Author: astherainandsnow

“In the last days there will come times of difficulty. People will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,  treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,  having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people…

“You, however, have followed my teaching, conduct, aim in life, faith, patience, love, steadfastness,  persecutions and sufferings..—which I endured… Evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it  and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering,.. fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5,10-11,13-17; 4:2-5

Godly wisdom gave Paul both insight into the ways of culture and discernment of particular human behavior. He saw through the veneer of superficial righteousness as one who’d lived and breathed it in all its false glory. He’d pretended, with vehemence, in spiritual ignorance, but once arrested by Christ’s grace understood the wiles of a glossy appearance that cloaked a pride-infested rebel heart. So he warned his young protégée to be alert and take caution. Real power was manifested neither in cursory platitudes nor brazen wickedness, but by the Spirit of God at work in His people.

Ours are certainly times of difficulty, with inflamed disordered desires awry in every space. Lovers of self, money, power, intellect, control, idols, and immoral practices abound. They infiltrate weak minds as well as institutions, infecting the language and flow of communal and national atmosphere.

We must be aware and bold to avoid such people who spread distortions and unrighteousness like gangrene. We must be honest and put off false appearances and lip service to biblical truth when we do not tap into its power. We cannot assume we’re immune to temptation, but must steadfastly pursue the Lord, steep in His life-giving word, and practice wisdom and uprightness. (2 Timothy 2:17)

How do we skim the surface spiritually? What groups of people and manipulated sound bites do we straddle in misguided hunger to please and appease? Where are we pretending at generosity but fostering inner greed, talking up love but concealing inner resentment or disdain, or professing humility but failing to submit to the Almighty?

If we are genuinely the Lord’s, earnestly pursuing Him, His character, His ways, our lives will exhibit His Spirit’s power. Appearance and profession will consistently align with inner impulses, outward behavior will reflect His graces that no supposed power of the world can overcome. Where is He convicting us to come clean and allow His power to take over?

Father, may my manner of life reflect the power of Your grace, purity, and glory.

“Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be as sheep that have no shepherd.” Numbers 27:16-17

“In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said, ‘Ask what I shall give you.’ And Solomon said,.. ‘O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?’ God answered Solomon, ‘Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king,  wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.’” 2 Chronicles 1:7,9-12

For a shepherd of sheep or ruler of men, intention in leading out and bringing in were equally important. God knew this in His appointing, and Solomon knew it in his asking. Going out requires fitness and focus, and coming in assures keeping and renewal. Graciously the Lord inquired of Solomon to elicit recognition and dependence, then matched his voiced need with supply for every task required.

Often we major on how we will go out- into the day, into the fray- and never consider our coming in. We spend all efforts on plan and plan, do and do, with little thought for the inner essentials that fuel the frenzy. Our days open and usher out to responsibility and opportunity and possibility, and the closing of the day is merely a clipped ending. But both going and coming are important in a daily walk with Christ and the governing of our affairs.

In maintaining peace and purpose in our lives, balance and a wide perspective are required. God is generous to supply 360 degree vision when we ask. Wisdom to know our strengths and weaknesses and to understand the times over which we’re called to be stewards is vital in ordering our days and years. How willing are we to admit what we are not capable of handling? In what areas do we need keener discernment, or greater dependence on God’s strength? What pride or stubbornness needs swallowing by humble honesty before the Sovereign? (Isaiah 33:6)

And in places we’re called to lead, how well do we tend to all facets that require attention? Are we prone to concentrate on the big and flashy, on outward action and public impact, and to neglect the inner disciplines and development and rest that attend those efforts? Do we lead out well but fail to finish, or follow up, or train, or encourage, or pray? Every angle matters to God. (1 Timothy 4:6-16)

Father, help me tend faithfully to all areas of life, that You are glorified in my governance.

“Give ear to my words, O Lord;
    consider my groaning.
Give attention to the sound of my cry,
    my King and my God,
    for to you do I pray.
O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
    in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch…

But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
    will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
    in the fear of you.” Psalm 5:1-3,7

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1

David’s songs are melodic accounts of his deep communion with the Lord. Every word chosen contributes to a lovely descriptor of thought, passion, and intimacy. The psalms beckon us to yearn, cry out, bow, surrender, and praise. His carefully prepared psalms offered to God reflect the thoughtful sacrifices his songs inspire.

Prepare: To make ready beforehand for a specific purpose, as for an event or occasion; To put together or make by combining various elements or ingredients

We too can set mind, heart, and hand to prepare and offer sacrifice. True sacrifice does not just occur, and cannot be presented casually or impetuously. It takes honest consideration of Savior and self.

Preparation of mindset and will is inspired by consideration of God’s greatest sacrifice of His only Son for us, an offering far beyond what we could ever offer back. Meditating on the beloved unique and perfect Son sent from glory to live and die and live again for us fills the soul with gratitude. If God the Father could give so much for me, how can I not give myself back to Him?

