Author: astherainandsnow

“In these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. The twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’ And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them… 

“Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some… rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly instigated men who said, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’ And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council… And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” Acts 6:1-6,8-12,15

Growth led to increased need led to complaint led to solution led to action. The godly Stephen, available as his Lord’s servant for any necessary role, stepped up in the Spirit for what many would deem menial, unimportant, and subservient. And mightily he was used. Full of grace and power, this waiter took seriously the distribution of food to widows and offered spiritual nourishment as well. His spirit was recognized, and precipitated his giving one of the most all-encompassing, profound speeches recorded in scripture that was heard by Saul (Paul), and set in motion persecution that scattered the church and spread the gospel. We may never know the effects of our work done for Jesus. (Acts 6:15-8:4)

Life is full of similar issues, and in God’s economy, He appoints people to fill different roles at different times to fulfill His plans. Organization, integrity, willingness, and humility are all tucked under His anointing of His children for varied work within His purpose. Every individual is valued, every honest job is sacred and can be performed for His honor. (Colossians 3:23-24)

Where do I contribute? How alert am I to needs around me, and how willing to serve in areas that, in the world’s eyes, are demeaning or insignificant? Do I regard any task as beneath me? Where am I thinking too highly of myself, and instead need to look for humble ways to spread Christ? (Romans 12:3-8)

If He is Lord, nothing is too great or small to do for Him. How can I glorify my God through service today? How can I sprinkle Christ’s love and truth into the conversations and duties at work, home, or ministry?

Lord my Master, I come as Your servant. Please anoint my character, willingness, and service for the benefit of Your people, and the glory of Your name.

“In the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, son of Azariah, son of Hilkiah, son of Shallum, son of Zadok, son of Ahitub, son of Amariah, son of Azariah, son of Meraioth, son of Zerahiah, son of Uzzi, son of Bukki, son of Abishua, son of Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the chief priest— this Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses that the Lord… had given, and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him...

“On the first day of the first month he began to go up from Babylonia, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, for the good hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.

“This is… the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, a man learned in matters of the commandments of the Lord and his statutes..:  ‘Artaxerxes.., to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven. Peace. I decree that anyone of the people of Israel or their priests or Levites in my kingdom, who freely offers to go to Jerusalem, may go with you…

“‘And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge the people in the province Beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God. And those who do not know them, you shall teach.'” Ezra 7:1-6,9-13,25

Ezra had a Bible book named after him. He was given specific gifts, a special heart, and an important role in Israel and in God’s broader plan. Just who is this Ezra? An ordinary man, with parents and grandparents and a long family line, who was made extraordinary by the God he sought and served.

Each one of us who knows Jesus is known by name. He ordained our lineage, our time and place, our family, and our occupation. And He gives us the privilege of doing our part in His kingdom with particular purpose and sufficient equipping. (Psalm 16:5-6; 139:13-16; Isaiah 49:1-3; Acts 17:26; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 2:10)

Blessed be the God who so works! Do we see His marvelous hand ordaining and inspiring His church through its members? Do we see His generosity in the provision given to carry out our calling? Can we trace His wise hand in superintending leaders and common people to move forward His divine intention?

Grasping God’s providence in our lives gives courage and joy to be brave and glad to move forward in His will. He who calls is He who enables, and His plans never fail, nor His presence leave. He has named us each this one, and will bless our following His voice. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

How ready, and willing, am I to offer myself as living sacrifices for His service? How diligently do I seek His specific place for me in His church, His world? Am I trusting Him to give all I need to follow His lead? (Matthew 7:11; Romans 12:1; Philippians 4:19)

Lord, as Your named one, may I be faithful in doing Your bidding and bringing honor to Your name above all.

“My soul waits for the Lord
    more than watchmen for the morning,
    more than watchmen for the morning.” Psalm 130:6

“Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
    for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
    for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35

There is something about being up early, when it is still dark, that contributes to expectancy for the day. Seeing little at all but an ink black sky dotted with sleepy stars sets the mind to wanting more, and morning. As the first hues of light announce the curtain rising, all eyes are on the east. At the first hints of her glorious entrance, the heart beats more quickly, the mind focuses in anticipation at the resplendence about to appear. No two days are the same, but there is a lilt of the soul, a quickening of the pulse, and what God will bring forth in any one.

