Author: astherainandsnow

“The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there.” Acts 17:10-14

Paul had been drastically redirected by a personal encounter with the Lord, pierced by His Word and transformed by its truth. So when he preached, it was to expose and explain that Word, not give his opinion. Knowing its ability to convict, instruct, correct, and transform, he took every opportunity to proclaim it clearly and let it work. And work it did- awakening belief, stirring spiritual hunger to examine and understand more, and even agitating opposition. For those who eagerly investigated, all the things Paul had taught were indeed so. (Acts 9:1-8; Romans 1:16-17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12)

We live in a day when, many places in the world, we are fed what to think, programmed by government or education or workplace how to think, or told that our own thinking is wrong or unacceptable. The freedom to search out the truth of Scriptures and embrace it as our own is increasingly restricted or vilified, although our Lord wonderfully promise that when we abide in His Word and know the truth, it will set us free. (John 8:31-32)

Because of societal pressures, or busyness, or laziness or apathy, we often select a spokesperson, elevate them to star status, and drink in everything they say as gospel. We are not practiced in ‘seeing if these things are so,’ instead abdicating to others to do the hard or dirty work of thought, research, and testing. But for the Christian, when we choose not to conform to the world, but instead to be transformed by mind-renewal, delving into and applying God’s word, He makes His way known. We take Him our questions and concerns, and learn through testing His good, pleasing, and perfect will. His Spirit guides us, directing thinking and convicting our consciences when we err. (John 16:13; Romans 12:2)

Would we be labeled as “noble” because we receive the Word with eagerness? It takes courage, discipline, and consistency to see if these things are so… are these part of our regular arsenal, and practice? What fresh belief has become integral to our daily habits as we implement truth in word and deed, even when it’s challenged?

“Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty
Teach me faith and duty.
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.” ~P.P. Bliss (1874)

Lord, may I uphold You as my Source of truth and understanding, and remain ever ready to test and approve Your Word and will.

“The Lord came to Jonah, saying, ‘Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.’ But Jonah rose.. [and] went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went on board,.. away from the presence of the Lord. The Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest .., so that the ship threatened to break up…

“They said, ‘Tell us on whose account this evil has come upon us… Where do you come from?..’ And he said, ‘I am a Hebrew, and fear the Lord God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.’ The men were exceedingly afraid and said, ‘What is this that you have done!’ For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them…

Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying,

‘I called out to the Lord, out of my distress,
    and he… heard my voice.
For you cast me into the deep,..
    and the flood surrounded me;
all your waves passed over me…
The waters closed in over me to take my life;..
weeds were wrapped about my head…
I went down to the land
    whose bars closed upon me for ever;
yet you brought up my life from the pit,
    O Lord my God.
When my life was fainting away,
    I remembered the Lord,
and my prayer came to you,
    into your holy temple.
I with the voice of thanksgiving
    will sacrifice to you…
    Salvation belongs to the Lord!’

“And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land…

“The word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, ‘Arise, go to Nineveh,.. and call out against it the message that I tell you.’ So Jonah arose and went, according to the word of the Lord.” Jonah 1:1-4,8-10; 2:1-3,5-7,9-10; 3:1-3

Ninevah was despicable, corrupt. Jonah wanted nothing to do with it, even if only to ‘call out against it’ and declare its condemnation. In his self-righteous eyes, no Ninevite deserved to be alerted to their coming judgment or God’s mercy, so he fled the opposite way with calloused heart.

But hard hearts don’t sit well with God, especially those He’s called to carry His word. His people are to have compassion, and He can effectively teach it when we have none. He knows that we cannot procure it ourselves and extend it to others unless we recognize His amazing grace and immense love toward us. So He put Jonah in horrifying darkness and slosh and noise and violence inside a fish, to alert him to Himself

When we’re at the lowest of low, and worst of the worst, we tend to recognize our hopelessness. Into these impossible places the Lord’s mercy and power break through to get our hardened attention. He loves us too much to allow us not to care, and will persist in pounding away at our stubbornness until we love what He loves.

