Author: astherainandsnow

“When [they] heard that I had built the wall..,Sanballat and Geshem [said], ‘Come… meet together in the plain of Ono.’ But they intended to do me harm. I sent to them, saying, ‘I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop..?’ And they sent to me four times in this way… Sanballat sent [a] letter.., ‘It is reported that you… intend to rebel’… I [said], ‘No such things as you say have been done.’ ⁹ For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will drop from the work…’

“Shemaiah… said,.. ‘They are coming to kill you..’ ¹¹ But I said, ‘Should I run away?..’ I understood and saw that God had not sent him… He was hired, that I should be afraid and act in this way and sin, and so they could give me a bad name in order to taunt me.'” Nehemiah 6:1-5,8-13

“When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’  And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given… except the sign of Jonah.” Matthew 16:2-4

Nehemiah’s story begins with a transparent heart and earnest prayer. His call from God is clear- to rebuild Judah- and as God answers prayer by prayer, and step by step, he continues the work. His focus on God, and on his task, keep him intent and able to discern evil motives and distractions. With every pelt of temptation, he stays the course. (Nehemiah 1:1-2:5)

Jesus, who Himself had resisted temptation by trusting God’s word, condemned the Pharisees for wanting fantastic ‘signs,’ what we might call today ‘extra words’ from God. They neglected to discern the ‘sign of Jonah’ they already had. Today, we hide in our hearts the completed word, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to guard against wrong thinking, wayward affections, and rebel actions. (Psalm 119:11; Matthew 4:1-11)

He also chastised Peter for refusing to accept His suffering and death. Today we can refuse hard truths because we do not want them to be true. Jesus redirects our minds from the things of man to God, saying, “Listen to My Son.” (Matthew 16:21-23; 17:5; Colossians 3:1-2)

We live in a day when information and sound bites and thought leaders bombard us continually. We are lured to go this way, pulled into that thought space, or shaken between conflicting ideas. We must weigh all we hear against Scripture and the revealed character of God. By prayer and practice, we learn to think His thoughts. We discipline our wills to say yes to what’s right, persevere in our calling, and resist veering off course. (1 Corinthians 2:16; Ephesians 4:1)

When we are presented a menu of items over which to tend, fret, or decide, how do we discern God’s way? With a broad array of information to digest and either dismiss or believe, how do we know what is true? Praying for wisdom and immersing ourselves in God’s inerrant word are the best way to detect truth, and falsehoods when they poke and pester. (James 1:5)

Lord, show me Your ways and hone my discernment, that I may know and honor You in every endeavor. (Exodus 33:13)

“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.., ‘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…’ 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 to cause confusion in it. And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.

“In Judah it was said, ‘The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.’ And our enemies said, ‘They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.’ At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, ‘You must return to us.’ So… I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I… said to the nobles and the officials and the rest of the people, ‘Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes… Our God will fight for us.’” Nehemiah 4:1-4,6-14,20b

He could have caved, buckled, given up, believed the lies. But Nehemiah feared God more than he feared man, and his resolve was only strengthened in light of the attacks on him and the work of rebuilding he led. He deflected every taunt to his Captain, every lie to his Truth, every accusation to his Judge, every plot to his Mastermind, every rage to his Prince of Peace.

He had many to deflect, and so do we. Fears from within that we will not have the creativity or ability or strength to do what is required. Individuals at work or friend groups or in our families who oppose our faith or moral stance, or question the legitimacy of our work or ministry. Enemies who ridicule and taunt out of insecurity or cruelty. Even those who love us but are fearful and negative themselves, and project their anxiety and negativity on us.

Nehemiah prays about everything, and so can we. He practically prepares and strategizes for opposition, and so can we. He rallies his people to remember the Lord. And we must remember Him too. He is great and awesome, and fights our every battle!

Lord, when the world overwhelms, may I advance believing and displaying that the battle is Yours, and You ultimately win. (2 Chronicles 20:15)

“But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’  And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question... The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said… ‘We believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.’

“All the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they finished speaking, James replied, ‘Brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name… Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God [about circumcision]...‘  Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers… And Judas and Silas… encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them.” Acts 15:1-2,6-7a,11-14,19,22,32-33

“By wise guidance you can wage your war,
    and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” Proverbs 24:6

Paul, Barnabus, James, Simeon, Judas, Silas. Apostles, elders, church leaders. These brothers in the Lord, with different experiences and perspectives, were used of God to lead debate to an agreed-upon conclusion, and then disseminate encouragement among the churches. How beautiful is the body of Christ, working as a team to resolve differences, formulate decisions, and communicate information that brings understanding, as well as the gospel that brings life.

