Author: astherainandsnow

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: I will save my people from the east country and from the west country, and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.

“Let your hands be strong… For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. As you have been a byword of cursing among the nations,.. so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.

“As I purposed to bring disaster to you when your fathers provoked me to wrath, and I did not relent,.. so again have I purposed in these days to bring good to Jerusalem…

“The fast[s] shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace.

“Peoples shall yet come,.. of many cities. The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the Lord and to seek the Lord of hosts; I myself am going.’ Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts and to entreat the favor of the Lord… In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” Zechariah 8:7-9a, 12-15,19-23

Chosen. Saved. Disciplined. Restored. To be a blessing. God’s people had known the calling of God to be His own, divine deliverance from slavery, the help of the Lord through wandering, the hope of promise in settling in the land, the angst of rebellion and pain of judgment. By grace and in much mercy, the Lord pledged once again to return them from scattered exile and renew them with goodness and abounding joy. God had intended from the start that they bring blessing to the nations, and He would see that initiative through. (Genesis 12:1-3)

From the beginning, God’s children have been caught up in the flow of His kingdom design. He has placed us on this earth- in our homes, workplaces, communities, and churches- not simply to pass days as a byword, but to be a blessing. He’s made us to build. Be. Possess. Produce. To be a blessing. He’s called us to speak. Judge. Rejoice. Love. To be a blessing. In faithfulness and righteousness, His purpose for us is in all aspects of life is to bless His world with goodness, peace, joy, and righteousness. (Acts 20:35; Romans 14:7; Colossians 3:23-24)

Yet, seasons include hardship, antagonism, persecution, and scattering. These may seem the antithesis to what we are to build. God in grace enriches us through stresses, sorrow, and challenges to equip us to enrich others. Can we own this perspective, and appreciate meaning in difficulties and depth in our dependence on and communion with God?

How have God’s promises given hope and illumined our way in hard times? How have we been able to bless others enduring similar trials? Whom might we bless today with encouragement, wisdom, and truth, pointing them to Christ? (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

Lord, may I so bless others that they recognize and love You.

“‘Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you… When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…

“’A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.’ So some of his disciples said to one another, ‘What is this that he says to us, “A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me”; and, “because I am going to the Father”?.. What does he mean by “a little while”? We do not know what he is talking about.’ Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them,.. ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you… Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.'” John 16:7,13a,16-24

Confusion swirled in the Teachers’ faithful disciples. He was going where they could not follow, but would prepare a place for them there? He himself was the way there? Why did He say His soul was troubled, but keep telling them not to be troubled? Much was not understood before the resurrection, then glorification of Jesus and coming of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus explained what they could handle at the time with their limited spiritual capacity. One day soon the Spirit would make these things clear, and jumble would turn to joy. (John 12:27,32-33; 13:36; 14:1-6,27)

The Lord always tells the truth, and always enough of the truth to prepare us for what is coming, but our limited minds cannot always understand His words. This side of the Cross, believers have the benefit of the indwelling Holy Spirit and His discernment, yet still, things we hear and experience do not always easily make sense. The Lord Jesus welcomes our questions and knows those unspoken.

And He has all the answers. He who is from everlasting to everlasting knows beginning from end, and promises to bring resolution. What chaos is stealing space and peace in our hearts? What questions and confusion stir stress or fear? The very act of coming to the Lord soothes the troubled spirit and trains us to set our cares and hope, and joy, in Him.

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” One day, the Lamb will conquer all that opposes and confuses. We can rejoice that we are called and chosen and faithful. (Jeremiah 33:3; Revelation 17:14)

Lord, help me, in every conundrum, to choose Your sovereign lordship and joy.

“If there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.., and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

“Therefore, my beloved,.. work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.” Philippians 2:1-11,12b-16a

Paul was no half-hearted apostle. All in with persecuting Christians before God saved him, he spent himself fully for Christ, His gospel, and His church the rest of his days. His words of persuasion and power were matched by joyful relentlessness and unwavering commitment. What encouragement or comfort in belief the Philippian church had received he stoked to become fully aflame. (Philippians 4:8-9)

In our natural selfishness, life is all about us: my agenda, my difficulties, my time, ME! We chafe at even entertaining the thought of interruption or redirection. But the Lord has mysterious ways of unclenching our desires and freeing us to serve His with abandon. His Spirit pokes and strokes to awaken holy passion, then strives along with us to see it through. Along the way He astounds us with increasing knowledge, growing faith, and conformity to Himself.

