Author: astherainandsnow

“O God, be not far from me;
    O my God, make haste to help me!
May my accusers be put to shame and consumed;
    with scorn and disgrace may they be covered
    who seek my hurt.
But I will hope continually
    and will praise you yet more and more.
My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,
    of your deeds of salvation all the day,
    for their number is past my knowledge.
With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come;
    I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.

O God, from my youth you have taught me,
    and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
So even to old age and gray hairs,
    O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
    your power to all those to come.
Your righteousness, O God,
    reaches the high heavens.
You who have done great things,
    O God, who is like you?
You who have made me see many troubles and calamities
    will revive me again;
from the depths of the earth
    you will bring me up again.
You will increase my greatness
    and comfort me again.

I will also praise you with the harp
    for your faithfulness, O my God;
I will sing praises to you with the lyre,
    O Holy One of Israel.
My lips will shout for joy,
    when I sing praises to you;
    my soul also, which you have redeemed.
And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long.” Psalm 71:12-24a

The psalmist rises out of scorn and calamity to fix his focus on higher ground. His heart is filled to overflow with praise of the God he loves and trusts. Accusers seek his hurt, yet he sings of God’s hope. The more he is hunted and haunted, the more he recounts God’s righteous and mighty deeds. No measure of evil or troubles or calamities can outnumber God’s goodnesses, so rejoice he does! Prayer is a conversation confessing need but with full knowledge of the goodness of the One he addresses. Through every cloud of threat or impossible difficulty, he chooses to speak of God’s limitless power, revival, comfort. His is an honest heart that has chosen joy in every circumstance.

It is natural in the flesh to focus only on our difficulties, the burdens that weigh down our souls or impede our desires progress. Troubles sap strength and time and so they fill our conversation and turn to sour complaint. We may not even realize we live in a sigh, and convey woe to those we are around.

But without any turn in the situation, we can choose to praise, to give thanks for our salvation and God’s constancy. We can determine to take joy in our redemption, and the promise of ultimate redemption it affords. Will we?

When accused or in need of help, when threatened or depressed, how can we direct our pondering? Would we intentionally praise God for who He is regardless of circumstance, and voice a song of gratitude? When we fill our eyes with His magnificence, and shout HIs praise, we will find our hearts lifted and our thoughts lofty, where He dwells in glory.

God mighty and near, keep me praising, pondering, and proclaiming Your greatness all the day.

“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’  So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah. The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’

“Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked.

“’How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

 “This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading:

“’He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
    and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
    so he did not open his mouth.
In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
    Who can speak of his descendants?
    For his life was taken from the earth.’

“The eunuch asked Philip, ‘Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?’  Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

“As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?’ And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.” Acts 8:26-40

One willing servant. One instruction. One obedience. One truth. One transformed life. Jesus who reigns over the high heavens and wide earth is intricately and intimately involved exactly where we are, and calls us to be present with Him. He nudged Philip to go south at His direction. He superintended the Ethiopian’s location and what he was reading. He blessed Philip’s openness with insight, and used this willing disciple to save the unnamed eunuch. And only God knows what multiplication of faith arose from there.

We make plans for our days while the Lord unfolds His heavenly plans along our path. We set about to do our work, turn here, go there, maybe make a difference, but God often confronts us with the unexpected so He can fulfill His divine intentions. How attuned are we to recognize and embrace the privilege of taking part? Would we rise above the pressing here and now to anticipate His presence among us, to hear His instructions and follow His lead? (Proverbs 16:9)

When do I take time to understand God’s place for me today, and whom might He have me serve? Where has difficulty driven me that I didn’t expect? What new opportunities has the Lord prepared for specific ministry? What evidence have I seen that He is actively working? (Acts 8:1,4-8)

Lord, compel me with Your gospel, and teach me immediate obedience that honors Your purposes.

“The Lord said to Noah, ‘Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation. Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate, and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate, and seven pairs of the birds of the heavens also, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth. For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.’ And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him.

“Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters came upon the earth. And Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him went into the ark to escape the waters of the flood. Of clean animals, and of animals that are not clean, and of birds, and of everything that creeps on the ground, two and two, male and female, went into the ark with Noah, as God had commanded Noah. And after seven days the waters of the flood came upon the earth.

