Author: astherainandsnow

“Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.

“Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges, and to all the leaders in Israel, the heads of fathers’ houses. Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon, for the tent of meeting of God, which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness, was there… Moreover, the bronze altar that Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, had made, was there before the tabernacle of the Lord. And Solomon and the assembly sought it out.  And Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the Lord,.. and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.

“In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, ‘Ask what I shall give you.’ And Solomon said to God, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. 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?’” 2 Chronicles 1:1-3,5-10

Solomon had taken the throne of his great late father. In grace and providence, the Lord made him very great, bestowing on him uncommon majesty. The new king initiated his reign with worship, symbolizing his heart’s priority and the surrender of this new role to God. After the glad celebrating and the expenditure of tremendous exhilaration and offerings, quiet finally came. Perhaps he felt overwhelmed by the loss of his father and the weight of this new responsibility leading God’s people. Into this silent night, God came. And God met him with more than he ever could have imagined. (1 Chronicles 29:23-28)

Often when the quiet and darkness settle in, burdens weigh heaviest. The position has been announced, the event is over. We may have welcomed a new life, or said goodbye for the last time. Exhaustion permeates a whorl of emotions. Sober realizations become clear. Doubts tiptoe. And into our soul night of wonder, curiosity, fear, anticipation, the Lord comes. He knows our vulnerabilities, invites our honest confession of deepest lack and need, and our trust that He will supply. He promises that what He calls us to next will always have His enabling. His grace abounds. (2 Corinthians 9:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; Hebrews 4:15)

Are we at a pivotal or desperate crossroads? Have we eased from a frenzied flashy season into a quiet darkness? Would we listen for the Lord there, and respond to His voice in dependent prayer? Do we feel spent, depleted? He is sufficient. Are we desperate? He cares and establishes our hearts. What is it we need? He is able. (2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 5:10)

Lord, help me trust You in both the noise and the quiet, believing that Your grace and light are more than sufficient for every need. To You be all the glory. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

“’A sower went out to sow his seed… And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold…’

“[Jesus] said, ‘The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.  And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.” Luke 8:5a,8a,10-15

The seed was good, potent, fruit-worthy. Jesus teaches kingdom secrets to His disciples so they will understand the deep applications of His word taking root. Focus on the soil, on how and where and why you receive My word, then what you do with it. Day in, day out, Jesus offered the good word to be received and nurtured in good hearts, and ultimately expressed.

When the truth of God is sown into receptive soil, great things happen. Those who eagerly listen and take it in hold it fast. They cling to its promises, heed its warnings and commands, are informed by its doctrines, take comfort in its strength, and rejoice in its songs. Their honesty comes clean in confession, and makes right where they’ve wronged. They partake regularly, systematically applying it to life situations, enduring training, and submitting to sanctification. Patiently they grow and are transformed, becoming more and more Christlike. Gradually, bountifully, beautiful fruit is borne.

Is our soil condition is honest and good? Do we read or listen as rote exercise, or with genuine humility, desiring its correction, instruction, and life-change? Do we feed on snippets of people’s commentary, or ask the Lord to speak directly from the inspired scripture? How we interact with the Bible reveals our heart condition. (Psalm 86:11; Isaiah 50:4; 2 Timothy 3:16)

Another worthy indicator is to consider spiritual fruit issuing forth. Do we just tick off good works for public notice but without heart, or are our deeds in response to God’s word making an eternal difference? Rich, lasting fruit identifies us as God’s children. (Luke 6:43-45; 8:21)

What steps can we take to prepare the soil of our hearts and minds for the best work of God’s word? What stones of sin habit, gnarled bad attitudes, pebbles of pesky resistance and rebellion need we remove? How can we ready ourselves with humility, honesty, holy desire? And where will we this day commit to bear fruit? (Romans 12:1-2)

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room,
and heav’n and nature sing.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
far as the curse is found.” ~Isaac Watts (1719)

Lord, tend the soil of my heart daily that Your word take root and bloom and bear much fruit for Your glory.

“Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’  And they answered, ‘John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.’  Then he said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ And Peter answered, ‘The Christ of God.'” Luke 9:18-20

We do not know what Jesus was praying. He’d just led His disciples in feeding a crowd of over 5000 from 5 loaves and 2 fish, and must have thanked God for the miracle. During this season of Passover, He surely wanted them to understand the significance of the multiplied bread, His supernatural provision, and satisfaction. He may have asked His Father for ongoing sustenance of wisdom and words and divine focus. We do know that prayer for Him was a priority, and that He came out of these moments with penetrating questions for His close followers that evoked personal response and invited faith. (John 6:4-15)

Jesus wanted His people to think for themselves. By asking who the crowds said He was, He wanted them to understand world-speak and distinguish their own beliefs from the tangled chatter around them. What even the majority thinks is unimportant, what you think is vital. If you take in all the world says and pretends is real, you might lose yourself. If you have all knowledge but don’t know Me, you’re lost. It’s Me, My word, true truth, that matters. (Luke 9:25-26; 1 Corinthians 13:2)

“He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’  Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’  And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.  And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:15-18

What Peter confessed drove his ongoing development and ministry. His proclamation became the cornerstone and foundation of the early church. What we believe and confess determines how we will behave and the course of our life and ministry.

