Author: astherainandsnow

“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. 

‘Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!’
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:5-7,10-11 

“Thus says the Lord,
he who created you,..
    he who formed you:
‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
You are precious in my eyes,
    and honored, and I love you…
Fear not, for I am with you.” Isaiah 43:1-5

In the dark and still after twilight, the first blow was distant, almost imperceptible. It came closer, in stretched out rhythm, with others, soon surrounding the dock on three water sides by lusty exhales through the glossy black surface. At least half a dozen dolphins dove and swirled, folding the water in the cove like batter in a bowl, punctuating the quiet night with marvelous breaths of life.

Isn’t this so like our Lord, moving, unexpectedly, in our darkness, gracefully stirring beneath the surface, blowing His life into our unsettling unknowns and looming unseens? We are unsure how to pray but cry out with wrangling of soul, and He reminds us of His presence, at once mysterious, invisible, and very near. His presence is His movement, His holy activity, His divine life injected into our dark conundrums. Welcome, Lord! Blow on!

There are times, moments and seasons, when all seems dark, and is heavy. Nations rage, storms unleash, parties fight. We are confronted with weighty decisions, a false accusation, a pernicious threat, financial uncertainty, complicated circumstances that appear impossible to untangle or escape, grief over death or betrayal. When we quiet ourselves, adjust our eyes to that dark and are still, we sense our Lord of hosts with us, and hear His blow. He sees all, and is active in all, though we cannot see Him. Our darkness is not dark to Him, but light with divine purpose and revelation. (Psalm 139:12)

Are we listening? Are we still enough to know, really know, that God is in our midst, that He is vibrantly God, and He will be exalted in the nations and every circumstance? Will we rest in the sure, unchangeable truth that God loves us, has redeemed us, and is with us never to part?

“When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.” ~Edward Mote (1797-1874)

My Lord, keep me standing on the solid rock that is You. Keep me attuned to hearing Your wondrous blow in my dark, and trusting that it is good, and that You will be exalted.

“The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

“For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.  He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.  For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

“Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven…”

“Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 7:23-8:1; 9:24-28

The concepts of once for all and continually converge in Jesus. The everlasting One is able to save completely, at all times, because of His unique work on the cross. And because of that one-time accomplishment, He permanently, continually intercedes as our Advocate before God’s throne. The mystery of moment and eternity is bound in this indescribable Savior, and extends to the uttermost of our salvation. (Romans 8:34)

Jesus saves us to the uttermost because we are utterly depraved and in utter need. His salvation reaches the depths of who we are without Him. He saves us to the uttermost, covering every sin past, present, and future. His death on the cross finished His atoning work, and when we are sealed with His Spirit, we are sealed forever. Jesus saves to the uttermost, because in His continual intercession for His own, His saints persevere as He keeps us. (Psalm 14:1-3; 121:5-8; John 19:30; Ephesians 1:13-14; Philippians 1:6; 1 Peter 1:3-5)

How will we apply this great truth, that Jesus saves to the uttermost, to our niggling fears and doubts, to our shame and regrets? Where is weak faith trying to crucify Jesus all over again, or claiming His grace is insufficient? How do His once-for-all and to the uttermost inform and affect the way we treat others? (Psalm 32:1-2; Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 12:9)

Oh Savior, help me live to the uttermost for You who have given and done all for me.

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I take counsel in my soul
    and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
    light up my eyes…

I have trusted in your steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
    because he has dealt bountifully with me.” Psalm 13:1-3,5-6

“With you is the fountain of life;
    in your light do we see light.” Psalm 36:9

“You are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation…

“Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8,16-18

When soul and heart are tight with turmoil, there is only one place to go, one face to seek. Our heavenly and best Friend never stops watching over us in loving affection, though sometimes our circumstances make hazy His face. Our vision can become distorted by pain, lose clarity in confusion, or be cut off by the thick fog of doubt and duty. But from the deep dark of how long? we can cry out for God to light up our eyes.

When He does, we see all things afresh. Monochromatic despair turns to vibrant hope, and amorphous events take beautiful and meaningful shape in the context of divine purpose. A heart that sees His loving hand can now rejoice and bubble over in bounteous thanksgiving.

What is true is that in Christ, we are children of light, and need not let our hearts flirt with darkness at all. The enemy would taunt our joy and tease our peace to entangle and trip us up in doubt or despair, but God has transferred us to everlasting day, and is Himself our bright morning star. In the light of His salvation and the radiance of His splendor, we see light, and everything by that light, and are raised to new heights of wonder, and hope, and gladness. (Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 22:16)

For what attitudes, or circumstances, do we need God to light up our eyes and adjust our vision? Where are we choosing shadow-living when we have been called to come out of darkness? Into what corners and recesses of our souls should we welcome His light to expose, to enlighten, to awaken growth? What evidence is there in my speech, loves, and actions, that I am a child of the day?

