Author: astherainandsnow

“We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

“The defiled and unbelieving… profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may… [have] nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be… well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of… Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” Titus 1:15-2:14

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Salvation imparted is a stamp of identity and expectation. Salvation received is salvation expressed. The Lord makes clear that those who know Him are to show forth His beauties and character. His children living by faith must be zealous in good works that reflect His graces and power. He calls, equips, and commands that our knowledge accords with godliness by eager employment of His gifting and purpose to build up the Body and bring Him glory. (Titus 1:1)

“I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:17

It is healthy to assess how well our actions and attitudes match our profession. We may be in the habit of separating Sunday belief from weekday practice, cordoning off any infringement on long-ingrained habits and preferences and self-will. We tout that we know God, yet fail to give evidence to His Spirit’s presence in speech, viewpoint, and behavior. (Matthew 7:21; 1 John 2:4-6)

“It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13

The better we know God’s attributes, the deeper our love for Him grows in us, and it will by nature blossom in Christ-like desire and makeup. Our actions and interactions give evidence of how well we know Him. In what ways is Christ reflected in choices made and daily living? What portion of ourselves, our time and resources, do we offer for His service? How do we reflect His love, compassion, generosity, patience, and truth to those around us at home and work?

Lord, may my life and works show forth Your excellencies, to Your glory.

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
    we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
    and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
    ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’
The Lord has done great things for us;
    we are glad.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
    like streams..!
Those who sow in tears
    shall reap with shouts of joy!
He who goes out weeping,
    bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
    bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126

“After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10

The psalmist begins and ends with the resolution, the joyful restoration of the place he loved and the settling home with bounty. Tucked into the short mention of seeds of sorrow sown to bring about such gladness were years of separation, heartache, suffering, longing. While fixed on and emphasizing the great things the Lord had done, there was necessary an intermittent season in which He also invisibly worked. Weeping made clearer His handiwork and sweeter the joy.

We fancy the fortune. We relish the laughter. We readily rejoice in the refreshment of streams, sheaves of favor, and comforts of home. But often we resist the journey required to get to these places. We avoid the difficult choices, skirt the hardship, chafe at waiting. We want reaping without sowing, comfort without pain, knowledge without learning, agility without bending, fruitfulness without death. We look for product but are unwilling, at least reluctant, to experience process.

Jesus invites us to the tears of the cross. He exemplifies that death is a precursor to true life. Repeatedly the Scriptures teach that suffering and trials are the seeds of spiritual growth and train us toward Christ-likeness. His promises remind us that we can trust His hidden work even in season of sorrow to produce a glorious end. (John 10:10; 12:24; Philippians 3:7-11; James 1:2-4)

What great things is the Lord doing at present? How has He supplied through barren, challenging seasons to teach deep lessons and conform us to Himself? How is our praise richer for what we’ve learned about His mercies and strength and light in the darkness? For what attribute, intercession, or provision will we rejoice today? (Lamentations 3:22-23; 2 Corinthians 12:7-20; Philippians 4:11-13)

If we’re in a season of grief, will we trust that He’s sowing the pain for good, the brokenness and loss for ultimate bounty? What weaknesses, fears, or doubts might He be transforming? What new aspects of His character are more real and personal because of weeping? What promises will we take as our own? (Romans 8:28-30)

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.” ~George Keith (1787)

Lord, help me endure tears with great and hopeful joy, trusting Your powerful work and promises.

“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—
    let Israel now say—
if it had not been the Lord who was on our side
    when people rose up against us,
then they would have swallowed us up alive,
    when their anger was kindled against us;
then the flood would have swept us away,
    the torrent would have gone over us;
then over us would have gone
    the raging waters.

Blessed be the Lord,
    who has not given us
    as prey to their teeth!
We have escaped like a bird
    from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
    and we have escaped!

