Author: astherainandsnow

“We want you to know about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.  For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,  begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—  and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace.  But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

“I say this… to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine.  For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.  And… this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it.  So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.  For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-12

Grace is an ongoing theme in Paul’s letters to the churches. Woven through his own life and ministry as its subject, object, and power, the very word peppered through his vocabulary, grace compelled the work of Christ in the churches as they were established and grew. One of the specific works for which they’d been saved by grace was to give generously to support the churches. Grace by nature was a lavish gift, so those transformed by it should naturally practice its outflow as Jesus did, giving His all. (Luke 6:38; Romans 12:8; Ephesians 2:8-10)

If we know Jesus and are thoughtful, we will be able to trace the indelible mark of His grace along our journey and understand how it has instructed and formed us going forward. When we consider the cost to our Savior in applying grace to us, we cannot help but be grateful. In what ways am I honoring Christ and paying it forward by specific sacrificial obedience, by extending grace when it’s difficult, by giving generously?

Any kindness- thought or act- is borne of God’s grace acting in us. While certain kindnesses may come easily: patient listening, jumping in to fix a problem or serve in some practical capacity, others require a special dose of grace. To meet financial vacancy, sometimes the Spirit breaks open our greed and sense of needed security to compel us to give. How willing are we to concede? How can the measure of God’s grace to us in Christ, to pay our impossible debt and supply our deepest needs, inform and define our open-handedness to others? He is always more than sufficient. (2 Corinthians 8:15; 9:8-10; 12:9)

Lord, compel me to lavish giving out of undying gratitude for Your extravagant grace.

“Samuel said to all the people, ‘Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? There is none like him among all the people.’ And all the people shouted, ‘Long live the king!…’ But some worthless fellows said, ‘How can this man save us?’ And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace…” 1 Samuel 10:24,27

“Then the people said to Samuel, ‘Who is it that said, “Shall Saul reign over us?” Bring the men, that we may put them to death.’ But Saul said, ‘Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has worked salvation in Israel.’ Then Samuel said to the people, ‘Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.’ So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.” 1 Samuel 11:12-15

Soon after his anointing, Saul met a challenge he handled with great aplomb, handily defeating the threatening Ammonites. Those who fell in behind his now-proven leadership wanted to do away with the early naysayers, establishing the power of their sovereign with a show of swagger and brag. King Saul at this point gave all credit to the Lord and turned their focus on rejoicing in Him instead. (1 Samuel 11:1-11)

Insecurity breeds suspicion breeds feisty antagonism and a pompous parade of power. When God’s leaders are called and confirmed by Him, they are secure enough in Him to resist opposition and eschew notoriety without such display. The key to God-fueled, God-honoring leadership and living is knowing the One who placed you in that position and undertakes for you there. He is the One to be trusted, He to be praise.

Are we so enamored with knowing and aligning with the famous and influential that we criticize those who do not follow them? In relation to any position of authority or expertise, where and how is my ego manifested? Do I treat my role as a right, or a trust? And those I serve as underlings, or like image-bearers? Do I direct attention to myself for the people I know, the wise decisions I’ve made, or the victories I’ve enjoyed, or am I quick to spotlight the Lord who gives every favor, triumph, and success? Where am I tempted to touch God’s glory, and how do I handle it when experiencing personal success or prestige? (Isaiah 42:8)

How can my view of opposition change if I’m firm in faith and call? How will I see others and myself differently if I fix my security in Jesus and lift high His name and praise rather than boasting my own?

“The Lord is my light and my salvation;
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
    of whom shall I be afraid?..

 Though an army encamp against me,
    my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
    yet I will be confident…

For he will hide me in his shelter
    in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
    he will lift me high upon a rock.” Psalm 27:1,3,5

Lord, secure me in Your call, cover me with Your light, and clarify my vision to see others as you do, and You as supremely worthy of all notice, honor, and praise.

“Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and… he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father; and he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father, and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, and the carved and the metal images… 

“Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had cleansed the land and the house, he sent… to repair the house of the Lord his God… Then Shaphan the secretary told the king, ‘Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.’ And Shaphan read from it before the king.

“And when the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes…

“‘Thus says the Lord,.. Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words.., and you have humbled yourself before me and have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you…’ 

“Then the king gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. [He] went up to the house of the Lord, with all the men of Judah… all the people both great and small. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the Lord. The king stood and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book… 

“And he died and was buried in the tombs of his fathers. All Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. Jeremiah also uttered a lament for Josiah; and all the singing men and singing women have spoken of Josiah in their laments to this day.” 2 Chronicles 34:1-3,8,18-19,26-27,29-31; 35:24-25

Josiah exhibited his deep knowledge of and reverence for God by living uprightly. From an early age, his mission was to obey God, his mode self-forgetfulness, his service Spirit-led. He had no need to prove his significance, only to live for the God who had given him the privilege to rule as king. His life was hidden in the character and countenance of his Lord, and therefore deeply mourned when it was over for the light that had been extinguished.

