As the rain and snow

“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.

“Moses continued to speak these words to all Israel.  And he said, ‘I am 120 years old today. I am no longer able to go out and come in. The Lord has said to me, “You shall not go over this Jordan.” The Lord your God himself will go over before you. He will destroy these nations before you, so that you shall dispossess them, and Joshua will go over at your head, as the Lord has spoken. And the Lord will do to them as he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when he destroyed them. And the Lord will give them over to you, and you shall do to them according to the whole commandment that I have commanded you. Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.’

“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land.., and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’” Deuteronomy 31:1-8

Humble Moses, friend of God, encouraged Israel as an outflow of his relationship and ongoing communion with his Lord. The end of his life was all about his God, not himself, and giving generously from all he’d received. What he said was fueled by what he knew to be true. What he closed his life with was a continuation of what he’d lived all along: a steady understanding and living out of God’s word. A faithful walk of grappling with disappointment and trusting a Lord who’d never forsaken him. Moses carried no bitterness over the consequences of his sin. He gave instruction to remain in and follow God’s word- it was indeed a lifeline. He gave clear testimony to God’s greatness, and bestowed uplifting promises upon his successor Joshua. (Exodus 33:11-12; Numbers 20:10-13; Deuteronomy 3:23-28; 31:9-30; 32:47)

Encourage: to inspire with courage, confidence, or hope; give support. If we’ve walked with the Lord for any length of time, we own much we can share to put courage into others. We know the Lord in ways He wants to reveal to our family members and friends. We’ve walked through doubt and despair with a faithful Shepherd whom colleagues need to know. We’ve experienced victories and refreshment others long for. (Psalm 23:1-4)

When has the Lord walked alongside in a hard situation? How has He met us in grief and undertaken for our needs? In what hardships has He stretched and confirmed our faith? How can we build up the body and magnify God’s praise by giving testimony to His love, abiding, and faithfulness? What truths about His character, intervention, and inspiration have we come to know firsthand that we can tell for His fame (not ours)? How can we specifically point others to His sufficiency and redeeming power? Whom will we tell of His steadfast care and mercy? (1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25)

Who in my life who needs particular encouragement today? What truth, what benediction, what admonition or refreshment will I give?

Lord, make me generous to share from all You’ve taught and done, and so build up Your body to maturing faith.

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”

“For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off.  It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’  Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.” Deuteronomy 29:29; 30:11-14

“I will give you the treasures of darkness
    and the hoards in secret places,
that you may know that it is I, the Lord,
    the God of Israel, who call you by your name.” Isaiah 45:3

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

“I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15

There are many treasures the Lord entrusts to His children, and some He keeps to Himself. He is limitless and incomprehensible and wants us to stay suspended in wonder at His infinite majesty. He knows what knowledge we can handle and when, and reveals and supplies what we need for moments and situations. He measures sufficient grace in His timely wise way to teach trust and dependence. He invites us into the secret place to seek Him and His insights, and delights to answer our prayers and longings. His measureless treasure store of secrets should keep us ever yearning for more of Him, ever growing in love for Him. (Matthew 6:6-8; 2 Corinthians 12:8-9)

We are accountable for what has been revealed to us and to draw on the Spirit we’ve been given to put those secrets into practice. As we travel through our days, we can seek a heart of wisdom and so carry an eternal perspective. The Lord gives power to live what we know to be true and right, and to exercise faith that will continue to grow. (Psalm 90:12; 1 Corinthians 2:9-10)

What are we investing of time and focus to understand the secret things of God? In what ways are they becoming real to us, and applied to our interactions, decisions, worship?

“Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all praise we would render, O help us to see
’tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.” ~Walter C. Smith (1867)

Father, keep me in wonder and hunger for more and more of Thee. Help me rightly handle the secrets You hold and reveal to Your glory.

“‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord,
    ‘and my servant whom I have chosen,
that you may know and believe me
    and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
    nor shall there be any after me.
I, I am the Lord,
    and besides me there is no savior.
I declared and saved and proclaimed..;
    and you are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I am God.
Henceforth I am he;
    there is none who can deliver from my hand;
    I work, and who can turn it back?’

“’I, I am he
    who blots out your transgressions for my own sake,
    and I will not remember your sins.'” Isaiah 43:10-13,25

“Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel
    and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
‘I am the first and I am the last;
    besides me there is no god.
Who is like me? Let him proclaim it…
Is there a God besides me?
    There is no Rock; I know not any…’

“Thus says your Redeemer,
    who formed you from the womb:
‘I am the Lord, who made all things’..,
who says of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be inhabited,’
    and of the cities of Judah, ‘They shall be built,
    and I will raise up their ruins.’” Isaiah 44:6-8,24,26a

“‘I am the Lord, and there is no other,
    besides me there is no God…

“‘I made the earth
    and created man on it…
I have stirred him up in righteousness,
    and I will make all his ways level…
Surely God is in you, and there is no other,
    no god besides him…’
Israel is saved by the Lord
    with everlasting salvation;
you shall not be put to shame or confounded
    to all eternity.

