Author: astherainandsnow

“As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ Those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice… I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

“And Ananias, a devout man.., well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, came to me, and standing by me said ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight… The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’” Acts 22:6-16

When God called Paul out of his zealous stupor, He told him only his next step. His transformation of Paul’s heart and life direction began with Paul’s response in a step single step of blind faith. Once he would rise and go to Damascus, Ananias would reveal the next step. He announced God’s calling for him, with no specifics except that he would know His will and hear His voice and testify to what he had seen and heard. Paul did not at this time know the tremendous persecution and suffering he would endure. He did not know the names of those who would believe in Jesus and turn the world upside down. But he responded in desire to know and obey this Lord who called him, and learned to call on His name. (Acts 9:1-9,15-16; 17:6; 22:22-25; 2 Corinthians 11:24-28).

Our Lord promises to lead us as we trust Him, and there are times when He has a new path for us altogether. He knows the direction, the difficulties, the destination. He knows the facets of our character He intends to refine, and those of His He will magnify. He has His reasonings and His ends, and will supply for us along the way and achieve His every purpose. (Genesis 12:1-3; Psalm 32:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

When the unknown of a diagnosis, a job change, a life pause, or emotional rut cause anxiety, when confusion clouds our plans or the future looks bleak, would we trust Him with our next step? His word is true, His plans are good, His presence is guaranteed. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

“When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow,
for I will be with you, your troubles to bless,
and sanctify to you the deepest distress.

When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be your supply.
The flames shall not hurt you. I only design
your dross to consume, and your gold to refine.” ~George Keith (1787)

Author and Perfecter of my life and faith, may I walk step by step with, and for, You. (Hebrews 12:2)

“Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God.  And Abraham sojourned many days in the land of the Philistines.” Genesis 21:33-34

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
    or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Psalm 90:1-2

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

“Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
    his understanding is unsearchable.” 40:28

For Abraham, a new father to his promised heir Isaac at 100, and still exploring his new land, a treaty, conflict, and resolution with Abimelech punctuated the long unknown before him. Planting a tree to mark the juncture, at that point in the temporal, he called on his Eternal, acknowledging His providence and in trust for the way forward.

Everlasting is other worldly. Everlasting seems inconsistent with clocks, calendars, and schedules. It is an oxymoron with tenures and life spans and run rates. But everlasting is our God, El Olam, and His eternal existence makes a lasting difference in ours.

From everlasting to everlasting, God is. From everlasting to everlasting, He knows all that has taken place, is occurring, and will transpire. From everlasting past He knew us by name and the number of our days, is now intimately acquainted with all our ways, and will be our heavenly Ruler forever. From everlasting, He has planned what He is now and into the future accomplishing. He is, He knows, He does, He will keep on. (Psalm 139:1-6,13-17; Isaiah 46:9-11; Revelation 21:3-7,22-25)

So if tempted to fret or fear, would we not instead trust our Everlasting God? When we are confused, or weary with suffering or longing or waiting, would we cling to our Everlasting Father? At times when we see no fruit, no finish, will we count on the Everlasting King to complete His work at last? When we hurt at the scrape and sting of discipline, will we hope in the certain prospect of glory? (Deuteronomy 33:27; 2 Corinthians 3:18;4:17; Hebrews 12:10-11)

What difference could it make if we began each day worshiping and savoring our Everlasting God? How might our attitudes, our perspective, our speech, our industry, the way we plan our time and treat other people, be transformed when imprinted with everlasting?

“Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; 
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will; 
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep; 
Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life; 
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” ~C.T.Studd (1860-1931)

Father, please infiltrate and mark my everything by Your everlasting. Give me an eternal perspective that sees and endeavors in all Your unstoppable, forever glory. May I live in hope of eternity, when I will sing Your everlasting praise!

“The Lord said, ‘Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him… Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me…’

“Abraham still stood before the Lord. Then Abraham drew near and said, ‘Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked!.. Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?’ And the Lord said, ‘If I find at Sodom fifty righteous, I will spare the whole place for their sake.’

“Abraham answered and said, ‘Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?’ And he said, ‘I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.’ Again he spoke to him and said, ‘Suppose forty are found there.’ He answered, ‘For the sake of forty I will not do it.’ Then he said, ‘Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Suppose thirty are found there.’ He answered, ‘I will not do it, if I find thirty there.’ He said, ‘Suppose twenty are found there.’ He answered, ‘For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.’ Then he said, ‘Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.’ He answered, ‘For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.’ And the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.” Genesis 18:17-33

God had special plans for Abraham, and decided to confide in him about His judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah to put on full display His holy character and ways. Abraham drew near, and with each give and take, their conversation taught Abraham a little more about God’s holiness, long-suffering, mercy, patience, and love for this father of the nation of Israel. Familiarity and intimacy unfold and flower with each new request, each gentle answer.

God ordains heart-rending situations to take us deeper with Him. He knows the plans He has for us, and what will be required in days and years to come. He knows what we need to learn about Him, about choices and consequences, tough love, and persevering in prayer until He is finished speaking. He invites us to approach His throne in conversation and need, and converses with us, His friends. (Jeremiah 29:11; John 15:15; Hebrews 4:16)

In life’s conundrums, do we shrink back helplessly, cower in panic, or draw near to God in confidence? What has He revealed that beckons us closer in trust?

Lord, may Your sharing confidences with me help me grow more confident in Your goodness, mercy, and love.

“Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said to Abram, ‘The Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.’ And Abram listened to Sarai. So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. And Sarai said to Abram, ‘May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me!’ But Abram said to Sarai, ‘Behold, your servant is in your power; do to her as you please.’ Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her.

“The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness… ‘Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?’ She said, ‘I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai.’ The angel of the Lord said, ‘Return to your mistress and submit to her..,

‘Behold, you are pregnant
    and shall bear a son.
You shall call his name Ishmael,
    because the Lord has listened to your affliction…’

“So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, ‘You are a God of seeing,’ for she said, ‘Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.’” Genesis 16:1-11,13

What a mess. Impatience, pride, finagling, infidelity, jealousy, cruelty, blaming, misunderstanding, mistreatment, fear. Enter God. The God who sees it all sees after those in the fray. He watches every bit of the ugliness, and loves, pursues, redeems. This One whose eyes go to and fro in the earth searching out His own, and who sets His eye upon His children for good, is the omniscient and compassionate El Roi. He is the all-seeing Father with eyes fixed on His beloved children who have strayed, to see them home. (2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 33:18; Luke 15:20; 1 Peter 3:12)

It would grieve God to watch His chosen first couple of Israel risk their promised progeny. He would wince at their foolish planning and sexual misconduct, and the horrendous fallout afterwards. He sees our every grief and sin and sorrow, but He does not turn His back. He goes after the hurting, the wrong, and the wronged, and beckons us return.

This God who sees after us does not want us turning our backs on brokenness, but facing it with faith, and with the balm of Christ, seeing after repentance, healing, comfort, resolution, and redemption. Our Lord looks on our pain, our angst, our difficulties, and sees us through for our good and His glory. Will we look to Him and trust His care?

What ugliness has reared its ugly head in my spirit, my habits, my default reactions? Do I see clearly how rudely or selfishly I treat others, how casually or flippantly I treat my King? Once recognized, would I see after coming to the cross for cleansing?

Lord, help me see myself and others as You see, and like You, faithfully see after all You ask, for Your honor.

“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.