Author: astherainandsnow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.  And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.’  And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.  But Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!’  And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.  And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.  And all the people saw him walking and praising God,  and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” Acts 3:1-10

An ordinary day anticipated the regular routine, being carried helplessly to lie helplessly begging for help by way of coins. Never a thought for more, or different, because this is how it had always been. Over forty years. Worthless, useless, helpless. (Acts 4:22)

But when the grace of God appeared in the disciples, and the Spirit of the Lord moved, all was changed. In a word, the cripple became mobile, the crooked straight, the helpless whole, the beggar a worshiper. New movement, new motivation- dry bones come alive. The whiner who never looked higher than to those he hoped would pity him instantly learned the new language of praise because the Divine. He’d been transformed from a despised figure outside the temple to one who knew the God worshiped inside the temple. (Ezekiel 37:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

In the flesh we settle for status quo, weaknesses that become us, sins that identify us. We stay on the outskirts, supported and helped along by those who never see we can be more, or prefer us a bit weaker or less than them. We have little expectation because we cannot see beyond the limits we’ve erected around ourselves. When the Lord breaks in to reveal Himself and restore wholeness in His name, our outlook and output change. The evident transformation and gratitude that result are contagious to those around us as they observe our new light and focus.

What in our lives needs the influence and metamorphosis of the Spirit? Spiritual sloth? Ingrained grudges, or unforgiveness? Habits accommodated into pretend righteous living? Pet lies we repeat in order to deceive, or have come to believe about ourselves? Would we set aside excuses and look with new eyes to the Healer, rise up and walk anew?

How would new clothing and practice of praise bring light into our homes and conversations? How can we offer hope of praise to beggars?

Lord, help me rise above what holds me back from freely living for and loving You, and others in Your name.

“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.”

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them…. built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,  in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.  In him you are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” Ephesians 1:3-12; 2:10,20-22

Feeling adrift in identity and purpose. Trying to discern next steps. uncertain about the future. With the ebb and flow and commotion of life, changing locations and moods, demands and circumstances, we can become frozen or directionless in motivation and purpose. Too many choices, too many voices, too little clarity. But Sovereign God has our backs and knows the good way forward. He knows us, and will see us along and through His will.

Where are we presently trying to navigate confusing circumstances? What options, or lack thereof, put pressure on making significant decisions? Are the many parameters and people involved distracting us from the bigger purposes? The Lord knows all these details and reigns as God of order and peace, not confusion. We sully the path when we fail to ask for His direction or resist His clear will. How willing are we to offer ourselves as living sacrifices unto God’s will and work, to trust Him over self and to leave our known and comfortable behind for His work? Removing our hands from the reins of control frees us to yield desire and effort to God’s work in and through us. (Proverbs 3:5-6; Mark 1:16-20; John 4:34; Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 14:33a; Philippians 2:13)

Knowing my very days are a segment of God’s ordained plan should give zeal and structure to my ordering of hours. How does a certain future affect present spending of time and resources? How does my eternal value to the Savior enhance how I interact with and invest in others?

Lord, cause me never to lose sight of Your heavenly purposes nor zeal to see through Your glorious plans.

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire… 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart… 

“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all…

“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.  And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles… 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:21-22,27-28,31-34a,38-41,43-44

Jesus was a world changer. His teaching upended legalism, and even the most eloquent and knowledgeable professionals and religious leaders He jarred to the core. The ways and thoughts of the Son of God were so far above and beyond the thinking of man that they pierced to divide soul and spirit. What man had in limited purview made concession for He upheld with highest, deepest, divine integrity. (Isaiah 55:8-9; Hebrews 4:12)

How easy it is in the buzzing world to soak in hearsay and tag along with group think. God’s children grow numb to their downward slide of dependence on worldly advice and internet expertise. Unintentionally they settle into the lowest common denominator of behavior and opinion that bear little similarity to God’s righteous standards. Accustomed only to narrow and provincial thinking, we can fail to hear and heed the deeper gist of Christ’s commands.

