As the rain and snow

“Abijah slept with his fathers, and… Asa his son reigned in his place. In his days the land had rest for ten years. And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. He took away the foreign altars and the high places and broke down the pillars and cut down the Asherim and commanded Judah to seek the Lord,.. and to keep the law and the commandment. He also took out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the incense altars. The kingdom had rest under him. He built fortified cities in Judah. He had no war in those years, for the Lord gave him peace. And he said to Judah, ‘Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the Lord our God… and he has given us peace on every side.’ So they built and prospered. And Asa had an army… with large shields and spears, and… bows. All these were mighty men of valor.

“Zerah the Ethiopian came out against them with an army of a million men and 300 chariots… Asa went out to meet him, and they drew up their lines of battle in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. And Asa cried to the Lord his God, ‘O Lord, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O Lord, you are our God; let not man prevail against you.’ So the Lord defeated the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled. Asa and the people with him pursued them as far as Gerar, and the Ethiopians… were broken before the Lord and his army…

“He took courage and put away the detestable idols from all the land,.. and he repaired the altar of the Lord that was in front of the vestibule of the house of the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 14:1-13; 15:8

The first act of business for King Asa was to rid Judah of strange gods and as many pitfalls that would entice their worship as possible. He knew that God would not share the throne with another, and he chose the true God. Under and by and for Him he would reign. He firmly established his kingdom on His promises and commands, and enjoyed peace as a result. When the enemy did threaten, he was practically, mentally, and spiritually ready. (Isaiah 42:8)

There are some key rules when we rule our hearts. Every aspect of every city must be cleansed, put in order, fortified, and governed with wisdom: family life, personal disciplines, relationships, work, recreation, and dreams. God must be first as Regent, Sentry, Help, and Conqueror. The cross must be anchored and held high, punctuating and standing over all that concerns us.

Over what and whom has God called me to rule? How eagerly do I take my stewardship? Are there places I have left unguarded, or allowed idols to share my allegiance or occupation? Do I align myself with people of spiritual valor to fend off the enemies who seek to undo us? What steps can I take to ensure God’s peace that passes understanding? (John 10:10; Philippians 4:6-7)

Lord of my cities, help me be faithful to manage all according to Your word and wisdom, that You are recognized and exalted as King.

“He made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds, [and] went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came,.. the boat was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them [and] the sea became rough. It was now dark. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’

“And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’  They were glad to take him into the boat, and when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’” Matthew 14:22-33; John 6:17,18,21

They had just taken part in an amazing miracle, feeding over 5000 with only a few loaves and fish, and now Jesus sent them off in their boat. These fishermen were accustomed to the storms that came up quickly on the Sea of Galilee, but now? After such an eventful, exhilarating day? And why had He not come with them? Did He even care how tired they were, and alone? It was into this turbulence of thought and fear and exhaustion that Jesus appeared. When He approached their storm, He revealed Himself, invited heightened faith, then entered the boat and assuaged the storm by His very presence. (John 6:1-17)

We may think we have done everything right, tightened all loose ends, and performed quite well, thank you. It’s time for smooth sailing, and some well-deserved rest. And then everything falls apart. Winds of unease pick up, and hovering clouds pelt down their pain and doubt in stinging, soul-drenching rain. Really, Lord? After all I have done and overcome? After You reminded me of Your power my life loses control?

Our gracious, ever-loving Lord knows every swell of exasperation and fear engulfing our hearts, and comes to bring peace in the midst. He beckons us look up, step out of the boat where we feel trapped, and walk above the dark current to Him, with Him. He is Jehovah Shalom, our Peace, strong and very real and with us, bringing calm and peace to mind and heart beyond human understanding. (Judges 6:24; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; John 14:27; 16:33; Philippians 4:7)

What circumstances have disrupted our expectations and threaten our calm? Where are we mooring our peace to events and dreams rather than to our Sovereign? Would we recognize Him in the very night He has ordained, and trust His voice?

