Author: astherainandsnow

“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)

“And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, ‘You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.’  But he denied it, saying, ‘I neither know nor understand what you mean.’ And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. The servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, ‘This man is one of them.’ But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders said to Peter, ‘Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.’ But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, ‘I do not know this man of whom you speak.’  And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ And he broke down and wept.” Mark 14:66-72

“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’He said to him a second time, ‘Simon, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’  He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, do you love me?’ Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep… Follow me… You follow me!’” John 21:15-17,19b,22c

Jesus did know everything. He knew Peter well. He knew his earnestness, passion, and impetuous inclination to action and thoughtless words. He knew how Peter was driven by emotion, and wanted to please. And Jesus loved him as he was, always leading him to greater revelation and growth because He was committed to his maturity and sanctification. (Matthew 14:22-30; 16:21-23; 17:1-8; John 20:1-7)

Three questions were posed each time. The first were in the growing heat of crucifixion fires, where fear so permeated Peter that every statement was an accusing threat. The next were after Jesus’s resurrection, where reunited friendship warmed the gathering. Increasingly vehement denial and refusal became increasingly earnest profession and affirmation. Trust was betrayed, trust was being restored.

Jesus led Peter through three opportunities to undo and correct his vehement denials. He thrice let Peter confess his love, and replace denial with action. He tended to every detail, and in doing so, displayed His amazing love, mercy, and omniscience in all their glory.

Jesus knows us intimately, too, and cares about every detail of our weakness and sinful proclivities. He works to undo our tangle of wrong thinking, and cleanse the lies to which we acquiesce and errant motives we tolerate and allow to control our actions and reactions. He walks alongside during every failure to teach and guide and redeem.

Are there pet sins we coddle and hide? Bring them to Jesus! Are there words, habits, resentments, or jealousies we’ve let grow ugly and deep? Let Jesus pull, one by one, until they are extricated and gone forever.

Lord, cleanse every detail of my sin. May I may daily look in Your eyes and answer Your searching with “Yes.” And “I love You,” because I do.

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’

“So God created man in his own image,
    in the image of God he created him;
    male and female he created them.

“And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth. Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food…’ And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:26-31

When God created man, He had spent eternity planning, and the first five days of creation preparing, a world for His crown jewel. With perfect order and precision, He established a world- heavens, earth, seas, vegetation, heavenly lights, animals- over which mankind would rule, and in which he would fulfill his exquisite, divine purpose. Though everything was made by the breath of God, only man received His breath of life and the command to rule creation. (Genesis 1:1-25; 2:7)

Man was not made first so he could have a say in creation, nor boast pride in the design of things. Man was made last, as the resplendent climax of God’s magnificent work, so he would bring the blessing of satisfaction and “very good.” Man was created in detail and function and placed into God’s world as earthly regent over all that was.

It is a strong flesh impulse to desire control- to order days and lives just so, manage them to our liking, and eliminate friction, obstacles, and difficulties. But this is God’s world, and as servants assigned dominion over it, we must not be manipulators or despots for our own ends. (Psalm 24:1; Luke 12:48)

When individuals abuse authority fueled by pride and selfishness, God mercifully steps in. Harsh consequences and disorder abound when we turn rightful authority upside down. Prone to haughtiness and entitlement? Remind ourselves repeatedly whose we are, how great He is, and that we have nothing He has not given. He is the owner of all, King of kings and Lord of lords. We are merely His servants. (Ezra 1:2; Psalm 50:10-12; Daniel 4:28-37; Haggai 2:8; 1 Corinthians 4:7; Revelation 19:16)

How careful and focused are we as stewards of God’s gifts and grace? How can we manage our resources differently to better reflect His order and purposes? How might we exercise our dominion over time and finances to more intentionally upbuild God’s kingdom and multiply spiritual fruit? How honorably are we caring for His creation? What truth, light, and love do we sow to reap hope, salvation, and life transformation? (1 Peter 4:10)

Lord, make me a faithful steward of the dominion You’ve appointed. May I spend every breath for crowns to offer You in heaven, that Your name be held high and exalted in my life. (1 Corinthians 3:10-14)

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.” Genesis 1:1-5

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it...

“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-5,9,14

In the formless dark before the world began, God existed, and ruled. And into that void He arrived and created light, breaking through palpable invisible chaos with the glory of His being and power. Light appeared by His word, distinguished His splendor, and was good. He completed creation, that perfect world was corrupted, and in God’s fullness of time, His Son Jesus the Light entered as Savior. (Genesis 1:6-31; 3:1-19,22-24; John 8:12; Galatians 4:4-5)

We humans nurture dark places of the soul, even when we own the Holy Spirit. Until we are like Jesus, we battle ugly thoughts and inclinations. We turn over private and secret spaces, even unwittingly, to wayward affections and callousness toward others, to godless fears and fretting. Inner turmoil screams “wretched!” and wearies our determination. But into that potent, formless drear, and corruption, and malaise, God penetrates, and separates, and radiates His magnetic light. (John 14:16; Romans 7:18-20; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 1 John 3:2)

We face unknowns, decisions without sure outcomes, and are overwhelmed with the void of clarity. What did he mean? What might happen? How shall we proceed? What if? Over our stew of uncertainty, the dark waves of engulfing waters, the Lord hovers. His eye is on us to lead, to clarify next steps, to show the way to go. (2 Chronicles 20:12; Psalm 32:8; 1 Corinthians 13:12)

What darkness looms heavy, swamping us with depression or doubt? Where do we feel a void of companionship, energy, inspiration, or love? Jesus lives! Jesus abides! Jesus the light of the world reigns! Jesus the Way shines forth hope and wisdom and glory to flush away the formless darkness all around, and to call us out us into His marvelous light! Would we seek Him? Would we come? (John 9:5; 14:6; 1 Peter 2:9)

At every glimpse of holy light, would we follow? Would we approach to worship, and take the next step, by step, to know Him better and make Him known? (Matthew 2:1-2,8-11)

Father, You know my every void and see through my darkness. Infuse my life with Your glorious, powerful presence, and have Your full way with me, so I might make much of You.