Gazing and wondering at the beauty of the world He has made compared to the repulsiveness and horror of my sin also elicits holy desire. In light of His gifts, I want to give up what I think and say and do to distort or ruin them- the sordid inclinations of my heart that stain the purity of love and kindness, the greed that warps contentment, the ugly words that mar and sting, the impatience and anger that disrupt His peace. Are we taking time and attention to make ready our offerings?

What in body and practice is He calling me to surrender? How can I better prepare to give sacrifice of praise at the start of each day? How can I live more wholly for His sake and glory?

“When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them through his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.” ~Isaac Watts (1707)

Worthy Lord, keep me mindful to offer You daily the honor and praise You deserve.

“Do not boast about tomorrow,
    for you do not know what a day may bring.” Proverbs 27:1

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34

“And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’” Luke 12:19-20

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’—  yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:13,14

A sudden loss. Medical diagnosis. Dreaded call. Unexpected announcement. Devastating storm. A happenstance meeting. Birth. Spiritual epiphany. Happy news. Relational breakthrough. In the course of a moment, or 24 hours, any number of occurrences can jolt our senses and plans in ways we never would have imagined. And godly wisdom teaches that we not set fretting or undue curiosity upon them, but keep fixed in joy and trust in the Lord. Emotions and inner turmoil only eclipse the greater purposes He intends.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

We do not know what a day may bring, but we can know Who brings the day. And He who brings days determines with perfection and grace what the days bring. They are full of lurches, surprises, twists and turns, all instruments in His loving hands for the furthering of His plans, our good, and His ultimate glory.

Scripture teaches that we are to settle our times within His care and keeping, and our minds to seeking and developing godly wisdom for each day and circumstance. It is there we know Him best and can fully engage in His kingdom purposes. We are to be invested in the present, not our consternation about what may or may not happen, or stress over what has. When we ask, What am I to learn about God in this, how would He change me or what would He teach me?, we begin to energize that heart of wisdom He tends to so well. (Psalm 90:12)

“He will be the stability of your times,
    abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge;
    the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.” Isaiah 33:6

What tremors or shocks have unsettled a recent day? What do we dread about days to come? Would we choose to settle these in minds staid on the Lord who makes each day and holds it in His faithfulness? How will we surrender anew, and to what promises will we cling, so we daily expect great things from our great God, no matter what transpires? (Isaiah 26:3)

Lord, teach me to receive and handle each day You bring with wisdom, joy, peace, and determination to give You glory.

“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,  though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,  and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.  The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.  But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Paul never saw mercy as being for himself to relish and hoard. Certainly as its undeserving recipient, he knew its strong embrace, tender wash, and secure welcome, and never stopped being astounded, and grateful. But mercy changed him from seeing God’s gifts for himself alone. It opened his eyes to Him: His staggering generosity, compassion, and grace against his depravity, and His divine, wide purpose. It ushered in God’s glory as it would be manifest in his life and ministry and the world He allowed him to effect. Paul’s waste of a wretched life was transformed by mercy so Christ Jesus could be displayed in all His splendor through him. Paul could only give God the glory. (Romans 7:24-25a)

In the flesh our world revolves around us. We see circumstances in light of how they affect our comfort and plans, or what we can do to avoid or take advantage of certain aspects. Our prayers are often concerned with everything in relation to us and our universe of wants and abilities and dreams and loves and schedules.

But in Christ, we gain a loftier perspective on all things, here and above and beyond the now. We learn to see occurrences in light of eternity, and God’s gifts with a view for holy, heavenly purpose. The kingdom of my provincial world becomes the kingdom of the vast, infinite Lord when we orient ourselves around Him. (Revelation 11:15)

How does the rich fresh mercy of God affect us? Have we received its pursuing attention and cleansing unto salvation? If so, have we stopped there, relieved, complacent to rest, immune to its Spirit sway? Or do we daily recognize that but for the overflowing grace of God we would be lost and without hope, and therefore must respond to so lavish a love? If we truly understand the far-reaching power of Christ’s mercy to us, we will respond in wholehearted humility, gratitude, and surrender. We who have been captured for eternal life will want nothing more than to proclaim and exhibit that life in its splendid, Christ-like fullness for others to share.

How can we recenter our lives around Jesus? What priorities of time, affection, and focus can we allow Him to reestablish so in everything, everything, His character and beauty are displayed?

Lord, identify the places I have failed to reflect You, and reorder them by Your mercy unto Your renown, exaltation, and glory.

