Author: astherainandsnow

“A ruler asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’  And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: “Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.”‘ And he said, ‘All these I have kept from my youth.’  When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’ But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, ‘How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!  For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.’ Those who heard it said, ‘Then who can be saved?’ But he said, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’  And Peter said, ‘See, we have left our homes and followed you.’  And he said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,  who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.'” Luke 18:18-30

The wealthy ruler had much going for him, including genuine desire to understand the way to eternal life. He thought this was his goal. What arrested him with sadness was not what he’d have to do to attain it- that’s what he’d hoped- but the fact he’d have to give up what he actually treasured most. He went away, and the rest of the story depends on how he utilized his sad.

There is a sadness that arrives when we come to terms with our sin. We recognize the horror of it, along with the difficulty of cutting off its tentacles. There is a sickening combination of having been duped, and the difficulty of ceasing. But the one thing we lack is possible with God.

There is also the holy sadness when seeing an earnest enquirer trapped in lostness. He may mean and do so well, but cannot comprehend it’s not enough and never will be. Or he may be misguided altogether, thinking he is looking for truth but actually running in rebellion after false gods. This is a sorrow to which we attach wings in prayer, and release to the Lord for His intervention and possibilities. (Matthew 23:37; 2 Corinthians 2:4)

When the Lord gives sadness, it is a mercy we can put to sanctifying use that leads to true riches. When we are struck with conviction, it is God’s kindness that leads our grief to repentance when we humbly respond. Our tears and anguish of heart for a wayward friend are an expression of love He treasures, and translates within His providential plan. How will we receive and utilize the sadnesses God brings, and thus enjoy the privilege of taking part in His redemptive work? (Romans 2:4)

Father, help me discern the meaning of each sadness, and act upon it for my own purification, the good of others, and the glory of Your grace.

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. ¹Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all…

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment… Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law…

“Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires…  Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” Romans 12:9-18; 13:1-2,8,13-14; 14:10

The word of God is practical and thorough. But fickle man likes to pick and choose what we want to hear, selecting our favorites and the most palatable, and ignore or do away with the parts that prickle or pinch. Let’s obey the commands that come naturally or bring personal benefit, but really? Give up certain pleasures, or serve them with kindness- after all they have done to me? We distort God’s word into disconnected words for the optional taking, when indeed, the Word who was from the beginning is to be revered and obeyed. Line upon line, precept upon precept, the whole word is ours to cherish and follow. That and that, and yes, this too. (Isaiah 28:10,13a; John 1:1-4)

Our Creator made us to bear His image through and through. That involves every inkling of thought and spreads to every facet of life, not only the facets of our lives we wish to be sanctified. If we are to reflect His glory, His word must seep and soak into every cranny of idea, impulse, and action. If this is not our desire, we can ask Him to make it so. Pray that God would purify our affections and aims, and purge us of malice, bitterness, and rebellion. (Genesis 1:26-27; Isaiah 43:7)

It is prudent to go through passages and take personal inventory. Which statutes sting? Would we stop to confess, and ask for the Spirit’s help to wean us from those proclivities and transform them into holy instincts? Putting off the old and practicing the new reorders our habits and sanctifies us. (Colossians 3:1-17)

Lord, help me take seriously all Your words. Give me the humility and courage to live them out in thought and action, to Your praise and glory.

“But where shall wisdom be found?
    And where is the place of understanding?
Man does not know its worth,
    and it is not found in the land of the living.
The deep says, ‘It is not in me,’
    and the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’
It cannot be bought for gold,
    and silver cannot be weighed as its price.
 It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir,
    in precious onyx or sapphire.
Gold and glass cannot equal it,
    nor can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.
No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal;
    the price of wisdom is above pearls.
The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it,
    nor can it be valued in pure gold.

“From where, then, does wisdom come?
    And where is the place of understanding?
It is hidden from the eyes of all living
    and concealed from the birds of the air…

“God understands the way to it,
    and he knows its place.
For he looks to the ends of the earth
    and sees everything under the heavens.
When he gave to the wind its weight
    and apportioned the waters by measure,
when he made a decree for the rain
    and a way for the lightning of the thunder,
 then he saw it and declared it;
    he established it, and searched it out.
And he said to man,
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
    and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Job 28:12-21,23-28

God set Adam and Eve in Eden with the tree of life, but the serpent bit them with a gnawing for wisdom they could procure on their own. From that time on, we have sought wisdom with limited understanding and tainted flesh. Driven by yearning, we use our minds and every capability, but so often apart from the High and Holy One who made us for Himself. Fearing what we don’t know, and revering ourselves in high esteem, we look to everyone and everything but Him. (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7)