In what areas am I apathetic- about my sin, decisions that could affect my forever, or those around me? Where do I skirt obedience and sacrifice to prefer ease? What causes me to resist showing others mercy, and what will I do about resentment?

Lord, sanctify me through and through so I wholeheartedly obey and full-heartedly love, according to Your unending grace to me.

“When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people.

“After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said,

‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
    Possessor of heaven and earth;
and blessed be God Most High,
    who has delivered your enemies into your hand!’

“And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. And the king of Sodom said to Abram, ‘Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.’  But Abram said to the king of Sodom, ‘I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, “I have made Abram rich.” I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share.’” Genesis 14:14-24

In this interesting nugget of a story that reappears later with deeper meaning, we see a telling exchange. The spotlight is on the inscrutable King of Salem (King of ‘Peace’), also priest of God Most High (before the priesthood was ordained), who greets the victor Abram with blessing, bread, and wine. In turn, Abram, who bore the royal seed of Israel- the Lord Jesus Christ-, gives Him a tithe (before the law) of everything he’d recovered in battle. We sense a holy hush at what is taking place between mortals who represent our supernatural King of kings and Great High Priest. In the background, the worldly King of Sodom is refused, and kept in his shadow. This mutual exchange of honor between God’s anointed men is palpable, and mysterious. (Genesis 12:2-3; 1 Timothy 6:15; Hebrews 4:14)

Both the recipient of the Priest’s blessing, and the recipient of the revered tithe, are lavish in their giving. Their generosity does not compete, and their grace is willing to receive, all in shared benevolence, respect, and honor. Such are our Lord and King, worthy of blessing, offering, and praise. Eternal commutations are not bound by time or limited by our understanding. Would we enter the heavenlies and participate in wonder and praise? How might this scene move our hearts to offer afresh? (Psalm 110:1-4; Hebrews 7:1-10)

In what ways can I tangibly bless and honor others? What will I give, and give back, for all the Lord my benevolent King has bestowed on me? How careful am I not to touch the glory of God, or greed of another? (Isaiah 42:8; Colossians 3:5)

Possessor of heaven and earth, may my giving and receiving be done in reverence of Your worth, according to Your bounty, and for Your glory.

“Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, ‘What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?’ Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, ‘Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!’ Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives. Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders.

“So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

“But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and cause confusion in it. And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” Nehemiah 4:1-9

Feeble Jews, weak and unable. Impossible task. Crazy plan, self-serving motives for their nonexistent god. Can’t they see they’re defeated? Meaningless effort. Unreasonable expectations. Shoddy work. How did Nehemiah stand this onslaught to his God-given role and calling?

He saw the taunts for what they were and deflected them with prayer. Despised and ridiculed, they were the Lord’s and on His errand. God was responsible for their protection, and their retribution. He would contend with those who contended with His children. Nehemiah also disarmed them with perseverance. They’d been called to an important work, and it would go on because their Master was faithful. They would not be discouraged or dissuaded from keeping on. (Isaiah 49:25)

Enemy voices pelt from without and within, festering with condescension, cruelty, and criticism. In the flesh, we slide into self-doubt, or condemnation, and wonder whether we heard the initial call correctly. Should it be this hard? What if these accusations are true? Is this really fruitless work? Will I fail? Why is it so hard? But God gives Nehemiah to cheer us on, to come alongside us as model and comrade.

Whatever our task at building or repair, the enemy will attempt to undermine God’s work. What taunts pester? What doubts loiter and tease to undo our resolve? Our Lord is great and awesome, much bigger than our adversaries, far stronger than any threats. Secure in Him we can keep on! Stay focused, and leave the enemy to the Lord’s dealing. (Nehemiah 4:14,15-21)

Father, fix in me a mind to work as You call and lead. Let me not be deterred by worldly distraction, but remain devoted to Your bidding. May I be careful to disarm the enemy so I can finish Your business to Your glory. (John 17:4)

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.  And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,  praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47

It is a sweet and otherworldly benefit of the Christian life to share fellowship with other believers. In such company we are built up in faith and wisdom- personally, and as part of the growing Body. Our core is the living Word that feeds and nourishes us, and round it we move in orbit, in learning, service, sharing, conversation, providing for needs, and breaking bread together. The greater the connection to the Lord at center, the greater will be our joy and gladness in living out His ways among our spiritual siblings. As we contribute to and enrich one another, our lives and love become a magnetic pull to those outside to come in and join the saved.

