Author: astherainandsnow

“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)

“Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb… 

“She turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?.. Mary.’ She turned and said..,’Rabboni!’.. 

“On the evening.., the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ He showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you… Receive the Holy Spirit.’

“Now Thomas… said, ‘Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark.., and my hand into his side, I will never believe.’

“Eight days later,.. Thomas was with the [disciples]. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!..’

“These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:1,14-16,19-22,24-28,31

The last the disciples knew was that Jesus had been crucified and sealed in a tomb. Stunned, saddened, they wrestled to understand the shock of these harrowing days. In asking Mary whom she was seeking at the empty tomb, Jesus invited her to know her Friend as much more than He’d been: the risen Savior who would impart resurrection power. To the fearful disciples His shocking presence brought otherworldly peace that would abide with them by His Spirit, security for this life and the next. For doubting Thomas His scars brought the personal proof needed to nurture his nascent faith. Jesus was alive, and appeared as promise of His changed but ongoing presence and lasting fruit.

Jesus appears personally and lovingly to meet our greatest needs. His presence is real, potent, whether or not we recognize its form or manner. In despair, doubt, or dearth, Jesus intrudes with renewed life and stokes faith. He vitally meets the downcast and lifts us above and out of each.

What causes our heads and hearts to hang? In what situations do we doubt the Lord’s goodness, His care, His power? Where have we questioned whether He is even near and knowing? Would we ask the mighty God to make Himself clear, and that His presence in the living word will transform our outlook? What despair needs His calming assurance that He knows what is best and walks the vale with us? What fears need His serene invasion and promise of an everlasting Comforter? What doubts will we bring to His pierced hands and riven side for plunging beneath His love-blood unto solid belief? (Psalm 90:1-2; Isaiah 50:4; Lamentations 3:22-23; John 14:16; 21:4-22)

Jesus’s aliveness today is present help and life-giving. In Him we can live and move and have being in great fullness. Would we welcome His glorious presence to dispel darkness today? (Acts 17:28; Revelation 21:3-7)

Lord, help me gratefully walk and grow in the power of Your very present life, to Your praise..

“I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up
    and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
    and you have healed me.
O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
    you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.

Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
    and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger is but for a moment,
    and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
    but joy comes with the morning.

As for me, I said in my prosperity,
    ‘I shall never be moved.’
By your favor, O Lord,
    you made my mountain stand strong…

 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
    you have loosed my sackcloth
    and clothed me with gladness,
that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.” Psalm 30:1-7a,11-12

David’s mention of being drawn up is a vivid picture of the help of God. Surrounded by foes, consumed with depression and fear, nagged by seen and unseen battles all around, he proclaims that God has drawn him up. Up out of doubt to certainty, up out of anguish to the place of healing, up out of brokenness to restoration, up out of despair to hope. His response is praise, his acknowledgment that with weeping in the dark is the promise of joy in the morning. All these troubles are temporary when taken up to the Lord God who hears and helps.

Drawn up, we’re able to sense closeness to the God of heaven. Drawn up, we make distance between ourselves and worldly pressures and troubles. Drawn up, we gain broader perspective on the harsh and hustle of daily life. Drawn up, we catch fresh breath of holy air. The place of need and sorrow is real, but from above we can shed the sackcloth and begin to sing.

Are we disturbed by foes and negative speak? What problems snarl and keep us awake? What cares trip up our feet and keep us unsteady? What news glooms our hearts and sets us fretting? Seeking the Lord’s favor and claiming His help, we can stand strong. (Psalm 112:6-8; Philippians 4:6-8)

“I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I onward bound,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Tho’ some may dwell where these abound,
My pray’r, my aim is higher ground.

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.

I want to scale the utmost height,
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till Heav’n I’ve found,
Lord, lead me on to higher ground.

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s table land;
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” ~Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1898)

Father, draw me up in deeper faith and higher joy, to Your honor and praise.

“Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
The wicked are not so,
    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.”

“For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
    and I walk in your faithfulness.

I do not sit with men of falsehood,
    nor do I consort with hypocrites.
I hate the assembly of evildoers,
    and I will not sit with the wicked.

I wash my hands in innocence
    and go around your altar, O Lord,
proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,
    and telling all your wondrous deeds.

O Lord, I love the habitation of your house
    and the place where your glory dwells…

But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;
    redeem me, and be gracious to me.
My foot stands on level ground;
    in the great assembly I will bless the Lord.” Psalm 1:1-4; 26:3-8,11-12

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
    but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20

The psalmists, themselves penning inspired words from God, highlight the supremacy of God’s word as the rule for life. A rhythm of fruitfulness is set by walking in faithfulness, the assembly of His people around His altar is the company of praise. Posture and place, including the company kept, matter.

Man was made to stand on two feet and to walk and work productively. Many are the warnings in Scripture against idleness. One can amble among sinners, busybodies, and hypocrites, and slouch sedentarily with scoffers, gossips, and complainers, or walk in step with the Spirit in wisdom and integrity. To walk Christ’s cadence along His paths is always the better choice. (Genesis 2:7-9,15; Galatians 5:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:11-13; 1 Timothy 5:13)

What is our spiritual posture? Are we complacent to sit and consort with scoffers and evildoers, or do we stand and serve courageously with the righteous? If we do not keep attuned and active in the word, we naturally settle into comfy malaise, sloth, and the contagion of corruption of idleness. What practices will we implement to get in stride with God’s word, and pursue fruitfulness?

“Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict,
in this His glorious day.
Ye that are brave now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger,
and strength to strength oppose.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in His strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the strife will not be long;
this day the noise of battle,
the next the victor’s song.
To him who over-cometh
a crown of life shall be;
they with the King of Glory
shall reign eternally.” ~George Duffield (1858)

Lord, make me bold to stand and walk with You.

“Now Moses… led his flock… and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet not consumed.  Moses said, ‘I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.’ When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’  Then he said, ‘Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’ And he said, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

“Then the Lord said, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of my people in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings,  and I have come down to deliver them… and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land flowing with milk and honey… Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people… out of Egypt.’  But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ He said, ‘But I will be with you…’

“Then Moses said to God, ‘If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they, “What is his name?” what shall I say to them?’  God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am.’ And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: “I am has sent me to you.”’ Exodus 3:1-8,10-14

Moses was confounded by the entrance of God into his mundane routine. The Lord waited to see his first inquiring move, then spoke. Though eager to interact, Moses was reticent to accept God’s command because he was consumed with unknowns, inadequacies, and fear. God’s answer to every reluctance and doubt was, ‘I am.’ Who was Moses? A murderer. But God, He calls and redeems. Who was Moses? A reluctant stutterer. But the Lord, He gives purpose and enables. (Exodus 2:11-12; 4:10-13)

Sometimes we get stuck in ‘I am who I am, weak and unable.’ But God retorts with, ‘I am who I am, sufficient and mighty. I have bigger plans for you that you can’t conceive. I’m sending you on a new errand. I will be with you. Start to live in Me, not you.’ What grandeur the Lord opens wide we can fail to enter because we’re afraid to step forward in faith.

How and in what areas are we self-consumed? With ambitions, belongings, busyness, family? The past, regrets, shame, unfulfilled dreams? We might constantly measure ourselves against others and come up short on looks, energy, popularity, success. Anything that takes precedence over the burning bush, that causes resistance to removing our sandals rather than embracing a new call from God, will impede spiritual progress.

What inadequacies and insecurities occupy our attention? How can we think not less of ourselves, but of ourselves less, and more of God? The greater He is in us, the more we can effect for His kingdom. (John 3:30)

Less of me, more of Thee, to Your glory, Lord.