Author: astherainandsnow

“I am a laughingstock to my friends;
    I, who called to God and he answered me,
    a just and blameless man, am a laughingstock…
Who among all these does not know
    that the hand of the Lord has done this?
In his hand is the life of every living thing
    and the breath of all mankind…
Wisdom is with the aged,
    and understanding in length of days.

“With God are wisdom and might;
    he has counsel and understanding.
If he tears down, none can rebuild;
    if he shuts a man in, none can open.
If he withholds the waters, they dry up;
    if he sends them out, they overwhelm the land.
With him are strength and sound wisdom…
He uncovers the deeps out of darkness
    and brings deep darkness to light.”

“Behold, my eye has seen all this,
    my ear has heard and understood it…
But I would speak to the Almighty,
    and I desire to argue my case with God…
Hear now my argument
    and listen to the pleadings of my lips…
Though he slay me, I will hope in him;
    yet I will argue my ways to his face…
Keep listening to my words…
I have prepared my case;
    I know that I shall be in the right.
Who is there who will contend with me?
    For then I would be silent and die.
Only grant me two things,
    then I will not hide myself from your face:
withdraw your hand far from me,
    and let not dread of you terrify me.
Then call, and I will answer;
    or let me speak, and you reply to me.
How many are my iniquities and my sins?
    Make me know my transgression and my sin.
Why do you hide your face
    and count me as your enemy?”

“I know that my Redeemer lives,
    and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been destroyed,
    in my flesh I shall see God,
whom I shall see for myself,
    my eyes shall behold.” Job 12:4,9-10,12-16a,22; 13:1,3,6,15,17-24; 19:25-27

Job was suffering, physically and emotionally, and his ‘friends’ accused him of unrepentant sin as the cause. Destitute and loathing his life, Job clings to his Lord as the only hope available. He believed in his Sovereign’s wisdom and might and perfect knowledge, and relied on His lovingkindness in order to argue his cause and angst. His hope in God’s sure goodness was foundational to their honest communion, however agonizing. Job grasped enough of God’s ‘otherness’ to put his absolute trust in Him. (Job 8:1-6; 11:1-6)

Man has trouble with preconceptions of how God works, or opinions about how He should. We have a stilted view of life and think we deserve what makes us comfortable and happy. The Lord, though, is in the business of making us holy. He’s concerned with how we respond to His high and deep ways with man, and teaching how He’s glorified in the midst, and often out of hardship. Our concerns are fleshy and temporal, His are unseen and eternal.

How honest are we with God? Do we believe enough in His goodness and purposes to argue and express complaint with hope? Where will we look to Him and trust His answers?

Lord, keep me unshaken in hope and honest in complaint, trusting You above all earthly struggles to show Yourself gloriously sovereign and good.

“Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
    his praise in the assembly of the godly!
Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
    let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
Let them praise his name with dancing,
    making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.
Let the godly exult in glory;
    let them sing for joy on their beds.
Let the high praises of God be in their throats
    and two-edged swords in their hands.” Psalm 149:1-6

“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator…

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:8-10,12-14

The psalmist describes the beautiful sounds and sight of the people God adorns with salvation, his song a lovely piece of joy, movement, and praise. Paul describes the same new self in more practical terms, logically enumerating what the humble and holy must put off and put on. The Lord on high cares how His people present themselves to reflect His graces and excellencies here on earth.

In choosing our daily dress, heavenly adornment is the way to go. Since the Lord has clothed me with righteousness and salvation, my accessories are praise, joy, and song. Beginning the day with psalms sets us thinking aright, and fits us with garb worthy of our Maker, Savior, and King.

