As the rain and snow

“How can we who died to sin still live in it?..   We were buried with him… into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.  For one who has died has been set free from sin… So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.  For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are… under grace…

“Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?.. Now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.”

“You also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit.” Romans 6:2,4,6-7,11-14,16,19b; 7:4-6

So much happened divinely at our salvation that is hard to fit into everyday experience. While we dwell here below we have a daily struggle to appropriate the heavenly accomplishment of the the crucifixion and resurrection, though it indeed has been finished and is true and effective for us. Paul’s admonishment is to reckon it all so. Believe it. Live it. Do not let sin reign, instead present yourselves to God. As long as we are in the flesh, we are called to exercise the putting off and putting on, and can do so in the power of His Spirit. (John 19:28-30)

But we make excuses. Temptation is too strong. I’m exhausted. I was made this way and cannot help myself. We have such whiny attitudes and constricted vision! Humanly speaking, these are accurate, but have been swallowed up in Christ’s victory! The ongoing challenge for us is to reckon that so, by faith. As long as we see everything through narrow sin-stained lenses, and rely on self effort, we will fail. But our call is to count on what Christ has done for us and Christ in us and put it into consistent practice. There is the secret to our victory! (Romans 7:15-25; 1 Corinthians 15:55-57; Colossians 1:27)

What habitual practices need we name and put away today? What specific promises of God will we claim over flesh tendencies, weak and strong? When will we make deliberate presentation of ourselves to righteousness, for Jesus’ sake?

Lord, may I believe and act on all that You have made true, and so glorify Your dominion and grace.

“Now there was a day when… there came a messenger to Job and said, ‘The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them,  and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.’ While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, ‘The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.’  While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, ‘The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.’  While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, ‘Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,  and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.’

“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.  And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.‘

“In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.” Job 1:13-22

It’s hard to imagine a better man having a worse day. The sun rose that morning as it always had, and the upstanding, righteous farmer Job got started with his tasks at hand. His heart was close to God’s, and concerned for his adult children’s. He feared and worshiped the Lord, owning an intimate prayer life and dependence on Him for strength against the foe. Then the horrific news started coming in. (Job 1:1-5)

The phone call. Discovery. Diagnosis. News. Whether devastation, debilitation, or demand to change or move, there will be moments, events, days when life turns upside down and our spiritual integrity is tested. How ready are we for whatever the Lord might bring? How firm is our faith in His sovereignty and goodness? How fixed are our feet, how fit our armor to withstand enemy onslaught against what God has ordained? (Ephesians 6:10-18)

When we maintain fidelity in worship and secure our trust in the Lord, we can receive what He gives with wholehearted acceptance and abiding peace. Our thanksgiving, our questioning, our agony, even our lament will well up out of deep communion with our Creator and the Giver of every perfect gift, and honor Him. He is not simply a dispenser of happiness, but a developer of holiness, and indeed works good in all things for His beloved children. We may not understand, but we can be assured. (Romans 5:1-5; 8:28; James 1:17)

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.” ~George Keith (1787)

Lord, sow in me the habit and firmly fix my resolve to worship You in whatever a day may hold, because You are worthy of all blessing, honor, and praise. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

“Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath.  And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself.  When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, ‘Woman, you are freed from your disability.’  And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God.  But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, ‘There are six days in which work ought to be done. Come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.’  Then the Lord answered him, ‘You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it?  And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?’ As he said these things, all his adversaries were put to shame, and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.” Luke 13:10-17

Imagine the agony of being bent over almost two decades, and the pain of those who watched in helpless pity. Imagine an audible beckon from Jesus, and instant healing to make her straight. Then watch the responses: she humbly, gratefully glorified God, the crowds rejoiced, but the synagogue ruler indignantly criticized. What? Could he not see the miracle? Feel the ecstatic relief? Sense the restoration of life? Welcome and be glad in the freedom? He was so crippled by his own perspective, rigidly ruled by rules he could only nitpick and castigate, a religious curmudgeon.

