Author: astherainandsnow

When I was young, my great Uncle Ted had painted the ceiling of their Northwoods summer cottage deep blue, with glow-in-the-dark stars, exactly as the constellations, that shone on it at night. We children, including cousins and friends, would clamor over there for Aunt Nan’s tunnel-of-fudge cake and a lesson on the greatness of God as he read from Psalm 19 and Psalm 8. “The heavens declare your glory, and the skies proclaim the works of your hand.” “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” If we weren’t at their home, we were often lying on blankets out in the meadow watching the sky, brilliant with the swath of the Milky Way, punctuated every few minutes by shooting stars. There is nothing like night-sky-gazing to illuminate God’s power. 

“To whom will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created all these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power, not one of them is missing.” “Can you bind the Pleides or loose the cords of Orion? Can you lead the Mazzaroth in their season, or can you guide the Bear with its children?” “In him all things were created. In him all things hold together.” Isaiah 40:25-26; Job 38:31; Colossians 1:16,17

This God, Who determined the number of the stars and gave to all of them their names, know our names, and cares for us. He Who has held these constellations in place since setting them there, meets us in our weakness. He graciously humbles us by His majesty, and then upholds us, sustaining His people with His strong arm, His mighty hand, His abiding power. (Psalm 147:4)

Isaiah 40 finishes the passage on the stars with, “The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall be faint and weary, and young men shall fall exhausted, but they who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

You, Lord Jesus Christ, know our fainting hearts, our weary faith, our waning strength, and You will sustain us to the end. May I daily wait on You and walk in your power, for Your glory. (1 Corinthians 1:8)

“You shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall write them on your doorposts and on your gates. Be careful to do all this commandment that I command you to do, loving the LORD your God, walking in all his ways, and holding fast to him.” Deuteronomy 11:18-20,22

I watched a rather plain sky this morning, carbon turning milky, with a few charcoal flecks. The longer I gazed, the more splendor shone. As the sun climbed its way toward the horizon, it painted the splotches deep pink, and what had seemed uninteresting was now captivating, causing my spirit to soar, my bland heart suddenly lost in wonder, love and praise.

Looking into God’s word offers a similar experience: spending time there turns reading words into understanding meaning, beholding the revealing. The light of living truth blazes in to flood the inner recesses of the heart, to inform all aspects of the mind, to penetrate our worst hidden proclivities. “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

We have easy access at all times to man’s word: “breaking news” that someone else has decided is urgent, pop-up ads with suggestions for my purchase or listening pleasure, teasers for more and varied versions of what is supposed to interest me, a constant clamor of opinion and chatter and did-you-hear?s and this-is-how-you-should-eat/raise your children/invest/look-and-feel younger/protect yourself/help society/vote. Making time in God’s word takes more effort, but enables us to assimilate all other input through the filter of God’s truth. In His light, we see light. There is no greater gift to give our children than laying up His word in their souls. (Psalm 36:4)

“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 fulfill in us all Your purposes for Your glory.

Teach us, Lord, full obedience, holy reverence, true humility;                                                    Test our thoughts and our attitudes in the radiance of Your purity.                                    Cause our faith to rise and our eyes to see Your majestic love and authority,                     Words of power that can never fail, let their truth prevail over unbelief.

Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds, help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us;     Truths unchanged from the dawn of time that will echo down through eternity;                And by grace we’ll stand on Your promises, and by faith we’ll walk as You walk with us;    Speak, O Lord, till Your church is built and the earth is filled with Your glory.”                           –Keith Getty, Stuart Townsend 

Amen.

Having lost both parents, I have dealt with inheritances–meaningful, helpful, even useful  gifts left behind from one who has passed away. The Bible addresses them in the case of the Levites, and challenges where our true treasure lies.

“At that time, the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD to stand before the LORD to minister to him and to bless his name. Therefore, Levi has no portion or inheritance with his brothers. The LORD is his inheritance.” “In [Jesus] we have gained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will , so that we might be to the praise of his glory.” Deuteronomy 10:8-9; Ephesians 1:11-12

What does it mean that the LORD Himself is my inheritance? It means that He is of inestimable value, He is lasting while all else fades away, His presence is gloriously sufficient and always brings to remembrance His good nature and ways.

