Author: astherainandsnow

“The people of Israel were assembled with fasting and in sackcloth, and… the Israelites separated themselves and stood and confessed their sins…  And they stood up and read from the Book of the Law… for a quarter of the day; for another quarter of it they made confession and worshiped the Lord their God… They cried with a loud voice to the Lord…

“’You are the Lord, you alone… You are the Lord, the God who chose… Abraham. You found his heart faithful before you… And you have kept your promise, for you are righteous.

“You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt and heard their cry at the Red Sea, and performed signs and wonders… And you made a name for yourself… And you divided the sea… By a pillar of cloud you led them, and by a pillar of fire to light for them the way they should go. You came down on Mount Sinai and… commanded them commandments… You gave bread from heaven for their hunger and brought water out of the rock for their thirst…

“But they acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey… But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them… 

“Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love,.. you have been righteous in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly.” Nehemiah 9:1-4,6-17,31-33

The wall was completed and doors set in place, making room for people to populate Jerusalem again. But when the Book of the Law was read, conviction descended. The more the people heard and saw of the Lord, the more clearly they recognized their errant ways that had dictated much of their recent history. Their only reprieve and consolation was God’s mercy. (Nehemiah 7:1-5; 8:18-9:3)

Consumed with self, we harden to the Lord’s truth. We either think too much and highly of ourselves, or turn inward with similar preoccupation to shame and loathing. Both are all about me. On the contrary, focusing on You– the holy God Almighty- compels the heart to make a U-turn. His light invades, His grace convicts, His mercy makes tender, His love cleanses.

Often, consumed with personal activities and agendas, we don’t take time for God’s word at all. We’ve relegated it as obsolete or unimportant. We evade its probing light. We justify long-ago study as sufficient, or we presently opt for pressing and preferred things. We might fear accountability, or choose lazy and make inane excuses when asked or encouraged. (Proverbs 26:14)

In order to make a U-turn in relationships, habits, or behaviors, we must first take that turn to the word. It is powerful for teaching and correcting, and will have its good way with us once we open ourselves to its living truths. Will we make it a priority this day, this week? (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)

Where has God identified that we need a change in priority, attitude, or behavior? In what areas or practices is His truth convicting, and what will we do about it? How has the light and cleansing water of His word transformed outlook, desire, and practice?

Father, turn and keep me on Your right road, always looking toward and learning from the true north of Your word, to Your glory.

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

“I consider the days of old,
    the years long ago.
I said, ‘Let me remember my song in the night;
    let me meditate in my heart.’
    Then my spirit made a diligent search…

Then I said, ‘I will appeal to this,
    to the years of the right hand of the Most High.’

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
    and meditate on your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy.
    What god is great like our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
    you have made known your might among the peoples.
You with your arm redeemed your people.”

“Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
    incline your ears to the words of my mouth!
I will open my mouth in a parable;
    I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known,
    that our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children,
    but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
    and the wonders that he has done.

He established a testimony in Jacob
    and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers
    to teach to their children,
that the next generation might know them,
    the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,
    so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God.”

“But we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
    will give thanks to you forever;
    from generation to generation we will recount your praise.” Psalm 75:1; 77:5-6,10-15a; 78:1-7; 79:13

God is a God of numbers and wonders. Along with all things, He created counting, and our ability to recount His manifold works, deliverances, and graces. He does all things well and intends that we recall those things and the goodness behind them with wonder. He calls us to continue the telling of His might and kindness to tie the past to present and future over years and generations. Recounting in mind and with lips readjusts focus, fills with hope, and assuages fear and frustration. It rewards the soul with gratitude and anticipation, and bolsters the sense of God’s nearness, guidance, guarding, and glory. (Mark 7:37)

When we recount the works of God’s hand and strong arm we give reward to others by increasing awareness of the divine, awakening faith and thankfulness, and prompting praise. Our marveling can be contagious as others behold His greatness, intervention, and care.

How has recounting what the Lord has done changed our attitude toward hard things? Lifted our expectations? Elevated our conversations? Has it pulled us above earthly wrangling, petty complaining, and fruitless fretting? Is it turning talk about ourselves to praise of His name and renown?

