Author: astherainandsnow

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit.  You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.  The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.  I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,  for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:33b-37

“What comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person… But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.  For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.  These are what defile a person.” Matthew 15:11b,18-20a

“No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.  From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.  Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?  Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.” James 3:8-12

“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” Hebrews 13:15

The human heart is abundantly full, and lips are active and powerful to build and destroy. Jesus’s warnings tie together this thumping vessel of passion, preference, and emotion with that instrument of expression to make sense and pack a forceful punch. Each is irretrievably connected to the other, and His children need not only be aware, but be careful.

With what do I fill my heart, and how am I tending it? What I look on and entertain, how I filter my senses and media input, where I covet or exercise self-control will determine its contents. When do I regularly take stock of the favoritism, resentment, malice, prurience, and arrogance I’ve let take up residence there? When will I spend time in focused, uninterrupted confession of the sin I’ve suckled, coddled, and continued there to the point of ignorance or tolerance, and refill with the Spirit? (Ephesians 5:18)

Are those around me at home and work embittered, poisoned, or nourished by the fruit of my lips? Where do I intentionally use my mouth to bless and upbuild and multiply gladness? (Ephesians 5:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

When we consistently take in the Word, allowing the divine Farmer to sow it deep in our hearts, it will take root and grow. The Lord will watch over to perform it. Our words will become His. Our lips will bring forth much fruit for those around us by way of encouragement, consolation, and truth that transforms. It will also spill over in thanksgiving, honor, and praise to God. (Jeremiah 1:9,12; Matthew 13:43; 1 Corinthians 14:3)

Oh Lord, so fill my heart with gratitude and grace that my lips ever pour forth Your praise.

“But the people of Israel broke faith.., for Achan… took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the Lord burned…

“So about three thousand men went up [to Ai]. And… the men of Ai killed about thirty-six of their men and chased them… and struck them at the descent. And the hearts of the people melted and became as water.

“Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord until the evening… ‘Alas, O Lord God, why have you brought this people over the Jordan at all, to give us into the hands of the Amorites, to destroy us? Would that we had been content to dwell beyond the Jordan! O Lord, what can I say, when Israel has turned their backs before their enemies! For all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it and will surround us and cut off our name from the earth. And what will you do for your great name?’

“The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Get up!.. Israel has sinned;.. they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings. Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies… I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you. Get up! Consecrate the people.'” Joshua 7:1,4-13a

Joshua had led Israel on dry ground across the overflowing Jordan River, then commandeered the remarkable fall of Jericho. God was fulfilling His promises to this successor to Moses in marvelous ways. Now this? Such a significant setback at Ai? In his troubled confusion, Joshua rightly went immediately to the Lord, but wrongly assumed of Him ill motives. His Lord GOD corrected his thinking and reset his perspective. This would be His conquering, not only of Canaan but of Israel’s heart. His holy name would be upheld. (Joshua 3:14-17; 6:15-16,20,24; 7:20)

To gain proper thinking we may assume the power and holiness of God, because His character is pure and consistent. We slip into mottled assumptions when we think too highly of ourselves and fail to beware the absolute truth of “no not one.” Left to ourselves, even armed with the most earnest intentions, we can fall to greed, deceit, covetousness, pride. Instead of questioning God we should search ourselves to uncover sin we’ve justified or placated, and come clean. Regular worship, surrender, and realigning with God’s holy word keeps us in check. (Joshua 8:30-35; Romans 3:10; 12:3)

Where are we making sloppy assumptions about God, assigning motives to Him not befitting His righteousness and glory? Where are we blaming God for consequences rightly suffered? In what situations do we refuse culpability by excusing wrong behavior in ourselves or covering for it in others? How might our reactions to hard circumstances change if we assumed our Sovereign had our best and redemptive interest in mind?

We can be sure of God’s goodness and stand on right assumptions about His generous mercy and unfailing love. He bids us come and return to Him, to confess our sin and go forth in freedom, clinging to His trustworthy promises. (Psalm 33:4; Zechariah 1:3; 1 John 1:7-9)

Lord God, correct all my wrong assumptions and keep my understanding and decisions rooted in Your truth and character. To You be all wisdom, power, and praise. (Daniel 2:20)

“Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me..: gold, silver, and bronze, blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, goats’ hair…

“You shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns; you shall make them with cherubim skillfully worked into them. The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth four cubits… Five curtains shall be coupled to one another, and the other five curtains shall be coupled to one another. And you shall make loops of blue on the edge of the outermost curtain in the first set. Likewise… in the second set. Fifty loops you shall make on the one curtain, and fifty loops you shall make on the edge of the curtain in the second set… And you shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains one to the other with the clasps, so that the tabernacle may be a single whole…

“You shall overlay the frames with gold and shall make their rings of gold for holders for the bars, and you shall overlay the bars with gold. Then you shall erect the tabernacle according to the plan that you were shown.

