Author: astherainandsnow

“The eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth, so that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

“For his eyes are on the ways of a man,
    and he sees all his steps.” Job 34:21

“The Lord is in his holy temple;..
    his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.” Psalm 11:4

“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting!” Psalm 139:22-23

The all-seeing eye of the all-knowing God is constantly on His children for good. His are eyes of the purest Lover who sees into the soul and cherishes every part. They penetrate us with softest affection, will us come clean, and wash over us with deepest mercy. They invite us in to greater honesty, more devoted intimacy, clearer passion. These are eyes we want to see if there be anything untoward or aberrant in the darkest places, and to see us through to clear.

Are we drawn to God’s benevolent eyes, or do we avoid them due to fear or shame? When the Lifter of our heads draws our sights upward, we should not resist His search of love. There is no safer, more secure, more love-steeped place than in the sight of God. Ask Him to awaken the psalmist’s prayer! (Psalm 3:3)

Lord, see if there be any wicked way in me. Any prejudice, superiority, or condescension masquerading as compassion and benevolence. See if there be any discontent that is expressed in complaining, whining, or sighing. See if there be any jealousy, lack of gratitude for how God made me and coveting how God made another. See if there be any hint of pride pretending to be generosity or smug humility, any attitude of being better, more important, deserving, having rights. See if there be any smack of arrogance that causes me to castigate or diminish or devalue another made in your image.

See if there be any hint of idolatry in my heart or greed in my doing. See if there be anyone or anything on the throne of my life, except you, worthy Sovereign. See if there be a stubbornness in any opinion or harshness in judgment when I have failed to measure against Your holy word.

See if there be any pomp or show to garner attention from others. Any malicious wish, unkind impulse, or disdainful carelessness toward those You have tucked close to me. See if there be any insistence on my way instead of their way, any love for self that supersedes preference for my brother.

And Lord, when You see these things, please expose them to me for deep contrition and earnest confession. Cause Your refining light to burn them away forever as I repent, and lead me anew into the freedom You offer.

“I praise thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
Fulfill thy Word, and make me pure within.
Fill me with fire where once I burned with shame;
Grant my desire to magnify thy name.

Lord, take my life and make it wholly thine;
Fill my poor heart with thy great love divine.
Take all my will, my passion, self, and pride;
I now surrender; Lord, in me abide.” ~J. Edwin Orr (1912-1987)

Amen, and amen!

“When they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’  But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him…

“And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles… Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.  And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.  For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.” Acts 7:54-58a; 8:1,4-8

The followers of Jesus witnessed their friend Stephen’s stoning, and in the melée that ensued, were scattered. It might seem probable that they’d hide, hunker down and out of sight, and vow silence in fear of further persecution or retribution. But the Spirit ignited the gospel within and they proclaimed the irrepressible good news wherever they landed. In light of harrowing circumstances, where else would people find hope?

Rage and opposition are the way of the world where God and His enemies cohabitate. When we identify as His children, we will face the loud rush and stoning of harsh criticism, antagonism, rejection, and misunderstanding. We can let the difficulties squelch our resolve or silence our testimony, or we can take the opportunity to be stirred to boldness. The very pressure the enemy intends for evil we can ignite for great good by spreading gospel seeds far and wide. (Genesis 50:20; Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 8:5-8)

If life is all about me, my security, my ease, persecution and scattering upend false foundations. I clutch whatever protections and hide in any safe place I can with nary a thought for others. But as the Lord opens wide our hearts to Him and our eyes to glimpse His glory above the maliciousness and mire, He transforms our mindset into living for Him. Desire burns to widely spread His live-giving truth. We cannot help but tell of His enabling and passion, His glories and grace. Which describes us?

When scattered by betrayal, hurtful rejection, or unexpected upheaval, do we freeze in fear? Do we center on self and complain with a litany of personal woes no one wants to hear? Or do we behold the Captain over it all and take disruption’s opportunity to preach His story? When scattered in thought or schedule, do we use circumstances as an excuse for lack of focus and fruitfulness, or do we pray for the Lord to unite our hearts for Him and to preach for His kingdom’s sake? (Psalm 86:11; Matthew 9:36-38)

Father, compel me to utilize every circumstance to revel in your glory and energetically proclaim Your gospel in word and deed.

