Author: astherainandsnow

“I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying. You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I consider the days of old, the years long ago. I said, ‘Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.’ Then my spirit made a diligent search: ‘Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time?.. Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?’ Then I said, ‘I will appeal to this,  to the years of the right hand of the Most High.’ I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people. Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock.” Psalm 78:1-2,4-15,19-20

These have been days of trouble for several loved ones, for many I do not know. Trouble does not discriminate. Deep pain with erring children, recurring cancer, torn marriages splitting families, unjust accusations that can ruin reputation and livelihood, devastation from natural disaster. The psalmist cries, and cries again, convinced that God will hear, yet weary of trouble and unable in restless sleep to find his song in the night. Feeling helpless, he pours out his beleaguered soul, then in an act of his will, appeals to his God’s character. Through all His years, He has been faithful, working wonders in might and holiness. This is the God he would choose to trust, this the One Who could lead him through the sea again, unseen, mysterious, omnipotent, his Deliverer.

What troubles assail today? What choking heartache, niggling resentment, empty alone, deep regret, practical impossibility, or oppressive fear is clenching my lungs, taking my air, weighing down with impossible burden? Cry to God! He knows every trouble, and all pain associated with them. “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” He Who is the same yesterday, today, and forever has from the beginning worked marvelous deeds for His people. Remember the miracles of old, the answers to prayer that surprised and amazed! Recount His past faithfulnesses, and trust Him again! One day, all will be well; in this we can take heart. (Isaiah 53:4-5; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Hebrews 10:23; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:24; Revelation 7:17; 21:3-4)

Trustworthy God, there is none like You! It is good to be near You, my refuge, my very present help in trouble, my peace, that I may tell of all your works and lift high Your praise. (Psalm 46:1; 73:28; John 16:33)

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—  the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” 1 John 1:1-4

John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” had loved Him deeply in their three years together, and was compelled and inspired by the Holy Spirit to write about the fellowship of love Jesus offered His people. What was real experience to him in his relationship with his Savior, involving all his senses, he would proclaim in writing for God’s people to have forever forward, awakening a divine fellowship among them that would also last forever. (John 19:26; 20:2; 21:7,20)

As in his gospel, John begins “from the beginning,” reaching to eternity past to establish the unique existence of Jesus, and his message spans eternal life from then through present proclamation to forever completed joy. Now, he could not hold in his amazing experience with Jesus, but wanted to proclaim it with all who would believe and know it also. He has an urgency because it was the greatest gift any could know. (John 1:1)

What is my daily experience with Jesus? How often do I take time to recount, and thank Him for, the ways He has revealed Himself to me, showing up in a present flood of peace, appearing in a friend or a note in the mail, or captivating me with a piece of His magnificent creation? Am I attentive enough to hear Him speak through a situation, or clearly through His word, or one of His people? When He touches me with a firm hand of correction, or inexplicable comfort, what is my reaction? How receptive am I? In what ways have I seen Him work in answer to specific prayer, in the invisible through changed attitudes or the quelling of an agitated spirit, in spite of me? Are my senses awake enough to hear, see, and touch my Savior when I meet with Him?

Once I know the sweetness of His fellowship, how can I help but share it with others? How am I shining His joy and bringing others into His fold?

“Break through my nature, mighty, heavenly love,
Clear every avenue of thought and brain,
Flood my affections, purify my will,
Let nothing but Thine own pure life remain.                                                                               Thus wholly mastered and possessed by God,
Forth from my life, spontaneous and free,
Shall flow a stream of tenderness and grace,
Loving, because God loved, eternally.”  ~Emily May Grimes  (1868-1927)

Ever present, indescribable, inexpressible Lord, thank You for the gift of loving fellowship with You. As You have made Yourself real to me, may I make You real to others, that they also may know Your deepest, everlasting joy. (2 Corinthians 9:15)

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” 2 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 12:1-3

My husband and I recently participated in a paddleboard race, and anticipating maneuvering alongside others, at least early on in a restricted area, I reminded myself that my motive was to enjoy the ride, not come in first. As we prepared to launch, I noticed the other (all younger) paddlers, wearing elaborate gear, were on “racing boards,” some even equipped with timers, and I realized they had a very different motive than I: to WIN. It was a beautiful, warm morning, and we dug hard through the sun-dappled bay rippled with breeze and edged with colorful boats and eager locals who had come to cheer us on. As we made the final turn, my husband urged me to push to the end, and although it is hard to’ sprint’ on a wide board in perky water, my tired arms kept on, the welcome staff at the beach in sight. It is exhilarating, even if exhausting, to race to the finish.

