Author: astherainandsnow

“In the whole land, declares the Lord,
    two thirds shall be cut off and perish,
    and one third shall be left alive.
And I will put this third into the fire,
    and refine them as one refines silver,
    and test them as gold is tested.
They will call upon my name,
    and I will answer them.
I will say, ‘They are my people’;
    and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’” Zechariah 13:8-9

“But he knows the way that I take;
    when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10

There are many tests in life that determine whose we are: where and when will we stand, what do we believe, how will we behave. The Lord separates His own from unbelievers and promises clear distinctions at the last day. But He also has tests for only His own, fires of refinement to purify and sanctify, to prove our faith and teach the manners of heaven. These tests identify us as His. (Genesis 22:1,12; Psalm 17:3; 66:10; Matthew 25:31-46)

How we respond to His tests reveals how devoted we are, how wholehearted in faith, how deep we are willing to go. Some choose cursory commitment, wanting to be salvation-safe, but unwilling to wear the label of Christ and bearing only anemic fruit. Too close an identification or alliance might cramp lifestyle or friendship or employment choices. Speaking up or standing out might lead to social cancellation. While these may escape eternal condemnation, they miss out on the fullness of life the Lord intends, and have ashes rather than crowns to offer Him on the last day. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Revelation 4:10-11)

Then there are those who call on God’s name with strong, hearty voice, and gratefully wear His identification for all to see. When facing trials, they persevere, developing their faith to maturity. When tested by temptation, their priority is partaking of and displaying God’s divine nature. Godliness, expressed in self-control, and love for Christ, motivate their responses. Every test is an opportunity to be chiseled and formed to be more like Jesus and to live robustly for His name’s sake. (James 1:2-4; 2 Peter 1:3-7)

Are there idols lurking in heart recesses that dilute our allegiance and passion for Christ? How willing are we to undergo holy scrutiny, and therein, how well do the thoughts of our hearts and our conduct align? How securely do we stand ‘above all’ when buffeted by criticism, slander, or trials? How courageously do we withstand the onslaught of spiritual opposition that attempts to delude us into idolatry, lies, and self-pampering? Do we fear God more than man, and if so, what is the proof in our daily decisions and interactions? Do those around me recognize I have the Lord’s DNA? (Daniel 3:14-18; Psalm 139:23-24; Acts 4:18-20; Ephesians 6:10-17)

“Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict
in this his glorious day.
Ye that are men now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger
and strength to strength oppose.” ~George Duffield (1858)

Father, in every test that transpires, may I lift high Your banner and come forth as gold, so others know I’m Yours. (Zechariah 14:20-21; Malachi 3:17-18)

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you…

“Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” Philippians 4:9,21-23

“I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here…

“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

“After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea… See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” Colossians 4:8-9,12-17

How fitting that Paul would close his letter on rejoicing by commending those at the church in Philippi to greet one another. In Colossae, he named several fellow servants who were also on their side, jointly struggling for the church’s growth and assurance. His M.O. was never to draw attention to himself, but to build up the church. He encouraged good will among the brothers, and gratitude, and mature faith. He commended effective Christian work in service and prayer, and urged the same. He cheered the faithful, and prayed the gospel would have its glorious way among God’s people. And always his words were laced with love, and grace.

We welcome people to the warmth of Christ when we greet them in His name. We convey the grace of His gospel when our words embrace with affection and a sense of value. When we speak, smile, pay attention, and upbuild, we deliver Christ’s welcome, and spread His benediction.

How do, and can, we communicate the greetings of Christ? What is our intention, and how is it planned? What in our schedules need we reorder to take time to reach out to the lonely, rejected, or doubting? What can we do differently at work or church to greet in Christ’s name and way?

