Author: astherainandsnow

“Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, ‘We are setting out for the place of which the Lord said, “I will give it to you.” Come with us, and we will do good to you, for the Lord has promised good to Israel.’ But he said to him, ‘I will not go. I will depart to my own land and to my kindred.’  And he said, ‘Please do not leave us, for you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you will serve as eyes for us. And if you do go with us, whatever good the Lord will do to us, the same will we do to you.’

“So they set out from the mount of the Lord three days’ journey. And the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them three days’ journey, to seek out a resting place for them. And the cloud of the Lord was over them by day, whenever they set out from the camp.

“And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, ‘Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.’ And when it rested, he said, ‘Return, O Lord, to the ten thousand thousands of Israel.'” Numbers 10:29-36

When Hobab initially turned down his brother-in-law’s invitation to join God’s adventure into promised good, Moses urged him forward by enlisting his experience and help. Not only would he be their eyes in the wilderness, but he would be supernaturally blessed for his service. Moses’s persuasion worked, and Hobab would now have front row observation of this remarkable, humble friend of God and all the Almighty would do on their behalf. (Numbers 12:3; Deuteronomy 34:7,10-12)

Taking that first step into the unknown can bring a blast of conflicting feelings: excitement with dread, adventure with consternation. Hesitancy can result in lost opportunity to see God at work and to experience His goodness that spreads broadly from our own faith and courage to the building up of His kingdom and His splendor revealed.

What keeps us from venturing out into God’s sure promises? Do we know them well enough to stake our claim in their land? Have we grown so complacent in ease, familiar, comfort, and pat scripture soundbites that we are unwilling to take new turns or slopes with Him? Do we fail to search out His known plans for future good because our fear of the uncontrollable and unknown distorts our vision and cripples our faith? Reluctance on our part is a statement that we trust our ways and goals more than His, that we think we know better, and this folly surely impedes spiritual progress. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

When we ask the Lord to show us why we would reject and where we would depart His invitations, He is faithful to reveal our weak devotion and to overturn our hesitancy with faith. Every ounce of willingness matched with forward motion is used by Him to increase our faith and to utilize our gifts for the sake of His kingdom. Would we set out in trust of His word?

Good Father, grant me both desire and courage to follow where You lead. May I by faith climb Your heights and seize Your pledged and beautiful good, and so know You better and make You known in ways I’d otherwise miss. (Psalm 48:1-3,11-14)

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
    and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
    and his glory will be seen upon you.
And nations shall come to your light,
    and kings to the brightness of your rising.” Isaiah 60:1-3

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

“Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

Her vermillion profusion captivates with wonder as it blazes resplendent against infinite blue. The royal poinciana tree that spends so much of its year unadorned and homely, except for its graceful umbrella shape, has set aflame the lazy early summer. Her arms are so wide it is difficult to capture the full reach of their splendor within a single picture frame. Her beauty spreads over the edges with grace and flourish.

Beauty beyond borders is uncontained and uncontainable. Isn’t that how the Lord’s vibrant, limitless loveliness makes its way into our lives and abroad this earth? Isn’t this how we as His people spread His fragrance so profusely that others cannot resist it? God-warmed hearts glow with love, and lives set afire by His Spirit burn with truth to reflect the magnificence and power of their life-Giver. The brilliance of His presence awakens the sleeping and searching soul to desire what He alone offers. Are we clean and eager vessels? Would we arise, and let our light shine?

Do I limit my reach in God’s world by a provincial outlook and carefully-protected borders of my space and time? How willing am I to branch out, to stretch my selfishly-set limitations and trust God for adequate energy and wherewithal to go where I have not before? Whom might the Lord want to influence for good and life through me, were I to make myself available?

It is vital I thrust my roots deep in His word, to draw nourishment to grow and bloom for Him. I must be careful that as I bear His name, so my behavior reflects His image and lovely character. As I grow, He will cause my gifts to bloom and extend my canopy of influence as He determines. The difference He makes through me depends on my yieldedness, His bringing, and His blessing.

