (Acts 16:25-34)

Paul’s example was an encouragement to watching believers. His spoken reason for his hope, even in untoward circumstances, emboldened their faith and advanced the good news. They progressed in joy as they observed his contentment, and persevered in prayer as they learned how it encouraged his faith and sharpened his vision. (Philippians 4:11; 1 Peter 3:15)

From a human perspective, imprisonment would never be the state of choice. And unjust confinement for righteous obedience would make the situation even more difficult to accept. But in God’s perspective, where He sees all things on an eternal continuum and working together for eternal good, such suffering may be simply a tool in the shadows for heavenly blessing. Through temporary unease and discomfort, He’s arranging many things more glorious and significant than are seen. (Matthew 5:11-12; Romans 8:28)

In unjust accusation or painful condition, what practical and spiritual opportunities has the Lord presented? In the grief of natural disaster or unexpected loss, how has He revealed himself and increased confidence in His larger purpose? In each confinement of hard relationship, uncertainty, or forced-upon-me out-of-my-control circumstance, how will I use it to grow in faith, exemplify Christ, advance the gospel?

Lord, please use every experiential jail to strengthen my faith and boldness. Help me make the most of laboring side by side with others, without fear and with joy, to spread Your gospel and exalt Your fame. (Philippians 1:27-28)

“Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.’ So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees. And he said to his servant, ‘Go up now, look toward the sea.’ And he went up and looked and said, ‘There is nothing.’ And he said, ‘Go again,’ seven times. And at the seventh time he said, ‘Behold, a little cloud like a man’s hand is rising from the sea.’ And he said, ‘Go up, say to Ahab, “Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.”’ And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.” 1 Kings 18:41-46

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” James 5:16b-18

Elijah was an ordinary man, called to prophesy to a nation in turmoil and roiling in rebellion against God. Though targeted by a wicked king, and often alone and bereft, he maintained a deep communion with his God. What could be observed (and pitied) as a drought-stricken life was actually one tinged with the sound of rushing rain. Persistent prayer was his conduit to the flow of God’s grace and provision.

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. If anyone is cheerful? Let him sing praise. Whatever a current situation- anguish of soul or exhilaration, bleak forecast or the benediction of a day- we can stay connected and filled with holy rain by prayer. It may thunder and surge, it may drop in near silence, but the rush is sure when communion with the Source stays intact. (James 5:13)

As we pray, the Lord not only actively hears but is already answering. He knows our needs before we ask, and teaches us of His great heart and care, and the gifts of patience and faith, when we exercise ongoing, persistent prayer. There’s a mysterious supernatural divine knowing, a settling of soul and awakening of expectancy, when we keep on. (Daniel 9:20-23; Matthew 6:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

With the harsh press of life issues, behemoth responsibilities in work and home, where do we draw direction and supply? Are we prone to freeze, or charge ahead, or give up? Resting in and trusting the bountiful nature of God gives impetus to walk forward in faith at each instruction. Knowing His promises opens our ears to the sound of His rain. (Psalm 103:1-8)

Will we keep on in prayer? Would we put away doubt and a fainting heart to listen for the sound of God’s rain?

Lord, help me continue in grateful, expectant prayer so I may know You better and glorify Your name.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

‘Awake, O sleeper,
    and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.’

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine,.. but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:1-20

There is a marked difference between darkness and light. As new creatures and faithful saints blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ, we’ve been removed from the realm of darkness forever and placed into the heavenly realm of light. We have put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. And it is our responsibility to live as such. There must be a reckoning of what is true worked out in practical exercise. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 1:1,3; 4:24)

When the light of Christ enters and is shed abroad in our hearts by His Spirit, it infiltrates thought, intention, and desire. We are to imitate the One who saved us, and walk in His light so we emulate His motivation and manner. The vestiges of old life will linger and flirt, and the world pulls as a magnet to sin practice and discussion and humor. But our Lord has called us to purity, and His light ignites thanksgiving, substance, fruitfulness, and wise living. (Romans 5:5)

How is the ‘now’ of His light manifest? When the Spirit probes thought, behavior, and speech, what’s revealed? Do my words and activities evidence worldly drunkenness, or full Spirit influence? Do I pretend at clean talk, and maybe even decline some offensive entertainment, but still coddle secret foolishness, or engage in prurient gossip or crude joking? From what do I need awaken to be filled with the light of Christ’s joy?

Lord, develop all that is good and right and true in me to reflect Your light and glory.

“Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions… And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her.

“She said to the king, ‘The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe… until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard… Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel!’ Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.’” 1 Kings 10:1,3-7,9a

“I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
    but now my eye sees you;
therefore I despise myself,
    and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5

“[Thomas] said to them, ‘Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.’ Eight days later,.. Jesus came and stood among them and… said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.’  Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” John 20:24-29

Reputation begets inquisitiveness begets investigation. There may be fascination with something heard, but seldom genuine belief. Once individuals see with their own eyes, experiencing first-hand whatever the initial intrigue, no outside convincing is necessary for confidence in its truth.

