Author: astherainandsnow

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,  so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,  who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:3-14

As a brilliant orator grappling with the divine, Paul embarks on describing the ‘every’ of a believer’s blessings in Christ. His goal is to instruct, remind, and fortify the church in both her position and possession in order to magnify her profession in word and deed, and ultimately bring glory to God. What God had determined from the beginning and was presently true was their substance of blessedness and hope into the future.

For children of God, plumbing the depths of the infinite is a lifelong endeavor to comprehend and employ. Chosen from the foundation of the world to be adopted as His sons? We need never be insecure in our identity. To be holy and blameless? We have purpose and a goal. Every spiritual blessing? Lavish riches of grace? Whatever we think we need, we actually want for nothing. Held and guided by the one who works all things according to the counsel of his will? Weary, confused, or overwhelmed, we can trust His good keeping and plan. Sealed in salvation with the Holy Spirit? We can rest assured of present power, comfort, and inspiration, as well as delight in the Savior’s presence forever.

Where do we struggle with our finite limitations and allow frustrations to discourage us? Could we rather meditate on the infinite, and allow the Lord to encourage us with new insights and deeper understanding of His plans and ways? In what areas do we feel inept, lacking, or despairing? Which promises, which part of every spiritual blessing will we take for our own this day? If we would bow before our gracious Lord, and seek to fathom the facets of the every and all of the riches He bestows, we would never faint nor fail.

Infinite Lord, give me the will and desire to comprehend and employ the depth of my riches in Christ, for your glory.

“They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.^’ And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

“So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. On the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, ..‘Come to my house and stay.’ And she prevailed upon us.” Acts 16:6-15

Paul and Silas were on a mission with big plans, so big they scooped up Timothy to accompany them in strengthening the churches. Eager to teach the word to as many as possible, they were specifically directed by the Holy Spirit not to the places they’d intended but to Macedonia, where the Lord had gone before them to prepare for revival. Orchestrating what only He could do, God gathered some women at the riverside on the Sabbath and directed Paul outside the city gate to find her. What man considers unlikely or not at all, God Almighty arranges for His doing and glory. (Acts 16:1-5; 17:1-2)

Lydia was God’s worshipper to become God’s missionary. The nascent faith of this dealer of purple cloth would bloom into eager, wide sharing of the gospel. Also led by the Spirit of God, whether she recognized it or not, she gathered with like-minded women for a divine appointment. The Lord Himself would open her heart to full truth, and beginning with her, revive Philippi.

In what part of revival is the Lord directing us? Are we so bent on our own zealous plans that we fail to listen for His directives, or avoid seeking the Spirit’s lead and blessing of our work altogether? How patient and sensitive are we to His voice?

Might He want to do a work in us first? How could He transform our worship by deepening desire and commitment, or through richer understanding of His character and ways? How often do we head to the riverside to pray and receive His ministry and teaching? And how do we apply and employ what we receive for the good of others?

Lord, revive me in purity and passion for Thee, then use me as an instrument of revival for whomever You desire and prepare, that You be known and praised.

“Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar.  And Sarai said to Abram, ‘Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.’ And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.  So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife.  And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress.  And Sarai said to Abram, ‘May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me!’  But Abram said to Sarai, ‘Behold, your servant is in your power; do to her as you please.’ Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her.” Genesis 16:1-6

“While [Pilate] was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, ‘Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.'” Matthew 17:19

The story is almost embarrassing, pulling the curtain back on marital tensions, appalling advice, and a husband not willing to say no. Emotions foment and relationships sour from hot words and cold shoulders. The Bible tells it like it is- then and now. Advice skewed or dispensed, taken or discounted, can brew many troubles.

Advice is not always sought, but often given. Opinions borne of worry, jealousy, conviction, or premonition are ours to sift through and consider. Taken in exasperation or desperation, dismissed in greater fear or pride, ours is the responsibility for decision and action. And it can be easier to analyze and criticize another’s behavior than it is to humbly review our own.

