Author: astherainandsnow

“The people of Judah came to Joshua at Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh said to him, ‘You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of God… concerning you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought him word as it was in my heart. But my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the Lord my God. And Moses swore on that day, saying, “Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.” And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.’

“Then Joshua blessed him, and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord, the God of Israel…

“[Caleb’s daughter] said to him, ‘Give me a blessing. Since you have given me the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water.’ And he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.” Joshua 14:6-14;15:19

At age 40, because he wholly followed the Lord his God, Caleb saw the land for what it was. His heart did not melt in fear as did his fellow spies’, but throbbed with faith and zeal. Now, 45 years later, he and his passion for the Lord and His promises were as strong as ever. He was eager and ready to receive his land, and receive it he did.

Wholly following the Lord always brings blessing. Sometimes it comes presently, sometimes in the future. Sometimes it is tangible and sometimes intangible, but always it is a place of belonging and security and abundance. When we’re planted in God’s promises and count on His word, we can claim His goods for ourselves and others because of Who backs them and delights to give.

How much of His good land do we know? When are we familiarizing ourselves with the contours of His graces, enabling, wisdom, and sufficiency? How closely do we follow His lead? Do we tread His paths hesitatingly, begrudgingly, or wholeheartedly? And for whom do we advocate for His riches of life? Present enjoyment of God reaps eternal blessing.

Father, may I know Your word and love You so deeply that I wholeheartedly follow You in grateful, joyful response, and make Your limitless blessings known.

“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, ‘Ask what I shall give you.^‘ Solomon said, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?’

“It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.’

“God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and of Egypt. For he was wiser than all other men.” 1 Kings 3:5,7,9,10-13; 4:29-31

“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

A deep knowledge of God taught Solomon his humble place and that there was much more to know and understand. By grace he started his reign fully in awe of his Sovereign and dependent on Him for the wisdom to lead. In turn, the Lord added many things to Solomon’s heart desire, beyond what had been his imagining. (1 Kings 4:31-34; Ephesians 3:20-21)

God beckons us personally to request what we want. A life flurried with frenzy and a mind with urgencies, responsibilities, even resentments will naturally seek anything to bring help, relief, fulfillment, pleasure. Self-gratifying asks. A mind soaked in the Lord’s kingdom purposes and enthralled with His majesty and highness will recognize how much it needs to do His will with excellence. God-honoring asks.

Our heavenly Benefactor comes to us with open hands. What do we truly want? What do we seek? Devoted prayer avails much when aligned with our Lord’s will and ways. (James 5:16)

How can we adjust our perspective to seek our Father first? How earnestly do we articulate specific needs alongside His purposes? What all these things has He bountifully added unto us?

Lord, teach me to pray according to Your will, and employ Your abundance for Your glory.

“Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said, ‘Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?’ And the Lord heard it. Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. And suddenly the Lord said to Moses and to Aaron and Miriam, ‘Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting.’ And the three of them came out. And the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward. And he said, ‘Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream.  Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house.  With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?’ And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he departed.” Numbers 12:1-9

Their sibling spite seems like jealousy compounded with a smack of pride and irritation at having to give way to baby brother, but the Lord God set Aaron and Miriam straight. His questions always get to the heart of matters because He cares about and deals with root causes. They were concerned with horizontal recognition and power while God tested their vertical reverence for Him. The two could not coexist. He sought and honored the meek and faithful.

It is right thinking before the Lord that drives right thinking about others. Fearing God fixes a filter that sees everyone, self included, as His creations with specific assignments. It steadies impulses and squashes hubris. What determines our mindset when dealing with others? Do we humbly seek the Holy One’s viewpoint, or boisterously charge ahead with emotionally-driven assessments? (Romans 12:2; 13:14; 1 Corinthians 2:16)

What has made us so callous that we are not afraid to make fun of others, to put down, to complain? Why are we not afraid to saunter in pride or push ahead without Christ as our Guide? Do we have such a low regard for His holiness, righteousness, and purity? Does our self-serving disregard His omniscience and justice? Do we think too highly of ourselves and too little of Him? Do we fear man more than Him? (Romans 12:3)

Have we no sense of whose we are, whose image we bear, and who we represent? Do we think lightly of God’s reputation? How carefully do we check our words, expressions, actions? What are we doing to build up others in the roles God has appointed for them, and to encourage them in their work by doing our part faithfully?

“May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
live in me from day to day,
by His love and pow’r controlling
all I do and say.” ~Kate Barclay Wilkinson (1925)

Lord, help me maintain a proper and loving fear of You in my motivation, words, and deeds, so You are exalted.

“Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,

“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Paul, as affirmation of his standing and authority, states from the start he’s called by God to be and do exactly what he was. His goal was sanctification, Christ-likeness, together with all the others God had named since before the foundation of the world. This was no solo journey. The how that wove all these prepositions together was the grace of God. Grace united them in salvation, and grace abounded in keeping power and benediction. (1 Corinthians 1:17-18; Ephesians 1:3-6)

The Christian life is inaugurated and secured by God’s call. He fulfills His eternal plan by wooing us to the point of trusting Him, and initiating the purpose He has that each saint be serving, growing, and thriving in fellowship with one another as they are conformed to His image. The blessing of His grace and peace, lavish thanksgiving, and mutual edification and encouragement sets the tone for rich living.

Do we know for certain we have been called by God? Chosen to be His child forever, kept in His fold and promise? If so, what evidence is there in our outlook on current and world events, if our future is certain? How would others describe our identity?

Do we understand that we have been called to bear His name and truth, His character and grace? If so, how are we living out that purpose by specific choices through our days? In our speech and interactions, if we have been made new? In our attitude toward stress and suffering, if God uses all things to conform us to Himself? What effort are we making to grow in our knowledge of God’s will? (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

What about the with in the Body of Christ? Do we shy away from others out of insecurity or a fear they will know the real me? Do we avoid mixing with fellow saints so we can just do our own thing without the mess of other personalities and opinions? How can we, knowing that God works through mutual sanctification, invest in and seek the wisdom of others for the good of the whole?

Lord, keep me wholly engaged in Your will and ways for the good of Your church and praise of Your glory.

“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work….

“Though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong…

“Christ is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.” 2 Corinthians 9:8; 10:3-5; 12:8-10; 13:3-4

From the moment Paul laid down his bent to destroy God’s message and people, the enemy who had to relinquish him attacked his newfound faith. Though formerly driven by misguided self-determination, the rest of his days on earth were on mission to keep and proclaim the Lord’s truth in His strength alone. His sovereign and loving God so orchestrated his circumstances to remind him only God’s power triumphs over weakness and evil and ultimately vanquishes the enemy. (John 10:10)

Since Eden, man has proved his weakness of flesh, and the promise of God given there in response is that He is enough. His power will triumph over this sting and folly and curse. The outworking of this flesh struggle here below succeeds by a constant tethering to heaven. Until we turn in our earthly garb we wrestle, but always with Christ in us, the certain hope of freedom and glory. (Genesis 3:9-19; Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 1:27)

Considering worldwide conflicts, broken cultures, decayed morals, we observe the myriad displays of tension between flesh and the Almighty. When we commit to live for Christ we step in the fray. We might often feel we’re on the losing side because of worldly pressures, caustic attacks, or physical or mental weakness, but we must remember the One on our side is greater than the foe. Jesus stands as defender now and risen victorious Savior forever. (2 Kings 6:17; Romans 8:31-34; 1 John 4:4)

What stubbornness or pride keeps us contending with the flesh on our own? How many failures will it take to realize our self-determination and will power are no match for the prince of the air, and only God can defeat the enemies of our souls? In grace the Lord reveals riddling weakness and allows defeat to prove His sufficiency and care.

We are prone to wander and snipe and fall. The enemy onslaught is piercing and formidable. But God is Lord of lords, our immovable fortress and valiant warrior.

Lord, help me be faithful in the fight while trusting Your power alone for victory. (1 Chronicles 29:11-13)

“Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.  For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,  to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16a

“We are  always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.  For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;  and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-11; 5:14-15

Paul saw the Christian life as much more than verbal profession. His passion was for the gospel, proclaimed and practiced, and his desire the holiness of God’s people. He was willing to do what it took to effectuate these ends. He spoke not with chastisement or criticism, but a genuine desire to see them living uprightly and serving God’s kingdom and purposes vibrantly. Only in dying to themselves were they free to live fully for Christ and spread the fragrance of His life and excellencies abroad.

Days designed to extend the light and truth of Christ are rightly-inspired and not always smooth. Many reject the way He offers, our stench in presenting it one that disturbs and repulses. It is not Christ who has a bad odor, but the concept of admitting and turning from sin, giving up control. When the recipient remains hard-hearted, we will always be a stench that sours their chosen lifestyle and mindset. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

But when the Spirit begins to work, softening stubbornness and wooing the soul, at some point the fragrance turns sweet. As we continue on in triumphal procession, living out Christ not just with words but the aroma of self-forgetfulness, gracious kindness, a listening ear, a tender touch, a burden shared, Jesus becomes irresistible. What was death to death becomes life to life.

