Author: astherainandsnow

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God… Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:16,20-21

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:2-5

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” 2 Peter 1:3-4

It is clear throughout the Scriptures that God gives everything needed for His children to do good. He saves for particular good works, fills with His Spirit, and through Him supplies grace and wisdom and self-control. He orders circumstances to develop gifts and faith, and ordains opportunities to serve. The heeding then becomes an act of will, which when exercised brings great blessing and glory to Him.

Sacrifice of self is acceptable worship and the initial step in a surrendered, fruitful life. The flesh inclination toward selfishness and sloth may be a reason we hold back, but it should never be an excuse for disobedience. We are accountable for our response to temptation. If God commands, we pray for the want-to, and persevere in reverence for His authority and the resurrection power of Christ. (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 12:28; 13:20-21; James 1:13-15)

Am I slacking in my walk with Christ, never putting hands and feet to my profession? Have I slipped into a static complacency, unappreciative of His gifts, deaf to His call to wholehearted worship, and indifferent to the needs of others? Usually the slide is gradual, fed by a small but willful neglect here and a tasty indulgence there. Where am I giving in to spiritual sloth and relational laziness? What does the way I spend my time tell about how much I care for those around me? Where have I become ‘uncareful’ in my speech, entertainment, or indulgences, and chosen ease or pleasure over God’s honor and others’ good? (Matthew 7:16-17; John 13:35; Hebrews 11:24-26; James 2:17)

Are we eager to put away apathy and malaise in exchange for enthusiastic good works fueled by His divine nature within? When God moves us from languid to avid, our countenance becomes vibrant, our love and generosity become lavish. He has given everything we need for effective witness and rich fruitfulness in this life that brings glory to Him. What are we doing with it?

Lord, may I honor You by fulsome worship and bountiful, selfless service.

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:1-4

“We will not hide them from their children,
    but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
    and the wonders that he has done.

“He established a testimony in Jacob
    and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers
    to teach to their children,
that the next generation might know them,
    the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,
    so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God,
    but keep his commandments;
and that they should not be like their fathers,
    a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not steadfast,
    whose spirit was not faithful to God.” Psalm 78:4-8

“One generation shall commend your works to another,
    and shall declare your mighty acts.” Psalm 145:4

“Tell your children of it,
    and let your children tell their children,
    and their children to another generation.” Joel 1:3

“Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them.” Luke 7:22

“We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20

Dr. Luke was an astute observer and careful investigator eager to record an account of Jesus. Having interviewed many and accompanied Paul on several missions to early churches, he was methodical and strategic in compiling an accurate description of His life, from the angels’ visitations to announce His birth to His death, resurrection, and ascension. His purpose? To minister the word in order to bring certainty about Jesus.

A life rich with experiences with God is one that overflows. The more we see and hear, and the more we desire to pass along. When we intimately know the Lord, we want others to know Him too and to carry the certainty of His presence through their days.

What have we eyewitnessed of Jesus’s powerful hand to convict, transform, and redeem in our lives and others? Where have we beheld His glory displayed in creation, a changed facet of our nature, another’s countenance, an answer to prayer, a particular enlightenment? What instruction, wisdom, warning, or promise has He spoken in a personal way? How tuned in are we to the magnificent workings of God and the personal power of His word?

Having observed and been affected by these things, how are we communicating them? With whom do we regularly share the delights and insights of our Lord? Do we keep silent, intimidated or nervous about what someone might think? Or will we boldly tell of our Lord so others might wonder, and taste and see that He is good? Even if criticized, questioned, or ostracized, are we willing to minister? (Psalm 34:8; Luke 1:26-55,64-66)

Lord, keep me alert to watching and listening, and courageous to speak of Your marvelous deeds, so You are known and praised.

“For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it... See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven… Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:10-11,25,28-29

Twenty-four hours apart, in the same climate and similar temperature, God’s array of artistry in the sky could not be more different. One day fire, the next feathers, compelling the astute observer to bow before the variety, beauty, and majesty of the Creator. Ever the same, yet vibrant and dynamic and alive, He implements an ever-changing palette, magenta to rosy blush, cerulean to milky pale, to illustrate the variety of ways He deals with His children. He takes care in each stroke and hue, each light ray or swirl, ordering every detail for eternal good and His glory.

