As the rain and snow

“Then he called two of the centurions and said,.. ‘Provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.’ And he wrote a letter to this effect:

“’Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings.This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed when I… rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council…’

“They laid before the governor their case against Paul..: ‘Most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation… We have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes…’

“When the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: ‘Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense… This I confess to you, that according to the Way.., I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust…’

“But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, ‘When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.’ Then he gave orders… that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

“After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, ‘Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.’ At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.” Acts 23:23-28; 24:1c,2c,5,10,14-15,22-27

Felix lived his spiritual life on a seesaw. He pretended reason and kindness, but callously avoided courageous decisions. He flirted with truth, but just as quickly fled its potential penetration of his pompous heart.

Felix had a good measure of prestige and power, and was acquainted with professing Christians and their distinct beliefs and behaviors. His heart was curiously drawn, but flesh and self-autonomy won out. He must not be seen as weak or submissive, he must maintain his image. As long as he could manipulate the situation and hold out for some personal gain, he did, to his eternal loss.

Control and privilege have temporal and public allure, but cannot stand when confronted with life-altering truth. Felix was held forever accountable for rejecting the gospel of righteousness and judgment, and refusing Christ. Ambiguous belief leads to indecisive living leads to lost opportunity.

Do I recognize the eternal imperative of responding to Jesus? In what areas of my life have I grown smug managing my own world, or relished the attention of others, and only flirted with what really matters? What will I do to remedy that?

Father, help me boldly believe, stand, and speak for what is true about You.

“’You know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and tears and trials..; how I did not shrink from declaring anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house… But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God… I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God…  And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified…^‘

“When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them. There was much weeping..; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because… they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship…”

“The next day we came to Caesarea… A prophet named Agabus… took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ When we heard this, we… urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Paul answered, ‘What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’ And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, ‘Let the will of the Lord be done.’ After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.” Acts 20:18-20,24,27,32,36-38; 21:8,10b-15a

Paul’s readiness welled up from Christ’s transformation of his heart, mind, and life purpose. Where he’d been a zealous Pharisee and persecutor, he was now a zealous apologist and evangelist, and nothing would stop him from giving his all to God’s call. He was vigilant and ready whatever came next because he was sold out, wholly committed to the Lord who owned, directed, and deserved His every breath and effort. He would never shrink from declaring truth that led to salvation and glory to God. (Acts 21:18-20a; 22:3-21; Philippians 1:6; 3:13-14)

Our readiness for what we face around and before us begins with commitment within us. Salvation-fueled willingness and gratitude always heeds God’s call.

Are we ready for today, for whatever divine appointment God scheduled on His books? Are we ready to stand firm, fully convinced of our call in opposition? Are we ready to enter daily battle with the enemy who never lets up in his mission to steal, kill, and destroy? Are we ready with an answer for the hope we have? Are we ready to meet Jesus face to face? (John 10:10; Acts 24:14-16; Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 John 3:2-3)

“To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill;
Oh, may it all my pow’rs engage
To do my Master’s will!

Arm me with watchful care
As in Thy sight to live,
And now Thy servant, Lord, prepare
A strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,
And still on Thee rely,
Oh, let me not my trust betray,
But press to realms on high.” ~Charles Wesley (1762)

Lord, may I readily keep Your charge and calling and so glorify Thee.

“You know how we lived in the land of Egypt, and how we came through the midst of the nations through which you passed. And you have seen their detestable things, their idols of wood and stone, of silver and gold, which were among them. Beware lest there be among you a man or woman or clan or tribe whose heart is turning away today from the Lord our God to go and serve the gods of those nations. Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit, one who, when he hears the words of this sworn covenant, blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall be safe, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart.’ This will lead to the sweeping away of moist and dry alike.” Deuteronomy 29:16-19

“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” Hebrews 12:15

Every warning in scripture stems from wisdom, omniscience, and blessed grace to God’s people. Remember from whence you came, remember how you have been set apart, recognize the horror and foolishness of idol worship and self-will. And stay vigilant. Beware. See to it. The Lord loves us and intends for us to thrive, but knows well our fickle nature and the errant tendencies of our flesh. (1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:15-16)