How devoted are we to gathering together for teaching and fellowship? What causes us to resist the effort to go, get together, and give of ourselves through active ministry, listening, and corporate worship? Church is about so much more than listening to a sermon- that is a me-centered approach to church attendance. We’ve been made with much to offer. The Lord blesses the coming together of His children through worship, teaching, the sacraments, interaction, and holy affection.

What am I learning from the corporate study of God’s Word, and what difference is it making in my friendships, service, and day-to-day? With whom am I breaking bread through hospitality, sharing my bounty, or opening the living word to discuss the Bread of Life? Is this a priority? If not, what can I change to make it so? How and what am I contributing to meet the needs of others? What am I willing to sacrifice of time and resources for another’s comfort, help, or good? Is it my habit to open my home, go the extra mile? (Matthew 5:41; John 6:35,48; Romans 12:13; 2 Timothy 4:2)

How attractive is my Christian witness to the unbelieving world? By what specific ways am I drawing others in that the Lord would add numbers to His church? Am I consistently praying, and then living as an answer? (Luke 10:2; Romans 10:14; 2 Corinthians 2:14-15)

“We are one in the Spirit, 
We are one in the Lord, 
We will work with each other, 
We will work side by side. 
And they’ll know we are Christians 
by our love. 

We will walk with each other, 
We will walk hand in hand, 
And together we’ll spread the news 
That God is in our land. 
And they’ll know we are Christians 
by our love.” ~Peter Scholes (1966)

Father, help me faithfully build up, break bread with, and bring in Your beloved children to enjoy the gladness of knowing and praising You.

“[Jesus said]: ‘A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. Since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.  He who has ears, let him hear…’

“’Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.  As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’” Matthew 13:3-9,18-23

It’s easy to skim this parable and blame the soil for lack of fruitfulness. After all, it’s impossible to grow anything worthwhile in lousy ground. ‘I didn’t choose my upbringing.’ ‘I can’t help my circumstances.’ ‘You don’t know how difficult my life is.’ ‘I’m pressed and have no time.’

But step back and see the fingers of grace all over the story. The word is sown by a generous, benevolent, equal-opportunity Sower. He doesn’t determine the soils, only the giving out of the potent Word, which He scatters abroad. So if we have ears to hear, we will pay attention to the condition of our soil to receive and nurture what He bountifully offers. Tilling is our responsibility.

We can take care to make our path rich and fertile by regularly breaking up what has become stale, hard, and worn. We would do well to yield to the Spirit’s softening of a stubborn will, His conviction and removal of unyielding pet sins. And beware thorns of frenetic busyness, an incessant crush of media, whining, and ‘stuff.’ They tangle, hinder, and eventually choke out the Word’s effectiveness.

What am I blaming for my refusal to obey? What neglect has made my soil dry and hard, and what new habits can I implement to receive fresh insights and renewal from the Lord? Of what stones of resentment, hatred, or apathy need I repent, so roots of truth and mercy can go deep and take hold? How will I clear my private world to welcome the living and active Word of God and allow it to transform and flourish? How am I actively multiplying spiritual fruit? (Isaiah 30:15; Hebrews 4:12)

Lord, create in me a clean, fertile heart to receive and abide in Your word, and so bear much fruit for Your sake. (Psalm 51:1-2,10,12; John 15:5)

“Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord…

“The enemy took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah… They also took Lot, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way... When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he… went in pursuit… [and] brought back all the possessions, and his kinsman Lot…

“The men said to Lot, ‘Have you anyone else here?.. bring them out… For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord…’ So Lot said to his sons-in-law,.. ‘Up! Get out of this place, for the Lord is about to destroy the city.’ But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be jesting.