“In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened. And rain fell upon the earth forty days and forty nights. On the very same day Noah and his sons, Shem and Ham and Japheth, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons entered the ark, they and every beast, according to its kind, and all the livestock according to their kinds, and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, according to its kind, and every bird, according to its kind, every winged creature. They went into the ark with Noah, two and two of all flesh in which there was the breath of life.., male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him. And the Lord shut him in.

“The flood continued forty days on the earth.” Genesis 7:1-17a

Our Lord is on splendid display in the account of Noah and the flood. We see His perfect exactness in every instruction, timing, and attention to detail. And we see woven throughout and shining His love and compassion, the power of His holiness and justice, His measured yet lavish mercy and grace. This is a God we can trust to keep His word.

As with Noah, God graciously and exactly unfolds His plans for us. He prepares and guides with full knowledge of His plans, and reveals what we presently need and can handle. He lovingly does not tell us everything, yet step by step teaches us to obey, trusting and watching for the next thing.

The world can be chaotic, our near future frenzied and uncertain, but God is in control, with a perfect handle on time and holy purpose. Do we fret about what lies ahead, and thus hesitate to follow Him with bold faith? What if instead we trusted that He measures storms, numbers our days, knows best, and suffices? Will we praise Him for His exact, personal, and substantial care? (Job 14:5)

Lord, shut me into Your purposes with full, glad obedience.

“Give the king your justice, O God,
    and your righteousness to the royal son!
May he judge your people with righteousness,
    and your poor with justice!
Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people..!
May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
    give deliverance to the children of the needy,
    and crush the oppressor!

May they fear you while the sun endures,
    and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!
May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
    like showers that water the earth!
In his days may the righteous flourish,
    and peace abound, till the moon be no more!

May he have dominion from sea to sea,
    and from the River to the ends of the earth!..
May all kings fall down before him,
    all nations serve him!

For he delivers the needy when he calls,
    the poor and him who has no helper.
He has pity on the weak and the needy,
    and saves the lives of the needy.
From oppression and violence he redeems their life,
    and precious is their blood in his sight.

Long may he live…
May prayer be made for him continually,
    and blessings invoked for him all the day!
May there be abundance of grain in the land;
    on the tops of the mountains may it wave;
    may its fruit be like Lebanon;
and may people blossom in the cities
    like the grass of the field!
May his name endure forever,
    his fame continue as long as the sun!
May people be blessed in him,
    all nations call him blessed!

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
    who alone does wondrous things.
Blessed be his glorious name forever;
    may the whole earth be filled with his glory!
Amen and Amen!” Psalm 72:1-8,11-19

Solomon reveals his heart for God and his dependence on Him for his role as king in the prayer he writes. Prolific in wisdom and passion for God’s people, he deeply desires justice, righteousness, and compassion as he rules. For the people of his kingdom he pleads for abundance, protection, and fear of God. He accepts responsibility for their flourishing and peace, and trusts his Lord to make it so. Beginning with confident dependence, and boldly asking for success and prominence, he closes by blessing God’s name, a pattern he sought- of God remaining foremost and supreme- to undergird his reign. (Psalm 72:9-10)

While we are all called to invoke God’s blessing for those who lead us, the Lord also puts us in position to lead others in various places. Our kingdom venue may be large and widely-influential, or simply within our homes or a small contingent at work or a ministry we render. Do we, like Solomon, grasp the importance of prayer in every responsibility? Do we look to the Lord for His help and specific involvement in these situations? Is His honor, and the highest and best of the people we lead, our mission? (Psalm 75:6-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:10)

How much do we really care for those with whom we work and serve? Where God has appointed us authority, are we seeking to execute with righteousness and justice, in ways that please the Lord and exemplify His character? How committed are we to praying for those we lead, for the welfare of our communities and cities? (Psalm 122:6-7; Jeremiah 29:7)

Lord, may my life exemplify Your dominion, and my leadership Your blessedness and grace.

“In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:

“’Thus says Cyrus: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, and rebuild the house of the Lord.'”

