Author: astherainandsnow

“As a deer pants for flowing streams,
    so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
    for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food
    day and night,
while they say to me all the day long,
    ‘Where is your God?’
These things I remember,
    as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng
    and lead them in procession to the house of God
with glad shouts and songs of praise,
    a multitude keeping festival.

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

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

“Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause
    against an ungodly people,
from the deceitful and unjust man
    deliver me!
For you are the God in whom I take refuge;
    why have you rejected me?
Why do I go about mourning
    because of the oppression of the enemy?

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

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God.” Psalm 42:1-6a,7-8; 43:1-5

In deepest distress, David knew where to go. The living God was his salvation in every aspect. Every cause for painful longing for more of Him- poignant remembrance, regret, grief, spiritual oppression, blatant cruelty, unjust ungodly opposition- was an invitation to His altar of joy.

The altar where love and mercy meet sin and pain. The altar from which flows the fount of cleansing and joy. Of reconciliation. Of understanding. The altar where we can lay down our arms, regrets, and pinings. Where we offer our bodies in living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God as a spiritual act of worship. The Lord bids us come to the fount. To the flowing streams. To the once-for-all place of redemption, and find hope. The place where God redeems, restores, and rejoices over us with singing. (Ezekiel 47:1-9; Zephaniah 3:17; Romans 12:1–2; Hebrews 10:12-14; 1 Peter 3:18)

Does exceeding joy describe us? Do those in our families or at work hear us as ungrateful complainers or singers of songs in the night? Are we seen as downcast, or full of light? Where we direct our panting souls makes a difference.

When do I take time on my knees, eyes closed to the outside world, ears turned from the barrage of voices, to lay my all on God’s altar? How can I make songs of praise a regular practice? In Christ alone is fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11; 36:9)

Worthy Lord, turn my heart and voice to You to find and express songs of exceeding joy.

“He said, ‘Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.^‘ The Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me… ‘I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me… The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say, “Thus says the Lord God.” Whether they hear or refuse to hear… they will know that a prophet has been among them… Be not afraid of them, nor of their words.., nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. You shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse…

“’But… Be not rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.^‘ And when I looked, a hand was stretched out to me, and a scroll of a book was in it… It had writing on the front and back, and there were written words of lamentation and mourning and woe.

“He said,.. ‘Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.^‘ So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat. And he said to me,.. ‘Fill your stomach with it.’ Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey.

“And he said, ‘Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with my words to them.'” Ezekiel 2:1-3:4

The priest and prophet Ezekiel, exile to Babylon, had just seen a remarkable vision of a likeness of the Lord and humbly fallen on his face in worship. Interrupting his awe-filled wonder, the Lord spoke, telling him to stand and issuing a command. He was, by God’s spirit, to speak God’s word to impudent, stubborn, sinning rebels who were His nation of people. He was to obey, relaying God’s messages regardless of their disinterest or willful refusal to listen. The Lord would give words, the Lord would be Ezekiel’s Master. (Ezekiel 1:1-3,26-28)

Every call issued by God is distinct and backed by His omniscience and enabling. Since a calling is to accomplish His work, He orders it be carried out in His strength with His supply. His is the message, management, and accountability. We’re never to be fearful of remonstrance or dissuaded by resistance, rather, should aim to please the Issuer. (Romans 11:29; Philippians 1:6; 4:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Purpose is never negated in exile. In fact, it might be more pronounced. The Lord orders circumstances to fulfill His will, and wherever we are, He has kingdom work for us to do. Are we in a place foreign to familiarity and comfort? Suffering difficult health or spiritual drought? Facing a challenging economic or work status? Whatever our particular conditions, we answer to the Lord, and are to carry His life giving word.

Are there people and situations whose reaction or rejection we fear ? To whom do we look for approval? Are we serving the world or the Lord? If we listen to and answer to God, we can be certain that our treasure, security, and full provision is with Him. God’s call may carry rejection and hardship, but it will always carry His sufficiency.

Lord, keep me on my face before Your majesty, and in steady obedience to Your calling and word.

“Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
    be not envious of wrongdoers!
For they will soon fade like the grass…

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
    dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
    Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
For the evildoers shall be cut off,
    but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land…
But the meek shall inherit the land
    and delight themselves in abundant peace…

The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
    when he delights in his way;
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
    for the Lord upholds his hand.