There are certain behaviors unbecoming of our Sovereign and His children we must not just softly shrug, but shake off definitively, if we are to be adorned with glory. By God’s Spirit we can put away, forever, unchecked emotions that torque attitudes and trip up our tongues in unfiltered chatter. We must say no to practices that offend God’s holiness, ruin our witness, and unsettle our resolve and desire and keep us enslaved to sin. Instead of conforming to the world, daily renewing our minds in God’s word reorders our thoughts, which translates to refurbished vocabulary and habits. (Romans 12:1-2)

Identifying what dishonors the Lord and is a blatant disobedience to His word is key to dressing rightly. What godless emotions, reactions, and practices are necessary to strip out of my life? Am I willing to do so? In order to remain faithful as God’s chosen one, what will I put on instead? Where and with whom can I intentionally exercise compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience? To whom has God asked me to extend forgiveness and love? A daily ritual of praising God, renewing my mind in His word, and clothing myself with His character refines the image of the Creator.

Father, may those I encounter see my adornment is You, and all that is good and points to You.

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.” Mark 13:32-36

Leading up to His death, Jesus used many parables to prepare His disciples for what was to come. He called for alertness and understanding. Their season of waiting for His promised return and resolution of history as they knew it, difficult in His presence to comprehend, was never to stagnate. They must be vigilant to watch and diligent in work, making the most of every day’s gift.

Wisely, and kindly, God the Father prepares us for the future no one knows. It is not ours to be familiar with the details of how and when, but to be industrious and committed in the what God has assigned and Who we’re serving with our efforts. He alone knows what is to come. He assigns and orders places and situations and responsibilities to work in and through us what will bring about His ends. We have been created by Him and entrusted to serve Him and His intentions with diligence and by faith. We are to be bold in witness, and resisting temptation. How intentional, careful, and faithful are we to this charge? (Mark 14:29-31,37-38; Acts 17:24-28)

In appointed work and ministry, do we apply ourselves to thoroughness and excellence? In relationships at home, in church, in community, are we thoughtful, generous, unselfish? Where is the Lord convicting us to take more deliberation or care, to give attention to attitude, tone of voice, skimping on commitment, finishing tasks?

In order to know and tend to our work well, we must be in the word and the regular flow of God’s will and fellowship. We need accountability, admonition, refining. We must see our work on earth as service to God, and take charge of given responsibilities, seeing them through to completion. Are there times we’re tempted to stop short, cut corners, give in to sloth? How can we refresh a sense of high calling, and what steps can we take to take our service to God more seriously?

“A charge to keep I have, 
a God to glorify, 
a never-dying soul to save, 
and fit it for the sky. 

To serve the present age, 
my calling to fulfill, 
O may it all my pow’rs engage 
to do my Master’s will! 

Arm me with watchful care 
as in Thy sight to live, 
and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare 
a strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,
and still on Thee rely,
O let me not my trust betray,
but press to realms on high.” ~Charles Wesley (1762)

Lord, help me take every charge seriously and sacredly, for Your kingdom’s sake and the praise of Your glory.

“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—  even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

“When Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,  Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.  Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:1-5

Paul thanks God because His grace saves, and enriches His people, and confirms His testimony among them. This work in His people is noted as part of His continual activity in their lives. Since God is eternal, so His keeping and love, and every facet of His character, are constant to the end. Every promise of His is yes and amen in Jesus Christ, forever. From beginning to the end, the Lord sustains His own. God and His Son are always and completely who they are, upholding and fulfilling every aspect of divine personality and intention in the lives of their own. Could we have any better security or surer hope? (Psalm 90:1-2; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Philippians 1:6; Revelation 1:8)

In our temporal throw-away world, we hardly know what everlasting is anymore. Job roles get disrupted, we move places and homes, marriages crumble, storms alter landscapes. We get let down, disappointed, deceived by a barrage of circumstances and individuals. Change is common currency. But in Christ we find a sure constant, the eternal One who does not change like shifting shadows. (Psalm 119:89; James 1:17)

How are we acquainting ourselves with the eternity of God? Do we take concentrated time away from bristle and busy to spend in His timeless word, listing, reciting, and meditating on His varied infinite attributes? Are we familiar enough with His promises to match anxiety-producing temporal cares to His everlastings, and find rest? What do His keeping, and sustaining, and love mean to our ever-changing lives, and any proclivity to fret or fear?