“The people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus…

“In the reign of Ahasuerus,.. they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem… Then, when King Artaxerxes’ letter was read.., they went in haste… and by force and power made them cease. The work on the house of God… stopped until the second year of Darius.”

“Zerubbabel and Jeshua arose and began to rebuild the house of God.., and the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.

“Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai and their associates came and [said]: ‘Who gave you a decree to build… and finish this structure?..’But the eye of their God was on… the Jews, and they did not stop…”

“[Then Darius decreed]: ‘Now therefore.., keep away. Let the work on this house of God alone. Let the… Jews rebuild this house of God. Moreover,.. the cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal revenue… Whatever is needed… let that be given to them day by day without fail… May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow any[one] who shall… alter this, or destroy this house… Let it be done with all diligence…’

“The elders of the Jews built and prospered… They finished their building by decree of God and of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes.” Ezra 1:1-3; 4:4-6,23-24; 5:2-3,5; 6:6-9,12,14

Could the prospect of a rebuilt temple have been any farther from possibility? Not only had it been destroyed, but the Israelites were captive in Babylon. Once they returned to Judah they were barraged with constant opposition. Yet it was in ‘what man meant for harm’ that the Lord showed up most magnificently to mean and do for good. (Genesis 50:20)

What God intends, He will always see through. What appears impassible or impossible to us is already paved and accomplished by Him. His intent is higher and broader than ours- not just completion of an act but deepening of our faith, the furthering of His work, the display of His character and glory. (Matthew 19:26)

We make or receive an assignment, and we want it done. We disdain anyone or anything getting in the way of our goals. We might push against opposition, or fall to discouragement or despair. Would we pause to ask God’s greater purpose?

Might He be teaching us not to rely on ourselves, but Him and His ways? Might He be positioning our opposition so they can observe our response, giving witness to God’s empowering and grace? How is God ordering our circumstances, challenging or unexpected, to magnify His glory?

Lord, keep me pliant and persistent with Your plans, so You are recognized.

“Save me, O God!
    For the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in deep mire,
    where there is no foothold;
I have come into deep waters,
    and the flood sweeps over me.
I am weary with my crying out;
    my throat is parched.
My eyes grow dim
    with waiting for my God.

More… are those who hate me without cause;
mighty are those who would destroy me,
    those who attack me with lies.
What I did not steal
    must I now restore?
O God, you know my folly;
    the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you.

Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me..;
let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me…
For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach…

Zeal for your house has consumed me,
    and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting,
    it became my reproach…

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord…
    In the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.
Deliver me
    from sinking in the mire;
let me be delivered from my enemies
    and from the deep waters.
Let not the flood sweep over me,
    or the deep swallow me up,
    or the pit close its mouth over me.

Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good;
    according to your abundant mercy, turn to me…
Make haste to answer me.
Draw near to my soul, redeem me!..

You know my reproach,
    and my shame and my dishonor…
Reproaches have broken my heart,
    so that I am in despair…

I will praise the name of God with a song;
    I will magnify him with thanksgiving…
You who seek God, let your hearts revive.” Psalm 69:1-7,9-10,13-20,30,32b

Reproach: An expression of rebuke, disapproval, or disappointment; a cause or occasion of blame, shame, discredit, or disgrace.

David’s lament gives a view into his heart after God’s. Afflicted by hatred and false accusation, he humbly asks God to expose sin and folly, and not to allow others to be ashamed or dishonored because of him. He then prophetically acknowledges that his zeal for God has brought him reproach likened to that of Christ’s. In pain and despair, he cries for mercy. His prayer, tied desperately and securely to God’s love, is an anguished yet hopeful identification with the Man of Sorrows. (1 Samuel 13:14; Psalm 22:6; Isaiah 53:3-8; Acts 13:22)

There are many situations and incidences that can lead us to anguish. Since the fall, sufferings give particular opportunity for us to identify with Christ. It’s healthy to consider the reproaches we suffer and understand their source. Are they due to blatant sin? Then confess and repent. Do they result from righteous identification with Christ? Then be glad. Every reproach we endure is a chance to know the Him better and to make Him known. (Philippians 3:10-12; 1 Peter 2:20-22; 3:14-17; 4:12-14)

When we suffer for being Christ’s, how will we lift high His cross? Would we honestly pour out our hearts to Him and make sure we have no cause for shame? When will we begin to thank Him for sharing HIs reproach, and rejoice in what it is effecting in us and others? (James 1:2-4)

Lord, teach me to count it all joy to suffer the reproach You so willingly suffered for me.

