Author: astherainandsnow

“David consulted with the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, with every leader. And David said to all the assembly of Israel, ‘If it seems good to you and from the Lord our God, let us send abroad to our brothers who remain in all the lands of Israel, as well as to the priests and Levites in the cities that have pasturelands, that they may be gathered to us. Then let us bring again the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul.’ All the assembly agreed to do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

“So David assembled all Israel from the Nile of Egypt to Lebo-hamath... And David and all Israel went up… to Kiriath-jearim that belongs to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord who sits enthroned above the cherubim. And they carried the ark of God on a new cart, from the house of Abinadab, and Uzzah and Ahio were driving the cart. And David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.

“And when they came to the threshing floor.., Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled.  And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God.  And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah… And David was afraid of God that day.” 1 Chronicles 13:1-12a

His heart meant well, really well. Gather the people, return the ark, rejoice in the Lord’s presence! But if it seems muddied the way of upright attention to God’s details. Intention and emotion adorned with horizontal human consultation drove David’s effort; vertical inquiry of God’s direction was omitted. What is right in the eyes of the people may not be right in the eyes of God. A swift and holy intervention would remind David who was the true King.

He learned his lesson. Anger and fear worked their necessary corrections. His heart after noble desire returned to follow after his Lord. The humbled regent brought ensuing challenges and brilliant ideas directly to Him, who answered with clear instructions, and he heeded his prophet’s words from God. When God directs and we obey, we cannot go wrong, and He gets the glory for the results. (1 Chronicles 14:8-11,13-16; 15:1-4,12-15; 17:1-20)

In those who love Jesus and His people, desires and ideas bloom from benevolence and gratitude, and are often inspired by the Holy Spirit. Yet with every idea we’re warned not to lean on our own understanding but to seek His will and guidance. Consulting trusted others is a help but God’s word should have final say. Sometimes He urges us to complete our intention with action, sometimes He commends our desire but has different, broader plans. (Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Corinthians 8:5,11-12; 1 John 3:18)

In what situations are we prone to run ahead of the Lord? What plans are we currently making that need pause, and prayer? Would we pay attention to His instructions, timing, and best?

Lord, purify my every motive, impulse, thought, and action that Your will be done and Your glory exalted.

“I will extol you, my God and King,
    and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you
    and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall commend your works to another,
    and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
    and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
    and I will declare your greatness.
They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
    and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and merciful,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all,
    and his mercy is over all that he has made.

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
    and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
    and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord is faithful in all his words
    and kind in all his works.
The Lord upholds all who are falling
    and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
    and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand;
    you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways
    and kind in all his works.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth…
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
    and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.” Psalm 145:1-18,21

A song of praise voiced is a song that can stick. Melodies and words soak in and hang around the heart and mind, fingering and fine-tuning both attitude and outlook. Everyday blessing is every day passed on when praise writes the music.

Taking time apart from the hustle of life, be it long moments, Sabbath hours, or short seasons, allows God’s people to remember who He is and recount His goodnesses toward us. Focusing on His character brings to mind specific attributes we can relish and rest in. Speaking His name and particular praise fills the soul with wonder and brings sunlight to its deepest darkest recesses. Accounting for His mercies, faithfulness, and deeds on our behalf instills glad expectation for more.

Then we bubble over. Our demeanor and language cannot help but express gratitude and praise. The palpable joy invites others in and envelops those who come around and follow. Is there any who would not be attracted to unsearchable greatness, glorious splendor, abounding love?

What influence are we leaving for the next generation: complaint, self-righteousness, and arrogant boasting, or humble, vibrant, memorable praise of the gracious, mighty King and what He has done? What part do the psalms have in the routine of our days? How often, and how robustly, do we sing and extol the Lord? Are we speaking to make Him clear, and pouring forth His fame so it is sought and oft repeated?

Splendid Lord, may I sing Your praises through each days hours, passing along the wonder that You are and the glory You deserve.