As a reflection of His character, how can we develop deeper, long-lasting commitments in our lives? With whom and what are we truly consistent to the end? Is the word of God sustaining us as daily food? Is His love our lifeline? How does His keeping guard us in confidence and hope? The measureless, constant Sovereign will never falter or fail.

Everlasting Lord, may I mimic, and love, and honor, and praise Thee forever for Your eternal constancy and goodness.

“I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.  For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,  and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,  so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

“Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.  But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-7a

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Paul was both educated and skilled. His intellectual and spiritual acumen had great impact on audiences throughout the cities of the early church. Yet, to him who had been saved and reoriented by Jesus Christ, he knew and wanted to make known only Him. His desire was to demonstrate, in word and deed, the beauties and power of the gospel. (Acts 22:3; Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:23-24; Galatians 1:11-16; Philippians 3:4-9)

Every plan we institute, action we exercise, decision we render, word we speak illustrates what we value and believe. Our efforts may showcase a variety of natural gifts and learned knowledge. Our successes might reveal hard work and a drive for excellence. The messages we espouse communicate what we count as true and want to be known. If we are captivated with the love and mercy of Christ, any natural need for recognition or applause in any of these areas is swallowed by supernatural motivation. When our heart thrums with the heartbeat of Christ, we deflect personal attention and point to Him. We know we are not our own, that we and all things were created for His glory. Does this describe me? (Isaiah 43:7; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

It starts with when we come. Initial decision dictates direction and dogma. If my daily desire and determination are to get out of the way to make Christ known, then everything that ensues will be done by faith in order to substantiate His power.

What is my passion in ministry, and on whose strength and power am I relying to bring it about? Is there temptation to promote myself, or push forward my agenda? Is there any hint of highlighting my experience, opinion, or expertise? If so, would I repent and trust God to purify motive and method?

How might my natural weaknesses, hesitancies, or inabilities be used to prove the moving and magnificence of God’s Spirit? When will I step back and shine the spotlight of which He’s worthy on Christ? How will I uphold and promote God’s glory?

“Have thine own way, Lord! 
Have thine own way! 
Hold o’er my being 
absolute sway. 
Fill with thy Spirit 
till all shall see 
Christ only, always, 
living in me!” ~Adelaide Pollard (1906)

Father, may my every word and effort, every talent and weakness, demonstrate the glories of Your grace and gifts, that You be sought, known, and praised.

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.^‘ For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:1-7

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

How drastically different is scriptural admonition from the mantras of our present age! Please others instead of ourselves? For their good and not our own? Who would dare? May it never be! The world tells us to follow our hearts, tend to self-care, be and do whatever we want, fulfill personal dreams, live at the selfie lens. But Jesus came to upend worldly thinking. He says we are not of this world, and His word calls us to be transformed in our thinking and actions. Pleasing Him takes an altogether different perspective than what the world sells us today. (John 17:14-16; Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 2:15-17)

How do we go about maintaining a godly view and Christ-like mission? The message is for those who are strong. It’s vital we remain strong, working spiritual muscle in devotion, choices, and charity. We must train ourselves to apply hard truths: we will suffer reproach but in doing so share the sufferings of Christ, we will need to endure hardship, we will struggle against but can be victorious over selfish flesh. And, we must simply obey. No procrastination, no excuses. To please God we must do what He says. The more we practice putting others before ourselves, the more natural and satisfying it will be. (Philippians 3:10)

Are there specific areas we are prone to putting self first, no matter what? What habits or indulgences do we guard as ‘no touch’ to the Lord? Where are we refusing His Spirit’s conviction or refining presence? Whom have we relegated to ‘after me’ care and attention? What do our expenditures of time and finances tell about our priorities of affection?

“Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of Heav’n to Earth come down,
Fix in us thy humble dwelling,
All thy faithful mercies crown;
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love thou art;
Visit us with thy salvation,
Enter ev’ry trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit
Into ev’ry troubled breast;
Finish, now, thy new creation,
Make us pure and spotless;
Take away our bent to sinning;
To serve thee as thy host above;
Thee we would be always blessing,
Glory in thy perfect love.” ~Charles Wesley (1747)

Lord, may I daily love and prefer You and others before myself.