With any new course, we set the direction, gait, and tempo. We decide whom to serve and who gets the credit. As we begin a new day or endeavor, what do seek first? Is our desire to make a name for ourselves, or discover how to make God’s name known? Do we rely on our own smarts and strength, or seek first the Lord and conform our thinking and actions to His? (Proverbs 3:3-6; Micah 6:8; Matthew 6:33; Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:1-3)

How well hidden are we in Christ? What needs cleaning out, putting off, or setting up in order for His character and ways to be exemplified?

Lord, so hide me in You that others see only Jesus and Your glory in all my words and deeds. (Acts 4:13)

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs…

“Of the Son he says,

‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
    the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
    with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.’

“And,

‘You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
    and the heavens are the work of your hands;
they will perish, but you remain;
    they will all wear out like a garment,
like a robe you will roll them up,
    like a garment they will be changed.
But you are the same,
    and your years will have no end.’

“And to which of the angels has he ever said,

‘Sit at my right hand
    until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’?” Hebrews 1:1-4,8-13

God spoke the world into being, and from the beginning His voice created, instructed, questioned, and loved. Through the ages His word was captured and recorded so the next would be able to know it. After the last prophet had foretold His coming, Jesus appeared as the Word, God in the flesh, and by His Spirit we have the scriptures as His immutable, inerrant word forever. (Genesis 1:3-30; Psalm 19:7-8; Matthew 24:35; 2 Peter 1:21)

Of all the voices in the world, there is one that speaks like no other. It is both in this world and out of this world in existence, authority, power, and glory, and it speaks personally to us. It is available for the asking, the reading, this living Word whose name is above all names. His is not the voice of a prophet or angel or public expert, but the Word who is God. (John 1:1-4; Philippians 2:9; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)

Who speaks into our messes, conundrums, and wonderings? Whom have we chosen to tune in to and heed? What are we turning on, tuning in, or opening up for a word of help? If we seek advice from individuals, how carefully do we discern its alignment with God’s truth? When we pay attention to voices through the filter of His excellent word, God inspires and leads.

Who speaks through us? Do we make decisions and advise on the basis of gut feelings, quickly react from emotion, or thoughtfully give voice to God’s Word?

“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?” ~George Keith (1787)

Lord, attune me to Your voice so it informs and inspires my every choice for Your glory.

“David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And his brothers and all his father’s house… went down there to him. Everyone who was in distress, and in debt, and bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men.”

“David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’ And the Lord said, ‘Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah…’

“Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men… Then David said, ‘O Lord, the God of Israel, your servant has surely heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city on my account. Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down?.. Please tell your servant.’ And the Lord said, ‘He will come down….’ Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah, and went wherever they could go. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the expedition… And Saul sought him every day, but God did not give him into his hand.

“David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life… in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, ‘Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel… Saul my father also knows this.’ And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord.” 1 Samuel 22:1-2; 23:2,8,10-11,13-18

King Saul was on a jealous rampage to extinguish the man he knew would succeed him, and his subjects were beginning to question his fitness as king. If he would not accept God’s stated word, why would they accept him? His orders were inconsistent with the word of the Lord through Samuel. In the meanwhile, the anointed-yet-not-installed David was running for his life. But he never stopped running to his Lord, seeking His direction and strength at every turn. It was David who attracted loyal followers by exercising integrity and godly leadership as he followed his Lord. (1 Samuel 15:26; 16:7-13; 18:12-16)

David showed continuing deference and honor to Saul, but his true King was the Lord. He knew what he’d been called to do, and while patient to wait God’s time, did all he could to fend for His people. He trained a faithful band of followers who increased in number and stature to become mighty men. Even Jonathan, Saul’s son, recognized God’s hand on David and pledged his support. (2 Samuel 23:8-39)

When deciding allegiances and alliances, it’s important to align ourselves with God’s truth and those who follow it. Are the narrative and the walk in synch and consistent? Do those we follow exemplify and point us to the King?

For ourselves as leaders and influencers, how carefully do we live out the words and beliefs we espouse? Do our decisions, manner, and actions reflect God’s character and commands? In any role God’s assigned, how effectively are we building up others, and leading them to courageous faith and increasing trust in the Lord?

My King, keep me faithfully following You so others see and are attracted to You through me.

