Author: astherainandsnow

“The disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.

“When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said, ‘Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me…’

“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all fall away because of me this night… Peter answered him, ‘Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.’  Jesus said to him, ‘Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.’ Peter said to him, ‘Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!’ And all the disciples said the same.

“Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here, while I go over there and pray.’  And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled.  Then he said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.’  And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’  And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, ‘So, could you not watch with me one hour?  Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’” Matthew 26:19b-21,30-31,33-41

The occasion with Jesus was intimate, and had far deeper meaning than any of the disciples understood at the time: it would be their final meal with their Teacher until the other side of His crucifixion. They brought to the table regular appetite and earthly concerns, and He spoke with spiritual significance. In the garden He issued sober warnings, but Peter, with characteristic impetuosity, exclaimed with bold point! his forever loyalty. Little did he know how weak was his flesh. (Matthew 26:22-29; Luke 22:31-32)

Communion with Jesus is mysterious and wonderful. Our senses mingle with the divine, our spirits garner quickened love and bold faith. But when we mix in the impulses of flesh and an unredeemed personality, we are prone to fail. Passions easily go off course, good intentions turn sour or paralyze altogether. Our exclamation point promises borne of willing spirits hit temptation and fatigue and break under pressure we never saw coming. (Matthew 26:69-75)

What parts of our lives are lived with enthusiastic exclamation? How zealous are we for Jesus, and how well does that zeal fulfill our commitments made? Do we make promises to serve and sacrifice for Him, but renege on steadfastness and faithfulness among worldly concerns, fear, or exhaustion? Where is our resolve weak, and what specific help will we seek from God to strengthen it? (Mark 4:16-19)

“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 Robertson (1758)

Father, keep my passions pure and promises sure that I never stop holding You high.

“For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.  I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters.  For they say, ‘His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.’  Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present.  Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

“But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ.  We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged,  so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence.  ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’  For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” 2 Corinthians 10:8-18

Paul’s strong and effective ministry invited appreciation as well as criticism. He knew he’d been saved for a purpose, and would continue the work God had assigned regardless of others’ comments and challenges. His goal was to finish the work of making Christ known, and he was willing to labor wherever God led to that end. He had no penchant for competition or notoriety, only that the gospel of the cross that saved him would spread and bear fruit. He sought the Lord’s commendation only in that his message of salvation was his sole token of influence.

The world offers an array of enticements to our flesh desires to be remembered, leave a legacy, or make a difference. A healthy outlook is assured when we are assured of our standing as God’s children bought with Christ’s blood. Gratitude for so great a salvation becomes our motive for widening the borders of our influence in the places God moves or plants us. As faith and love for Jesus increase, and by grace ministry grows, so will the multiplied effect of that ministry. God is magnified as His name is spread and praised.

Have we gratefully accepted where God’s planted us to serve Him and spread His word? Do we chafe at circumstances or fret at comparisons rather than dig in to increase influence where we are, however difficult or unpleasant? What joy, power, and openness to the gospel might be unleashed if we seized our spot and shared only Christ crucified? (1 Chronicles 4:10; John 21:22; Acts 17:25-26)

Lord Jesus, have sway with me in the areas You have assigned, and enlarge my areas of influence as You see fit. May Your cross be lifted high so You are known and glorified.

“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,  which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh  and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,  including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

“To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world…

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:1-8,16-17

Paul couldn’t get over the gift of his salvation. His life was hidden in Christ. His heart thrummed with the heartbeat of His Savior, his eyes perceived with His vision, his mind processed with His wisdom, his ministry was planned and compelled by the Spirit’s leading to open doors for the gospel. He prefaced his letter to the Romans with the love, grace, and peace of Christ he knew so well as he set out to boldly speak life-changing truth. His words would be issued from this love, laced with grace, and intending for deep peace as the hearers absorbed their instruction. (Colossians 3:3)

We awaken daily to an array of choices, a number of responsibilities, enticements, and involvements that capture energy and focus. Do we serve them, or our Lord Christ? How seriously do we take our reception of God’s grace and apostleship?

We have been called out of darkness into glorious light to proclaim His excellencies and for the sake of His name among the nations. Is our passion, are our words, and plans, and activities, all for Jesus? How can and will we do what we need to do as His children for the sake of His honor, with compassion for the lost, a grateful heart, and love? (1 Peter 2:9)

“All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed pow’rs,
all my thoughts and words and doings,
all my days and all my hours.

