As the rain and snow

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.  The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world...

“And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’  He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’  So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’  He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘”Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said…

“’I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know,  even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.’ 

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!  This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.” I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John bore witness: ‘I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.’

“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’” John 1:6-9,19-23,26-27,29-36

John the Baptist was single-minded, on mission from God and hidden behind Him. His identity, life purpose, and drive were bound up in the One he was sent to announce. He drew no attention to self but deflected at every opportunity to Jesus. Day after day, as His witness, he shed light on Jesus and spoke only truth about Him, highlighting His unique glory and refusing any for himself. (Isaiah 42:8; 48:11; Colossians 3:3-4)

John was sold out to his ordained mission, and no worldly allure would detract him from it. From birth he knew he was stamped as one sent- a forerunner, a herald- and he stayed focused until death on that call. Jesus commended him, not he himself. (Matthew 11:7-14; 14:3-11; Luke 1:11-17)

Is Jesus so much my life that I am hidden in Him? How can those around me recognize Jesus in my countenance, speech, and manner of living? What about the atmosphere around me indicates His grace, radiates His peace, identifies His Lordship? How clear and bold and attractive is my witness of the Worthy One, that others are drawn to His hope of glory? (1 Chronicles 29:11; Colossians 1:27-29; 1 Timothy 4:12)

Father, in every effort, may my life and words point to, exemplify, and exalt You alone.

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,  that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time… Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.  Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.  For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.  But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.  Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-11

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

“I thank… Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy… and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy.., that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe.” 1 Timothy 1:12-16

Paul knew it was all of grace that God had arrested his violent rebellion and transformed him into a new creature. Suddenly blinded to former charms, he received spiritual sight, with new beliefs, desire, and purpose. God’s amazing grace to him would not lie fallow. By the very nature of that vibrant, energizing grace that turned an enemy into a friend, Paul bounded ahead for the Lord’s purpose and glory. (Acts 9:3-20; Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

“Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.” ~John Newton (1779)

Do we continually marvel at God’s grace to us in the life and death of Christ? That gift would be in vain were we not to offer our lives back to Him. How is so great a love compelling us? In what ways does it refine our outlook toward others, and energize our use of resources? How are we yielding our time and emotions to the movement of His grace through our words and actions? (2 Corinthians 5:14-21)

May we never treat in vain what to God was so costly. Would we take a moment each day to reflect on the marvelous grace lavished on and entrusted to us, surrender to its sweet and powerful sway, and ask how we can extend and proclaim that grace to others?

Father, may I daily access Your grace in order to stand, serve, speak, and rejoice unto Your glory. (Romans 5:2)

“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting!” Psalm 139:23-24

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” “Let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 4:12; 12:1

The clear pale of long moments before dawn was suddenly distinguished by almost imperceptible rays of a sun yet unseen. Gaze, gaze, gaze longer and see the pin dot of planet, suspended and bright, between the trees, soon to disappear in the light of morning. Watching on the stop and still discovers wonders otherwise concealed.

It takes time to visually define the reach of rays. It takes time to outline the edges of planets. It takes time to hear still small voices well, and gladly. The more quickly we cruise through moments, the more cursory our glance, the brighter we let cares and urgencies burn, the more we miss what is revealed in the dark. Skimming into and along our days fades sin’s pinpricks from our eyes, though they still work their insidious destruction. The devil would blind us from seeing and dealing with his handiwork. (1 Kings 19:11-13; Mark 12:37b)

One way to investigate enemy footholds is to immerse ourselves in the holy Scriptures, honestly undergoing the microscope of God’s righteous standard. His word, like a searchlight, exposes habits and attitudes we would rather keep hidden, and washes them in bright, healing grace. Conviction is always worth the truth about our sin and Christ’s mercy that sets us free. (Psalm 119:130; John 8:31-32; 16:8; Ephesians 5:13-14; 1 John 1:5-9)

Another way is to take committed time- with no timer ticking- to bow before the Almighty in confession. Begin with worship of His highness and perfection. This exalts our sights and fills us with light that then shows up how and where we fall short. Name the rebellion, the lust, the secret activities and mental entertainment. Speak the jealousies and sloth and uncharitable thoughts and snippy responses. We cannot skim over this important work of confession if we are to be wholehearted in our devotion to Christ Jesus. Genuine repentance is the key to a healthy spiritual compass-reset and direction forward. (Psalm 32:5; 51:2; Proverbs 28:13; Micah 7:18-19; Hebrews 10:22)

Do we prefer superficial spirituality where we relish sunshine but never see the exquisite details of God’s intent? What causes us to miss identifying the foreign planets that orbit and affect our souls, and prevents us from soaking in the open-armed rays of God’s cleansing? When will we make and take time to allow God to zoom in to shine in and on us? (Numbers 6:24-26)

“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)

Lord, search deeply my innermost heart, and permeate the whole sphere of my life so I reflect Your righteousness and glory.