God gets our attention, sometimes through fire, sometimes by feathers. Knowing His people have specific needs for and different responses to discipline, He also understands personalities, modes of communicating, and what is effective for each. God is personal in His interactions and sanctifying work. Some days He speaks boldly, others more softly. Sometimes He uses a plank, others a feather.

For us sojourners, some seasons are treacherous and challenging, forcing desperate dependence on Him, while others hum smoothly in peace and cooperation, almost lulling us into complacency and requiring determined commitment. The Lord wants our attention at all times to make us holy. Sometimes we are hard-headed, other times soft-hearted, and He determines His methods according to our receptiveness, malleability, and His particular intentions. He’s planted in each of us a will, in which He will ultimately have his way, and this Lover of our souls will shape our will as He pleases.

Is it our desire to be holy as He is holy? If so, how do we react to the refining pressure applied by this marvelous and many-faceted God? Do we resist the purifying heat He lovingly measures, or are we humbly willing to submit to burning but necessary rebuke? Are we sensitive enough to His voice to be quickened by the Spirit’s convicting whisper, or do we need a loud, even embarrassing, shout to correct our speech or decisions? (1 Peter 1:16)

“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.” ~R. Keen (1787)

Gratitude for God’s interest in us and the kingdom for which He’s preparing us helps us welcome His hand. The more we yield, the deeper our reverence, the higher our praise.

Father, use whatever means to make me like You, for You are worthy of my all.

“Then he brought out Israel with silver and gold,
    and there was none among his tribes who stumbled.
Egypt was glad when they departed,
    for dread of them had fallen upon it.

He spread a cloud for a covering,
    and fire to give light by night.
They asked, and he brought quail,
    and gave them bread from heaven in abundance.
He opened the rock, and water gushed out;
    it flowed through the desert like a river.
For he remembered his holy promise,
    and Abraham, his servant.

So he brought his people out with joy,
    his chosen ones with singing.
And he gave them the lands of the nations,
    and they took possession of the fruit of the peoples’ toil,
that they might keep his statutes
    and observe his laws.
Praise the Lord!”

“Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress,
    when he heard their cry.
For their sake he remembered his covenant,
    and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.” Psalm 105:37-45; 106:44-45

For God, to remember was not just to bring to mind, but always to act within His economy of time. The thought served as impulse to serve and fulfill His promises. God constantly remembered His friend Abraham and what He had pledged to him, and over generations unfolded His plan with preciseness and power to His people. He executed with love and protection, light and sustenance, all according to His character and word. He watched over His own for good, and a future, giving them joy, and lands, and cause to praise. In darkness, distress, and confusion, He remembered them with His abiding presence, and His covenant with unassailable love. (Genesis 8:1-3; 12:1-3; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23)

God remembers us too. In perfection and exquisite care, He executes His promises to us with surety, order, and divine pace. When shocked by a turn of events, we might wonder whether He knows or cares. We might wander to a far country of loneliness or poor choices and feel lost and forgotten. Circumstances may be tumultuous or painful or confusing, and He seems silent.

But the Lord sees all and is intricately involved in all our ways to fulfill His plans for us. Do we trust Him for this? Do we rue a slow or distant promise, or choose to be expectant at every step? How might we consume our minds with Him over our agenda and timetable so we are more alert to the glory He scatters along His way? (Psalm 11:4; 37:23-24; 138:8; 139:1-3; Jeremiah 29:11)

For us, is remembering God’s promises only a static mental exercise or rote repetition in song, or is it an active verb? How are we acting on His certain word, standing on and walking in His promises as our own? When we fail to remember God’s goodness and generosity, we can turn inward and rebel, or angry at unfulfilled wants. When we actively remember who He is and all He has done, we are spontaneously moved to vibrant gratitude, praise, and love. We respond in reverence, obedience, and hope because we cannot not react to His grace-filled activity toward us. (Psalm 106:6-7)

Lord, thank You for always remembering me. May I remember You and what You have done and will do, and so live with vitality, expectancy, and praise.