It is vital to church harmony to recognize where dissension stems- in wrong information, personal preferences, or a misunderstanding of scripture. Then we’re able to consider wisely all the information gathered, and listen and discuss with open hearts and a lens of love. The Holy Spirit can use many voices and views to bring understanding and unify His people, with the goal of building up His church in strength and insight. (Ephesians 4:11-16)

When we are privy to disagreements, or perhaps have one ourselves, do we murmur, complain, or gossip about those who see things differently? Do we dismiss concerns someone else has about a church position, a misunderstood teaching, or a destructive practice? Or do we take these situations to the Lord, and ask for wisdom in resolving them? Are we then humble and brave enough to address the matters, to speak truth in love, with full intent to reach agreement and as a team spread truth that brings spiritual growth? (Psalm 133:1-3)

What part do we play in encouraging other team members at church? How are we actively upbuilding? What words, activities, or service do we eagerly contribute to strengthening our local body? Into whom are we pouring courage by our words, role model, and prayers? (1 Corinthians 12:4-13)

Father, teach me effectiveness and Christ-like love as a team member who contributes to building up Your church. May our spiritual maturity and Your glory be my undiluted aim.

“At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort,  a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, ‘Cornelius.’ And he stared at him in terror and said, ‘What is it, Lord?’ And he said to him, ‘Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter.  He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.’ When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

“The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray…  He fell into a trance and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. And there came a voice to him: ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But Peter said, ‘By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.’ And the voice came to him again a second time, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’ This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

“Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate  and called out to ask whether Peter was lodging there. And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, ‘Behold, three men are looking for you.  Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.’” Acts 10:1-20

Magnificent things happen when we pray. Truth is unveiled, motivations warm and transform, directions unfold, movements begin. The end result in this chapter is that the gospel broke open upon the Gentiles, and many were saved, yet Peter’s powerful speech and the marvelous ingathering of new believers began in quiet contemplation by two earnest men. (Acts 10:24,34-45)

We will never know what would have happened, or been missed, had these men not prayed, and listened, and pondered. Certainly God’s purpose goes forth, but we are the ones who miss out when we fail to contemplate it, and how He might involve us.

Do we see the importance of a regular time of prayer, of getting quiet, alone, and undistracted to meet with God? If we have little desire, would we ask to be willing to be made willing? If we find no words, would we read a passage from His word and listen? When we begin, in the obedience of faith, He appears and leads us in and on.

Imagine what He has in store for each of us in His kingdom work! (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Father, please make me eager to begin each day with You, and to converse through its hours. May pondering grow to wonder, worship, and glad walking in Your ways for the spread of Your grace and glory.

“When Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, ‘What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling?..’ When Sanballat and Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward.., they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night... Now when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it.., Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, ‘Come and let us meet together…’ But they intended to do me harm… They sent to me four times in this way… For this purpose he was hired, that I should be afraid… and sin, and so they could give me a bad name in order to taunt me.” Nehemiah 2:19; 4:7-9; 6:1-2,4,13

“Being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they… sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues… They came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet…  He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, ‘You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?  And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.’ Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord...

“When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him...  [They] incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district… And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 13:4-12,45,50,52

In their obedience of faith, God’s people faced ongoing opposition. These heroes met it not in exasperation and weakness, but confidence and resolve, brandishing holy insight and spiritual power. They saw through the sharp dark edges to the joy before them, and persevered. When we are tempted to give up or in, to abdicate our ground of God’s promises to those who taunt and trip, would we look to these witnesses and take courage? (Hebrews 12:1-3)

As God’s children, we bear an indelible target for the enemy, who is intent on hitting it with all manner of noise and ploys to distract, discourage, and destroy us and our witness. It’s vital we understand his intent and recognize his wiles, then counter them with God’s power. We wield the Holy Spirit, and with Him a joy that is unshakable and truth that is transforming. (Genesis 3:1-5; John 8:32; 10:10; Ephesians 6:12-18)