Our help is in the name of the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 124

David had known many an enemy and close call. Plotting people, raging armies, discouragement- the snares were varied and threatening. Though he exercised great strategy and skill to evade troops and trouble, he knew that it was the Lord who was his shield and deliverer. Man’s efforts were useless without the power of the Lord.

Unavoidably, we face storms and pressures in our day to day and seasons of life, and in the flesh we naturally engage energy and acumen to confront them. We prepare, scheme, defend or attack, and perhaps we win small battles and outsmart enemy wiles or overcome particular troubles. But the enemy of our souls will not relent, and only Jesus achieved and offers forever escape from impossible bondage. (1 Peter 5:8)

If He were not on our side, we would remain in our sin, doomed to everlasting separation from Him. If He were not on our side, the trials of this life would drown us. If He were not on our side, we would have no defense against temptation, doubt, shame, despair. If He were not on our side, we would be captive prey, forever hunted, never free. Blessed be the Lord who has saved us!

What snares presently hold us struggling and feeling helpless? Are we hunted by past failures, haunted by regret, despondent about unfulfilled dreams? What challenges at work, in relationships, with health or finances, seem unceasing and impossible to remedy? The Lord is on our side! Our captivity has been claimed and conquered by Christ! (Romans 8:31-39)

“Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee.
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!” ~Charles Wesley (1738)

In every angry flood, every tempest of temper or trouble, every attack to heart, mind, or body, would we summon and bless the Lord, our Help and Deliverer?

“O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer
Gracious Savior of my ruined life
My guilt and cross laid on Your shoulders
In my place You suffered bled and died
You rose, the grave and death are conquered
You broke my bonds of sin and shame
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer
May all my days bring glory to Your Name.” ~Nathan Stiff (2017)

Father, free from sin that so easily entangles, help me run with perseverance the race You’ve assigned, to Your victory and glory. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

“Plead with your mother,
    for she is not my wife,
    and I am not her husband—
that she put away her whoring..,
    and her adultery from between her breasts;
lest I strip her naked..,
and make her like a wilderness,..
    like a parched land,
    and kill her with thirst.
Upon her children also I will have no mercy…
For their mother has played the whore;
    she who conceived them has acted shamefully.
For she said, ‘I will go after my lovers,
    who give me bread and water,
    wool and flax, oil and drink.’
Therefore I will hedge up her way with thorns,
    and build a wall against her,
    so that she cannot find her paths.
She shall pursue her lovers
    but not overtake them,
and she shall seek them
    but not find them…
And she did not know
    that it was I who gave her
    the grain, wine, and oil,
and who lavished on her silver and gold,
    which they used for Baal.
Therefore I will take back
    my grain..,
    and my wine..,
and I will take away my wool and flax,
    which were to cover her nakedness.
Now I will uncover her lewdness
    in the sight of her lovers…
And I will put an end to all her mirth,..
    and all her appointed feasts.
And I will lay waste her vines and fig trees…
And I will punish her for the feast days of the Baals
    when she burned offerings to them…
    and went after her lovers
    and forgot me, declares the Lord.

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her,
    and bring her into the wilderness,
    and speak tenderly to her.
And there I will give her her vineyards
    and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope…

“And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness…

“And I will have mercy on No Mercy,
    and I will say to Not My People, ‘You are my people’;
    and he shall say, ‘You are my God.’” Hosea 2:2-15,19-20,23

The willful and defiant Gomer whom Hosea took for his wife depicted Israel in all her rebellion against God. In a beautiful message of mercy meeting depravity, the prophet describes the devastating consequences of sin against God being conquered by His love. Naked, parched, hungry, lost, she was destitute, forsaken, helpless. Only divine affection could lure her back and transform such emptiness to fulfillment and the shame and separation of her spiritual harlotry to faithful covenant betrothal. (Hosea 1:2-9; 4:6-14)

“Great is your mercy, O Lord,” Psalm 119:156a

The horrors of sin magnify the exquisite splendor of God’s mercy. The trouble with men is we seldom recognize our depravity- the entrenched idolatry, insidious greed, stubborn pride, willful rebellion against God’s lead that sap true life. When the Word calls it out, we squirm, make excuses, justify, and compare, rather than agreeing with the Almighty. We hide shame rather than bringing it to Calvary for cleansing.