I see the Christian life not so much as a race against others as that toward the finish, perhaps the completion of one service or the closing of a season, but ultimately the day when we will be greeted by our Savior. Pushing hard for a pace can be good, stretching us to press on and work wholeheartedly, without letting up. We often expend ourselves to go farther and more efficiently with others around us heading in the same direction. In all the effort, there is joy in the journey; along the way God has many and varied treasures in store- measures of strength, delightful discoveries, newfound insights- that are ours for the receiving and enjoying if we keep our eyes open, our cadence constant. And finishing well, at any assignment or task, especially alongside someone we love, brings great satisfaction.

Whatever race before me, specific duty or lifelong pursuit, how consistent am I in fighting the good fight, keeping the faith? When I flag in zeal, faint in heart, or lose sight of the joy set before me, will I look to Jesus, the One Who has called me to this faith-life and is writing my story? He has determined the finish line and awaits with glory.

Lord, with all my breath and energy and focus, in the days and years You have given, may I run, serve, and love with perseverance, may I worship with all I have, to Your praise and glory. All crowns are Yours.

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.” 2 Peter 1:3-9,12-13,15

It would be easy, upon a superficial read of this passage, to hear Peter’s admonition as moral: ‘Be good,’ ‘Stir up your gumption and constantly make yourself better,’ ‘You can do it!’ And he does encourage action and personal effort. But a deeper dive places at the fore God’s calling and immutable, precious promises that are ours so we can partake of His divine nature, His power, His character. It is our salvation, the cleansing of our former self and birth of the new creation, that compels us to live for Him. ‘For the reason’ that you have been saved from sin, delivered from the evil one and his sway over your soul and actions, by righteous decree rescued from the corruption of the world, you are free, by God’s grace, to increase in holiness. Because of Jesus’s gospel applied, you can grow in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, love toward God and one another, and bear much fruit in spiritually productive lives.  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

So, am I reminding myself of these great truths, and is my life giving evidence to an increasing measure of God’s nature and growing virtue? Do I daily count myself dead to sin and alive in Christ to righteousness, and thank my Savior for this? Who else am I reminding? As I have influence on young people, when a loved one questions their worth, or someone falls into a besetting sin again, am I quick to help them recall these gospel truths from their Redeemer? (Romans 6:4-8,11; Galatians 2:19-20)

Lord Jesus, may I never forget what You have done for me, and live as though Your gospel is true, daily growing in Your likeness. You Who have set me free from sin are worthy of my every endeavor. May I walk step by step in Your Spirit, may my words and actions ever recall Your gracious deliverance unto excellence and godliness. (Romans 8:2-11)

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God… Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?.. We preach Christ crucified,.. Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men… We impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this… these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. No one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 1:18,20,23-25; 2:7-8,10-12,14

How interesting it is to me that as many times as I type ‘God’ on my phone, it never pops up correctly, but is always uncapitalized or some variation. Isn’t this exactly how the unbelieving world views Him? He is minimized, marginalized, one of many, an object or crutch or idol to be manipulated, or He must be attached as an appendage to my week, my wants, my will– never Lord of them, and certainly is never an integral heart-pumping-life through all that is. His coming up wrong as I type reminds me each time Who He is not to the world, and Who He is to me.

If this is the world in which I swim, what difference does it make in how I interact with others? If we seem as foreigners to each other in the spiritual realm, how can I connect with them in the here and now? This passage says, I can speak and live the language of the gospel, and trust the Spirit to translate its truth. As I love with Christ’s love, model the way of selflessness, and exemplify His grace that for the natural man is unnatural, some will by God’s Spirit be softened, regenerated, and able to understand. Others, blind to spiritual discernment and convoluted in their valuation of strength and wisdom, will be unable to see anything but folly. It is true that the same fragrance is received differently by those who take it in, just as truth is welcomed as wisdom or rejected as foolishness based on the heart of the hearer. No matter what, I am to be unwavering in my message, capitalizing and proclaiming God as Very God, the gospel my impetus, power, and glory. (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)

LORD God, You are very great! Cause every aspect of my life to preach Your secret wisdom, and capitalize Your Mighty Name, for the endurance of Your glory. (Psalm 104:1,31)

“The LORD said to Moses, ‘Go up into this mountain of Abarim and see the land that I have given to the people of Israel. When you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was, because you rebelled against my word in the wilderness of Zin when the congregation quarreled, failing to uphold me as holy at the waters before their eyes.’ Moses spoke to the LORD, saying, ‘Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation  who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be as sheep that have no shepherd.’ So the LORD said to Moses, ‘Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. Make him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and you shall commission him in their sight. You shall invest him with some of your authority, that all the congregation of the people of Israel may obey… At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he and all the people of Israel with him, the whole congregation.’ And Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He took Joshua and made him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and he laid his hands on him and commissioned him as the LORD directed through Moses.” Numbers 27:12-23

