As the rain and snow

“In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Azariah [Uzziah] the son of Amaziah, king of Judah, began to reign.  He was sixteen years old, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.  And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah had done.  Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away. The people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places.  And the Lord touched the king, so that he was a leper to the day of his death, and he lived in a separate house. And Jotham the king’s son was over the household, governing the people of the land…  And Azariah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David, and Jotham his son reigned in his place…

“In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, Jotham the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, began to reign.  He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem…  And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah had done.” 2 Kings 15:1-7,32-34

The biblical summary of Uzziah’s famous reign was stellar: over half a century, five decades, right in the eyes of the Lord. Nevertheless. Uzziah was by grace endowed with a will bent to following his God. He sought both Him and wise counsel as he fortified Judah with prosperity and peace. Nevertheless Uzziah was not careful to remove the high places that tempted the people to worship false gods. He was wholehearted except this one thing. That precarious inaction was one for which Uzziah would answer. The seemingly small slit opening the heart to idolatry became his own undoing as he fell to pride. (2 Chronicles 26:5-21)

The Lord seeks a whole heart, an undivided heart, and dangerous is the mindset that flirts with nonethelesses. The human condition that prizes effort and weighs good deeds is wont to excuse small omissions, deem small sins unnecessary to remove, or unable to cause much trouble. But sin is sin is sin, and the stain that is our inheritance dooms us to destruction apart from Christ. (Mark 10:17-22; James 2:10; 1 John 1:8)

Are there detrimental habits we’ve grown so accustomed to that we see no need to change? Have we become complacent coddling ‘small’ sins, deeming them benign, or comparatively less destructive or offensive than another’s? Where have we allowed nonethelesses to infringe upon purity of relationships, work, or worship, and what will we do about them?

“O for a heart to praise my God,
a heart from sin set free;
a heart that’s sprinkled with the blood
so freely shed for me:

A heart resigned, submissive, meek,
my great Redeemer’s throne;
where only Christ is heard to speak,
where Jesus reigns alone:

A humble, lowly, contrite heart,
believing, true, and clean,
which neither life nor death can part
from him that dwells within:

A heart in every thought renewed,
and full of love divine;
perfect and right and pure and good —
a copy, Lord, of thine.” ~Charles Wesley (1742)

Lord, expose every nonetheless I entertain, remove it, and give me an undivided heart to serve, please, and worship You. (Psalm 86:11)

“The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely… He put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,  and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. Immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.’  And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’  And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’  And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.  And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.” Acts 16:22-34

Paul and Silas knew God and fearlessly proclaimed His name. Providentially placed beaten and bloodied, in stocks, in a Philippian prison, they rejoiced in Him. Guards and prisoners heard their prayers, and words and melodies sung to God, and He stirred their hearts with holy fear. When miraculously released by an earthquake, rather than escape, these missionaries remained to finish the work their Lord intended, offering true freedom to those in spiritual chains.

The Sovereign God ordains many inconveniences and hindrances along our paths. We can get tripped by them and stew in frustration or anger, or we can choose to rejoice in Him and look for opportunities to spread His salvation message. We never know who is watching or listening, but we do know that His words never return void and that His praise illumines His glory. (Psalm 66:1-3; 145:1-13; Isaiah 43:10-12,21; 55:10-11)

Where are we presently confined or constrained? Do we chafe under circumstances that chain us to difficult bosses or a failing body? Are we rebelling against limited freedom to live life the way we want? Will we choose to rejoice there and shine Christ’s light?

When relieved of a hardship, or a term of suffering is over, do we immediately flee to comfort and ease? Or do I consider people met and lessons learned there, and how I might weave the gospel into that experience? To complete what God has planned takes an attitude of joyful hope, compassion for others, and expectancy in Him. It requires watchfulness, willingness, and selflessness, a greater interest in what God is doing over what I want to do. How need I adjust my mindset? (Romans 12:12; Philippians 2:3-4)

Lord, in gratitude for my freedom in Christ, may I boldly praise Your excellencies and proclaim salvation for all who are near.

“But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest  and asked for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way,.. 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.

“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 taking food, he was strengthened.

“For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’ And all who heard him were amazed and said, ‘Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?'” Acts 9:1-6,8-9,17-21

Running bent on darkness, arrested by light. Threatening Christians, proclaiming Jesus. Enemy slave, intimate Savior. Helplessly blind, able to see. Weakened, made strong. Spiritual havoc, divine reconciliation. Paul’s story was flush with opposites in body, spirit, and experience. He was a full-on enemy of Christ whose ways were fully transformed by his relentless Rescuer, a hard rock made living flesh, and he would never be the same. (Ezekiel 36:26)

Christ the Godly died for the ungodly, the Mighty One for the weak and helpless, the Reconciler for enemies. We were dead and He died to give life, we walked the course of this world and He opened the way to heaven. Children of wrath are renamed His own. What wondrous love has Christ to reverse opponents, redeem rebels, and render opposites! (Romans 5:6,8,10; Ephesians 2:1-5)

What areas in our lives need turning around? Are there habits of the tongue or reactions of the heart that elevate man and denigrate God? Where do I complain rather than give thanks? Where do I need an about-face in impulse desires, or a change of tone in default responses? Where need I put off self and put on the Lord? Would I come to Him for transformation, choose to see with His eyes, and begin to practice His ways instead of mine? (Colossians 3:1-3,5-10,12-23)

Lord, may I ever marvel at how opposite You are from me, that You saved me. May I live fully for You opposite from, but effective in, the world.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” John 14:26-27; 16:13

“‘And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house.  And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, “Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter;  he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.”  As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”  If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?’ When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, ‘Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.'” Acts 11:12-18