In what venues are we raising hope and wonder? How can we make a difference for the weary and discouraged, the downcast and broken-hearted? What are we proclaiming and modeling to bolster the next generation in faith and hope in the Lord? Personal inclination toward the Lord and recounting His wonders inspires others and exalts our Christ.

Lord, establish in and through me a bright, bold testimony of Your great deeds, so that many trust and thank You forever.

“The heart is deceitful above all things,
    and desperately sick;
    who can understand it?
‘I the Lord search the heart
    and test the mind,
to give every man according to his ways,
    according to the fruit of his deeds.’

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
    save me, and I shall be saved,
    for you are my praise.
Behold, they say to me,
    ‘Where is the word of the Lord?
    Let it come!..’

“Thus said the Lord to me: ‘Go and stand in the People’s Gate… and say: “Hear the word of the Lord..: Take care for the sake of your lives…” Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck, that they might not hear and receive instruction.’

“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? declares the Lord.  I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name… How long shall there be lies in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart, who think to make my people forget my name?” Jeremiah 17:9-10,14-15, 19-21,23; 23:23-27

“Where shall I go from your Spirit?
    Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:7-10

God’s prophecy through Jeremiah pierces to divide the soul and spirit of Israel. Its piercing tip points at false prophets who attempted to hide their deception and lies, and stings the core of all who would with stiff neck deceive. God is surely at hand beside every desperately wicked heart, eager to change its incline, able to heal. (Hebrews 4:12)

To people around us, it is fairly easy to present ourselves a pretty package, cleaned up, under control. But to God, who fills heaven and earth and knows us intimately, we cannot keep our sin secret behind smiling façade and neat dress. He sees the filth we try to hide. He is at hand to convict, expose, and cleanse. What a merciful redeemer! (Mark 7:21-23)

And if he is at hand ready to forgive every sin, He is also at hand ready to meet every need. He is an ever present help in trouble, a father to the fatherless, the God of all comfort, our strength in weakness and ever-present advocate and intercessor. (Psalm 46:1; 68:5; 2 Corinthians 1:3; 12:9; Hebrews 7:25)

Why do we worry? Why do we fear? What do we lack? What causes despair? Our loving God is at hand! Hearing our cries! Strong to save! Upholding and undergirding and leading us forward! For those who lie sleepless and fretting, He gives rest! For those who stew in anger or roil with bitterness, He washes clean and transforms hearts! What keeps us from appealing to this gracious God at hand? What cares can we place in His loving mighty hands today? (Ezekiel 36:26; Matthew 11:28)

Lord, keep me alert to Your nearness and Your word foremost so I live to exalt Your name.

“Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father… 

“The anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. As his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

“Now, little children, abide in him.”

“No one who abides in him keeps on sinning… Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. By this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.”

“By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit… Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” 1 John 2:24,27-28; 3:6a,24; 4:13,15-16

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Abide: to remain stable or fixed in a state; to continue in a place; sojourn; to live or stay somewhere; to remain or dwell

John, who began his gospel introducing Jesus as the Word, recorded many words about his Savior so that readers would know Him, and know that they had eternal life in Him. The deeper the word was planted, the longer it remained, the more fruit it would bear. If all that he’d written and they’d read abided in them, it could not help but make a significant, wide difference for the present and forever. (John 1:1-4,14; 20:31; 1 John 5:13)

If one thing abides, no other thing can remain in that same place. When what we hear from the Lord’s word takes up position and possession in our affections, understanding, and motivation, all former voices must be silenced. Every unrighteous desire, errant impulse, and lie we’ve believed need to go or get moved out. Abide in Me, and let my words abide in you. The Lord commands sole custody of our hearts to bring about the beauties of His glory. (Matthew 6:24; John 15:7-8)

What messages do we allow to take up room in our consciences, our outlook, our daily decisions? Do we entertain misconceptions about shame, grace, God’s love, or justice, that we need to replace with solid truth from His word? Would we welcome it to abide in our choices and drive and hopes, to bloom with love and kindness and generosity? God’s word abiding will never return void. (Isaiah 55:10-11)

“Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of your holy word.
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness,..
Cause our faith to rise
Cause our eyes to see,
Your majestic love and authority.
Words of power that can never fail;
Let their truth prevail over unbelief.” ~Stuart Townend and Keith Getty (2005)

Lord, keep Your word abiding in me, bearing beauty for Your glory.