“As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, ‘Up! Take your wife and two daughters.., lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.’ But he lingered. So the men seized [them] by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him outside the city… ‘Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley… lest you be swept away.’ And Lot said, ‘Oh, no, my lords… I cannot escape to the hills, lest the disaster overtake me and I die.  Behold, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one. Let me escape there— and my life will be saved!’

“Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt... Now Lot went up out of Zoar and lived in the hills with his two daughters, for he was afraid to live in Zoar.” Genesis 13:12-13; 14:11-12,14,16; 19:12-18,19b-20a,26,30a

From first gaze at the well-watered valley, then pitching his tent on the outskirts of wickedness, Lot was lured to wrong places by wrong motives. He settled in Sodom, reaping the misery that comes with camping his heart in pleasure alongside sensuality and lawlessness. He skirted disaster, escaping as though through flames, and lost his family’s respect. Though vexed and tormented by the wickedness, he could not loosen its stronghold on his will, grew weak, and had little influence. (Genesis 13:2-11; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15; 2 Peter 2:6-8)

There is a time for action and a time for rest, a time to move and a time to linger. But each must be weighed in prudence and centered in God’s will for His blessing. We make decisions every day where we’ll go and where we’ll settle- in motion and in mind. We walk, ride, drive, meander, and ofttimes, linger. We dream, plan, and process. Our heart’s allegiance determines where we stop, get off, and stay a while.

Beside and around our normal work and service, what Sodoms do we closely edge that magnetically draw our hunger away from righteousness? Are there movies, books, ideas we entertain that pull us to dark places, unsettle our sleep, and mess with or sully holy affection? Perhaps we rest in perfect peace… until we allow our thoughts to run to worst case scenarios, and worry and fretting envelop hope and happy. (Isaiah 26:3; Matthew 5:6)

Lord, may I linger in Your sanctuary over any other place, and with You over any other lovers. (Psalm 27:4; 63:2)

“Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.” Acts 18:24-28

Apollos, educated and competent, was neither lax nor smug. His zeal of Spirit ignited desire to teach what he knew of the Scriptures, and to learn more from them himself and grow in wisdom. Helped by Priscilla and Aquila, who were also motivated to see God’s word spread and who graciously took time to teach him, he carried the ways of God to everyone he could. As we through grace believe, by grace we can continue to grow.

Having completed a degree, received a promotion, won the ribbon, or crossed the finish line, we might think we’ve ‘arrived.’ But in the Christian life, there is to be no static living, no complacency, no sense of ‘I’ve made it and don’t need to make anymore.’ The Lord Jesus, ever-living and always interceding, compels a life of purpose and growth until the moment He calls us home. We were created to do His destined work, and it has, overall, no expiration date. He may move us from one service or location to another, but never not move us forward. Through the days and years we’re being changed from glory to glory, we are called to steadfastly grow in the grace and knowledge of God, and help others do the same. (Nehemiah 8:2-3,6-8; Romans 8:34; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 2:10)

Are we bent on vibrant, high living, but on our terms? Are we resting on past laurels and think it’s time now to relinquish all effort and let others do the work? Do we shy away from Bible study and meaningful fellowship because we’ve done it all once, or before, discounting the power of His living Word and God’s command to continually add to our faith virtue, and to virtue, knowledge? If we have learned a lot over the years, are we hoarding the wisdom God has nurtured, or sharing it? How are we invigorating others to learn and grow in the ways of the Lord, to stretch their faith and apply His Word? How willing are we to speak up, come alongside, or serve as a role model in ministry or discipleship? (Deuteronomy 30:14; 2 Peter 1:5-7)

It takes daily sustenance in the Word and a will to do heartily the works He’s prepared for us in order to grow and make a difference. Would we initiate fresh determination to follow Apollos’s lead?

Lord, instruct and refine me day by day, that I might speak eloquently and live elegantly for Thee. Keep me open to learning, and courageous to keep growing, that You be glorified.

