Author: astherainandsnow

“The witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul… as they were stoning Stephen…

“Saul approved of his execution. There arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria… Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women to prison…

“Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’  And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do…’

“The Lord said to [Ananias], ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.’ So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized…

“For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’ Acts 7:58-59; 8:1,3; 9:1-6,15-20

Condoning the stoning of an innocent. Persecuting, ravaging, dragging, threatening God’s people. Irredeemable indeed! But wait- the Lord had other plans- actually, more plans. He would use all the bad for good. He gave great license, then stopped Saul in his tracks. He broke into his ugly darkness with irrefutable, blinding light. He penetrated his stiff, violent heart with mercy, and made it pliable. He harnessed his drive and talent and jerked it from evil toward good. Paul’s ministry was uniquely empowered by his understanding of the degenerate rebel mind and God’s irresistible grace. (Romans 8:28)

The Lord knows every secret detail of the ways His children take, and refines as gold for His good will. We may be stained by past choices, or know and long for loved ones who have strayed to places we’re convinced are outside the boundaries of grace, beyond redemption. But God may design those exact ‘far countries’ to utilize specific lessons, prepare for future ministry, and magnify His glory. (Genesis 14:11-16; Job 23:10; Luke 15:11-24)

Is it I who have wandered far, and feel too much shame or regret to return? Is there another rebel whose choices appear to have sealed condemnation forever? None is too lost! Jesus loves sinners and lives to save!

For whom and what impossible situations will we trust God in hope today?

Redeemer God, keep hopeful in prayer for the lost, ever amazed at Your grace and love.

“And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.’ And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.’ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed…

“When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him,  ‘Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.’ And he said to him, ‘I will come and heal him. But the centurion replied, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed….’ When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, ‘Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith…’  And to the centurion Jesus said, ‘Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.’ And the servant was healed at that very moment.” Matthew 8:2-3,5-8,10,13

A leper wracked in discomfort and shame as an outcast, and a noted commander torn inside by his suffering, paralyzed servant. Both men had great reason for angst, and could have demanded sympathy. The leper had every reason for self-pity, and the centurion for deserving the special treatment. But each knew enough about Jesus to approach Him reverently and trust Him for more, and exercised simple, bold faith in doing so. We read of no fretting, no extraneous expensive alternative efforts, no pomp and show for favored attention, only straightforward requests directed at the One they believed could do anything. And with a touch, and a word, He did the glorious impossible. (Job 42:2)

Our issues and personal concerns can grow so big they fill up all the space in our attention and capacity for care. They can take on a life of their own, crowding out reasonable responses and optimism with fretting and fear. But our Lord knows and understands each pang of the heart, each obstacle we perceive as insurmountable, and can tend to it with a touch, or a word. What is huge to us is small (and precious) to our infinite God. There is nothing too messy for His touch to cleanse or heal, nothing impossible for the breath of His mouth to dissipate or resolve. (Mark 10:27)

When we are entrenched in difficulties- relational, physical, financial, emotional- do we get tourqued up with sweat and effort trying to solve and fix on our own? Do we rattle on and whine about ills rather than tending to them? Do we give up, or shrug off, or choose to ignore issues we should be taking to Jesus? He delights to hear, and help. He rides the skies to come to our aid. In love He touches the worst and speaks into our angst to bring healing, wisdom, clarity, and calm. (Deuteronomy 33:26)

How regularly do we come, kneel, and ask what God will do? For whom, and what dire situations, are we appealing to the Lord for the powerful intervention of His word? And whom are we telling about the marvelous ways He has met and ministered to us that only He could do?

Lord, You offer so much that is mine for the asking. May You always be my first line of appeal, and my only One to praise.

“Saul approved of his execution.

“And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles… But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison…

“Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. 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 8:1,3; 11:19-26

The ravaging of the early church could have appeared to be its demise, but in fact, it worked just the opposite. The more vehement the persecution, the more the church spread, and grew. The Lord often does that- turns the plots of men into fodder for bringing about His purposes. What enemies meant for evil, God used for amazing good, to scatter and multiply His church. (Genesis 50:20)

When Jesus died, His agony was excruciating, and on the surface appeared a failure of His mission. But as God always does, He overturned the wisdom of man to accomplish His eternal, redemptive plan for mankind. He does so for us today. Truly, we do not see the way He sees. He sees, and brings about, growth from persecution, fruit from barrenness, life from death. (Isaiah 53:2-6; 55:8-9; John 12:24; 1 Corinthians 1:20,25)