What encouragement have I received from Christ or His people and how is it propelling me to serve? What teaching refines my thinking? What comforting fellowship stirs love for others or my ability to relate? What generosity toward me has prompted me to give lavishly? How faithfully am I completing what the Lord initiates?

How fully am I striving to know Christ? What affirmation, what worldliness, will I relinquish to take hold of eternal purpose and riches? How willing am i to be poured out fully for the faith of others, spending time, energy, even health to bring life? In these things we know the Lord, receive untold bounty and blessing, and serve as a shining example for those younger in their walk. (Philippians 2:17,26-27; 3:2-14)

Lord, help me long for and press on to Your upward call and full joy, to Your honor.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5

“The Lord appeared to Solomon a second time,.. and said, ‘I have heard your prayer and your plea. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.  And as for you, if you will walk before me,.. with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you,.. then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised…’”

“Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: women from the nations concerning which the Lord had said, ‘You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.’ Solomon clung to these in love.  He had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. So Solomon… did not wholly follow the Lord… 

“And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away…

“And [Ahijah] said to Jeroboam,.. ‘Behold, I am about to tear the kingdom from Solomon…  because they have forsaken me and worshiped Ashtoreth.., Chemosh.., and Milcom.., and they have not walked in my ways, doing what is right.'” 1 Kings 9:2-5; 11:1-6,9,31b-33

The King and Israel knew the Lord’s decree: Love Me first and most, and alone. Solomon loved the Lord, but he also loved women. And those many women turned his love awry. Divided love is tainted love. There is no whole heart and soul and might when affection is shared with other gods. Entertaining no restraint nor exercising remorse, Solomon would precipitate, and future generations would suffer, the consequences of a divided heart.

God will not be mocked. He is a jealous God who demands complete allegiance and love knowing that is the way to fullness in Christ, a fulfilled personality, and His radiant glory. In kindness He warns, then works to check strange allure to foreigners and bring repentance in order to restore our relationship with Him. He allows consequences to teach us and those observing the folly of turning from Him. Holy and gracious is He! (Exodus 20:5; Romans 2:4; Galatians 6:7)

What goddesses and abominations of heart or mind am I entertaining? What worldly sweets and trinkets tempt my affection from the Lord? From what foreign lands of fame, ease, self-importance, self-indulgence, or immorality am I sharing allegiance with the Lord? How will I correct my priorities? (Revelation 2:4-5)

Where do I focus my desire each morning and spend my love each day? What will I do to align all my desire with the will of God? As we determine to love the Lord first, He fulfills every errant longing as our all in all.

Lord, purify me from all foreign affection, and give me an undivided heart for You, that Your covenant love is manifested, desired, and honored. (Psalm 86:11)

“Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in righteousness and holiness…

“Speak the truth with [your] neighbor… Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.  Let the thief no longer steal, but let him work…  Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up,.. that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God… Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

“Be imitators of God… And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

“Sexual immorality and impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you… Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking,.. but instead let there be thanksgiving. You may be sure..,  everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God… At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light… all that is good and right and true…

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 4:22-5:5,8-9,15-21

The one hope to which Christians are called is thriving maturity and unity in Christ. It is manifested in thriving churches filled with members who take their identity in Christ and life in His Spirit seriously. Responsibility is incumbent on each person for what they do and don’t do, directed and refined by truth taught and applied. Taking in and living out the life-giving Word raises the bar for everyone and lifts high the name of Jesus.

The Bible is practical and the Spirit is personal in touching areas that need attention. Prohibitions must be replaced with righteous practices, and the higher we view God, the more we will put off and put on out of reverence for Him. The more we progress, the better equipped we are to help others do the same.

Heeding the call to Christ-likeness, how consistently do we endeavor to grow up in Him? What attitudes and default actions of our old selves precludes godly redirection and practices? If loved ones were to measure our maturing over the past years, how far would they say we’ve come? How vulnerable, how available are we to unite in a common hope and spur one another onward and upward in Christ? (Psalm 84:5-7; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 John 3:2)

Lord, give me persistence and resolve to grow in You and so reflect and exalt Your glory.

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says,

‘When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,
    and he gave gifts to men.’

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:1-8,11-16

Their calling was clear and certain: to the one hope that is Christ. From different backgrounds and with varying proclivities and gifting, the heavenly summons had effectively drawn each in the Ephesian church to the Lord. One faith, one baptism, they were to labor and grow as one body under God to a unified, mature spiritual manhood.