Lord, lift Your countenance upon me even as Your face shines toward mine. Clear my vision, color me Yours, and keep me reflecting You who are the light of my eyes, of my life, and of the world. (Numbers 6:24-27)

“O God, we have heard with our ears,
    our fathers have told us,
what deeds you performed in their days,
    in the days of old:
you with your own hand drove out the nations,
    but them you planted;
you afflicted the peoples,
    but them you set free;
for not by their own sword did they win the land,
    nor did their own arm save them,
but your right hand and your arm,
    and the light of your face,
    for you delighted in them.

You are my King, O God;
    ordain salvation for Jacob!
Through you we push down our foes;
    through your name we tread down those who rise up against us.
For not in my bow do I trust,
    nor can my sword save me.
But you have saved us from our foes
    and have put to shame those who hate us.
In God we have boasted continually,
    and we will give thanks to your name forever.” Psalm 44:1-8

Prior to the written or published word, history was perpetuated orally. When God set apart Israel as His people, He ordained that they guard, keep, and pass down His word for the coming generations. No spin, no affected editorializing, no exaggeration, rather, under divine inspiration, just a true record and communication of events and doctrine. And those made for exciting listening! The accurate recounting of history is a beautiful rendition of Sovereign God’s initiative, love, might, and mercy. It also inspires deep reverence and faith. (Romans 9:4-5; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

God’s people lived among enemies whom He drove out and afflicted, but them, His own, God saved and set free. They did not win on their own, by strength or strategy, but by the light and favor of God’s face and the power of His affection for them.

This history of God and His people is a continuum, and them He rescued are now us whom He helps and delivers. The God who performed great deeds in days of old performs them in days of new and now. He is King, He still ordains salvation; we can boast in Him and give thanks. His word enables us to turn from what He has done to what He now does, presently, for His people, and it is magnificent!

Today and all around, foes arise, and lurk: enemies of freedom and faith, individuals and temptations and movements that steal, kill, deceive, divide, and destroy. But our God rules over and is stronger than all. He equips us to trample doubt, and pressure, and despair, in faith and truth. He rescues, and preserves us in His strength and name. (John 10:10)

“Stand up, stand up for Jesus
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner,
it must not suffer loss:
from vict’ry unto vict’ry
his army he shall lead,
’til ev’ry foe is vanquished,
and Christ is Lord indeed…

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in his strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own:
put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with pray’r;
where duty calls, or danger,
be never wanting there.” ~ George Duffield (1858)

Oh my God, may I remember what You have done, and daily rely on Your present help and guidance. May my boast and strength be in You only.

“As a deer pants for flowing streams,
    so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
    for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?

My tears have been my food
    day and night,
while they say to me all the day long,
    ‘Where is your God?’
These things I remember,
    as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng
    and lead them in procession to the house of God
with glad shouts and songs of praise,
    a multitude keeping festival.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God.

My soul is cast down within me;
    therefore I remember you
from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,
    from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep
    at the roar of your waterfalls;
all your breakers and your waves
    have gone over me.
By day the Lord commands his steadfast love,
    and at night his song is with me,
    a prayer to the God of my life…

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God.” Psalm 42:1-8,11

“Send out your light and your truth;
    let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
    and to your dwelling!
Then I will go to the altar of God,
    to God my exceeding joy,
and I will praise you with the lyre,
    O God, my God.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God.” Psalm 43:3-5

Any ongoing exertion will leave us panting for air; any ongoing need, for help; any hunger, for sustenance; any thirst, for water. The psalmist’s soul churns with all of these, and is desperate, yet he knows where to go- the only place to go- to find satisfaction: his living God. He urges his torn and turmoiled soul: hope in God. He addresses taunting and tears: remember God. He prays to the God of his life, repeating what he knows to be true, and the repeating convinces and reinforces.

Flowing streams are like the living God: life-giving and dynamic, teeming with expectancy, hope, and vitality. Moving water is never static, arbitrary, boring, or meaningless. We pour out our souls in misery and inadequacy, and God pours forth so much more- torrents of mercy and love, rushing currents of compassion that encompass and enswirl and hold us in their power and care.

We are cast down in circumstance, broken relationships, and inner pain, but God is present there, deep calling to our desolate deep. His waves that overwhelm also bear us up. He replaces our crying with song. His light and truth penetrate our darkness and lead us up to His holy hill. He who is our salvation is also our joy. In the tumult, would we pray to Him in hope?

Lord, You alone quench my soul thirst, and You alone are worthy of complete trust and surrender. May all of me hope in all of You, that I will praise You, and praise You again, all my days.

“I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
    out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
    making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
    a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
    and put their trust in the Lord.