From whom do I seek advice? Do I pursue those who pray and have experienced much life with God, or am I inclined only toward popular group think and what I want to hear? How do I assure what I receive lines up with scripture and has the blessing of Holy Spirit confirmation before I act on it? (2 Kings 19:14-16; Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 15:22; 19:20; 2 Timothy 4:3)

What is our motive in giving advice? Whose good do we seek? Whose glory? How diligently do we pursue truth so we are prepared to give sound direction? How willingly do we speak it in love for Jesus’s sake, even if it hurts or requires a detour or delay? (Ephesians 4:15; 1 Peter 3:15)

We must remember that in every case we can trust the sovereign God who rules and overrules as He wills. We never know what would have happened if certain advice were implemented or not, but we can know that God reigns and His plans cannot be thwarted. No need to rue or regret, only to set ourselves aright going forward. (Job 42:2; Romans 8:28)

Lord, keep me faithful to seek You first when asking or giving advice, that Your will be done to Your honor and praise.

“Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.  And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’  And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.  But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do…’ Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.  And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank…

“But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem…’  But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine… So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’  And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized…

“And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’” Acts 9:1-6,8-9,13,15a,17-18,20

A renowned, stalwart, feisty religious zealot, mission-minded but misguided Saul was bent on one dictum: ravage the Christians. But God turned his life inside out and upside down. When Saul recognized he was himself the real loser, every orientation changed. The dark that once drove him was arrested with light, the aggressive lord-over persecutor was lurched into submission to the Lord of all. Godly Ananias was so convinced of this supernatural transformation he addressed him as brother before witnessing any change. (Isaiah 46:11; Acts 8:1,3; Philippians 3:4-6)

We humans wrestle with change. Either we do not like it at all, or we fail to make different what we want to turn around, put away, or improve. But Jesus came to transform what man had ruined in Eden, including our resistance to change. He came to seek and save the lost, to remove and replace awry affections, attitudes, and life purpose. A soul captured by Him is changed indeed. (Luke 19:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

To what wrong ways do we keep returning? Where has emotion or habit swept us into a detrimental or meaningless existence that the Lord is prompting us to arrest? What indulgences and ingrained practices have blinded us to His pure light? (Romans 7:18-19)

Have we ever fallen before the absolute lordship of Christ and surrendered self-will? Unto what new loftier passions and more eternally meaningful motivations and relationships has God redirected our lives? What specific preoccupations, drives, attitudes, even hesitancies is the Lord asking us to yield forever in order to live fully and freely in His light?

Lord, yank me away from any wayward ways, reorient my desire, and turn me to paths of righteousness that magnify Your glory. (Psalm 23:3)

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:3

“Look among the nations, and see;
    wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days
    that you would not believe if told.” Habakkuk 1:5

“Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'” John 20:29

“Look, you scoffers,
    be astounded and perish;
for I am doing a work in your days,
    a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.” Acts 13:41

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

Abraham heard and heeded God’s call, even though he knew not where he was going. David knew God’s call from a young age, though not all it would entail. He waited years until its fulfillment. Paul was transformed by the word of the Lord, and obeyed though he would suffer much for His sake. Over and over, people of faith through the scriptures and history, saw little but obeyed, knowing the One who would reveal step by step where they were to go and how they were to live and serve. (Genesis 12:1-9; 1 Samuel 16:11-13; 2 Samuel 5:12; Acts 9:3-16; Hebrews 11:7-10,11:13-16)

It is our natural bent to want to know ahead of time what to expect. We prefer to anticipate needs, responsibilities, potential pitfalls. But more often than not, little can be guaranteed before the unfolding of any situation. The call of God is a call to faith, to trust Him rather than His details. The adventure of a Christian’s life thus becomes a journey in growing acquaintance and expanding knowledge and love for the Lord, not the next step to take. If we knew everything we would face, we might never embark. We sense a sliver of risk, a hint of pain, a squeak of sacrifice required, and we recoil.

Where have we set ourselves against God’s plans because we are stuck in our ways and places of comfort? Have we allowed our parameters to widen and walls to shrink, limiting what we’re willing to do and where we’re willing to go for the Lord? What new horizons might He be preparing? What stretch of faith has He beckoned us to consider, and take?