In a day on nonstop media and a plethora of ‘thought leaders,’ our mental and spiritual muscles can quickly atrophy as we settle for and embrace as our own second-hand information. We search the internet for answers to significant questions and trust unidentified ‘experts,’ accept unproven hypotheses, take prescriptions without investigation, and mimic the proclamations of preferred gurus without prayer for spiritual wisdom. It’s vital we seek the Lord with our own eyes and minds for real understanding, faith and resolve. (Proverbs 2:1-12; John 4:42)

Do we spend our spiritual life at a distance from the Lord? Are we spiritually lazy, speeding through days as a drive-by devotee, but too busy to participate in the wide aspects of church and grappling with the word alongside others? Are our opinions and beliefs adopted from someone else’s, or do we dig into the Word to discover and experience the Lord Jesus firsthand, allowing Him to shape and renew our minds? (Romans 12:2)

Lord God, may I do all it takes to seek Your presence consistently, in order to know love You better, and so exalt You with my days. (1 Kings 10:24)

“Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
    you who lead Joseph like a flock.
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth…
Stir up your might
    and come to save us!

Restore us, O God;
    let your face shine, that we may be saved!

O Lord God of hosts,..
You have fed [your people] with the bread of tears
    and given them tears to drink in full measure…

Restore us, O God of hosts;
    let your face shine, that we may be saved!

You brought a vine out of Egypt;
    you drove out the nations and planted it.
You cleared the ground for it;
    it took deep root and filled the land.
The mountains were covered with its shade,
    the mighty cedars with its branches.
It sent out its branches to the sea
    and its shoots to the River.
Why then have you broken down its walls,
    so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?
The boar from the forest ravages it,
    and all that move in the field feed on it.

Turn again, O God of hosts!
    Look down from heaven, and see;
have regard for this vine,
    the stock that your right hand planted,
    and for the son whom you made strong for yourself…
But let your hand be on the man of your right hand,
    the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself!
Then we shall not turn back from you;
    give us life, and we will call upon your name!

Restore us, O Lord God of hosts!
    Let your face shine, that we may be saved!” Psalm 80:1-5,7-15,17-19

An attentive shepherd loves, cares for, and leads his sheep to sustenance and safety. He leads and lets wander, and rescues the erring and lost. He uses crook when needed, and binds the broken to his chest to heal and learn the language of his constant faithfulness. It is the shepherd’s nature to restore. Restore us, O Lord God of hosts! (Psalm 23:1-6; John 10:11,14-16)

A shepherd hears and knows each sheep, and they recognize His voice. He discerns every cry, and ministers to confusion, treasures confession, responds to consternation, meets desperation. To this God we can call and seek His face, and know we are heard and that He responds according to His grace and goodness. Restore us, O Lord God of hosts!

Are we languishing in discipline or vitality? God restores! Are we uncertain about the future? The shepherd knows! Do we struggle with bitterness or anger? He heals and transforms! Are we wrestling with regret or shame? He comforts and renews! Restore us, O Lord God of hosts!

“Restore in us, O God,
the splendor of your love;
renew your image in our hearts,
and all our sins remove.

O Spirit, wake in us
the wonder of your power;
from fruitless fear unfurl our lives
like springtime bud and flower.

Bring us, O Christ, to share
the fullness of your joy;
baptize us in the risen life
that death cannot destroy.

Three-personed God, fulfill
the promise of your grace,
that we, when all our searching ends,
may see you face to face.” ~Carl P. Daw (1944-)

Lord, revive my heart and restore me to full joy and gladness found in You alone.

“I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever;
    with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
For I said, ‘Steadfast love will be built up forever;
    in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness…’
Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord,
    your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord?
    Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord,
a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones,
    and awesome above all who are around him?
O Lord God of hosts,
    who is mighty as you are, O Lord,
    with your faithfulness all around you?
You rule the raging of the sea;
    when its waves rise, you still them…
The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours;
    the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
The north and the south, you have created them;
    Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.
You have a mighty arm;
    strong is your hand, high your right hand.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
    steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
    who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,
who exult in your name all the day
    and in your righteousness are exalted.
For you are the glory of their strength;
    by your favor our horn is exalted.
For our shield belongs to the Lord,
    our king to the Holy One of Israel.” Psalm 89:1–2,5-9,11-18

To know and acknowledge that God is awesome above all is to be blessed beyond imagining. He gives the faith and understanding, He is our glory and strength, His is the praise, and we the most blessed recipients of His steadfast love, faithfulness, and favor. How can this be?

None in heaven or on earth compares with the Holy One. The splendor of angels, the intelligence, fervor, and might of men, bow before this Lord of hosts. When we fear Him, and sing of Him, and walk in the light of His face exulting in Him, we rest and rejoice in His love. How can we be shaken?