Let my hands perform his bidding,
let my feet run in his ways;
let my eyes see Jesus only,
let my lips speak forth his praise.

Worldlings prize their gems of beauty,
cling to gilded toys of dust,
boast of wealth and fame and pleasure;
only Jesus will I trust.

Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside;
so enchained my spirit’s vision,
looking at the Crucified.

O what wonder! How amazing!
Jesus, glorious King of kings,
deigns to call me his beloved,
lets me rest beneath his wings.” ~Mary D. James (1810-1883)

All for You, Lord. Amen.

“I am eager to preach the gospel to you also… For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:15-16

“For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…

“For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

“I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”

“For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.” 1 Corinthians 1:17-18,22-24; 2:2-5; 4:20

The word of God descended unexpectedly and forcefully on Paul. Disarming his ferocious, godless intentions, it transformed him from fiercest foe to most devoted servant. Knowing firsthand the power of the gospel, as God’s spokesman he was passionately obliged by its force to preach it wherever and to whomever he could. The Spirit of God who now held sway in his heart worked through his limits and flesh to demonstrate and articulate divine wisdom. (Acts 9:1-9,20-22)

As Christians called to ministry, we can be propelled by competition or drive, or slogged down by fear and insecurity. We manipulate, justify, explain away, or make excuses, all residue from too much self-centered thinking. When we are captivated as Paul was, the driving force of life and breath, voice and plans, will be the gospel of Christ proclaimed, exemplified, and known. With varied gifts, opportunities, and resources, this passion will compel us forward to influence God’s kingdom.

How eager are we to preach? If other activities have robbed our affections, would we pray for the Lord to reprioritize our desires, then act in faith that the doing will elicit delight? Whom has the Lord placed before us- at home, work, or in our community- who needs fresh wisdom for these uncertain, trying times? What are some creative ways we can arrange conversation with them?

How do our everyday words in interactions with those around us exhibit God’s power? The truth in itself wields authority to destroy strongholds, refute arguments, and convict of sin. When accompanied by a humble spirit and the force of love and compassion, and adorned with the character and countenance of Christ, it surely will make a mark. What do our daily doings indicate that we have decided to know and make known among others? How does this measure against God’s intent? (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)

Father, may the gospel You’ve worked so powerfully in me manifest itself in and through my words and deeds, to Your glory.

“Wisdom cries aloud in the street,
    in the markets she raises her voice;
at the head of the noisy streets she cries out;
    at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
‘How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
    and fools hate knowledge?
If you turn at my reproof,
behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;
    I will make my words known to you.
Because I have called and you refused to listen,
    have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,
because you have ignored all my counsel
    and would have none of my reproof,
I also will laugh at your calamity;
    I will mock when terror strikes you,
when terror strikes you like a storm
    and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
    when distress and anguish come upon you.
Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
    they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
Because they hated knowledge
    and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
would have none of my counsel
    and despised all my reproof,
therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,
    and have their fill of their own devices.
For the simple are killed by their turning away,
    and the complacency of fools destroys them;
but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
    and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.'” Proverbs 1:20-33

“The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.  His invisible attributes, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Claiming to be wise, they became fools.” Romans 1:18-22

God’s truth is apparent to all who would see, and empowering to those who embrace it. Wise Solomon describes wisdom as a pursuing, willing, and available companion, and Paul echoes the king’s sentiments about the calamity and distress of wisdom scorned. Refusal to heed her call and to accept the clear revelation of God in creation instills a callous of the heart that hardens over time, ruining character, motive, and morals. (Romans 1:24-32)

Wisdom beckons those who need her most, identifying the simple and foolish who try to make their own way in the world. She promises rich counsel and comfort in the Spirit, answering every need of mind and emotion. But willful sinners rebuff her advances, foolishly choosing to worship created things, and surrendering self-control to unchecked lusts. Resulting anguish, fear, and varied due penalties of their choices often builds resentment instead of prompting repentance.

Do I heed Wisdom’s cry as a willing listener, eager to heed her instruction? Or am I slothful, ignoring her words and ways until it’s too late? What can I do today to set aside worldly wisdom for the real thing, applying myself to the study and implementation of Scripture, relevant for every home, work, and relational situation? (1 Timothy 4:13-15; 2 Peter 1:10)

Lord, help me honor You by embracing and applying Your wisdom to my days.