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation… 

“By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise,.. living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” Hebrews 11:1-2,4-10

“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead...

“Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works… Was not Abraham justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? Faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works…—and he was called a friend of God…  Faith apart from works is dead.” James 2:17-18,21-23,26b

The heroes described in this passage were commended for decisions and lifestyles that aligned with God’s purposes and sure hope in His promises. None were commended for acts in a vacuum, but because the decisions they made and the paths they traveled were dependent on God’s will and calling. (Hebrews 11:11-31)

Faith that commends us to God is rooted in Him alone. By very nature, faith is not something we manufacture or must find within ourselves to exercise. It is a gift from God, grounded in who He is and what He has said. (Ephesians 2:8)

How well does our present faith commend us? Are we in a season of spiritual drought, frustrated at our lack of gumption to muster up faith on our own? Have we been too independent, too self-dependent, and neglected the Lord? Where have we been gullible to the world’s mantra that we just need more faith to make things happen? Have we lost our grounding in the Captain of our salvation, the Author and Perfecter of our faith? Where, other than Him and His promises, have we put our hope? (Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 12:2)

If we would own and demonstrate faith that’s commended by God, we must get in step with these heroes, fix our eyes on Jesus and His promises, and run our race with endurance. Regardless of potholes and detours, doubts and fears, temptations and opposition, faith exercised is faith made strong. Indeed, God proves Himself over and over. (Hebrews 12:1–2)

Lord, teach me to walk by faith in Your way, at Your tempo, for Your glory.

“By a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

“And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,

‘This is the covenant that I will make with them
    after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws on their hearts,
    and write them on their minds,’

“then he adds,

‘I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.’

“Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,  and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:14-25

The writer set outs the basis for his coming admonition by stating the reality of Christ’s finished work and backing it up with the Lord’s living words. In Christ we are forgiven, and given access to God. The Holy Spirit indwells all believers and bears witness to His word. The confidence he describes is unshakable because it is rooted in Christ’s single perfect sacrifice. This is a solid foundation and impetus for rich and genuine communion with the Lord and faithful living in His world.

Confidence: the quality or state of being certain of your abilities or of having trust in people, plans, or the future; a feeling or consciousness of one’s powers or of reliance on one’s circumstances

A Christian’s confidence comes not from certain abilities or awareness of personal capability, but from Christ’s power and our trust in Him. The world sees and is driven very differently. Since our confidence is made possible by and comes from our Savior, we can live out faith distinctly from the world while living very much in it.

We can avail ourselves of open access to God’s throne, praying boldly with full assurance of faith. Regularly draw near in fellowship, confession, seeking His will and wisdom, and interceding for others in concentrated, earnest prayer. We can hold fast our confession when disparaged for our devotion or asked for the reason for our hope, speaking in the confidence of what is true. We can maintain strong bonds of fellowship, mutual love, and service to others. (Ephesians 6:18-20; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 3:15)

How are we doing in these areas of prayer, witness, and encouragement? How will we put into practice afresh the confidence we own because of our faith in Christ? As we live, Jesus serves as great high priest, ever interceding for us and welcoming us to His throne at any time. (Hebrews 4:16; 7:25; Romans 8:34)

Father, daily remind me of my confidence so I live boldly for You.

“‘Woe to those who are at ease in Zion,
    and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria…
You put far away the day of disaster
    and bring near the seat of violence.

“‘Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory
    and stretch themselves out on their couches,
and eat lambs from the flock
    and calves from the midst of the stall,
who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp
    and like David invent for themselves instruments of music,
who drink wine in bowls
    and anoint themselves with the finest oils,
    but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!
Therefore they shall now be the first of those who go into exile,
    and the revelry of those who stretch themselves out shall pass away.’

“The Lord God has sworn by himself, declares the Lord, the God of hosts:

“‘I abhor the pride of Jacob
    and hate his strongholds.'” Amos 6:1a,3-8a

The prophet’s condemnation for selfish living is stark and sure. Those at ease are those oblivious to God’s highness and insensitive to His world because their priorities are consumed with self. Ears clogged with self-congratulation and eyes that see only with lust lead to hearts that grow callous to God’s word and will.