“It is he who made the earth by his power,
    who established the world by his wisdom,
and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.
When he utters his voice there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,
    and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth.
He makes lightning for the rain,
    and he brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
Every man is stupid and without knowledge;
    every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols,
for his images are false,
    and there is no breath in them.
They are worthless, a work of delusion;
    at the time of their punishment they shall perish.
Not like these is he who is the portion of Jacob,
    for he is the one who formed all things,
and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance;
    the Lord of hosts is his name.

“You are my hammer and weapon of war:
with you I break nations in pieces;
    with you I destroy kingdoms...

“Thus says the Lord:
‘Behold, I will plead your cause
    and take vengeance for you.

“’The days are coming,..
    when I will execute judgment upon her images…
Though… she should fortify her strong height,
yet destroyers would come from me against her,
    declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 51:15-20,36a,52-53

A devoted follower of the Lord might find it natural to praise Him for His remarkable power in creation, but as a human with Eden-blood running through our veins, we can fail to translate that wonder and belief into confidence for day-to-day circumstances. We must remember that the same power He wielded in the beginning He wields still today. He presently rules the earth with truth and grace and makes, or will one day make, all nations prove the glories of His righteousness. What justice and deliverance and redemption we want now is His to determine and bring to pass in His time, His way.

God’s power is never capricious or haphazard, and can be relied on in every area of life. It never wavers or wanes and so holds God’s people in perfect peace no matter. His power upholds the universe and holds all things together and sees His purposes through to their timely end. (Isaiah 26:3; Hebrews 1:3)

How well acquainted are we with the perfection of God’s power? Do we trust in every situation? How will we practice applying His benevolent, measured control when faced with challenges, cruelties, or injustices? How can we exercise it in temptation? Consistent prayer, active faith, and being continually filled with God’s Spirit ensure His active, keeping power. (Ephesians 5:15-18; 2 Peter 1:3)

“We sing the mighty power of God 
that made the mountains rise, 
that spread the flowing seas abroad 
and built the lofty skies. 
We sing the wisdom that ordained 
the sun to rule the day; 
the moon shines full at his command, 
and all the stars obey. 

There’s not a plant or flower below 
but makes your glories known, 
and clouds arise and tempests blow 
by order from your throne; 
while all that borrows life from thee 
is ever in your care, 
and everywhere that man may be, 
thou, God, art present there.” ~Isaac Watts (1715)

Lord, keep me amazed at, thankful for, and relying on Your indescribable power so I live wholeheartedly to the praise of Your glory.

“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’  And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.  These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

“And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:1-7

Once filled with the Spirit, the apostles got to work to change the world. Early persecution scattered them to places God would claim more and more disciples, and the continual guidance and boldness from the Holy Spirit effected widespread and multiplied belief. Through preaching, praying, and serving others the truth was spread. God used His word spoken, pleaded, and practiced to draw His children to passionate obedience and ministry. (Acts 2:1-11; 4:1-4; 5:17-21,40-42)

The wider we look in the world, the more dissension, disenfranchisement, and despair we see. This world needs the word of God. It needs people who are willing to preach with honesty and boldness. It needs people callousing their knees in fervent prayer. It needs the hands and feet of Jesus to provide practical needs in a winsome way to set the gospel’s hospitable table of grace.

Where and how are we participating in God’s mission to the world? We may be called to seasons of preaching, seasons of praying, seasons of serving. Certainly all are integral parts of the Christian life. Are we committed no matter where and what?

Are we ready for both the public and hidden ministries, willing for the glamorous and the menial? How eager are we to follow God’s lead in any assignment, dependent on and filled with His Spirit, so His work, not ours, is accomplished? He’s gifted us for specific works, and appoints us to specific tasks, working into us humility as He works out of us His ends. (Acts 17:24-27; Romans 12:3-8,12; Ephesians 2:10)

“A charge to keep I have, 
a God to glorify, 
a never-dying soul to save, 
and fit it for the sky. 

To serve the present age, 
my calling to fulfill, 
O may it all my pow’rs engage 
to do my Master’s will! 

Arm me with watchful care 
as in Thy sight to live, 
and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare 
a strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,
and still on Thee rely,
O let me not my trust betray,
but press to realms on high.” ~Charles Wesley (1762)

Lord, keep me fervent and zealous for You wherever You appoint in every season, that Your word, love, and grace might be seen, and that You be loved and honored.

“Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he took him bound in chains along with all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah who were being exiled to Babylon. The captain of the guard took Jeremiah and said to him, ‘The Lord your God pronounced this disaster against this place. The Lord has brought it about, and has done as he said. Because you sinned against the Lord and did not obey his voice, this thing has come upon you. Now, behold, I release you today from the chains on your hands. If it seems good to you to come with me to Babylon, come, and I will look after you well, but if it seems wrong to you to come with me to Babylon, do not come. See, the whole land is before you; go wherever you think it good and right to go. If you remain, then return to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon appointed governor of the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people. Or go wherever you think it right to go.’ So the captain of the guard gave him an allowance of food and a present, and let him go.” Jeremiah 40:2-5

Having been bound for exile along with other Israelites as God had prophesied through him, Jeremiah is released and given a gracious offer from the Babylonian captain of the guard. Acknowledging the accuracy of the prophet’s warning, he allows him a choice of where to live, gives him food and a present, and lets him go. We do not know what that present was, but its mere mention is a reminder of God’s kind, generous above-and-beyond provision for His children. His servant had suffered much over years of faithful obedience, and the Lord had not only not forgotten him, but would supply unexpected blessing.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

And still our Lord does for His own. In our faithfulness to honor Him, He blesses us. In our diligent searching, painful suffering, and unselfish serving, God always returns to us more than we give Him or can ask or imagine. His heavenly abundance reaches every area of life: storehouse, soul, and spirit. (2 Chronicles 9:12)

What unexpected presents has God given along with tenuous circumstances or hardship in our current life? Are we adequately in tune with Him so we recognize His and a present gifts? Have we enjoyed the added favor of another’s encouragement or help, an unanticipated financial provision, a specific physical protection, an insight we would not otherwise have gained, a surprise kindness? However He has given that kiss of more, have we thanked Him for the present and the love behind it?

Are there places we can be God’s hands and heart to supply such surprises to others? Whom do we know in particular circumstances who need something particular, or more than they have? What need beckons our attention, what sadness our balm, what lack a provision? How might we, in gratitude for God’s abundance, be part of His present to them?

Lord, keep me alert to, grateful for, and generous with Your unexpected gifts.

“Then Job answered and said:

“I have heard many such things;
    miserable comforters are you all.
Shall windy words have an end?
    Or what provokes you that you answer?
I also could speak as you do,
    if you were in my place;
I could join words together against you
    and shake my head at you.
I could strengthen you with my mouth,
    and the solace of my lips would assuage your pain…

“Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven,
    and he who testifies for me is on high.
My friends scorn me;
    my eye pours out tears to God,
that he would argue the case of a man with God,
    as a son of man does with his neighbor.” Job 16:1-5,19-21

“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 8:31-34

Job in his misery found comfort on earth elusive. His children were dead, his wife told him to ‘curse God and die,’ and his friends so far had blamed him for his misfortune and suffering. Finding no consolation in their windy words nor anyone to defend him, Job turned to the only true Advocate he knew. His God would count and hold and understand his tears, He would tend to his plea. He was on Job’s side and ever would be. This righteous man may have felt alone on earth, but he had a sure heavenly witness and comrade. (Job 1:13-22; 2:9; Psalm 56:8)

There are times we’re tempted to puddle in self-pity, unable to stop the downward spiral of rue and woe. Mesmerized with painful circumstances, grief’s gravity can take us to angry haunts and bitterness. Personal hardships become everybody’s bane when my countenance and language whine.

A small adjustment fixing our vision on the Victor makes a significant difference in reaction to a harsh and punishing world. Retaliation and lamentation turn to praise in Christ’s plea. Will we exchange woe is me for worthy is He? Nobody’s with me for God is for me..? The Lord our divine Defense stands with us, speaks for us, and guards us from condemnation. Will we sorrow or sing?

“When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow,
for I will be with you in trouble to bless,
and sanctify to you your deepest distress.

“When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace all-sufficient shall be your supply;
the flame shall not hurt you; I only design
your dross to consume and your gold to refine.

“The soul that on Jesus has 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)

Heavenly Advocate, help me take hope that every trial refines as gold because You live and act on my behalf for Your glorious purposes. (Job 23:10; 42:2,5)

“The Lord sent Nathan to David. He said to him, ‘There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor.  The rich man had very many flocks and herds, but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb… He brought it up, and it grew up with him and his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms… Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it…’ Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, ‘The man who has done this deserves to die, and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and had no pity.’

“Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man! Thus says the Lord.., “I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah… Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife… Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me…”’ David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.'” 2 Samuel 12:1-10,13

Emotions pull and tension builds as the prophet Nathan unfolds the poignant story, and just as instantly as David reacts in just anger, he is convicted to the core of his depraved being upon realizing he was the man. Again as instantly, the Lord God forgives him the agonizing sin that had worked such painful destruction. What he could not undo and would be haunted by in time to come his Lord declared undone by grace, and permanently. (2 Samuel 18:33; Psalm 51:3-12)

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
    whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
    and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” Psalm 32:1-2

There are times deeds done produce indescribable agony and unbearable regret. When we cannot undo what we’ve done or has been done to us, cannot exact justice the way we think deserving or untangle the whys, we can fall on God’s mercy. Christ bore all past, present, and future pain on Calvary, and offers us- the undeserving- His balm. He undid our sin and its fallout by putting its power to death, and in exquisite love applies the forgiveness, cleansing, and peace of reconciliation to us. (Psalm 65:2-4a; Romans 5:1-2,11; 2 Corinthians 7:10)

Do we live in this freedom and joy? What in our beliefs and willingness to extend grace to others indicates full acceptance of Christ’s forgiveness? Claiming we cannot forgive ourselves is a slap in the face to our It is finished Savior. What ‘dones’ need we leave at His cross once for all? How will we go forth differently? (John 19:30)

Father, keep me rejoicing in Your gift of undoing my sin and the hope that one day all regret and struggle will be untrue forever.

“Both prophet and priest are ungodly;
    even in my house I have found their evil,
declares the Lord…
They commit adultery and walk in lies..,
    so that no one turns from his evil…

“Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. They say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, ‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.’

“For who among them has stood in the council of the Lord
    to see and to hear his word,
    or who has paid attention to his word and listened?..

“I did not send the prophets,
    yet they ran;
I did not speak to them,
    yet they prophesied.
But if they had stood in my council,
    then they would have proclaimed my words to my people,
and they would have turned them from their evil way,
    and from the evil of their deeds.

“Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name… Let him who has my word speak my word faithfully… Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, declares the Lord, who steal my words from one another.., who use their tongues and declare, ‘declares the Lord…’ I am against those who prophesy lying dreams, declares the Lord, and who tell them and lead my people astray by their lies and their recklessness, when I did not send them or charge them. So they do not profit this people at all.” Jeremiah 23:11,16-18,21-25a,28b,30-32

With hard message after sober judgment followed by more of the same, Jeremiah spoke stinging words for lying prophets who led God’s people astray. He would hold them accountable for the ungodly, evil course they espoused, forth told, and condoned. If they despised God’s true word and avoided standing in His council, He would despise them and the fallout of their wicked counsel. (Psalm 1:1-6)

It is one thing to determine and give counsel from a gathered popular line of thought, according to feelings and preferences, or that benefit personal ends. It is a stark quite another to take counsel in the council of God and be prepared with His wisdom and words. Our lives generally follow one course or the other. The danger with the selfish secular way is deception into idolatry and wrong thinking about God that results in separation, fear, and bitterness. The triumph of God’s way is freedom in the knowledge and application of truth that results in security and peace.

Before deciding on counsel, either to take or give, where do we look? What is our foundation, our filter? Taking time in the council of God, we observe His ways and glean from His mind. His Spirit can help us know what course would be best. If we seek those who avoid biblical truth or controversy, or prophesy for selfish profit, we’ll find them a detriment. When and how will I search the true word?

Lord, give me discernment to know and understand Your word, and to declare it for others’ good and Your renown.

“Then Moses said to God, ‘If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask me, “What is his name?” what shall I say to them?’ God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am… Say this to the people of Israel: “I am has sent me to you… The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.” This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.'” Exodus 3:13-15

“We give thanks to you, O God;
    we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.” Psalm 75:1

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

God’s name is the embodiment and proclamation of who and all He is, above all others and uncontainable. This high, matchless, excellent name of the transcendent God and Savior is to be revered, feared, adored, and trusted. He is near His children, His name at their ready call: Rock, Fortress, Shield, Deliverer, Counselor, Father, Peace. (1 Kings 8:27; Philippians 2:9-11)

In the flesh and through our lives, man seeks to make a name for himself, to be noticed and known. Yet often he sees no tie to God, even choosing to go by first name only without thought for or interest in heritage or legacy, no connection to the eternal. Defining ourselves we sever ties to others and our Maker.

