Author: astherainandsnow

“Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
    who walk in the law of the Lord!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
    who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong,
    but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts
    to be kept diligently.
Oh that my ways may be steadfast
    in keeping your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame,
    having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart,
    when I learn your righteous rules.
I will keep your statutes;
    do not utterly forsake me!

How can a young man keep his way pure?
    By guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you;
    let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:1-11

The description is attached to the prescription: the blameless are defined by a distinct way of living. Intrinsically intertwined are keeping the commands, seeking the Lord who issued them, and ongoing active walking in His revealed way. None is independent of the other. Mindset, heart passion, and body and will conformity all make up the blessed life in Christ.

Tripping comes when we let one slide. We voice allegiance, yet fill our minds with alternative ‘truth’ and manmade mantras and preferred opinions over God’s clear word. Whose rules do we actually and exclusively follow? We profess devotion, yet fail to practice even the most basic disciplines to actually seek the Lord. Are we regularly and attentively poring over His word, reading systematically to understand the process of His plans, intentions with His people, and exquisiteness and excellencies of His attributes? Do we take long moments quieted from the world’s input to meditate on Him in prayer- eyes closed, mind concentrating, soul kneeling, worshiping solely for who He is, not just what He’s done? Listening? We claim obedience, but do we justify behavior by comparison? How carefully are we guarding our actions and renouncing temptation? How actively and promptly do we implement His positive commands?

It’s important to know what consumes and compels us, to adjust or correct those drivers, and to be certain to surrender to God’s truth as supreme. When all around us is moving and teasing and pulling, where do we fix our eyes? Do daily necessities and fleeting distractions rule our hours, or have we determined our life course in relation to the Lord? Are we easily dissuaded from keeping course, or do we make decisions and manage urgencies and temptations thoughtfully? What devotion to self and its attending affections keeps us from wholehearted devotion to the Lord? (Psalm 119:15-16,18,24)

How can we hide God’s word in our hearts to guard against sin? What practical defense do His truth and promises wield in everyday buffeting and interactions? What allure to please man stumbles a faithful walk, and what will we do about it? Where do delay and loitering cause us to fall away, and how will we more readily hasten to obey? (Psalm 119:60,69-70,78)

Father, convict me of willful wayfaring, wrong thinking, and weak devotion, and set me straight in zealous, wholehearted obedience to You and for Your glory.

“Great are the works of the Lord,
    studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
    and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
    the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
    he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
    in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
    all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,
    to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
    he has commanded his covenant forever.
    Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all those who practice it have a good understanding.
    His praise endures forever!” Psalm 111:2-10

Throughout his moments, days, and years, the psalmist had observed a variety of the works of God. The greater his delight in their wide and captivating array, the more continual his outflow of praise. His increasing bounty of knowledge and wonder magnified and resounded through the ages the honor of his Lord.

Studying God’s works teaches about the God behind and above them. Consider fascinating intertwinings and habits of nature, and behold His creativity, beauty, order, balance, and delighted, intimate involvement. Study His ongoing ways and unfolding plans in history and see His perfect authority, compassion, holiness, and justice. Ponder His interactions with men and women and marvel at His love, mercy, ongoing care, benevolent discipline, and redemptive purposes. The Lord with eternal perspective works all things, past, present, and future, near and abroad, for the good of His children. We see with limited view, His is wide and long. (Psalm 113:5-6; Romans 8:28-30; 1 Corinthians 13:12)

The benefits of studying God’s great works are many. Wonder is enhanced, worship heightened. We develop fear of the Lord which increases wisdom. We grow in desire to stay in the flow of His works, breeding deeper intimacy, communion, dependence. And greater is our storehouse of wonders to tell abroad so others’ eyes are open and hearts warmed.

What are we doing practically to know God’s works? Do we recognize His hands in the wide world’s and our own everyday? When do we take time for regular, systematic study of His word- His ongoing interactions with men and nations, its exquisite foundation of doctrines and recording of history, its inspired poetry and capture and revelation of God’s heart? How are these familiarizing us with God’s attributes and character? How often do we pause in nature to marvel at dappled light, the way of a fuzzy caterpillar or spotted fish, or wooly clouds, or fuchsia blossoms, then trace the Creator’s hand and motivation? What have we gleaned about His intricate planning, mysterious designs, sense of humor? (Psalm 8:1,3-6; 104:1-24)

As our understanding increases, so should the robustness and variety of our praise. When and how and among whom are we exalting God in expressed kindness and conversation? Who needs to hear of His works so they can set their hope and joy in Him?

Lord, spur me on daily to gain greater understanding of Your works so I know You better and love and praise You more.

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,
    for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

Why should the nations say,
    ‘Where is their God?’
Our God is in the heavens;
    he does all that he pleases.