“Not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved…  

“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:23-4,26-27

“We know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling… being burdened… that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” 2 Corinthians 5:1-2,4-5

God’s word backed by God Himself gives His people an unshakable promise, a guarantee, a first installment with assurance that He will see it through. We are both saved and being saved, God’s Spirit in us our surety of salvation, His presence and power now, and the promise of our ultimate sanctification and conformity to Christ’s image. For today, this gives hope that fortifies the flagging, lifts the downcast, awakens the drowsy and slothful to vibrant faith. (1 Corinthians 15:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 1:6; 2:12-13; Hebrews 11:1)

At the moment we believe- and that by the germ of faith He implants- the Lord commences the work of firstfruits. Throughout life, Jesus remains our best prayer partner, encompassing us in His divine shaping and keeping. Those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son. How does this guarantee encourage us? We can absolutely trust Him to fulfill the destiny He begins and executes. (Romans 8:29)

When days meet a myriad of occurrences and troubles that when seen individually may not make sense, God with His magnificent all-encompassing perspective is working. What affliction cannot wean us from self-reliance and train us to rely on His strength? What conviction cannot burn away bad habits or compel communication and reconciliation? Instead of being shaken by what is unsettling in the world, would we be fortified by the Spirit in His ongoing process of making us like Jesus?

“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?

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.” ~George Keith (1787)

Increase my faith, O Lord, even as You make me like You.

“At that time Joshua built an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded the people of Israel, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, ‘an altar of uncut stones, upon which no man has wielded an iron tool.’ And they offered on it burnt offerings to the Lord and sacrificed peace offerings.  And there, in the presence of the people of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written. And all Israel, sojourner as well as native born, with their elders and officers and their judges, stood on opposite sides of the ark before the Levitical priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, half of them in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded at the first, to bless the people of Israel. And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses commanded that Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel, and the women, and the little ones, and the sojourners who lived among them.” Joshua 8:30-35

Imagine the exhilaration and exhaustion of early days in the promised land. Israel had finally crossed over, conquering the first city, followed by defeat and judgment stemming from some of the people’s waylaid affections and priorities. Joshua could have cowered at the Lord’s wrath, or simply given in to exasperation with the fickle Israelites, but he knew God’s call and promises. He would take no credit for success because he knew the True Commander who’d led them there and secured their position. His heart was fixed, utterly dependent on his Lord and His word. He boldly kept Israel’s eyes on God, urging them in word and example to look to and live for Him. (Joshua 6:1-7; 7:1-4,16-21)

After victory we often crave rest. After upheaval we might collapse, or want to complain, or take some time to stew or regroup. After a harsh judgment from God we might lash out in anger, cower in fear, or timidly wait for next direction. Or, we can go to Jesus. We can continue in the call by making our way to the altar, a deliberate place of gratitude, surrender, recommitment, and praise. It is here we readjust and make sure we are aligned with His stated directions.

When we make the effort to praise God and acknowledge His hand and plan and promises, we can take no credit for success, nor responsibility for being an expert for what He gives us to do. By will and example we declare He is Lord, His word is supreme, and any favor or redemption or grace is His to bestow.

Where have I allowed circumstances to unsettle my plumb in Christ? Do I swing on a pendulum of emotional reactions, or in rhythm with truths found in His word? How will I establish, for myself and those I influence, God’s altar as foundation and focus?

Lord, You who are great above all gods and do all that You please. May I exalt Your renown throughout my days. (Psalm 135:3-6,8-13)

“Then I looked, and behold, on the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim there appeared something like a sapphire, in appearance like a throne. He said to the man clothed in linen, ‘Go in among the whirling wheels underneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from between the cherubim, and scatter them over the city.’

“And he went in before my eyes. Now the cherubim were standing on the south side of the house… and a cloud filled the inner court.  And the glory of the Lord went up from the cherub to the threshold of the house, and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the Lord.  And the sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard as far as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when he speaks...

“Then the glory of the Lord went out from the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim. And the cherubim lifted up their wings and mounted up from the earth before my eyes as they went out, with the wheels beside them. And they stood at the entrance of the east gate of the house of the Lord, and the glory of the God of Israel was over them.” Ezekiel 10:1-5,18-19

The prophet was locked into his heavenly call and intent on obedience. With everything going on about him, he looked, and that’s when he saw the supernatural visions God would reveal. It took will and focus, and the Lord who directed also delivered. (Ezekiel 9:4-11)

Our eyes are a miraculous creation in God’s design, opening us to the visual world and its myriad of colors, shapes, textures, dimension, movement, and innuendo. When we look carefully, we take in layers of information and meaning, often beholding exquisite beauties and alluring enticements that take our breath away. For those who can see, it’s hard to imagine life without this sense. For Christ’s adopted child, sight is enhanced by the Holy Spirit of God who alerts, teaches, and inspires.

