Author: astherainandsnow

“I am the bread of life.” John 6:48

“While [the two] were talking and discussing together, Jesus drew near and went with them… He said, ‘What is this conversation… as you walk?’ And they stood still, looking sad. Then Cleopas answered him, ‘Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’ And he said, ‘What things?’.. ‘Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word.., and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. It is now the third day since these things happened. Some women… were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had seen… angels, who said that he was alive.’ He said, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ And… he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

“So they drew near to the village…. [and] urged him, saying, ‘Stay with us…’ When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him… They rose that same hour and… found the eleven and those who were with them, saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

“As they were talking, Jesus himself stood among them, and said, ‘Peace!.. Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.’” Luke 24:15,17-23,25-28,30-31,33-36,38-39

We can read His words, be taught from Scriptures, even sense His companionship, but there is nothing like knowing Jesus in the breaking of the bread. When Cleopas and companion finally recognized their risen Savior, it was because they understood the breaking… in feeding the thousands, in the last supper at Passover, in the body on the cross. The “prophet mighty in deed and word” was indeed the Lord who’d been pierced for them, and rose again to offer the Bread of life.

As we walk along the way and day, discussing current events and tragedies and conspiracies, as we wonder at people’s motives and lack of faith, do we miss the breaking? Do we fail to remind ourselves of the cross, and what Jesus being broken has won for us, and made significant by adding eternal value to every action and effort? Do we miss the surrounding brokenness, the crack in a stalwart facade, a lonely heart crying for help, a niggling temptation about to catch fire? Do we pause long enough to see the hurt we inflict, or the fracture we have allowed in our attitude toward God?

What will we do to know Jesus better when we encounter the breaking of relationships, and truth foundations, and hope? Will we call to mind His body broken for us, and look forward to His ultimate healing?

Lord broken and risen, in every brokenness I witness, give me eyes to see You and a heart to know You and make You known.

“The Lord called [Moses] out of the mountain, saying,.. ‘Tell the people of Israel: “You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

“So Moses called the elders of the people and set before them all these words… All the people answered together, ‘All that the Lord has spoken we will do.’ And Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord.  And the Lord said, ‘Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may believe you forever…’

“Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder. The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up…

“Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and stood far off…  Moses said, ‘Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.’” Exodus 19:3-9,17-20; 20:18,20

Before giving out the law upon which the nation of Israel would be established, and which ultimately pointed to Jesus who would uniquely and perfectly fulfill it, God established His whys. We want to do what we want to do- what is pleasant, worthwhile, doable, even simple or easy. What feels good, looks good, or gets me ahead. Life’s all about me. But when Almighty God enters our world, motivation and reason turn upside down and inside out. He presents a new motive and method for our keeping on and keeping His word, and it all has to do with Him. (Matthew 5:17; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

He has delivered us from captivity to sin and hopelessness, and borne us up with life. This almighty, transcendent, omnipotent Supreme has condescended to meet us personally and make Himself known. He has called His children out from the world as His treasured possession, His holy nation, once not His and now belonging. He is the One we are privileged to obey, the One whose word He helps us keep. (Deuteronomy 7:6; 1 Peter 2:4-5,9-10)

His aim for our obedience has everything to do with Him and His highest and best for us. Man is born insular, self-focused, and measured in desire and capability according to neatly planned preferences. But right fear of the Lord opens wide our hearts, diminishes our pride, reorients our aims, and establishes the honor of Christ as our chief desire. What keeps us from bowing before Him in humble, adoring fear?

Lord Jesus, Whom have I in heaven but you?
    There is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
For me it is good to be near God and keep Your word. Amen. (Psalm 73:25,28)

“If I have made gold my trust
    or called fine gold my confidence,
if I have rejoiced because my wealth was abundant
    or because my hand had found much,
if I have looked at the sun when it shone,
    or the moon moving in splendor,
and my heart has been secretly enticed,
    and my mouth has kissed my hand,
this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges,
    for I would have been false to God above.” Job 31:24-28

“The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things… They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.” Romans 1:18-23,25

Almighty God has designed, and made, such an exquisite heaven and earth that when we let our senses and emotions loose in our wonder, we can get tempted to worship the created rather than the Creator. It’s a natural tendency of the flesh since Eden, and one with which we must daily reckon. We like what we can see and touch, yet knowing and exalting the Source behind enriches our beholding exponentially.

It’s hard not to be enthralled with the lavish variety of color, shape, scent and movement, yet our Lord is the Spring from which flows the waterfall of balance, hue, pattern, and melody. We enjoy nothing His mind has not conceived nor His hand made, and even our ability to enjoy with senses is a gift from above. When we gaze long enough and with willing intention, we recognize the love, glory, and masterful design behind. (Psalm 19:1-3; 24:1; Job 37:10-13; 41:11; 1 Corinthians 2:9)

What disciplines do we daily practice to remind us it is the LORD behind every goodness and gift? What time do we take to worship Him for who He is apart from us- all Him, no me? Are we meditating on and savoring the holy delights of His word, and repeating them back in praise? Do we search out His initiative in every growth, His cause for every effect? With whom do we share His personal handiwork and lessons, His answers to prayer?