But only God, who sees, knows, and upholds everything, understands the way to it. The Lord by whom and for whom all was created is the One to be sought and known. He who counts the stars and measures the winds and holds back the sea is the Way, Truth, and Life, the Source and Fount of wisdom. The value and potency of fearing this unsearchable God and owning godly wisdom is immeasurable. (Psalm 147:4; Proverbs 8:28-30; John 14:6, Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:3)

“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
    and I find knowledge and discretion.
I have counsel and sound wisdom;
    I have insight; I have strength.
By me kings reign,
    and rulers decree what is just;
by me princes rule,
    and nobles, all who govern justly.
I love those who love me,
    and those who seek me diligently find me.
Riches and honor are with me,
    enduring wealth and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
    and my yield than choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
    in the paths of justice,
granting an inheritance to those who love me,
    and filling their treasuries.” Proverbs 8:12,14-21

What will I do to redirect my search for wisdom?

Lord, may I fear and honor You always and above all things so wisdom finds its place here in me.

“Oh, that I were as in the months of old,
    as in the days when God watched over me,
when his lamp shone upon my head,
    and by his light I walked through darkness,
as I was in my prime,
    when the friendship of God was upon my tent…
because I delivered the poor who cried for help,
    and the fatherless who had none to help him.
The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me,
    and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me;
    my justice was like a robe and a turban.
I was eyes to the blind
    and feet to the lame.
I was a father to the needy…
my roots spread out to the waters,
    with the dew all night on my branches…

“Men listened to me and waited
    and kept silence for my counsel.
After I spoke they did not speak again,
    and my word dropped upon them.
They waited for me as for the rain,
    and they opened their mouths as for the spring rain.
I smiled on them when they had no confidence,
    and the light of my face they did not cast down.
I chose their way and sat as chief,
    and I lived like a king among his troops,
    like one who comforts mourners.” Job 29:2-4,12-16a,19,21-25

Job, in his agony and isolation, remembers his former life of fruitfulness, and longs for it again. His friendship with God manifested itself in wisdom, compassion, and gracious living among all, and he rues his present condition that has separated him from such influence. Oh, that he could go back to those days!

But we never can go back, and life seasons sometimes take hard turns. We are unwittingly detoured by health, financial, relational, or practical circumstances beyond our control, and we find ourselves in places and positions we would not choose. Sometimes it is age itself that creeps in and changes everything we have known. But sovereign God orders all of life, and appoints different seasons with varying intent, though always with an end of His glory. We may not be doing the same thing, but we serve and can honor the same worthy God. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

If we find ourselves complaining over present circumstances, or lost in reminiscence over past glory days, would we turn our eyes upward, open our hands, and ask, “What do You have for me now?” It is likely God is ushering in a new season. Our former experiences, along with changed venue or new challenges, equip us for fresh purposes in daily interactions and ministry. Rather than lollygag dwelling on what was, we can dive into what is with a whole, expectant heart. And God can produce as much or more fruit! As for Job, consider all we have gleaned through the ages from his writings, which would not exist but for his suffering! Some things must die for novel growth to bud, even in frozen ground, and seasons must pass for the new to arrive.

What causes reluctance to enter, or accept, a new season of life? Are there memories, identities, or significance known in the past which so occupy us we are unable to seize fresh purposes God has planned?

Father, make me a faithful steward of each season You give, valuing past and present for Your kingdom’s sake.

“I charged your judges.., ‘Hear the cases between your brothers, and judge righteously between a man and his brother or the alien who is with him. You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God’s. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.’” Deuteronomy 1:16-17

“Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

“Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the Lord. He is with you in giving judgment. Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality or taking bribes…

“Thus you shall do in the fear of the Lord, in faithfulness, and with your whole heart… Behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord; and Zebadiah.., the governor, in all the king’s matters, and the Levites will serve you as officers. Deal courageously, and may the Lord be with the upright!” 2 Chronicles 19:6-7,9,11

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged… Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5

“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” John 7:24

God sets the standard for righteous judgment, and through the Scriptures and ages reinforces His tenets: Never be partial. Align with My word. Fear God. Be careful. Avoid persuasion by appearances or bribes. Discern with God-given authority. Approach humbly. But fickle flesh resists sticking to His guidelines. There are so many shades of grey, lures of pride and persuasion, temptations to allow preference and prejudice to taint decisions. Ah, the ugly, deceitful human heart! (Jeremiah 17:9)

Every day judgments are required, affecting few and many. In every assessment we make, as individuals or for the masses, we answer to only One, and He is holy. It’s vital we check ourselves for impurities of thought and heart before attempting to pronounce judgment on anyone else, and be quick to take on the mind of Christ with great compassion, reverence, and love. Judge actions against God’s standards, and leave motives to Him who knows the soul. (John 2:24-25; 1 Corinthians 2:12-16; Hebrews 4:12)

Where are we tempted to listen to falsehoods or bribes of an unmoored heart, or to slant toward the noisy crowd? In what circumstances do we need heavenly blinders, or emotional tempering? How are we investing to know God’s word?