So who do we say Jesus is? What do we know and believe about Him in history and personal reality? Are we studying what others say about Him more that searching for Him ourselves directly in His word, through His Spirit, and by prayer? What are we daily learning of His attributes and ways with man, nature, and nations? How does our knowledge of Him color our outlook and impact our dealings with family, relationships, work?

“My faith has found a resting place,
not in device or creed;
I trust the ever-living One,
his wounds for me shall plead.

Enough for me that Jesus saves,
this ends my fear and doubt;
a sinful soul, I come to him,
he’ll never cast me out. 

My heart is leaning on the Word,
the written Word of God,
salvation by my Savior’s name,
salvation thro’ his blood.

I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
it is enough that Jesus died,
and that he died for me.” ~Lidie H. Edmunds (1891)

Lord, keep me daily learning more of You. Help me live out my beliefs with bold witness of Your love, character, and salvation.

“David provided great quantities of iron for nails for the doors of the gates and for clamps, as well as bronze in quantities beyond weighing, and cedar timbers without number… For David said, ‘Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.’ So David provided… before his death.”

“When David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel. David assembled all the leaders and the priests and the Levites.”

“David… also set apart for the service the sons… who prophesied with lyres, harps, and cymbals.”

“David assembled at Jerusalem all the officials… of the tribes, the officers of the divisions that served the king, the commanders of thousands, the commanders of hundreds, the stewards of all the property and livestock.., together with the palace officials, the mighty men and all the seasoned warriors.”

“In addition to all that I have provided for the holy house, I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, and because of my devotion to the house of my God I give it to the house of my God… David blessed the Lord… ‘Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty… We thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

“’But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.'” 1 Chronicles 22:3-5; 23:1-2; 25:1; 28:1; 29:3,10-11,13-14

David spent his time on earth wisely. He was a fastidious, strategic, and thorough doer. He organized people and resources with zeal and efficiency, setting in place all Solomon would need to build the temple and rule Israel effectively after he was gone. Over and through and above all, David was a man after God’s heart, spending himself for his Lord. (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22,36)

Sometimes good works get in the way of what God really asks of us. He wants our hearts. He wants efforts serving His purposes and done in love, works that require us. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

Is it our bent to get up, go, and do without first acknowledging our Maker and offering ourselves? Do we act on what we deem expedient rather than seek the mind and heart of Christ? Do we set priorities by the world’s mantras, or the will of God? (Proverbs 3:5–6; Romans 12:1–2)

What frenetic demands, imposed by others or ourselves, drive our days? From what source do we draw direction and vitality? If daily motive is merely to feel productive and good about ourselves, but is not wholehearted for the higher honor of serving the Lord’s purposes and praise, it is amiss. What time, interest, and prayer are we investing, what treasure sacrificing? How will we realign our daily do-list with God’s desire and desert?

“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Lord, help me give my all generously, with love-filled devotion, to every work after Your heart, unto Your purpose, and for Your glory.

“Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don’t cry.’

“Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, get up!^’ The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

“They were all filled with awe and praised God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said. ‘God has come to help his people.^’ This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.” Luke 7:11-17

A somber delegation accompanied the weeping mother, earlier bereft of her husband, and now her only son. Was there any sorrow like hers? How would she manage the responsibilities, the loneliness? Crowds surrounded her, but the Lord saw her, knew her grief and fears, and spoke. Do not weep. The cause of her tears would immanently be moot, for He was here, wielding compassion, mercy, and power. (Lamentations 1:12)

At the touch and word of Jesus, the dead man sat and spoke. Mouths that grieved now gave glory to this majestic One. God had visited, and they were changed!

We tote many biers in our lives. We rue what once was and is no more, unable to shake both the gold and the ashes of the past. We walk stiffly along with dead emotion, unrequited and now absent love, paralyzed with bitterness. We wail with longing for what might or might not be, unable to be fully present in the now. We bend under the weight of vengeance, crippled by anger and a warped sense of justice. (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19; Philippians 3:13-14)

The only necessary walk with the bier is to be done with these things. Invite Jesus to apply His resurrection touch. Move at His word, arise from the funk, and live again. Exchange grumbling with gratitude, resentment with rejoicing, grief with glory. Jesus our Paraclete lives to intercede for us and impart new life. (Hebrews 7:25)

What weighs heavy this day? What too-long held habits, hurts, or half-efforts are we parading with excuse, or accompanying with distraction? Would we welcome Jesus into our journey, and trust Him to lift, revive, resurrect? How will we expect to glorify Him?

“Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.” ~Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Lord, enter my day, raise me from all that hinders a free, vital, joyful life with and for You.

“Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: It is not you who will build me a house to dwell in… I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be prince over my people Israel, and I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a name, like the name of the great ones of the earth… And I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover, I declare to you that the Lord will build you a house. When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever…

“After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and he took Gath and its villages out of the hand of the Philistines.

“And he defeated Moab, and the Moabites became servants to David and brought tribute.

“David also defeated Hadadezer king of Zobah-Hamath… So David reigned over all Israel, and he administered justice and equity to all his people.” 1 Chronicles 17:4,7-8,10b-12; 18:1-3a,14

David was a man of many talents. His years as a shepherd and the youngest brother of eight taught him much about the majesty of God and the differences of men. He was a vigilant leader, loyal protector, passionate writer, and strategic warrior. He was bold, curious, courageous, creative, and tenacious. He loved his Lord, and wanted to do great things for Him. God had a unique place and special purpose of establishing His kingdom in Israel for this man after His heart. Though David wanted to do more for God, when He narrowed it down to a focused objective for his season as king, David accepted his call with zeal.

Do we? With so many choices before us, and varied opportunities to busy ourselves with work and service, we may find we’re stretched thin, doing many things with mediocrity and few things well. We can’t set realistic priorities because our focus is too wide and we try to do too much. We jump to fill needs that arise, but find that when it comes to our niche, we have draining energy. How well do we know the narrow way the Lord would have us walk and put to best use our gifts?

The key to fruitful living in the center of God’s will is ongoing communion with Him who made us. He planted us in our specific time and place for eternal reasons. While many may share some abilities, likely we have certain gifts that He intends we exercise exactly where we are. The Lord promises to direct our paths, and teaches us to say ‘no’ to what would distract us from the kingdom needs meant for us. (Esther 4:14; Isaiah 30:21; 49:1-3; Acts 17:26)

Where has God planted us? What family, workplace, neighborhood, church body? Among which needy individuals, for which roles, in what relationships and conversations? Would we seek His priorities each morning for the hours He’s ordered ahead? (Proverbs 3:5-6; 4:25)

Father, keep my ears keen to listen and my feet swift to go as You call, that I might further Your purposes to Your goodness and glory.

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

‘God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.^’

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:1-10

Passion is a gift, but human passions are gritty, ofttimes askew, deceiving, or detrimental rather than productive. God’s passion is for our purity and wisdom, humility and growth. His passions are always benevolent, redemptive, and backed and motivated by His love for us.

Many flesh passions get us in trouble, all of which we must beware. The enemy constantly lures us to strange affections and to surrender fear of God over to feelings, eternal satisfaction over to immediate gratification. With deleterious intent he whips the winds of temptation into every area of life. Gusts of immorality, salaciousness, lust, worry, greed, envy, and temper can all disrupt, distract, and throw us off course and balance. Without whole passion for God, we are undone. Only a guarded heart fixed on Jesus and His truth, order, and power is safe from Satan’s wicked, wily blows. (Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; 1 Peter 5:8)

It helps to know an unseen war rages, and where lies the root of temper, covetousness, and persnickety attitudes. It also helps to know that the Lord is ready to help, strengthen, and deliver. He implanted in the crown of His creation the capacity for lovely, strong, and righteous passion, and saves us from its sin-stain since Eden. He provides needed endurance and escape. (Romans 7:18-25; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 6:12; Hebrews 4:16-16)

In what particular situations are we given to wayward, uncontrolled passions? What triggers to anger, gluttony, or immorality should we replace, or avoid altogether? Are there conversations, places, entertainment, or topics we must not visit? (1 Peter 1:14-16)

Is our heartbeat in rhythm with the Lord’s? When do we regularly renew our minds in God’s truth so we think rightly and behave in the fruit of His Spirit? How will we develop and exercise proper, godly, life-giving passions? (Psalm 1:1-3; John 4:34; Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:16-17,19-25)

Lord, keep my passions in divine check and sway, that my life passion always beats with purity and zeal for the good of Your people and praise of Your glory.

“We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Romans 8:23

“For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling.” 2 Corinthians 5:2

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you… If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” 1 Peter 4:12-14,16

“But he knows the way that I take;
    when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” Job 23:10

The sky is frothed with grey, veiling the long moments before dawn. Almost imperceptibly, the flocked puffs begin to blush a fanfare of welcome for the Queen of coming day, then blaze red momentarily with anticipation, then as just as quickly fade back to monotone. You have to watch to see the glory.