With every soak in warm sun, would we praise the One who created light from darkness and upholds the sun and stars? In every flower would we praise His creative symmetry and thoughtful whimsy of color? His glory redounds in and behind all He has made, and we are created to offer that glory to Him. (Genesis 1:3-5; Isaiah 43:7; Hebrews 1:3)

Maker of all that is good and lovely, keep my heart enthralled with You and not what You have made. May my going and coming reflect You as my Source, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16

“I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2

“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has… died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-20

The masked waitress talked about dabbling in varied religions, east and west and upside down. As conversation turned to the gospel, she gradually unmasked her face as well as her heart. There’s nothing like genuine, personal interest to warm a cold soul to the Jesus fueling that expression of interest. Observing the quick turn to eternal things inspires the reluctant ambassador, as does the later comment, “Is there anything more important to talk about in life?”

We travel through our hours and miles and calendars surrounded by and entwined in communication. But how much is significant? Vacuous input hollows the heart, and yields pointless interaction, but rich truth soaked in and savored yields fruitful speech that enlightens and satisfies. (Proverbs 15:14; Luke 6:45)

It is easy to fill our time and conversation with the meaningless and banal, to spend our word count on stars and scores and silly banter, on who said what and whether we agree. It’s the lazy way to let flow our input and output, unrestrained and purposeless. Yet, if we would take care to absorb in generous measure the Word of God, instead of the plethora of worldly information available and coming at us full and fast, we would think and speak differently. We would have a divine filter on what we do take and and speak out on varied topics. If the words we say issue from our hearts, our practical priorities will determine the contents therein. (Proverbs 18:4)

What do we really value most? Are we driven by love for Jesus and the lost? Our talk will tell. Certainly there is trust that needs to be earned, ‘passport’ established before we can enter deeper conversation, but will we aim for that more significant place? To spurt out what’s required, to wag a finger, only intrudes rudely and stokes a rebuff. But to pave the way with kindness, selfless interest, judgeless warmth, is to smooth the path for open conversation and open hearts. If the gospel has marked us indelibly, it will identify our interactions with others in a supernatural way.

Lord, help me keep the main and most important thing just that, in my heart, my walk, my speech, for Your holy sake.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

The textures in the eastern sky this morning harmonized with those of bird chatter and song, cross-hatched color of sight and sound in the pleasantest of cool breezes. And so with the human heart, swelled with rapture at the exquisite beauty of it all, enriched with the fabric of friendship, deepened with concern for loved ones afar. To everything a season and a texture that marks us, that adds an ingredient to who we are.

What would be smooth without the tousled, straight without the ruffled, tight without the luffy? Monotone enhances brilliant hues, as does melody a dirge. Is there anything sweeter than the balm of palpable comfort in grief, or the hushed still after a storm? Through every texture of observation, experience, and emotion, the fabric of our lives is woven a bit stronger, richer. Through every time and season we grow more fully human, and have a broader understanding of our infinite God who transcends them all.

While we might prefer life to be ‘samey,’ tightly packaged and predictable, safe and consistent, it would yield us one-dimensional, and flabby in faith. How would spiritual muscles grow without hard tests, compassion without heartache, or patience without waiting? Would we strive for, or even appreciate, unity without division, forgiveness without trespass, or healing without hurt? Could we hone the ability to create solutions without problems, or to communicate and compromise without misunderstandings?

What wondrous facets we behold of our Lord’s character when we engage in the textures of life! His creativity, sense of humor, lovingkindness, forbearance, and splendor. Rather than fidget at discomfort, or question challenge, or resist God’s variety, would we delight in His personal interest in creation and handiwork in our days?

“This is my Father’s world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas–
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!” ~Maltbie D. Babcock (1858-1901)

Lord, may I ever marvel at the texture You design in life, and in Your world, that glorifies Your measureless love and majesty.

“He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.’ So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, ‘He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.’ And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’  And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'” Luke 19:1-10

Following Zaccheus through this narrative is uplifting. It’s a beautiful story of how the Lord Jesus captures the small heart of a small man and enlarges it with faith. It tells of motives reoriented, fists opened, and a life transformed. But following the onlookers, “they” who would only stand on the fringes wagging their tongues in grumbling and their fingers in judgment, the story is shameful and convicting.