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.  And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.  But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,  but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'” Luke 10:38-42

These sisters, along with their brother Lazarus, offered Jesus a warm place of easy fellowship and comfort as oases during His ministry. They lived just outside the hum of Jerusalem in Bethany, and shared with their friend deep mutual love and interest. Martha was quick to welcome Him, but then just as quickly turned her back to return to busyness. The busyness of much serving that brewed fretting, stewing, a stomp here and a jerked-stir there resentment that boiled over into whining. In contrast, Mary lingered, and listened, sitting quietly at His feet. (John 11:5; 12:2-3)

It is not wrong that either woman served her friend (and Savior) in her particular way. Hosting gifts vary and complement each other. But motive and attitude matter. Jesus, who knew all that was in a person, detected their heart thrum and wanted to put the errant mindset aright. To prepare and present a needed meal is a gracious service that honors the guest, but distraction to the point of anxiety, huffiness, and bitter complaining dishonors the Lord. Tasks can trip us up when they are neither offered unto Jesus nor performed wholeheartedly. (John 2:24-25; Ephesians 6:7; Philippians 2:14; Colossians 3:23-24; Hebrews 12:15)

What attitudes need adjusting in my day to day interactions, with strangers and those I love? When I feel ‘put-upon,’ harried, or exasperated, would I pause to remember all Christ bore on my behalf willingly and without a word? Would I turn a rising grumble borne of a stingy spirit to high praise as I serve with generosity? (Psalm 100:1-2; Isaiah 53:4,7; 61:3)

How do we express devotion to the Savior? Surely we have different gifts that are needed and complementary in the Body, but do they ever overshadow the One who gave them? The tyranny of the urgent distracts from focus on Him as recipient and aim of all our efforts. Frenzied serving robs us of soaking in the instruction, help, and grace the Lord extends. Where has Jesus invited us away from the press of busy to quiet devotion with Him? Are we choosing to accept?And when we are occupied with much service, is it halfhearted with a rub, or wholehearted for Jesus? (Matthew 11:28-30)

Lord, may I welcome You daily with the hospitality You deserve. Help me always choose the good portion of listening and serving with cheerful, reverent gratitude. And may I welcome others into my life and days without grumbling, and with much grace, to Your honor. (1 Peter 4:9-10)

“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, “At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.”‘

“In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp. And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground. When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, ‘What is it?’ For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, ‘It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.  This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take… according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.’”  And the people of Israel did so. They gathered, some more, some less.  But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat. And Moses said to them, ‘Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.’  But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. Morning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted.” Exodus 16:11-21

The Lord was definitive with Moses about His miraculous provision of manna for the masses. And He followed through exactly, supplying ample sustenance each morning as He’d promised. “But when the sun grew hot, it melted.” As long as they did as instructed, and gathered early in the morning, they would be satisfied for that day. If they delayed, or out of distrust hoarded some, it either dissolved or rotted into uselessness.

For a number of reasons, we suffer melted manna too. We might laze a while, turning in our beds until the opportunity to gather what the Lord has prepared is missed. We may choose to focus on other things until we get ‘a better time,’ and by then, the sun is too hot. We might give other priorities first place, thinking we’ll make time later, and the heat of the days hypnotizes us into a siesta. We might also think we can glut one day, or have Sunday carry us through the week, but manna doesn’t store or sustain that way. The rotation of busyness and days around hot sun spoils that plan.

We may not always be hungry, or particularly like the taste of God’s food, but it’s vital to our spiritual nourishment and growth that we partake, regularly. His heavenly nutrients satisfy in ways we may not even today understand, but will be called upon later when needed for specific wisdom, a sense of direction, or a test of strength.

How disciplined are we to taste and savor daily that He is good and enough? When He supplies, are we faithful to receive? (Psalm 34:8; Matthew 6:11; Philippians 4:19)

Father, feed me early, and sustain me with Your heavenly daily bread for all You have for me to do.

