Author: astherainandsnow

“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions… The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops? I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.

“Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on… And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.  For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you…

“Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.” Luke 12:15-22,29-31,33

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” Hebrews 13:5

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

The glitch with getting rich is an eye problem. Wealth can allure by its twinkle and promised power, and suffocate our ability to see its wider purpose. What the world says should be used for us, God entrusts to us to be put to use for Him.

Riches misused lead to hurt, greed, and ruin, while those offered to God bear fruit and result in gratitude and praise. How do we view them? As something we earn and own, or a trust for heavenly use? What motivates our money-making and collecting? Covering necessary expenses, hoarding for security, spending for personal pleasure, giving to others? God owns all things and has given us everything to enjoy. He meets needs, gives delight, and uses His people to build His kingdom and bless His world. What and how are we investing to bless others, and to increase gratitude, praise, and glory to God? (Matthew 6:24; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9; 9:6-15; 1 Timothy 6:17)

“Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.” ~Charles Wesley (1744)

Lord, have full sway with all I have, for all You’ve given to me.

“He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich.  And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature.  So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.’  So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.  And when they saw it, they all grumbled, ‘He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.’  And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’  And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'” Luke 19:1-10

Zaccheus was a man of action with money and manner. He wasted no time in taking advantage of opportunities before him, and had success to show for it. When the Spirit prompted him to seek Jesus, he hastened to get the best vantage point of the traveling teacher. The Lord Jesus then compelled him to redirect his hurry with holy motivation, and he promptly changed the course of his life.

There is much zip and zing for many in the flurry of living today. Pressures of responsibility and needs push us to hurry toward and through the next thing, often stripping us of presence and joy in the midst. Media bombards us with notifications of the urgent that incessantly distract us from concentration. Even if we are determined to spend some quiet with the Lord, we can hurry through without focus on His majesty or nourishing truth. An unchecked harried pace quickly becomes horrid hurry and causes us to miss the sweetness God intends for us to savor and learn from in each moment.

When we are all rush and run, we miss out on compassion, meaningful conversation, delighting in God’s creation and character. But when under the Holy Spirit’s compulsion, holy hurry is a gift. It moves us from self-absorption to Christ-seeking and servant-mindedness, from meaninglessness to significance. It jostles complacency and inaction into gear to learn about the Christ and what He should mean in our everyday. (Luke 2:15-16)

What self-imposed pressures and schedules mandate our pace of life? Where does hurry define us? What is the end stop of our to and fro? What will it take for us to be thoughtful, to ask at the start of each day, how can I best see Jesus?

Then, how quickly will we obey when He speaks? What need we set aside to hasten to do His will? Whom will we introduce to our Savior without delay?

Lord and Potentate of time, please set my life pace as You see best, and cause me to learn and move and love at Your bidding, that You be known and praised.

“Jude,..

“To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:

“Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed.., ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ…

“These people, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones…  Woe to them!.. These are… shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees..; wild waves… casting up the foam of their own shame…

 “These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.

“But you must remember, beloved,.. ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.’ It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.  But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.  And have mercy on those who doubt;  save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy.” Jude 1-4,8,11-13,16-23

While a calm and joy-filled message about their common salvation had been his desire and intent, the half-brother of Jesus was compelled to make an appeal for discernment and purity in the church. Defiling blemishes and malcontents had infiltrated the nascent fellowships with their poison and threatened to pollute and divide them with ungodliness and false teaching. It was vital for those in Christ to pursue their most holy faith to maintain its integrity and vitality.

Living among the world, we are surrounded by those who know not God and care nothing for holy things or thought. We are bombarded with negativity, sensuality, rebel ideas, divisiveness. Every day, first things first. Remember that we are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept eternally and inextricably for Jesus Christ.

Rather than get swept up in the world’s destructive momentum and down into its wicked perversion, would we liberally ingest God’s mercy, peace, and love? Will we commit to tenacious vigilance to live not as slaves to sin but as His adopted children? We are to behave distinctly from the world, preparing to appear blameless before the Lord in glory with great joy. Regular spiritual assessment and focus rightly aligns priorities. (Romans 6:17-23; 8:5,15-17)

If I treasure a common salvation, how does it spur me on to steadfastness, love, graciousness, good deeds? Where do I tolerate the world’s ideas about morality or money? How do I encourage the unbelieving and weak? First thing, of what ungodliness need I repent, then trust the One who can keep me from falling? What am I doing to remain in Christ’s love, to rescue others from spiritual death, and to fortify my brothers and sisters? (Hebrews 10:23-25; Jude 24-25; Revelation 2:19-21)

Lord, help me faithfully tend to first things first, and to trust and please You as supreme, magnifying Your glory, majesty, and dominion forever.

“Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets
    who lead my people astray,
who cry ‘Peace’
    when they have something to eat,
but declare war against him
    who puts nothing into their mouths.
Therefore it shall be night to you, without vision,
    and darkness to you, without divination.
The sun shall go down on the prophets,
    and the day shall be black over them;
the seers shall be disgraced,
    and the diviners put to shame;
they shall all cover their lips,
    for there is no answer from God.
But as for me, I am filled with power,
    with the Spirit of the Lord,
    and with justice and might,
to declare to Jacob his transgression
    and to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:5-8

“Everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God…  And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:8-9,11-12

“[Take up] the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication.., that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,.. that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:17-20

For false prophets who lead people astray the Lord withholds no condemnation. The sun shall go down on them, the day be as black, their vision darkened, God’s voice silent. A night of disgrace and shame will be their end. But for the one who speaks for God, in His Spirit with boldness and truth, his message will be as daybreak. Bright, fiery, life-giving, awe-inspiring, beautiful will be his words.

For God’s people, we take part in both the gleaning and the giving out, and one determines the other. We must discern what to take in and how we’ll be informed so we have truth to speak at the Spirit’s instruction and prompting. In a world rife with polished false teaching and alluring, subtle lies, we must know God’s truth as foundation and filter. He is no God of confusion or changing shadows. His Spirit makes sense of His words to all who sincerely inquire, and empowers us to speak for Him. (Psalm 119:89; 1 Corinthians 14:33a; James 1:17)

How bold are we to speak for God? Are we familiar enough with His word to enlighten, instruct, and persuade? How will I proclaim spiritual daybreak into the lives of others?

“O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread thro’ all the earth abroad
the honors of your name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease,
’tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’tis life and health and peace.

To God all glory, praise, and love
be now and ever given
by saints below and saints above,
the Church in earth and heaven.” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, quicken and inspire me to speak always for others’ good and Your glory.

“Then King David rose to his feet and said: ‘Hear me, my brothers and my people. I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord and for the footstool of our God, and I made preparations for building. But God said to me, “You may not build a house for my name, for you are a man of war and have shed blood…” Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever.

“’And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.’

“Then David gave Solomon his son the plan of the vestibule of the temple, and of its houses, its treasuries, its upper rooms, and its inner chambers, and of the room for the mercy seat; and the plan of all that he had in mind… ‘All this he made clear to me in writing from the hand of the Lord, all the work to be done according to the plan.

“‘Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished…’

“’Solomon my son, whom alone God has chosen, is young and inexperienced, and the work is great, for the palace will not be for man but for the Lord God. So I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able.'” 1 Chronicles 28:2-3,8-12a,19-20; 29:1b-2a

David’s life had been rich, full, and productive with his God, igniting a message he would leave with his people and his successor son Solomon. He passed along, in word and example, admonition from on high that would illuminate their way forward and serve them well. Passionate devotion to the Lord yields significant, meaningful inspiration to others.

Our words lived out and commitments exercised inspire the actions of those around us, for good or ill. Whether we choose or not, others watch what we say, how we handle resources and opportunities, where we spend attention and affection. The decisions we make reflect the content of our hearts, and those who know us perceive our motivation. (1 Chronicles 29:3-9,20-22; Matthew 6:21)

How is my love for Christ influencing and charging my daily behavior? Are my actions consistent with my words? What kind of example am I within my home, workplace, church, neighborhood? What about my demeanor, interactions, work ethic, kindness, generosity inspires others to know God? To serve Him with a whole heart? To willingly give for His kingdom’s sake and joyfully praise Him?

Lord, so fill my heart with Thee that all I say and do exalts You and prompts others to do the same.

“The oracle [of] Habakkuk the prophet.

‘O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
    and you will not hear?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
    and you will not save?
Why do you make me see iniquity,
    and why do you idly look at wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
    strife and contention arise.
So the law is paralyzed,
    and justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
    so justice goes forth perverted.‘

The Lord’s Answer

‘Look among the nations, and see;
    wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days
    that you would not believe if told…’

Habakkuk’s Second Complaint

‘You who are of purer eyes than to see evil…
why do you idly look at traitors
    and remain silent when the wicked swallows up
    the man more righteous than he?..