Lord, in all situations, may I, with pure heart, render true and honest judgments that reflect Your mercy, kindness, and righteousness. Zechariah 7:9-10

“The Lord said, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey… The cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them.  Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.’ But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’  He said, ‘But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out, you shall serve God on this mountain.’

“Then Moses said to God, ‘If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask me, “What is his name?” what shall I say to them?’  God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’^* And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: “I AM has sent me to you… The LORD,^** the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.” This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.'” Exodus 3:7-15

*I AM WHAT I AM, or I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE; **The word LORD stands for the divine name, YHWH, here connected with the verb hayah, “to be”

“For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” Acts 11:26

Moses the murderer, and Moses the shepherd, couldn’t come to grips with being Moses the deliverer. But God had other plans, plans He had set in motion decades before. At this particular moment, in a spectacular way, He called 80-year-old Moses to a different and higher identity that what plagued or occupied him. While Moses could not see beyond his own inadequacy, God proclaimed His dynamic and powerful Name as the One who simultaneously called, led, and enabled. His Name was the verb that would propel and remain with Moses. (Exodus 2:11-15; 3:1-6)

When we are saved by grace, we take on Jesus’s identity as ‘Christian,’ and are indwelt by His powerful Spirit forever. Yet, so often in our work and days, we busy ourselves in the flesh under false or destructive names: Loser. Insufficient. Unworthy. Failure. We get trapped in wrong identities, confused and hampered from all God has called us to, and to do. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14)

Who are we? He will be with us, and He is mighty to save and perform. What is His name who calls? He IS- active, alive, involved, and working good to fulfill His purposes, forever. Would we today surrender our inertia and fear to His dynamic Name?

LORD, adorn and infuse me with the beauty and power of Your Name, that I might go where You send, and serve as You serve, all my days.

“He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.’  And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere…”

“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go…  ‘Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.  Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace be to this house!”..But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.”’” Luke 9:1-6; 10:1,3-5,10-11

Jesus’s instructions were explicit to those He sent out, first the twelve, then the 72. He would follow, yet they were to go ahead of Him to proclaim His good news, and prepare for His appearance. They would merely be sowers and planters, He would bring fruit. (1 Corinthians 3:5-7)

It’s easy to start out with enthusiasm but grow weary in the work, especially if we don’t see results we’d anticipated or hoped for. Jesus gave a clear charge that called for both courage and discernment. Go, be bold, and always speak peace and truth. But also be intent to observe, and sense the time to move on. Not every effort will be received, not every person be open, but you are accountable to Me for faithfulness to my call.

We want to be well-received. We want to succeed and bring great harvest. And we really don’t want to be hunted or ridiculed or cancelled. But Jesus told His followers they were sent as sheep among wolves, to be humble and mild among the vicious and conniving. Speak and live the gospel. Model the gospel, and love as I have loved you. (John 13:14-17,34)

When we look at the trouble, and get flustered by the difficulties and resistance in ministry, we are tempted to give up. But when we let the call lead, and the glory of God before us, obedience becomes a rhythm of joy and contentment. We learn to please God, not self, and in doing so find deep satisfaction that self-service does not afford.

Where has God called? He knows our name and number, and has specific plans for us to serve Him and others in His name. Are there occupations I should release to make room for His work? What excuses need I confess? No matter the cost, no matter the results, we are accountable for how we respond to His call.

Father, attune me to Your voice each day. Here am I, send me, to honor Your purpose and worth in every assignment. (Isaiah 6:8)

“Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.’ So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army… And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:9-10,14

“The wind  blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting… And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:1-2,4

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

There is nothing like the blow of a dolphin, the hearty dry exhale of the glistening, graceful mammal arcing up for air. Quiet though the morning with an offshore breeze, the sound captivates my senses intent on spying out every bit of movement in the sea, immediately catching my breath and delighting the soul. Lunge the paddle, glide to where it swims. Follow, watch for the shadow, the circle of air. Listen, follow.