Who wants hardship? Mistreatment? A cross? Often we’d choose to remain quiet and hide our faith over speaking up and being cancelled, ridiculed, hated, or persecuted. But God intends and uses and redeems our trials in marvelous ways we would not otherwise know, in ways we could not beforehand imagine. He raises up Antiochs in our hardest of hard circumstances, and therein, gloriously, displays grace and gladness. He stretches and matures us, and is magnified as we share the sufferings of Christ in His power. If we grasp the ‘better’ of God’s eternal plan, we will learn to endure for the joy that is ahead, though presently unseen. This is an adventure in bold faith, and it is always worth it. (Philippians 3:10; Hebrews 12:2-3)

Do we buckle under suffering, and view it as a dead end? Considering the Lord’s infinite wisdom and goodness, what possibilities for growth and glory might we expect, and even participate in, instead?

Lord, help me see with eyes of faith beyond today’s hurt to tomorrow’s Antioch, where You are exalted and bearing much fruit.

“After these things, the officials approached me and said, ‘The people of Israel and the priests have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands with their abominations… They have taken some of their daughters to be wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy race has mixed itself with the peoples of the lands. And in this faithlessness the hand of the officials and chief men has been foremost.’ As soon as I heard this, I tore my garment and my cloak and pulled hair from my head and beard and sat appalled. Then all who trembled at the words of God, because of the faithlessness of the returned exiles, gathered around me… At the evening sacrifice I rose from my fasting,.. and fell upon my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God, saying:

“O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. From the days of our fathers to this day we have been in great guilt. And for our iniquities we… have been given into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and to utter shame… But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the Lord, to leave us a remnant and to give us a secure hold within his holy place, that our God may brighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our slavery. For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us.., but has extended his steadfast love… to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection in Judea and Jerusalem.” Ezra 9:1-9

After a successful journey back to Jerusalem under God’s gracious protection, Ezra realized not all was right. Though imperfect like everyone else, he knew God’s word and when people had broken it. Upon learning about the forbidden intermarriages, he was appalled, stricken, and ashamed. He saw sin for what it was: horrid rebellion against the high and holy God, and repulsive self-indulgence. Faithlessness at its worst. He bowed immediately before the only One who could revive Israel. (Ezra 7:10)

Our world has turned morally topsy-turvy. We’ve grown apathetic to sin, unaccustomed to conviction and repentance. A diminished view of God and exalted perception of man has caused shame to all but disappear, actually disguising itself as welcome while ‘shaming’ those who uphold godly convictions. Only a right understanding of God’s righteousness and worth will brighten our moral eyes.

How well do we know the Bible on issues that concern us- sexual mores, work ethics, relationship expectations, recreation, financial stewardship? The more familiar we are with God’s word, the keener will be our consciences, and the clearer our path when considering life choices.

And when we stray into sin, are we grieved? Do we heed the Spirit’s conviction and call to return, confident in His mercy? He alone removes our shame. (Ezra 9:10-15; Isaiah 30:15; Zephaniah 3:19; Romans 10:11; Hebrews 4:16; 1 Peter 2:6,24; 1 John 1:9)

Lord, guard me from the allure of surrounding peoples opposed to you. Brighten my spiritual eyes, and revive my heart to be whole and holy, for Your sake.

 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this:

“’Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from evil.'” Matthew 6:5-13

‘Your flesh will want to make much of you rather than of Me. You are prone to want personal applause or profit from your prayers, instead of My glory. Don’t be this way, and turn from it– then, pray like this…’ Jesus always taught with acuity because He knew the heart of men. His instructions on prayer included dos and don’ts that focus and empower communion with God. His familiar example of the “hypocrites” (Pharisees), who made pompous show of their prayers, illustrated a stark contrast to His own practice of honor, submission to, and dependence on His Father. (Matthew 3:13-4:11; Luke 3:21-22; 4:42; 5:1-2,9-11; John 2:25; Hebrews 4:12,16)

Prayer is a vital mode for communication with the Almighty, and a privileged gift for His children not to be wasted or abused. It faces God-ward, not to be uttered or practiced for others. When we pause and invite the Lord to fill our vision, our affection and utterances will be toward Him alone. Do we haste to speak, and fail to block our minds from an audience we might subconsciously desire to instruct or amuse? What if we approached the Almighty in holy hush, concentrating on only Him?