Am I languishing in certain areas because of unconfessed sin? What deep-rooted bitterness, dark habit, or raw selfishness has depleted joy and needs the light of Calvary? When will I be honest and return humbly to the Lord?

“My sins they are great but his mercy is more.” ~Matt Boswell and Matt Papa (2016)

Merciful Lord, compel me daily to press on to know You and make Your mercies known. (Hosea 6:3)

“As they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him… 

“Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’  And they cast lots to divide his garments.  And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine  and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’

“One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!’  But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?  And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’  And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’  And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.'” Luke 23:26-27,32-43

It seemed just another day for Simon of Cyrene, coming in from the country, perhaps to see about the hullabaloo going on in Jerusalem. And just like that, his life was to be forever imprinted. Swept up in the sad, frenetic procession of crowds and criminals, he was forced to carry the heavy, rough wooden cross of Jesus to Golgotha. Did he have any idea his was the cross of the innocent? Would he ever understand the spiritual significance?

We awaken each day knowing not all that will transpire. We set about our duties and plans, and get caught in the steady stream of observations, machinations, and conversations. Do we take thought for what is going on in the supernatural? Are we attuned to the Lord’s nudges to convey the gospel? He is constantly involved in current events and working out His purposes, and if we are available, we can take up the cause of His cross wherever we are.

Would we behold our Savior, His crucified body weighted with sorrow and love, pain and compassion, mingling down in drops of sweat and blood? What part have we played in the guilt He carried? How can we come alongside Him in willing service?

Today, where will we bear His cross? Would we follow Him to the place of atonement, and apply His blood to all that eats away at us, the resentment we nurse, the grudges we hold, the malice we imagine (with pleasure), the foreign affections we’ve left unchecked? Into what situations can we carry grace and forgiveness? Knowing the power of the cross is a privilege and responsibility for the follower of Christ.

Lord, may I faithfully convey Your cross to my secret heart and to those around me, for Your renown and glory.

“The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.” Psalm 19:7-10

“I have stored up your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you…
In the way of your testimonies I delight
    as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
    and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
    I will not forget your word…

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
    and I will keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
    and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments,
    for I delight in it.
Incline my heart to your testimonies…

My hope is in your rules.
I will keep your law continually,
    forever and ever…
for I find my delight in your commandments,
    which I love.
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
    and I will meditate on your statutes…

The law of your mouth is better to me
    than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” Psalm 119:11,14-16,33-36a, 43b-44,47-48,72

The Word of God is compiled of many words of God penned by His inspired writers. The written Word extols the attributes of the living Word, Christ Jesus, urging its readers on to discover and delight. Psalm 119 is written in sections beginning with letters of the Hebrew alphabet, making its truths rhythmic and memorable. The Lord speaks in living, active words to pierce mind and heart so we can know and love and become like Him. (John 1:1; 2 Timothy 3:16)

Maintaining a vibrant life in Christ means abiding in His word. Abiding necessitates meditating on and applying it in various aspects of daily living. When we devote ourselves to time in the Word, guarding it as a vital priority, we will be informed, shaped, and strengthened by its truths and power. (Psalm 1:1-3; John 15:15)

How well do we attend to the living words issued by the Word Himself? Are we allowing their beauty and substance to sink in, take root, nourish, and flourish? What would change in outlook, attitude, and daily decisions if we regularly worshiped God for the (alphabetic) attributes of His Word?