In a madding world swirling with demands, pulling at limited resources, interrupting our schedule, and agitating our Feng shui, our flesh can tend toward withdrawal and ease. I need, I want, my desires, my bucket list, self care. Turning in on self narrows our view of wider causes and distorts our perception of what is true and important.

We seek security in the mixed religion of Samaria as idol fetishes and strange affections intermingle with our devotion to the Lord. We can no longer distinguish truth from lies. We overindulge in entertainment and luxury by falling for alluring advertising and shutting off our senses to outside needs. We melt into idleness and idols because we’re consumed with self-protection and comfort. And we’re never fulfilled. The Lord abhors attitudes and actions that establish such cold, dispassionate strongholds against His kingdom ways. (2 Kings 17:24-33)

Our Suffering Savior will not stand for indifference and indulgence, a heartbeat and lifestyle that is opposite of His. He announces woe while in mercy offering transformation. Will we take it? As we submit to sanctification, His Spirit undoes what comes naturally apart from Christ and replaces it, perhaps slowly but in grace surely, with godly mindset and choices. He can replace greediness of soul with generosity that truly satisfies. (Isaiah 53:3-6; Mark 10:45)

How and where do I spend my time and resources? When does consulting God and patterning my decisions by His word come into play? As I humble myself and set aside selfish impulses, where has He redirected my desire? How can I begin to lavish my time, attention, and spending on His kingdom agenda? With whom will I be extravagant in encouragement, praise, love, and compassion? Where can He multiply my generosity? Spending ourselves for the Lord bears eternal, joyous return. (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 6:38; Colossians 3:1-2)

Father, swallow my deepest heart desire in all that is of You, so I indulge only in Your grace and ways and word and will, and spend what You’ve entrusted me on others and for Your glory.

“The gatekeepers were Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their kinsmen,.. in charge of the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent,.. keepers of the entrance…  So they and their sons were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south… The four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted to be over the chambers and the treasures of the house of God. And they lodged around the house of God, for on them lay the duty of watching, and they had charge of opening it every morning.

“Some of them had charge of the utensils of service,.. others were appointed over the furniture and all the holy utensils,.. the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the incense, and the spices…  Also some of their kinsmen of the Kohathites had charge of the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath.” 1 Chronicles 9:17,19,23-24,26-29,32

Varied were the assigned duties of Israel’s priests, mighty men for the work of service of the house of God. The gatekeepers were keepers of the thresholds in this office of impeccable trust, guardians of the entrances and chambers and sacred contents. They were entrusted with the duty of watching, the importance and vitality of their work evidenced in the careful recording of it. (1 Chronicles 9:13)

Every place of worship that proclaims the true God is a place to be kept. As members of churches, we each have responsibilities to guard our gates and treasures. East, west, north, south- from every direction will come temptation to sloth and spiritual malaise, insidious false teaching, temptation to gossip and divisiveness, disingenuous relationships and immorality. Every member is given the trust of guarding, maintaining, watching, protecting, reinforcing. (1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6; 2 Timothy 2:14-18; 4:3-4; 1 Peter 5:8-10; 2 Peter 2:1)

How committed are we to the unity, purity, and health of our churches? How well do we watch? Do we recognize the danger of specific intruders like divisiveness, complaining, complacency? How alert are we to their destructive presence, and how can we counteract them? Is there gossip to dispel, griping to quell, weakness to address, a need to fill? In what area(s) of service is the Lord employing us to protect sound teaching, steward resources, or promote growth?

In our own lives, how vigilant are we with the gates to the Spirit’s temple? A pure church is made up of members made righteous by Christ and constantly cleansed through careful soul inspection and confession that maintains individual communion. Are we participating in church as those washed clean, unencumbered by secret sin or festering resentment? Where have pride, greed, selfishness poisoned our attitudes toward fellow believers or the church as a whole, so we pollute the threshold? How will we deal with these deterrents to wholesome, fulsome worship and unity in fellowship? (Psalm 32:1-8; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 6:16)

The Lord calls His people to watch and serve, and enables those duties as able Helper. How will we keep this trust today?

Lord, help me vigorously, joyfully keep Your gates, to the building up of Your church and praise of Your resplendent glory.

