Author: astherainandsnow

“David commanded the Levites to appoint their brothers as the singers who should play loudly on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise sounds of joy… So David and the elders and commanders went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord… with rejoicing…. All Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting, to the sound of the horn, trumpets, and cymbals, and made loud music.” 1 Chronicles 15:16,25,28

“When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments came forward with trumpets, and the Levites… with cymbals, to praise the Lord… They sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord,

‘For he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.’

“And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.  But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the first house, wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of this house being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people’s weeping.” Ezra 3:10-13

“Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came… to show him sympathy and comfort him.  And when they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him. They raised their voices and wept, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads toward heaven.  And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.” Job 2:11-15

The quiet early comes with fresh breeze under a canopy of exquisite beauty. Soft, feathered, hatched herringbone, swept, each intricacy designed and upheld by the invisible Potentate of Time. Creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime. The matchless King hovers and hems in His own, dispensing, infusing, and upholding moments, seasons, His majesty on display in every texture fashioned for particular and ultimate purpose.

Days and years roll with varied textures. Moments of exhilaration, events of boundless joy, long days of steady and serene, seasons of anticipation, winters of difficulty and discouragement. The Lord teaches varied facets of His love for us through His presence in every one: the worthiness of His praise, the pathos of loss and renewal, the balm of shared grief. Our Savior, with infinite love and mercy, celebrated at a wedding and wept at a burial and shared every emotion in between. He knows the way we take, and refines us and our understanding of Him along that way. (Job 23:10; Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; John 2:2-3,7-10; 11:33-36)

Are we learning from the seasons through which He takes us? How readily do we praise Him for His favors, delights, and successes? Do we rebuff His advances when pain or sorrow is too great, or rest between His strong shoulders and learn the rhythms of His heart? How compassionately do we come alongside others in their deep seasons to share what we know of Jesus? (Deuteronomy 33:12; Romans 12:15; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

Lord, help me welcome and learn of You in every season, and share Your love through time with others.

“He sent to Ephesus and called the elders… [and] said to them:

“‘You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying… of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ… But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, I know that none of you among whom I have proclaimed the kingdom will see my face again… I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention… I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock… Therefore be alert… And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up… In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus.., “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”’

“And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.” Acts 20:17-21,24-25,27-29,31a,32,35-38

The Ephesian elders had been taught, guided, and enriched by Paul, and his farewell address to them evoked strong emotion. He had set a solid example of selfless, careful, powerful ministry, and expected them to carry forth with the same zeal in his absence. They’d soon be compelled to choose how to proceed.

We who know Christ have benefited from the teaching and modeling of others. We admire, we watch, we might envy, but we don’t see ourselves in their role. We can unwittingly grow dependent on another’s faith, insights, prayers, or leadership, and fear taking bold initiative ourselves.

But the Lord calls us to our own place and purpose, and to develop faith muscles that depend on Him alone. He removes past props to teach us to value Christ above all. He arranges circumstances to reorient us from former comforts to look ahead to the new and different He’s prepared. In mercy He warns us of impending challenges, and pledges His presence and Word.

How thoughtfully do we learn from past experiences and examples? Are there relationships and supports from former seasons we’re unwilling to release? Does the threat of certain opposition quash new vitality for God’s next assignment, or inspire deeper trust? Whom or what props has He removed to compel us forward?

Lord, help me gratefully and zealously apply past lessons by forging ahead in surrendered and passionate ministry that proclaims your gospel and magnifies Your sufficiency.

“From morning till evening he expounded to them… trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law and the Prophets. Some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved… Paul [stated]: ‘The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

“‘Go to this people, and say,
‘You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.’
For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’” Acts 28:23b-27

“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 what has 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 became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools,..

“For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions… And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done… Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” Romans 1:18-22,26a,28,32

The steamroll of a hard heart is furious and unrelenting. The pride of flesh callouses all too quickly when man is bent on self and refuses the grace of God. All beauty of eternal power and divine nature gets mired in the ugliness of dull and stubborn. Tainted eyes and stopped ears refuse the truth and therefore Christ, to great and sometimes eternal detriment.