‘I will take my stand at my watchpost
    and station myself on the tower,
and look out to see what he will say to me…’

And the Lord answered me:

‘Still the vision awaits its appointed time…
If it seems slow, wait for it;
    it will surely come; it will not delay…’

‘Though the fig tree should not blossom,
    nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
    and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
    and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
God, the Lord, is my strength;..
    he makes me tread on my high places.” Habakkuk 1:1-5,13; 2:1-3,20; 3:2-3,17-19

For Habakkuk, the cruel violence from Assyria against His people seemed inconsistent with the merciful, righteous God he knew. How could the Lord use such wicked nations to punish? It took climbing the ramparts above present turmoil to remind him of God’s promises of full justice and future restoration to repair his perspective. The Lord’s eternal words and ways were a balm to his troubled soul.

When we’re anxious over people or problems, we’re not actively trusting the God’s word. Worry is the antithesis of faith. We close-focus with fretting over children, health, or finances, and fail to look the distance and see with eternal perspective. God loves our children and has plans for them. He intricately knows our bodies and numbers our days. He has promised never to leave or forsake His own; rather, He’s constantly working all things for good for them and their sanctification. (Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 50:10; 139:13-16; Isaiah 43:5; Matthew 6:33; Romans 8:28-30; Philippians 4:19)

The next time we’re unsettled by news, or threatened by opposition, hurt, or difficulty, how will we react? Can we learn to respond by looking for Jesus and delving into His word for promises to hold, to claim? Will we take on His lenses that allow us to see the ruin of relationships, deteriorating physical or mental fitness, famine of passion or morality, through hope in His ultimate triumph? How different would be our everyday outlook! And how uplifting and bright our presence in dark places where people know Him not!

What changes do we need to make to eliminate worry and fear and complaining and replace them with substantial hope, confidence, and praise?

Good, eternal Father, help me see all travail through the light of Your promises, and in an attitude of hope and praise.

“Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.

“Solomon.., and all the assembly with him, went to the… bronze altar before the Lord, which was at the tent of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.

“That night God appeared to Solomon, and said, ‘Ask what I shall give you.’ Solomon said to God, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and made me king in his place.  O Lord God, let your word… be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in.., for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?’  God answered Solomon, ‘Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and not even for long life, but for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people.., wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.’ So Solomon came from before the tent of meeting to Jerusalem. And he reigned over Israel.” 2 Chronicles 1:1-3,6-13

Solomon established himself as God’s promised king, following what he knew to be true. Humbled in the Lord’s presence and favor, he offered great sacrifice in dedication and praise. When then visited by God in a night vision, he recounted His steadfast love and faithfulness to His covenant. Solomon then requested wisdom and knowledge to fulfill his duties, acknowledging he could not otherwise govern God’s people. He did not know what he would need to know, but he knew the One who did. The Lord answered abundantly. (2 Chronicles 2:1-12; 3:1-9; 9:1-8)

When conferred a task, it can be our immediate bent to make plans, dig in, charge ahead. We take it on in our ability and gusto. Yet if all work is a gift from God and is to be done as unto Him, it’s imperative we pause to know what’s true before starting the assignment: The Lord is with us. He’s assigned the particular position, given promises He has and will fulfill, and can supply everything needed to follow His call. He stands ready to hear and answer our pleas, delighting to deliver more than we ask or imagine. Embarking without Him, we never know the bounty we could have received. (Genesis 2:7-8,15; Ephesians 2:10; 3:20; Colossians 3:23)

What wisdom, ongoing communion, guidance, and delight do we lack in our work? Where are we flagging in zeal, inspiration, or courage in our efforts? Do we think everything, from initiation to results, is up to us?

When will we acknowledge God’s hand in placing us where we are, and trace His faithful provision thus far? What pledges from His word can we claim now, and looking forward? How will we daily practice seeking His wisdom and knowledge so we can honor Him foremost in carrying out our tasks with excellence?

Father, teach me dependence on You in praise for all You are and have done, and in prayer for what You can and will continue to do, for Your glory.

“Now muster your troops, O daughter of troops;
    siege is laid against us;
with a rod they strike the judge of Israel
    on the cheek.
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
    one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
    from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time
    when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of his brothers shall return
    to the people of Israel.
And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
    in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
    to the ends of the earth.
And he shall be their peace.” Micah 5:1-5

In a small book of prophecy, from a small town in Israel, to a big weary world of troubled sheep, was promised a Shepherd who would be their peace. Their existence was wrought with injustice, conflict, and uncertain leadership. But the Ruler would come! Under His care His people would regather, know HIs strength, and rest secure. Inconsequential Bethlehem would birth great consequence for God’s universe.