Lord, help me stand firm and joyful in every spiritual attack. Yours is the victory! (1 Chronicles 29:11-13)

“ Jesus told [the crowd] many things in parables, saying: ‘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. And 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…’

“‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away… The prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “You will indeed hear but never understand,
    and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
For this people’s heart has grown dull,
    and with their ears they can barely hear,
    and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
    and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
    and turn, and I would heal them…’

“‘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 13:3-9,11-12,14-15,18-23

We who are exposed to the word and opportunities for teaching are entrusted with much, and are expected to thrive and bear fruit. But beware thorns! Jesus warns repeatedly to listen, pay attention, stay clear-headed and keen-hearted to understand and apply what He gives us. Cares of this world clog ears and dull hearts to render us ineffective.

We may be in the lushest of locales, irrigated regularly with fellowship and good teaching, but unless we stay intent on ingesting God’s word, and deliberate in applying it to our discernment, work, and conversation, thorns will stick us to distraction. We can easily slip into ‘I already know what it says,’ and make foolish investments of time and resources in temporal, worldly endeavors that end up sapping us of eternal fruit.

What thorns have we allowed to intrude on our domain? What sticklers of sloth, doubt, materialism, or lax vigilance have infiltrated so deeply we no longer recognize their danger to our resolve, godly affection, and spiritual growth?

Lord, with Your precise, merciful hands, remove my thorns. Plant Your word deeply to yield a hundredfold, for Your glory.

“Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison, because John had been saying to him, ‘It is not lawful for you to have [Herodias]’, his brother Philip’s wife. And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people… But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter…’ He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter… And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.

“When Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick... Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the loaves and fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied… And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.” Matthew 14:3-8,10-14,19-20a,23

His cousin had been senselessly, crudely killed, and Jesus withdrew to grieve. But the curious, needy crowds kept coming, and sorrow had left its sweet mark on our Savior. Instead of stewing at the injustice of John’s death, or retaliating in anger, He transformed His pain into compassion for others. He loved, He healed, He engaged, blessed, and fed. The same sin sickness that drove Herod to order John’s beheading had infected the crowds, lost sheep in need of a Shepherd. (Matthew 9:36)

What do we do with our disillusionment, anguish, pain? Do we allow it to take on a life of its own and consume our attention and emotions? Do we turn inward to nurse bitterness and wounds, and plot revenge?

What would change if we withdrew from our flesh reactions to learn from Jesus? How might we see differently people who hurt us? Might we recognize in our so-called enemies some of ourselves? Might God awaken compassion at the plight of all image bearers who have fallen short of His glory, and plant ideas of how to reach out, connect, and offer life? (Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23)

It takes quiet contemplation to recognize in ourselves what we criticize and loathe in others. Another’s cruelty mirrors our desire for justice at any cost. Another’s saunter of power ignites our own swagger of ‘right.’ Another’s deceit and cruelty inflames malice and retribution. Ah, fallen are we all. (Matthew 7:3-5)

Would we come to the suffering Savior for healing? For sustenance to withstand the struggle? For blessing when weighted with effects of the curse? He is our hope of right thinking and righteous response. He is sufficient for our weaknesses. His love preserves us through every obstacle and force against us. (Psalm 22:6-18; Isaiah 53:4-6; Romans 8:31-39; 2 Corinthians 12:9)

Father, in every sadness, draw me to Yourself to learn how to move forward. Then may I do so with understanding, compassion, and Your irrefutable love.

“Then I [Ezra] proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, ‘The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.’ So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.

“Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests… I weighed out to them the silver and the gold and the vessels, the offering for the house of our God... [I said], ‘Guard them and keep them until you weigh them before the chief priests… in Israel at Jerusalem, within the chambers of the house of the Lord…’ Then we departed… The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way.” Ezra 8:21-25,29,31

Ezra the Scribe was known for his wisdom, his faith, his God. So when it came to a risky journey on God’s errand to Jerusalem, to teach the returned exiles who’d rebuilt the temple His law, he chose to venture wholly on His protection and provision. Since the king had dispatched him with permission, and knowing the route could be peppered with bandits, he led his entourage to stop and fast. He boldly refused a royal chaperone, prepared practically, and trusted God would bring them safely to their destination. His greatest concern was that He be recognized and magnified as he’d described. (Psalm 91:11; 139:5)