Whom will we go after this day or week to bless with His commendation, or upbuild with truth? Who needs special prayer? Ask God to bring them to mind, then make the call, leave the message, or write the note and pray with and for them, leaving words to savor and satisfy. (Colossians 1:3-5a; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4)

Lord, You have welcomed me into Your love and salvation. May I be as generous and gracious to greet others in Your name, so they feel Your love, see Your beauty, and are drawn into Your gracious favor.

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

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Colossians 3:1-10

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

We were dead, and have been made alive. We were buried, and have been raised. We were emptied of the debt of sin, and filled with the Spirit in Christ. We are new creatures, and always newer, as we grow and are sanctified and until we appear with Jesus in glory. (Colossians 2:10-14)

The reality that I am a new creature makes the way for always new. Without Christ in us, we would have no hope of ongoing conviction, purification, or sanctification, nor of future glory. Without His Spirit, we would have no impetus to renew our minds, or will to do His ordained works. It is He whose life now lives in us, and who compels us to put off and put on, to reconcile with others, to serve wholeheartedly, and to proclaim the gospel. (John 16:8; 2 Corinthians 5:14-20; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:27; 3:12-20)

So living vibrantly in Christ, we are new, and continually renewed. Our faith grows older, but is never old. We see now, but will see even better, and more. The way for each day is steady obedience, one decision at a time. It is paved with stones of truth and remembrance, with promises believed and principles applied. Our fuel is the ongoing filling of the Spirit. The destination is full transformation into the image of God’s glory- a distant but certain hope. (1 Corinthians 13:10,12; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 5:18; 1 John 3:2)

How are we adding new to new? Are there old practices we have yet to eliminate? What habits have become so ingrained we excuse them as our ‘wiring,’ when in fact they need uprooting, putting off, and replacement? Which attitudes, default reactions, or desires need spiritual renewal?

Lord, I offer myself a living sacrifice to be renewed by You. May Your Spirit and love flow afresh in and through me, that Your image be reflected and Your glory magnified.

“A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly…
A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
but perverseness in it breaks the spirit…
The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so the hearts of fools…
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,
but he who is slow to anger quiets contention…
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
and a word in season, how good it is!..
Gracious words are pure…
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things…
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
and good news refreshes the bones…
Humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 15:1-2,4,7,18,23,26b,28,30,33b

Soft answers go a long way in communicating, and a gentle voice quiets the noisiest of rooms and souls. Rough and harsh spit and scratch before words are ever received, and so aggravate and disturb that they defeat any intention at a message other than angst. But gentleness soothes, and readies the ears for all that is to follow. The enemy delights in destroying constructive and uplifting communication, so we must be vigilant. No matter what we mean to convey, a mild manner will smooth the wings of our words for all goodness to be received.

What arouses turbulence in us that foments harsh words? Can we not let go of the fact that we cannot control circumstances, or another’s choices? Are we so competitive for attention, or defensive to prove ourselves right, that we turn friend or loved one into contestant by insisting on one-upping in word and volume? Does holding onto my rights render me unable to converse with reason and calm? Adjust focus! “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

And why are we so prickly? Why do I have to take personally every slight, false accusation, or verbal misstep? How would it change my stress level and tone of voice if I chose not to let things and people bother me? If I decided that another’s cattiness or bullheadedness or inattention can be met with graciousness and patience? Any reproach that falls on me has fallen on my Christ, and He bore the agonizing weight with unending love and perfect peace. (Isaiah 53:3-5)

Maybe it’s frenzy and busy that rile us away from calm conversation. Do we snap when interrupted, fret with impatience, or sigh at ineptitude? Do we castigate with judgment, or agitate with worry? If my agenda, in my time, my way, is my goal, I will absolutely meet frustration. But if I turn anxiety over in prayer, and verbalize thankfulness and trust instead of demands, God’s peace will flood heart and mind and make its way to tongue. (Philippians 4:6-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

How might we speak in such a way our hearers are refreshed? Enlightened? Uplifted? Consoled? How can I adjust my tone and volume to ‘gentle,’ so the love of Jesus is heard? (Proverbs 12:25; 18:4; 1 Corinthians 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Father, in everything You have asked me to speak, may I so communicate that Your gentleness is evident to all. (Philippians 4:5)