“While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus drew near and went with them.  But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.  He said to them, ‘What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?’ They stood still, looking sad… He said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!  Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself…

“When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.  And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.  They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?’ And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those with them gathered together…

“As they were talking about these things, Jesus stood among them, and said, ‘Peace to you!..’

“He led them out [to] Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.” Luke 24:15-17,25-27,30-33,36,50

Jesus’s resurrection changed everything: confusion to clarity, trouble to peace, fear to joy, paralysis to purpose. Stunned at His cruel, seemingly senseless death, the disciples who’d walked regularly with Jesus were bereft, bewildered, sad. Until they weren’t. They could not see far with downcast eyes, but one by one, encounter by encounter, they were confronted with the risen Lord. Their sights lifted, their hearts spiritually awakened, and with fresh impetus their risen Lord gave them benediction to begin life anew in His pending absence.

We get accustomed to what we’ve always known, or at least what we’ve made our routine. From places of ease and familiar, change is unsettling, loss almost unbearable. When unexpected or life-churning events take place, we are jolted and cannot always understand the way forward. But in His good providence, God interjects divine disruptions to harken us awake from spiritual sloth and transform us. He would not have us grow idle, nor our spiritual vigor wane, nor our faith decay. (2 Peter 1:3-10; 3:18)

The Lord knows what’s come behind and how we’re wired to process current realities, and prepares us for what lies ahead. His ways are always purposeful, and what may seem a shock or conundrum is often the very means of His determination and applied grace on our journey. He intends to lift our eyes from circumstances to Him, to awaken faith in the unseen and eternal. He comes alongside to probe our understanding and challenge us to think and grow and consider Him. He enters our mundane to teach us of greater things, reminding us in the breaking of bread of His many past faithfulnesses and provisions.

How do we walk with Him? Are we confused, closed to possibilities, or dense at comprehending His high purposes in our present situation? What if we take Him into our confidence and ask His help and wisdom, if we gazed above our circumstances and opened our hearts to His fire? How might His personal presence and blessing redirect emotions, mindset, and efforts for eternity?

Father, lift my eyes and ignite my desire to know, serve, and glorify You.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich…For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have… Your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.”

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work…

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 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, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.  Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 8:9,12,14; 9:6-8,10-15

“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…

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

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap… And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:7,9

Economics run on numbers and balance sheets, assets and liabilities. But God’s economy works differently, in unmeasured amounts, matters of heart, and invisible values. The Savior who was rich in every intangible way became poor to make us rich eternally. Once so filled, we have the inestimable privilege of sowing bountifully and giving cheerfully, receiving not only all sufficiency and joy and surpassing grace, but prompting praise and thanksgiving to Him.

We live in abundance, all things given to us with Christ. Do we regularly thank Him for His grand and gracious multiplication of gifts? Would we take time to do so now?

How involved are we in sharing of our bounty to bless others with words and kindness, to supply resources, encouragement, a listening ear, faithful prayers, or practical help? Do we hoard our time, energy, resources for selfish means, or release them to the Lord for His rich blessing? In what areas are we sparing, or reluctant, and will we turn those over to be transformed into unfettered, joyful generosity? (Romans 8:32; Ephesians 1:3)

Father, overwhelm me with Your abounding grace that I will gladly spend and be spent in Your name, and for Your sake and glory. (2 Corinthians 12:15)

“We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit…

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;  always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.  For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you... For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,  as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 3:18; 4:6-12,15-18

Paul was all about God’s glory. It was his hope, joy, and end. His gospel ministry was compelled by the mercy he’d received, for the eternal salvation of others, all unto the glory of his Savior. Every affliction gave way to surpassing power, every impossible hardship to possibility, every threat of death to the glorious life of Christ Jesus that could be manifest. When all was lived for His sake, every temporal grief and attack was seen in the light of His grace and eternity.

There is much that can crack the jars of clay that we are: health challenges, unbearable heartaches, financial threats, strained relationships. In ourselves we can stay strong only so long, and we break. But that is when Jesus breaks through, and out. Our cracks in independence or veneer or self-sufficiency make marvelous way for His explosive light to permeate us and shine through. Treasure of Him within becomes the treasure of His magnificence exposed and proclaimed.