Moses is a stellar example for all who would step aside for another to take up the helm. In his case, he would not personally have chosen this, having faithfully led the Israelites through the wilderness, putting up with incessant grumbling and hardship, only to be denied permission to actually enter the promised land; we can only imagine his deep regret at his impulsive anger, and sadness for what would never be. But he accepted God’s harsh punishment and was concerned that God’s plan continue, whether he led or not. He exalts God and His marvelous Lordship, appeals to His wisdom, tends to the welfare of his sheep and the seeing through of God’s good plans. When Joshua is identified as his successor, Moses immediately obeyed. There was no delay or dishonor with this command; he was wholly His. (1 Peter 5:2-4)

Do I get fixed on the now instead of focusing on the future, limiting my vision with present plans over preparing for perpetuity? Do I care about credit and a glory crown for what I have done more than advancing God’s greater cause? Am I ever tempted to dig in my heels and say it must be this way and my way, or am I willing to step aside when He indicates, to yield to, even embrace, God’s new and different way? What do my prayers reveal about my attitude and will?

God of all, guard me from any bitterness or resistance when You change my plans. Keep me so entwined in You that Your purposes and glory, and the good of Your people, are my end.

“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.” Amen. 1 Peter 4:7-11

We never know what a day will hold, nor when our end will come. Peter had seen his Lord be crucified, and his fellow apostle, James, was martyred, with Herod’s intent that he, Peter, would be next. He had a clear understanding that the times were tough and time was limited, and therefore, it was imperative to stick to right priorities. Stay alert, and be about loving one another, and keep being about it. There would be suffering– his whole letter testified to that– and there would be sin, but it was vital that the church keep loving one another to the extent that sin would be covered, needs would be met, the church would be uplifted, and God would be glorified. (Acts 12:1-4)

Do I love in such measure? How often do I let the stresses and weights of the days lure me to get bogged down in the temporal, and away from looking to the big picture and God’s overall purpose in things? What precludes my self-control and thinking soberly? What criticisms and excuses do I allow to stand in the way of my genuinely, generously loving my fellow believers? Am I willing to let love be bigger than petty sins against me, and bigger than my comparing others’ sin against mine? Can I see Jesus so clearly and love so largely that I do not see sin at all? It’s hard to stay angry with or bitter against someone you are praying for and actively loving. Do I find myself grumbling at interruptions and efforts demanded of me, or happy to oblige, welcoming God-ordained opportunities to extend attentiveness, refreshment, grace, time, kindness to others? Do I hoard my gifts for selfish use, or offer them with abandon, saying ‘here am I, send me’? (Isaiah 6:8; Romans 12:6-8)

And inspiring every duty, every act of love, am I seeking God’s glory above all? He is the one Who calls, supplies, rules, and gives purpose to everything, and He as the Source should be the End. (Acts 17:24-28; Philippians 4:19,20; Colossians 3:17)

“Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.                                                                                                     Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.”  ~Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)

Amen.

“And the people of Israel came into the wilderness of Zin… And Miriam died there and was buried. Now there was no water for the congregation. And they assembled themselves together against Moses… and quarreled and said, ‘Would that we had perished when our brothers perished before the Lord! Why have you brought [us] into this wilderness, to this evil place, that we should die here?..’ The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Take the staff, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water.’ Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, ‘Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?’ And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly… And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them’… And Edom came out against them with a large army and with a strong force [and] refused to give Israel passage… And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron at Mount Hor, ‘Let Aaron be gathered to his people, for he shall not enter the land, because you rebelled against my command at the waters of Meribah…’ And Aaron died there on the top of the mountain.” Numbers 20:1-5,7-8,10-12,20-21,23-24,28

Being a leader is lonely and difficult enough, but to trek through arid wilderness, and have to deal with incessant grumbling, opposition, criticism from those you lead, increases the stress. Add on grief at losing first one sibling, then the other, who, though not always supportive, had been at your side. Plus the take-my-breath-away punishment from your best friend, God, — not to enter the promised land, your life’s purpose and calling–  for momentary unbridled anger that exalted self over Him, and that you would forever regret. Then mean, unreasonable suspicion and rejection by relatives to pass through their land. Could there be any more sorrow for Moses? Surely he was choking at this point, yet he did not give up, did not get caught up in blame and complain. He knew enough to look up at the One Who had called him and was good and just and would not fail. He continued to obey, to plod along, to do the next thing God commanded. His God was enough, it was well with his soul.

“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.”  ~Horatio Spafford (1873)

When circumstances turn sour or destructive and overwhelm, when I am accosted by threats or false accusations, or buffeted by loss of loved ones or relationships or dreams, how do I respond? In sorrow upon sorrow, and inexplicable hardship, God is worth my follow and praise.