Beware empty phrases, meaningless repetition, formulaic snippets that are merely noise. Make every word count. Acknowledging God as supreme, we fit Him as our lens, and prayer flows through His goodness and worth. Emotions, self, and needs are swallowed in the overwhelming privilege of approaching His Highness because Jesus opened the way. (Matthew 27:51)

Offering myself a living sacrifice to test and know His will, then yielding to all its parameters, is essential. Whose will drives my words? Would I spend heavenly grace on selfish wants, or needs that He has meted out so He can supply? Do I expect Him to overlook sin baggage, or come with confession to be first cleansed? (Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4:19; 1 John 1:9)

When I conclude, would I cast myself fully on His grace for living?

Holy Father in heaven, I need thee every hour. Help me focus on You as closer and more real than any care, person, or thing. I offer You my prayers and prayer life, that You be exalted and I be in proper place to depend on, serve, and magnify Your name.

“But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him.., and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.’ And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.

“Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought…

“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him…’

“Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” Acts 5:17-21,27-32,41-42

The apostles, imprisoned for their message and marvelous deeds, were filled with the Holy Spirit and could not be stopped. Jealousy and fear might have caused attempted suppression, but the Lord in them was more powerful than any human effort. Once supernaturally freed from their incarceration, compelled by the message of this Life, they proclaimed the gospel, and boldly defended their obedience to God over man. Theirs was a calling higher than government or ordinance or the rage of man would hinder.

When all the words of this Life are a treasure to us, we cannot be hindered in letting others know. Even if ‘imprisoned’ in difficult circumstances, we will sing. Even if trapped by a full schedule we can’t seem to escape, we will take opportunities to share. Like a waterfall pushing its way through and over frozen snow, the Word has a force of its own that makes its way forward in the most bitter life landscapes. This Life, the very gift of salvation and freely offered forgiveness from sin that we do not deserve, and abundance of life now and forever we cannot make, is indeed the substance of unstoppable good news! (John 3:16; 10:10; Acts 16:19-31)

Do we delight in this life we have been given? If we are not often rejoicing, we likely have too high a view of self, and too low of God. Have we forgotten who we were apart from Him? Are we not not consumed with His greatness, mercy, goodness, and love? Take time to relish His amazing sacrifice and ongoing faithfulness, and I will surely want to tell all the words of Life. With whom will I share today?

Lord, keep me ever captive to Your call. Loosen my tongue to speak all the words of Your Life, and mine in You, to the praise of Your glory.

“The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the Lord said, ‘I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them…’ 

“Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, ‘I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them.’” Genesis 6:5-7,11-13a

“Keep your heart with all vigilance,
    for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23

“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil.” Luke 6:45

A powder of snow greeted pre-dawn with its resplendent white in darkness. As thick the veil of the hour, its light was impossible to miss, awakening delighted wonder at its sparkling change of everything. How true it is that light covers and dispels darkness mysteriously and irrefutably, in both nature and the nature of man. (John 1:4-5)

God sees everything, wicked actions as well as the invisible evil thoughts and intentions instigating them. He hears vitriol, and knows the heinous heart that gushed over in the violence of words. He knows our inner grouch and angst, every iota of prejudice, bitterness, and hatred that fuel ugliness seen and heard. So even when we boast self-control against external expression, He is concerned for the whole interior of our sin.

When we choose between options offered or a course of action in work, ministry, or relationships, what drives us? Any smack of pride, a craving to be noticed and recognized? Any fuel of selfish gain, malice, or revenge? Do we care more about positioning ourselves, sullying others, or getting ahead than about doing the will of God? (Luke 22:42; John 4:34; Ephesians 2:10)

We might think we’re concealing wickedness, but we cannot hide from God. Yet He is no tyrant, but an arbiter of mercy should we come. He checks and corrects with divine precision. His launderer’s soap of grace penetrates and purifies the deepest recesses of our inner life, freeing us to rejoice and act in fresh righteousness. (Isaiah 1:18; Malachi 3:2)

When do we take time to reason with God over our innermost thoughts and inclinations? Do we pause to ask God’s searchlight to probe our intentions? How carefully are we pursuing holiness, and what changes need we make to get on that path? A holy life is dynamic, not static. Every thought and intention engages in our daily chosen direction. What will it be? (Psalm 19:13-14; Hebrews 4:12)

Lord, probe the depths of me to clean and order. Fill me with full intention to honor You in every detail of my life, then fuel that intention with holy fire and boldness, that You be pleased and glorified. (Acts 8:21-22)

“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, ‘How shall we return?’ Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. ¹Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Malachi 3:6-10

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

“In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 1:2; 13:8

The changing of weather and seasons becomes an unconscious rhythm in our lives. While a splendid snow may surprise, it is winter’s expectation, and we delight in the nuances of variety in our world. But God does not change, ever, in any attribute. All are infinite and consistent, always in harmony in His rule of creation. This gives strong comfort and assuredness in days of flux and upheaval.

