Author: astherainandsnow

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” Romans 8:1-9

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:1-2

Many ideas and passions vie for our mindsets every day, fingering our thoughts to twist and shape them in certain directions. We are bombarded from the moment we awaken with the coming day: responsibilities, opportunities, and the many choices before us of stress, fear, hopeful anticipation, dread. Once we arise, the options multiply, as demands are made on our time, our mental capacity, our energy. How do we develop and maintain a healthy mindset to handle our day to day?

Paul sets a clear regimen before us. Since we are no longer under condemnation because we are now in Christ, we can shake off the temptation to loathe ourselves, to wallow in regret, whining over shortcomings, and self-pity. We can set aside crabbiness at our inconveniences, disdain and even vitriol for those who do not see the way we do, and a sour outlook at things beyond our control. We can say no to anxiety about our many burdens and inner turmoil over what might or might not happen. That is all a flesh-mindset, for which Jesus died and rose in victory.

A mind set on Christ is free from the entanglements of this world, and sees life through the lens of a Risen Savior who has claimed victory, and a great Redeemer who is working all things together for our good. It recites with thanksgiving what is true, noble, right, pure, and lovely. It is full of hope, peace, and joy. (John 19:28-30; Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:8)

So where will I set my mind today? What difference will it make in how I see and love others, and how I go about my duties, when all is from and unto Christ?

Father, please keep my mind stayed on You, and therein find peace when all around is not peace. May my mind be Yours, and its fruit bring honor to You. (Isaiah 26:3; 1 Corinthians 2:16)

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another… This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends... Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one… I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 13:34-35; 15:12-13; 17:11,26

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God…  In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another…God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him… There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear… And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” (1 John 4:7,10-11,16,18,21)

When our lives are distinguished by the love of our Maker on us in salvation, they in turn are distinguished by that love working through us toward others. Once grounded in Him, He tosses us into the world to mirror His affection and care among our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to make much of His love to those who need Him. We are distinct in that we love as Christ does, sacrificially and selflessly, a stark contrast to the fickle, self-serving, conditional love of the world.

For those who don’t know Christ, love is a feeling that is all about me and stroking my ego. For the Christian, love has no smack of pride or self-interest, but rather, emulates the all-for-you love of Christ. He taught, conversed, healed, and suffered all on our behalf, for our sake, and when we love as He does, all is for the other’s good.

Within the Body, we have the privilege of expressing His implanted love by exercising our gifts, encouraging and serving one another, bearing each other’s burdens. Loving thus, we are distinguished by our model of Christ’s intimate, covenantal love to the onlooking world. How clear a picture do they see? And how well do we exhibit Christ’s love to those outside the body through generous serving, compassionate caring, keen listening, conciliatory engaging? (Romans 5:5; 12:6-13; Galatians 6:2-3,10)

“See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

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, distinguish my love for others so they know You are the Source. Make a difference through me so those receiving, and those watching, see and love You.

“You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night,
    you have tested me, and you will find nothing;
    I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips
    I have avoided the ways of the violent.
My steps have held fast to your paths;
    my feet have not slipped.

The Christian is distinguished by God’s love when God first sets His affection on us. He knew and named us before we were born, formed us, and called us to Himself. We have been bought with a price, washed, saved, and redeemed. We are indwelt by God’s Spirit, and are being sanctified, defended, prayed for, and kept. (Psalm 139:13-16; Matthew 27:51; Romans 8:29-39; 1 Corinthians 6:11,19-20)

We are also distinguished by love when we pray. The rent veil at Jesus’s crucifixion opened the way for us to approach Him directly, and this was accomplished by His paying our ransom, atoning for our sin. Our ability to communicate in a relationship with the Divine is made possible by His grace, forgiveness, and our High Priest mediator, Jesus. In this secret place we can trust His searching, look for His guidance, ask for His favor and protection, confide our deepest fears and longings, and secure our hope. All because of His astounding love. (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Hebrews 4:14-16)

Our very desire to believe and commune with Almighty God is a gift from Him, as are the fruits of His discipline– peace and joy, steadfastness in obedience, endurance in suffering, and determination to say no to sin and follow His ways. All these come from His bounty of measureless love. (Romans 5:1-5; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11-12)

What evidence is there in how I view myself that I am grounded in God’s love for me? Do I feel more distinguished by regrets, failures, background, or past sins than I do by God’s unmerited love? Do I struggle with insecurity because I waver between ‘deserving’ due to accomplishments, appearance, or worldly approval, and ‘never enough’ when I fall short of some self-imposed standard? Taking mind off self and grasping the Almighty’s amazing love for us in Christ is the only way to be marked forever by His nail-scarred hands, distinguished once for all as His.

Will we purpose this day to delight and rest secure in His steadfast love?