Seldom do we plan to fall, or make a thoughtful decision to turn away from God or against another. Sin comes insidiously, one small choice at a time. The devil craftily employs his tools of deception and blinding, skillfully distorting mind, perception, and will to conform to his sinister plans. When we fail to take notice and care, we fall to his wiles. Bitterness, pride, and stubbornness grow and spread beneath the surface and break through in rash rebellion, ugly behavior, rancid resentment, and biting words. The only cure is Christ’s mercy and cleansing that extricate our sin and bring a renewed spirit and resolve not to return. (Genesis 3:1-5; Psalm 51:1-2,9-10; John 8:44; James 1:14-15)

What has caused a cold heart toward God? Where and with whom have we turned from benevolence, acceptance, or devotion to bitterness? It’s vital to get at the root of our root! At some point there was a turn from humility and trust at salvation to thinking too highly of ourselves, or too lowly of our sovereign God. Success may have stoked pride that poked its ugly head through gratitude to the Lord and a sober view of self, or a new right asserting its way through mutual peace. Suddenly who someone else is, or how they behave, or a specific thing they do, gets under our skin and sets us to thinking we are superior. Why do we allow these attitudes to take root? It’s vital to guard against destructive roots to avoid spiritual droughts and ensuing trouble inside and out.

Master Gardener, uproot any bitter tentacles that have spread deep and wide in my spirit, and by Your grace, remove their poison. Cause me to grow clean and strong to bear pure fruit in every season.

“My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
    let the humble hear and be glad” Psalm 34:2

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.’” Jeremiah 9:23-24

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:31; 2 Corinthians 10:17

“Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14

When man stands next to God, boasting is almost laughable. The only comparison is that God dwarfs us in every way. We think we’re smart; He is omniscient and all wise. We work and train to be strong; He is almighty. We’re smug about being clever, creative, and kind; His vast imagination and deep compassion as Creator of all that is beautiful put our flesh efforts to shame.

But there is a boast the Holy One condones, because it points back to and exalts Him. The only way we can know and understand Him is by way of the cross and its exquisite flesh and blood exhibit of righteousness and justice. Because He died in our place and was resurrected so we might flourish as victors over sin and death, we live and move and have our being in Him in full joy. Therefore, He- our very Life- becomes the true boast of our hearts and days. (Psalm 16:11; John 14:6; Acts 17:23)

“I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart –
His wounds have paid my ransom.” ~Stuart Townend (1995)

Have I transferred reverence from myself to my God? Look at the cross! What will it take to dethrone my credentials, famous acquaintances, and accomplishments, to lift high my perfect, glorious Savior alone? Look at the cross! Would I bow before Him, hide myself in Him, and boast that in infinite love and grace He has saved me to know and glorify Him?

“When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them through his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown? 

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.” ~Charles Wesley (1707)

Lord, may my only boast in life be in Your death, by which I can know and exalt Your supremacy in this world.

“Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord: ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.’

“This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.  This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years… He received living oracles to give to us…

“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.’

“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him… They cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him.” Acts 7:30-36,38b,51-54,57-58a

Children of the heavenly Father who rightly follow His difficult calling are often rejected here below. Through the ages, many who obeyed their divine commission were taunted, opposed, and mistreated, but they knew the One to whom they were accountable and their allegiance was fixed on Him. Walking in the Spirit of the Lord assures sufficient strength and the deepest of comfort, even in trial. (Acts 9:15-16,31)

When we are doing right and well in obedience to God and meet opposition and rejection, we can gain inspiration from Bible heroes who endured by faith, though none compare to Jesus. He perfectly followed His Father’s will, and that obedience led to excruciating pain and the cross. Yet, He was wholly surrendered to His will, and kept on for the joy set before Him, authoring our faith in the process. (Isaiah 53:3-10; Luke 22:42; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 11:24-27,32-40; 12:1-3)

What weakness of will or faintness of heart holds us back from standing for right and walking by faith? Looking to self instead of the One we serve will surely ruin holy resolve. By definition, faith is being certain of and living by what and the One whom we cannot see. His preeminence beckons, His righteousness guards our souls, His sufficiency provides as we obey. Would we do the right thing, no matter what? (Hebrews 11:1)

Good Father, keep my heart and actions always right before You, whatever the cost in this world and life. May I ever obey, speak for, and glorify You, for You are worthy.