Contrast this with the everlasting name of God, by whom He lives and works on our behalf and by whom we as His own are identified. By nature the Lord God is relational. Not only is His great name near us to draw and shape and keep, but upon salvation He imprints His name on us to identify us as His forever.

We give thanks, for your name is near.

How well do we know His names? How often recount and praise them? If at hand, they can be called upon, crawled into, clutched, claimed. Do we keep it in close proximity to our inner struggles, motives, impulses, and senses?

We give thanks, for your name is near.

Where His name is near, His power is available. His righteousness adorns us, His grace infuses us, His love washes us and fills us to overflow. He hears us, keeps us, guide us, inspires us. How are we manifesting that name at home and abroad? When someone does not bring out the best in me, would I trust the Lord to bring out His best in me?

We give thanks, for your name is near.

“Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart,
come quickly from above;
write thy new name upon my heart,
thy new best name of Love.” ~Charles Wesley (1742)

Lord, keep me so near Your name that it is imprinted on my character, demeanor, and actions and exhibited in all I say and do, to Your exaltation and glory.

We give thanks, for your name is near.

“Thus says the Lord,

‘I remember the devotion of your youth,
    your love as a bride,
how you followed me in the wilderness,
    in a land not sown.
Israel was holy to the Lord,
    the firstfruits of his harvest.
All who ate of it incurred guilt;
    disaster came upon them…

‘What wrong did your fathers find in me
    that they went far from me,
and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?
They did not say, “Where is the Lord
    who brought us up from the land of Egypt,
who led us in the wilderness,
    in a land of deserts and pits,
in a land of drought and deep darkness..?”
And I brought you into a plentiful land
    to enjoy its fruits and its good things.
But when you came in, you defiled my land
    and made my heritage an abomination.
The priests did not say, “Where is the Lord?”
    Those who handle the law did not know me;
the shepherds transgressed against me;
    the prophets… went after things that do not profit.

‘Therefore I still contend with you,..
    and with your children’s children I will contend.
For… examine with care;
    see if there has been such a thing.
Has a nation changed its gods,
    even though they are no gods?
But my people have changed their glory
    for that which does not profit.
Be appalled, O heavens, at this;
    be shocked, be utterly desolate,
declares the Lord,
for my people have committed two evils:
they have forsaken me,
    the fountain of living waters,
and hewed out cisterns for themselves,
    broken cisterns that can hold no water…

‘Have you not brought this upon yourself
    by forsaking the Lord your God,
    when he led you in the way?
And now what do you gain by going to Egypt
    to drink the waters of the Nile?
Or what do you gain by going to Assyria
    to drink the waters of the Euphrates?
Your evil will chastise you,
    and your apostasy will reprove you.
Know and see that it is evil and bitter
    for you to forsake the Lord your God;
    the fear of me is not in you,
declares the Lord God of hosts…

‘I planted you a choice vine,
    wholly of pure seed.
How then have you turned degenerate
    and become a wild vine?'” Jeremiah 2:2-3,5-13,17-19,21a

The heavenly Bridegroom recounts His bride Israel’s early loyalty and love, then uncovers their curious betrayal. He’d brought them into a land plentiful with good things, yet their senses grew perverse, their devotion turned to defilement, their adoration to abomination. They failed to remember His miraculous deliverance from slavery and continual care through the wilderness. They neglected to inquire of Him. They had exchanged the true God for changing gods, and the glory of their inheritance for what did not profit. They had deserted their sacred union and would reap the fallout.

How true this still is today! Oh beloved, have we turned our backs on the true God? How have we failed to revere Him by independence and self-righteousness, careless language and casual choices of entertainment? When did we get smug about grace and forget its cost? What strange lovers have captured our devotion and need be eradicated? (Jeremiah 3:12-15,22-23; Romans 6:1-2; Revelation 2:4-5)

In mercy, the Lord will never stop contending to turn back His bride. Intimacy with Him is ours for the yielding- yielding up of idols, and to His loving proposal.

Lord, revive pure devotion as Your betrothed to reflect Your love and faithfulness.