Lord, bring to pass the extent of Your plans for the wide spectrum of Your people. As the branch of Your planting, cause me to so radiate Your glory that others swarm to Your life-giving light, limited only by walls of Salvation and gates of Praise. To You be all glory! (Isaiah 60:4-7,9,18,21)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him…

“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory…

“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might  that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places…”

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 1:3-4,11-12,15-20; 2:10

Paul is methodical in thought, and his teaching follows biblical logic. As God’s children, we own every spiritual blessing. We have been chosen in love, predestined for adoption, and redeemed to be holy and blameless. God is working all things in our lives according to the counsel of His will, so that we might live here on earth to the praise of His eternal glory. So because these things are true, he prays that we embrace them, and get on with life in Christ with the Spirit of wisdom and enlightenment He gives according to His call.

We have access to the riches of our glorious eternal inheritance in the here and now. We have in us the immeasurable power of Christ’s resurrection, and carry His victory for every battle faced. We have been granted the gift of faith, by which we were saved and which continues to grow as we exercise it. We are secure in the confines of His perfect will in which He has created good works for us to do. So how energetically are we walking? In what practical ways are we fulfilling the works He has planned for us? (Ephesians 2:8-9)

In order to obey step by step, we must know God’s path. What are we doing to be skilled in the word and practiced in discernment? Have we a companion alongside whom we pray with diligence, and practice faithfulness in accomplishing what God assigns? How familiar are we with the gifts He’s entrusted to us particularly, and are we seizing the opportunities He provides to use them? There is nothing more fulfilling to us, and glorifying to our Father, than that we perform His assigned duties to further His kingdom and exalt His goodness. (Psalm 32:8; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Hebrews 4:12; 5:13-14)

Lord, make me wise to know and faithful to fulfill my heavenly calling. May I so bless and praise Your wondrous name.

“This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him,

‘You are a priest forever,
    after the order of Melchizedek.’

“On the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness..; but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God…

“The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

“For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself… a Son who has been made perfect forever.” Hebrews 7:15-19,23-27,28c

There are many things we wish were, or want to make, permanent: youth, health, relationships, places of comfort, ‘these good old days.’ But in this world and life, our days are as vapor, our control is limited, circumstances change, and things that we collect are temporal and subject to decay. We live among what is destructible, fleeting, and weak, destined for an end of days but yearning for an indestructible eternity. (Job 14:1; Psalm 90:10; 144:4; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Matthew 6:19; James 4:14)

Enter Jesus, who gave His life as a unique, complete atoning sacrifice for us, and in that single act became our perfect, permanent, ongoing priest and mediator. His ministry is a mysterious cohesion of once-for-all accomplishment and powerful continuity on our behalf. Our human minds cannot grasp the syncopated scope, but can surrender to it with full assurance in faith.

Everything about Jesus and what He provides His children is better that what this world offers. What makes us reticent to draw near to Him, or prone toward temporal enticements? Why do we settle for undependable ‘safe places’ or superficial promises, when we can delight in ‘no separation from His love’? Why do we flirt with false religions and practices whose only certainty is incessant searching for improvement, enlightenment, and fulfillment? When once we draw near to God, and find unshakable security in His grace-filled salvation, we are His, and He ours, forever. We settle in His ongoing ownership, advocacy, and love, and cannot help but praise. (Song of Solomon 2:16; Romans 8:31-39; James 4:8)

“Jesus, my great High Priest,
offered his blood and died;
my guilty conscience seeks
no sacrifice beside.
His pow’rful blood did once atone,
and now it pleads before the throne.

My advocate appears
for my defense on high;
a gracious Father hears
and lays his thunder by.
Not all that hell or sin can say
shall turn his heart, his love, away.” ~Isaac Watts (1709)

Lord, adjust my sights away from this world to Your better and permanent hope. Increase my confidence in Your eternal priesthood, and make it my joyful theme as I interact with others who need You.