Into the earthly limits of our bias-formed and tightly held opinions the Lord pierces with heavenly, loftier implications. His truth overturns the foolishness of man. Ignorance of His word and ignoring the call to read and understand it are death knells to true holiness and right thinking, and we must take heed to realign. (Matthew 6:19-21,25,33; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29)

Are there habits and attitudes to which we’ve softened by constant use that need to undergo the scrutiny of God’s word? What concessions are we making for sin because of laziness, procrastination, or prideful comparisons? Where need we be ruthless in cutting off, saying no, or renouncing flesh desires to obey Christ?

Father, may I daily seek and treasure Your voice above all others, and faithfully put it into practice for Your honor.

“Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

“And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:1-12

Blessed were they to come near to the Lord Jesus on the mount, and blessed were they to hear His personal words. The covering of His benediction and pledge of blessing to come in their unclear future was a gift for mind and soul in the clear mountain air. For what had they been called to this young traveling teacher? So much before them was unknown. In drawing them up the mountain, Jesus turned their thoughts from the work and life they had known to the higher call and heavenly perspective of following Him as disciples. His promises hinted at aspects of life to come that only He knew.

It is indeed a gift to have the Lord’s omniscient care and particular promises for present and future. What is ours securely now carries us to the unknown. We are fortified with salvation, a sure place in God’s forever kingdom and purposes, and are encouraged to own that knowledge humbly and with pure heart. We are to seek Him and His righteousness and extend mercy and grace as we encounter the sorrows, misunderstandings, and turbulence of day to day. We are to face every pressing hurt and opposition with gladness for the certain coming fruition of hope. We need not worry about the unknown because we are strengthened in the known. Could we be more blessed going forward than to have God’s word? All Christ proclaims and embodies is ours to hold. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

How familiar am I with God’s promises to me? When do I draw near to hear His words, and how personally are they shaping my decisions, character, and resolve? What difference does my pronounced blessedness in Christ make in my outlook and pursuits? Is every aspect of my life characterized by rejoicing because of confident hope? Where do I need set aside worry and complaint and tend to gladness because of God’s good and sure promises? (Ephesians 1:3)

How am I encouraging others with this benediction? Whom has God placed in my life at present who needs to be reminded of their blessedness in Christ? How will I edify the growing, give balm to the hurting, and cheer on the struggling?

Blessed Lord, keep me grateful for and thriving in the blessedness you bestow, trusting every present promise for the future You are writing.

“He said ‘Be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions… The land of a rich man produced plentifully,  and he thought, “What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?.. I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and goods.  And I will say, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’”  But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.’

“And he said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.  For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing…  Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

“’Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves… with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also…

“‘Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.'” Luke 12:15-23,31,33-34,48b

“When you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do.., that they may be praised by others. Truly, they have received their reward.  But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:2-4

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” Hebrews 13:5

Jesus’s teaching for the rich targeted their attitude toward and use of their riches, not the wealth itself. True life is about the Lord and His kingdom, knowing and emulating His faithfulness and generosity. Contentment and joy come from deep trust and secret communion with the Lord.

If we truly love and worship the Lord God as supreme and sufficient, we will not have room in our hearts for greed or covetousness. Occupied and satisfied with Jesus, we will be rich toward Him in our relationships and industry that issue from that union. Others will benefit, He will be praised. (Exodus 20:3-5,17; Matthew 6:24)

We possess every treasure in Christ, yet we clamor for possessions here on earth. What would it look like in daily preoccupations and activity if we were truly free of the love of things and genuinely content with what we have? How can we begin to value our invisible inheritance more than tangibles here below? What more might we giver Christ’s sake in time and resources to others today? (Ephesians 1:3; 1 Peter 2:9-11)

“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only the first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.” ~Old Irish, translated Mary E. Byrne (1880-1931)

Lord, may I treasure You above all, and give lavishly from the storehouse You’ve entrusted to me.