Author: astherainandsnow

“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.’” Genesis 12:1

“There was a certain man of Zorah,.. whose name was Manoah. And his wife was barren and had no children. And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, ‘Behold, you are barren and have not borne children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.’ Then the woman came and told her husband…

“Then Manoah prayed to the Lord, ‘O Lord, please let the man of God whom you sent come again to us and teach us what we are to do with the child who will be born.’ And God listened to the voice of Manoah, and the angel of God came again… And Manoah said, ‘Now when your words come true, what is to be the child’s manner of life, and what is his mission?^’ And the angel of the Lord said, ‘Of all that I said to the woman let her be careful.’” Judges 13:2-6a,8-9a,12-13

They could have used more information. God’s promises were surely spectacular, but the working out could be better anticipated, better planned if they knew what would transpire along the way, what would be required. Would He not divulge more? Surely He knew the whole story. In fact He did, but would keep them praying along the way. (Judges 14:2-4; 15:18-19)

When the Lord gives a promise with a command, it often comes with limited information. The invitation is to believe and act. He intends that we wean from dependence on what we know to develop confidence in Who we know. As we obey and faith grows, He reveals more. Along the way we learn to seek Him step by step, become more and more familiar with His ways, learn daily dependence on His wisdom and to trust His unseen hand. (Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-6)

If we hesitate to obey because of unknown conclusions, we miss out on faith’s adventure. We think the important thing is to be in control and able to order our steps to an exact destination, when God wants to teach us that He is both Way and End. Every step of progress, hardship, and testing is a step of growth and sanctification. (John 14:6; James 1:2-4; Revelation 22:13)

How well do we do with plodding obedience? Where is the Lord teaching us step by step trust, prayer by prayer strength and sufficiency? How is He using the process of walking with Him through darkness and disappointment to reveal His patience, goodness, comfort, omniscience? Are we learning to keep on and hold to His promises of redemption, victory, ultimate justice? Where is He stretching our faith to new lengths?

Lord, please keep on finishing my faith as I walk prayer by prayer and step by step with You. May daily obedience exalt Your character, ways, and glory. (Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 12:1-2)

“When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him,  ‘Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.’  And he said to him, ‘I will come and heal him.’  But the centurion replied, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.  For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, “Go,” and he goes, and to another, “Come,” and he comes, and to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’  When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, ‘Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith… Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.’ And the servant was healed at that very moment.

“That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick….

“And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him.  And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep.  And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’  And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.  And the men marveled, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?..’

“And the demons begged him, saying, ‘If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.’  And he said to them, ‘Go.'” Matthew 8:5-10a,13, 16,24-27,31-32a; 9:9

Jesus spoke the word over and over, and each time it had power to perform. The Living Word issued words of power and transformation and they always accomplished exactly what He intended. Nothing extraneous, nothing wasted, always good. He relieved suffering and healed from afar, overruled evil spirits, vanquished illness, calmed a storm, and controlled demons. (Genesis 1:3-31; Isaiah 46:11b; 55:10-11; John 1:1)

From the beginning, God’s word was firmly fixed in the heavens. When God spoke the word, His will took place in heaven and on earth. He brought into being what was not, and all that He had in infinite wisdom planned. His word commanded was His word accomplished, and when His creatures did not uphold His prohibition, His word both banished and protected. It always works for good. (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-6,13-24; Psalm 119:89; Romans 4:17)

This same word divines our hearts unto revelation and conviction. What God has spoken seeps deep and penetrates soul and spirit, having its way into thought and over will. It guides our thinking and illuminates our circumstances. It gives wisdom, condolence, fortitude, and hope. Are we availing ourselves of this rich treasure? (Psalm 119:7-11,105; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)

When do we set aside all else- electronics, activity, distractions- to spend time in the Word? How is it transforming us? What are we doing to digest and remember it? What does it mean for our circumstances, struggles, and needs? Do we trust it? How do we live it? Where do we speak it? With whom are we sharing its power and grace?

Lord, may Your word daily be my life, light, and chief delight.

 “Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away?  Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:23-24

“Where shall I go from your Spirit?
    Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:7-10

“He is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘In him we live and move and have our being.’” Acts 7:27-28

How easy it is to go about days with regard for only what we see and feel. Pressures here, responsibilities there, chatter here, plan for there, piddle here, speed there… and nary a thought for the invisible, immanent God over all and near. We peons stay large and in charge as long as He’s not involved, and prefer our provincial, self-contained world. Why would He care about me anyway? I can order my hours, nurse my desires, hide my sins, control my daily destiny if He’s distant and preoccupied in heaven.