And so with our Lord. When spiritual senses are attuned to observe His movements and hear His breath, we know when He is near and glean how we can follow. We sense His Spirit blowing in the times, we see His grace in circumstances ordered, we feel His mercy and faithful care when He beckons us to join Him. We move forward in faith- sometimes nervous or uncertain, always anticipating His companionship- and He catches us in His flow, granting the privilege of participating in His kingdom work.

But we have to be on the water. We have to be looking, listening, and willing. We must have balance and time and verve enough to get up and go. Erecting manmade hedges of protection from risk, merely skimming the shoreline to prevent going deep, or staying home altogether, are methods we employ to avoid His dynamic air and movement. And we miss the thrill.

Where is the Lord calling us to be involved in His work? Where have we grown complacent, and made a habit of selectively choosing from what others have labored for and offer? Would we zealously step up and out, eager to follow where God is active and so participate in His ministry? When we ask, He answers. When we trust His ways over our own flesh proclivities, He will make our paths straight, and fruitful. (Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 7:7-8)

“Spirit of the Living God, 
Fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me.
Spirit of the Living God, 
Fall afresh on me.” ~Daniel Iverson (1926)

Lord, catch my breath up in Yours, that my heart beat with Yours, and I live and serve in Your flow.

“And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled.  And he said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.’  And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’  And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour?  Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’  And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.’” Mark 14:32-42

Jesus had just dismissed His betrayer, Judas. Jesus knew the time had come for Him to die, that His earthly ministry and life would now culminate at the cross, and His distress weighed heavy. He needed prayer, and the support of His closest friends. He also knew Peter had a habit of succumbing to sleep and its influence over clear thinking, sin-resistance, and self-control. He warned him of Satan’s desire to bring him down, yet still the hypnotic temptation of somnolence tapped, and tapped, and won. (Luke 9:28-35; 22:31-32)

When facing any type of Gethsemane, how often we would choose somnolence! We prefer the escape of sleep to facing anticipated conflict, pain, or surrender. We would drink the cup of sedation to avoid that of suffering. But our Lord knows this is the very place the devil gets a foothold, with every intention of weakening the will, and along with it our resolve for fortitude and uprightness. When worn down, we give in to the path of least resistance, blind to consequences we will later regret.

Our Suffering Savior understands weariness, and warns us not to yield to it. Remain and watch! Watch and pray! Beware the tickle and tease of the enemy who knows your vulnerabilities! Keep open the eyes, alert to his wiles.

When are we most prone to heavy eyes? What situations render us weak to resist Satan’s taunts, and how can we guard against them? Where have we grown idle in our defenses of spiritual disciplines, preferring to slumber than wrestle in prayer? How can we expect God’s wisdom, guidance, or particular strength when we take not the time to implore Him, or to know His mind when we neglect His word?

Lord, keep me spiritually awake for all You have before me, and always alert to You, my soul’s delight.

“The LORD said to Moses, ‘Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.’

“God spoke to Moses and said to him, ‘I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them. I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners. Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant. Say therefore to the people of Israel, “I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD.”’” Exodus 6:1-8

René Descartes, 17th century French philosopher, is known for his adage, “Je pense, donc je suis,” “I think, therefore I am.” For us, we could also say, I believe, therefore I behave, declaring our actions a direct outworking of what we believe about life and what is important (assuming some measure of self-control). But in divine philosophy, God is, therefore He does. Because He is good, and eternal, and the unchanging, Almighty, all-sufficient LORD, everything He does is an outflow and accomplishing of holy intent and purpose. We can trust what He does because we know who He is. (Job 23:13-14)

This gives such confidence in day-to-day living. When we know that God’s purposes are redemptive, and for our development and sanctification, we see challenges and trials in holy light. When we face a vast unknown or what if, but wade out on His promises, we begin to see His light jewels glimmer in the unfolding. What looks dim and ominous with limited human vision we learn to embrace through the lens of God’s providential and ultimate good. And we find His glory prints there.

What are we doing to know this I AM God? The better we know Him through His word, the more clearly we recognize His voice. The richer our communion and fellowship with others, the better we recognize His trustworthy hand. When we know Him as Covenant Keeper, the One able to make all grace abound, and to keep what we have committed to Him, we can have great confidence that He will do what He says, for our sake. He is Jehovah Shalom, therefore we have peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Job 23:12; John 16:33; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 4:7; 2 Timothy 1:12).

Lord, give me the discipline to match Your attributes with Your promises, and then live in the joy and refreshment of their light. Establish and nurture my faith, that it flourishes for Your glory.