“For with you is the fountain of life;
    in your light do we see light.” Psalm 36:9

“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
    but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” Proverbs 10:11

“The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
    that one may turn away from the snares of death.” Proverbs 13:14

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life.” Proverbs 14:27

“Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it,
    but the instruction of fools is folly.” Proverbs 16:22

“Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” This he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive.” John 4:14; 7:37-39

Fountain: the source from which something proceeds or is supplied; a natural spring of water, especially the source of a stream.

With the Lord Jesus comes unending supply and refreshment of all anyone ever needs. With Him is the fountain of life! When we plunge and partake by faith we are forever tapped into Christ’s divine source of all things good. The fear of the Lord flows as natural mindset, the intellect is refreshed with good sense, the mouth is washed and filled with righteousness and wisdom. The ever-flowing fountain guards against sin snares and folly. (Romans 8:32)

Our world lures with many a promise to satiate an array of appetites. Society parades numberless objects and ideas that consume attention and affection. Visually and emotionally attractive cisterns are but disguised distractions to true living water. There is only one Fountain worthy of our love and able to satisfy. (Proverbs 5:1-16)

Where are we taken up with false promises that pull us away from truth? How often are we heeding voices and participating in activities that impede our way to the Good Source? What wrong thinking have we absorbed from our present age and its mantras? What meaningless involvements have immersed soul and mind into all that excludes or turns us from the Lord? Are there habits, companions, or disciplined practices that deter us from truth and righteousness? What will we do about our waywardness?

How can we begin to saturate ourselves in the genuine fountain of life? What need we give up in order to have necessary time in God’s word to avail ourselves of the wisdom and light it offers? When will we plunge into Christ in deep repentance, and rise forgiven and free of shame? How often do we drink in His living water to slake emotional thirst and longings, to find inspiration and energy for work, trust for next steps?

“Fountain of life that flows for me 
Out of the depths of a boundless sea; 
Let me come back to Thy arms and home,
Never again from Thy love to roam.

Fountain of life flowing for me 
All the day long I have sighed for Thee.” ~Fanny Crosby (1921)

Lord, keep me drawing from Your blessed fountain so, contented and joyful, I can flow as a life-giving fountain for others. (Proverbs 5:13)

“I… urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:1-2

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,  so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” Colossians 1:9-11

“To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

“Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
    and apply your heart to my knowledge…
That your trust may be in the Lord,
    I have made them known to you today, even to you…
to make you know what is right and true.” Proverbs 22:17,19,21

God, having created man in His image, is inimitably worthy of His children’s obedience and reflection of that perfect image and character. Many admonitions throughout the scriptures command them to do what it takes to walk worthy of this high calling, in order to bring Him the honor He deserves. With every command comes the enabling, by God’s power and grace. (Genesis 1:26-27; 18:19; Deuteronomy 6:24-25; Romans 11:29; Philippians 1:6; 2 Peter 1:3-4)

We start our days with mental lists of responsibilities, demands on energy and effort that serve many secular purposes. Tasks to complete, miles to travel, conversations to engage in, disciplines to enact, all demand and tax our limited mental and physical resources. The key to worldly living that honors the divine calling is aligning the duties and activities of the temporal with eternal truth and purpose. Is the work I am doing, and the way I am doing it, honoring my Lord? How might I adjust it to do so?

We’re planted here for a time with shallow roots, as God’s own, groaning for completion of our salvation. Our work is a gift intended to fulfill and express individual personality as a part of God’s kingdom. Often the way is rocky or steep, intended by God to teach trust, knowledge, strength, and endurance. He designs many a circumstance to give opportunity to emulate and express facets of His character. (Genesis 2:7-8,15; Romans 8:20-27)

How intentionally do we work to know His will and walk by His power? What progress have we made in conforming to His character along our daily way? What challenges has He used to refine us? How are we implementing God’s mannerisms, patience, compassion, and graces in our speech, work, and relationships with others? How would those close to us describe the ‘worthiness’ of our walk?