Jesus, the living Word who came to fulfill the law, set a higher standard than the Pharisees kept for interpreting it. He embodied the spirit of that law and ruled for life with compassion, not for legalism with rigidity. He understood and implemented intent, teaching the deeper truths of lives transformed and saved forever. (Luke 14:1-6)

What’s my natural response to another’s favor, success, or good news? Do I find myself critical, judging the method, timing, manner, or simply that they don’t deserve it? Am I stung with jealousy: ‘why you and not me’? Or do I freely rejoice, happy for this gift my God has bestowed on another and praising Him for His grace? (Psalm 73:3,21-22; Romans 12:10,15-16)

Daily mindset dictates our reactions to what goes on around us. If we consider ourselves superior in any way to those among us- at work, church, or within families- we’ll be stodgy and bitter, asserting ourselves as experts against what should be celebrated as good. If we begin each day humbled and amazed at God’s love for us in Christ, and grateful for the gift of each breath and opportunity from Him, we will see all activity as filtered through His hands. We’ll recognize His grace, creativity, and redeeming power, and welcome it with gladness and heartfelt rejoicing.

Which is it for me? And how will I adjust my outlook to mimic Christ’s? What will I do, and pray, that life turn from all-about-me to all-about-Thee?

Lord, cause me to look for and rejoice in all the glorious things You do, that Your name and fame be extolled.

“So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people,  ‘Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?’ They went out of the town and were coming to him…

 “Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.  Do you not say, “There are yet four months, then comes the harvest”? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.  Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.  For here the saying holds true, “One sows and another reaps.” I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.'”

“Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony…  And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.’” John 4:28-30,34-39a,41-42

“He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'” Luke 10:2

“What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each.  I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth…  For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:5-7,9

The will and work of God are ongoing and glorious. Through history He’s invited the people He’s made to be a part, and blesses that privilege with enabling, purpose, and satisfaction. The Samaritan woman’s budding faith compelled her to join the work in a most effective way: people heard her call, saw a difference- the touch of the Almighty in her life- and were eager to know the Source. Many believed, and we can assume the process continued. (Mark 6:34-44)

When we have an encounter with the Almighty, through an ordinary daily word or a spectacular intervention or answer, we can savor it for ourselves or spread a feast. We can store up seeds or scatter them abroad. God continues in His work no matter what, and urges us to participate. Would we offer ourselves to be used for such a time as He has planted us? (Esther 4:14b; Acts 17:26)

What can I say and do that will compel others to seek my Lord? Where will I scatter His seeds of life-changing truth, His supernatural kindness, joy, or love? Where, when, and how will I join the Savior’s work of planting, sowing, reaping? (John 4:46-53)

Jesus was intent on fully accomplishing His Father’s work. Am I? What do my hours, my expenditures, my words, my activities indicate about my life passion? Are my efforts spent on self or others, the temporal or eternal? Our labor for the Lord is never in vain. (John 6:38; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Hebrews 6:10)

Gracious Father, please direct all my labor to that which endures to eternal life. (John 6:27a)

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,  and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free… So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed…

“Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing… If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.  As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.  These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 8:31-32,36; 15:3-5,7-11

In days of self-proclaimed ‘personal truth,’ God’s Truth stands as a beacon strong and sure and ripe for the knowing. The enemy persists in his stealth to steal, kill, and destroy, and God reigns in stark contrast to give freedom, life, abundance, and joy. God is superior to any false promises, His Word supreme among all other words. Knowing Truth, we know Jesus Himself, and our lives give ready, bold evidence. (John 8:44; 10:10; 1 John 4:4)

We must abide in the Word of Christ to be His disciples, connected to, believing, and trusting it as our source of life. And as His disciples, we desire to abide, to cling, to depend. It is our nature to take from the living Vine, to be nourished by Him and bear fruit accordingly as a byproduct of what we receive.

How do we abide in God’s Word? When do we read it, grapple with its meaning universally and for us personally? Do we avail ourselves of good teaching and apply what we learn? How readily can we recall God’s testimonies, promises, and commands when needed in a confusing situation, a conflict, a decision to make? When tested by temptation or a particular hardship, do we rely on its powerful truth?

How has His Word revealed new aspects of Jesus? Are we knowing Him better each time we read, or gather in fellowship, or claim His promises? Are we loving Him more? What evidence do we give of knowing Him as Savior and Friend, Redeemer and Victor? Of being intimately acquainted with His character and teachings? Of loving others as He has loved us?

Knowing the true Truth is knowing Jesus, and that is knowing His joy. He alone sets us free to rejoice in every circumstance and produce spiritual bounty. (Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Lord Jesus, help me bear an abundance of fruit showing myself to know You, to the praise of Your name and glory.

“Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles.  When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them,  they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country,  and there they continued to preach the gospel.” Acts 14:1-7

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6

It’s hard to imagine the swells of new believers in the region. The disciples, scattered by persecution following Pentecost, lived and spoke and served and loved in such a way that many were confronted with the life-changing gospel and great numbers believed unto salvation. This ancient ‘revival’ also brought divisiveness and criticism. None were lukewarm to the powerful message spoken and lived. (Acts 2:37-47; 8:1-8; 10:42-43; 12:24-25; 13:43)

Who made the difference? The Holy Spirit. What made a difference? The way He worked in His people to compel, counsel, and awaken compassion, and through them to teach and perform miraculous works. The Spirit regenerated, the Word saved, and the disciples were the instruments by which He transformed lives and the world.

As Jesus’s present day disciples, we are emissaries of this gospel message. How clearly and attractively is it seen and heard through us? Are we behaving and loving and serving with intention, by God’s grace, to point people to Christ and make an eternal difference? What impatience, busyness, aloofness, or tone of voice dulls our light or muffles our message?

How willing are we to step away from our agenda to serve the Lord’s, to step out from under human glory to point to His, even if this means meeting complaint, rejection, or even harm? Are we more driven to do our work, or God’s works (which can be through our work)? How willing are we to speak His truth, in love, no matter the pushback, resistance, or consequences? What difference would it make, and could He make, if we offered ourselves each day to live in such a way that is His way: wherever He would have us go, to whomever He appoints, to do whatever He wants, to bring about His salvific ends? (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 14:11-23; Ephesians 4:15)

“Where you go, I’ll go
Where you stay, I’ll stay
When you move, I’ll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I’ll love
How you serve I’ll serve
If this life I lose,
I will follow you.” ~Chris Tomlin (2010)

Lord, have full sway over me so I live Your way, to fulfill Your purposes, for Your glory.

“Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel.  He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim that Asa his father had captured.  The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments… Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand. All Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor.  His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord. Furthermore, he took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.

“In the third year of his reign he sent officials… to teach in the cities of Judah.., having the Book of the Law of the Lord with them. They went about through all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.”

“Jehoshaphat had great riches and honor, and he made a marriage alliance with Ahab… Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, ‘Will you go with me to Ramoth-gilead?’ He answered him, ‘I am as you are, my people as your people. We will be with you in the war... Inquire first for the word of the Lord…’ And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, ‘I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your robes.'” 2 Chronicles 17:1-7,9; 18:1,3-4,29

So many strengths. Jehoshaphat seemed to have it all: godliness, wholehearted obedience, favor from the Lord. He cleansed the kingdom of idols and made sure God’s law was taught and understood throughout. He was prudent, capable, and fortified Judah militarily.

Then he did the unthinkable. Bowing to the culture of the day, he made a marriage alliance with the wicked King Ahab of Israel, arranging for his son to marry Ahab’s daughter. Pride weakens good sense, and this one significant slip introduced corroding wickedness that threatened all the good that had been established. Falling for Ahab’s ruse, he failed to seek God directly, was nearly killed in battle, then 16 years later almost repeated that folly with Ahab’s son. Though God mercifully provided wise prophets and intervened to save him, and he later exercised sound and righteous judgment, his sloppy choices bred sloppy living as his son repeated his father’s folly. (2 Kings 3:5-8,11; 8:16-18; 2 Chronicles 19:4-10)

We may be strong in many ways, graced by God with firm commitment, a hunger for Him, His word and glory, and get along well with others. He may have granted a measure of worldly success in work, relationships, or responsibility. But one weakness, one slip of self-control, one crack of self-will, one drip of pride can seep and spread to undermine the good that seems established.

Where have I relaxed in spiritual vigilance? Failed to pray, sought another’s advice before the Lord’s, jumped in or spent or decided without thought?

“Oh, be careful little eyes what you see. 
Oh, be careful little ears what you hear. 
Oh, be careful little hands what you do.  
Oh, be careful little feet where you go. 
Oh, be careful little heart whom you trust. 
Oh, be careful little mind what you think.” ~Zondervan Music Publishers (1956)

Lord, keep me alert to weak areas and diligent to guard against falling, for Your honor above all.

“Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews… Tobiah the Ammonite said, ‘Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!’ Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads... Do not cover their guilt,.. for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders.

“So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

“But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it.  And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.

“In Judah it was said, ‘The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.’ And our enemies said, ‘They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work…’ So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, spears, and bows. And I arose and said to the nobles and officials and the rest of the people, ‘Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.’