I have been young, and now am old,
    yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
    or his children begging for bread.
He is ever lending generously,
    and his children become a blessing.” Psalm 37:1-9,11,23-26

David knew well the varied emotions of full seasons of life, and the true source and joy of delight. In the punch and swing of intense days, brothers who mocked his youth, anointing bestowed yet awaiting fulfillment, a king who turns from admiration to hatred, his Lord was steady and faithful. As he learned to delight in Him over circumstance, His ways over what the world might dictate, the delights of peace and divine favor flooded his soul.

It takes determination and consistency to delight in the Lord. Many an allure whisper our names, myriads of distractions pull us into the world and its amusements and ideas. When we choose to entertain those temptations that vie for our attention, we may find temporary pleasure, but never lasting delight. However, when we make a commitment to seek the Lord and His ways, to take genuine delight in Him, in His majesty and grace and might, our souls find deep rest and joy. He plants the desire and honors our discipline. (Isaiah 26:3; Hebrews 11:24-25)

Do we find ourselves restless, chafing under pressure, in a delight drought? Do we seek immediate achievement, satisfaction, and applause in transient things? Or do we shape our days to include significant attentiveness to the Lord and His word? How willing are we to wait on His timing and direction? What primarily motivates our plans- the desires of our heart, or delight in the Lord who designs and tempers them?

“When we walk with the Lord 
in the light of his word, 
what a glory he sheds on our way! 
While we do his good will, 
he abides with us still, 
and with all who will trust and obey. 

But we never can prove 
the delights of his love 
until all on the altar we lay; 
for the favor he shows, 
and the joy he bestows, 
are for them who will trust and obey.” ~John Sammis (1887)

Lord, may I ever delight in You, to Your glory. (Psalm 149:4; Zephaniah 3:17)

“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire…

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. It is required of stewards that they be found faithful… Each one will receive his commendation from God.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 4:1-2,5b

It was Paul’s expectation that those in the church would work for the Lord. It was imperative they understand that He laid any foundation of faith, was in charge of the grace of gifting, and issued ministry calling. From then on, it was up to them to decide how they would employ their gifts. The Lord would supply their needs and ultimately judge the effort, quality, and stewardship of their building. (Romans 12:3-8)

Where has God called us to serve? What gifts and roles as church members has He clarified? With what attitude and vigor do we go about our assignments? Have we grown careless or lazy, choosing convenience over faithfulness, preference over what’s most needed? Have we become insular, retreating to serve alongside only our favorite people? Or are we eager, with grateful abandon, to offer ourselves as joy-filled stewards in the King’s service, wherever He calls? (Isaiah 6:8; Matthew 4:18-22)

“Two little lines I heard one day,
Travelling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

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 Judgment 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.

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.

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

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say, ‘Thy will be done’;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say ‘’twas worth it all’;

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

Lord, through my days, may my gifts be utilized and my lamp burn for Your kingdom and glory.

“Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,’ and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:7-10

Paul did not want God’s people to be burdened with debt. There were certain behaviors owed because of civic duty, but those in the church were to incur no outstanding debts that would beholden them to others or hinder their ministry. To show respect and pay obligations were expected, but among their brothers and sisters in Christ no debt was to be ongoing save that to love one another. (Proverbs 22:7)

Any debt is a weight, causing compulsion to pay in a way that never ends. Jesus came to take on our greatest burden and pay it in our stead so we can be free to live and serve and love, under no condemnation. The love we owe others issues from Christ’s ongoing love to us. In the mystery of divine economy, though we owe nothing for salvation, we owe Him everything- obedience, love, joyful submission. As we understand the debt He incurred on our behalf, we will desire to repay Him, in gratitude for His priceless gift, with our all. (Mark 14:3-9; Romans 8:1)

“What gift of love could I offer to a King
What weight or worth could be held within my offering
When He alone is worthy

A glory song is inscribed upon my heart
This treasure held in an alabaster jar I break
To bring Him all the glory

What sacrifice could be equal to His own
The cross of Christ has declared that there is nought I owe
Yet I know I owe Him all.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below.” ~Chris Davenport, Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood (2019)

What worldly debts that hinder my ability to serve and love well is the Lord calling me to resolve? How can I increase my love to others by care, tenderness, compassion, generosity? What measure of gratitude to Christ will I pay forward to another, in His love, today?

“I hear the Savior say,
‘Thy strength indeed is small,
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.’

Lord, now indeed I find
Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.

For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim;
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

And when, before the throne,
I stand in Him complete,
‘Jesus died my soul to save,’
My lips shall still repeat.

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.” ~Elivina Hall (1865)

Lord, may I ever love you, and others, by Your grace and in Your fulness.

“Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous!
    Praise befits the upright…

For the word of the Lord is upright,
    and all his work is done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice;
    the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
    and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap;
    he puts the deeps in storehouses.