What in our living is causing Christ to be a stench among unbelievers? Are we too impatient or rude, too rushed to converse and care, two-faced? What inconsistencies plague our habits, what triggers turn demeanors sour and words ugly? Where are we skimping on love, generosity, grace? Once we recognize where we sully and cause stink in the reputation of Jesus, would we confess, put it to death, and trust Him to put on what magnifies His loveliness, promotes lofty thinking, and draws others in? How can we, and will we, spread the savor of Christ’s name, the sweetness of His love? (Colossians 3:5-17)

“O for a life that’s dead to self,
fragrant with love divine;
patient and kind and pure and good —
a copy, Lord, of thine.” ~Charles Wesley (1742) and PEB

Lord, keep me faithful in spreading wide Your fragrance, a true outpouring of Your character and graces in all their exquisite perfection and glory.

“When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.

“Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

“Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.  I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence,  for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.

“The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.  All the brothers send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss...

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.” 1 Corinthians 16:10-20,23

Paul’s detailed long letter to the Corinthian church began with grace and gratitude, covered many topics facilitating their being unified with each other, and closed gathering every listener for a warm, affectionate bit of fellowship. Welcoming and loving and greeting and refreshing made for a healthy spiritual atmosphere and nurtured openness to important truths. They were a vital priority for the church if they were to grow and have influence together. His conclusion exemplified his teaching throughout. (1 Corinthians 1:2-9)

Support and defend the young and new, be flexible and understanding, act like adults in your interactions- with love, mutually submit and defer with grace, shower one another with appropriate affection. Each admonition involves relationships and genuine ties to individuals with personalities and challenges and needs. All require selflessness and intentional communication and gathering together, all promote a oneness of purpose that’s higher than any personal opinion or preference. Ours is a high and wide calling in Christ, and He is a high and limitless God! In and through Him we can do our part in building up the church. (Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 5:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14; 1 Timothy 4:12; Hebrews 10:23-24)

How important to us is regular interaction with God’s people? What are we doing to make it happen? When we speak or spend time with them, what benefit or encouragement is derived? How well do we value the individuals God has placed in our circle, and what would they say is the evidence and result? How committed are we to meaningful fellowship within the Body, and to its expansion in maturity and numbers?

Standing and growing strong in the faith both requires and engenders worthwhile gathering among people we know by name and personality. The Lord disdains relational sloth and is honored when we invest in others.

Father, make me willing and ready to welcome and encourage those You’ve placed in my life, for their blessing and Your glory.

“Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. [He] used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say,.. ‘See, your claims are good and right, but there is no man designated by the king to hear you… Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice.’ And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him… 

“Absalom sent secret messengers throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, ‘As soon as you hear the trumpet, say, “Absalom is king at Hebron!..”’ 

“A messenger came to David, saying, ‘The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.’ David said to all his servants.., ‘Arise, and let us flee,.. lest he overtake us quickly and bring down ruin on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword… Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me back and let me see both it and his dwelling place.’

“They pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof. And Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel… The Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so [he] might bring harm upon Absalom… They took Absalom and threw him into a great pit and raised over him a very great heap of stones… Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself the pillar that is in the King’s Valley…’to keep my name in remembrance…’

And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, ‘O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!'” 2 Samuel 15:1-5,10,13-14,25; 16:22; 17:14; 18:17-18,33

Two sin-soaked men, father and son, ambitious and errant save for God’s grace. David made poor choices in not disciplining his royal offspring and sadly reaped the consequences. Son Absalom took it upon himself to make things right in every wrong way. David’s heart after God’s quickened at sin, mourned and repented, where Absalom’s bore out revenge, violence, anger, deception, greed, and pride. The Lord corrects ambition by conviction or destruction, and will always ultimately have His way. (2 Samuel 13:22-29,37)

Innate ambition drives either self-constructed, ego-fulfilling endeavors or God’s work and plans. The natural heart is inclined toward promotion and things of the flesh, while the heart for God seeks after His will and glory. God can redirect and redeem every determination. (Isaiah 43:7; Romans 8:5-10)

Are we controlled by self-serving passions, our own ends and way? Or do we trust God’s sovereignty and yield to His methods and timing? What can we do to align our ambition with the Lord’s for us? (Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:3-7)

“True ambition is the profound desire to live usefully and walk humbly under the grace of God.” ~Charles Spurgeon

Lord, extricate all errant and selfish ambition and give me a tender heart wholly surrendered to You, Your purposes and glory.