If we choose to remain in a slumber of complaint and ingratitude, of monotonous routine or a sense of frustration because we’re not doing what we want, we miss out on the hopeful expectancy for God to show up and make beautiful and wonderful the hours before us. If we choose to wallow in a fog of emotions we cannot shake, a stupor of angst or anger or resentment, our eyes will be clouded and unable to discern His ‘this is why, learn of Me, I’ll lead you on.’ Prolonging a self-imposed night of the soul inhibits spiritual growth and makes us unpleasant company. Who wants to grope in the dark when you can be exhilarated by a dawn of God’s making?

When we see our days, our nation, the world, through the lens of expectancy, the Holy Spirit gives us a keenness to look for what God is doing and to discern how He is orchestrating people and places and movements to bring about His holy and good plans. We rise on tiptoe to see the unfolding, excitement swells to be part of His kingdom work, to participate in ministry that is eternally fruitful. We begin to loosen our clench on the things of this world- false idols and meaningless pursuits- and to think differently and build for what lasts. We see that there is more to life than what we see, and we anticipate the eventual heavenly unveiling. (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Corinthians 13:9-12; Colossians 3:1-2).

We step out of tedium and into significance, out of the temporal and into the eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

When do I sit and wait in expectancy for my Lord? What has changed, or do I desire to change, about my spiritual perspective? What has my God honed in the dark to inspire with fresh light? Am I looking?

Lord, I want your eyes and renewed hope every morning. May they motivate and drive my choices. Help me see as You see, love what You love, do as You would have me do, for the sake of Your kingdom and Your glorious name.

“When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. ² Male and female he created them, and he blessed them… When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son.., and named him Seth.  The days of Adam after he fathered Seth were 800 years; and he had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days that Adam lived were 930 years, and he died.

“When Seth had lived 105 years, he fathered Enosh. Seth lived after he fathered Enosh 807 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Seth were 912 years, and he died.

“When Enosh had lived 90 years, he fathered Kenan. Enosh lived after he fathered Kenan 815 years and had other sons and daughters.  Thus all the days of Enosh were 905 years, and he died…

“When Kenan had lived 70 years, he fathered Mahalalel. Kenan lived after he fathered Mahalalel 840 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Kenan were 910 years, and he died…

“When Jared had lived 162 years, he fathered Enoch… When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.

“When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he fathered Lamech. Methuselah lived after he fathered Lamech 782 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died.” Genesis 5:1b-11,18,21-27

Since the fall, every man and woman born also died; God’s warning came true. One jewel of a life stands out in the genealogy of the generations of Adam, that of his descendant Enoch, whose life is described differently from all the others: he walked with God. We do not know whether others walked with Him, although Enoch’s son Methuselah died in Noah’s 600th year, assumedly in the flood of judgment. What we do know is that Enoch was distinctive because of his relationship with his Heavenly Father. (Genesis 2:16-17; 5:28-32; 7:11)

For us to be described as individuals who walk with God, He would be the One who set our direction and gait, the companion at our side with whom we intimately and comfortably conversed. How true is this of me?

With whom do I daily walk? Is it someone speaking through my earbuds, on a screen, or from a book? Who sets my schedule and GPS? My self-drive, or the Lord’s wise path as revealed in His word? Who determines my tempo, the rhythm of my hours? The metronome of my will, or a mind transformed by God’s? (Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 12:1-2)

What regular practices or disciplines structure our days to set us on the Lord’s path and make us available for His specific calling? What evidence is there in our industry, service, and conversation that we are intentionally in step with God? What change is needed that would adjust our stride, or our direction, or our daily destination, to get us astride with our Lord?

This mysterious Enoch, rather than dying, simply was no more. Walking with God affects our life now through the end. Walking with God by faith assures that our death is simply a transition: we are no more here on earth, but we are with the Lord forever. Is there a greater hope in life or death? (John 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:17)

Father, distinguish my life by my walk with You.