We must look up to develop a grateful heart. We must lift focus away from troubles, painful circumstance, and clouded moods to see His grace-tinge. It takes determined and patient watching, waiting with expectation, lifting sights from heavy self, to see His glory in life’s clouds. He always shows up. And even then, He displays just a hint of the promise of eternal glory to come.

Graciously, the Lord offers glimpses of beauty to remind us He is at work, He will one day make all new, this world is not our home, and this body is merely a tent awaiting redemption. Our pangs here, whether in agony of hurt or longing at the breathless exquisite, are a longing for His glory that will be fully revealed. (Isaiah 40:5; Revelation 21:5)

He brings a friend with the phone call, the kind hug, the knowing look, the savored message. He ministers through His personal, living word. He brings palpable balm through the fellowship of the saints. His Spirit testifies with ours that we belong to Him, are the apple of His eye, and He is on our side. He speaks the still small voice at the edges of the storm. He rejoices over us and holds us in forever promises. Yes! His glory shines bright in the clouds! (1 Kings 19:11-13; Psalm 17:8; Zephaniah 3:15-17:; Zechariah 2:8; Romans 8:16,31)

Have we set our hearts above? Is our hope daily dashed here on earth, when it could be grounded in heaven? Are we looking for and expecting Him to appear with mercy, love, and grace? (Psalm 146:3-7; Colossians 3:2; 1 Timothy 6:17)

When we are still long enough to behold, how do we respond? DO we bow in humble gratitude? How will we tuft our days with praise, pausing to acknowledge the Lord’s hand and beauty before others and in specific thanks? And how will we be agents of His glory in dark times to those we love?

Lord, in all life’s clouds, help me look for, behold, and rejoice in the splendors of Your glory.

“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’

Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’

“When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

“When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!^’ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

“Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.^’ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” Luke 5:1-11

Jesus had His eye on Simon Peter. He knew the fisherman’s personality and what He intended to refine and develop in him as an apostle and eventual church leader. He chose his boat, and spoke to him directly to bring him to the point of commitment. Peter had already washed his nets from a night of fruitless fishing, so the Teacher’s command seemed unnecessary, even ridiculous. But out of respect, he let them down again.

When Jesus speaks, He means deeper business than we assume on the surface. Peter, having acknowledged his own failure, now fell before his Lord. Astonished at the divine haul of fish, he was humbled in his human limitations of capability and imagination. This Master was worth following.

The Lord has a majestic way of revealing our failure at flesh fruitfulness and bringing us to our knees. His design for us to follow Him begins with our acknowledgement of personal helplessness and destitution and desperate dependence on Him alone. We can’t wholly follow until we’ve failed, and fallen before Him. Time and again the scriptures tell this gospel message. (Luke 5:12-13; Acts 6:26-33; Romans 3:23)

Do we go about our days with zealous purpose in our own efforts? Are we satisfied checking off lists, but lacking significant spiritual fruit? Where have we toiled with little to show, but seen great results when done for Christ? For what specific areas of work, interactions, ministry, decision-making, future planning will we seek the Lord’s direction and blessing? What deeper lessons and motivations is He enjoining us to incorporate into all we do?

Lord, keep me honest and earnest in every effort, that I willingly follow You, act at Your behest, and always expect Your glory in the results.

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness  for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone.”’  And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time,  and said to him, ‘To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’  And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written,

“You shall worship the Lord your God,
    and him only shall you serve.”’

“And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here,  for it is written,

“He will command his angels concerning you,
    to guard you,”

and

“On their hands they will bear you up,
    lest you strike your foot against a stone.”’

“And Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”’  And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.” Luke 4:1-13

Jesus’ earthly ministry was about to commence, and God the Father set His approval on His Son in baptism. At this point, we might expect that being filled with the Holy Spirit and led by God Himself He’d display a grand flourish of fame. Instead, He’s led away from people and popularity into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. His triumph was a resounding victory and an encouragement for all who would follow Him. (Matthew 3:13-17)

We might have great plans for all we want to do for God when He has very different plans for what He wants to do in us. God’s children are promised eternal security and the guardian of the Holy Spirit, but not ease or absence of trouble. In fact, in order to understand all we have in Christ and all He wants from us we are often led into the wilderness of pain, temptation, chafed relationships, and heartache. It is here we are tested and can test the Lord’s promises, power, and ongoing petitions for us. (Romans 8:31-34; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Timothy 3:12; Hebrews 4:16)

Is there something we sense the Lord has equipped us to do, yet we keep hitting obstacles? Where has He led us in unknown paths, only to take us through experiences that train us for later ministry? How open and alert are we to the Spirit’s sway? Do we daily avail ourselves of all He has provided, trusting His leading? The Lord works into us what He desires to work through and out of us over time. (Isaiah 42:16; Philippians 2:13)

Lord, keep me attuned to Your filling and leading so I act and respond to every temptation according to Your righteousness and word.