“The Lord spoke to Moses,.. ‘My offering, my food for my food offerings, my pleasing aroma, you shall be careful to offer to me at its appointed time… This is the food offering that you shall offer: two male lambs a year old without blemish, day by day, as a regular offering. The one lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight; also a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a grain offering, mixed with a quarter of a hin of beaten oil. It is a regular burnt offering… for a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the Lord. Its drink offering shall be a quarter of a hin for each lamb. In the Holy Place you shall pour out a drink offering… to the Lord… Like the grain offering of the morning, and like its drink offering, you shall offer it as a food offering, with a pleasing aroma to the Lord.

“’On the Sabbath day, two male lambs a year old without blemish, and two tenths of an ephah of fine flour for a grain offering, mixed with oil, and its drink offering.., besides the regular burnt offering and its drink offering.

“’At the beginnings of your months, you shall offer a burnt offering to the Lord…'” Numbers 28:1-11

The offerings God prescribed to Moses were regular and exact, all with the end of thoughtful sacrifice that pleased Him, and pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ for their sake. Morning and evening, day in and out, special offerings on Sabbaths and monthly, the detailed requirements seem a full time endeavor. Rather than impinge on life, they established the rhythm of sacrifice in the life of His servants, directing every aspect of their time and effort to God their Lord. Beautifully designed for His people and purpose, He accommodates these rigors of daily attention with Sabbath rest. (Numbers 28:25)

In ancient society without automation of any kind, the harsh requirements of daily life simply to live, eat, and transport are hard to imagine. To spend time so regularly on repeated rituals may seem inefficient and wasteful to the modern mind. But the Lord determined to center His nation on Himself. He was sovereign, provider, and sustainer, worthy of their trust, adoration, and sacrifice. These regular habits would keep them humble and the Lord at the center.

When we think the Lord is in our mess, wanting to be an integral part of how we manage time and resources, we might resist His intrusion. Why can’t I just do what I want? What do I cling to as mine that is really His? What self-absorption fails to consider is that we were made for His glory, not our own, and possess nothing apart from His grace. (Isaiah 43:7; 1 Corinthians 4:7)

What could daily offerings of self, time, resources, relationships, our work, look like for us? How might putting the Lord first morning and evening change our daily outlook and countenance? Do we view sacrifice of self as onerous, or a delight? How can our lives exude a more pleasing aroma to Christ? How will we redirect priorities to honor God foremost? (Romans 12:1-2)

Lord, make my highest desire to spend myself for You and Your glory.

“When Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go, as at other times, to look for omens, but set his face toward the wilderness. And Balaam… saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. The Spirit of God came upon him, and he said,

“’The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,
    the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,
the oracle of him who hears the words of God,
    who sees the vision of the Almighty,
    falling down with his eyes uncovered:
How lovely are your tents, O Jacob,
    your encampments, O Israel!
Like palm groves that stretch afar,
    like gardens beside a river,
like aloes that the Lord has planted,
    like cedar trees beside the waters.
Water shall flow from his buckets,
    and his seed shall be in many waters;..
    and his kingdom shall be exalted…’

“’The oracle of Balaam..,
    the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,
of him who hears the words of God,
    and knows the knowledge of the Most High,
who sees the vision of the Almighty,
    falling down with his eyes uncovered:
I see him, but not now;
    I behold him, but not near:
a star shall come out of Jacob,
    and a scepter shall rise out of Israel…
And one from Jacob shall exercise dominion!'” Numbers 24:1-7,15-17a,19a

Balaam’s initial intent to gain materially from Balak by compromising God’s instruction was overtaken by God’s supremacy. Having been humbled by a talking donkey, Balaam could not help but speak what his opened eyes had seen. Although the king of Moab persisted in asking for personal blessing, he could not persuade the enlightened Balaam to change God’s message. (Numbers 22:4-22,27-32,36-38)