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen… By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household…

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise… For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God…

“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar.” Hebrews 11:1,3,5-7a,8-9a,10,13a

“By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

“Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works… You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.” James 2:18b,22

The definition of faith calls the mind to higher realities than can be seen. Its exercise involves the unseen, and hope, and the mysterious work of the Spirit. Faith is very real, yet untouchable by human hand, effort, or will. It is God’s gift that by intent and nature must be received and put to use to complete its design. The invisible gift imparted by the Spirit is evidenced in responsive visible action. (John 3:8)

Faith that saves is faith that serves. When it is given it has to give. There is no such thing as impotent, passive faith. What the Lord bestows with grace-filled affection carries His life pulse and must respond in kind.

Where do we see examples of faith in action, and how are we inspired? Has another’s lavish generosity, selfless patience, persistent prayer, difficult forgiveness, or steadfast plodding, when all feel impossible, prompted us to go and do likewise? Where we are lacking, would we ask?

How has God met me in faith-prompted giving of myself and my resources? When has He out-given and out-blessed the meager I offer? What have I learned about His nature, bounty, and invisible power through stepping out in faith and trusting Him? Whom have I told about it? (Proverbs 11:25; Luke 6:38; Hebrews 10:35-36)

Where is the Lord calling me to test Him by putting His gifted faith to a new use? How willing am I to change directions, put away long-held resentment, forgive the unforgivable, move in a new direction, or give more than I think I can afford of time or riches? He is faithful, and will match desire to live by faith with supernatural provision. (Malachi 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Father, help me trust Your unseen and by faith give much unto Your glory.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-18

The challenge to obey, serve with excellence, and live in right relationships is an ongoing and sometimes fierce battle. Paul alerts to the unseen but insidious spiritual fight being constantly waged around and against us and the enemy’s cruel schemes to undo our faith. The devil is relentless. We must not simply rest in God’s defense, but take up arms and confront the fray with acuity, wisdom, and perseverance.

Yes, it is tiring. We might be tempted not to fuss with that now. We’re too busy with more important endeavors. Why pay heed to an invisible foe when more urgent matters are coming at us and requiring attention and energy? The warnings are for good reason. Demons do not let up attempting to destroy good work and witness, and their cruel master knows our weaknesses. (John 10:10)

What will we do this day to arm ourselves against physical, psychological, and spiritual attack? Would we choose to fasten securely every piece of armor, and by faith see that those with us are greater than those with our ancient foe? (2 Kings 6:16-17; Romans 8:31; 1 John 4:4)

“A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal…

And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever!” ~Martin Luther (1539)

Mighty God, keep me standing firm in faith, daily conquering in Your strength and for Your glory.

“For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near…

“And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God… For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. [H]e adds, ‘I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.’

“Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:1,11-12,14,17-23

A privileged calling it was for the faithful priests of Israel, yet theirs was a repetitive job. Morning and evening, Sabbath by sabbath, year by year they were the nation’s purveyors of blood in the sacred sacrifices. It was always enough for the occasion, never enough for the life. But the task was vital for understanding what it symbolized: the sacrifice repeated now their Priest Messiah would come and perform Himself, His life blood spilled, once for all. Each death said look ahead. Every repeated sacrifice remonstrated with life itself until it ushered in the way for life everlasting.

The law pointed to Christ, then was fulfilled perfectly by Christ. As Christians, we’ve been freed from guilt the perfect law imposed and slavery to sin that the law revealed. Yet, we tend still to hang around bad habits and cling to those repeated priestly sacrifices by nursing condemnation and asking continual forgiveness. Though Christ has defeated our defeat and opened the way, we get stuck in self-loathing and defeat like a skipping record and never move forward. (Matthew 5:17; Romans 7:7)

In what debilitating vortex are we stuck? A spiritual funk? A skipping record of all the times we’ve been defeat by repeated sin? A downward spiral of covetousness, bitterness, lust, anger? There is no condemnation! We must not throw away confidence in His provided victory, but persevere in its resurrection power! The only offering we’re to repeat is praise to Jesus who set us free from sin and death! (Romans 8:1; Galatians 5:1; Philippians 4:4; Hebrews 10:35,39)

When will we choose to unstick our feet, habits, and false mantras and walk in the freedom Christ won for us?