The Jews in Jerusalem were astonished to hear about the Gentiles receiving God’s word, and criticized Peter for this unorthodox mission. Against the heat of their angst, he explained that it was the Spirit who, after his vision in Joppa, directed him to follow his visitors to Caesarea, had spoken to the Gentiles there and then fallen on them so they would be saved. Yes, as the Holy Spirit spoke and directed, He reminded them of what Jesus had taught… it was all coming clear! Just like the resurrection! The Spirit was for all who believed, all to whom God had granted repentance leading to eternal life, and He was bringing Christ’s promises to pass! (John 2:20-22; Act 11:1-11)

When the Spirit indwells us, we carry a peace that passes all understanding into every conundrum and every critical attack. The more Scripture we have tucked into our minds and hearts, the more He brings to remembrance His promises and commands. People will fail to understand what He teaches and how He guides us, and we might too, but as we trust and obey He gives ongoing confirmation that we are in His paths. (Psalm 32:8; Psalm 119:11; John 16:33; Galatians 5:22-23)

How is the abiding Holy Spirit ministering daily to us? Are we aware of His ministry to our minds, how He gives wisdom and discernment by reminding us of God’s truth? Do we go about our work confidently counting on His promises? How practiced are we in calling out to Him first when we meet trouble or shock? How full is our spiritual storage so we can draw on His words and power, and what will we do to replenish the storehouse?

Lord, keep me diligent to study and know Your word, then keen to the inspiration and help of Your Spirit to follow. May every remembrance elicit a right response, to Your glory.

“The angel of the Lord appeared to [GIdeon] and said, ‘The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor…’  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…’ ‘Please do not depart until I come to you and bring out my present and set it before you.’

“So Gideon went into his house and prepared a young goat and unleavened cakes… The meat he put in a basket, and the broth in a pot,.. and presented them.  The angel of God said to him, ‘Take the meat and the unleavened cakes, and put them on this rock, and pour the broth over them.’ And he did so. Then the angel of the Lord reached out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes. And fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes. And the angel of the Lord vanished from his sight.  Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the Lord. And Gideon said, ‘Alas, O Lord God! For now I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face.’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.’ Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord Is Peace…

“That same night the Lord said to him, ‘Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand. But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant. And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp…’ 

“As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, ‘Arise, for the Lord has given the host of Midian into your hand.’” Judges 6:12,14-16a,18-24a; 7:9-11a,15

Gideon was surprised from God’s first call that he would be used to help Israel. Humble, obscure, who was he to take up such a role? His heart for God was revealed and trust in Him grew every step. He was a man who acknowledged he was not god, and worshiped the One he knew to be true. From command to promise to timely affirmation, he worshiped.

But as soon as he let pride smother his reverence for God, and failed to worship, he was snared. What a cogent invitation and warning for us. (Judges 8:22-27)

Where is the Lord asking us to step up and out for Him? Do we pause to praise Him as He meets us along the way, acknowledging and exalting Him for specific revelations and provisions? How is regular worship regularly realigning our allegiance and dependence? What blessings have resulted when we decreased and He increased? (John 3:30)

Are there situations and seasons where we start out timid, yet grow through increasing trust in God’s sufficiency, only to fall by beginning to trust ourselves instead? To what temptations to self-applause or stubborn independence do we too easily succumb? How will we guard against them?

Lord, at every stone on the path You lay before me, may I step, pause, and worship you.

“I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel.  And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.

“Then the word of the Lord came to me: ‘O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord… Behold, I am shaping disaster against you and devising a plan against you. Return, every one from his evil way, and amend your ways and your deeds.’

“But they say, ‘That is in vain! We will follow our own plans, and will every one act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’

“‘Therefore thus says the Lord:
Ask among the nations,
    Who has heard the like of this?
The virgin Israel
    has done a very horrible thing.
Does the snow of Lebanon leave
    the crags of Sirion?
Do the mountain waters run dry,
    the cold flowing streams?
But my people have forgotten me;
    they make offerings to false gods;
they made them stumble in their ways,
    in the ancient roads,
and to walk into side roads,
    not the highway,
making their land a horror,
    a thing to be hissed at forever.
Everyone who passes by it is horrified
    and shakes his head.
Like the east wind I will scatter them
    before the enemy.
I will show them my back, not my face,
    in the day of their calamity.’

“Then they said, ‘Come, let us make plots against Jeremiah, for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, let us strike him with the tongue, and let us not pay attention to any of his words.’” Jeremiah 18:3-6a,11b-18

Israel, inextricably tied to their God by love and promise, had turned her back. Though chosen, called, and named by Him, she had determined and stubbornly set out on her own ways, cloyingly toying with false gods, rejecting her true Lover’s worth and His plans for her blessing. So true to His word, He would turn His back on her.

There are varied seasons where it seems God has turned His back on us. We struggle to make sense of His silence during extended periods of heartbreak or prolonged physical pain or financial setback, wondering where He has gone. But God has good purposes in hard times, and we can trust He is working redemptively through them for our good and His glory. The legitimate turned back, serious and horrifying holy rejection, comes when we have first rejected Him. (Romans 8:28; Galatians 6:7)

Where am I spurning God’s good laws? With what strange idols of self-acceptance, peace-at-all-cost, or deception do I unfaithfully flirt? How are my actions, attitudes, and affections turning their back on the only true Lover of my soul?

Our Lord is never capricious in punishment, nor does He delight in judgment. He knows we are marred clay, spoiled beyond repair save for His grace, and graciously beckons His own in mercy and compassion. If we have turned away, will we today repent and turn back to Him? (Psalm 5:4; 103:6-14; Isaiah 28:21-22; Romans 3:23)

Father, keep me face to face with You in faithful love.

“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)