“Ask rain from the Lord
    in the season of the spring rain,
from the Lord who makes the storm clouds,
    and he will give them showers of rain,
    to everyone the vegetation in the field.
For the household gods utter nonsense,
    and the diviners see lies;
they tell false dreams
    and give empty consolation.
Therefore the people wander like sheep;
    they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd.

“My anger is hot against the shepherds,
    and I will punish the leaders;
for the Lord of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah,
    and will make them like his majestic steed in battle.
From him shall come the cornerstone,
    from him the tent peg,
from him the battle bow,
    from him every ruler—all of them together.
They shall be like mighty men in battle,
    trampling the foe in the mud of the streets;
they shall fight because the Lord is with them,
    and they shall put to shame the riders on horses.

“I will strengthen the house of Judah,
    and I will save the house of Joseph.
I will bring them back because I have compassion on them,
    and they shall be as though I had not rejected them,
    for I am the Lord their God and I will answer them.
Then Ephraim shall become like a mighty warrior,
    and their hearts shall be glad as with wine.
Their children shall see it and be glad;
    their hearts shall rejoice in the Lord.” Zechariah 10:1-7

“You do not have, because you do not ask.” James 4:2

In a world that barrages us from all sides and at every sense, we can still experience drought of the soul. Surrounded by a cacophony of lies and deceit, slander and nonsense, we can be hungry for truth and genuine consolation. Pelted with constant enticements for must-haves, opinions and approvals, demands for rights, critiques and false promises, we long for peace and real significance. Enter the Lord of hosts, keeping vigil, and caring for His flock.

There is a season for spring rain, and spiritually, it may not be readily known or ours to schedule. The Lord who watches over us and holds the deeps in His hands knows time and times and can cause rain at His bidding. We may be weak, but can ask that He strengthen us. We may hurt, but can rest in His compassion. When under affliction, do we pant and complain, and fail to seek the Lord? He invites us to ask for our every need, and He generously dispenses soaking, soothing, healing, satisfying rain according to His bountiful grace. (Psalm 33:7; 121:5-8; Acts 17:24-26; 1 John 5:14)

He sees all injustice. He knows the false teaching, the mistreatment, the neglect and hurt we encounter. He sees and understands every battle before us. And He says, ‘Ask from Me rain.’ Are we honest enough to recognize and declare our need? Would we humble ourselves enough to do so?

What is our dearth today? Have we asked for the rain of His Spirit? That it will pour down from heaven and saturate us, awaken new life, and slake our soul thirst?

Lord, may I continually ask for and drink in Your heavenly rain, and so live vibrantly, mightily, and fruitfully for the fame of Your glorious name.

“The Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you…’

“So Abram…departed from Haran, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram… took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and… they set out… When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to Shechem, to the oak of Moreh… The Lord appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your offspring I will give this land.’ So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed on, still going toward the Negeb.

“Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. He journeyed on as far as Bethel to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, where he had made an altar at the first. And there Abram called upon the name of the Lord…

“Then Abram said to Lot, ‘Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left. 

“The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, ‘Lift up your eyes and look… northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.’  So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the Lord.” Genesis 12:1,4-9; 13:2-4,8-9,14-18

Abram’s journey to and within Canaan was marked by altars which he built and where he met with God. From first embarking in faith, over hills, through lands, and onto new vistas, from challenge and strife to peace and resolution, each was established in thankfulness and trust, and became a hallowed place of close communion and communication about next steps. All friendships are so populated. (Isaiah 41:8)

Every morning we begin a fresh journey, leaving behind the Haran of yesterday and entering the unknown of today. How do we set off? What is our mindset? Do we plow forward with enthusiastic energy, but aimless? Or would we commit our zeal to the Lord and say, ‘Alter me, lead me’? A life of faith is a great adventure that renews each day, with open ears and hearts, at the altar of God. (Proverbs 27:1; James 4:13-15)

How am I marking my earthly sojourn to commemorate God’s faithfulness, my devotion, and dependence on His grace and direction?

Lord, establish altars of meeting and worship along my days and life paths. May I set You ever before me to know Your way and abide with joy in Your presence. (Psalm 16:8-11)