“And you shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen… with cherubim skillfully worked into it. And you shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold, with hooks of gold, on four bases of silver. And you shall hang the veil from the clasps, and bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil. And the veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy. You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the Most Holy Place.” Exodus 25:2-4; 26:1-6,29-34

The making of the tabernacle was a detailed, exquisite effort, with every instruction spelled out by a loving, meticulous, purposeful God. Designer, Architect, Creator, Teacher, the Lord was behind, over, and above all that was made, and the object for whose glorious presence it would exist. Therefore, it was significant that cherubim shall be skillfully worked into the fine twined linen of curtain and veil that would encompass and protect the holy structure.

Cherubim were created heavenly beings. They guarded Eden from the exiled Adam and Eve, so they would not re-enter, eat from the tree of life and live forever in their sin. Cherubim were strange, heavenly creatures that adored God on His throne. Satan was a guardian cherub before his fall. Throughout the scriptures they played a role of mystery and limited majesty, orchestrated by the Divine and ministering under His authority and for His splendor. (Genesis 3:24; Psalm 8:4-5; Ezekiel 1:1b,4-5,11; 28:12-15; Revelation 4:6-8)

How often do we go about our duties and days, never thinking of weaving God’s resplendence into our moments? How might we add a spirit of wonder to our imagination, heavenly grace into our speech, or divine love in our interactions with others? In tending to details and deadlines, how will we include and reflect the glorious One who has given us both assignment and craft?

Lord, show me where and how I can add cherubim to my living today, so others can glimpse Your beauty and worth.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
    he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
    and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
    and the day of vengeance of our God;
    to comfort all who mourn;
to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
    to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
    the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
    the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified…

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord;
    my soul shall exult in my God,
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;
    he has covered me with the robe of righteousness...
For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,
    and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
    to sprout up before all the nations.

“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
    and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,
until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,
    and her salvation as a burning torch.” Isaiah 61:1-3,10-11; 62:1

What a calling the Lord has issued to His own! One who has experienced the Word’s transforming power and is therefore indwelt by His Spirit cannot help but overflow with the bounty and beauty of the new life he’s received. The Spirit of the Lord is powerful and in many ways irrepressible, yet an unyielding, pride-filled heart can quench His prodding. A pliable, willing believer who cherishes his salvation receives the Lord’s anointing as a stewardship of grace and blessing for the eternal benefit of others and ultimate glory of God. (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:19)

When I acknowledge I am poor, wretched, and blind, I cherish God’s amazing love and mercy. When I am broken-hearted over my sin offense against His holiness, and trust Christ’s atoning punishment on my behalf, I will sing of His freeing grace. The forgiveness I’ve received far beyond my deserving will express itself in generous forgiveness and an urgency to tell how to be released forever. (Matthew 6:12; Ephesians 4:32; Revelation 3:17)

What am I doing with the wealth of scriptural truth entrusted to me? What keeps me from exercising the Spirit’s anointing to proclaim eternal liberty and administer comfort? Is my heart cold from hurt, prejudice, or selfishness with my time and attention? Do I avoid or discount people as unworthy, or impossible, and withhold kindness and the best news? What need I confess and surrender for the Lord to stoke passion for others’ salvation?

How does my life detract from the balm, fragrance, or attractiveness of Christ? How might my attitudes or words be breaking the spirit of a child, dissuading an adult from identification with Christ, or robbing Him of His glory? What change will conviction yield? (Isaiah 42:8; 48:11; 2 Corinthians 2:15-17; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 4:6)

Lord, stir my heart embers of accountability to Your call. May I gratefully, gladly, and boldly proclaim Your grace and power, for others’ everlasting good and my Savior’s glory.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path…
 The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it imparts understanding to the simple…
I rise before dawn and cry for help;
    I hope in your words.” Psalm 119:105,130,147

“The sun shall be no more
    your light by day,
nor for brightness shall the moon
    give you light;
but the Lord will be your everlasting light,
    and your God will be your glory.
Your sun shall no more go down,
    nor your moon withdraw itself;
for the Lord will be your everlasting light,
    and your days of mourning shall be ended.” Isaiah 60:19-20

Darkness pales as the king of day approaches. Slowly he ascends his throne. His blazing scepter illuminates the delicate edges of every mass, marking them with glory. The longer the gaze, the more distinct shines the outline of predawn clouds. They hover and roil, looming or blocking light, making for a different kind of dark, but still there is the fire, always present, always elucidating the finger-traced divine.

We sometimes awaken with a gloom that weighs down our hours, long hours. We rue life’s clouds, the heaping heavy of circumstances, the violence of temptation that flares in our hearts, the thick sadness of loss and impossibility and broken dreams. They choke normal peaceful breathing, they block clear and hopeful vision.