“Moses was afraid, and… fled from Pharaoh [to] the land of Midian…

“Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ He said, “But I will be with you…”

“Moses said, ‘If I [say] to the people.., “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask, “What is his name?” what shall I say to them?’ God said,.. ‘I am has sent me to you…’ But he said, ‘Oh, my Lord, please send someone else…’

“Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people go…

“At the end of 430 years, on that very day,.. the Lord brought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts… Then Moses said to the people, ‘Remember this day in which you came out… of slavery, for by a strong hand the Lord brought you out…’

“The Egyptians pursued them,.. and overtook them encamped at the sea… When… the people of Israel lifted up their eyes,.. they feared greatly… And Moses said, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you…’ Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back… and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided…

“The Lord saved Israel that day from the Egyptians… Israel saw the great power the Lord used.., and they believed in [him] and his servant Moses.” Exodus 2:14-15; 3:11-14; 4:13; 11:10; 12:41,51; 13:3; 14:9-10,13-14,21,30-31

“By faith [Moses] left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover.., so that the Destroyer… might not touch them. By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land.” Hebrews 11:27-29

How did Moses transform from a reticent, insecure candidate to a bold, God-dependent leader of millions? Gradually, and by faith in his Lord. God called him, answered his questions, promised His presence, and trained him in faithful obedience. Moses openly communicated every doubt and emotion. His Lord saw him through inadequacy, desperation, frustration, righteous anger, and human impossibility, building faith muscle mass in each experience. His manna never failed, the cloud hovered and guided, the promises kept coming true. (Exodus 16:21,35; Numbers 9:17; 11:9)

When God calls us to new or different service, He does not usually change us overnight. When we willingly step forward, delight in Him, and renew our minds in His word, He shapes our thinking and desires. He develops and proves our gifts as we surrender, test, and approve His revealed will. He leads and equips step by step and challenge by challenge, so we learn to depend on Him in all things small and large. Faith begins as a bud, then grows to full blossom to make an eternal difference in a vast array of opportunities. (Psalm 37:4; Matthew 17:20; Romans 12:1-2)

To what service or task is He calling us today that requires renewed or courageous faith? How can we exercise obedience while trusting Him to prove His promises?

Father, make me willing and bold to step out with You. Increase my faith so all may see that You are sufficient and Your word is true.

“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you…

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you…

“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.  They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.

“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you…  But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 14:16-18; 15:18-19; 16:1-4,6-7

Jesus is the perfect parent. His every intention is borne of love, His every word meaningful and laced with knowledge and grace. He prepared and trained His disciples in the present for all He knew their future would hold, to keep them from falling. He equipped them with appropriate information and spiritual sustenance and power, so they would remember. He met the warning of His coming absence with the promise of His Spirit forever, and that they would be hated in the world by reminding them He had chosen them out of it. They would be persecuted, but He would also, and though they could not now understand, they would soon recall His victory.

And all He pledged His followers before His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, He does for us today because of them. We will face many dangers, toils, and snares, but we need not fall, and we need not fear. Our Lord has gone before us, triumphant in every trial. His Spirit dwells within as comfort, strength, and guide. He metes out knowledge as He sees fit to ready us for what is to come, and some things He does not yet reveal because we might faint or fail were we to know. We can trust Him to prepare us adequately and illumine the substance of His promises in and at the exact time we need.

Looking ahead, what fears- of lack or pain, rejection or hardship- cause worry and consternation? Would we review and take to heart His promises, believing that He works even difficulties for our good and sanctification? That He will never leave or forsake us? That His Spirit abides with and intercedes for us always? (Deuteronomy 31:6; Job 23:10; Romans 8:26-28,31-39; Hebrews 13:5)

Lord, help me apply Your preparation and take hold of Your promises. In all that comes, may I boldly honor Your name.

“A ruler asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’  And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: “Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.”‘ And he said, ‘All these I have kept from my youth.’  When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’ But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, ‘How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!  For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.’ Those who heard it said, ‘Then who can be saved?’ But he said, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’  And Peter said, ‘See, we have left our homes and followed you.’  And he said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God,  who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.'” Luke 18:18-30

The wealthy ruler had much going for him, including genuine desire to understand the way to eternal life. He thought this was his goal. What arrested him with sadness was not what he’d have to do to attain it- that’s what he’d hoped- but the fact he’d have to give up what he actually treasured most. He went away, and the rest of the story depends on how he utilized his sad.

There is a sadness that arrives when we come to terms with our sin. We recognize the horror of it, along with the difficulty of cutting off its tentacles. There is a sickening combination of having been duped, and the difficulty of ceasing. But the one thing we lack is possible with God.