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

I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
it is enough that Jesus died,
and that he died for me.” ~Eliza Hewitt (1851-1920)

Lord, help me reckon all You have done as true and effective, with resounding praise.

“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.  Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),  and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.  Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.  For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

‘Awake, O sleeper,
    and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you…’

 “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is…  Be filled with the Spirit,  addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,  giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:3-14,17-21

“Be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” Philippians 2:15

Night falls gradually, slowly deepening the spreading dark shroud over the remainder of the gloaming, opening the curtains of heaven. Ah, the stars, dots poking the black, over long moments popping more and more to reveal the milky galaxy. Horizon to horizon the smatter of heavenly lights twinkle, overcoming all that would be bleak and black.

How dark is the world when all we look at is the dark. Callousness, prurient affections unchecked, flagrant immorality, and vicious hatred make for a stew of despair if that is all we see. Slogging through days with such focus weighs us down with circumstance and complaint, and causes us to criticize and grouch.

But with Christ in us, the sure hope of glory, the longer we gaze at the dark the more light we can see. We expect dots of the Lord’s mercy and promise. We are humbled before His handiwork, and love. We spot evidence of His redeeming presence and more and more light appears, a galaxy now of glory. (Psalm 8:3-4; Colossians 1:27)

In our dark culture, do we surrender to discouragement, or determine to spread light? How can the Spirit in us add sparkle to otherwise dismal scenes in our communities and workplaces? How can we punctuate darkness with words and works that elevate conversation, encourage goodness, and uplift the soul?

Father, may Your light so shine through me that others behold Your goodness and glory, and praise You. (Matthew 5:14-16)

“Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, ‘Arise, and depart with your household, and sojourn wherever you can, for the Lord has called for a famine, and it will come upon the land for seven years.’  So the woman arose and did according to the word of the man of God. She went with her household and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.  At the end of the seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to appeal to the king for her house and her land.  Now the king was talking with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, ‘Tell me all the great things that Elisha has done.’  And while he was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, behold, the woman whose son he had restored to life appealed to the king for her house and her land. And Gehazi said, ‘My lord, O king, here is the woman, and here is her son whom Elisha restored to life.’  And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed an official for her, saying, ‘Restore all that was hers, together with all the produce of the fields from the day that she left the land until now.'” 2 Kings 8:1-6

“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” 2 Peter 3:8

The passing of time accounted for little in this story, though we know the dozens of months of famine were full of events, emotions, and meaning. Perhaps the woman’s old husband had died and she led her family alone. Though she sojourned in a strange land, hopeful expectation seems not to have waned but actually to have sustained her with the passage of miles and time. She knew firsthand what God could do. (2 Kings 4:8-37)

What is seen is the watchful eye of the supernatural God over His own and all that belonged to her. Time has no boundaries or hesitancies with Him. He is intent and able, with a flourish of generosity and grace, to return to His children what is seemingly lost forever. That’s what a Redeemer does.

Arise, and depart are jarring words that test obedience and resolve. There is no guarantee of Now return, thus the challenge to faith to take the first step on a journey of unknown passage. Yet, the space between leaving and the end of seven years is as nothing to the Redeemer who’s accomplishing His intent. The sovereign One orders dates and moments, and orchestrates who’s in office and every ‘chance’ conversation. All culminated in a flourish of amazing grace toward the one who had so generously supplied for His prophet. He knew her heart, her gift, and now her need, and met her in an encounter memorializing His Lordship of all.