“On the way [Jesus] asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ They told him, ‘John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.’ And he asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Christ…’ Mark 8:27-29

“And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?’ He answered them, ‘What did Moses command you?’ They said, ‘Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, “God made them male and female. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.'” Mark 10:2-9

“Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, [cried] out and say, ‘Jesus,.. have mercy on me!..’ Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ And the blind man said to him, ‘Rabbi, let me recover my sight.’  And Jesus said, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.” Mark 10:46-47,51-52

Question marks make a statement. Question marks delineate the space between what is said and what is answered. They initiate the process of wonder, investigation, formulation, discovery. Jesus often taught by questioning-sparking the brain, exposing motive, and triggering the self-discovery that invites faith and makes learning sticky and effective.

We learn well by asking questions and processing responses, weighing curiosity and content until the scales of understanding balance. It is good to come to Jesus with our conundrums. Yet often, to those who approached Him, Jesus responded with questions, because as Creator He knew that providing easy answers was not as meaningful or effective as coming to grips with intent and solutions personally. He designed His Socratic discussions to awaken inquiry, recall, and faith to believe.

As a people we have, even unwittingly, grown accustomed to quick answers. We accept ready responses to internet searches as expert- from and selected by unknowns- with no discerning of our own. We’ve grown lazy in working through practical and relational problems, choosing instead the instant or what appears easy way out with no regard for long-term consequences. We trust strangers to do our thinking and choosing without knowing their worldview, spiritual perspective, or moral compass.

The Lord has given us brains for a reason, and His Holy Spirit within to guide and teach. He plants both question and the compulsion to find answers, and always grants wisdom when we seek it. How honest are we with God? When we take time to converse with Him, do we bring all of our questions, or hold some back for fear His responding truth will uncomfortably probe, convict, require change, or disagree with our desire? When He does not answer immediately, would we trust Him to in His time? (Proverbs 2:3-6; Matthew 7:7; John 16:13; James 1:5)

Omniscient and thoroughly good Lord, keep our communion two-way and vigorous. Open my eyes to see and understand myself and You, and train me to think and act with the mind of Christ, to Your praise.

“A man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.^’ When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men… carried him out and buried him.

“After about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter said to her, ‘Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.’ And she said, ‘Yes, for so much.^’ But Peter said, ‘How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.^’ Immediately she fell down… and breathed her last. The young men… carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear came upon the whole church and all who heard of these things.” Acts 5:1-11

Sapphira may not have known the fatal consequence meted out on her co-conspirator husband, but she should have known what was right. She may not have known they’d be caught, but she should have known they were agreeing to lie. She may not have known their plot tested the Spirit of the Lord, but she should have known it was greedy and deceptive and intolerable to the Holy Spirit. (Leviticus 20:26; Habakkuk 1:13)

When we get to conniving for personal gain and against the Lord, troubles ensue. Greed multiplies, attitudes distort, and self-importance trumps kindness and reason. Harsh words, deceit, and aggression overtake thoughtfulness, righteousness, and calm. The tangled web of knowing not the truth or power of God impedes any positive spiritual momentum. The Lord always offers a way out, but at some point of decline, we’ll be unable to grasp His grace, to our great detriment. (Mark 12:24; 1 Corinthians 10:13)

When in mercy God upholds and stands firm on righteousness, the results are redemptive. People reverently fear the highness of God, and bow in belief. They can’t help but acknowledge His truth and power, and irresistibly attracted to it, are compelled to display and speak of it, no matter the cost. (Acts 5:11,14-16,18-21,29,42)

There are many mysteries we will never know about who God is and how He works, yet basing decisions on what we do know to be true is vital. The more we do this, the freer our conscience, and the more natural becomes our inclination to obey.

In every test of stewardship, what is our practice? What greed or flippant lying needs uprooting? How thoroughly do we apply what we know to be honorable and right?

Lord, grant me the will to behave always such that You are feared and glorified.

“The enemy pursues me,
    he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in the darkness
    like those long dead.
So my spirit grows faint within me;
    my heart within me is dismayed.
I remember the days of long ago;
    I meditate on all your works
    and consider what your hands have done.
I spread out my hands to you;
    I thirst for you like a parched land.

Answer me quickly, Lord;
    my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
    or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,
    for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
    lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:3-10

Ups and downs of circumstances, emotion, spiritual fervor. Bowing low, reaching high, weighted down, lifted head… Life seems a roller coaster of rush and crush and swings of mood and shadows, floods and famines. We long for level ground, and something innate presses us to the good Spirit who hears our desperate cries.