There is also the holy sadness when seeing an earnest enquirer trapped in lostness. He may mean and do so well, but cannot comprehend it’s not enough and never will be. Or he may be misguided altogether, thinking he is looking for truth but actually running in rebellion after false gods. This is a sorrow to which we attach wings in prayer, and release to the Lord for His intervention and possibilities. (Matthew 23:37; 2 Corinthians 2:4)

When the Lord gives sadness, it is a mercy we can put to sanctifying use that leads to true riches. When we are struck with conviction, it is God’s kindness that leads our grief to repentance when we humbly respond. Our tears and anguish of heart for a wayward friend are an expression of love He treasures, and translates within His providential plan. How will we receive and utilize the sadnesses God brings, and thus enjoy the privilege of taking part in His redemptive work? (Romans 2:4)

Father, help me discern the meaning of each sadness, and act upon it for my own purification, the good of others, and the glory of Your grace.

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. ¹Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all…

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment… Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law…

“Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires…  Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” Romans 12:9-18; 13:1-2,8,13-14; 14:10

The word of God is practical and thorough. But fickle man likes to pick and choose what we want to hear, selecting our favorites and the most palatable, and ignore or do away with the parts that prickle or pinch. Let’s obey the commands that come naturally or bring personal benefit, but really? Give up certain pleasures, or serve them with kindness- after all they have done to me? We distort God’s word into disconnected words for the optional taking, when indeed, the Word who was from the beginning is to be revered and obeyed. Line upon line, precept upon precept, the whole word is ours to cherish and follow. That and that, and yes, this too. (Isaiah 28:10,13a; John 1:1-4)

Our Creator made us to bear His image through and through. That involves every inkling of thought and spreads to every facet of life, not only the facets of our lives we wish to be sanctified. If we are to reflect His glory, His word must seep and soak into every cranny of idea, impulse, and action. If this is not our desire, we can ask Him to make it so. Pray that God would purify our affections and aims, and purge us of malice, bitterness, and rebellion. (Genesis 1:26-27; Isaiah 43:7)

It is prudent to go through passages and take personal inventory. Which statutes sting? Would we stop to confess, and ask for the Spirit’s help to wean us from those proclivities and transform them into holy instincts? Putting off the old and practicing the new reorders our habits and sanctifies us. (Colossians 3:1-17)

Lord, help me take seriously all Your words. Give me the humility and courage to live them out in thought and action, to Your praise and glory.

“But where shall wisdom be found?
    And where is the place of understanding?
Man does not know its worth,
    and it is not found in the land of the living.
The deep says, ‘It is not in me,’
    and the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’
It cannot be bought for gold,
    and silver cannot be weighed as its price.
 It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir,
    in precious onyx or sapphire.
Gold and glass cannot equal it,
    nor can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.
No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal;
    the price of wisdom is above pearls.
The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it,
    nor can it be valued in pure gold.

“From where, then, does wisdom come?
    And where is the place of understanding?
It is hidden from the eyes of all living
    and concealed from the birds of the air…

“God understands the way to it,
    and he knows its place.
For he looks to the ends of the earth
    and sees everything under the heavens.
When he gave to the wind its weight
    and apportioned the waters by measure,
when he made a decree for the rain
    and a way for the lightning of the thunder,
 then he saw it and declared it;
    he established it, and searched it out.
And he said to man,
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
    and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Job 28:12-21,23-28

God set Adam and Eve in Eden with the tree of life, but the serpent bit them with a gnawing for wisdom they could procure on their own. From that time on, we have sought wisdom with limited understanding and tainted flesh. Driven by yearning, we use our minds and every capability, but so often apart from the High and Holy One who made us for Himself. Fearing what we don’t know, and revering ourselves in high esteem, we look to everyone and everything but Him. (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7)

But only God, who sees, knows, and upholds everything, understands the way to it. The Lord by whom and for whom all was created is the One to be sought and known. He who counts the stars and measures the winds and holds back the sea is the Way, Truth, and Life, the Source and Fount of wisdom. The value and potency of fearing this unsearchable God and owning godly wisdom is immeasurable. (Psalm 147:4; Proverbs 8:28-30; John 14:6, Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:3)

“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
    and I find knowledge and discretion.
I have counsel and sound wisdom;
    I have insight; I have strength.
By me kings reign,
    and rulers decree what is just;
by me princes rule,
    and nobles, all who govern justly.
I love those who love me,
    and those who seek me diligently find me.
Riches and honor are with me,
    enduring wealth and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
    and my yield than choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
    in the paths of justice,
granting an inheritance to those who love me,
    and filling their treasuries.” Proverbs 8:12,14-21

What will I do to redirect my search for wisdom?

Lord, may I fear and honor You always and above all things so wisdom finds its place here in me.