Active (Hebrews 4:12)
Blessing (Numbers 6:24-26)
Creative (Genesis 1:3)
Dependable (Isaiah 55:11)
Eternal (Isaiah 40:8)
Flawless (Proverbs 30:5)
Guide (Psalm 119:105)
Holy (John 17:17)
Inspired (1 Peter 1:21)
Just (Jeremiah 23:29)
Kind (2 Peter 1:4)
Living (John 6:63)
Mighty (1 Peter 1:23)
Near (Romans 10:8)
Omnipotent (Romans 10:17)
Perfect (2 Samuel 22:31)
Quick to divide soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12)
Right (Psalm 33:4)
Sustenance (Matthew 4:4)
Trustworthy (Psalm 18:30)
Unchanging (Psalm 119:89)
Valuable (Psalm 119:72)
Wise (Psalm 119:130)
Xcellent (Jeremiah 15:16)
Yielding great reward (Job 23:12)
Zealous (Ephesians 6:17)

Lord, keep me meditating on and living by Your wonderful words of life, to Your glory. (Colossians 3:16-17)

“When Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John.., he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar…  Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.

“A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink.’ The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?’ (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink,” you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.’  The woman said to him, ‘Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?  Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.’  Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again,  but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’  The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.'” John 4:1,3-7,9-15

On the road again, this Savior with no place to lay His head, and this time through stigmatized Samaria. He had to go there, for His divine appointment. Bone-weary and thirsty, Jesus sat down to rest, and along came an interruption by way of an outcast. In tune with the Holy Spirit, taking up His mantle of grace, He engaged her in conversation that led to conversion for eternity, and not only for her. When He was spent, Jesus could and would always spend some more for a soul’s sake. (John 4:28-30,39,41-42)

Every day presents the children of God with opportunities to be involved in some way in God’s kingdom work. Pressures and busyness can keep us well-occupied with immediate matters and missing the openings the Lord makes possible. Fatigue can close us off to getting involved in yet another person’s life. My agenda can easily make no room for God’s.

But when we open ourselves to seize every opportunity the Lord presents, He will open our eyes and heart to follow. Asking each morning what the Lord is doing, and how can I be a part, will heighten expectation. Making a difference for eternity is a gift from God.

Where might the Lord be preparing someone for life-giving truth at work, in commercial interactions, our neighborhoods? What divine opportunities that require searching out the unfamiliar, the undesirable, or the least- publicized need, await our willingness? Where need we pass through today on God’s schedule?

Father, keep my feet ready to go or rest, my eyes alert to Your fields white for gospel harvest, and my mouth prepared to declare Your excellencies. (John 4:34-35; Ephesians 6:18-19)

“Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world… For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses… Keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

“O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge.” 1 Timothy 6:6,9-12,14-20

Paul knew well the fierceness of enemy opposition and entanglements with temptation when going after the Lord. He also knew the power and substance of God’s presence and promises. In order for Timothy to overcome and win in faith’s good fight, Paul spelled out for him what to flee and what to pursue and the importance of doing both. This good fight was well worth it, and possible by God’s grace.

Every fight has encumbrances to shake off and ends to achieve. For the Christian, ungodly distractions steal energy and mind space from what we should be striving toward, and demand that we retreat and redirect. The good fight of faith is a constant putting off and pressing on, leaving behind and moving ahead, fleeing and following, repenting and obeying. It’s vital we recognize our false idols, misplaced affections, haughtiness, and rebel spirit. Candid confession and hope in Christ fuel persistence in faith and keep us heading in the right direction.

What entanglements of ungodly desire, pesky sins, or unwholesome, debilitating relationships are holding us back from fighting faith’s battles well? What attractions, entertainment, and involvements veil us from seeing the enemy clearly, ridding unnecessary weight, and going after all that is good? Would we boldly name and confess greed, illicit activities, life-draining gods, bitter revenge that are holding us back from going after righteousness and godliness with a pure heart? The Lord has won the war. He gives grace to conquer and is honored when we fight life’s battles in His name. (2 Timothy 4:7-8; Hebrews 4:15-16; 12:1-3)

Lord, help me remain steadfast, bold, wise, and faithful in the good fight, to Your glorious ends.

“As I urged you.., remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.  Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions…

“This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith.”

