As the rain and snow

“A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly…
A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
but perverseness in it breaks the spirit…
The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so the hearts of fools…
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,
but he who is slow to anger quiets contention…
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
and a word in season, how good it is!..
Gracious words are pure…
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things…
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
and good news refreshes the bones…
Humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 15:1-2,4,7,18,23,26b,28,30,33b

Soft answers go a long way in communicating, and a gentle voice quiets the noisiest of rooms and souls. Rough and harsh spit and scratch before words are ever received, and so aggravate and disturb that they defeat any intention at a message other than angst. But gentleness soothes, and readies the ears for all that is to follow. The enemy delights in destroying constructive and uplifting communication, so we must be vigilant. No matter what we mean to convey, a mild manner will smooth the wings of our words for all goodness to be received.

What arouses turbulence in us that foments harsh words? Can we not let go of the fact that we cannot control circumstances, or another’s choices? Are we so competitive for attention, or defensive to prove ourselves right, that we turn friend or loved one into contestant by insisting on one-upping in word and volume? Does holding onto my rights render me unable to converse with reason and calm? Adjust focus! “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

And why are we so prickly? Why do I have to take personally every slight, false accusation, or verbal misstep? How would it change my stress level and tone of voice if I chose not to let things and people bother me? If I decided that another’s cattiness or bullheadedness or inattention can be met with graciousness and patience? Any reproach that falls on me has fallen on my Christ, and He bore the agonizing weight with unending love and perfect peace. (Isaiah 53:3-5)

Maybe it’s frenzy and busy that rile us away from calm conversation. Do we snap when interrupted, fret with impatience, or sigh at ineptitude? Do we castigate with judgment, or agitate with worry? If my agenda, in my time, my way, is my goal, I will absolutely meet frustration. But if I turn anxiety over in prayer, and verbalize thankfulness and trust instead of demands, God’s peace will flood heart and mind and make its way to tongue. (Philippians 4:6-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

How might we speak in such a way our hearers are refreshed? Enlightened? Uplifted? Consoled? How can I adjust my tone and volume to ‘gentle,’ so the love of Jesus is heard? (Proverbs 12:25; 18:4; 1 Corinthians 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Father, in everything You have asked me to speak, may I so communicate that Your gentleness is evident to all. (Philippians 4:5)

“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… Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me all that I ever did.’ So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 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…’

“At Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill.  When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.  Jesus said to him, ‘Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.’ The official said to him, ‘Sir, come down before my child dies.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your son will live.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, ‘Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.’ The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, ‘Your son will live.’ And he himself believed, and all his household.” John 4:28-30,39-42,46b-53

Belief began by hearing: for the woman, by direct conversation; for the official, through stories told. Truth awakens faith, and acting in faith begets more faith. The woman’s testimony drew Samaritans to come investigate first hand, and another testimony prompted the official to seek out Jesus the Healer. He believed He had power, then believed His promise. How are any to believe without hearing? (Romans 10:9-14)

We all have a part in our own faith walk, and in helping to build the faith of those around us. For ourselves, we need exposure to God’s voice in order to hear the truth that compels belief. His word is full of accounts of His work in history, kingdoms, and individual lives. It displays His radiance, holiness, and wisdom. What investment are we making to hear Him through the Bible, believe, and see His works and worth revealed? Do we take time to come to Him and stay, lingering until He is finished with us? How is this developing our faith so we continue to add more? (Genesis 17:22; 18:33; 2 Peter 1:5)

And what part are we playing in telling others about Jesus, in proclaiming how He has met us, and the difference a relationship with Him has made in our worldview, security, and sense of purpose? What questions can we ask that compel investigation, discovery, and belief? Whom will we go and tell so they might know for themselves the thrill of intimacy with Jesus and living expectantly day by day?

Lord, may I consistently believe what You speak, see what You do, and believe You more deeply. Develop in me greater love and faith that bring glory, and others, to You.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,  which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight  making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ  as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:3-14

In: 1. contained or enclosed by; inside; within; 2. wearing; clothed by. This preposition connotes enveloped, held, secure, inseparable. When we are included in Christ, by His remarkable grace, we can be all in, by faith, to live for and unto Him.

As recipient of every spiritual blessing, we should find them making a daily difference in the way we think, behave, and interact with those around us. We should be living holy, fruitful, blameless lives full of purpose, and glorifying to God. We should be growing in His likeness, abounding with His Spirit, and spreading His love and light. If they are not, and we are not, we should test to see if we are really in Christ. (2 Corinthians 13:5; Colossians 1:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3-10)

In Christ, we are blessed, chosen before the foundation of the world, and redeemed by the blood of Jesus.

In the heavenly places, every spiritual blessing that is ours resides and flows.

In love, He predestined us for adoption as His children, to fulfill His perfect will, for the praise of His glory.