But the infinite omnipotent God is indeed at hand, everywhere and with everyone, and He cares very much for His own. He knows our thoughts before they catch fire, sees our hidden passions, understands our inexpressible needs. Since He is at hand, why do we not take His hand and Him as our constant companion? (1 Kings 8:39-40; Psalm 8:3-5; 139:1-4; Matthew 8:6; Hebrews 4:12)

When we are faced with hard decisions that require unusual, maybe unnatural boldness, the Lord at hand gives courage. When we’re called to battle against temptation enemies of doubt, worry, sloth, hatred, ridicule, the Lord is at hand to fight for us, mighty in battle and strong to conquer and save. (Exodus 14:13-14; Joshua 1:9; Zephaniah 3:17)

When we cannot shake the regret from a past decisions, the hurt from past rejection, or resentment from a betrayal or wound, God at hand readily applies His balm of comfort, redemption, and forgiveness. When we’re choked in grief or anger, and no longer know how to pray, the Lord is at hand interceding, always and perfectly according to God’s good will. He is with us, for us, near. (Romans 8:26-27,31-34; 2 Corinthians 1:3-6,8b-10)

All of this is true as God’s word claims. Do we believe this? If so, what difference is it making? Do we read and nod and give assent, yet never act on the power, freedom, or victory given? Do we pity ourselves for weak faith but never step out hand-in-hand with the Lord, believing, and so exercise it? Do repeat and coddle past grievances and never make progress forward, because moving means tripping over excuses?

Up! And on! God is at hand and is calling us to be conformed to Him daily. (Romans 12:1-2)

My Lord at hand, give me zeal to grow and change as You see fit, so I mimic Your character, bear much fruit, and magnify Your glory.

“So may all your enemies perish, O Lord!
    But your friends be like the sun as he rises in his might.” Judges 5:31

“He dawns on them like the morning light,
    like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning,
    like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.” 2 Samuel 23:4

“The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork…
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
    which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
    and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.” Psalm 19:1-2,5

“Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.” 37:5-6

“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3

“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Matthew 13:43

“I, Jesus,.. am the bright morning star.” Revelation 22:16

There is nothing quite like the fiery orb, whose rays blaze to diminish the night before appearing above the horizon. Her regal presence draws thoughts high, piquing wonder and anticipation. Her palette color-washing the sky fascinates and feeds the imagination, awakening both creativity and worship. Day in, day out, life and soul are sustained by the Lord’s solar benediction. (Genesis 8:22)

What does the sunrise arouse in mind and spirit? Do we relish its splendor? Do we take the time to watch, wonder, and praise the Source of Light? Do we ponder eternity, and the infinite attributes of our immortal, uncontainable God? Do we behold the glory of almost imperceptible changes in hue and shadow and movement over just seconds, hold our breath in awe, and contemplate how the Lord changes us over time? Would we thank the Creator and Sustainer for these blessings? (John 8:12; Colossians 1:16-17; 1 John 1:5)

Has this new day risen with fresh hope for my longings, fresh wisdom for my work, a lifting of weighty grief? Will I welcome its light on my path forward- the decisions I need to make, issues I must address, priorities I must set, and keep? When will I invite its healing warmth into anger and bitterness toward another, its comfort into pain over wickedness and injustice? (Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 119:105)

With whom can I share the benediction of the Son? What can I specifically do to stay alert to needs, and carry God’s light to meet them? How will I pass along His blessed graces to be received by broken or lonely hearts? What sunlight of truth, love, compassion, mercy will I spread today?

“Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King'” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Light of light, may every sunrise fill me with the Son, so I can shine You like the mighty sun in this dark world and magnify Your glory. (Philippians 2:14-16)

“The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years. And the hand of Midian overpowered Israel… And Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the people of Israel cried out for help to the Lord.

“When the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, [he] sent a prophet.., ‘Thus says the Lord: I led you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of slavery… I said to you,.. “You shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.” But you have not obeyed my voice.’

“Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites.  And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.’  And Gideon said to him, ‘Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us?.. But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.’ And the Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?’ And he said, ‘Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.’  And the Lord said to him, ‘But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.’” Judges 6:1-2,6-8,10-16

Yet another national disaster held Israel captive, as once again they reaped hard consequences for wickedness they’d sown. Desperate, with too familiar déjà vu, they cried to God for help. His response? Their punishment was deserved, they had blatantly disobeyed.

But with mercy, into every crooked generation the Lord raises up people to do His work. They may not be those the world would choose as a hero, nor the most eloquent, attractive, or educated, but His people for His purposes. Their results might be spectacular, or silent, invisible, and impossible to measure- they are up to God. His chosen instruments are called only to be faithful. (Exodus 4:10; 1 Samuel 16:7; Isaiah 6:5-8; Jeremiah 1:4-9; 1 Corinthians 1:20,26-30; Philippians 2:15)

Where has the Lord planted us to be His emissaries- home, community, workplace, church? How are we specifically serving Him this season, in our culture, utilizing unique gifts under His inspiration and control? What relationships would He have us hone rather than ignore, what unappreciated tasks tackle rather than put off, what civic responsibilities obey rather than shirk? If He has indeed assigned our place and time, He will supply wisdom and strength for His particular intentions. If we make ourselves available, and coincidentally offer our capabilities while accepting the opportunities He brings, He’ll direct and employ our involvement and contribution. (Isaiah 33:6; Acts 13:36; 17:26)

“Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict
in this his glorious day.
Ye that are men now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger
and strength to strength oppose.” ~George Duffield (1858)

Lord, keep me willing and trustworthy to be used for Your purposes in my time, for Your good and glory.