“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all…

“In every place men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.”

“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness… For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God,.. the Savior…

“Command and teach these things… Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have… Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this.” 1 Timothy 1:3-7,18-19; 2:1-6,8; 4:7,10-16

Paul’s admonition to Timothy was compelled by insidious practices of the day. Instead of careful exposition of the gospel, the Ephesian church leaders allowed their vanity to swerve them to counterfeit doctrine. Peddling falsehoods, silly myths, unprovable suppositions, and divisive speculations, they stirred up controversy and disagreements, disrupting devotion and its attending disciplines. Paul warned of the dangers while urging him to good stewardship of the truth and his time. Maintaining a pure heart and clear conscience, and praying for those in authority, would set a godly example and please the Lord.

Issues through the centuries may change in topic, but seldom in tenor or turbulence. The enemy may have some new methods and materials, but his motives are still evil: to distract, divide, and destroy. He exists to confuse our understanding and stir dissension and doubt. If he can’t have our souls, he’ll rob the church of unity, joy, faith, and peace. (John 10:10; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Titus 3:9)

Do I spend precious time entrusted to me embroiled in criticism, investigating conspiracies, or probing the Word? Am I more prone to put down governing leaders, or to lift them in earnest prayer? In instances of discord, complaining, or gossip at work, church, or home, am I a troublemaker or a truth-teller? What kind of example do I set as a steward of Christ’s gospel?

Lord, help me rightly handle Your truth and grace, staying steady in conflict and committed to obedience.

“Jehoiada took courage and… all the assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. Jehoiada said to them, ‘Behold, the king’s son! Let him reign, as the Lord spoke concerning the sons of David… Of you priests and Levites.., one third shall be gatekeepers, one third shall be at the king’s house and one third at the Gate of the Foundation. And all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the Lord. Let no one enter the house of the Lord except the priests and ministering Levites… The Levites shall surround the king, each with his weapons in his hand. And whoever enters the house shall be put to death. Be with the king when he comes in and when he goes out.’

“The Levites and all Judah did according to all that Jehoiada commanded… They brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him and… proclaimed him king, and Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, ‘Long live the king…’

“And Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king that they should be the Lord’s people. [They] went to the house of Baal and tore it down; his altars and images they broke in pieces… [He] posted watchmen for the house of the Lord under the direction of the priests… He stationed the gatekeepers at the gates of the house of the Lord so that no one should enter who was unclean… So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet after Athaliah had been put to death.” 2 Chronicles 23:1,3-8,11,16-19,21

Athalia was one vicious woman, cruel and power-hungry, driven to wickedness. After one son’s death, she murdered the others so she could take control of Judah. The people feared her.

In contrast, Jehoiada the priest was a faithful, committed man of God who, with his wife and under these threatening conditions, bravely perpetuated His plan. He hid the former king’s son Josiah from Athalia’s massacre and raised him to know and honor God, then waited on the Lord’s timing to make the right moves. His devotion to the Lord and His commands drove his priorities to set order and protection in God’s house, deeply impressing young Josiah and securing support and favor from the people. Implementing his strategy step by step, he successfully overthrew Athalia and established God as the One to be feared. (2 Chronicles 22:10-12)

Such thoughtfulness and courage hold significant sway in those whose consciences are keen and in whom God is moving. He often orchestrates circumstances that require great risks of faith and brazen maturity so He can prove His power in and through His people. Those who faithfully serve His purposes not only join the flow of His will, but are used by God to influence and encourage those watching.

In what areas and with whom might we be influential for good and godliness? Into what conversations or relationships might we thoughtfully portray godly order, uprightness, or truth? Where is God calling us to set aside fear and chip away at immorality, elevate conversation, add beauty? As we’ve benefited from influence, may we generously invest in others to promote growth and make Christ known.

Lord, align my impulses and priorities with Your perfect will, and sanctify any influence I have to magnify You and spur others on for Your sake and glory. (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 10:24)