But when we wait and watch, we see the glimmer of bright in God’s purposes, His abiding radiant presence that gives meaning to grace in the midst, and redemption. We sense the inimitable, penetrating light, and can calm long enough to marvel, to trust. We understand that He’s bound all the edges, knows our limits and stops the tumult from going an inch further, and shelters from the rain. (Psalm 91:1; 104:5-9; Proverbs 8:29; Joel 2:25; 2 Corinthians 12:9)

Think how much of God’s tender care and grace to us we miss because of fretting and worry. Imagine the beauty we fail to see in the midst of our complaining and brooding. What situations, what clamor, what busy distractions from significance are we allowing to accumulate in our day-to-day, making fresh thought and hope-filled joy impossible? Where has temporal mess or pain eliminated an eternal perspective?

Where can we trace the hand of God’s mercy and sufficiency in our personal clouds? Where has His glory shone bright in our gloom? We would do well to remember, and to express gratitude. What lessons have we learned in stormy days and seasons about our default sin tendencies, character flaws, self-righteousness and pride? About God’s fortifying presence and deliverance, and the sweet hidden joys of salvation? How has God used these times to reveal Himself, and wean us from ourselves? How have we grown in intimacy with our Maker?

If we are not experiencing these gifts, could it be that we can’t let go of resentment over the way things have turned out, or not? Could we too stubbornly think we should be able to control means and outcomes? Might we be reticent to dethrone anger because it’s justified, and we want resolution now? What would change if we thanked God for the clouds and looked for His light therein?

Lord, help me trust that in every vale You are with me, and every shadow cloud is lit by and for Your glory. (Psalm 23:4)

“When the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, and as soon as… the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest),  the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam,.. and those flowing down toward… the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground…

“When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Take twelve men, from each tribe a man,  and command them, “Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests’ feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.”’  Then Joshua called the twelve men from the people of Israel, whom he had appointed, a man from each tribe…’Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel,  that this may be a sign among you… These stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever…’

“And when the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord came up from the midst of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up on dry ground, the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and overflowed all its banks, as before...

“And he said to the people of Israel, ‘When your children ask their fathers in times to come, “What do these stones mean?” then you shall let your children know, “Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.” For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.’” Joshua 3:14-4:7,18,21-24

Life happens and events occur to shape its course. Sovereign God is at the helm and we are to recognize Him in the midst, remember, and tell. His hand really is marvelous in the details as He works out His good will, and our life stories are a catalogue. (Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:11; Philippians 2:13)

As God’s children, days and seasons should be full of divine moments: a stone of forgiveness, one of wonder, another of remarkable inspiration, deliverance, accomplishment, or redemption. What am I daily experiencing of His power, grace, protection, sufficiency, majesty? How has my history been enriched with the visible and invisible deeds of God? How expectantly do I go about work, looking for His lead, design, and purpose? How will I record, and communicate them to the next generation?

Lord, keep me anticipating, collecting, and eager to dispense Your graces, beauties, and powerful deeds so You are known and praised. (Psalm 78:5-7; 145:4)

“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...

‘You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.'” Matthew 5:1-10,13-14,16-17

“The Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.” “Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you are seeing and hearing.” Mark 16:19; Acts 2:33

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” “When Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.” “[Look] to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3; 10:12; 12:2

Jesus the Rabbi sat with His disciples to teach them how to live, addressing many areas of their daily lives with the application of His promises and power. He exemplified the fulfilling of God’s holy word by perfect obedience, thorough explanation, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. They listened, appropriated, and later were reminded of His lessons. (John 14:26; Matthew 4:1-10)

Today Jesus sits at God’s right hand and teaches us similarly to be victors, and prays we will be. He teaches from His vantage point of authority, experience, and victory. Having poured grace and love and truth into us unto salvation, He expects that we would extend grace and love to others and obey His Word in a combatant world. He teaches humility, honesty, and how to influence the lost and inquisitive. He fills, sustains, and guides as we attempt to live out His ways. (Romans 8:34; Ephesians 4:29-32)

When do we come sit at His feet with attentive hearts? How keenly do we listen, and how faithfully do we apply His teachings in particular situations? How can His triumph over temptation encourage us this day to be brave against the ancient foe?

Lord, help me apply every lesson from my conqueror King so Your power and name are praised.

“The Lord says to my Lord:
    ‘Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.’” Psalm 110:1

“[Stephen], 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…’  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.'” Acts 7:55-56,59-60

“I have set the Lord always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8

“With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord;
    I will praise him in the midst of the throng.
For he stands at the right hand of the needy one,
    to save him from those who condemn his soul to death.” Psalm 109:30-31

“The Lord is at your right hand;
    he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.”