Good Father, my Fortress, whatever comes, may I sing of Your strength and steadfast love. May I praise You, my Refuge, in all distress. Thank You for making all well with my soul. (Psalm 59:16-17; Romans 5:1)

“In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the LORD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!’  And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.'” Isaiah 6:1-4

Uzziah had been monarch for over half a century, seeking God and leading Judah to follow Him, reigning with great success and military acumen, earning wide fame for his strength, prosperity, and order… until he became proud. The revered and beloved king grew pompous, and after his blatant elevation of self and unfaithfulness to God, he was stricken with leprosy and banished from the house of the Lord. A half-century reign is something few peoples can even imagine, and the spiritual slide of their king, along with the ensuing time of disappointment, unease, and uncertainty, was sure to have left all Judah shaken. It was then that Isaiah saw the LORD, highly exalted. Their leader might have puffed to the point of making himself like God, but God would bring him low and show Himself the true Holy One to His servant, Isaiah. (2 Chronicles 26)

God reveals Himself as King of kings amidst the turmoil of life, and we, like Isaiah, can turn our eyes upward to His unshakeable throne and worship Him there. When a loved one or widely known respected leader falls; when all you have ever known is shaken, or gone away, look to the LORD. When hopes are dashed, or the unexpected call comes; when sin’s consequences are unyielding and irretrievable; when pain is so deep it takes your breath away, gaze at the LORD. When loss leaves emptiness, storms devastation, tragedies ruin, behold the LORD. When finances go south, or are depleted, when failure comes–again, when you meet rejection of efforts, desire, or love, look at the LORD. When all is confusing, disordered, doesn’t make sense; when a relationship is stuck, and no resolution or communication seems possible, look for the Lord. Do I believe He is high and lifted up above all these formidable trials, hurts, challenges, disappointments? Can my heart that is breaking and stretched unlike ever before cry with the seraphs, “Holy! Holy! Holy!”?

What a blessed, powerful reminder God gave Isaiah: He was the immutable Ruler, He alone holy. No human can ever fill that place, nor should he, and God’s glory and government overrides and covers all events we see with limited perspective on this earth.

“All great saints have a great God. He fills their universe. Therefore do they move about in a fruitful awe, and everywhere there is only a thin veil between them and His appearing. Everywhere they discern His holy presence.” ~ John Henry Jowett (1864-1923)

God of gods, may I ever contemplate Your good providence and holy ways, looking up above the transient to see You high and lifted up, glorious in splendor, holy, holy, holy.

“For the Lord spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: ‘Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling.’ I will wait for the Lord,.. and I will hope in him. And when they say to you, ‘Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,’ should not a people inquire of their God?.. To the teaching and to the testimony!” Isaiah 8:11-14,17,19-20

God spoke to His prophet Isaiah with firmness and clarity: Be different from the people around you. Do not behave as they do, do not fret and complain as they do, do not be fearful as they are, due to low, horizontal thinking– a limited view of God’s higher purpose and the inability to untangle themselves from hypotheticals and preoccupation with temporal unknowns. God said look up as you fall down. Honor Me not yourself, exalt Me not your fears, contemplate My might not what might be, listen to My truth not others’ speculations. And know this, that your living this way will not be popular and might even be labeled as weird or rejected as repulsive. Because it is different, it will be maligned, misunderstood; it will trip up people in confusion or offense, wonderment or resistance, but I will be your sanctuary, your perfect peace, your high ground. (1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16; Ephesians 4:24; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 3:1-2,9-10)

A life hid with Christ is a life that is different from the world. Thinking, habits, vocabulary, social mores, motivations are different for us, or at least they should be. How distinctive am I? When I hear agitation over statements by “the other side,” snippy criticisms, haughty judgments, vicious suspicion, or wide-sweeping blame, how bravely do I inject calm, reason, a higher perspective? When others hand-wring in worry over the weather and political bickering and health and economic what-ifs, how can I lovingly show trust in God’s goodness, order, and faithfulness? When all around me is a constant chirp of “enlightened” opinion and sound-bites, and an incessant mutter of the latest scholar’s pontificating or elite star’s expertise, do I fly to the word and my God, do I take time in His sanctuary, will I offer His cup of the water of life? (John 7:38; Revelation 21:6)

Isaiah was bold to speak for God in a time when Israel was declining because he knew his God and was assured of His call, not the peoples’ receptivity. What he heard from God he spoke, where God led, we went, when God’s strong hand was on him, he went forth in divine gumption. When the Holy Spirit resides in us, He imparts the desire, the will, the strength to do the same; He clothes us with power from on high to be different, wholly His. (Isaiah 6:8-12; Luke 24:49)

Lord, take over my thinking and all my doing, that being grounded in You, I walk only in Your way.