Let all the earth fear the Lord;
    let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
For he spoke, and it came to be;
    he commanded, and it stood firm.

The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
    he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
    the plans of his heart to all generations.”

“The Lord is faithful in all his words
    and kind in all his works…
The Lord is righteous in all his ways
    and kind in all his works.” Psalm 33:1,4-11; 145:13b,17

“The Lord has done what he purposed;
    he has carried out his word,
which he commanded long ago.” Lamentations 2:17

It is great cause for recording praise, in the psalmists’ mind, that the word of God is fulfilled in its speaking. His works are both mysterious result and tangible evidence of what He has said. All He purposes and plans with uprightness and love He accomplishes with faithfulness and power, proving Himself absolutely worthy of trust and exaltation. Kind, absolute, just are His words and works.

Daily we entertain a cacophony of words, written and audible, and confuse activity with meaningful work. How riled we can get, wringing hands over decisions, stressed about unknowns, fretting over many things over which we have no control. These do not befit the child of God!

When we pause to consider God’s order, His magnificent symmetry of design and creation, power under control, majesty in the ordinary, we sense His providence in the way of things. We can trace His hand in the progression of history, observe His constancy through generations, see His power to fulfill His promises. The more we know His word and observe His works, the clearer our insight and focused our faith.

How will we regularly align our thinking with the Lord’s? When do we delve into His word and intently seek His counsel? He alone is worthy of our allegiance, trust, and praise.

“If thou but suffer God to guide thee
and hope in him through all thy ways,
he’ll give thee strength whate’er betide thee
and bear thee through the evil days;
who trusts in God’s unchanging love
builds on the Rock that naught can move.

Only be still and wait his leisure
in cheerful hope with heart content.
to take whate’er thy Father’s pleasure
and all-discerning love hath sent;
nor doubt our inmost wants are known
to him who chose us for his own.

Sing, pray, and keep his ways unswerving,
offer your service faithfully,
and trust his word; though undeserving,
you’ll find his promise true for thee.
God never will forsake in need
the soul that trusts in him indeed.” ~Georg Neumark (1641)

Oh Lord, keep me in synch with Your word, work, and purposes, for Your glory.

“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.

You return man to dust
    and say, ‘Return, O children of man!’
For a thousand years in your sight
    are but as yesterday when it is past,
    or as a watch in the night.

You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,
    like grass that is renewed in the morning:
in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
    in the evening it fades and withers...

For all our days pass away under your wrath;
    we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
The years of our life are seventy,
    or even by reason of strength eighty;
yet their span is but toil and trouble;
    they are soon gone, and we fly away…

So teach us to number our days
    that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:1-6,9-10,12

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Grit from a flatbed truck ticked on the windshield like rain. Miles of sky stretch with otherworldly hues, miles of pavement stretch grey behind and before. The infinite God measures perfectly the drops, the distances, the destination, and man in all his planning and desire is beholden to His vast and certain purposes. Who is a God like this who condescends to commune with us and determine our lines? (Psalm 16:5-6; 89:6-8; 113:5-8; Isaiah 40:25-31)

There are days we weary of the routine and crave something different, more. There are seasons that seem an impassable, impossible slog, situations that have no set or happy ending. The human condition causes a constant tension of emotion and achievement, friction between determination and dreams, the impermanent and eternal.

Where are we too entrenched in the world? Where have we evaded wisdom and the long view for superficiality or momentary pleasure? Do we resist God’s hard and trying lessons and tire of His paths? How will we reestablish our course on His good highway, trusting His faithfulness? (Isaiah 35:8)

As the tangible present rolls toward an unseen everlasting, we need wisdom and perspective for the moments along the way. The Spirit is nigh the conflict of now and not yet. The Lord tames restlessness, instills perseverance, and divinely justifies time, place, and desire for the miles here below while fitting us for heaven.

“Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home:

Under the shadow of your throne
Your saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is your arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood
Or Earth received her frame,
From everlasting you are God,
To endless years the same.

Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the op’ning day.

Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be thou our guard while troubles last
And our eternal home.” ~Isaac Watts (1719)

Lord, keep me steady and persevering on Your highway of holiness, to Your eternal glory.

“Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
    the God of glory thunders,
    the Lord, over many waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
    the voice of the Lord is full of majesty...

In his temple all cry, ‘Glory!’