We might castigate those who stubbornly refuse Christ, yet fail to understand the insidiousness of spiritual blindness. Have we forgotten or belittled God’s grace to us when we were enemies? Do we earnestly pray that God would remove blinders and soften hearts? We may criticize their failure to believe, but neglect searching ourselves for hard places growing in our own attitudes, will, and obedience. (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Matthew 7:3-5; Romans 5:8-10; 1 Corinthians 2:14)

Do we pridefully assume a poor choice here or slip-up there can just be brushed away with no consequence? Small refusals plus small dismissals can become large resistance. Even if we know Christ, we are prone to wander. Where has our love, passion, or obedience grown hard? (Revelation 3:15-16)

How will we prevent our high view of God from diminishing, our minds from stoking a stubborn spirit, and our hearts from growing cold? Stoking flames of righteous priorities with regular spiritual disciplines and consistent fellowship that kneads the soul with compassion and shared wisdom are effective safeguards of the heart.

Lord, dissolve any stubbornness and keep my heart soft toward You, that I would grow more and more like You in thought, word, and deed.

“As your name, O God,
    so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness.” Psalm 48:10

“From the rising of the sun to its setting,
    the name of the Lord is to be praised!” Psalm 113:3

“He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 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 2:8-11

“And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.'” Revelation 7:11-12

Name: A word or words by which an entity is designated and distinguished from others; an illustrious record.

In beginning was the Word who was God. The same name that created was exalted after resurrection to the name above all. The eternally eminent name is to be eternally praised. As angels in heaven forever cry holy, holy, holy to this supreme One whose name is in itself exalted, God’s people are to raise and extend the reach of His immeasurable, unending praise. Jesus deserves to be magnified. (Isaiah 6:3; John 1:1-3; Revelation 5:11-14)

While managing our day to day, what thought do we take to esteem the Sovereign? Is it even on our minds that if we own the name of Christ as Christians, our attitudes and language should convey the sweetness, loveliness, and supremacy of that name? How about our interactions with others? Do they bear the fragrance of His grace, patience, wisdom, and love? Are we more prone to take His name in vain than to magnify its power and superiority? When taunted or rejected, do we find ourselves ashamed of, or taking delight in speaking and boasting His name? (2 Corinthians 2:15-16; 2 Timothy 2:19; 1 Peter 4:16)

How might we rework our thinking and practices to revere Christ’s name above our own, in the loftiness and splendor it deserves? How can we awaken recognition of Jesus, who takes away the sins of the world? The good Shepherd, who lays His life down for His sheep? The Author and Finisher of faith that wanes, the Comforter of our broken souls? Are we deliberately living and choosing and conversing in such a way that others see Jesus, and desire to praise His high and holy name? (Matthew 1:21; John 10:11; 2 Corinthians 1:3; Hebrews 12:2)

“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)

Lord Jesus, may I treasure, savor, magnify, and rejoice in Your name forever, to the unending praise of Your highness, worth, and glory.

“When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, went out into the midst of the city, and cried out with a loud and bitter cry… 

“Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square,.. and Mordecai told him all that had happened, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king’s treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. Mordecai also gave him a copy of the decree issued for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther and explain it and command her… to beg [the king‘s] favor and plead on behalf of her people… Then Esther commanded [Hathach] to go to Mordecai and say,.. ‘If any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter. As for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.’

“They told Mordecai what Esther had said.  Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, ‘Do not think that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than the other Jews. If you keep silent, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?’ Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, ‘Go, gather all the Jews in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf… for three days. I and my young women will also fast. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.’

“On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in front of [his] quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.” Esther 4:1,6-8,10-16; 5:1-2

Hands wringing in stunned fear. Hands clenched in fisted anger. Hands presenting a decree of impending destruction. Hands appealing in desperation. Hands lifted in surrendered prayer, clinging to the invisible Divine. All these hands moved the hand of God, and God moved the hand of the pompous king. The worldly regent opened his hands in welcome, and held out the scepter of favor. Only God could so move and provide.

We determine through our days how we receive what is handed to us. We may try to maneuver and manipulate, yet find ourselves chapped at self-affected results. The Almighty orchestrates circumstances to get ahold of all of us, offering His help accessed by raised hands.

In what situations are we tenaciously clenching for control, resisting His gentle hands that would open and enfold ours? How might we move the hand of God in mighty ways through bold prayer, so He receives all the glory?

Lord, cause me to lift my hands in believing prayer, grip Your hand in every dilemma, and trust Your hand to work Your favor and will.

“And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres. And the sons of the singers gathered together from the district surrounding Jerusalem and from the villages… And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and the people and the gates and the wall.

“Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks. One went to the south on the wall… with musical instruments… The other choir of those who gave thanks went to the north, and I followed them with half of the people, on the wall… So both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house of God… And the singers sang… And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.” Nehemiah 12:27-28,30-31,38,40,42b-43

The wall had been completed through sweat and opposition, with cooperation and perseverance. The people had confessed their sins, and put right practices that were wrong. They sealed a covenant with the Lord, who had been gracious and merciful to them, and it was time for thanksgiving. The man who had sought God from the beginning and peppered his days with prayer would now lead Israel to praise to the Lord, who was worthy of it all. (Nehemiah 2:11-18; 4:6-9,14; 6:15-16; 8:1-3,9-13; 9:2-3,5-6,23; 10:28-29)

At the conclusion of a great effort, we can be tempted to show off. The project is finished, the successful event is over, the work is complete. Look what I did, I deserve the credit, notice me. Weary in the flesh we are prone to relax our dependence on the Lord into self-congratulations. Even if we restrain boasting out loud, how insidious is the pride that craves accolades and believes this great success was up to me.

In what cases do we think too highly of ourselves? Where are we taking credit that should all go to the Lord? Where do we pretend to make much of Him but actually take the limelight with facial expressions that invite notice and smug remarks about our contribution, our ideas, our expertise? Do we insist on being affirmed, and chafe when not? What self-importance or insecurity causes us to feign humility or disinterest, but in the hidden heart stokes our egos? (Romans 12:3)

How can we instead exalt the fame of Christ for what He accomplished through us? The people in Nehemiah‘s day, forced into a situation of absolutely dependence on the Lord’s protection and provision, were steeped in prayer, and took His word seriously. They repented and were consecrated after enumerating God’s greatness, mercies, and work on their behalf. They acknowledged that they were nothing apart from His favor and keeping. Would we likewise so completely rely on and surrender to Him that we cannot help but sing and give Him all the praise? (Psalm 73:23-28)

Father, keep me mindful of ways to show You off in my demeanor, interactions, conversations, tasks, and song. May all I do be done for Thee and Thy glory. (Colossians 3:23)

“So Isaac departed from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. And Isaac dug again the wells of water that had been dug in the days of Abraham his father, which the Philistines had stopped after the death of Abraham. And he gave them the names that his father had given them. But when Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found there a well of spring water, the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, ‘The water is ours.’ So he called the name of the well Esek*, because they contended with him. Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that also, so he called its name Sitnah**. And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth***, saying, ‘For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.’

“From there he went up to Beersheba. And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, ‘I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.’ So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the Lord and pitched his tent there. And there Isaac’s servants dug a well.” Genesis 26:17-25

*Contention; **Enmity; ***Broad places

“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:18

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:38-39

Isaac understood contention, having experienced it within his family among his parents, wife, and twin sons, and outside his family with others. Surely there had been lessons learned that his servants had observed. Each time the herdsmen from Gerar instigated quarreling, they moved on, trading contentious unrest for God’s space of blessing. Peace begat blessing begat worship. (Genesis 21:8-11; 25:21-23,28; 26:6-11)

While there are definite times to stand firm on principle and hold our ground, there are many times the Lord would have us walk away from contention and enmity for His broader blessing. In the flesh we push and assert our rights, want to prove ourselves and win. But Jesus took the humble road for the greater purpose, and bids us follow. (Philippians 2:3-8)

Where am I meddling in hostile, unhealthy places? What triggers to fiest and anger do I let perturb me? How do I pester and provoke in certain relationships or specific tempestuous situations? What would it take for me to turn in grace and leave the goading behind for Jesus’s sake? What well of blessing might the Lord break forth if I would release conflict and antagonism? What Rehoboth of gratitude and worship has the Lord prepared and bid me inhabit?

Father, help me always choose Your way of humility and trust, reflecting in conflict the peace and reconciliation You generously offer, and magnifying Your glory as of highest worth.

“And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments.  So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the Lord.” Exodus 35:21-22

“The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 30:12

“Then rose up the heads of the fathers’ houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up to rebuild the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem.  And all who were about them aided them with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, with beasts, and with costly wares, besides all that was freely offered.” Ezra 1:5-6

“Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles and the officials and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. And I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first.” Nehemiah 7:5

“God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.” Revelation 17:17

The Almighty is dynamic, never static. He inspires people to give, build, organize, design, unite, obey. What He intends in His mind He sovereignly stirs us to accomplish. He plans, ordains, and executes within and according to perfect knowledge, arranging place and passions and moving the hearts of men. We think with desire, and yearn for ultimate control, but our Regent at the helm is in benevolent control. (Exodus 31:1-11)

This should awaken in us a sense of wonder, gratitude, and cooperation. We may prefer to have it our way, but submitting to His energizes our faculties and scoops us into the bundle of His kingdom purposes. When we strike out in our own direction and strength, we miss out on seeking and recognizing the Spirit’s inspiration, and the realization of His powerful presence and favor. Unless we know the God who moves the mind, we will never know the joy of being so loved.