“Do not toil to acquire wealth;
    be discerning enough to desist.
When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
    for suddenly it sprouts wings,
    flying like an eagle toward heaven.” Proverbs 23:4-5

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…

“Do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:19-21,31-33

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” Luke 16:10-11

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

The images God uses to describe the transience of wealth are vivid and germain to everyday living. Like an eagle toward heaven. Rusted and moth-eaten. Disappearing. Indeed, the fleeting things of man pale in comparison to the eternal treasures of God. What man accumulates for himself is self-serving, what man amasses and implements for God’s eternal kingdom is God-honoring.

The Lord often gives in abundance because He desires His people learn His same motives, lavish freedom, joy, and generosity. He expects us to employ the gifts He bestows. What is important is where our eyes light and what and whom we love. Those with the gift of giving generously set sights on possibilities and love God’s mission in the world. They take great delight in making money and gathering resources because they are able to connect them to vision and need with vibrant mind and open hands. (Romans 12:3,6-8)

What is my honest assessment of wealth? Do I value temporal goods of the world more than the spiritual riches I have been entrusted with in Christ? Are my dreams, desires, and plans more tethered to goods of this world or treasures in the next? What do my weekly expenditures tell of my monetary priorities? Am I inspired by generous donors, or jealous of their lifestyle and ability to give? (Romans 8:32; Ephesians 1:3)

What are some steps we can take to develop faithfulness with the wealth we have? Where can we spend less on ourselves, and more to bless and help others and advance God’s kingdom? When will we take time to pray thoughtfully about our spending habits and stewardship perspective, confessing greed and stinginess, and asking for Christ’s impulses to control our desire and actions? How can we turn wistful wealth to that used in worthy, God-honoring ways?

Lord, help me handle the abundant riches You give with lavish, selfless, joyful generosity for Your kingdom’s sake and the glory of your grace.

“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
    my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3

“The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:

‘Do not be afraid, Abram.
    I am your shield,
    your very great reward.'” Genesis 15:1

“My shield is with God,
    who saves the upright in heart.” Psalm 7:10

“The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
    and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 27:7

“Our soul waits for the Lord;
    he is our help and our shield.” Psalm 33:20

“You are my hiding place and my shield;
    I hope in your word.” Psalm 119:14

Shield: A broad piece of armor made of rigid material and strapped to the arm or carried in the hand for protection against hurled or thrusted weapons; A person or thing that provides protection.

The psalmist describing the Lord as his shield presupposes God’s promise to his forefather Abraham centuries before. He understood the practical and eternal protection of God on His people. He believed that the Lord had indeed guarded His word to him and the Israelite nation, and provided His shield of fire and cloud as they wandered through the wilderness and in battle as they conquered the promised land. This same God was his daily shield of heart, soul, and body in every onslaught he faced, tangible and intangible.

We can sing with this same confidence. The Lord is also our shield for spirit and life. Daily we face enemies we may not even be aware of or recognize, yet the Lord stands sentry over our souls, guaranteeing our sure salvation. He is ready to withstand every fiery dart, guarding against despair, fatigue of zeal, doubt, and fear. Praising Him as such reminds us and fortifies daily resolve to stand firm in Him. (Ephesians 1:13-14; 6:10-17)

“O worship the King all-glorious above,
O gratefully sing his power and his love:
our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.” ~Robert Grant (1833)

What form and force of foe are we facing today, seen or unseen? Do we have to interact with antagonizing, irritating, or unpredictable individuals? Are we dealing with uncertainties, disruptions, or dread over things we cannot control? Do we believe God’s pledge to encircle and protect us, and therefore remain, with eyes lifted, at peace? How will we take up His shield against specific threatening thoughts, temptations, and circumstances?

“We rest on thee, our Shield and our Defender!
We go not forth alone against the foe;
strong in thy strength, safe in thy keeping tender,
we rest on thee, and in thy name we go.

We go in faith, our own great weakness feeling,
and needing more each day thy grace to know:
yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing,
‘We rest on thee, and in thy name we go.’

We rest on thee, our Shield and our Defender!
Thine is the battle, thine shall be the praise;
when passing through the gates of pearly splendor,
victors, we rest with thee, through endless days.” ~Edith Cherry (1895)

No matter what barrage are we facing, our Shield is sufficient and strong.

Lord, keep me hidden unafraid and rejoicing in all You ordain to transpire, and bold to go forth within the shield that is Your might and glory.

“Then Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them, and he came down from offering the sin offering and the burnt offering and the peace offerings.  And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, and when they came out they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people.  And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.

“Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said to Aaron, ‘This is what the Lord has said: “Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.”’ And Aaron held his peace.” Leviticus 9:22-10:3

Blaze of holy acceptance. Burning of feverish passion. Consuming flames of judgment. Fire from God and within the heart of man takes different forms and performs different functions, but always leaves its irreversible mark. The fire God created for both good and harm must be discerned.