In the Beloved, we are blessed.

In all wisdom and insight, He lavishes us with the riches of His grace and makes known the mystery of His will set forth in Christ.

In Him all things will one day be united.

In Him we own an eternal inheritance, and are sealed with the Holy Spirit who is the Guarantee of that inheritance.

If all of these are true about us, and they are if we are in Christ, how are we displaying our hope? Our status as chosen in grace, loved, and redeemed? How are we putting to use our freedom and forgiveness to freely love and forgive others with generous mercy and compassion? How are we intentionally, actively, pursuing God’s purpose and calling?

My Lord, who has given so much to include me in You, may I be all in for You, with all I have, for the honor of Your worth and glory.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,  which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight  making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ  as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:3-14

In: 1. contained or enclosed by; inside; within; 2. wearing; clothed by. This preposition connotes enveloped, held, secure, inseparable. When we are included in Christ, by His remarkable grace, we can be all in, by faith, to live for and unto Him.

As recipient of every spiritual blessing, we should find them making a daily difference in the way we think, behave, and interact with those around us. We should be living holy, fruitful, blameless lives full of purpose, and glorifying to God. We should be growing in His likeness, abounding with His Spirit, and spreading His love and light. If they are not, and we are not, we should test to see if we are really in Christ. (2 Corinthians 13:5; Colossians 1:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3-10)

In Christ, we are blessed, chosen before the foundation of the world, and redeemed by the blood of Jesus.

In the heavenly places, every spiritual blessing that is ours resides and flows.

In love, He predestined us for adoption as His children, to fulfill His perfect will, for the praise of His glory.

In the Beloved, we are blessed.

In all wisdom and insight, He lavishes us with the riches of His grace and makes known the mystery of His will set forth in Christ.

In Him all things will one day be united.

In Him we own an eternal inheritance, and are sealed with the Holy Spirit who is the Guarantee of that inheritance.

If all of these are true about us, and they are if we are in Christ, how are we displaying our hope? Our status as chosen in grace, loved, and redeemed? How are we putting to use our freedom and forgiveness to freely love and forgive others with generous mercy and compassion? How are we intentionally, actively, pursuing God’s purpose and calling?

My Lord, who has given so much to include me in You, may I be all in for You, with all I have, for the honor of Your worth and glory.

“He made the breastpiece, in skilled work,.. of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. It was square…  They set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle was the first row; the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in settings of gold filigree. There were twelve stones with their names according to the names of the sons of Israel. They were like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes. They made on the breastpiece twisted chains like cords, of pure gold.  They made two settings of gold filigree and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece… They attached the two ends of the two cords to the two settings of filigree… to the shoulder pieces of the ephod. Then they made two rings of gold, and put them at the two ends of the breastpiece, on its inside edge next to the ephod.  They made two rings of gold, and attached them in front to the lower part of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, at its seam above the skillfully woven band of the ephod.  And they bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, so that it should lie on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastpiece should not come loose.” Exodus 39:8-16,18-21

The priestly garments for ministering in the Holy Place were intricately crafted and lovely. Carefully woven, hammered, enclosed, and attached, each material was designed and incorporated into a secure breastpiece, worn by the priest in remembrance of every member of every tribe he represented before the Lord. They were always on his heart, and secure.

Our Great High Priest so carries us, right against His bosom that throbs with love and mercy. He adorns Himself with us, as He carried our sins to the cross, now His children as treasured ornaments. He ever bears us before the Father, interceding perfectly according to His will for our sanctification, that we will not fall, and that we will love with His love. He defends us against accusation. No one can ever snatch us from His hand, or heart. (Zephaniah 3:17; Luke 22:31-32; John 1:14; John 10:28-29; 17:15,17,26; Romans 8:31-34; Hebrews 7:25)

He also names us His priests, with the privilege of bearing one another’s burdens and holding others in our heart. He entrusts us to certain relationships to care and support with compassion and love. He reminds us to pray, upholding loved ones, hard situations, our government leaders, and the persecuted church before God’s throne. (Matthew 5:44; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 6:19-20; Philippians 1:7; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; 1 Peter 2:9)

Whom has the Lord named for me to wear on my heart? How conscientiously, lovingly, and consistently am I serving them as priest of my Lord?