“You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
    your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
    none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
    yet they are more than can be told.” Psalm 40:5

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    it is high; I cannot attain it…
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
    the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
If I would count them, they are more than the sand.” Psalm 139:1-6,15-18

It boggles the mind to consider God’s thoughts toward us. He knows me inside out, is acquainted with all of my ways, is concerned for my every concern, and is always interceding for me. And He is and does this for every one of His children. Without getting confused. With no exhaustion. With perfect clarity and measure, grace and understanding. Who can know the mind of the Lord? (Romans 8:34; 11:33-34)

Our response to the Lord’s multiplied thoughts toward us should be many and high and precious thoughts back toward Him. How marvelous His deeds and love, that He would be mindful toward us! How vast are His ways, and His paths planned for us and His world are beyond tracing out! He is the high and holy One, yet He esteems and cares for us, and has crowned us with glory and honor. (1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 8:3-5; Isaiah 57:15; Jeremiah 23:24)

What will we do to foster and maintain a high view of God? How will we remain regular in humble, glad worship? These practices take deliberation, time, and effort. Our world will do all it can to diminish God’s grandeur, to lower our estimation of Him, or to banish Him from consideration altogether. We face a constant barrage of me-first and look-here-and-down-and-right-and-left, but seldom up. So we must pause. We must put away screens and devices. We must open His living Word. We must train ourselves to take delight in Him as He does us, to multiply our thoughts toward and about Him.

Indeed, as we regularly fill our minds with this infinite One who holds innumerable thoughts of us, we’ll find ourselves more apt to ponder His graces and beauties, more awe-struck at His ways, more thankful, more inspired to lofty thinking and to elevate discussions with others. Our hearts will swell with Christ’s love and pulse with His compassion. We will grow more expectant for eternal, big things, and less irritable and nit-picky over temporal, small things. Is this our desire?

Father, multiply my thoughts toward You, and adoration and praise. May I, in my finiteness, match your infiniteness with wholehearted wonder, devotion, and surrender.

“You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

“As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
    when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.” Psalm 16:11; 17:15

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2

Thank the Lord for planting in us a hunger for truth, and for revealing Himself through His word and creation. Through our life journey He continues to teach us, to both awaken and fulfill that longing. The beautiful thing about Jesus is He offers deep unshakable soul rest coincidentally with ongoing desire to know Him better- a mysterious and indescribable combination that flows from His finished work on the cross and His Spirit’s ongoing sanctifying work in us. (John 19:30; Romans 1:19-20)

Yes, we can have, and wait, at the same time. We can be sated, and hunger for more. We can hope with assurance, and yearn while at rest. We are limited by time and space, yet eternity thrums in our hearts. Our days are measured, yet we will live forever. We can find and unite with Him whom our soul loves, yet always want to be closer. These are the inexplicable dichotomies of the Christian walk, just as Jesus completed His work for us and is ever finishing His work in us. (Psalm 36:8-9; 38:9,15; 39:4,7; 63:5; Ecclesiastes 3:12; Song of Solomon 3:4; John 3:16)

So as the world spins, and all around us quakes and questions, we can face our days with steady confidence while standing on an immovable foundation. Our feet can be fixed here as our hearts are fixed in heaven and our minds are stayed on Christ. This is the way to peace that cannot be shaken. (Isaiah 26:3: John 14:27; 16:33)

Have we grown complacent in our rest, settling for earthly ease and failing to look beyond today, above to Christ, and ahead to maturity? Are our yearnings for temporal things and activities that turn our affections away from God, or toward Him and His righteousness? How well are we training and developing our thoughts and emotions within the bounds of God’s discipline? Do we set our hearts and hungers free to roam according to unbridled whims and sensual fancy, or set them firmly on what is true and noble, right and pure? (Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:1-2)

The tensions established by the Almighty are intended to keep us dependent on Him for right thinking and doing. As we daily trust in Him, we also find rest in Him as we pursue holiness. No other place supplies soul satisfaction.

Lord, keep me drinking from Your river of delights, and ever thirsty. Fill me, and fill me again, that I might sing and live Your praise.

“Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
    be not envious of wrongdoers!
For they will soon fade like the grass
    and wither like the green herb.