“The Mighty One, God the Lord,
    speaks and summons the earth
    from the rising of the sun to its setting.
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
    God shines forth.

Our God comes; he does not keep silence;
    before him is a devouring fire,
    around him a mighty tempest.
He calls to the heavens above
    and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
‘Gather to me my faithful ones,
    who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!’
The heavens declare his righteousness,
    for God himself is judge! 

‘Hear, O my people, and I will speak…
    I am God, your God…
For every beast of the forest is mine,
    the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know all the birds of the hills,
    and all that moves in the field is mine.

“If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
    for the world and its fullness are mine…
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
    and perform your vows to the Most High,
and call upon me in the day of trouble;
    I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me…’
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;
    to one who orders his way rightly
    I will show the salvation of God!” Psalm 50:1-7a,7c,10-12,14-15,23

The Mighty One, God, is the LORD! He summons the earth to spin and orbit and bear vegetation. He summons the sun to burn its light and life giving energy, and sustains all heavenly orbs in proper place. He shines out of perfect beauty and grants the favor of His presence. He comes, remains, keeps, and is not inert or silent. He sees and knows all things and judges uprightly. He owns and orders and supplies all creatures and rhythms and necessities. There is no fullness apart from His bounty. And this God summons His people into a relationship of salvation and glory. He is some LORD, worthy to be praised! (Psalm 19:1-3; Colossians 1:15-17)

How does He summon us day to day? His splendor in sky and sea, birdsong and fragrance, texture and mineral, beckon us to behold His glory. Each delicious taste, every puff of breeze, the chirping cricket and quirking frog all summon delight and thanksgiving. His word is a lamp to our feet and guard of our heart. Are we taking the time to look, to listen, to take in His heavenly repast for every sense? Are we ingesting His word into mind and spirit? He is the One who quickens the heart with emotion at seeing a poignant reunion, stirs the pang of tears at a difficult parting, awakens compassion for the hurting and broken… He beckons. God is the One who roils the storms to test our faith, whose word closes in with conviction leading to cleansing, whose kindness softens the hardest heart… He beckons. He supports, directs, sustains. He leads us to unfamiliar places and invites us to new experiences, service, and growth… He beckons. (Psalm 73:24; 119:11,105; Ezekiel 36:26; Romans 2:4; Hebrews 4:12)

How is God beckoning us today? To what change of attitude or forsaking of sin? A purer and deeper love, or lustier praise? Where is He rearranging priorities, redirecting desires, repurposing our talent?

Gracious God, attune my ears, heart, and ready response to Your summoning so I might glorify You with faithful sacrifice and praise.

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.  Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body… 

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith…  Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.  Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.  Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning.” Hebrews 13:1-3,7,12-17

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Jesus Christ remembered every one of His children in our prison as though with us. He left glory to enter our world and experience every temptation, sorrow, and joy. He identified with us by carrying our due sentence to the cross, taking on the cruel weight of our sin so we could be freed and bear it no more. He died connected with us to the utmost. Because of Him, identification with those who suffer and serve are outcomes of our salvation. (John 11:35; Hebrews 4:15)

Brotherly love is an exquisite privilege and mystery within the church. Believers are related by grace and united in Christ’s death and life, so sympathy and mutual concern occur as a natural, spiritual phenomenon. Empathy for the imprisoned and lonely begins in the heart as we recall that we were once strangers, aliens, and outcasts. Love and generous hospitality should be practiced because we’ve been welcomed into the family of God. Mutual encouragement and submission are byproducts of communion with the Lord and compassion for His children.