What does this mean for my day-to-day? Knowing that my inheritance in Him is imperishable, undefiled, unfading, my earthly perspective on work, effort, accumulation, even perceived security comes into focus. Whatever I do, whether in word or deed, I am to do in the name of the Lord Jesus, working heartily as for him and not for man, knowing that from the LORD I will receive the inheritance. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (1 Peter 1:4; Colossians 3:17,23-24; Matthew 6:19-21)

Lord, set my heart on You, my very great reward. Enlighten the eyes of my heart to know the riches of my glorious inheritance in the saints, that I might hold loosely the things of this world. You are enough, my dearest Treasure. (Genesis 15:1; Ephesians 1:18)

“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,                                                                               Thou mine inheritance, now and always.                                                                                    Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,                                                                                        High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.”                                                                                  –Irish hymn, 8th century

I have just come through a six-week season where, over the last nine years, I have lost both parents, a brother-in-law, a close friend in ministry, a father-in-law, and a grandson. I have cleared out, packed, and moved 5 homes, three representing over 80 years of life and family. Poignant memories abound around these dates, which happened to coincide with a very dry season at home. Plants languish without rain, as does the heart without hope. But the faithful, great and awesome God in our midst promises renewal! (Deuteronomy 7:21)

“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus. It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God. Waters break forth from the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water. And the ransomed of the LORD shall come with singing; everlasting joy shall be on their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35:1-2,6 -7,10

My father used to awaken us each Sunday morning with a cheery, “Rise and shine!” and I know my heavenly Father bids me the same. Indeed, “Weeping may tarry for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

Father, thank You for death that brings resurrection, grief that brings comfort, brokenness that brings healing. Thank You for seasons of drought that make all the more glorious Your gifts of water and life. You alone slake the parched tongue. Whatever the heartache, Lord on high, may I arise, shine, for Your light has come! (Isaiah 60:1)

“And when the LORD your God brings you into the land–with great and good cities that you did not build, and houses full of all good things that you did not fill, and cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant– and when you eat and are full, then take care lest you forget the LORD.” “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘my power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” Deuteronomy 6:10-13; 8:16-17

How easy it is to expend ourselves and our resources on earning, attaining, building, pursuing, collecting, saving, and forget that without the Lord, our efforts are in vain. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing. Kings and kingdoms, civilizations and our earthly riches, will one day pass away; only what is done for Christ shall last. We have no profit if we gain the whole world but lose our souls. (John 15:5; Mark 8:36)

When David brought from his great wealth to contribute to the construction of God’s temple, he rejoiced greatly at what he and all the people had been able to contribute, due to God’s generosity to them. He blessed the LORD in the assembly: “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, and praise your glorious name.” (1 Chronicles 29: 9-13)

O Lord, may I take care not to forget You are my treasure and very great reward. May I, rich in this present age, ever set my hope on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. (Genesis 15:1; 1 Timothy 6:17)

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”      James 1:17

“A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.” John 3:27

The gifts of creamy pink camellias, vermillion poinciana canopy branches in full bloom, variegated greens of grass and ground cover, a bee sucking nectar from a purple flower, earth tones of stone, sand and dirt, regal aspen trees, water lilies, electric brights of tropical fish, a giraffe’s patterned long neck and a cheetah’s spots; the gifts of savoring combined flavors and textures of nuts and blueberries and feta cheese on a crunchy salad, and smooth dark chocolate on the tongue; the gifts of rhythmic ocean waves, a cardinal’s chirp, a cicada and tree frog symphony, a child’s familiar cry, a Bach concerto, a parent’s “I love you,” a lullaby; for all these, I thank Thee.

The gifts of sensing which way the wind is blowing, of soul-peace, or ominous danger; of a heart that aches in grief, swells with love, yearns for holiness, leaps at the sight of dolphins; of anticipating a reunion with old friends, deep all-face-and-twinkly-eyed smiles, uncontrollable laughter, hugs that communicate forever-love, sorrow upon parting, and missing another during absence; of smooth wood, Dusty Miller leaves, the firm ground, feet in powdered-sugar sand, a held hand, a tender kiss; for all these, I thank Thee.

“When all Thy mercies, O my God,                                                                                                  My rising soul surveys,                                                                                                          Transported with the view, I’m lost                                                                                                     In wonder, love, and praise.”                                                                                                                —Joseph Addison (1672-1719)

Keep me ever thankful, Giver of all that is good.

I love the hymns of Revelation. Chapter five lifts my soul this morning: ” ‘Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.’ I heard living creatures and elders and the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying in a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!’ And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea and all that is in them, saying, ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!'”