“The people gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and afflicted.., and they were all healed. But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him, and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.’ And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach…

“Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. And someone came and told them, ‘Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.’ Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

“They set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men…’ When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them… They beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” Acts 5:16-21,24-29,33,40-42

Once the Holy Spirit took up residence in the disciples, there was no stopping them. The truth burned in their hearts and flamed from their tongues, and no opposition could restrain its force. They’d been given a charge, and that they would keep. (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:49)

God’s commands are clear, and in this world we will always be opposed, in some way, for following them. Those who hate God will bristle and attack at any vestige of Him. What determines our perseverance is the clarity of our charge, and the commitment to keep it. God calls for wholeheartedness, and deplores lukewarmness. When expected attempts to thwart our call come, we are enabled by the Spirit to plow through the barricades we encounter and press on. (Revelation 3:15-16)

What pressures do we face from our culture, or our peers, that distract us from our true Master? Who or what has deceived us into thinking we answer to anyone but Him? What rules and regulations do we give more precedence than the plumb line of God’s word?

Perhaps we attempt to control, to set our own course of work and ministry. Have we consulted with the One who has apportioned our gifts, and assigned where we are to serve His will? Might His plans or direction differ from what we conjure up within the limitations of our comfort and preference? (Romans 12:1-2)

“A charge to keep I have, 
a God to glorify, 
a never dying soul to save, 
and fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age, 
my calling to fulfill, 
O may it all my pow’rs engage 
to do my Master’s will!” ~CHarles Wesley (1762)

Lord, help me consistently, and with patient endurance, keep Your charge, knowing my purpose is to glorify You forever. (Revelation 3:8,10-12)

“Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when [Josiah] had cleansed the land and the house, he sent Shaphan, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God... And they gave it to the workmen who were working in the house of the Lord. And the workmen who were working in the house of the Lord gave it for repairing and restoring the house. They gave it to the carpenters and the builders to buy quarried stone, and timber for binders and beams for the buildings that the kings of Judah had let go to ruin. And the men did the work faithfully. Over them were set Jahath and Obadiah, and Zechariah and Meshullam, to have oversight. The Levites, all who were skillful with instruments of music, were over the burden-bearers and directed all who did work in every kind of service, and some of the Levites were scribes and officials and gatekeepers. While they were bringing out the money that had been brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord given through Moses. Then Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, ‘I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.’ And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan. Shaphan brought the book to the king, and reported, ‘All that was committed to your servants they are doing.'” 2 Chronicles 34:8,10-16

Maintenance: The work of keeping something in proper condition; upkeep. The house of the Lord in Jerusalem was magnificent, but in constant need of maintaining and repair, as is any manmade structure. Josiah was one of several kings of Judah who took its cleansing and maintenance seriously, taking care to restore it and the word of God as the foundation for its function. (Asa-2 Chronicles 15:8; Hezekiah- 2 Chronicles 29:1-3; Joash- 2 Chronicles 24:4-5,12-13)

We learn that no thing we have lasts forever: our trinkets rust, our homes and houses of worship wear with use. As long as we live on earth we will need to maintain, repair, redo, or replace. As good stewards of all God entrusts to us, we are not to lay up much for ourselves here, but be responsible with what God has given us in order to be generous and focus on heavenly treasure. How are we using it for His honor, and others’ best advantage? Are there areas where we are slacking, wasteful, or selfish that need remedying? (Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 13:5)

We learn that our bodies, themselves temple of the Holy Spirit, need proper maintenance to function well and best utilize our gifts. Wholesome eating, regular exercise of mind and body, and healthy rest contribute to the beneficial working of our temples. We learn that our secret spirit place, that inner sanctum where we meet with our Lord, must take precedence. It requires attention by way of consistent worship, divine feeding on His word, and surrender and service to our Lord. Where are we slacking, making excuses, and needing discipline as keepers of His temple? (1 Corinthians 6:13,19-20)

Only Jesus lasts forever. He does not change or wear away. (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8)

Lord, please help me in the practical, physical, and spiritual realms to maintain with excellence all You have entrusted to me. May my every duty by and for Your holy temple bring You glory.

“Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain… And again, she bore his brother Abel… In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?..’

“Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is Abel your brother?’ He said, ‘I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?’ And the Lord said, ‘What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.'” Genesis 4:1-6,8-10

God made man for a relationship with Himself, and lovingly pursues intimacy with him by asking questions. He sought Adam and Eve hiding in the garden and asked their whereabouts, who and what had made them ashamed. Here He draws out the motives behind Cain’s actions by giving him opportunity to look inside, discover and acknowledge his sin inclination, and confess. Scripture gives other examples of God’s gracious pursuit of His children in eliciting faith and spurring growth. (Genesis 3:8-13; 1 Kings 19:9-18; Acts 9:1-6)

The questions of our Lord show His love interest in us. He knows us well- He made us- but knows it’s vital we know ourselves in order to communicate freely with Him and bear spiritual fruit. He longs for us to be unmasked, authentic, honest. Living out His call on our lives will be a constant struggle if we don’t regularly come clean before ourselves and our Maker. (Psalm 139:1-4,13-16)

When we take up with the Lord, how goes our conversation, and what does it reveal about our openness to spiritual intimacy? Is it comprised of our asking why He’s caused certain difficulties, or not answered our requests, coupled with a stubborn unwillingness to accept His response or reasons? Are our words more explanation and demand than acknowledgement of His goodness and wisdom? Do our questions and statements expose pride, need for control, smugness in thinking we know and can do better than the Lord? Do we ever listen, and respond to Him?

What if we were to approach the all-wise God on our knees? How would that change our attitude of superiority? What if we opened ourselves up to God’s searching, to probing our intentions? How might that lead us to honest and freeing confession? (Psalm 139:23-24)

What if we were to mix it up by praying the words of Scripture instead of our own prepackaged formulations? How might this obliterate self-will and broaden our vision? What if we asked the Lord to teach us to pray and refresh our devotional time? Where would we like Him to inspire and develop holy desires? What if we took time first to praise Him for His infinite and unchanging attributes? How could that adjust our expectations of what (and how) He’ll respond?

Father, thank You for pursuing me. Please draw me ever closer to You through deep searching of my heart and making it more like Yours.

“Hezekiah did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God.., seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered.

“After these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah… [Hezekiah] set combat commanders over the people and gathered them… ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and the horde that is with him, for… with him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.’

“After this, Sennacherib sent his servants… to all the people of Judah, saying, ‘Do not let Hezekiah deceive you or mislead you,.. for no god of any nation has been able to deliver his people from my hand.’  And they shouted [against the Lord and Hezekiah] with a loud voice… to frighten and terrify them… Hezekiah prayed and cried to heaven…

“Then Hezekiah became sick, at the point of death, and he prayed to the Lord, and he answered him. But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem… God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.” 2 Chronicles 31:20-32:1,6-9,15,16,18,20,24-25,31b

There were few as wholehearted as Hezekiah, who reigned over half his life doing right before the Lord. His holy priorities, borne of deep devotion to God, compelled him to lead Judah to renewed, robust worship and generosity; his kingdom was identified by gladness and abundance. And then, as God often orchestrates, tests came. Would he remain faithful in plenty and success? (2 Chronicles 30:26-27; 31:3,5-8; 32:27-30)

When Sennacherib attacked, by armies and taunts, he did. He prepared, encouraged his people in the Lord, and prayed. When he was stricken with a fatal illness, he begged for mercy, and God granted it.

Was it this improbable healing that softened his holy resolve? Did a sense of desert admit the pest of pride? His next test was met with diminished devotion. Self had put its foot in the door of his heart, and proved its brawn stubborn and ugly. When Babylonian envoys arrived, suddenly he took credit for his riches and success, giving full display to his tainted nature. By God’s grace, his conscience was quickened and he acknowledged his pride, but not without consequences. The son born to him during this season brought great evil and shame on Judah. (2 Kings 20:12-18; 2 Chronicles 32:26; 33:9; Jeremiah 26:19)

The Lord our Maker wants our whole heart. Always. He made us for Himself, to bear His image. He doles out bounty and brings low; He apportions graces as He sees fit. Throughout our lives, He tests us to reveal what is inside: what drives us, eats at us, enhances or deteriorates our intimacy with Him. How are we testing? (Genesis 1:27-28; Daniel 2:21; Romans 12:3)