How well is that brotherly love continuing in and through us? In what ways do we connect with and care for others in the Body in their varied experiences? Bent on personal fulfillment and agendas, we easily miss the profound joy of sharing another’s burdens. Whom are we imitating in our priorities? How can we refocus? Who and what will we stop neglecting today, and go outside our norm to minister to another in Christ’s name?

“Blest be the tie that binds 
our hearts in Christian love; 
the fellowship of kindred minds 
is like to that above. 

Before our Father’s throne 
we pour our ardent prayers; 
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, 
our comforts and our cares. 

We share our mutual woes, 
our mutual burdens bear, 
and often for each other flows 
the sympathizing tear. 

From sorrow, toil, and pain, 
and sin, we shall be free; 
and perfect love and friendship reign 
through all eternity.” ~John Fawcett (1782)

Lord, help me remember and relate as Christ has, for His sake and praise.

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,  by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,  and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ… Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall…

“Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have…

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 1:3-8,10,12; 3:18

Peter’s uplifting admonition to the exiled Christians reminded them of the position, promises, purpose, and power that were theirs in Christ. He’d called them to glory and excellence, and saved them! He had given and would keep His precious word, causing them to partake of His very nature! And He supplied all they needed by and along with His power for ongoing spiritual fruitfulness! Remember this hope, establish yourselves in these truths, and keep growing in grace and knowledge of your Savior!

It really is true that the Almighty God has done and does marvelous things! To rescue His children from ongoing corruption and inevitable destruction, and to deliver them from sin’s wicked, wily pull unto fulfilling, fruitful life is the epitome of grace, achieved by resurrection power. Then He grants us that power to continue in Him, to say no to godlessness and yes to increasing faith and virtue. He gives ongoing entrance into the delights of salvation. Praise Him for such a rescue! Praise Him for such a power! (Titus 2:11-14)

So why do we live so often in the murky lowlands of fretting over urgencies, pet peeves and irritabilities, lusts and cravings and thoughtless indulgences? Why are we so weak in resisting temptation, in speaking up with truth, or out against wrong? Why are we so petty in our concerns, and limited in spiritual expectations? The enemy delights that we wallow here and never aspire to loftier vision.

We must remind ourselves and one another of all we have in Christ, and His intent for our time here on earth. How diligent are we to do so, and to put the facts into motion? What effort are we exerting to strengthen our faith, practice and expand virtue, increase in knowledge of God, exercise self-control and steadfastness and love? These take deliberation and time, in study, prayer, interactions with others, and accountability. Knowing what is ours, how will we begin this day to turn ineffectiveness and unfruitfulness to powerful faith and grace-filled living that exalts God?

Lord, may I never take Your gifts, including salvation, for granted, but by Your grace and power exhibit divine character and flourishing, to Your glory.

“I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:1-11

Peter had been called by Jesus as a disciple, and over 3 years of zealousness and stumbling, impetuousness and misunderstandings, he was shepherded by this Good Shepherd. He learned the cadence of His voice in parable and warning, he observed His interactions and manner, He followed to unknown places. The Spirit of the Lord abided, persisted, and transformed him into a shepherd of the early church. Now by example and instruction, he taught, warned, and encouraged as he’d so patiently, lovingly, and purposefully received from his Lord.

Even if we are not called to large or wide public leadership, we all have someone to shepherd. Within families and friend groups, work and community relationships, even as tenders of our own disciplines, we bear accountability. And we are not left to our own devices! The Shepherd and Overseer of our souls is our perfect example and very strength to lead and care as He does. All He asks of us He supplies for us as we rely on Him in humility and willing obedience. (Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11-16; John 10:11-15; 1 Peter 2:25)

How would our flock describe our keeping? How well do we know our sheep, and do they delight to hear our voice? Do we micro-manage or lord it over others gruffly, or as those superior, or do we lead as servants by example? Do we desire the good of others over personal gain, and how is this exhibited? How vigilantly do we resist the devil, and help others in the fight? For every reprieve and encouragement we have received, to whom are we offering the same in Jesus’s name?

For every flaw we own, weakness we bear, or mistake we make, look to the Shepherd for grace and help. He who calls is faithful to undertake. (Hosea 6:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; Hebrews 4:16)

Lord, lead me to know You better so I might shepherd others as You do.