“The woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?’ They went out of the town and were coming to him… Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me all that I ever did.’ So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world…’

“At Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill.  When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.  Jesus said to him, ‘Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.’ The official said to him, ‘Sir, come down before my child dies.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your son will live.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, ‘Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.’ The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, ‘Your son will live.’ And he himself believed, and all his household.” John 4:28-30,39-42,46b-53

Belief began by hearing: for the woman, by direct conversation; for the official, through stories told. Truth awakens faith, and acting in faith begets more faith. The woman’s testimony drew Samaritans to come investigate first hand, and another testimony prompted the official to seek out Jesus the Healer. He believed He had power, then believed His promise. How are any to believe without hearing? (Romans 10:9-14)

We all have a part in our own faith walk, and in helping to build the faith of those around us. For ourselves, we need exposure to God’s voice in order to hear the truth that compels belief. His word is full of accounts of His work in history, kingdoms, and individual lives. It displays His radiance, holiness, and wisdom. What investment are we making to hear Him through the Bible, believe, and see His works and worth revealed? Do we take time to come to Him and stay, lingering until He is finished with us? How is this developing our faith so we continue to add more? (Genesis 17:22; 18:33; 2 Peter 1:5)

And what part are we playing in telling others about Jesus, in proclaiming how He has met us, and the difference a relationship with Him has made in our worldview, security, and sense of purpose? What questions can we ask that compel investigation, discovery, and belief? Whom will we go and tell so they might know for themselves the thrill of intimacy with Jesus and living expectantly day by day?

Lord, may I consistently believe what You speak, see what You do, and believe You more deeply. Develop in me greater love and faith that bring glory, and others, to You.

“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 love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,  which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight  making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ  as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

“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.  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:3-14

In: 1. contained or enclosed by; inside; within; 2. wearing; clothed by. This preposition connotes enveloped, held, secure, inseparable. When we are included in Christ, by His remarkable grace, we can be all in, by faith, to live for and unto Him.

As recipient of every spiritual blessing, we should find them making a daily difference in the way we think, behave, and interact with those around us. We should be living holy, fruitful, blameless lives full of purpose, and glorifying to God. We should be growing in His likeness, abounding with His Spirit, and spreading His love and light. If they are not, and we are not, we should test to see if we are really in Christ. (2 Corinthians 13:5; Colossians 1:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3-10)

In Christ, we are blessed, chosen before the foundation of the world, and redeemed by the blood of Jesus.

In the heavenly places, every spiritual blessing that is ours resides and flows.

In love, He predestined us for adoption as His children, to fulfill His perfect will, for the praise of His glory.

In the Beloved, we are blessed.

In all wisdom and insight, He lavishes us with the riches of His grace and makes known the mystery of His will set forth in Christ.

In Him all things will one day be united.

In Him we own an eternal inheritance, and are sealed with the Holy Spirit who is the Guarantee of that inheritance.

If all of these are true about us, and they are if we are in Christ, how are we displaying our hope? Our status as chosen in grace, loved, and redeemed? How are we putting to use our freedom and forgiveness to freely love and forgive others with generous mercy and compassion? How are we intentionally, actively, pursuing God’s purpose and calling?

My Lord, who has given so much to include me in You, may I be all in for You, with all I have, for the honor of Your worth and glory.

“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 love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,  which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight  making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ  as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

“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.  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:3-14

In: 1. contained or enclosed by; inside; within; 2. wearing; clothed by. This preposition connotes enveloped, held, secure, inseparable. When we are included in Christ, by His remarkable grace, we can be all in, by faith, to live for and unto Him.