Father, keep me rooted and grounded in love, daily growing in my comprehension of just how wide and long and high and deep is Your love for me and for Your people. Distinguish me and transform me by that love’s imprint on my heart, and by Your Spirit, fill me to overflow with love for You in return. (2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 3:17-19)

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Matthew 23:23-28

The Greek root of ‘hypocrite’ means ‘actor.’ Jesus denounced the ‘show’ of pretending to be virtuous, to care about important things like the law, to speak feigning conviction, while ‘behind the mask’ taking no concern for individuals, or deeper issues of justice, integrity, or compassion. He does not stand for ticking off a list of rituals when our heart is far from them. It is a shallow life that values checkmarks more than people, appearances more than character, things of this world more than the things of God who made the world.

Consider cumin compared to faithfulness, mint compared to mercy, a shiny clean cup against cruel greed. This seems foolish, and there is no reasonable comparison, yet we choose to spend our time pontificating about things of little significance and poisoning the atmosphere by nit-picking at others, and drain resources on things that have no lasting value and make no enduring difference in others’ lives. Expending energy on trifles and petty efforts while ignoring the loftier endeavors and ideals yields little spiritual or lasting fruit, and to this, our Redeemer says, “Woe!“. (Matthew 6:19-20)

We can find plenty of examples of others we may want to call out for being disingenuous or phony or shallow, but instead of pointing the finger at them, how do we measure up? If my everyday practices are light in substance, in service to others, in eternal significance, I need to look inside and determine where I am getting my nourishment. With what do I fill my mind, and therefore develop my perspective? What are my sources for information and instruction, and do they lead me closer to God or farther away? Does how I spend my time develop wisdom in the inner heart and zeal for ministry and virtue, or habits that drain me of joy and energy for what God has for me to do? Do my companions point me in the direction of the Lord and His truth, or to lean on my own understanding and strength? (Proverbs 3:3-6; 13:20; Matthew 7:3-5; Ephesians 3:14-19)

To what practices, proclivities, or preferences in my life would Jesus say, “Woe!”? Would I name them, repent, and ask Him to do what is necessary to change my default settings and elevate my living?

Mighty God, purify me from the inside out. Remove any tendency to pettiness and avoiding what really matters. You alone are worthy of my attention, affection, allegiance, and honor.

“Joshua summoned the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh,.. ‘You have not forsaken your brothers these many days,.. but have been careful to keep the charge of the Lord your God. And now your God has given rest to your brothers… Therefore turn and go to your tents in the land where your possession lies… Only be very careful… to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways…’ So Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their tents.

“And when they came to the region of the Jordan that is in the land of Canaan, the people of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by the Jordan, of imposing size. And the people of Israel heard it said, ‘[They] have built the altar at the frontier of the land of Canaan…’ And the whole assembly gathered at Shiloh to make war against them. Then the people of Israel sent to [them] Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, with ten chiefs,.. and they said, ‘What is this breach of faith that you have committed against the God of Israel in turning away this day from following the Lord by building yourselves an altar in rebellion against the Lord… other than the altar of the Lord our God [that stands before his tabernacle]…?’ 

“Then the people of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh [answered], ‘The Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows; and let Israel itself know! If it was in rebellion or in breach of faith against the Lord, do not spare us today… [We built] an altar… to be a witness between us and you… so your children will not say to our children in time to come, ‘You have no portion in the Lord…’ When Phinehas and the chiefs… heard the words that the people spoke, it was good in their eyes. Then Phinehas and the chiefs… brought back word. And the report was good in the eyes of the people of Israel. And [they] blessed God and spoke no more of making war against them to destroy the land where the people of Reuben and the people of Gad were settled.” Joshua 22:1,3-6,10-14,16,19,21-22,26-27,30,32-33

Two and a half Israelite tribes chose to settle east of the Jordan, but had agreed to help their brother tribes take the land across the river. All went according to plan until they returned, and erected their own altar. Immediately, anger flared and accusations sparked, but Phinehas, investigating the truth behind what appeared, extinguished the seeds of a wildfire. (Numbers 32:1-22)

In the flesh, we impose our grid of right and wrong on what we see, and come to quick conclusions. We can readily observe a behavior, or snapshot of activity, and judge another’s motives as suspect. In a day of heightened sensitivities, the tendency is exacerbated; in the frenzy of retorts and sound bites, we jump to assess, choose our side, and pronounce our righteous indignation. But things are not always as they seem.

Where need I pause, relinquish emotion, and discern? What can I do to curtail quick-triggered reactions into thoughtful, self-controlled responses that resolve contention?

Lord, help me see and perceive as You do, and in every response, glorify You by displaying Your Spirit’s fruit. (Galatians 5:22-23)

“When the Philistines captured the ark of God, they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod… The hand of the Lord was heavy against the people of Ashdod, and he terrified and afflicted them… The ark of the Lord was in the country of the Philistines seven months…[then they] returned the ark of the Lord.