And how do we accomplish that? Emotion swells at the completion of a great feat, or under the glow of satisfaction at receiving approval of it. Passions and impulse ignite when euphoria summons, ofttimes leading to rash decisions. The shocking blow of sudden change or death can arrest our most joy-filled intentions, and leave us paralyzed. In order to test the fire of God and utilize it for His purposes, we must discern according to His righteous standard.

It’s vital we consecrate ourselves to rid of preconceptions and unhealthy or godless motives. Coming clean before the holy God issues clear sight and a pure heart to know His ways and will. What fascinations, selfish interest, or prurient dabbling are tainting our ability to determine what is of God and what is not? Is there some tug of temptation, or stain of long-held sin habit, that needs be cut off or out? Are there loose emotions that we unwisely give sway to control (and contort) our decision-making? When the Lord inspires and leads, He does so with order, reason, and mutual spiritual testifying. (Leviticus 10:10-11; 11:44; Romans 8:16; 1 Corinthians 14:33; James 3:17)

We can rejoice in God’s flames. He is faithful to bless and direct. He is kind to separate and consume worthless dross. And He is as loving to check unholy desire as He is to ignite holy fire to be used for His redemptive ends.

“O to grace how great a debtor
daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace now, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
seal it for thy courts above.” ~Robert Robinson (1758)

Lord, grant discernment for Your holy fire, and set my heart aflame with an acceptable offering of praise and glory.

“Concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more… We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you… See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10; 5:12-13a,15

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13

“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.  But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?  Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ” 1 John 3:16-18; 4:10-11

Love as Christ loves. Lay down your life for your friends. Love your enemies and pray for them. Be patient and humble and kind. These are tall orders for the child of God, but expected heavenly standards. They do not come naturally, but by the word’s instruction and Spirit’s enabling, the vital and required become reality. (Matthew 5:44)

The old commandment for God’s people rang in the early church and still tolls today. The call and example of Christ remind us that only in laying down our lives and all the passions that drive us can we make wise choices conducive to God’s free flowing love. He helps us discern misplaced affections, identify weaknesses, and steels the will to denounce them and do the right thing. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; 1 John 2:5-7; Leviticus 19:18)

How actively do we practice the specific attitudes and actions God lists within our relationships? Where are we getting deterred by worldly comparisons or personal preferences, and need to gaze at the cross for realignment? Whom is God teaching us to love more, and better? ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; 1 John 2:15-16)

“Spirit of God, who dwells within my heart, 
wean it from sin, through all its pulses move. 
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as you are, 
and make me love you as I ought to love. 

Did you not bid us love you, God and King, 
love you with all our heart and strength and mind? 
I see the cross— there teach my heart to cling. 
O let me seek you and O let me find! 

“Teach me to love you as your angels love, 
one holy passion filling all my frame: 
the fullness of the heaven-descended Dove; 
my heart an altar, and your love the flame.” ~George Croly (1854)

Lord, ever direct my heart to the love of God and steadfastness of Christ in loving others in Your name and for Your sake and glory. (2 Thessalonians 3:5)

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;
    another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
    and one who waters will himself be watered…

“The righteous will flourish like a green leaf…
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life…

“A good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways…
Blessed is he who is generous to the poor…

“The cheerful of heart has a continual feast.”

“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,
    for he shares his bread with the poor.” Proverbs 11:24-25,28,30a; 14:14b, 21b; 15:15b; 22:9

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.  By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others.” 2 Corinthians 9:11-13

There is great return in letting go when God is in the mix and motive. Sticky fingers indicate stingy hearts, but hands opened wide to give are those empty to receive. What the world deems fiscally prudent is inside out in the eyes of the all-bountiful Lord. God’s economy is mysterious and supernatural, and worth the investment to know and utilize.

How can it be true that the freer the generosity, the richer the return? Because as the Lord works, the bounty He pours out flows from the Spirit-inspired bounty given and reaches supernaturally beyond what we can see or measure. Bless others, welcome with grace and hospitality, spread cheer, and the watering and growing and flourishing with joy from God comes back in abounding ways. When others notice, the Lord receives multiplied thanksgiving and praise.

We’ll never know what we’ve missed when we hold too tightly to what’s been entrusted to us. If we hoard income and goods and time, we will not experience the deep sense of God’s taking care of us by supplying for every need, tangible and intangible. When we decide to give part away to meet others’ needs or for kingdom purposes or simply for Jesus’s sake, we learn firsthand the exquisite blessing of joy the free heart affords. (Ecclesiastes 11:1; Philippians 4:19)

What needs have we observed around us but done nothing about? How might we be part of the answer to specific prayers of the lonely, lacking, or suffering? What are we gripping so tightly the promptings of the Lord cannot loosen free? Where might He be asking us to let go control of time, schedule, resources, so His glory can abound through marvelous, supernatural display? How can we contribute to the thanksgiving and praise of the One who has given us all things? (Romans 8:31-32)

Lord, teach me to let go of all You identify for the better return of all You want to give.