“O little town of Bethlehem, 
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep 
the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth 
the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years 
are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary; 
and, gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep 
their watch of wond’ring love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the King,
and peace to men on earth.

What gifts Bethlehem brings to us! This Christ child from ancient days, born and died and raised and ascended as Ruler of all, is our Shepherd today! In Him we gather secure, in Him we find abiding peace. Under His strength we rest, and in His majesty we rejoice. Have we partaken? What is keeping us from dwelling secure? What doubts, shame, pride keep us at bay? What insecurities, stubbornness, selfishness cause resistance to His benevolent rule? Will we receive Him and all He offers today, without hesitation or holding back?

How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of His heav’n.
No ear may hear His coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive Him still,
the dear Christ enters in.

How will we develop this shepherd’s heart for the lost sheep in our midst? The Lord Jesus in us should be making a difference in our measure of the Spirit’s fruit and grace. With whom are we exhibiting them in evident ways? If not, what will we do about it? (Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 2:2-7; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

Lord, help me bear Your generous gifts to others!

O holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin and enter in;
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels,
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Emmanuel!” ~Phillips Brooks (1868)

Amen.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“’Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel‘

“(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25

The conception and birth of Jesus had been foretold his betrothed by the angel Gabriel. The news that she was carrying the Son of the Most High who would reign forever was startling to Joseph as it certainly had been to Mary, yet her faith inspired him. How could he best protect her reputation? His own? What was the most loving way to proceed? It was as he considered these things that Joseph heard from the Lord and was reminded of His word. A hasty decision or impulsive reaction would have prevented the sacred message from getting through, where his patient thoughtfulness opened the door. (Luke 1:26-38,45-55)

In the flesh, we can react to surprises, interruptions, and shocking news without thinking. Default is easily programmed to jump, or do, shelter, or solve. We rely on experience and instinct in making decisions, and can forget to consider what God might be doing and how He would have us go forward. Once we move, it is hard to retract or redirect, and we never know how the Lord might have made a different way

When was the last time our world was jolted? How did we respond? With hindsight, could the outcome have been different had we paused to contemplate Who was at the helm?

How might we prepare for unknown turns of event by quieting our souls and praying for God’s insights and wisdom no matter what comes? By focusing on Him and determining ahead of time to obey whatever transpires, we will not fear what He might bring. With steady mind and trusting heart, we will open the way for Him to speak and direct our steps. (Psalm 112:6-7; 131:1-2)

What is it we currently fear? What conundrum do we face- relationally, work-related, financially, spiritually? When will we take time to consider how God can show up in the situation, and what He is saying to us? What steps can we take, confident of His lead and desired outcome, and to further His glory?

Lord, help me consider and courageously follow Your ways so Your will is done and Christ’s name is exalted.

“Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.

“I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.  But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

“And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.” 1 John 2:24-28

“Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:3-5

Abiding does not just happen, and the scriptures advocate deliberation and care when choosing how to go about daily living. In Christ, we own divine anointing and limitless resources. While secure in the promise of eternal life, we are embattled with the world by constant deception and temptation. The degree to which we actively abide in Christ, and stay connected to His life-giving word and filled with His Spirit, bears greatly on daily outlook, and spiritual health and productivity.

Knowing to Whom we are connected is vital to confidence. The more we take hold of the truth His Spirit imparts, the more real His promises and practical His teaching. Abiding in Christ includes taking Him at His word and applying it to everyday situations and decisions. As the world peppers us with falsehoods and doubts, we can look to Him to remember what we know to be true. (John 14:26)

How connected are we to the Lord and His word? What tempts our tenacity to slide? Is our abiding sporadic, emergency-only, or constant? What fruit of kindness, boldness, steadfastness, unselfishness, generosity results from my clinging to Him?

“In heavenly love abiding,
no change my heart shall fear;
and safe is such confiding,
for nothing changes here:
the storm may roar without me,
my heart may low be laid;
but God is round about me,
and can I be dismayed?

Wherever he may guide me,
I’ll serve him to the end;
he is within, beside me,
my power and my friend.
His wisdom he bestoweth,
my sight and joy undimmed,
as I abide in his truth
and bear rich fruit for him.

Green pastures are before me,
which yet I have not seen;
bright skies of opportunity,
where darkest clouds have been;
my hope I cannot measure,
my zeal is full and free;
my Savior fills my spirit,
and he will walk with me.” ~Anna Leticia Waring (1850) (and PEB)

Lord, keep me faithfully abiding, growing in my love for You and lifting high Your name in all I do.