Faithful Lord, establish my heart in every good work and word. Distinguish me by Your steadfast love and graces, so Your glory and worthy name are praised. (Psalm 17:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; 3:3,5)

“You will say in that day:
‘I will give thanks to you, O Lord,
    for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away,
    that you might comfort me.

“’Behold, God is my salvation;
    I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
    and he has become my salvation.’

“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day:

“’Give thanks to the Lord,
    call upon his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples,
    proclaim that his name is exalted.

“’Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;
    let this be made known in all the earth.
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
    for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.'” Isaiah 12:1-6

“Fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…
For I, the Lord your God,
    hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not,
    I am the one who helps you.'” Isaiah 41:10,13

“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.” Psalm 46:5

“I will not execute my burning anger;
    I will not again destroy Ephraim;
for I am God and not a man,
    the Holy One in your midst,
    and I will not come in wrath.” Hosea 11:9

The Lord comforted His people by reminding them often of His presence in their midst. He was always nigh, His presence palpable, never to leave or forsake His children no matter their situation. Present, and great. Great in stature. Great in knowledge and wisdom. Great in strength to save. Great in supply of joy. Great in justice, and mercy. Great in might and deed. Great in help. He was and always would be their great God.

Man in the flesh has distorted views of greatness. Great can morph into great for me: comfortable, easy, without friction, successful, famous, important. But the Lord’s greatness transcends circumstance. It is embodied in His immutable and perfect character, established in truth and uprightness. It does not change like shifting shadows, nor depend on events or emotions or opinions. He is great because that is His nature, and every facet of His character, never to be dissuaded or altered. And this God, the personal all-loving, all-good God, is among us! (Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 95:3; James 1:17)

How aware are we of God’s interest and involvement in the details of our lives? What difference does His greatness in our midst make for every day? Is there a difference it should be making that we have resisted, or ignored?

Are there conundrums we allow to contort our thinking and upend emotions, when looking to the greatness of God would bring peace? Where are we exhausted spending ourselves to the limits and not looking to God for help? What involvements and entertainments do we choose without taking His holy presence into account, not considering how His greatness is offended, and could be accessed to resist temptation? Welcoming and embracing the great abiding presence of God affords sustenance and joy at all times.

Lord God, teach me to relish, rely on, and praise Your greatness in my midst always.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5

“One of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, ‘Which commandment is the most important of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The most important is,… “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.'” Mark 12:28-31

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant  or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

“Love never ends.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

God’s love for His people is evident from the beginning of time when He designed creation as their home and them in His image for a full and fulfilling relationship with the triune Divine. The love emanating from His bountiful, perfect character was always intended to be mutual with the crown of His creation. Once they’re in a love relationship with the Savior, His love fills and spills from His children, scattering love drops to be received and savored wherever they go. (Genesis 1)

To love the Lord is not only the first command, but the first necessity if we are to love others. Heart, mind, soul, and strength are to pulse for the One who made us, seeking Him, spending time with Him, learning His ways. His love perfected in us frees us to express it in lavish, rich, and meaningful bounty. How deeply do we love Him? (1 John 4:15-20)

“Spirit of God, who dwells within my heart, 
wean it from sin, through all its pulses move. 
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as you are, 
and make me love you as I ought to love.” ~George Croly (1854)

When we love God first, then are desires shaped, affections rightly ordered, and manners refined to have compassion and generosity toward others along our path. Our nature translates to His. Patience, kindness, and grace abound in every interaction.

Where are we spreading love? How does the Lord’s light and affection emanate from our countenance, care, service among others? Where can we, by word, expression, or deed, leave a mark of Christ’s effusive, sacrificial, unconditional, life-giving gospel love today?

“Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.” ~Henry Van Dyke (1907)

Lord, inspire me to leave Your love with passion and purity wherever I go.