Lord, may I be faithful to hold in my heart and before Your throne those You’ve entrusted to me. Help me bear their burdens and minister as a benediction to their souls, all for Your sake. (Ephesians 6:23-24; Philippians 1:3-11)

“A glad heart makes a cheerful face,
    but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed…^.
All the days of the afflicted are evil,
    but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great treasure and trouble with it…
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
    and a word in season, how good it is!..
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
    and good news refreshes the bones.” Proverbs 15:13,15-16,23,30

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down,
    but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25

“A joyful heart is good medicine.” Proverbs 17:22

“God loves a cheerful giver… He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.  By their approval of this service, they will glorify God.” 2 Corinthians 9:7b,10-13

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice…  I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Philippians 4:4,11b

“Rejoice always,.. give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16,18

Cheerfulness resides in the soul that is not self-consumed, but Spirit-filled and content. All of life is a gift, and the opportunity to live another day an opportunity to be joyful and bring attention to the Giver and Lord of every good gift. A thankful heart begets a positive outlook, which leads to a cheerful countenance, that in turn spreads to a contagious expectant attitude. A cheerful word does much to lift the burdened, raise the eyes, and gladden the heart. Cheerful service conveys value and love, and cheerful giving models godliness and awakens gratitude and praise to a generous God. (James 1:17)

And just as cheerfulness is contagious, so are rancor, whining, fretting, negativity, and a critical spirit. So are irritability and crankiness. Whether I keep my head in a cloud of doom, or one made light with God’s presence, will determine the atmosphere in my home, workplace, and surroundings. What am I looking for, what am I spreading, and what do I want to spread? Do I see the smile or scatter on the sidewalk? The soul-sick are in need of infectious cheer from a smile or a word, and I can make a difference. (Exodus 13:21-22; Proverbs 15:1)

Can I learn to let harsh and hurt slide off my back? Can I be big enough not to be touchy, nor return evil for evil, but respond with grace? The indwelling Spirit can bridle the tongue and face into a soft answer and loving expression. If I deliberately bless others, the Lord blesses in return, and joy spills over to abound. For what legitimate reason would we not seek the good and rejoice in God’s riches owned as His children? (Romans 12:17; Ephesians 1:3,11-14; 1 Peter 3:9)

Good Father, imprint and identify me by a steady, unshakable cheerfulness that is irresistible to the world and glorifying to You.

“My son, if you receive my words
    and treasure up my commandments with you,
making your ear attentive to wisdom
    and inclining your heart to understanding;
yes, if you call out for insight
    and raise your voice for understanding,
if you seek it like silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasures,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
    he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
guarding the paths of justice
    and watching over the way of his saints.
Then you will understand righteousness and justice
    and equity, every good path;
for wisdom will come into your heart,
    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
discretion will watch over you,
    understanding will guard you,
 delivering you from the way of evil…
men whose paths are crooked,
    and who are devious in their ways.

“So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman,
    from the adulteress with her smooth words…

“So you will walk in the way of the good
    and keep to the paths of the righteous.” Proverbs 2:1-12a,15-16,20

Being so inclined is often offered as a choice: ‘if you please.’ But in God’s spiritual economy, it is a mandate toward His word and truth if we are to fear Him and be wise. So inclining our hearts is an act of will that reaps sure benefits every day.

When we incline ourselves to understanding the Lord by listening, receiving, and storing up His word, we learn the value and soundness of what He imparts. We begin to see why He does what He does, and how. We learn to trust His defense of our minds, and to renew them regularly to determine His will. We start to make a habit of thinking on things above, and true, and noble, and right. We experience that wisdom begets integrity, justice, discretion, and discernment. It fortifies our wills, and delivers from evil delusions and temptation. (Romans 8:31-34; 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 4:7-8; Colossians 3:1-2)

When tempted to detour off the righteous way, or entertain a wayward enticement, we must assess our treasure and inclination. If we really value godly wisdom, we will determine every decision in light of it: will this add to my knowledge and understanding of the Lord? Is this motivated by proper fear of Him? Does this exhibit wisdom that’s from above, and therefore pure, peaceable, open to reason, full of mercy, impartial, and promoting a harvest of righteousness? (James 3:17-18)

“May the mind of Christ, my Savior, 
Live in me from day to day,
By his love and pow’r controlling 
All I do and say.

May the word of God dwell richly 
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph 
Only through his pow’r.

May the love of Jesus fill me 
As the waters fill the sea.
Him exalting, self abasing:
This is victory.

May we run the race before us, 
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus 
As we onward go.” ~Kate Wilkinson (1925)

Lord, incline me to seek and treasure You in every thought, impulse, desire, and effort, and so gain wisdom and glorify You.

“When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend.., and the Lord would speak with Moses… face to face, as a man speaks to his friend…

“Moses said to the Lord, ‘You say to me, “Bring up this people,” but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, “I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.”  Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight…’  And he said, ‘My presence will go with you…’ He said to him, ‘If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.  For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?’

“The Lord said, ‘This very thing… I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.’ Moses said, ‘Please show me your glory.’ ‘I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name “The LORD…” There is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and cover you with my hand.’” Exodus 33:9,11-19,21-22

Moses, who enjoyed deep communion with his Lord to the point of absorbing His glorious radiance, was merely a man. In all his great faith he was a man of weakness and insecurity. It may seem a strange dichotomy for one so noble and brave, but the flesh is a nemesis for every child of God being sanctified here below.