As recipient of every spiritual blessing, we should find them making a daily difference in the way we think, behave, and interact with those around us. We should be living holy, fruitful, blameless lives full of purpose, and glorifying to God. We should be growing in His likeness, abounding with His Spirit, and spreading His love and light. If they are not, and we are not, we should test to see if we are really in Christ. (2 Corinthians 13:5; Colossians 1:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3-10)

In Christ, we are blessed, chosen before the foundation of the world, and redeemed by the blood of Jesus.

In the heavenly places, every spiritual blessing that is ours resides and flows.

In love, He predestined us for adoption as His children, to fulfill His perfect will, for the praise of His glory.

In the Beloved, we are blessed.

In all wisdom and insight, He lavishes us with the riches of His grace and makes known the mystery of His will set forth in Christ.

In Him all things will one day be united.

In Him we own an eternal inheritance, and are sealed with the Holy Spirit who is the Guarantee of that inheritance.

If all of these are true about us, and they are if we are in Christ, how are we displaying our hope? Our status as chosen in grace, loved, and redeemed? How are we putting to use our freedom and forgiveness to freely love and forgive others with generous mercy and compassion? How are we intentionally, actively, pursuing God’s purpose and calling?

My Lord, who has given so much to include me in You, may I be all in for You, with all I have, for the honor of Your worth and glory.

“He made the breastpiece, in skilled work,.. of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. It was square…  They set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle was the first row; the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in settings of gold filigree. There were twelve stones with their names according to the names of the sons of Israel. They were like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes. They made on the breastpiece twisted chains like cords, of pure gold.  They made two settings of gold filigree and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece… They attached the two ends of the two cords to the two settings of filigree… to the shoulder pieces of the ephod. Then they made two rings of gold, and put them at the two ends of the breastpiece, on its inside edge next to the ephod.  They made two rings of gold, and attached them in front to the lower part of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, at its seam above the skillfully woven band of the ephod.  And they bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, so that it should lie on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastpiece should not come loose.” Exodus 39:8-16,18-21

The priestly garments for ministering in the Holy Place were intricately crafted and lovely. Carefully woven, hammered, enclosed, and attached, each material was designed and incorporated into a secure breastpiece, worn by the priest in remembrance of every member of every tribe he represented before the Lord. They were always on his heart, and secure.

Our Great High Priest so carries us, right against His bosom that throbs with love and mercy. He adorns Himself with us, as He carried our sins to the cross, now His children as treasured ornaments. He ever bears us before the Father, interceding perfectly according to His will for our sanctification, that we will not fall, and that we will love with His love. He defends us against accusation. No one can ever snatch us from His hand, or heart. (Zephaniah 3:17; Luke 22:31-32; John 1:14; John 10:28-29; 17:15,17,26; Romans 8:31-34; Hebrews 7:25)

He also names us His priests, with the privilege of bearing one another’s burdens and holding others in our heart. He entrusts us to certain relationships to care and support with compassion and love. He reminds us to pray, upholding loved ones, hard situations, our government leaders, and the persecuted church before God’s throne. (Matthew 5:44; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 6:19-20; Philippians 1:7; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; 1 Peter 2:9)

Whom has the Lord named for me to wear on my heart? How conscientiously, lovingly, and consistently am I serving them as priest of my Lord?

Lord, may I be faithful to hold in my heart and before Your throne those You’ve entrusted to me. Help me bear their burdens and minister as a benediction to their souls, all for Your sake. (Ephesians 6:23-24; Philippians 1:3-11)

“A glad heart makes a cheerful face,
    but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed…^.
All the days of the afflicted are evil,
    but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great treasure and trouble with it…
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
    and a word in season, how good it is!..
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
    and good news refreshes the bones.” Proverbs 15:13,15-16,23,30

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down,
    but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25

“A joyful heart is good medicine.” Proverbs 17:22

“God loves a cheerful giver… He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.  By their approval of this service, they will glorify God.” 2 Corinthians 9:7b,10-13

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice…  I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Philippians 4:4,11b

“Rejoice always,.. give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16,18