“I will extol you, my God and King,
    and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you
    and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall commend your works to another,
    and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
    and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
    and I will declare your greatness.
They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
    and shall sing aloud of your righteousness…

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
    and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
    and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord is faithful in all his words
    and kind in all his works…

My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
    and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.” Psalm 145:1-7,10-13,21

David lived in the grit and tumble of responsibility, conflict, and passion. He also had a deep relationship with his Maker, and his high view of God constantly lifted his soul above the daily quagmire to the heavenlies. Whatever his urgencies and commitments and competition for attention, his lens was the Lord’s excellence. In the midst of life’s noise, his ongoing song articulated God’s fame for all to know.

Beholding, pondering, meditating on God’s splendor and majesty move the senses that were created to praise Him. One who takes time and focus to marvel and contemplate will fill with rapturous applause of heart and mind that must be expressed. Joy becomes an imperative to extol, and praise, and declare to saints and generations the glorious excellencies of the everlasting God.

When do I take time in quiet to marvel at the Lord God, and in concentrated prayer to exalt Him for His greatness, faithfulness, and wondrous works? What changes do I need to make in resolve, or schedule, to make that happen? Where have I recently beheld His hand in a changed attitude, an answer to prayer, wisdom imparted, inspiration quickened, impatience softened, a promise kept, or the explosion of color in a new day? How am I translating the gratitude in my heart into melodious worship that pleases Him? (Psalm 141:2; Hebrews 13:15; Revelation 8:3-4)

Think about the measure of words used in a day. Are my interactions with others pregnant with babble about myself, be it information or advising or boasting? How often do I speak instead of my Lord, and use my words to communicate with others what marvelous things He has done? With whom do I share His delights and power and beauties? How am I declaring His abundant might and dominion to the next generation? How might my messages inspire others to wonder at His love, creativity, and care? How might I translate His graces and purposeful kingdom rule into a message of salvation, that others want to know Him as I do?

Lord God, keep me meditating all You are, proclaiming Your loveliness, and praising Your goodness, and so bless Your high and holy name.

“Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
    I will sing praises to my God while I have my being…

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
    whose hope is in the Lord his God,
who made heaven and earth,
    the sea, and all that is in them,
who keeps faith forever;
   who executes justice for the oppressed,
    who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;
   the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
    the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the sojourners;
    he upholds the widow and the fatherless,
    but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

The Lord will reign forever,..
    to all generations.
Praise the Lord!” Psalm 146:1-2,5-10

The psalmist’s soul wells up and spills over with praise as he ponders the works and ongoing work of his God. Not only had He created the heavens and earth, but He abides, constantly keeping faith, upholding and furthering His promises. As energetic help and hope, He at once executes justice, feeds, frees, illumines, lifts, and loves. He hovers and hems in, watching over to guide and protect, upholding to comfort and sustain. There is nothing the Lord neglects, yet He never wearies nor is confused. What a God! (Isaiah 40:28)

In the mire of conflict and demands, we need daily pause and refocus to take in God’s very present, sublime involvement. There is no urgency He does not see, no catastrophe He does not rule, no problem He cannot solve. He who created the rolling spheres is the Potentate of time and worthy of our trust. (Psalm 46:1)

O Christian, do we realize God’s power and the bounty He affords? Do we relish the security of His keeping, and the nourishment He provides? How freely are we living and serving, unfettered from shame, unweighted by regret? How do His love and lifting buoy our spirits and sustain our hours? Will we trust Him for justice and seek Him for insight? Will we delight in all He is and does and praise Him forever? (Romans 12:17-19; Hebrews 9:14)

How differently can I take on today and assess the future if I trust God’s abiding? For what divine activity will I depend on Him this day? For what will I sing His praise?

“Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him;
tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my vict’ry wins…

Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows o’er me roll,
even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul…

Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
storms about me, night o’ertakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry…

Jesus! I do now receive Him,
more than all in Him I find;
He hath granted me forgiveness;
I am His, and He is mine!
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving;
He is with me to the end.” ~J. Wilbur Chapman (1910)

Lord, cause me daily to marvel, praise, go forth, and rest in all You wondrously, faithfully do.