“The Lord is your keeper;
    the Lord is your shade on your right hand.” Psalm 110:5; 121:5

“Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— is at the right hand of God, [and] indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 8:34

Right hand man: a very important assistant who helps someone do a job; an indispensable or invaluable assistant; someone who helps and supports you the most

A place of safety, strength, comfort. The position of honor for the beloved companion. Throughout the Scriptures, we are told that as God’s right hand guides and holds us, His Son Jesus, seated victoriously at His right hand, is constantly attentive and supporting, advocating and praying for us. A righteous strong hand underneath gives unshakable security, and leading us gives hopeful expectancy. We in Christ have such a right hand man. (Isaiah 41:10; John 14:16-17)

He is Savior and Lord, risen and glorified, seated on His heavenly throne. He’s the Conqueror of sin and death who ever defends, lifts my head, and intercedes for me. He cheers me on and waits to receive me. And since things are true, I must not be unsettled by whims and what-ifs, by circumstances and unexpecteds. If I know my Savior abides with me, I can rest assured in His shelter and trust His will. (Psalm 3:3; John 14:3; Romans 8:31-34; Hebrews 12:1-3)

What currently prompts worry or despair? What loneliness, fear, or shame taunts? What new victory can I experience because the Lord is nigh, and He is mine? (Deuteronomy 33:27; Song of Solomon 2:16)

“O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
vast, unmeasured, boundless, free,
rolling as a mighty ocean
in its fullness over me.
Underneath me, all around me,
is the current of Thy love;
leading onward, leading homeward
to my glorious rest above.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth, 
changeth never, nevermore!
How He watcheth o’er His loved ones,
died to call them all His own;
how for them He intercedeth,
watcheth o’er them from the throne.” ~S. Trevor Francis (1834-1925)

Lord, keep my heart and eyes fixed on You who are risen, residing, and ruling at God’s right hand.

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’  When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’

“Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.’  After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.  And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh…

“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.” Matthew 2:1-11,16

The same message of wonder reached ears of the wise and the powerful. For one, it was an irresistible attraction to spend time and miles to discover, meet, and bow. For the other, it was a threat he was bent to destroy.

God made the human mind to be curious, and orchestrates His world, even the stars, for His purposes. Man processes what he hears and sees and determines how he’ll respond to the indications he gleans. Attitudes going in are key to outcomes, steering them toward good or bad, worship or wrong. (Genesis 1:14-15; Psalm 119:91; Proverbs 2:1-6)

Delving into God’s word gives great opportunity for soul conviction and spiritual enrichment, but also for hardening of the heart. If I approach time with the Lord with an open, willing spirit, I’m likely to learn deep truths that take root, promote worship of new-found aspects of my God, and sanctify. If I bear resistance and a rebel mindset, I will find only fault, and do all I can to squelch the Spirit. (Psalm 119:18; Isaiah 50:4; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)

For what am I using my brain and efforts? To analyze opinions, soak in the world, and relish its enticements, or to explore the greatness of God, follow where He leads, and adore Him?

Lord, keep me open to Your sanctifying power. Help me discern Your truth and attributes so I maintain a mind and heart of worship. (Psalm 119:34,66)

“Come, everyone who thirsts,
    come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
    and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
    and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
    hear, that your soul may live;
and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
    my steadfast, sure love for David…

“Seek the Lord while he may be found;
    call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake his way,
    and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,
    and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:1-3,6-7

“Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink,” you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.’  The woman said to him, ‘Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?..’ Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’” John 4:10-11,13-14

The invitation is clear, Come! Issued to all who thirst, beckoning to abundant living waters, the call is Come! Get up, exert effort, by an act of will procure and take in heaven’s living dew, the supernatural nourishment of God.

And yet, we prefer to sweat and toil. We cannot resist expending ourselves to earn ourselves, to make drink our right and refreshment our reward. We spend and are spent on many worldly endeavors that give no satisfaction and leave us hungering for more. We imbibe in junk food, entertainment and information and petty grievances that sap us of soul vitality. We close our ears to the Savior’s call because pride has calloused our hearts, and we languish.

What rebellion to a hard obedience has set in that we’ve tucked away to fester? Where has pride poisoned our attitude toward those unlike us, or those we don’t like? On what do we waste time and affection? When will we give attention and commit time to seek the Lord, allow Him to identify our wicked ways, even those we’ve grown to tolerate or excuse, and then name and forsake them one by one?

What in our outlook, schedule, or inner satisfaction could be transformed if we genuinely turned from insignificant living and returned to the Lord? How might personality and gifts flourish anew surrendered to our Maker? How could ministry and relationships grow in fresh soil of love, truth, and grace? What if, instead of stopping our ears, we answered the Lord and conversed with Him regularly through His word and focused prayer?

Lord, keep me delighting in You and Your abundance with mind, body, and soul so I will freely offer Your ‘Come!’ to the needy around me.