“The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work…
I was beside him, like a master workman,..
rejoicing in his inhabited world
and delighting in the children of man.” Proverbs 8:22,30-31

“An angel of the Lord appeared to him.., saying,.. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’” Matthew 1:20-21

“A blind man… cried out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me recover my sight.^’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.^’ And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God.” Luke 18:35,38,40-43

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” “Let it be known to all of you… that by the name of Jesus Christ.., whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’” Joel 2:32; Acts 4:10,12; 22:16

“Being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Philippians 2:8-11

Like a strand of dark beads blown in slow motion against the pale, a long string of birds soared. Swooping and dipping in the early sky, all fly in the same direction in the current of new light. As though by some irresistible, invisible pull, they follow a silent call.

We enter our days in varying positions, fueled by differing strengths, pressed or held by different circumstances. Whatever our place or pressure, we remain intact and moving forward if we yield to the draw of Jesus. He gives loft, He steers rightly, He sustains if we call on His name.

Are we struggling with identity, wondering where we belong and what’s our purpose this season of life? Call on Jesus! He’s made us in His image and will conform us to it. (Genesis 1:26; Romans 8:29)

Are we desperate for impossible wisdom for crushing decisions? Call on Jesus! Are we needy for comfort once those decisions are made, and strength to go on in hope? Call on Jesus! (James 1:5)

Are we distant from family, forgotten by friends, without community? Call on Jesus! His Spirit abides with us forever. (Matthew 28:20; John 14:16; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

Are we spiritually lost? Needing healing of mind, soul, or body? Call on Jesus! He stands to save and restore. (Hebrews 7:25)

“Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.” ~Mary Byrne (1880-1931)

Amen, Jesus!

“[And Moses said,] For what are we, that you grumble against us? When the Lord gives you in the evening meat to eat and in the morning bread to the full, because the Lord has heard your grumbling that you grumble against him—what are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the Lord.”

“All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, ‘Give us water to drink.’ And Moses said to them, ‘Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?’ But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, ‘Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?’ So Moses cried to the Lord, ‘What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.’ And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Pass on before the people, taking with you some of the elders of Israel, and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.’ And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the Lord by saying, ‘Is the Lord among us or not?'” Exodus 16:7b-8; 17:1-7

Too soon after the Israelites had seen the whole of the Red Sea divided for their escape from Egypt, they became shortsighted with their difficulties. Rather than maintaining a long across-the-sea view of God’s mercies and high-as-the-piled-water view of His majesty and power, they succumbed to the puddled inward misery of self-absorption. And they took it out on their steadfast leader, opposing him at every turn- grumbling, quarreling, complaining. Their distorted spiritual vision kept them from recognizing they were really opposing God Himself. They sought comfort, Moses sought the Lord. (Exodus 14:16-31; 15:22-24)

Having an understanding and fear of the holy God makes a big difference in the way and measure we bicker and battle. The enemy is intent on blinding eyes in unbelief so there is little sense of accountability to anyone or anything but selfish desires. Encased in an us vs. them mentality, man becomes hardened to decency and loves to blame. My misery is your fault.

Is this where we are, always looking for what’s wrong and who else caused it? Whining at every turn, forcing others to be miserable too? DO others take out their frustrations on us? If so, would we, like Moses, take angst and pressures to the Lord? How can we maintain a right perspective on God’s sovereignty, ongoing grace, and our stewardship of all He has given? Would we deflect quarreling by pointing others to Him?

Lord, fix my longings and satisfaction on You, and help me point others to Your goodness and grace.

“If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be. Take care lest there be an unworthy thought in your heart and you say, ‘The seventh year, the year of release is near,’ and your eye look grudgingly on your poor brother, and you give him nothing, and he cry to the Lord against you, and you be guilty of sin.  You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.  For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’

“As the Lord your God has blessed you, you shall give to him.  You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this today.”

“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.” Deuteronomy 15:7-11,14b-15; 16:17

“You received without paying; give without pay.” Matthew 10:8

Most of the laws given through Moses dictated action, but all action begins with the seed of thought. Out of the overflow of the heart we speak and behave, so tending the thought life is vital to fruitful living. Faced regularly with challenges and varying situations, an upright mind procures righteous actions and reactions. It is vital to know who am I before God, who is He, and how would He have me see others?