What if we began each day seeking the Lord Himself over any gifts or guidance or help? Studying His word to learn His character and understand His ways with man, communities, and nations expands the mind and will. Meditating on the evidences we see of His love and sufficiency enlarges the heart and awakens new desire to know, and have, more.

How has His Spirit encouraged and fortified us in faith through committed study? What glimpses of grace, conviction, or purpose has the Lord exposed, and how will we pursue them in faith?

Lord, grant me courage to welcome the slivers of Your plans and follow with zeal, trusting You to lead and bless the way, for the others’ good and Your glory.

“Pilate took Jesus and flogged him.  The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe.  They came up to him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and struck him with their hands.  Pilate… said, ‘I am bringing him out to you that you may know I find no guilt in him.’  So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said, ‘Behold the man!’  When the chief priests and officers saw him, they cried out, ‘Crucify him, crucify him!’ Pilate said, ‘Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.’ The Jews answered, ‘We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.’  When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid… So Pilate said to him,.. ‘Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?’  Jesus answered, ‘You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above…’

“[Pilate] said to the Jews, ‘Behold your King!..’ Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross.., ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’” John 19:1-8,10-11a,14b,19

Their problem was a wrong concept of Jesus. He was merely a man, rife with compassion, emotion, and flesh needs. He was a good teacher who could tell stories and loved children. The people and religious leaders could not get over His claim to be the Son of God because they could not get over their inflated view of self and unregenerate view of this uneducated carpenter. Their pedestrian thinking kept His majesty at bay and they crucified him under a sign mocking His royalty. Fearful Pilate could write His name, but not bow. (Matthew 19:13-14; Mark 6:3; John 4:6; 19:25-28,30)

But He was so much more. We’re all unable to grasp the otherness of Jesus apart from His grace. But every resistance of God’s revelation, every strong-arm against His gentle nudges, every bit of puffery we let cloud our sense of awe adds callouses to hearts made for eternity. He beckons us to behold the King. All creation displays His glory. When once we open ourselves to recognize His highness and receive His love, the veil is removed. (Psalm 19:1-3; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Matthew 13:14-15; Acts 28:27; Romans 1:19-21; 2 Corinthians 3:14-16; Revelation 3:20)

Accepting that Jesus is far more than a man obliterates mental boundaries and expands our wonder. It pushes possibilities and energizes courage. It multiplies dimensions in our heart, industry, and service.

How do we limit the God of the universe by imposing human processes and abilities? Where do we confine His reach by provincial preferences? Of course, He is never bound by human perception, but we miss out on His greatness when we wallow there.

How would our moods change if we trusted the steady One’s ability to calm storms? How differently would we plan (not fret) if we believed Jesus knew our needs and met them with infinite capacity? How would we reorder our prayers if we reckoned on the Lord working all things for eternal good? (Matthew 6:7-8; Mark 4:39; Romans 8:28)

Lord, open to me the much more of all You are, so I might offer You the trust and honor You deserve.

“Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some… rose up and disputed with Stephen.  But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.  They secretly instigated men who said, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’  And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council,  and they set up false witnesses…

“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.  But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.  And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’  But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.  Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him… And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 6:8,10-13a; 7:54-60

“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'” Luke 23:34

Stephen was full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and these drove his righteous heart and bold actions. If life was to be spent for Jesus’s sake, with every breath he would proclaim and practice Christ’s gospel. Astonishing and convicting as it is, Stephen’s prayer and expression of forgiveness were the spontaneous outflow from the exchanged life of a sinner saved by grace. His act was no conjured up have-to from a thoughtfully-prepared end-of-life list, but a natural expression of who he was. (Acts 6:5; Galatians 2:20)

Many carry bitterness and hunger for revenge, and we never know when the end may come. Forgiveness is a command for God’s children, not an option. We who have acknowledged receiving forgiveness understand the cost paid at Calvary, and will necessarily apply it in our own situations and relationships. If we find it hard to extend forgiveness and fully let go of others’ offenses and pain inflicted against us, we must discern whether we have grasped the extent of Christ’s sacrifice. If He gave His life in excruciating death for us, how can we not, by an act of will, release the vengeance we nurse unto His spilled blood? Matthew 6:12-15; 18:21-35)

Forgiveness gives immediate way to freedom. Humility replaces pride, love with grace replaces bitterness and anger. Forgiveness inspires others, motivates gospel living, and honors God. Why wait? (Acts 8:1-8)

Whom is God asking me to forgive, once for all? Will I exercise the courage to voice it and release all anger and resentment, and shut the door forever? Whose impressionable mind and spiritual progress has been hampered due to my bitterness and revenge? What renewal, joy, and healing await the life of my forgiving prayer? (Romans 12:16-19)

Lord, help me magnify Your grace by loving others afresh and fully forgiving, in Your name and for Your sake.

“Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down to the saints who lived at Lydda.  There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed.  And Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.’ And immediately he rose… 

 “In those days [Dorcas] became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, ‘Please come to us without delay.’ So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room… Peter knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, ‘Tabitha, arise.’ And she opened her eyes, and… sat up.

“The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray… and saw the heavens opened…

“Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate  and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there.  And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, ‘Behold, three men are looking for you.  Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them…’

“‘Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’ While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.” Acts 9:32-34,37-40; 10:9,11a,17-20,43b-44

Peter was a man on a mission, emboldened by Jesus before His ascension, filled with the Holy Spirit. He moved here and there as one led, devoted to prayer, open to the Lord’s instruction, and available for the opportunities He presented. Without a prescribed daily plan of his own, he effectively ministered according to God’s. Under His direction and anointing, Peter taught, healed, challenged, and blessed innumerable people. (Matthew 28:18-20; John 21:22; Acts 11:5-11)

In our frenzied world, we may find we often go here and there, either pulled or self-driven… but with no clear direction, accomplishing little, exhausting ourselves. Contrasted to the disciple, we see only just in front of us, get entrenched in our agenda, and leave no time to pause for clarification, no energy for a change, no margin for an added request.

But the Lord is all about our here and there. Jesus was always alert to individuals and needs around Him, and tended to them with grace and focus and without delay. He in us can enable our hearts to so desire and our eyes to so see. What richness awaits if we would move with His purpose!

How willing are we to make ourselves available to go here and there at God’s bidding, perhaps to new and unfamiliar places, or with people we would not choose? How can we implement some margin in our schedules so we have space for God’s divine detours? What might we need to do to get ahead so we won’t need to hesitate or scramble when opportunities arise?

Father, keep me prepared and in Your purpose always, so my here and there are with and for Thee.

“The full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all… As many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need… Barnabas (which means son of encouragement)… sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

“When [Paul] had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.  But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.”

“When [Barnabas] came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord… for a whole year, they met with the church and taught a great many people.”

“Barnabas… urged them to continue in the grace of God.” Acts 4:32-37; 9:26-27; 11:23-24,26; 13:43

It is not clear whether Barnabas earned his nickname or lived into its benediction by motivated practice, but he wore it well. The first glimpse of him in scripture, at the burgeoning beginning of the early church, is noted almost as a P.S. Neither flashy nor seeking praise, he’s included for his willing offering of what he valued to meet needs he did not know, signaling the start of a selfless, steadfast, bold, and patient ministry spent for others’ sake. (Acts 14:12-15; 15:36-41)

When we’re named as Christ’s own and take first steps to live and love as His children, God works into us increasing transformation and out of us growing usefulness in His hands. We start turning over all we once held dear, and with emptied eager hands take on God’s assignments with ever-increasing zeal. Inspiration from the Lord and joy from the exchanged life motivate ongoing fruitfulness in ministry and service to others. (Colossians 3:12-14; 2 Peter 1:5-8)

How will I start anew embracing my identity in Christ? What habits or goods or plot in my heart can I surrender to free valued time to seek His face, listen to His word, laud Him with praise? Genuine yielding and investment of attention and devotion, as in any love relationship, breeds deepening hunger for more.

How do I, and will I, boldly proclaim Christ’s gospel with compassion, generosity, tenacity, words? How readily do I step in and urge on for Jesus’s sake in others? In an antagonistic world, what steps am I taking to continue steadfast in ministry?

Father, keep me stepping higher and farther as You bid every day, spending myself for the good and growth of others and Your increasing glory.