Their idols are silver and gold,
    the work of human hands.
They have mouths, but do not speak;
    eyes, but do not see.
They have ears, but do not hear;
    noses, but do not smell.
They have hands, but do not feel;
    feet, but do not walk;
    and they do not make a sound in their throat.
Those who make them become like them;
    so do all who trust in them…
You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord!
    He is their help and their shield…

The heavens are the Lord’s heavens,
    but the earth he has given to the children of man…
But we will bless the Lord
    from this time forth and forevermore.
Praise the Lord!” Psalm 115:1-8,11,16,18

The writer’s conversational psalm with the Lord involves deliberation and will. He resolves to honor God above himself, then describes those who would not. He acknowledges the foolishness of those who craft false gods and the sad but common result of their failure to fear and trust the Lord. He closes with repeated commitment, in light of the banal and senseless practices of those around him, to praise his God alone.

The tussle and pull of gods is ubiquitous. Living on this earth, we can in mind and practice confine the true God to the heavens where He dwells, and ignore His gaze and intermingling and influence during our days. We take thought for ourselves, we take glory for ourselves, and we segment God to Sunday church and morning prayers and the sky above.

Occupied here below among a myriad of idols, we get about the making of and absorption in our own gods- my ambition, my dreams, my family, my toys. We carve success trinkets and mold beauty figurines and tune in to our deity-voices. The more focused we are on what we’ve elevated to priority, the more we resemble that which and those we worship. Work etches its strain on our face, unhealthy veneration of our children imprints (and possibly impedes) logic and ministry, and we begin to mimic what we listen and pledge our allegiance to. How will we deal with this constant vying for our heart and soul devotion?

It is important to remember who God is, and what worship He requires. When He reigns supreme in affections and adoration, He will order rightly all other loves. What preoccupations and passions need we set aside to enthrone Him as Sovereign? What can we change so our worship is focused and genuine? Where will we ask Him to infiltrate mindset and affections to make us more like Him? How can we practically heed His call to be holy, in every priority and choice and expression, as He is? (Leviticus 19:2; John 4:24; 2 Corinthians 3:18)

Oh Lord, not to me be glory, or supremacy, or authority, or too much attention, but to You alone I give all. Purify my loves and worship for the sake of Your glory, so my life reflects and blesses and praises You forever.

“In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ it shall be said to them, ‘Children of the living God.'”

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her,
    and bring her into the wilderness,
    and speak tenderly to her.
And there I will give her her vineyards
    and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope….

“In that day, declares the Lord, you will call me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer will you call me ‘My Baal.’  For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be remembered by name no more…  And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy.  I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord.

“And I will have mercy on No Mercy,
    and I will say to Not My People, ‘You are my people’;
    and he shall say, ‘You are my God.’”

“Come, let us return to the Lord…
Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord…”

“Sow for yourselves righteousness;
    reap steadfast love;
    break up your fallow ground,
for it is the time to seek the Lord,
    that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 1:10; 2:14-17,19-20,23; 6:1,3; 10:12

Born into insidious sin and all its stain of selfishness, rebellion, and pride, natural man is helpless apart from God’s mercy. When once by the grace of belief we are new creatures, and we who were Not His People become forever His People, the true name change is effected, yet old identities can be slow to die. How patient and steadfast is God’s love in sanctifying His people! (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:8-10; Colossians 3:5-17)

Eden’s imprint says surely God means for my control and pleasure. Grace gifts new recognition of Satan’s lies and exposes and convicts shortcomings on holiness. The newly inaugurated Regent sets about changing the names of all previous and nagging dark identities. Some are immediately transformed, others longer in the letting loose and replacing. Often these come to light in times of testing, which God intends and carefully works for refinement. (Job 23:10)

Can we trace differences His Spirit has made in our thinking, motivations, actions? How measures consistent growth in areas of character and behavior? If we can’t see effects of His reign, what have we been withholding? Where have we neglected to go after and press on to know our God? (Hosea 4:6; 10:12; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:2-3)

What fruit of the Spirit is woefully lacking in the rub and wreck of our days? There is not one the Lord withholds or dismisses as optional. Do we make excuses for falling short? Are we named Merciless, or Stubborn, or Unkind that begs for the new name of Merciful, Submissive, or Loving? Would we invite God to make unwise wise, impatient patient, brusque gentle, weak strong? (Galatians 5:22-23)

“To this end we pray, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Lord, have Your way with every part of me so I accurately and honorably bear Your holy, glorious name.

“Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it… Then the king commanded Ashpenaz to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king…

“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs…

“God gave learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams… In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired, he found [him] ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.” Daniel 1:1,3-5,8-9,17,20

“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” John 17:15-18

Young, privileged, and capable, Daniel was removed from all that was familiar and placed into a heathen environment. Determined to remain true to his faith even in a strange land, Daniel boldly requested exceptions to the non-essentials while applying himself in the vital. As God graciously undertook for him with allowance, protection, and favor, Daniel honored Him in every way. (Daniel 2:12-23,47-48; 6:10-13)

Daily temptations and rabid cultures can pressure us into defiling ourselves in many ways. Even if the choices are not personally alluring, they might tease at self-worth, fear of acceptance, or want for approval or promotion. Where are we weak and prone to give in?

What gets us to the point of a strong, unshakable stance? What leads us to an unwavering commitment to follow Jesus at any cost? It’s the acknowledgment of who is truly King, and the determination to honor Him above all. Will I today stake my claim in His faultless, faithful favor?

“Other refuge have I none; 
hangs my helpless soul on thee; 
leave, ah! leave me not alone, 
still support and comfort me. 
All my trust on thee is stayed, 
all my help from thee I bring; 
cover my defenseless head 
with the shadow of thy wing. 

Plenteous grace with thee is found, 
grace to cover all my sin; 
let the healing streams abound; 
make and keep me pure within. 
Thou of life the fountain art; 
freely let me take of thee; 
spring thou up within my heart, 
rise to all eternity.” ~Charles Wesley (1740)

Lord, for Your sake and honor, fortify my faith so I boldly decide and make it known that I will not defile myself.

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye…

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” Matthew 7:1-5,12

Jesus the holy Judge had stinging words for those who put themselves in His place. Both the act of judging and the standard used would come back to bite all who in pomp, pride, and spiritual blindness made a practice of casting judgment. His call was to humble self-examination and a willingness to identify and confess personal sin without excuse or comparison. Matthew 25:31; 2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 19:11; 20:11-13

This should make us shudder. Isn’t it true that the flaws we nitpick in others, and the irritations and foibles with which we’re impatient, are detectable because we’re prone to the same? It takes one to know one rings true. Why else is it so easy to recognize deception, jealousy, and selfishness? That and how and what we judge reveals our own transgressions.

It is prudent to beware our tendency to judge at all, and check it immediately. It is not our responsibility to determine or denounce another’s folly. When we suppose someone’s motives, we’re treading where only God can knowingly and rightfully go. When we chastise others’ actions and attempt to dole out punishment ourselves, or maliciously wish ill on them, we take into our own hands what is the Lord’s right and duty. He alone ably applies justice to the intentions of the heart. (Romans 12:19; Revelation 3:15-17)

Often the eye that constantly looks for and fixates on others’ faults is self-stained and pride-irritated, unable to see clearly our ugly, obvious culpability. In what situations do our fingers twitch to fix and our tongues agitate to criticize and correct? Stop! Hold the hand slap and wagging tongue! Exercise self control by the power of the Spirit, employ His discernment to expose and confess personal sins, and haul out the plank once for all.

The boomerang of judgment beckons forgiveness. When we look on others with grace-bathed eyes as Jesus looks on us, we’re able and generous to forgive. When we see ourselves declared righteous by Jesus’s blood, that same sight, clear of planks and splinters, bestows beautiful garments on offenders. God mysteriously and marvelously unites us at the foot of the cross, and frees us to love and accept each other with the love we’ve received. He enables us to desire and actually do for and treat others the way we wish they would us. (Ephesians 4:32)

What habit of judgment is God identifying today? What will I do with His conviction? How can I practice humility, thankfulness, and lavish grace?

Lord, help me see others with Your eyes of love, grant them mercy, and entrust all judgment to You.

“The word of the Lord came to [Elijah]: ‘Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith…’ And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and… evening, and he drank from the brook…

“Then he was afraid, and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, and left his servant there. He himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life.’ He lay down and slept. And an angel touched him and said, ‘Arise and eat.’ He looked, and there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. He ate and drank and lay down again. The angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, ‘Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.’ And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and nights to Horeb, the mount of God.

“There he came to a cave and lodged in it. The word of the Lord came to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He said, ‘I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away…’  The Lord said, ‘Go,.. and when you arrive, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria…  I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.’” 1 Kings 17:2-3,6; 19:3-10,15,18

The greater Ahab’s wickedness and longer his reign, the smaller God’s faithful prophet felt. Lonely obedience flirted with despondency as Elijah stood up for God’s condemning truth. Into this vale on the soul the Lord tenderly appeared. With nourishment. Rest. Ongoing purpose. Reminders that he was not alone. There were others so faithful and part of God’s beloved number. (1 Kings 18:17-19:2)

In the morass of moral wickedness and cultures fractured with dissension, individuals can feel quite alone. Standing up for Jesus sets us apart, and sometimes we’re misunderstood and ostracized. Add in competition at work, strained relationships, or a caustic home life and isolation enshrouds the soul. We feel no one understands, no one knows our angst or yearning or sorrow.