Have we been commanded to leave something familiar to do something new, without timetable or promise of provision? Can we go forth believing God’s character, ability, and faithfulness? Will we trust His redemptive control of purpose and years? (Malachi 3:10; Ephesians 3:20-21)

Lord, may I expect Your grace and glorify You in every test.

“The sons of Ephraim: Shuthelah, and Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son,  Zabad his son, Shuthelah his son, and Ezer and Elead, whom the men of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down to raid their livestock.  And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him.  And Ephraim went in to his wife, and she conceived and bore a son. And he called his name Beriah, because disaster had befallen his house. His daughter was Sheerah, who built both Lower and Upper Beth-horon, and Uzzen-sheerah.  Rephah was his son, Resheph his son, Telah his son, Tahan his son,  Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son, Nun his son, Joshua his son.  Their possessions and settlements were Bethel and its towns, and to the east Naaran, and to the west Gezer and its towns, Shechem and its towns, and Ayyah and its towns” 1 Chronicles 7:20-28

The violent loss of two sons was torturous to bear. God met Ephraim in his mourning through the palpable comfort of brothers and the exquisite intimacy of marital love. Another son was born, who carried the seed of Joshua, one of the most brave and godly warriors of Israel, leading them to conquer and settle in the Promised Land. Ephraim could not have imagined the great bounty God would bring from such a sorrow.

In every accounting of a family, there is pain. At the news of a tragic death, or in the midst of shock and horror and choking grief, we cannot see any way forward, much less a bright future. Yet, the Potentate of Time sees and orders all in perfect procession. He knows the beginning from the end, and the end is whole, redemptive, and beneficent. (2 Peter 3:8; Revelation 21:1-7)

“He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

The Man of Sorrows is present in our sadness. He applies balm to the broken heart, and He always works good for His children. We may not see it, or live long enough to experience it, but we can trust His promises are true and His will certainly will come to pass and full fruition. (Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 53:3; Romans 8:28-30)

“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
    whose hope is in the Lord his God,..
who keeps faith forever.” Psalm 146:5,6c

Is there a past hurt or agonizing season we thought we’d never get through, and can see now with hindsight that the Lord walked the vale with us? Thank Him. Is there a present pain where we feel bereft, breathless, despairing? Trust Him. What loved one in the midst of grief needs hope and comfort? Draw near, and share the comfort you have received from the God of all comfort. (Psalm 23:4; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

What ways has the Lord tenderly borne us up in sorrow? How is He currently meeting a heartache or anguish with unexpected grace? Will we choose to place our hope in His righteousness and mercy? What offspring of generational faith, expectancy, and praise might we bear?

“Praise the Lord, O my soul!..
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down…
Praise the Lord!” Psalm 146:1,8b,10c

Lord, in the midst of grief help me look to Your constant goodness and certain glory.

“Thus says the Lord:

‘For three transgressions of Israel,
    and for four, I will not revoke the punishment,
because they sell the righteous for silver,
    and the needy for a pair of sandals—
those who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth
    and turn aside the way of the afflicted;
a man and his father go in to the same girl,
    so that my holy name is profaned...

‘Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them,
    whose height was like the height of the cedars
    and who was as strong as the oaks;
I destroyed his fruit above
    and his roots beneath.
I brought you up out of the land of Egypt
    and led you forty years in the wilderness,
    to possess the land of the Amorite.
And I raised up some of your sons for prophets,
    and some of your young men for Nazirites.
    Is it not indeed so, O people of Israel?

‘But you made the Nazirites drink wine,
    and commanded the prophets,
    saying, “You shall not prophesy.”