Are we immediately frustrated at a sour turn of events, or are we willing to welcome cracks to status quo and comfort as a means to rely on Him? What is our current blow, suffering, lack? Do we pause long enough from immediate pain, anger, or frustration to ask what He is trying to teach and reveal, where is His glory in the hurt or transition or desperation? What past faithfulness, what promises, will we claim presently as our own? How quick are we to announce when Jesus has shown up to bring relief, specific wisdom, comfort, or a way forward? (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Good Father, help me welcome the cracks life causes, and look to see Your glory shine through them so others are encouraged and You are magnified.

“They seek me daily
    and delight to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that did righteousness
    and did not forsake the judgment of their God;
they ask of me righteous judgments…
‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not?
    Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’
In the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure,
    and oppress all your workers.
You fast only to quarrel and fight
    …with a wicked fist.
Fasting like yours this day
    will not make your voice to be heard on high.
Is such the fast that I choose,
    a day for a person to humble himself?
Is it to bow down his head like a reed,
    and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him?
Will you call this a fast,
    and a day acceptable to the Lord?

“Is not this the fast that I choose:
    to loose the bonds of wickedness,
    to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
    and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
    and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
    and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
    and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
    the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
    you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’
If you take away the yoke from your midst,
    the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
if you pour yourself out for the hungry
    and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
    and your gloom be as the noonday...

“If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath,
    from doing your pleasure on my holy day,
and call the Sabbath a delight
    and the holy day of the Lord honorable;
if you honor it, not going your own ways,
    or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly;
then you shall take delight in the Lord,
    and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth.” Isaiah 58:2-10,13-14

Fasting was prescribed on the Day of Atonement, and was also practiced for seeking God’s specific will, guidance, or protection. It always released from self unto an ‘other’ end: consecration for service, direction for the good of others. It was intended as a means to further the Lord’s work and glory, not an adornment that feigned personal holiness. Isaiah eschewed the false, hypocritical fasting Israel pretended would win them favor with God for their own wants and comforts. (Leviticus 23:27-31; 2 Chronicles 20:3; Ezra 8:21-23; Esther 4:16; Daniel 9:3; Matthew 6:16-18)

God despises the fake offering of empty lip service and insincerity. True, honorable fasting is expressed in relinquishment of personal desires and preferences for the love and genuine good of others. It is a mindset of sacrifice lived out in palpable kindness, selfless generosity, and humble servanthood. It flows from commitment to God’s word and daily applying its truth and power. (Psalm 119:111-112)

From what attitudes and indulgences need we fast this day in order to honor the worthy One?

Lord, may I fast from self and delight in You for others’ good and Your glory.

“The scribes and chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people.  So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor.  So they asked him, ‘Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God.  Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?’  But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them,  ‘Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?’ They said, ‘Caesar’s.’  He said to them, ‘Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’  And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.” Luke 20:19-26

Time and again the religious leaders exposed their bias against Jesus. They flattered and sweetened questions, but betrayed their insincerity with every attempted trick. They meant not to get truth but to elicit answers they could twist to attack Him. They were bent on catching Him, not the life-changing meaning of what He said. (Luke 20:1-8,27-40)

Selfishly-held rights and hard hearts can cause the same in us. We really prefer to believe and behave as we want, so we look to Jesus to bless our choices and activities rather than sincerely seeking His input or correction. We keep intimacy at bay because getting to close to Him might cause conviction or needed correction. We engineer inquiries in hopes He’ll approve of our current course of action.

Have we allowed self-importance and independence to condition us against God’s authority in any area? Where are we guilty of searching scriptures to find a phrase that might support our misguided decisions or be retooled from context to justify certain behaviors? Do we look for loopholes, exceptions, and excuses, rather than seek, accept, and surrender to truth? Where do we attempt to trick God, foolishly thinking we can convince or deceive the all-knowing One?

It would make a great difference in our reception of all the Lord would teach us if we approached Him with open minds and a willingness to be challenged. How and when will we release stubbornness and preconceptions, and come clean about deceptive motives? Would we then draw near with honest confession and desire to catch all He says and means?

“Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidd’st me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.” ~Charlotte Elliot (1789-1871)

Lord, purify my motives to welcome and apply Your truth every day.