“Hezekiah began to reign when he was twenty-five years old, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem… In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the Lord and repaired them. He brought in the priests and the Levites and assembled them in the square on the east and said to them, ‘Hear me, Levites! Now consecrate yourselves, and consecrate the house of the Lord, the God of your fathers, and carry out the filth from the Holy Place…’

“Then Hezekiah the king rose early and gathered the officials of the city and went up to the house of the Lord. And they brought… a sin offering for the kingdom and for the sanctuary and for Judah. And he commanded the priests… to offer them on the altar of the Lord… that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel.

“He stationed the Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, harps, and lyres, according to the commandment…  The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. Then Hezekiah commanded that the burnt offering be offered on the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song to the Lord began also, and the trumpets, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. The whole assembly worshiped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded. All this continued until the burnt offering was finished. When the offering was finished, the king and all who were present with him bowed themselves and worshiped. And Hezekiah and the officials commanded the Levites to sing praises to the Lord… And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed down and worshiped.” 2 Chronicles 29:1a,3-5,20-21,24b-30

King Hezekiah was determined to set things right spiritually when he became king, and temple worship was first priority. After consecration of the priests, he directed offerings be made for their sin, the requirement for God’s favor. And when the burnt offering began, so did the singing and gladness. Joy always accompanied obedience.

Hezekiah opened the door to God, and led in consecration by and before Him. He saw to the removal of filth and deterrents to purity. He rose early, before the onslaught of voices vying for his attention. His mind was clear and heart set to follow God’s prescription for right worship. He led in sacrificing self, substance, and song.

We rush to prayer to recite our list and ask for help with concerns, even to ‘check it off,’ and fail to consecrate ourselves through thoughtful, sincere confession. We haste to find satisfaction and happiness and skip the step of repentance. We rattle words and generalities, but there is no substance of expectation. Always the gold glitters beyond and we chase it, but neglect the refining fire of searching and waiting that must preclude it.

Have we considered what we offer God each day, when He has done immeasurably much for us? Are we so stuffed with self-importance that we breeze up for a nod and a wave, then on by, in some perverted way thinking we have done our due? Without deliberation and serious investment, joy will be shallow. But when we near the flame, and offer ourselves whole and clean, rejoicing is beyond full.

Lord, take all of me. You are worthy of full consecration, and sacrifice, and praise.

“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing: ‘Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may the Lord his God be with him. Let him go up.”’” 2 Chronicles 36:22-23

Now in the first year. God is the God of time and calendars, keeping ordered measure of His creation through days and tides, and assigning each of us to time and place on earth and in history. (Genesis 1:14-19; Acts 17:26)

Of Cyrus king of Persia. God places and deposed kings and all governing authorities. Whether they know or follow Him or not, He grants every human authority and deigns that they are in place for our ultimate good. (Daniel 2:21-22; Romans 13:1-4)

That the word of the LORD might be fulfilled. All creation exists at the breath of God, who spoke it into being and became the living Word in the person of Christ Jesus. We are born again by His living, abiding, and eternal word. Every prophecy and promise is true, and either has or will come to pass. His words are true and stand firm forever. (Genesis 1:1-3; Psalm 19:7; 33:9; 119:89; Matthew 5:17-18; John 1:1-3; 1 Peter 1:23-25)

The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus. Almighty God has sovereign control of our world, and accomplishes His righteous purposes however He seems best and right. No matter what or who seems in apparent control, we must keep on in righteousness and holiness because only One rules over all. (Proverbs 21:1; Revelation 22:11)

Knowing that God intervened in and used the heathen king Cyrus to bring about much good for His people, how is our present outlook renewed? What disappointments or stresses about our days will we entrust to His daily planning? What doubts and trepidations about decisions beyond our control will we replace with trust in God’s sovereign control? What grouchiness, irritations, and complaints will we eliminate in light of His faithful providence in all circumstances? Would we turn mental dismissal of those we don’t like into Christ-like love through persistent, obedient prayer? (Matthew 5:44, 1 Timothy 2:1-4)

As we enter the first day of a new year, how will we approach it differently from the world? We can trust our Lord God for this new day, with hope for that day when all will be set right. He rules the beginnings and middles with His ends in mind, shaping and guiding and redeeming along the way, all for and toward His glorious culmination of time and purpose. (Malachi 4:1-3; Revelation 21:1-5)

Will we boldly, joyfully step into a new first year- alongside the heathen King Cyruses in our lives- and emulate Jesus, uphold His truth, and proclaim His excellencies and beauty?

Lord, may I glorify You this year by embracing and rejoicing in Your reign over all things, and trust Your word never to return void, but accomplish all You marvelously intend. (Isaiah 55:10-11)