When we encounter temptations, roadblocks, or detours, do they set off anger, or greater dependence? Do sorrows and broken dreams deplete our faith, or spur love and gratitude for Jesus, and lead us to deeper lessons? When circumstances change, how do we change? (Hebrews 12:4-11; James 1:3-4)

Father, please guard and bolster my faithfulness in Your every test. May my faith come out as gold, to reflect Your glory. (Job 23:10)

“Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem to keep the Passover to the Lord, the God of Israel... And many people came together in Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month, a very great assembly… And the people of Israel who were present at Jerusalem kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with great gladness, and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing with all their might to the Lord. And Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites who showed good skill in the service of the Lord. So they ate the food of the festival for seven days, sacrificing peace offerings and giving thanks to the Lord, the God of their fathers. Then the whole assembly agreed together to keep the feast for another seven days. So they kept it for another seven days with gladness…

“And the priests consecrated themselves in great numbers. The whole assembly of Judah, and the priests and the Levites, and the whole assembly that came out of Israel, and the sojourners who came out of the land of Israel, and the sojourners who lived in Judah, rejoiced. So there was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem. Then the priests and the Levites arose and blessed the people, and their voice was heard, and their prayer came to his holy habitation in heaven.” 2 Chronicles 30:1,13,21-23,24b-27

God set into the rhythm of Israel’s year regular feasts and celebrations to remember and point to His work on their behalf. When Hezekiah instituted the Passover as part of his restoration of worship, there was great rejoicing on the part of those who’d answered his call to participate. So great, they didn’t want to stop. “So they kept it for another seven days with gladness.”

What would life be like if we drew out our sacrificial offerings of worship another seven days? If we would keep on celebrating the Lord’s goodness in salvation with glad rejoicing another seven days? If we extended another seven days the time we give to those who are lonely, who would be helped by our care or enriched by extravagant love?

How often do we apportion out our giving or surrender to God with fear-imposed limits, ‘this much and nothing more, Lord’? Where do we put strict parameters around the amount of time we’ll sing, or pray, or spend in the Scriptures, because we have other more important things to tend to or do? What would it take to jolt our hearts into keeping the feast another seven days? Another year? Another all my life?

Jesus gave His all for us. Why do we skimp on the return to Him?

“Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.” ~Isaac Watts (1707)

Lord, may I never cease rejoicing in You. May I add another seven days to wholehearted worship and living, to the praise of Your greatness and glory.

“O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens...

 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?..

O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:1,3-4,9

“Once for all I have sworn by my holiness;
    I will not lie to David.
His offspring shall endure forever,
    his throne as long as the sun before me.
Like the moon it shall be established forever,
    a faithful witness in the skies.” Psalm 89:35-37

The toddlers have it right.

Midst banter, activity, busyness, and play,

The toddlers looked up in the heart of the day,

And above all the noise would repeatedly say,

“Moon! Moon!”

Their minds are not full of every to-do,

Their lives are open to gaze at the blue,

They simply embrace what they’re taught is true:

That God made the moon.

We crowd our days and our hours with noise,

We busy with doing and collecting our toys,

And we miss profound lessons from small girls and boys:

To look up and behold the moon.

Suspended in space and bright with its glow,

No light does it own but reflects in its show,

Its glory reveals its Creator to know,

“Look up! The moon!”

Why can’t we stop talking and quiet to still,

Cease with our striving and driving and will,

And take time to wonder and savor the thrill,

Of the “Moon! Moon!”

If we would establish priorities right

We’ll learn to balance our day and our night

So we can savor the heavenly sight

Of the moon.

It is then God reminds us of whose child we are

That whether we remain close or stray far

He holds us who holds every star

And the moon.

Secure in our Father, no matter our status,

In His arms, like a child, nothing can shake us,

We are free and unfettered and able to focus

on the moon.

He who has made it and set it in space

Has also made me and assigned me a place

So that as I work daily His glory I’ll trace

Like the moon.

So teach us, dear Lord, not to be tightly wound,

With all life’s demands and the trinkets we’ve found,

Not to yield to angst and complaining with sound,

But to take time to gaze at the moon.