Unfailing love is level, steadfast, with no shadow of turn or change. Compassions never fail, and faithfulness holds because they issue from the unchanging God. His works and ways are a rudder to keep us steady, His highway of holiness our true north in hill and vale of life events. These we can cling to and trust! (Isaiah 35:8-10; Lamentations 3:22-23; Malachi 3:6)

When daunted by enemies of doubt, greed, or despair, when uncertain about the way to go forward in a relationship or career, when torn between opinions and choices, where do we turn? To whom do we go? Only God is absolutely trustworthy, His word our firm foundation and level ground. How consistently do we remember, meditate, and spread out our hands to the God who answers, loves, and guides? (Psalm 73:23-26)

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.” ~George Keith (1787)

Lord Most High, teach me Your way to go at every intersection, and keep me on the level path of absolute trust, constancy, and gratitude, no matter what is or comes. Fill me with and guide me by Your good Spirit, that I faithfully honor and glorify your name.

“Cornelius, a centurion of… the Italian Cohort, [was] a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come and say, ‘Cornelius.’ He stared at him in terror and said, ‘What is it, Lord?’ And he said, ‘Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa and bring Peter…’

“The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray.  He became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance and saw the heavens opened…

“While Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision might mean, the men sent by Cornelius… stood at the gate and called out to ask whether Peter was there… The Spirit said to [Peter], ‘Behold, three men are looking for you. Rise and go down without hesitation, for I have sent them.’ Peter went down to the men and said, ‘I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?’ And they said, ‘Cornelius,.. an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say…’

“So Peter… said: ‘Truly I understand that God shows no partiality… To [Jesus] all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’ While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.” Acts 10:1-5,9-11a,17,19-22,34,43-44

Cornelius prayed continuously, and received God’s vision in the middle of the afternoon. The next day Peter paused whatever he was doing to go up to the housetop at noon to pray- hungry for a meal but hungrier for communion with his Lord- and received a life- altering message. God in His providence ordered specific moments to unfold His heavenly plan to those who connected from below, revealing Himself as clearly as the midday sun shone. In the course of hours, He transformed prejudicial thinking, ministry direction, and lives unto salvation. (Acts 10:45-11:18)

Imagine what mercies and miracles the Lord has for the middle of our routine activities, if only we would pause to tune in. He sovereignly, intricately involves Himself in our days to perform His plans, and beckons us to listen, watch, and enter His work. Unless we cease from our horizontal frenzy, we might miss His vertical intervention.

Do we relegate God to a small slice of our calendar and neglect Him otherwise, too busy or distracted to include Him? Would we take time to to stop in the heart of our day, our work and play, to give Him and His word our full attention?

Potentate of time, please keep me honed in on You throughout my days, looking for and participating in Your gracious generosity and mighty deeds. Help me serve Your purposes in my days and generation. Attune my ears to listen, my eyes to see, and my heart to join Your kingdom call, to the furthering of Your will and praise of Your name. (Acts 13:36)

“One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. And the Pharisees were saying to him, ‘Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?’ And he said to them, ‘Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him:  how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?’ And he said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.'” Mark 2:23-28

The Pharisees were accomplished at nitpicking, criticism, and complaint. They were sticklers for the law, only the law that they followed was not the law the Lord commanded. They were so tuned into minutiae that they had no grasp of God’s broader heart. It is as though they looked for opportunity to pick at every pluck, and failed to enjoy any sort of Sabbath rest or spiritual depth in their soul. They’d let desires for other things enter in and choke the word’s influence and intent. (Deuteronomy 4:2; Mark 4:14,18-19; 7:9)

But Jesus upends our shallow, transitory, trivial thinking. His high purposes far transcend our narrow and provincial concerns. While often we see what is amiss or look for error or to make excuses, Jesus has lessons to teach us that are significant, meaningful, and far reaching. We act as though the world revolves around us and our ideas and opinions in our important small universe, when God says reach beyond and higher to the beauties of the plans I intend for you in my vast world. Can we not see beyond legalistic thorns to the provision, grace, and upright character of God? Would we not be easily offended or immediately confrontational, but rather watch and listen and seek what the Lord would have us understand?

The next time we face irritation with another child of God, how will we respond? Can you believe that? or Lord, what can I believe anew about You? Are we prickly about dos and don’ts but forget Jesus is Lord of both, and all?

“I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining ev’ry day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
‘Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.’

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught a joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.

I want to scale the utmost height,
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
‘Lord, lead me on to higher ground.’

Refrain:
Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith, on heaven’s tableland;
A higher plane than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” ~Johnson Oatman (1856-1922)

And there may I think as You think, and live graciously, undeterred by Satan’s darts.