“When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work… Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other.” Nehemiah 4:1,3-11,13-15,17

Nehemiah was bent on rebuilding as the Lord had led and was providing for, no matter the opposition. Yet persistent opposition came, and wore away at his co-laborers. A half-height wall was good progress, but incomplete- just where the enemy took delight to undermine, discourage, and halt momentum. Nehemiah dealt with these opponents by countering their attacks with specific prayer, dependence on God, practical defenses, and outdoing their persistence with his own in the work. And so he succeeded.

It can be easy to start a good work, then flag in zeal out of weariness or difficulty. We cease listening to God and tune in to naysayers, or lose sight of the goal for the rubble of hard work that remains. Verve gets quashed by criticism, doubt, and fatigue.

But the God who calls also enables. What here below causes anxiety, insecurity, or distraction? Would we look to our awesome God and seize His higher purposes? Will we exchange fear for faith? Will we honor Him by finishing His work? (Philippians 4:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Father, give me a mind and will to work to completion and for Your glory all You assign, trusting You are greater than any enemy taunt or temptation. (1 John 4:4)

“Before this, Eliashib the priest, who was appointed over the chambers of the house of our God, and who was related to Tobiah, prepared for Tobiah a large chamber where they had previously put the grain offering, frankincense, vessels, and tithes of grain, wine, and oil, which were given by commandment to the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, and the contributions for the priests. While this was taking place, I was not in Jerusalem… I then discovered the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, preparing for him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. And I was very angry, and I threw all the household furniture of Tobiah out of the chamber. Then I gave orders, and they cleansed the chambers, and I brought back there the vessels of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense.

“I also found out that the portions of the Levites had not been given to them, so that the Levites and the singers, who did the work, had fled each to his field.  So I confronted the officials and said, ‘Why is the house of God forsaken?’ And I gathered them together and set them in their stations.  Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain, wine, and oil into the storehouses… 

“In those days I saw in Judah people treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in heaps of grain and loading them on donkeys, and also wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them on the day when they sold food. Tyrians who lived in the city brought in fish and goods and sold them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah, in Jerusalem itself! Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said, ‘What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day?'” Nehemiah 13:4-6a,7-12,15-17

Nehemiah was a man of earnestness, thoughtfulness, and action. What he learned and observed he assessed with measured consideration and prayer. Then, as the Lord directed and without caprice or temper, he took care of each incident and challenge with thoroughness. (Nehemiah 2:11-18; 5:6-7)

What situations or assignments has God presented me with that I’ve neglected to act on? Have I allowed ease and sloth to keep me from moving forward with Him and others? Have I procrastinated so long with certain issues that I wrongly no longer deem them important? What written note, task, or conversation have I put off? Would I accept the hard work it takes to make changes and begin to serve, commend, fix, stretch to make a difference for God’s kingdom?

Are there areas where I thoughtlessly jump in without aligning my reactions with God’s word? Am I diligent to seek His best way of resolving issues or dealing with sin?

When we take care of what God has put before us, we honor Him in obedience, set an example for others, and free the way for Him to assign us more. We clear our consciences and pathways of all that distracts and hold us back so we can progress in faith and help others do the same. (Luke 12:48b)

Lord, keep me pressing on to glorify You by taking care of Your every request.

“Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You have permission to speak for yourself.’ Then Paul stretched out his hand..:

“’I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews…

“’In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.  At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun… And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me.., ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?..’ And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you… to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you  to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

“’Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance… To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass…’

“And Agrippa said to Paul, ‘In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?’ And Paul said,’Whether short or long, I would love to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am – except for these chains.’” Acts 26:1-3,12-20,22,28-29

Paul was giving his defense before King Agrippa for false accusations that he’d been inciting violence. What seemed on the surface simply a personal defense for baseless allegations was actually the gospel. He sought and seized every opportunity to proclaim it. (Acts 25:7-25)

Into every morning, every work day, every encounter with another person and every interaction in commerce or friendship, we carry the hope we have in Christ. Is the gospel at the forefront of heart and mind and passion? What can we do to know it so well that in peace or conflict, when asked or when bumped into, we spill over with the truth of the gospel?

Do we pray for opportunities to spell out the hope of Christ, to exhibit His mercy, forgiveness, justice, and love? Do we speak against Satan’s power and in confidence of God’s? Do we exhibit a life of steady faith, choices made depending on the promises of God, present and future?

Gracious Lord, please help me tuck the light and freedom of your gospel into every part of my day. May your excellencies and the beauties of your heavenly gifts adorn my speech and actions so that others may turn to you and be saved.