The enemy would have us look at anything and anyone but Jesus and His work. He’d have us look into anything but His word. In order to understand what’s occurring today in God’s world our eyes must rise from distraction, turn from lesser things, and take on His vision. Are we aware how His glory has been lifted from peoples and institutions and much of the church? Do we see His heavenly glory in the providential mercies and divine judgments in the midst of cultural and worldwide bedlam? (2 Kings 6:15-17; Psalm 119:18)

And then I looked… where? At my phone? My inbox? Headlines? Needed maintenance, pile of work, enticing posts? What’s occupying my visual attention? Does the frenzy of circumstances cause me to look askance at my Lord? What will I determine to behold this day? What fray of distractions will I shut off or put down so I can see my Lord and His eternal work and glory clearly? In a world of flux, recognizing God and His activity secures us in hope. (Matthew 17:8; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Hebrews 12:2)

“Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside.” Mary D. James (1810-1883)

Lord, keep me intent on You and what You’re doing in the world so I think and pray and live and praise You aright.

“Certain of the elders of Israel came to me and sat before me.  And the word of the Lord came to me: ‘Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts, and set the stumbling block of their iniquity before their faces. Should I indeed let myself be consulted by them?  Therefore say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Any one of the house of Israel who takes his idols into his heart and sets the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and yet comes to the prophet, I the Lord will answer him as he comes with the multitude of his idols,  that I may lay hold of the hearts of the house of Israel, who are all estranged from me through their idols.

“’Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations.  For any one of the house of Israel,.. who separates himself from me, taking his idols into his heart and putting the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and yet comes to a prophet to consult me through him, I the Lord will answer him myself. And I will set my face against that man; I will make him a sign and a byword and cut him off from the midst of my people, and you shall know that I am the Lord…  that the house of Israel may no more go astray from me, nor defile themselves anymore with all their transgressions, but that they may be my people and I may be their God, declares the Lord God.” Ezekiel 14:1-8,11

The elders knew better, but crowded their inner space with selected gods. Perhaps to hear what they wanted directed or confirmed, perhaps to own control, perhaps to titillate their fancy, their foolish choices betrayed divided hearts, and the LORD would not have it. His word through Ezekiel held a mirror before their faces they could not avoid. They could not serve Him and idols. (Matthew 6:24)

And don’t we mess with the same thing? We snuggle close to God when life’s breezing along, when we feel cozy in His good graces. But the moment circumstances turn difficult or sour, or some nebulous but enticing attraction flitters by, we frolic away to test the competition and begin to collect idols. A new way of hearing from God. A new philosophy for relaxation and inner peace. A new culturally-coined mantra. A new activity that steals time from holy communion. Strange voices that deny the scriptures. We might try to keep open the line to the true God, but signals get confused with the multitude of messages.

How dare we think that we can profess loving God Almighty and coincidentally share sacred space with idols! God is King of kings and Lord of lords, and will share His glory with no other. With every intention to focus on Him our eyes shift side to side, unable to resist the frenetic tease of pesky gods. We must let them go for God to fully take hold. (Isaiah 42:8; Revelation 19:16)

Who and what have we assembled in our heart’s throne room? What idols of falsehood, temper-driven feelings, or outright lies do we foolishly consult and coddle? When will we repent and relent?

Lord, unite my heart to believe in and extol You alone. (Psalm 86:11)

“Boaz said to Ruth, ‘Listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.’ Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, ‘Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?’ Boaz answered her, ‘All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before.  The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!’  Then she said, ‘I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.'” Ruth 2:8-13

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Ruth, a young widow displaced (by choice) in a foreign land, set to industry by gleaning in her mother-in-law’s relative’s field. Moved by the heart of God, the owner brought this notable stranger palpable comfort in ways only his Lord would have known were meaningful. He noticed her hard work and kindness, and was attentive to the unusual faith she exhibited as a Moabite drawn to her husband’s family’s God. As God’s vessel of blessing to her, he provided for her practical needs with protection, ample sustenance, and specific instructions. (Ruth 1:1-18,22; 2:2-7)

We, too, can extend meaningful comfort to those among us. We likely live or work with people who are unsettled, lonely, lacking, or carry unspoken heartache. Keeping our ears and sensitivities open to the Lord and eyes open to individuals will direct us when and how to meet specific needs.

How intent are we on looking for opportunity to extend God’s comfort and blessing? Who is lonely in a new or strange place? Who needs to understand how things work, an unknown process or cultural distinction? Who is burdened by a troubled child, demanding family member, deep grief? What are we doing to supply for practical needs and palpable care among those in our family, church, or community?

How will we grant the favor and blessing of God on loved ones this day? How can we name the Lord and encourage people spiritually, bolster them in the truth of God’s promises, remind them of His attributes? A word of benediction and a moment of help are graces to bestow with joy. (Proverbs 10:21; 16:24)

Father, keep me keen to the plights of others, ready and generous always to comfort and bless for Your sake.