“Does not wisdom call?
    Does not understanding raise her voice?
On the heights beside the way,
    at the crossroads she takes her stand…
Hear, for I will speak noble things,
    and from my lips will come what is right…
All the words of my mouth are righteous;
    there is nothing twisted or crooked in them…
Take my instruction instead of silver,
    and knowledge rather than choice gold,
for wisdom is better than jewels,
    and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
    and I find knowledge and discretion.
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
    and perverted speech I hate.
I have counsel and sound wisdom;
    I have insight; I have strength.
By me kings reign,
    and rulers decree what is just;
by me princes rule,
    and nobles, all who govern justly.
I love those who love me,
    and those who seek me diligently find me.
Riches and honor are with me,
    enduring wealth and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
    and my yield than choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
    in the paths of justice,
granting an inheritance to those who love me,
    and filling their treasuries.” Proverbs 8:1-2,6,8,10-21

The scriptures are more valuable than gold, much fine gold, and their very potent truth in that telling turns a malleable, teachable heart. The Lord reiterates proper priorities over and over in His word. Wisdom is to be sought, ingested, cherished. It crowns the listener, the taker, the bearer, with nobility, righteousness, prudence, lasting wealth.

Much of modern life is consumed with consuming, making and spending so we can make and spend more. And in most cultures today this is a necessary endeavor. But the Lord who is high and lifted up always beckons His people to higher living and loftier investment. While certain treasure of this earth is necessary for commerce and daily needs, there is a treasure that far outweighs and out-values the temporal currency we find here. (Isaiah 6:1-2; 55:8-9; Matthew 6:19-21)

Within our busy heights and unnerving dales, and scurrying to and fro at varied crossroads, there is heavenly bounty accessible. In this heathen world, the Lord offers wisdom, even has her seek us out, to guide our minds and elevate our spirits. She gives insight, protects from corruption, adorns with discretion, and nurtures rich, constructive living. While the enemy entices elsewhere, and pellets with pride and perversion, the way to wisdom is open for the taking.

Are we listening? Can we discern wisdom’s call? Are we pursuing and taking her instruction as our own? How are we valuing her nobility and worth above the emptiness of the world’s offerings in what we daily read and hear? Do we recognize the difference, and know godly wisdom by experience in our work and interactions? What will we do this day to prefer the voice and ways of wisdom over every competing desire?

“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
be Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
be Thou and Thou only the first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.” ~old Irish, translated by Mary Byrne (1905)

Lord, help me treasure You and Your wisdom above all.

“Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised
    in the city of our God!

We have thought on your steadfast love, O God,
    in the midst of your temple.
As your name, O God,
    so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness.” Psalm 48:1,9-10

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

Christ’s name is exalted above every other name, and so shall be His praise be higher, louder, and richer than any other! He is great beyond description, so His praise should be lush, robust, unending! He alone is worthy of all glory and honor and praise, and we His children should be daily participating in that heavenly chorus!

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
    to receive glory and honor and power!” Revelation 4:11

Yet, we are so stuck on praising ourselves, our efforts, our achievements. We are enamored with hearing our own voices, and the compliments of others. We interject in conversations, boast about our experiences, pontificate about all we know, and gloat in attention. The more we pamper our arrogance and garner selfish attention, the less we pay attention to God. As we focus inward and relish the limelight, we smother His greatness and grandeur and His glory appears to pale. This must not be!

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:12

Would we look up and out to know His name? How will we deem it, in word and practice, more important than our own? When do we acquaint ourselves with the Lord in scripture, and recite His names in praise? This sets us both in proper place.

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” Revelation 5:13

What needs to change or be rearranged in order for the honor of His name to take precedence in our daily litany of chores and chatter? What we love and how we speak reveal who and what hold priority in our life.

“Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all;
we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
and wither and perish but naught changeth thee.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all praise we would render, O help us to see
’tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.” ~Walter Chalmers Smith (1867)

Lord, as Your holy name dwells within, may my praises swell to Your glory.