‘Behold, I will press you down in your place,
    as a cart full of sheaves presses down.
Flight shall perish from the swift,
    and the strong shall not retain his strength,
    nor shall the mighty save his life;
he who handles the bow shall not stand,
    and he who is swift of foot shall not save himself,
    nor shall he who rides the horse save his life;
and he who is stout of heart among the mighty
    shall flee away naked in that day.'” Amos 2:6-7,9-16

The chosen ones, delivered from their lost estate and given every advantage in order to flourish as a beacon for the world, had trampled their inheritance. Greedy, ruthless, immoral, arrogant, they would meet just judgment. God expects better of His bride. He abhors the devastation of witness and cultural influence, and the consequent pain to His people. Props crumbled and power removed, even the stout of heart who rebel against the Lord will be brought to shame. (Malachi 2:16; Romans 1:18)

But God is merciful to the shamed, and lives to revive, restore, and redeem. Into our brokenness, He plants hope. We have gone our own way; He rises to seek and save the lost. (Psalm 136:23-24; Isaiah 53:6; Luke 19:10)

If we want revival for the church, we must begin with ourselves. Would we ask God to identify in us any misuse or abuse of people, treasure, or opportunity, then swiftly and surely put it away? How can and will we lift high the name of Jesus and shine His light in this dark world? (Psalm 19:13-14; 139:23-24; Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:13-15)

“Restore, Oh Lord,
In All The Earth Your Fame,
And In Our Time Revive
The Church That Bears Your Name.
And In Your Anger,
Lord, Remember Mercy,
Oh Living God,
Whose Mercy Shall Outlast The Years.

Bend Us, Oh Lord,
Where We Are Hard And Cold,
In Your Refiner’s Fire
Come Purify The Gold.
Though Suffering Comes
And Evil Crouches Near,
Still Our Living God
Is Reigning, He Is Reigning Here.

Restore, Oh Lord,
The Honour Of Your Name,
In Works Of Sovereign Power
Come Shake The Earth Again;
That Men May See
And Come With Reverent Fear
To The Living God,
Whose Kingdom Shall Outlast The Years.” ~Graham Kendrick (1950-)

Amen.

“God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.  And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end,  so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises…

“Hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:10-12,18-20

Industrious, fatiguing work and the outpouring of love are a vital part of the Christian life. For the Lord who gave His all to save His children, expending ourselves in service for Him and His sake is both duty and natural response of a grace-filled heart. The effort we give may be depleting, but it is always expected, seen, and divinely blessed by God Himself.

But at some point, we tire of the work. We’ve had enough, done our time. We’re exhausted and ready for a breather. We see that others don’t do their share, and think it’s time they do. Maybe we simply retire and step out because that season is over. For any number of reasons, we feel we have no more to give.

The Lord understands weariness, knowing Himself the fatigue of long days and nights, of hunger and thirst and having no place to lay His head. But He also was resolved to do and finish the Father’s will, and that took Him, with eyes on the prize, toward Jerusalem and the cross. Fainting and choosing ‘easier’ was never an option. (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 9:51,58; John 4:6-7,34; Hebrews 12:2)

It is our calling and privilege to serve the Lord, and even if capacity changes, He never commands retiring for good. He doesn’t forget what we have done, and has new plans for us when a season of ministry or secular work is complete. He supplies refreshment for our weariness, enabling for our dearth, and sure hope with a growing measure of faith. He expects us to spur one another on adding strength to strength within the Body. Have we grown lazy and given up, or asked Him for redirection, focus, and fresh zeal? (Galatians 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Hebrews 10:24)

Where are we currently serving the Lord? If it is in a secular vocation, how clearly is He front and center in motivation and performance? If within our community or an organization, how widely and winsomely are we spreading the fragrance of Christ? If in sacred ministry, do we give Him our all, or are we complacent because we love each other or are merely volunteers? Is all our work done with excellence, standing apart for the glory of God? It is the Lord we are serving. If we have moved on from a time-consuming job, where is He calling us anew? (Romans 12:11-13; 2 Corinthians 2:15; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 6:5-7; Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Timothy 4:14)

Sufficient, worthy Lord, keep me working and loving as You bid, unto Your glory.