“‘I am the Lord, and there is no other…
I the Lord speak the truth;
    I declare what is right…
Declare and present your case;
    let them take counsel together!..
There is no other god besides me,
a righteous God and a Savior.’

“’Turn to me and be saved,
    all the ends of the earth!
    For I am God, and there is no other…

“’In the Lord all the offspring of Israel
    shall be justified and shall glory.’” Isaiah 45:5,12-13,14,17-18,19,21-22,25

A high view of majestic God does wonders for defining mankind. We see His holiness against our depravity, His greatness against our need, His power against our frailty, His infinite wisdom against our finite thought. He is self-sufficient and all-sufficient, loving kind and good through and through. He is God and we are not. He is the Savior, the Redeemer of all that is broken and suffered in brokenness. (Psalm 119:75-76; 1 Peter 5:10-11)

The world offers many a panacea, yet none but the Lord can redeem. Who but God knows all things and has the power to convict, cleanse, and recreate? What but the blood of the perfect Christ can atone for my sin? Who but Love Himself mercifully pursues and accepts one such as me? (Romans 5:8-11; Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 4:8)

If this God is on our side, why do we faint in fear and shame? If we are loved by this Savior, whom are we telling about His grace? When will I descend my throne? (Romans 8:31-39)

Lord, may my life exhibit Your graces and exalt Your unique glory.

“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
Fire goes before him
and burns up his adversaries all around.
His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.

The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.

Zion hears and is glad,
and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgments, O Lord.
For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods…
Light is sown for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!” Psalm 97:1-6,8-9,11-12

From sea to sea and in between, chaos reigns in the cities, confusion in the hearts of men. Natural beauty abounds, relational love soothes, yet clouds and thick darkness loom in Eden’s pall. What is the meaning? Where shall we turn? Will we be shaken forever? God reigns from His unshakable throne and in every instance has the last best say. (Genesis 3:23-24; Isaiah 24:10-12)

When all seems unjust and the wicked win here, we must remember true righteousness and justice will not fail. Though shrouded now they will triumph in the end. The most heinous of rebels will be judged, confusion will become understanding, and the most formidable foes will be brought to naught, wickedness and power dissolved by His might. See His glory? Set your hope! Rejoice! (Revelation 21:1-8; 22:14)

What in the world causes my spirit to tremble? Where does angst rule in business, finances, relationships, outlook? What drought of love or turmoil of emotion looms over my days? What blight of sins’ shame or pests of temptation weigh heavy and threaten to drench hope and freedom? What if I fully rejoiced in the Lord who has the last say, trusting He is good and it is best?

“O worship the King all-glorious above,
O gratefully sing his power and his love:
our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.

O tell of his might and sing of his grace,
whose robe is the light, whose canopy space.
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
and dark is his path on the wings of the storm.

Your bountiful care, what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
it streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.

Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
in you do we trust, nor find you to fail.
Your mercies, how tender, how firm to the end,
our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend!

O measureless Might, unchangeable Love,
whom angels delight to worship above!
Your ransomed creation, with glory ablaze,
in true adoration shall sing to your praise!” ~Robert Grant (1833)

Lord, away from the madding world may I be firmly established in the certainty of You, and with renewed strength and hope praise Your unchanging goodness and glory. (Isaiah 41:1a)

“Now Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, ‘Keep the whole commandment that I command you today. And on the day you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster. And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you cross over to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you. And when you have crossed over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, concerning which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster. And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. You shall wield no iron tool on them; you shall build an altar to the Lord your God of uncut stones. And you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God, and you shall sacrifice peace offerings and shall eat there, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God. And you shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly.’” Deuteronomy 27:1-8

On the day you arrive. God knew first things became first things, and that establishing a healthy order in practice would imprint the priority on the heart. Set up large stones. Inscribe My word. Make offerings. Remember Me.

When Israel entered the long-anticipated promised land there would be much to see and investigate and do. Distraction and duties would beckon and entice. But there must be a primary work and focus, and from that all else would flow. God’s word must be inscribed in their minds and impressed on their hearts, established as the lens through which they saw and went about their new life. And He must continually be acknowledged as LORD: Lord of matter, Lord of rules, Lord of life. This would make a land of blessing. (Deuteronomy 28:1-6,9)

For us, we are to make a place, establish a time, location, commitment where we will meet with our God. It likely won’t be a stone altar or even a same set space, but it can be a consistent habit, a guarded pledge to a time away from the tools and tasks of day to day toward God’s word and ways. It should be a focused time of soaking in His truths and surrender to His will. (Romans 12:1-2)

Where is our immovable stone altar? What space have we determined, apart from the tools of media and outside voices, to receive God’s indelible word and meditate on it? How much of ourselves do we offer each day, and what has been His return? We will not experience the promised blessings of obedience until we do our part.

Lord, keep me faithful to my altar of devotion fixed on Christ the Cornerstone. May Your established pattern and promises be my lifeline and joy, that You are exalted and Your grace be made known. (Isaiah 28:16)