How can I but lift my hands in adoration at this vision of heaven, of people from every corner of the earth, creatures from every habitat praising the Lamb at the center?  He is worthy of laud and praise! None of this worship is man- or creature-focused, none begins with “I” or “we.” True worship begins and ends with You, the only worthy One.

Lord, may You increase and I decrease, that I may offer You the glory due Your name. Captivate me, my attention and all my affection, to worship You in the splendor of Your holiness. You of infinite worth alone are worthy.

After being sold by his brothers to a band of Ishmaelite traders, and by them to be Potiphar’s slave in Egypt, Genesis 39 tells us Joseph was blessed by the Lord. “His master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. The blessing of the LORD was on all that he had, in house and field.” As a hired attendant in a foreign land, Joseph clung to his Lord, Who abided with him.

Then things got worse. He was wrongly accused of seducing Potiphar’s wife, and put in prison, “but the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”

No matter a hard place, an abandonment of affection or companionship, a difficult work, pain caused by misunderstanding, a grim prognosis, confusion in chaos, the LORD is present and His love will not leave. He brings deep blessing and favor amidst the pain of circumstances, simply because He is with us.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35,37-39

Wherever I am, Lord, You are there also. May I trust, even thrive, in the truth that You are good, your steadfast love endures forever, your faithfulness to all generations. May I keep your steadfast love before my eyes and walk in your faithfulness. (Psalm 100:5; 26:3)

An octogenarian friend who has had great influence on my husband and me, and hundreds of others, in and since college, has cancer. He has been widowed over 20 years, and spends every day sharing the love and truth of Jesus. We hurt because he hurts.

I received this message as we await news on his chemotherapy regimen. “This morning Daryl asked me to join him for a Bible study at his church. It was a special time as I saw his church family here [California] encourage and pray for him and each other as they studied God’s word together. What a privilege it is to be bound to so many circles of believers through his ministry among us!” How wondrous is the Body of Christ! Across the country, and world, we are united in the Body by the Spirit, in prayer and concern for our beloved brother.

And in our own cities and communities, we gather together as did the early church, “devoted to teaching and fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer. All who believed were together…attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes.” (Acts 2:42,44,46) In Revelation 2 and 3, in his letters to the seven churches, John gives different aspects of the Body of Christ, His living church. It is a wellspring of works of love, faith, service, and patient endurance. In the church we learn discernment, undergo testing and tribulation that yields faithfulness, and are spurred on to hold fast to Jesus’s name, keep His word, and not deny our faith. It is in the Body we are loved, reproved, disciplined by God to repent, be zealous, and not lose heart. As members of His Body we can together heed His charge to hold fast, endure, and conquer!

Lord, thank You for the Body of Christ, and for the privilege of being a part of its unique, organic fellowship. As recipients of Your manifold blessings, may Your Body “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering. Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” (Hebrews 10:23-25) Amen and amen.

“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold O am alive forevermore.'” Revelation 1:8,17

I remember going to Europe as a student in high school and being overcome at the age of the beautiful buildings, cities, even roads– far older than the U.S. that was about to celebrate its bicentennial. Yet, they were inanimate, and all new at one time in history. It is impossible to imagine anything we know that is living being ageless, without end, and especially without beginning. Only God is. May ‘our hearts approve with gladness what our reason cannot fully comprehend.’ (A.W. Tower) 

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.” “God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. Say “I AM has sent me to you.”‘” “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.'” “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Psalm 90:2; Exodus 3:14; John 8:58; Hebrews 13:8)

Everything around us is marked by mortality and change, but God “has put eternity into man’s heart;” our longing for permanence and eternal life is satisfied only in the Eternal One. He alone is in control of all things. He knows all, never changes in any of His attributes, is always present, is never surprised or ‘thrown’ at what is occurring in any place at any time, and works all things to His ends. Why should I be shaken? He who knit me together in my mother’s womb and has known the number of my days when as yet there were none of them, is constant. “I am God, and there is no other. I am God and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things not yet done, saying ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'” (Ecclesiastes 3:11; Psalm 139:13,15-16; Isaiah 46:9-10) I can rest, I can live and serve and work and worship in a constantly changing and uncertain world, confident that God remains the same, forever.

Ancient of Days, eternal God, You are my dwelling place. To You, King of Ages, immortal,  the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (Deuteronomy 33:27; 1 Timothy 1:17)