He is seated above the heavens, a very present help in trouble, unshakable and strong. When the now and future seem afloat, He is our anchor and stay. His word is firmly fixed, never to pass away, true forever. What causes our emotions to sway when He is sure and His immutable word trustworthy? (Psalm 46:1-3; 119:89; Isaiah 40:22; Matthew 5:18; 24:35; Hebrews 6:19)

The Lord is always working good- ultimate, eternal good- for His beloved children, in and through every circumstance, situation, and heartache. His love is steadfast, His mercies unending, His faithfulness wide. What trouble has grown bigger than our view of Him? (Psalm 36:5; Romans 8:28)

He existed from the beginning and reigns forever as Savior, mediator, and intercessor. He who does not change indwells His children forever. Nothing can separate us from His keeping love and light. What compels us to doubt and flounder in assurance, when we know He will never leave or forsake? (John 1:1-4;14; Romans 8:31-37; Hebrews 7:25; 13:5)

In the flow and flux of day to day, would we hold fast to the unchanging nature of God? In the freeze and melt of attitudes and challenges and hard circumstances, would we stand firm on our unchanging God and His word? It is a daily choice that when made, never disappoints. Through faith in Him we can soar on the heights of His good will, upheld by His enduring power and excellencies. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Father, in a continually changing world, keep my faith firm and steadfast. May all I say and do reflect Your unchanging righteousness and glory.

“Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain… And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.’

“Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is Abel your brother?’ He said, ‘I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?’ And the Lord said, ‘What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.  And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.  When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer… Cain said, ‘My punishment is greater than I can bear…’  Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.” Genesis 4:1-13,16

Unreasonable parental expectations for the firstborn, tenacious independence and self-will, or a jealous streak? We do not know why, but from the start, Cain seemed not interested in pleasing the Lord the Lord’s way. With the first sacrifice, he decided, ‘I will not give my best.’ He had worked hard enough, earned it himself, and would not yield his best for God. One ‘not’ leads to the next, and soon they become knots that turn and twist to disfigure and stunt healthy spiritual growth.

When God was more pleased with his brother, Cain said, ‘I will not be second.’

When jealousy awakened a growing rage, he said, ‘I will not control my impulses because I have every right to be mad. I will not respond to God’s interference or relinquish my feelings because I relish the satisfaction of revenge.’

‘I will not restrain my anger. Abel deserves this.’

When the Lord made merciful plea, he refused to answer. ‘I will not bear responsibility- it’s not my fault.’

When consequences were meted out, he whined, ‘I will not be able to withstand my punishment.’

At every gracious invitation the Lord gave to return, Cain said, ‘I will not repent.’ His heart had knotted hard and willfully rejected the Spirit’s pursuit. He would not remain in His presence because he could not acknowledge his sin or stand the reminder of his shortcomings. Sad is the life of ‘nots’ to the Lord; it petrifies into useless, fruitless days.

Where am I refusing God’s grace, and not seizing opportunities to put away sin and immaturity and grow? (1 Peter 2:1-2)

Lord, turn my nots into yeses, my hardened refusals into glad embrace of Your lovingkindness and mercies, for Your sake and glory. (Luke 22:42)

“As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

“On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, ‘By what power or by what name did you do this?’ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.’

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:1-13

Peter was a big personality who often spoke without thinking- impulsive, involved, wanting to be the first to know. He’d walked with Jesus since called to become a fisher of men, and now that he’d received His Spirit at Pentecost, he had a fresh, unique boldness and vision. And it was noticed. Not that he was something special, but that he was different– unusually and divinely anointed. He had been with Jesus. (Mark 1:17)

There is something distinct and wondrous about the presence of Jesus. Much, actually. He changes us, fills us, and spills over. He shines. He softens our rough edges, and empowers our choices and words. He is both attractive and repulsive, fragrant to those who believe and offensive to those who reject. But either way, the Holy Spirit of Jesus is sensed and cannot be denied or squelched. (Acts 4:17-18; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16)

What about my countenance, my convictions, my measure of boldness, my words and actions, would cause others to realize I’ve been with Jesus? The way I love, my peace of heart, my quiet confidence, my compassion? Am I spending adequate time and attention with Jesus to make a difference? If not, what will I adjust in my schedule, habits, or screen time to make it happen?

Lord, may I spend such time with You that I bear Your imprint, and cannot help but speak and live out what I’ve seen and heard. May others recognize, be astonished by, and praise, You. (Acts 4:19-21)