Jesus had come to seek and save the lost, but these lost were blind to their condition, and so missed His invitation to salvation. They were separated from the glorious story, because they were consumed with criticizing. They could not see the magnificence of what was happening because their vision was clouded with pride. They stand out as dark splotches on the periphery of God’s amazing, turning stubborn backs to the grace displayed before them because they counted the recipient of Christ’s favor unworthy. They asked ‘how could He’ instead of ‘why does He?’ They missed out the meal of a lifetime because of calloused, prejudiced hearts.

How often do we remain on the outside of what God is doing because of a grumbling attitude or preconception? Have we veiled our eyes and ears with smugness? Do we forgo what He wants to do with us because we’re too occupied criticizing those on whom He sets His affection? Are we better stoked by pride and self-righteousness, or envy, or disdain, than we are by His love and mercy? Are we so shallow we focus on the catty and spew caustic remarks instead of hushing at the miracles our Lord is working? Do we disdain God’s mercy to others ‘so dirty,’ and fail to recognize our own sinful affronts to His holiness?

What will it take to see Jesus for who He is, and others as He sees them, with eyes of mercy? What attitude or habit need I surrender, and how will I put Him on? (Romans 12:3; Colossians 3:5-10,12-17)

Lord, remove any shroud of cattiness and grumbling that veil my heart from You. Help me look for, long for, and behold the beauty of Your mercies to others and to me. Help me not miss the glories of Your marvelous ways. (2 Corinthians 3:16-18)

“Before they call I will answer;
    while they are yet speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24

“While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God… while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel came… saying,.. ‘At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved.'” Daniel 9:20-21,23

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,  for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

A friend, awaiting a loved one in the hospital, relayed that meanwhile, the Lord had enabled a constructive conversation with someone concerning a child. Downtime because of a broken bone meanwhile provided time to reflect and be stretched in new ways. A season of unemployment meanwhile opened opportinities to serve, and develop relationships, and hone skills. Omniscient God has His hands in every event and works coincidentally in all our meanwhiles, never confused, and sovereignly orchestrating each one in unison for His good purposes. In the thick of clouds His light burns intentionally and bright.

While we pray, God is answering. As we wait, the Lord is working. He readies people for jobs and job openings for people, and individuals for one another according to His perfect timing. Our God is neither flustered nor confused with managing everyone and everything, events and history, all at the same time, to accomplish His good plans. When we get choked in turbulence, or chafe impatient at waiting, or wonder when some ordeal will be resolved, we can look expectantly for what is occurring meanwhile. Our Lord may be actively stirring up a parallel situation, preparing another’s heart to make a move, or developing maturity that will be needed for next steps. He is trustworthy in all His providential ways.

Where has the Lord carved out a meanwhile, and what have we learned? In the throes of a difficult relationship, what have we meanwhile learned of His unconditional love and unchanging nature, of His merciful forgiveness? In grief, in waiting, in longing, in silence from heaven over repeated prayer, what has God meanwhile revealed about our pride, our idols, our selfishness, our discontent, our impatience? How might He be wanting to change me, or teach me to accept the unchangeable?

Do we expect meaning in a meanwhile? In the trauma of a move, an adjustment to a new job, or the waiting room between symptoms and diagnosis, questions and answers, or effort and results, how is God blessing? Will I risk to ask hard questions, or make myself available? To open myself to His sanctifying discipline? To wait His time? To do all I can to be ready for His next assignment, all the while trusting that He’s doing well what I cannot see? (Hebrews 12:7-11)

Father, please help me rejoice in my present, and in all You so wonderfully do meanwhile to further Your glory and accomplish Your will.

“And Sarah died in the land of Canaan…  And Abraham said to the Hittites, ‘I am a sojourner and foreigner among you; give me property among you.., that I may bury my dead.’ The Hittites answered, ‘You are a prince of God among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs’… Abraham bowed.., ‘If you are willing… entreat for me Ephron…’

“Ephron… answered Abraham.., ‘I give you the field…’ Then Abraham bowed… and said to Ephron.., ‘I give the price of the field. Accept it from me…’  Abraham weighed out for Ephron… four hundred shekels of silver… The field and the cave [of Machpelah] that is in it were made over to Abraham as property for a burying place.'” Genesis 23:2-13,16,20

“Ornan said to David, ‘Take it, and let my lord the king do what seems good to him. See, I give the oxen for burnt offerings..; I give it all.’ But King David said to Ornan, ‘No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’ So David paid Ornan 600 shekels of gold. And David built there an altar to the Lord and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings and called on the Lord... ‘Here shall be the house of the Lord God and here the altar of burnt offering for Israel.’” 1 Chronicles 21:23-26; 22:1

Abraham knew God had promised him specific land where his name would be great and a nation would be built. But he did not yet own any land. So instead of accepting a gift, he insisted on paying for the plot of burial ground for his beloved Sarah. In counting out his shekels, he staked his claim in God’s promise, securing a physical transaction of faith in His supernatural promise. (Genesis 15:18-21; 49:29-32)

