Author: astherainandsnow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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