Cheerfulness resides in the soul that is not self-consumed, but Spirit-filled and content. All of life is a gift, and the opportunity to live another day an opportunity to be joyful and bring attention to the Giver and Lord of every good gift. A thankful heart begets a positive outlook, which leads to a cheerful countenance, that in turn spreads to a contagious expectant attitude. A cheerful word does much to lift the burdened, raise the eyes, and gladden the heart. Cheerful service conveys value and love, and cheerful giving models godliness and awakens gratitude and praise to a generous God. (James 1:17)

And just as cheerfulness is contagious, so are rancor, whining, fretting, negativity, and a critical spirit. So are irritability and crankiness. Whether I keep my head in a cloud of doom, or one made light with God’s presence, will determine the atmosphere in my home, workplace, and surroundings. What am I looking for, what am I spreading, and what do I want to spread? Do I see the smile or scatter on the sidewalk? The soul-sick are in need of infectious cheer from a smile or a word, and I can make a difference. (Exodus 13:21-22; Proverbs 15:1)

Can I learn to let harsh and hurt slide off my back? Can I be big enough not to be touchy, nor return evil for evil, but respond with grace? The indwelling Spirit can bridle the tongue and face into a soft answer and loving expression. If I deliberately bless others, the Lord blesses in return, and joy spills over to abound. For what legitimate reason would we not seek the good and rejoice in God’s riches owned as His children? (Romans 12:17; Ephesians 1:3,11-14; 1 Peter 3:9)

Good Father, imprint and identify me by a steady, unshakable cheerfulness that is irresistible to the world and glorifying to You.

“My son, if you receive my words
    and treasure up my commandments with you,
making your ear attentive to wisdom
    and inclining your heart to understanding;
yes, if you call out for insight
    and raise your voice for understanding,
if you seek it like silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasures,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
    he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
guarding the paths of justice
    and watching over the way of his saints.
Then you will understand righteousness and justice
    and equity, every good path;
for wisdom will come into your heart,
    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
discretion will watch over you,
    understanding will guard you,
 delivering you from the way of evil…
men whose paths are crooked,
    and who are devious in their ways.

“So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman,
    from the adulteress with her smooth words…

“So you will walk in the way of the good
    and keep to the paths of the righteous.” Proverbs 2:1-12a,15-16,20

Being so inclined is often offered as a choice: ‘if you please.’ But in God’s spiritual economy, it is a mandate toward His word and truth if we are to fear Him and be wise. So inclining our hearts is an act of will that reaps sure benefits every day.

When we incline ourselves to understanding the Lord by listening, receiving, and storing up His word, we learn the value and soundness of what He imparts. We begin to see why He does what He does, and how. We learn to trust His defense of our minds, and to renew them regularly to determine His will. We start to make a habit of thinking on things above, and true, and noble, and right. We experience that wisdom begets integrity, justice, discretion, and discernment. It fortifies our wills, and delivers from evil delusions and temptation. (Romans 8:31-34; 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 4:7-8; Colossians 3:1-2)

When tempted to detour off the righteous way, or entertain a wayward enticement, we must assess our treasure and inclination. If we really value godly wisdom, we will determine every decision in light of it: will this add to my knowledge and understanding of the Lord? Is this motivated by proper fear of Him? Does this exhibit wisdom that’s from above, and therefore pure, peaceable, open to reason, full of mercy, impartial, and promoting a harvest of righteousness? (James 3:17-18)

“May the mind of Christ, my Savior, 
Live in me from day to day,
By his love and pow’r controlling 
All I do and say.

May the word of God dwell richly 
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph 
Only through his pow’r.

May the love of Jesus fill me 
As the waters fill the sea.
Him exalting, self abasing:
This is victory.

May we run the race before us, 
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus 
As we onward go.” ~Kate Wilkinson (1925)

Lord, incline me to seek and treasure You in every thought, impulse, desire, and effort, and so gain wisdom and glorify You.