How well do we know the ways of God? When faced with time, or a task, how readily do we seek His direction and enabling? When has He inspired a fresh idea, a solution for a problem, a compromise in a disagreement? Do we study scriptural samples of His habits among men in work and worship, conundrums and relationships?

In order to be led and moved by the Lord, it’s imperative we guard our hearts from false teaching and persuasive emotions. Keeping them clean from pollutants and wayward affections frees them to obey. Aligning them with truth prepares them to be led. Offering them as God’s royal throne assures that He is honored. (Proverbs 4:23)

Father, guard my heart from foreign intrusion, that it be a pure receptacle of Your messages and instrument of Your moving, unto Your good purposes and glory.

“Then [Abraham] said, ‘Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.’ He answered, ‘For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.’  And the Lord went his way…

“Then the men said to Lot, ‘Have you anyone else here? Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone.., bring them out…  For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.’  So Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law,.. ‘Up! Get out of this place, for the Lord is about to destroy the city.’ But he seemed to [them] to be jesting.

“As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, ‘Up! Take your wife and two daughters, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.’  But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city… One said,.. ‘Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away…’

“The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar.  Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire out of heaven.  And he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground…

“And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the Lord. And he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the valley, and behold, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace.

“So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.” Genesis 18:32-33; 19:12-17,23-25,27-29

Abraham, having been brought into God’s confidence about his impending judgment on Sodom, had pled for his nephew. He knew Lot’s weaknesses and had compassion on him. God assured him that, for the sake of 10 righteous people, the city would not be destroyed. Imagine Abraham’s thoughts, looking down toward the valley from his place of prayer and seeing the furnace-like smoke rise. Were there not even 10? Did my nephew survive? Is it now just Sarah and me in this strange new land? I know God is true to His promises… (Genesis 13:10-12)

The smoke of judgment is all around us: ravages of civil war, boiling violence, smoldering immorality, political instability, devastated marriages, broken families. The eyes of our heart can sting into despair when we witness the destruction, ongoing and left behind. But like Abraham, we can turn to our place of prayer communion with the Lord to steady our souls. We can trust the God we know, and His covenant promises. Even if outlook is uncertain, we can marvel at His justice that is as perfect as His compassion and mercy. (Proverbs 18:10; Romans 1:18-31)

Where is our place to hide away in trouble? Do we perceive the world through a filter of fretting and angst, or trust and hope? How will we today exercise confidence in God’s character and promises?

Lord, keep me trusting You in and through present smoke of sorrow and uncertainty, to Your highest praise. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

“When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.  Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.  But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’  He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.’  And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.  So Abraham called the name of that place, ‘The Lord will provide’; as it is said to this day, ‘On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.’

“And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, ‘By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his  enemies,  and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.’” Genesis 22:9-18

From our first introduction to Abraham, he walked (mostly) faithfully according to God’s instruction. He knew the Lord’s voice from first call to leave country and kindred, and conversed with Him regularly. He received His unlikely promise of a son in old age, and accepted the test of offering him back, his ears attuned step by step to heavenly guidance. When the angel of the Lord called to him at the altar, granting the stay of hand and relief of a lifetime, Abraham immediately lifted his eyes to see His by-faith-anticipated amazing provision. Ram secured and sacrificed, he issued a call himself, naming the sacred place for Jehovah Jireh the ultimate provider. Following came the call back from his Lord confirming blessing beyond imagining. (Genesis 12:1-4; 17:15-22; 22:1-8)

It is a natural and busied penchant to do all the calling ourselves. We initiate orders here, cry out for help and favor there. We opine, direct, correct, ask. But it is not so easy to wait for the call we long to hear, to listen intently through earthly noise and loud emotions for the divine voice, sometimes still and small, or to recognize God’s truth and directions among the myriad available and pressing messages. (1 Kings 19:11-13)

If we desire to know God’s voice, how well are we quieting our hearts and ears to listen? How patiently do we await His timing, directions, and provision? Do we trust His good plans and promises enough to move when He calls, to the people, situation, or place He directs? And then, are we quick to honor Him as Lord? (Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 30:21)

God on high, keep me faithful to hear and heed Your call, and to call out Your glorious name in gratitude and praise.