When evil and wickedness get a foothold and seem to prosper, the LORD is awesome above all, every scheme of man and nation. When natural disasters churl and churn, blow and burn, He is mightier and higher and reigns with all power. When physical or mental health is broken unto pain and despair, His right arm is strong and His righteousness sure. When the heart is aching and choking on heaps of sorrow, or the darkness of fear or hopelessness or how to proceed looms, the LORD steadfastly loves and remains faithful to His promises. We cannot fathom the unfathomable, nor plumb the depths of His wisdom and ways, but He is trustworthy, and all can be well with our souls. (Psalm 92:7-9; 93:3-4)

What circumstances have jolted us from faith? What anguish threatens to undo us, what violence disturb our peace? Look to the skies! Remember the raging sea! Stand firm on the spinning world He upholds! God is awesome above all! Would we trust Him, exalt Him, cling to Him, praise Him?

Father, lift my eyes and trembling heart far above earthly concerns, to continually recite and rejoice that You are awesome, and You rule above and over all.

“Thus all the work that King Solomon did on the house of the Lord was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, the silver, the gold, and the vessels, and stored them in the treasuries of the house of the Lord… The glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.

“Then Solomon said, ‘The Lord has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. I have indeed built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever… The Lord said to David my father, “Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart. Nevertheless, you shall not build the house, but your son… shall build the house for my name.” Now the Lord has fulfilled his promise.., and I have built the house for the name of the Lord…’

“Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, ‘O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart… Will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!'” 1 Kings 7:51; 8:11b-13,18-20,22-23,27

The temple Solomon built was splendid, but temporary. It was a place of meeting, sacrifice, and worship that reflected the beauty and glory of God, but it would not endure. Solomon’s prayer indicates that he knew God’s interest was in His relationship with His chosen people over a specific place, the temple representative of His holy presence among them and a sacred location for their personal returning and recommitting to Him. God’s promise in response affirmed that His blessing and favor were on the heart and royal throne of David more than the consecrated building. (1 Kings 8:57-61; 9:3-5a; 2 Chronicles 36:17-19; Psalm 89:3-4,20-29)

The beautiful edifices we erect in life do not beautiful people make. They may be fabulous, unique, or exquisite, but it is the people within who have and hold the affection of God. When our constructions collapse or come to ruin, God cares deeply for us, and abides to bring us through disappointment and grief to Him as our sanctuary. (Ezekiel 11:16)

Where are we building security? Our God does not reside in homes of wood, stone, clay, or concrete. Do we value places and belongings more than heavenly treasure? Do we take more time primping our physical exterior than developing our spiritual interior? Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, His dwelling place. What priority are we giving the person we offer to Him as a living sacrifice? (Matthew 6:20; Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Does the way I spend my attention, money, and time reflect greater interest in things and place than who I am as His child, and the souls of other people? How carefully am I tending to matters of the Spirit, so what I leave as a legacy lasts for eternity?

Father, grant me a heart of wisdom and godly spiritual priorities in a tangible world. May I carry Your balm and beauty to the hurting places in hurting people. (Psalm 90:12; Ephesians 1:17)

“The reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.” Psalm 69:9

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh… 

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-11,16-18

A reproach is a treasure? Affliction a gift? Persecution a mercy? Near death a manifestation of life? The ways of God are mysterious and subversive to human reason, but supernatural and glorious just the same, and all the more. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

When enduring the choke of deep hurt, past experiences can resurface and sting all over again, though they occurred long ago. Caught off guard, we wonder where the gnaw of inside unease comes from. Are reminder pangs the enemy, tempting sins I’ve forgiven to resurface and me to lengthen my list of grievances and bitterness? Is he forcing another stone in my hand to heap upon stored vengeance? But I thought I forgave that, and love keeps no record of wrongs! (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

Yet in every remembrance of past reproach we have endured, the Lord reminds us He has borne this suffering too, and on my behalf. He whispers, ‘Think on what is true. This is your privilege to know Me better. Do not turn to anger or resentment. Yes, you may always have a scar, but I have healed that scar. Just like the scars on My hands and feet, the work has been finished, and I have healed. These marks identify My mercy and love toward you and are merely reminders that I finished it forever for you.’ (Philippians 4:8)

What needs be adjusted to receive hurts as a privilege as God’s child?

“Hast thou no scar?
No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand?
I hear thee sung as mighty in the land;
I hear them hail thy bright, ascendant star.
Hast thou no scar?

Hast thou no wound?
Yet I was wounded by the archers; spent,
Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent
By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned.
Hast thou no wound?

No wound? No scar?
Yet, as the Master shall the servant be,
And piercèd are the feet that follow Me.
But thine are whole; can he have followed far
Who hast no wound or scar?” ~Amy Carmichael (1867-1951)

Lord, may I welcome scars as reminders of Your deep and sacrificial love, and love others with hands marked and inspired by You.