This may seem impossible today. Strong opinions and party platforms fracture society; disagreement, strife, and destructive heresies divide the Body, preferences and personalities unsettle individual churches and relationships. Ignorance and hard hearts prevent many from even recognizing truth. Unity is an unrealistic, unreachable goal… in the flesh.

But under God’s wide grace, it is possible. It is a command with specific operational principles: humility, gentleness, patience. It is a directive that expects measurable growth and strengthening. It is an order to put off and away and wash clean old ways in order to establish a flow of the new to reflect the likeness of God. And what the Lord requires, He enables, with our cooperation in the one Spirit who binds us together. By grace we’ve been saved and by grace we’re sanctified unto the good works God intends. (Ephesians 2:8-10; 4:17-32)

The one hope to which we are called is fuel for the unity we live and serve to achieve. In what areas have we developed beyond spiritual and practical childhood? What areas in our character or habits need special attention: daily disciplines, language, entertainment choices, relational interactions and care? How are we implementing the one hope we share in Christ with other believers in everyday work and encounters? How can we better foster growth in the unity of faith the Lord commends? Proclaiming truth in love and promoting the upbuilding of God’s people encourages all to practice increasing maturity.

Lord, help me envelop others in Your wide grace to effectuate deeper hope and unity.

“Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her.

“She said to the king, ‘The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard. Happy are your men!.. Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel!’ Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.’” 1 Kings 10:1-9

The Queen of Sheba arrived curious, anticipatory, ready to be amazed and to revere. She left breathless, having encountered more than she could have imagined. In between was an astounding interaction with the king.

We may be in a place where we see little majesty, minimal natural beauty created by God. Life and government may be rife with disorder, health and resources meager. But the Lord can still take our breath away. Contemplating His exquisite grace, His imagination that suspends and power that upholds the stars, His sure salvation and guarding of heart and mind, the unseen yet palpable presence of comfort, and hope… these should move us to ever-amazed awe. With Him is wisdom and knowledge, order, creativity, care of needs. From wherever we’re planted, we can come with what we have and seek answers and understanding. He is able to supply more than we ask or imagine. (John 6:68; Ephesians 3:20-21)

Will we continue to be left breathless by busyness, stress, and stuff, or wonder at the magnificence of God? When will we stop talking, planning, doing, and just listen to His voice? When will we be still, carry thought through to completion, and delight in the Lord’s revelations, resolutions, redemption? (Job 42:5; Psalm 8:1-5; Matthew 17:1-5)

We might be surprised at the insight that comes in prayer, the peace that floods our hearts when we surrender, the deep inner joy that lifts our spirits when we worship and meditate on God over circumstances. We might be overwhelmed at the bounty that returns to us when we bring God our meager offerings. Would we come? When? The Lord delights to captivate our attention, snatch our breath, and fill us with His Spirit of awe and gratitude. He wants us to know Him and make Him known in all His glory. (Luke 6:38; John 6:9-13)

Lord, wherever You take me, may I spend my every breath on wonder, thanksgiving, and worship of Your splendor.

“In [Christ Jesus our Lord] we have… boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him…

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:12,14-21

Paul sees and comprehends life from a spiritual point of view. Once he was humbled by the Spirit’s pursuit, blinded to all previous charms, and saved, his eyes opened and his insight and passions were divinely transformed. Persecution of and resistance to God’s people became a relentless desire to know Christ and make Him known. His power came from time on his knees, imploring the Almighty for His effective work in salvation and sanctification. The more he prayed, the more of God he understood and desired and trusted and glorified. (Acts 9:1-9,17-22)

There is something about bowing the knee that breaks heaven open. There is something mysterious and powerful about lowering ourselves before the One who reigns in heaven, about taking the poor position before the Owner of infinite riches of glory. The humbling of self lifts high the Almighty. Acknowledging my finitude magnifies His infinitude. Closing our eyes to all that shines here below makes us long for the greater glories of heaven. We become small, God shows Himself large, and opens limitless possibilities for our own lives and others’.

As children before the Father, we come knowing He loves us and delights to reveal Himself and make His children grow. Are we asking largely for ourselves and those we love and serve? Considering God’s vastness reminds us of the extent to which He acts on behalf of His own. As His power works in us and through our prayers He does far more than we can ask or think. Are we availing ourselves, and others, of His manifold goodness and bounty? What wisdom, love, conception, inspiration, imagination, or breakthrough would we like Him to expand?