Blessed is the man who makes
    the Lord his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
    to those who go astray after a lie!
You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
    your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
    none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
    yet they are more than can be told…

I have told the glad news of deliverance
    in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips,
    as you know, O Lord.
I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
    I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
    from the great congregation…

But may all who seek you
    rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation
    say continually, ‘Great is the Lord!’
As for me, I am poor and needy,
    but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
    do not delay, O my God!” Psalm 40:1-5,9-10,16-17

“O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep!” Psalm 92:5

“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
    How vast is the sum of them!” Psalm 139:17

We read God’s words and try to understand His ways. We see His action in creation and history and the lives of men. We seek His wisdom, His will, His direction. But do we stop and think about His thoughts? What does it mean that the Lord takes thought for us, and what difference does this make?

First of all, our Lord is not capricious in His dealings with man and nature, but thoughtful. He intentionally orders and controls all that occurs in perfect sovereignty, and within the bounds of His perfect plans and knowledge. (Isaiah 14:24; 1 Corinthians 14:33)

Secondly, He thinks about us. He who made man in His image for relationship with Himself continues that relationship. He knows our thoughts and the intentions of our hearts, He considers our ways, He weeps when we weep and rejoices over us with singing. He is intimately involved in all our goings and comings and the meanderings of our souls. He loves us, and His affection set upon us means He never lets us out of His sight or mind. And He is never confused! We cry with the psalmist, how vast are His thoughts! (Genesis 1:26-27; Deuteronomy 7:7-8; Psalm 38:9; Isaiah 49:15; Zephaniah 3:17)

Since His thoughts are vast and deep, will I stretch mine of Him high and wide? His thoughts toward me are many; what can I do to multiply mine toward Him, and His? How deliberate am I to take thought of my LORD, my King, my Savior? Do I regularly recall with praise His goodness and deliverance and help? Do I tell of His blessings and favor, His intervention and advocacy? Do I consider how He has led in the past in contemplating how to go forward?

Lord, may I never cease to explore, and trust, and delight in Your every thought. Shape my thinking to be like Yours.

“They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” 1 Timothy 6:18

“[He] gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works… Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,  whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people… And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.” Titus 2:14; 3:1-8,14

“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13

We may admire those with backbone, expertise, or aplomb who speak and serve publicly on the frontline of a certain discipline or arena, but we’re all on a frontline somewhere. Our space may be more confined, our venue less glamorous, our role seemingly insignificant, but good work for the Lord is always important in His eternal scheme, and never wasted. Who are we to minimize what He’s called us to do?

Paul was a great exemplar of using his gifts of intellect, oratory, and debate, and he encouraged God’s people to be ready and zealous in their areas of gifting, too. Good works are what we were made and saved to do. They are uniquely prepared for us by our Savior and therefore vital to the health of His kingdom. They are needed in the church and in our culture to build up people and to communicate the gospel. They are an appropriate outpouring from our regeneration by the Spirit. They are a grateful response to Jesus for His perfect work in our redemption, and a sure sign of it. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

How prepared am I, how filled with holy fire, to do God’s ordained work? When weary in it, He gives strength, but have I grown weary of it, falling to sloth and self-indulgence? Will I daily seek His humbling, convicting, and correcting in my attitude, goals, and efforts? Is my aim to be ready, whatever the cost or requirement? (Isaiah 40:28-31; Matthew 25:1-10)

How readily do I listen, quell gossip, or contribute for another’s benefit? What am I doing to prepare for the good work of prayer for my leaders, my church, my community? Where in my schedule should I build margin so I can be available when urgent needs arise?

Lord, purify my daily aims, and keep me devoted and zealous in good works. May they reflect Your righteousness, mercy, and lovingkindness, and further Your fame.

“You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and place the basin.., and put water in it.  And you shall set up the court all around, and hang up the screen for the gate of the court.

“Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it may become holy.  You shall also anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and consecrate the altar, so that the altar may become most holy. You shall also anoint the basin and its stand, and consecrate it.  Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and shall wash them with water and put on Aaron the holy garments. And you shall anoint him and consecrate him, that he may serve me as priest. You shall bring his sons also and put coats on them, and anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests. And their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations.”

“This Moses did; according to all that the Lord commanded him…

“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up.., the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.” Exodus 40:6-16,34-38

Much was made of anointing with consecrating oil the articles of the tabernacle, and the priests who would serve there. God takes seriously that we take solemnly our worship of, and service for, Him. He sets apart His people as holy, and expects that we guard our reverence of Him in every endeavor.