The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
    the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
May the Lord give strength to his people!
    May the Lord bless his people with peace!” Psalm 29:1-4,9-11

“After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10

Enthroned. Sovereign, bearing regal and perfect authority, in supreme control. Over the waters, over the flood. Watching, ordering volume and direction and force. Source and end. Unflappable, all powerful, the Lord sits vigilant and victorious above and upholding His own. Worship His strength and splendor!

Many are the waters in life, and varied their flow. We pant through dry spells, barely a trickle of inspiration, energy, hope. Strength diminishes, relationships dim, passion wanes. We choke in storms, overcome by rushing disappointments, hurt, regret. Fear overwhelms, perspective muddies, peace topples.

Yet there is One above the water, over the flood, whose voice is majestic and peace is sure. We must listen, look up, focus on His glory over the trouble and torrent. He fashions every drop. He displays holy purpose in the thunder. He proves His love and keeping. Do we trust Him enough to ascribe to Him worth and rest in His word?

What drought has spread its arid malaise at work, at home, in spiritual life? What thawing obstacles cause new interruptions or dread? What relentless pressing stresses, unanswered questions, relational difficulties threaten to drown us? Look to the Lord who is over the waters! Sing His might and majesty! Rejoice that He is King! Choose strength, rest secure in His peace! He rules and blesses forever!

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.” ~R. Keen (1787)

Almighty Father, in every flood, keep me trusting and praising Your strength and glory.

“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains [judge] the one who eats… It is before his own master that he stands or falls…

“One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord,.. while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord. None of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord… 

“Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God…

“Each of us will give an account of himself to God.

“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother… If your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died… Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

“Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats.”

“Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 14:1-3a,4b-8,10-13,15,20; 15:7

At first glance, Paul seems to be deciphering food and religious celebration practices with shoulds and dos and don’ts. But his real intent is to expose selfish indulgence, impure motives, and haughty judgment on weaker believers, and to redirect the church’s allegiance to a higher Master. Days and food and drink matter nothing compared to God who is worthy of honor. Their end in all things should be to build up the Body and exalt Christ. (Romans 15:1-3)

Every ‘not’ we impose, every disregard of another’s convictions, reveals whom we honor. Honor self, personal preference and fetishes, and we dishonor God, His word, and people. To mock and castigate people for following conscience or acting in ignorance is to serve my own appetites by criticizing theirs. When first priority and passion is to honor the Lord who surrendered His all for us, our choices show respect, grace, and compassion for others. (Psalm 1:1-2; Matthew 7:1-3; Romans 16:17-18)

Concerning those things we’re free in Christ to enjoy, will we extend grace to those who take issue with us, or those we dismiss because their issues are their problem? How willing are we to forego judgment, or pleasure, for their sake? Any new mindset begins with taking on God’s. Whose liberty does He care about more- mine to do as I please, or that of one struggling to discern, or enjoy his freedom? Do I care more about exercising my rights, or honoring God by surrendering them for another? All decisions must be filtered through the mercy of Calvary. (Romans 12:10)

Lord, help me honor You by welcoming and loving others well.

“I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.  For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.  They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.  To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.” Romans 9:1-5

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’—” Galatians 3:13

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-7

Paul was raised as a Jew among Jews. Educated, trained, zealous, an exemplary religious Hebrew in every way, except he did not know Christ Jesus. Once His Savior broke through, his life was bound up in Christ, the gospel his passion. He wanted to be like Jesus. He lived and breathed and was willing to suffer and die that others would know the same Redeemer who saved him. Paul desired to give his all for the sake of the One who had given His. He loved that much. (Philippians 3:3-11)

The power of a life is measured by the cost of the life willing to be given. When we see Jesus, we see LOVE spelled out in daily and ultimate sacrifice. When we recognize who we were- sinners, enemies, accursed- and that the Lord Jesus gave His life to win us unto forgiveness and eternal freedom, we begin to understand the depth and width and length of His love for us. Humbled and overcome, we can receive His love sprinkled onto our brokenness and pouring into our hearts. And that love is intended to flow to others. (Ephesians 2:1-7; 3:14-19; Colossians 1:21-22)

How honest are we about our depravity apart from Christ? Have we acknowledged that left to our flesh, we are horrific spiritual rebels, estranged from God, who follow the prince of darkness? Can we testify to being enemies made friends by Christ’s blood? If so, how will we behave with His love now in our hearts?

Are we quicker to condemn those blind to truth, strangers and enemies to the ways of God, or to feel compassion for their lost estate and pray that their eyes be opened? How will we daily fill up with Christ’s Spirit of love? To whom will we spread it today? (Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:18)

Father, in gratitude for so great my salvation, may I exhibit and extend Your love so others might be Your friend also. (Hebrews 2:1-3)