“From the day that the ark was lodged at Kiriath-jearim, a long time passed, some twenty years, and all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord.  And Samuel said, ‘If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.’ So the people of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and they served the Lord only.

“Then Samuel said, ‘Gather all Israel at Mizpah, and I will pray to the Lord for you.’  So they gathered… before the Lord and fasted and said, ‘We have sinned against the Lord…’  Now when the Philistines heard that the people of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the people of Israel heard of it, they were afraid. [They] said to Samuel, ‘Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that he may save us from the Philistines.’ So… Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel. But the Lord thundered with a mighty sound that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel.” 1 Samuel 5:1,6; 6:1; 7:2-10

The ark, representing God’s presence, had been seized, a deathblow of hope to Israel. After finally returning it, the Philistines attacked. Where was God in their unrest, their impossible crisis? Samuel led Israel to return to right priorities, to repent, and to pray. The enemy exists to steal, kill, and destroy, but Mighty God used their predicament to turn Israel back to Himself, and to show forth His power and mercy to deliver. (1 Samuel 4:4; John 10:10 ; Hebrews 7:25) 

In crises, we may sense the Lord has abandoned us, removed His hand of protection and favor, and wonder when He will show up again. But have we turned our backs on Him? Where do we go when the enemy viciously pursues our souls, our peace, our ‘normal’? Fear and dread compel us to cry to God alone for deliverance.

“I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

In my distress I called upon the Lord;
    to my God I cried for help.
From his temple he heard my voice,
    and my cry to him reached his ears.” Psalm 18:1-2,6

What distress grips our minds, our hours? Do we live in fear, or faith? No crisis comes except through God’s sovereign, loving hands. What meaningless props, false confidences, or wayward affections need we dismiss in order to return to Him with all our hearts?

Lord, impel me, in every desperation, to You, my Rock and Refuge.

“The Jews plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket… So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.” Acts 9:23-25,28-31

When persecution roughs up comfortable, when criticism stings, when every circumstance and authoritative edict seems to impede progress, we can either shrink from the fray, or press on with endurance. Passion and commitment for the mission goads us to stay the course when that mission is threatened.

Saul (his name was not yet changed to Paul) was tenacious about his call to preach the gospel, and his fellow disciples did their part in making that happen. They had a unified aim to proclaim Jesus as the Son of God, to issue the call to repent and believe, and to nurture the body of believers. Some would speak, some support, some work security, some organize, make travel arrangements, and help behind the scenes. All were all driven to build and build up the church, no matter the opposition, and participated in the joyful effort of seeing that done. (Acts 10:34-44)

There are many ways we can contribute beauty and strength to Christ’s church, practically and spiritually. When we meet together, our fellowship stimulates compassion, mutual edification, and doing good deeds. By honest and reasonable discussion of Scriptures we help each other understand and apply its nuggets of truth. We can give from our resources of financial means, time to serve, expertise in needed areas, and encourage the  idle and timid to join us. Even when challenged with certain limitations, we can ask God to show us ways to minister to the body, through a shared meal (even virtually), a written note, a sent prayer or blessing, a call that offers a needed listening ear, interest, sympathy, friendship. And we can pray, without ceasing. (Acts 8:26-35; 17:10-11; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5,7,14; 9:7-8; Ephesians 1:15-23; 6:18-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Hebrews 10:24-25)

Yet Satan continually plots to squash our effectiveness and destroy the church. Have I allowed his unleashed malaise creep in and settle in my heart, self-focus and fear to cloud my mindset, sloth to dampen enthusiasm? Have uncomfortable or distasteful events beyond my control soured my affection for God, and my commitment to doing all I can to build up His Body? (John 10:10)

What materials, what tools, what effort am I using to build the church, invigorate its fruitfulness, and enrich relationships with its members? What can I contribute today to counter the devil, and add to the loveliness of God’s church and the salvation it extends to a needy world?

Father, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and faith to build up Your church, encourage Your people, and rejoice together in Your grace and love. (Psalm 34:3; Acts 11:23-24)

“For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be?  As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you…’ But God has so composed the body,.. that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:14-21,24-27

Our world hypes crowds, climbing numbers of followers, more is better, but the Lord didn’t make us to hide out behind others. He knows us each by name, and does specific work through individuals. He called Abraham to be the father of the nation of Israel, Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, and Jeremiah to a strange and lonely life of prophesying. He is glorified through the particular obedience of those he calls, and often His hand is more clearly seen when fewer are in the way. (Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 3:1-10; Jeremiah 1:1-5)