For David, he knew it was costly to transact atonement, that blood from a living animal must be spilled. So he, too, insisted on paying to procure land for an altar. He had sinned against his God, and by counting out his money he figuratively counted on His promise of forgiveness. This place of sacrifice would providentially become the place of worship. (1 Chronicles 21:1,7-8; 2 Chronicles 3:1)

We can get by in life spending as little as possible, searching out and taking advantage of freebies. We scoot along with a mindset of ‘take and get,’ often without regard for what our goods cost somebody else. But once we are captured by the Lord, His innocent death for our sake, and a deep sense of His measureless bounty to us in salvation and a spiritual inheritance, there is nothing too great to spend for Him. (1 Peter 1:3-5)

His love compels us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, to surrender our resources, time, and life-aims. We are willing to sell all we have to secure heavenly treasure, holding loosely temporal things so we can lift open hands in praise. (Matthew 13:44-46; Romans 12:1)

The next time I ask for cleansing, would I thank Jesus for what it cost Him to impart it? When I seek the Spirit’s counsel or inspiration or courage, would I praise Him for my spiritual inheritance? His love for me cost God His Son. What will I offer back in love, obedience, and honor?

Lord, may I give to You in the sacrificial, lavish measure You have given to me. “All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed pow’rs,
all my thoughts and words and doings,
all my days and all my hours.” ~Mary D James (1810-1883)

“A lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? How do you read it?’ And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.’

“But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, had compassion. He bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.” Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You go, and do likewise.’” Luke 10:25-37

A prideful man would say that loving the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and loving your neighbor as yourself, is doable. It’s what Jesus required of the inquiring and capable lawyer. But pride puts a ‘me’ filter on that love, and accepts the mandate according to ‘my’ desire, my passion, my ability, my self-imposed limits, my want-to. The easy question the self-righteous lawyer asked was supposed to make for his easy justification, but turned out to be anything but. The Samaritans were outcasts, the hated mixed race, but the ordinary man- not the holy men- is the one who stopped, touched, cared, and spent on the one wounded. (2 Kings 17:24-41)

On our terms, we like to pick our assignments, and choose to love those who are lovable, with whom we connect and share in common. We understand, albeit with honest shame, moving to the other side of the road to avoid the bleeding, naked pagan. We excuse ourselves with fear of the unknown, risk avoidance, and possible social ramifications. But Jesus, whose immeasurable love for us stranger enemies reconciled us to Himself, requires love for Him first and on His terms. His love reaches across fences we build, and society’s boundaries, into lives that are distinctly different from our own. (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21-22)

Do I wholly love God? Whom has He placed before me to love that I am avoiding? When will I exchange my love terms for His? How will I show compassion, Christ-likeness, and selfless care today?

“Spirit of God, who dwells within my heart, 
wean it from sin, through all its pulses move. 
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as you are, 
and make me love you [and others] as I ought to love.” ~George Croly (1854)

Amen.

“[Jesus] said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?..’

“As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Yet another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’” Luke 9:23-25,57-62

Follow? Sure! Deny and forfeit? No details? No hesitation? That’s harder. Following Jesus requires a reorientation of life priorities and possessions. Our passion for things of this world, and plans for the here and now, confront a cost of that whole temporal orientation toward a spiritual focus on eternity and the kingdom of God.

To follow Jesus means we learn to deny ourselves and any aspect of self that prevents us from walking with Him: maybe our comforts and pleasures, our need for approval, our plans and dreams, our calendar appointments, our close proximity to loved ones. We learn to measure not in hours and dollars and degrees, but in love and relationships and souls. We might trade pet causes for divine calling, and empty chatter for communion with God. We learn to count worth differently, releasing worldly interests and clutching the cross. We set our minds on heaven, and labor to lay up treasure there, ultimately to offer our Lord in glory. (Matthew 6:19-21; Colossians 3:1-4)

When we are sold out to Jesus and heed His call to follow, the world and its favors take on a different sheen. Over time, we are no longer attracted to empty conversations, wasteful spending, and meaningless entertainment. Our meditations turn upward, and outward. Our ongoing sanctification produces increasing love for the things of God and heaven, and greater desire to share them with a needy world. When we follow Jesus, we come to the end of the day, and of our days, holding that cross that has given meaning to every breath and unlimited worth to any cost expended. (Colossians 3:1-2)

What are we taking up each day before getting along our way? Our phones with all their fill of schedule, information, urgency, and opinion? Or our cross? With what tools do we attend responsibilities and relationships? Past baggage, self-asserted rights, preconceptions, prejudices? Or our cross? And what occupies our hands when we rise to follow Jesus? Our list of demands and disclaimers? Our wish list? Or our cross?

Oh Lord, help me follow You closely, wholeheartedly, and with open hands to relinquish my will for Yours, and my cares for Your glorious cross.