If I coddle flesh desires and center life around me, I’ll get spiritually off kilter and critical of others. If I boast and hoard my rights, I’ll mistreat others. But if I remember the Cross and its gospel of grace and deliverance, I will perceive people and circumstances in its holy light: we are all captives until rescued by Jesus. I am no king of my domain but a ransomed slave. I’m no master of my universe but a needy recipient of God’s provision. I enjoy God’s generosity because He has graciously, lavishly set His affection on me, and so I must be His arms and hands to those around me.

In what places of life do we think wrongly, inverting truth for convenience, perverting justice for greed? Where have we allowed ego-stoked preferences to dictate unkind treatment or dismissal of others, or selfish ends to justify thoughtless or destructive means? What false or puffed up perception is holding us captive in a calloused heart? (Deuteronomy 16:19-20; Romans 12:3; Philippians 2:3-4)

How would we see the disadvantaged around us differently if we remembered our depravity before God, daily reciting Romans 3:23? What compassion, patience, generosity, and grace might we exhibit?

My Deliverer, let me never forget I was a slave and You set me free to express gratitude and love for You by loving others.

“There was not a needy person among them, for 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.”

“But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,  and… he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.  But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?  While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God…’ 

“Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles… None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem…

“But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him.., and filled with jealousy  they arrested the apostles and put them in prison.  But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out…

“Someone came and told [the religious leaders], ‘Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.’ Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people…

“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name…‘ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.'” Acts 4:34-35; 5:1-4,12-13,17-19,25-26,29

The testing of faith produces steadfastness, progressively toward or away from Christ. As the fire of belief spreads, heat to commit wholeheartedly increases, and man is either consumed or resistant. Day to day produces constant push and pull, I could be all in, but I’m not sure. The draw upward of the Spirit wrestles with the downward pull of the devil, keeping a constant but for every decision and action. We must determine where we land and how we proceed. (James 1:2-4)

This world is a constant barrage of buts battling for our allegiance. Like the people in Jerusalem, we may have great esteem, but be afraid to get involved. For every action there is an opposing option, and we determine whether the conjunction leads us toward the Lord or away from Him, to be single-minded for Christ, or cowards. For every alternative in work or play, in relationships or private life, we must choose one direction or another. The more often we act in true commitment, the bolder we become.

What buts am I entertaining that keep me from full obedience? To what voices do I listen, whose opinions do I weigh? What excuses am I making for holding back, waffling in middle ground? What fears cool spiritual fire to lukewarm? Who would the crowds say I must and do obey? (Matthew 10:28; Revelation 3:16)

Lord, help me surrender every but to You and commit wholeheartedly to glorifying You in thought, word, and deed.

“When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them.  And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, ‘Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,  who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit,

“‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
    and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
    and the rulers were gathered together,
    against the Lord and against his Anointed’—

“‘for in this city there were gathered together against Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.  And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’  And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:23-31

Immediately after dismissal from the contentious religious rulers, Peter and John gathered with their friends. This was no motley group of entertainment buddies or conglomerate whiners, but individuals unified in Spirit and hope who knew God and sought Him together. They were compelled to lift their voices to their Sovereign in a communal praise and prayer- orderly, unified, focused. Electrified by the Spirit and undeterred (inspired?) by opposition, they recalled and claimed God’s Word and sought His boldness to proclaim it. The answer from heaven was a resounding, shaking Yes and Amen. (Acts 4:33; 2 Corinthians 1:20)

What priority does prayer hold for us? Days of activity and productivity may quake and roll with adrenaline and check-lists, but unless they’re first gathered to the Lord with prayer they might miss His moving. There are times for secret individual prayer, and times to praise and intercede corporately. Both shake when exalting God’s name and sovereignty and are founded on His truth. (Matthew 6:5-13; 18:19-20; Acts 1:14; James 5:13-16)

What specific time do we allot for seeking the Lord to adore and beseech Him? How urgent are we about gathering with fellow believers for prayer when culture and circumstances threaten? Are we so aware and intent on how God is working in every situation that we’re eager to tell others, encourage them, and exalt God’s name together? Do we flag as spiritual loners, or avail ourselves of good God-fearing friends who are iron to us? (Psalm 34:3; Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24-25)

And what about the shaking? What attitudes need shaking off? What complacency needs shaking up? What stale provincialism needs shaking out? What love needs shaking awake?

How has God specifically answered specific prayers? What new insights, patience, forgiveness, power has He given as a result of our seeking Him? What fresh perspective, unity, understanding, and peace have come as a result of communal prayer? How is He shaking our resolve, commitment, passion, or joy through seasons of intentional, expectant prayer? How might He today?

Lord, draw me to constant communion with Thee, that my heart and life shake with Your love, power, and praise.