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
    dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
    Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil…
But the meek shall inherit the land
    and delight themselves in abundant peace...

The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
    when he delights in his way;
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
    for the Lord upholds his hand.” Psalm 37:1-8,11,23-24

In order to befriend, we must become familiar and get to know, and actually like. David’s admonition, to himself and to us, is that befriending faithfulness is doable and well worth the investment. In fact, it’s freeing and joyful and the most favorable way to live.

In order to trust in the Lord and do good, there are a few practices we must do without. Sideways glances in comparison, fretting, fear, hatred, and envy will always sully our psyche and behavior. Trusting our own narrow and sin-stained understanding will limit our exercise of faith and progress in spiritual growth. Giving way to impatience, impetuousness, and anger will only impede the slow steady rising of the Lord’s light on our way, and strew rocks on His path. So to befriend faithfulness, we must ‘unfriend’ these penchants, and cleanse ourselves of all foreign devotion. Of which do we need repent? (Proverbs 3:3-7)

Now onto the development of a godly relationship with faith and ongoing habit of faithfulness. These revolves around and are intwined with the Lord- who is faith’s object as well as its source. He is faithful, and develops that quality in His people as we understand His unchanging character and steadfast love.

The commands here are to trust in Him, delight ourselves in Him, commit our way to Him, be still before Him, and wait patiently for Him. Each is tall order, and together- even taller, but all are the right and good way. Each is obeyed decision by decision, courageous step by courageous step, and the farther we go the more clear and bright our path. Faithfulness becomes our sweet companion, the one whose stride we mimic and whose voice directs our choices. Practice becomes joyful habit as the endorphins of spiritual exercise and strength rejuvenate, inspire, and fulfill.

Where are we expending effort and energy in friendships? Is our loyalty to what is transient, superficial, or might get us ahead in this world? Or are we spending time getting to know faithfulness, diligence, and true communion with Christ? How will we improve our familiarity with, and love for, all that delights our Lord?

Father, nurture my friendship with faithfulness. Help me grow in devotion, be worthy of Your confidences, and ever increase in love. (John 15:15-17)

“Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment give off a stench;
    so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor…
Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense,
    and he says to everyone that he is a fool.
If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place,
    for calmness will lay great offenses to rest…

A fool multiplies words,
    though no man knows what is to be,
    and who can tell him what will be after him?” Ecclesiastes 10:1,3-4,14

“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels.., for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful, self-condemned.” Titus 3:8-11

Foolishness is loud and usually makes much of itself, while wisdom keeps calm and quiet. Why is it we notice the annoying and obvious in others, and are prone to take easy offense and be put off, but are oblivious to the foolishness of our own behavior? Do we not know that it is senseless, and fruitless, to major on minor issues and give way to anger? Rather than stirring up dissension and controversy by escalated emotion and multiplied words, we could make a constructive difference by putting a stop to all that is not good, profitable, or worthwhile.

For the benefit of everyone we encounter, there is much we could stand to put to rest. Perhaps we are touchy, or critical. Maybe we keep a loose hold on our tongue, or find jealousy, selfishness, or resentment poking holes in pure love for others. We may try to cover folly with external polish, but fail to uproot mistaken assumptions and sinful bents. In order to rid, we must name and repent. True calmness sets in, and rest comes, when righteousness reigns, and that only occurs within Christ’s redemption.

Do we desire relationships and atmosphere that promote peace? How careful are we to stir up one another to love and good deeds rather than to division? What am I doing, or intentionally not doing, to be a Spirit-filled agent of calm and healing, of putting offenses to rest… forever? Need I forgive? Need I be silent, and commit to never stoking hurtful, sarcastic, destructive flames? Need I return curses with blessing, and so smother sparks? (Romans 12:16-21: Ephesians 4:29-32; Hebrews 10:24-25)

“Jesus, I am resting, resting
in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
of thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee,
as thy beauty fills my soul,
for by thy transforming power,
thou hast made me whole.