But this gracious Father never ceases to strive with His own, respond to earnest prayer, and show Himself faithful. Moses knew and recorded ongoing communion with his Sovereign. He honestly admitted frustration and inadequacy for his assigned tasks. God performed marvelously in his behalf, yet he had his moments of doubting whether he really had His favor, and was bold to ask for reassurance. God so loved him, and understood his heart, that He responded to every request with generous grace and affection. (Exodus 4:1-13)

There are life situations that leave us reeling, uncertain in our purpose, unmoored where we’d always found security and confidence. But these revelations and changes for us are no surprise to the Almighty. They might even be His exact tool for our chastening, discipline, or upbuilding of faith. Maintaining honest dialogue with Him opens our eyes to His sure hold, grace, and glory.

Where do we struggle with insecurity of calling, direction, or God’s favor? When we cannot grasp His plan, we must seek His ways- how has He worked before? What has He taught? Are we doing our part to join His present activity, or flippantly demanding that He join ours? Do we know the desperation of needing His presence and power, and will we wait in the cleft for it?

Father, please secure my wayward emotions and fix my soul in Your truths. I long to know Your ways and behold Your glory, that You be magnified in my life.

“Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility  by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,  and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility… For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.  So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,  built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” Ephesians 2:12-16,18-20

In many nations of our world, aliens and strangers cross borders, fleeing violence and persecution, risking life and lonely, yearning for hope and safety and new life. They ford streams, trod in caravans, secretly steal undetected, all to leave, all to come. The conduit between from and to is as varied as those making attempt.

Spiritually, that way is made, and it’s all on the Way Maker. The crossing is a Cross, the way is blood, and all who make the journey find refuge into new citizenship on the other side. Enemies become friends, wanderers find home, the condemned are free. We may not be able to delineate the boundary between doubt and belief, wonder and faith, lost and found, but at one perceptible moment it is transversed, and new life begins. (Hebrews 11:13-16; John 14:6; Colossians 1:19-20)

Have I stepped to the other side? Is the country of doubt, fear, or fretting now in the distant past? Have I left the entanglement of impatience, bitterness, or malice behind? If I’m still loitering at the border, unwilling to stop coddling the old, or uncertain about putting on a recreated thought process, and reordering my outlook to enter the new, I have a decision to make. Jesus has made the way, but no one can walk it for me. What will it take to bid adieu forever to the old and enter the freedom of the wide place prepared for me? (Psalm 18:19; 31:8)

“And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee.” ~Charles Wesley (1738)

What evidence is there I have crossed the border? Whom will I bring to see and desire the new country of Christ?

My Savior, may I never forget Your blood and the way You made for me. Help me fully access the unsearchable riches of Your grace and light, and boldly bring them to a world separated from You, for their fullness, and Your glory. (Ephesians 3:7-19)

“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

“Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.’” John 12:23-26

There is a glory in completely others-centered service. We’ve seen the joy. We’ve received the grace that effuses from a surrendered life, enjoyed the fragrance of every loving act, every blessing and affection bestowed. We are captivated by the glow of delight in one who serves wholeheartedly unto the Lord, because He’s present in it. The glory is all His, pulsing from His heart of limitless love. (Romans 5:5)

So much of our service is actually self–serving. We ‘serve’ because we actually like to ‘do.’ We serve because someone we admire asked and would be pleased. We get involved and work according to our preferences and convenience. But the serving Jesus modeled, and said we must follow, is a serving unto death to ourselves. It was in His sacrifice that He was glorified, and He beckons us, as His servants, to honor Him with the same. (John 13:3-5,15)

The epitome of self-giving enabled Jesus to draw all men to Himself. His surrender of spirit enabled us, by His grace and reconciliation, to give of ourselves to Him and others. His death loosens our grip on self-interest and the need to be first and right, freeing us to consider others more important than ourselves, to prefer their interests and needs. And there is such gladness when Jesus is exalted! (Matthew 27:50; John 12:32; Romans 12:10-11; Philippians 2:3-4)

Is our service snippy in our workplace, crusty among our church, always with a sigh at home? Is it clipped with attitude, huffy with resentment, or chafed at the cost to our convenience? Maybe we need take a step back and a good look at the motivation, and the end goal. Unto ourselves? Unto others? Unto the Lord? Our sovereign Master is not pleased by public displays that hanker for attention, or corrupt, manipulative hearts. Emptiness rings hollow when we’re racking points or making boast. But genuine service for the sake of our Lord raises high His name and reflects His lovely face. (Matthew 6:5-6; 7:12; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7; Colossians 3:23)

“Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.” ~Frances Havergal (1874) 

Oh Lord, may I serve You as You have served me. And may Your glory be magnified in all You ask me to do for others’ sake, that they sense it is You who have loved them well.