All God’s children have a responsibility to proclaim what He’s revealed in His word. Every day we have opportunity to converse with others, share insights, suggest ideas, answer questions. The world persistently issues lies disguised as truth, and works to upend devotion to Christ. The enemy relentlessly appeals to emotion, greed, and pride, trying to get us off course. It’s vital we’re regularly exposed to the Scriptures so they permeate our thinking and inform our messages if we’re to be purveyors of God’s oracles. (Genesis 18:19; Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Psalm 145:4; Romans 10:14; Galatians 6:6)

Wholehearted commitment to speak truth, no matter others’ response, sets straight our course. Would we confess our weaknesses to be cowardly or succumb to fear of rejection or peer pressure? When once we humble ourselves and acknowledge His commands and presence to cheer and guide, we can confidently speak for Him. (Numbers 25:1–3)

What has God done and given in our lives that we can tell? To whom is He prompting us to speak of His victory offered, His grace? When tempted to shy away from speaking, will we ask Him to reveal His word and vision?

“Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of your holy word.
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness,
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfil in us
All Your purposes, for Your glory.” Stuart Townsend and Keith Getty (2005)

Lord, open my eyes to see Your truth, so I speak what You speak in love like Your love.

“Jesus… said to his disciples, ‘The Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified’... Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, ‘Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.’ But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, ‘Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.’

“Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?’ And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.” Matthew 26:1-2,6-16

Matthew leaves unnamed the generous woman who lavished her love on Jesus with the fragrance of extravagant abandon. It is her act of complete selflessness he intends to convey indelibly as a worthy example. But Judas he names, and he will be associated forever with greed and betrayal of the One whom he’d followed for three years. Judas stands out in sad remembrance, while the woman hides behind her Christ. Unnamed and forever noteworthy.

Every day we perform acts large and small, significant and insignificant, some we’d rather undo or forget, others that make a positive difference. If we knew each act were recorded, and one day we’d be held accountable, what would we decide? Where might we hide? Do we behave now as though we will face a reckoning then, or think only for today, and ourselves? God knows the visible and invisible, and will remember everything we have done in the flesh. (Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:12; 22:12)

Am I bent on making a name for me, or for Jesus, that He might be acknowledged and adored? What drives my daily choices for expenditure of time, energy, resources? Would I intentionally offer our best to the Savior, and do good unto others in Jesus’s name so that He’s the One seen and praised?

“Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice,
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfil.
Living for self or in His will;

Oh let my love with fervour burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.” ~C.T.Studd (1860-1931)

Lord, help me live so you are remembered.

“Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town.  Some men brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven… Get up, take your mat and go home…’ 

“As Jesus went on from there, he saw Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he [said], and Matthew got up and followed him.

“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners ate with him and his disciples. The Pharisees… asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’

” Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick… I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’

“While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, ‘My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.’  Jesus got up and went with him…

“Just then a woman who’d been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.’

 “Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.’ And the woman was healed at that moment.

“When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, he said, ‘Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.’ They laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up… 

“As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’

“When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith let it be done to you’; and their sight was restored…

“While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke.” Matthew 9:1-2,6,9-13,18-25,27-30,32-33

Into boat, on shore, going on, dining in, getting up, turning and seeing, entering in, moving on, back indoors, heading out. Outcasts, the disabled, cheaters, rulers, the ‘unclean’ and helpless, beggars, and demon-possessed. Jesus moved with intention from place to place, person to person, available to all. There was no tidy schedule for this Savior, no social preferring, no safe distances from the infectious or reputation-tarnishers. Jesus took thought and full heart for others, all in a day’s work.

When have I taken time to bring healing, encouragement, help to a needy soul? Is my mindset shaped to plan and do only for my progress or advantage? Do I cram hours to the edges, with no margin for God’s interruptions and opportunities?

How available are we to our families, friends, service to others? How might we follow in Christ’s steps? Where will we practice generous outreach to the unclean and unlovable? What do my habits and agenda reveal about my heart’s willingness to serve God over self? (1 Peter 4:10-11)

Lord, help me daily offer You my time and self, for Your kingdom work and glory.