When circumstances turn, and health, employment status, or life station changes, we might feel stranded, out of sorts, directionless, unneeded. Yet we were individually fashioned and are personally known by God, who is providentially using His people to accomplish His plans. Where we think a former place of influence has dried up to barrenness, or popular success has dwindled to anonymity, God may be intending to redirect our energies to do a new thing. There are times He calls us to change course, but always to do our part. (Psalm 139:13-16; Isaiah 43:18-19)

Are there areas where we have grown stale, our love for others has grown cold, or we’ve lost a keen edge of conviction? Where our vitality for ministry has languished, and our will to serve fizzled into the easy (slothful) place of letting others do the work? Whether a strong arm or a listening ear, a persuasive tongue or discerning eye, a loving countenance or skilled hand, our contribution to the Body is vital so the world can see Christ in action. He composes His bride to reflect His glory.

How eagerly do I employ my gifts to help Christ’s church thrive? If God leads in a new direction, will I trust Him to teach the new skill? What need I set aside to do my part? (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Father, may I energetically exercise my part in Your Body every day, for Your purposes and glory.

“The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
    and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
    whose voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
    which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
    and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
    and its circuit to the end of them,
    and there is nothing hidden from its heat.” Psalm 19:1-6

“Let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:24

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:31

There are days when the late western sky beckons all the attention with its array of clouds and colors painted by the parting sun, but the rest of the sky shouts, “Look at me! Me too.” Just before the sun dipped, I glanced eastward, then south, to see if there was any splendor reflected in the opposite direction. Oh my. What is it about our atmosphere and the curvature of the earth that rivals the west by spreading the grandeur of the sunset in every direction?

When we see such skies, such breathtaking displays of the Creator’s exquisite mastery, how, or in what, can we boast ourselves? Is there anything more beautiful, bigger, lovelier, better, stronger, more clever, more captivating, more inspiring, that I could have imagined or accomplished myself? Nothing compares with this jarring blaze of gorgeous at the end of a gentle day, and nothing better humbles me before the love, and creativity, and kindness, and delight of my Maker. He even added a segment of rainbow, like an artist adding one more swipe of colorful intrigue. Was it an afterthought, or foreplanned in His elegant design? I can only bow.

When I am taken up with my Lord, hidden in Him, in love with Him, and captivated by His work in this world, I cannot also be a show-off. Acknowledging that all I have and am is from Him, that He created me for His glory, guards against self-boasting. Drinking deep from His Word, and spending time contemplating His character, I will find that my brag is about Him– who He is, how He changes us and orchestrates all life and history. (Isaiah 43:7; John 3:27)

Do we spend too much time thinking about ourselves, focusing on improving, or discovering, or producing, or becoming who we are? How could our time be more spiritually fruitful and God-exalting if we meditated on our Holy God, and conformed our thinking to His as revealed in His word? What in me needs to decrease so He can increase, and glorify Himself through me to those with whom I interact? (John 3:30; Romans 12:2)

Mighty Lord, please show off through and all around me. Mold my life to be a boast of You, a melodious shout and grand applause to Your glory. May all I am and do point others to You alone.

“[Hannah said,] ‘For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.’ And he worshiped the Lord there… Then Elkanah [and Hannah] went home to Ramah. And the boy was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli the priest. 

“Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord… The sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the Lord, for the men treated the offering of the Lord with contempt. Samuel was ministering before the Lord… And his mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice… And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the Lord.

“Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting. And he said to them, ‘Why do you do such things?.. No, my sons; it is no good report that I hear the people of the Lord spreading abroad…’ But they would not listen to the voice of their father…

“Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man… And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:27-28; 2:11-12,17-19,21-26; 3:19-21

His mother had earnestly prayed for Samuel, and released him as a young boy, in faith, to the Lord’s tending. She and Elkanah had instilled in him a high view of God, and had to trust God to mold and use him as He would. Samuel endured year-long separations from his parents, and less-than-stellar examples in Eli’s sons, yet God faithfully drew him to Himself.

As a parent, it’s hard to relinquish children to less-than-optimal situations to allow them to grow. As an individual, it can be challenging to thrive in poor conditions. But when God is in charge, which He is, He brings about not just growth, but flourishing, when His people look to Him whatever their circumstances. We may be in a lonely place, or abrasive relationships, but like with Samuel, where we’ve been planted is the very place God intends us to thrive. Consistent, faithful service to Him– regardless of the atmosphere, constant attention to His voice through His word– which takes keen listening, and ready application of what we know– which requires determination and commitment, are all used by God to train us and develop in us godly wisdom and stature. (1 Samuel 3:1-10)

Would we trust God’s boldness to choose His appointed rough places, for ourselves and our loved ones, over self-protection and ease, in order to flourish as His child?

Lord, wherever You plant me, keep me before Your glorious presence. Keep me growing, and in my living, honoring You.