Ever lift thy face upon me
as I work and wait for thee;
resting ‘neath thy smile, Lord Jesus,
earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory,
sunshine of my Father’s face,
keep me ever trusting, resting,
fill me with thy grace.” ~Jean Sophia Pigott (1876)

Lord, help me put to rest whatever my flesh would entertain apart from You, so I can know Your true rest, and spread it with joy to those around me.

“The words of the Lord are pure words,
    like silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
    purified seven times.

You, O Lord, will keep them;
    you will guard us from this generation forever.
On every side the wicked prowl,
    as vileness is exalted among the children of man.” Psalm 12:6-8

“The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11

There is nothing like words from God. They are true, they are living, and they are kept. Kept. Held close, honored, and fulfilled by the Almighty who spoke them. They are ours forever to own and cherish, to learn and apply and esteem. They soothe and satisfy, they direct our thoughts and steps, they convict, correct, and instruct. They are balm to weary souls, a grounding in chaos, a guardian against the world, and a sword for every attack. (Psalm 119:105; Ephesians 6:17; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)

We are careless with our words, saying what we do not mean and meaning more or differently than we say. We speak impurely, without thinking, and unwittingly let emotion and innuendo affect the truth we intended. We make casual promises and vain statements we do not keep or mean, due to neglect, indifference, or intentional manipulation. No wonder there is so much distrust and lack of honor in keeping our words.

“God is not man, that he should lie,
    or a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
    Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Numbers 23:19

It is vital we take care with our words. All the Lord promises comes to pass. Is this true with me? What weight do my spoken words hold, and how are they used for good and God’s glory? The better we know His word, the more trustworthy our own words will be, because they are grounded in His unshakable truth. He who keeps His word also keeps us, and guards what we entrust to Him, even the choice of words and keeping of pledges. With whom will I share His words of hope and beauty? (1 Thessalonians 5:24; 2 Timothy 1:12)

“Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty
Teach me faith and duty.
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.

Christ, the blessed one, gives to all
Wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call,
Wonderful words of life;
All so freely given,
Wooing us to heaven.
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.” ~Philip Bliss (1874)

Lord, as You keep Your wonderful words, so help me speak mine carefully and keep them, for the sake of Your honor. (Proverbs 21:23)

“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith…

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:6-12a,17-19

The distorted economy of the flesh says: the more I get, the happier I will be. The more I own, the more secure I am. Our greed for gain spreads from material things to accumulating more accolades, more notice, even the craving for one-upmanship. But God’s divine economy works far differently. The great gain in Christ is contentment and peace, and the greatest reward comes through self-denial. After all, the indescribable gift to us was won and came to us through Jesus giving His all. (Matthew 16:24-26; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Galatians 1:3-4; Titus 2:13-14)

The accumulation of food, clothing, riches, and money can lead to idolatry and destruction, and so can the accumulation of a number of senseless and harmful habits: resentment, anger, jealousy, gossip, worry, pride, and self-loathing. The Lord calls us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness, all which guard us against such self-destructive desires and practices.

In what do we desire to be rich? Beware the lure of the world and its idols and licentiousness. We will pursue what we value and learn to love. When tempted to accumulate, put on, and practice what is displeasing to God or opposed to His righteousness, deliberately give it up, let go, put off, and seek instead what is above, and good. What we gain from seeking heavenly riches and holy habits, and giving with abandon, is eternal, and true living. (Colossians 3:1-10,12-17)

What might we gain in getting along and shared ideas if we gave up the urge to take a dig, or have the final say? What might we learn of God’s inspirational insight if we gave up telling Him what to do? What headway in a friction-laden relationship might we gain if we gave up cursing, and blessed instead? How might our faith increase if we relinquished angst, fretting, and manipulative (or manic) control? How might we gain a new outlook- with attending love and compassion- toward a difficult person if we surrendered bitterness, default condemnation, and past hurts? (Proverbs 15:1; Ecclesiastes 5:2,7; Romans 12:17-21; 2 Timothy 2:14,16,23-26)

Lord, help me give what I cannot keep to gain what I cannot lose,* for the sake of Your church, Your honor, and Your praise.

*Jim Elliot