In our casual day and age, in many places, we have given in to a measure of comfort over modesty, and self-pampering over respect for others, that dilutes a reverent propriety before a holy God. Gradually, and in some cases insidiously, our focus has turned inward- what’s in it and most pleasant for me? We subconsciously think we’re doing God a favor with our service, and quickly get defensive at any conviction or challenge to our preferred way. We jump to justify what is easier, more comfortable, or convenient, rolling our eyes at and casually dismissing God’s requirements in worship. While we are free from prescribed laws, are we nonchalant or cavalier in dismissing their intent and spirit? (Leviticus 11:44)

The Israelites were anointed to remember God was God, He was holy, and they were to be holy also. What careless conduct or flippant attitudes diminish our portrayal of God’s worth and splendor? How need I adjust my heart so holy oil runs in and on and through my behavior, language, dress, choice of entertainment, priorities in time and financial management?

Lord, consecrate me with Your Spirit so in all, I honor You as holy.

“It was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering… Since the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely… he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. Because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:10,14-18

In order for Jesus to supernaturally accomplish what He did for man, He had to put on natural flesh, and be made our perfect ransom through suffering. The Founder of our salvation is also its Finisher. Our heavenly Father became our earthly brother so He could do for us what we couldn’t do ourselves, and we are most blessed because of His gift. (Hebrews 12:2)

Because of Jesus, we are saved. Because of Jesus, we can suffer knowing it will be redeemed. Because of Jesus, we are freed from slavery to fear. Because of Jesus, we have hope in facing death. Because of Jesus, we are helped in temptation. Because of Jesus, we look forward with confidence to a day of eternal joy.

“He will swallow up on this mountain
    the covering that is cast over all peoples,
    the veil that is spread over all nations.
He will swallow up death forever;
and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,
    and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth,
    for the Lord has spoken.
It will be said on that day,
    ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.
    This is the Lord; we have waited for him;
    let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.’” Isaiah 25:7-9

It is vital to our faith that we retain a high view of God, and a grasp of the condescension He made on our behalf. Because He is God, He could, knowing no sin, become an unblemished sacrifice for sin, accomplishing perfect justice and atonement and so impart the finished work to us. The One who holds all wealth became poor, the One who reigns in highest heaven stooped to humble Himself on a cross- all for love, all for our eternal benefit. (2 Corinthians 5:21; 8:9; Philippians 2:5-8)

In response and gratitude, how can we can become like our brothers in order to reflect Christ for our brothers, and bring many to glory? What privileges or conveniences are we willing to forego, what rights lay down, in order to illumine the gospel for those who do not grasp its worth or meaning? Where would we serve, whom would we go out of our way to love, to further God’s kingdom work in our neighborhood, community, workplace? (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

“Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.” ~Henry Van Dyke (1907)

Lord, create in me Your passion, willingness, and humility to lay down my life for the sake of my brothers. (John 15:13)

“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;

To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” Titus 1:1-4

“I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.” Philemon 1:6

Paul’s salutation to Titus discloses the certainty of his identity and raison d’être. He opens the letter as a gate to reveal that he knew his God, and he knew his calling, and the aim of his letter was to open up and further that purpose for his young protege. His life goal was to live out and share the gospel for the sake of the faith of God’s children, a worthy endeavor and calling for every believer.

Sake: Purpose; motive. Advantage; good. Personal benefit or interest; welfare. What does it mean to live for the sake of the faith of God’s own? Paul knew it entailed teaching the truth so they could understand, encouraging godliness, establishing hope, exalting God for who He is, and blessing with grace and peace. He also knew that sharing a common faith engenders bold and effective sharing of our faith, so more and more know what life in Christ means and provides. He sharply rebuked, practiced tender mercy, developed the immature, and built up the weak. He spent himself for the spiritual good of others, and preached to the end that they do the same, for the sake of faith which builds up the church. (Romans 14:1; 1 Corinthians 16:13-14; Ephesians 4:12-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:11,14; Titus 1:13)

How clearly do we understand our purpose in Christ? If we struggle with an identity crisis, have we loosened our tether to the One who called us to Himself and saved us to bear lasting fruit? Are we habitually turning in on ourselves instead of to our Master? Do we tune in too often to the voices around us, the culture’s buzz and beckon, and neglect regular reading God’s word to hear His voice of truth? (John 15:16)

What do our days and activities and expenditures and conversations tell about the ‘faith-sake’ of our living? Whose benefit drives us? Are we more concerned with our own bodies than the Body of Christ? Do we make our many choices based on selfish temporal advantage, or others’ eternal welfare?

Would we open wide the gate of our hearts each day and invite the Lord in to spread His fragrance, ignite our minds, and impassion our efforts for the sake of faith? What habits, mindset, or tendencies need godly correction, restoration, or re-creation, in order that our faith, and others’, may flourish?

Lord Jesus, thank You for every good thing You are and entrust to me. May I plan and serve and work and live for the sake of the faith of Your people, and exalt You in doing so.