But the Lord does! He’s intimately acquainted with all our ways and comprehends the wilderness, every thought and hankering! He stands ready to commune, lift, and supply! In these shadowed places He reveals His all-encompassing light that we wouldn’t need or seek otherwise. He is all-sufficient, His the true balm. (Psalm 68:19; 139:1-3; Jeremiah 8:22; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Hebrews 4:12)

Where do I feel most alone? In a physical or emotional trauma no one understands? A lonely marriage? A grief with a situation or loved one I cannot share? A bereft season of mourning loss? A new community where I’m not known and no one cares? A strong stance for righteousness where all me around are compromising? The fall brought separation, yet Jesus redeems. Will I embrace His encouragement and fellowship? (Genesis 3:1-13,23-24)

Lord, help me maintain spiritual communion and meaningful connection with Your people so Your goodness is magnified.

“When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.^‘ And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.’ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.'” Matthew 8:1-4

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Genesis 18:14

“I know that you can do all things,
    and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2

The leper’s was in an impossible situation, humanly speaking. He was riddled with an incurable disease that brought ridicule and fear, and ostracized him from society. But he knew this Jesus was different. He had a compassion that crossed human boundaries, and an authority over sicknesses and demons that was other-worldly, and irresistibly inviting. The leper approached with reverence and startling, bold confidence, and found his Healer absolutely willing. (Matthew 4:23-24; 7:28-29)

If You Will, You Can. What a potent combination of belief. This helpless man knew Jesus could help. Absolutely He was able. But knowing himself to have nothing to contribute, and no right to claim, he could appeal only to Jesus’s merciful will.

Isn’t this true for us? We are born helpless, thoroughly diseased by sin and without hope. But God, who looks on us in undeserved but unabashed love, sets out to save us and heal our souls. He who was rejected by men accepts sinners by grace who approach in humble faith. (Isaiah 53:5-6; Romans 3:23-25; 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-9)

When we pray, would we first acknowledge what God can do? His attributes are limitless and His power infinite. By praising Him we are reminded that He can do all things and does all things well. This heightens our worship and enlarges our asking. Then we seek His will, surrender ourselves wholly in order to know it, and submit to it for full realization of His purposes. When our desire is the combination of His ‘can’ and ‘will,’ He is most glorified. (Matthew 6:10; Mark 7:37; Romans 12:1-2)

Have we gotten into a habit of dictating to God how we want Him to behave? Of telling Him what we need and when and how, and of brusque entitlement to all we want? Would we change our mindset by focusing on Him instead of us? How might we learn to approach Him humbly, acknowledge and fully confess our helplessness and need? What needs to change in our penchant to control for us to seek only to magnify God’s ability and grace? By His transforming power, we can begin to approach Him differently, but we must be willing.

Are there areas we will not let the Lord expose and touch and heal? What fear or pride or hard stubbornness holds us back? When will we bring these to the cross for His cleansing, freeing, healing? Jesus lovingly died for our sins and our resistance. When will we kneel to be made clean?

Father, align my cannots with Your cans, and teach me Your will so I seek Your best and glory in all my desire.

“The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate  and said, ‘Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, “After three days I will rise.”  Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, “He has risen from the dead,” and the last fraud will be worse than the first.’ Pilate said to them, ‘You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.’ So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard…

“Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.  And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it… The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.’

“While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place.  And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers  and said, ‘Tell people, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.” (Matthew 27:62-66; 28:1-2,5-6,11-15)

Enmity and fear kept the religious leaders on edge around the crucifixion of the enemy they’d hoped to extinguish forever. Too many strange things had happened they needed to suppress, so conniving ruled mindset and behavior. If they could just cover up their motives and Jesus’s unusual death, they could squelch rumors, but nothing they instituted could hold down His promises and power. His resurrection would uncover what they hoped never to disclose. (Matthew 27:50-54)

Self-focus, jealousy, and fear yield a warped sense of truth. But as sure as Jesus rose from the dead, He will in His time uncover deceit and lay all things bare. Man’s best laid plans come to naught when determined against the Lord. The Way and Truth is inconsistent with our scheming, and will surely find us out.

What secret habits or corners of our minds do we attempt to keep closed and dark? Do we protect hiding places for disdain, bitterness, or revenge, thinking them undetected? Where are we trying to camouflage sin with excuses or justification? What we attempt to conceal reveals whether we value reputation, approval, or money more that truth that liberates. (John 8:32)

Truth will burst forth one day. The longer we cover it up the more misery we invite. Would we respond to God’s Spirit and confess now to enjoy the blessing of forgiveness, or face shame and judgment? (Psalm 32:1-8; 2 Corinthians 5:10)

Lord, keep me honest with You daily, welcoming Your light, mercy, and freedom.