For Nehemiah the Governor, leading the third wave of exiles back 13 years later, his prayer regarding his journey led him to ask for specific help from the king. His was just as much a prayer of faith, and gave witness to how God remarkably undertook for them by way of an amenable heathen king. The hand of God was upon both Ezra and Nehemiah, though He led them and manifested His care in different ways. (Nehemiah 1:4-2:8)

How about for us, and our brothers and sisters? When we go before Almighty God, does He lead us all the same way? Our paths are distinct, and it’s vital we pray personally for the Spirit’s clear direction, then obey. I cannot know how He leads another, nor should I judge their decision. I can pray they seek God’s discernment and courageously follow, then trust God to answer. I am responsible to align my own plans with His, not others’.

Are there situations where I feel smug, a touch superior because of how God led me, but look down on someone else’s path? Is one way of going about ministry always better, or best? Some make needs known to people, some only to the Lord. He is glorified in His provision either way, and in a variety of ways, but calls us follow His Spirit. (1 John 3:20-24; James 4:17)

Father, keep me coming to You for direction, answers, and provision, then following faithfully. May I rejoice in the many ways You lead and undergird Your people.

“About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also… And… he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him… So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

“Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ And the chains fell off his hands… ‘Dress yourself and put on your sandals.’ And he did so. And he said to him, ‘Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.’ And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. When Peter came to himself, he said, ‘Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.’

“When he realized this, he went to the house… where many were gathered together and were praying. And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. They said to her, ‘You are out of your mind.’ But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, ‘It is his angel!’  But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.” Acts 12:1-16

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16 (NKJV)

Violence. Gasping sorrow choked in disbelief. Shock and fear drove the church to its only shelter- prayer- and huddled together, they earnestly beseeched Almighty God for Peter’s strength and deliverance.

God answered, in a big and supernatural way. Humor blends with conviction as we digest the stream of events and the stun among those praying saints. Would we respond any differently?

We think we pray earnestly, but how is that defined if we expect no answer? Why is it we are surprised when God shows up and answers our prayers by displaying His muscle, creativity, grace, and splendor? Are we fervent only in our wants or repetition, or in our faith that God is able, shapes our desires, can do anything, and will surely do what is best?

We can count on God to keep His word regarding prayer. While we may be surprised at the way He answers, we should never be surprised that He does. (Psalm 37:4; Matthew 6:6; 7:7-11; 21:22; John 16:23-24; Romans 8:26-27)

Lord, keep me on my knees in earnest prayer, and on tiptoe for Your answers. Purify and translate my desires into God-honoring prayers, then show forth Your majesty.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’  But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:38-48

Dark, cool, balmy, the pre-dawn is still and quiet, save for an occasional singular deep tone from the wind chimes. A flock of small birds sweeps across close and fast, silhouetted, in a whispering swoosh. Moments pass, barely a movement, then another single note, this one higher. Listen, with your heart.

The world has standards that in a divine economy are a lowest common denominator. Do this, and you will get by, deemed alright, because you’ll blend in with the crowd. But our Lord sets a higher standard, Christ-likeness, and this sets us a notch higher and different from the world. As His children, we have a different Spirit, and so we think differently, respond differently, behave distinctly from the majority of those who do not know Him. How true is this of you and me?

When we hear a statement or accusation pointed at a sore spot, are we touchy and quickly offended, and do we react with excuses or retaliation? Or do we consider how our Savior was ridiculed, falsely accused and taunted for us, and turn the other cheek? (Isaiah 53:3-7)

Do we run fast and loud with a crowd who hates those who hate truth, who condemns those with different belief systems or nontraditional lifestyles? Do we desire to cancel those that cancel us? (Really?) Or do we look for areas of common interest and connection? Will we pray, not just for all to seek truth, but for soft hearts toward them and ways to love and shine light? (Matthew 5:16; John 13:34)

But for God’s grace, we would all be stuck on the low note. By that same grace, let’s lift it higher.

Elevate my thoughts, Lord, lift my love higher. Shift Your Spirit breeze to raise my tone and tune. Where I’ve been complacent, shake me. Where I’ve settled for courtesy over genuine interest, strike me. Where I’ve settled into ease and safety, jar me to risk for You and others. Where I’ve thoughtlessly moved through hours, engage my intentions with Yours. Make holy music in the way I live and love, to honor You.