Do I regularly pray on my knees before His throne of grace with boldness and confidence? When will I honestly humble myself in posture and heart, reverently submitting my will to the holy Father’s? Bowing self exalts Christ, opens our perspective to His wider greatness, and piques our longing for the high and glorious fulness of Christ. (Hebrews 4:15-16)

“Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia! 
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia! 
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia! 
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, deepen and widen my prayers to reach the edges of Your measureless fullness, grace, and glory.

“Now as Solomon finished offering all this prayer and plea to the Lord, he arose from before the altar of the Lord, where he had knelt with hands outstretched toward heaven. And he stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying,  ‘Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant. The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers. May he not leave us or forsake us,  that he may incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his rules, which he commanded our fathers. Let these words of mine, with which I have pleaded before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, and may he maintain the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel, as each day requires, that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no other. Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments, as at this day.'” 1 Kings 8:54-61

The blessing of Solomon on God’s people followed and elaborate all-encompassing prayer of dedication of the new temple. Sacrifice and wide offering of petition and will had been made, and now Solomon would leave God’s people with a benediction. What they now saw and what they had been taught would be constant reminders of His greatness. Their cause was caught up in God’s good cause through history and now daily in temple and life service. It was vital they remain wholly true to their First Cause, the Almighty God. (1 Kings 8:22–53)

If the eternal God is First Cause, and maintains His divine, sovereign cause in earth and heaven, man need never worry. We may not know the future, but we can trace His fulfilled promises. We may find many aspects of life unsettled, but know His rest. We may struggle with unforgiveness or impossible relationships, but can believe in His redemption. All He has planned and caused He will continue to completion. We can align our lives with His word and character because they are trustworthy.

What do I daily offer of time, will, and desire to ensure I’m in line with God’s cause? Do I give reluctantly, chafe selfishly, or do my countenance and actions reflect joy and gladness in service? How has the Lord been able to further His cause in my family, neighborhood, church, and workplace through me? Adhering to His word and maintaining His cause is worth every effort and glorifies God. (1 Kings 8:62-66)

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.” ~R. Keen (1878)

Lord, keep me wholly true to You and do all I can to maintain and advance Your cause in my corner of the world.

“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,

The Lord bless you and keep you;
 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

‘So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.'” Numbers 6:22-27

“Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
    you who lead Joseph like a flock.
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth…

Restore us, O God;
    let your face shine, that we may be saved!

O Lord God of hosts,
    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
You have fed them with the bread of tears
    and given them tears to drink in full measure.
You make us an object of contention for our neighbors,
    and our enemies laugh among themselves.

Restore us, O God of hosts;
    let your face shine, that we may be saved!..

Turn again, O God of hosts!
    Look down from heaven, and see;
have regard for this vine,
    the stock that your right hand planted,
    and for the son whom you made strong for yourself.
They have burned it with fire; they have cut it down;
    may they perish at the rebuke of your face!
But let your hand be on the man of your right hand,
    the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself!
Then we shall not turn back from you;
    give us life, and we will call upon your name!

Restore us, O Lord God of hosts!
    Let your face shine, that we may be saved!” Psalm 80:1,3-7,14-19

The blessing of the Lord came from His shining face. From the instituting of the priesthood its encompassing benediction signified His favor, graciousness, and peace. When Asaph sang to the Shepherd of Israel, he asked God to shine forth in power, regard, and relief, to shine His face to restore and save His people. He beseeched His light of life to come from high heaven to His damaged, withering, needy people, and revive their strength and vitality.

We, too, can seek the Lord’s face and find fresh life. He welcomes us to implore Him to shine on us, to revive limp faith with hope, to light to our paths and despairing souls. While God constantly watches us to and fro, His eyes searching and knowing the heart and ways of man, there is something particularly remarkable and beautiful about the shining countenance of His whole face. When we get caught up in looking down at lesser horizontal things, we miss His gaze of tender compassion, His benevolent concern, His warm smile. (2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 33:13-15; Proverbs 15:3)

Knowing that if we are saved we live under the light of His face, how will we go about our days differently under that benediction? What dark habits, or dry love, can we bring into His warm shine? What broken relationships need His breakthrough to be restored, and heal? Where is it we need revival of discernment, confidence, purpose? The Lord knows our tears, struggles, flagging zeal, and every dry crevice of heart and mind. He is ever gracious to lift His countenance upon us for good. Will we look to Him? (Psalms 34:5)

Father, help me reflect Your shining face to a dark and needy world, to your glory.