Lord of the storms, may I take heart in the truth that You are indeed Lord, and worship.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel’

“(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus…

“Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’  And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt  and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.'” Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-15

Imagine Joseph’s shock when his betrothed (fiancée) informed him she was pregnant, and instead of trembling in fear or guilt, exhibited an overweening serenity and joy. ‘How could this be? What should I do? Would it be the best protection for our reputations to quietly put away my beloved?’ And into this night of bewilderment, God almighty appeared. None of this was too hard or beyond Him. In fact, all was occurring according to His predetermined, glorious will.

The Lord who had promised this child, and miraculously overseen His conception by the Holy Spirit, was supreme over His every breath and day. He would order the Messiah’s comings and goings. He would not strand these parents, but guide them with exactness and perfect care, step by unknown step. (Psalm 32:8; 121:8; 139:5).

Where have we been confounded with the unexpected, and known not how to proceed? What is the proper reaction, or should we act at all? When finding ourselves in an emotional quandary, we can expect the Lord to show up and teach us the next best step. At each obedience, we will find Him faithful to reveal the next.

Would we trust that the Lord is supreme over all things, and nothing is too hard or wonderful for Him? We may not see or understand the future He is writing, but we can trust He is, and well. (Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:27)

Father, help me trust that You are above and beyond all I can comprehend, working everything for Your glory and the good of Your people. (Romans 8:28)

“Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’

“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.  And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” Luke 2:4-20

They were just out doing what they’d always done, guarding their sheep. Night in, night out, same robes, sandals, and well-worn staffs, weary but vigilant, the shepherds kept watch over their very livelihood. One moment of dozing, one distraction, could mean one of their own would become prey, and another loss to the bottom line. On an ordinary night, with a smatter of stars the only light for watching the shadows, the unthinkable occurred. Almighty God appeared in unimaginable glory and announced good news for all people through His angelic host.

Our Lord longs to break into our everyday and stamp it with His glory. Every insight and decision, our small comings and goings and petty words thought and spoken, each minute that ticks by- His good news makes a difference in all. Christ’s resplendence breaks into our ordinary and makes it extraordinary when we are filled with His Spirit and intent on seeing Him shine.

As we go about everyday routine, would we take the gloom and look how God might blaze His splendor on it? In everything we use and say and do, will we seek to display His joy and proclaim His peace? (Zechariah 14:21)

Lord, may I faithfully bring holy wonder into my ordinary by glorifying and praising You at every step.

“The Lord appeared to Solomon in the night and said to him: ‘I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people,  if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name, my eyes and my heart will be there for all time. As for you, if you will walk before me as David your father walked, doing according to all that I have commanded and keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne…’

“’But if you turn aside and forsake my statutes and commandments that I have set before you, and go and serve and worship other gods, then I will pluck you up from my land that I have given you, and this house that I have consecrated for my name, I will cast out of my sight, and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples. And at this house, which was exalted, everyone passing by will be astonished and say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and to this house?’ They will say, ‘Because they abandoned the Lord, the God of their fathers who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore he has brought all this disaster on them.’” 2 Chronicles 7:12-22

Solomon had finally finished the house of the Lord- all he had planned to do was successfully accomplished. He had led an Israel at peace in sacrifice and a prayer of dedication, and God’s glory had filled the temple. The rest of his reign lay before him, and all of God’s promises were his to own. And into this night of unlimited possibilities, God almighty appeared. His understanding of what was at stake compelled Him to express both encouragement in His promises and warning against their rejection. (2 Chronicles 6:12-7:3,11)

Many are our opportunities every day, but especially at specific crossroads in life: after completion of schooling, at the start of a marriage, at the birth of a child, after a geographic move, at retirement. When something momentous has been completed, there is a sense of satisfaction (and relief) and a thrill at what lies ahead. It can be easy to allow the swell of enthusiasm at accomplishment to puff into pride, self-sufficiency, or a captivation with the glamour of success. It is here our holy God stops us and reminds us whose we are and why we are here. Beware temptations to run after false gods, and when you fall, repent!

How seriously do we heed God’s warnings against falling to temptation? Where have we let sneak into our successes a sense of desert or superiority, and thus disregarded God’s supremacy? (Matthew 26:41; 1 Peter 5:8)

Lord, keep me attuned to Your words of warning, and my heart soft to repentance, to the honor of Your grace.

“Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the Lord, which was at the tent of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.

“In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, ‘Ask what I shall give you.’ And Solomon said to God, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place.  O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?’ God answered Solomon, ‘Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king,  wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.'” 2 Chronicles 1:6-12

His father David, a man after God’s heart, had ruled Israel remarkably for four decades, and was now gone. He had taught him, prepared him, and best of all encouraged him to follow the Lord steadfastly. He had prayed over him, igniting faith in his faithful God and for His work. And now Solomon, fresh with royal favor, yet awash with grief and the gravity of his responsibility, saw the weighty task before him. And into this night of emotion, uncertainty, and wonder at what lay ahead, God Almighty appeared, and provided exceedingly beyond what Solomon could even imagine. (1 Samuel 13:14; 1 Chronicles 28:20; 29:19,22-28; Acts 13:22; Ephesians 3:20)

In times of great and varied emotion, we can yearn for footing, a steady center, an anchor. We know we cannot rest on the strengths of those who have gone before, nor even of the favor and position and gifts afforded us. We cannot assume all will proceed as we plan or hope for, that the health or resources of the present will be here tomorrow. We need more certainty, more help. The Lord graciously comes. He invites us to articulate our incapacity, our specific needs, and in doing so, declare our trust in Him as all in all. He offers Himself as One who can be taken as His word.

Are we frozen in a place of swirling emotion, exhilaration blended with fear and doubt, humility at immeasurable blessing from the Lord mixed with ignorance how to invest it? Do we hear His voice, coming in the dark and asking, ‘What can I do for you?’ Would we spell out our needs and trust, implicitly and absolutely, that God will undertake for every one? That He is enough, and good, and worthy of our full dependence? (2 Chronicles 20:12)

Almighty Father, You have led this far and will not abandon me. Please keep me fully dependent on You, with eyes and heart fixed on Your sufficiency, to the glory of Your greatness.

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us,  just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us,  it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:1-4

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:30-31

“The one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.” 1 Corinthians 14:3

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11

“That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete… I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 1:3-4; 5:13

The points for scripture writers were varied, yet unified; broad, yet simple. Every word was carefully chosen, and inspired to communicate God’s righteous intent for His people. They spoke and wrote that you believe. That you are certain. That you grow. That you share fellowship. They prophesied truth to upbuild, encourage, and console. They taught that joy be complete. That you be sure. (John 1:1-4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

The living Word has symmetry and mystery, infinite power and divine purpose. Our words, too, are a beautifully designed gift from God. They have power, and should have purpose that is entwined with His. There are plenty of good reasons to express ourselves today, but there is also much communication that seems to have no point at all, or at least none that is redemptive. Many like to agitate, stir up controversy, get attention or reaction, initiate problems with no solutions. But as God’s children entrusted with mouths to speak, we have the privilege of using our words to accomplish the holy and divine, using them as instruments in God’s hands to enlighten, encourage, and clarify. (Deuteronomy 32:47)

How are we handling the opportunities God gives to communicate? How well do we follow His example with meaningful, cogent words that upbuild the Body? Before we speak, in prepared oratory or casual banter, do we take thought to have a point in what we say? What would change if we listened better first, took more thought, and realized what we say can have a lasting impact, and cannot be retrieved?

Father, help me be more purposeful in all I say and communicate, that You be glorified and Your people nourished and blessed.

“Woe is me! For I have become
    as when the summer fruit has been gathered,
    as when the grapes have been gleaned:
there is no cluster to eat,
    no first-ripe fig that my soul desires.
The godly has perished from the earth,
    and there is no one upright among mankind;
they all lie in wait for blood,
    and each hunts the other with a net.
Their hands are on what is evil, to do it well;
    the prince and the judge ask for a bribe,
and the great man utters the evil desire of his soul…
The best of them is like a brier,
    the most upright a thorn hedge.
The day of your watchmen, of your punishment, has come;
    now their confusion is at hand.
Put no trust in a neighbor;
    have no confidence in a friend;
guard the doors of your mouth
    from her who lies in your arms;
for the son treats the father with contempt,
    the daughter rises up against her mother,
the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
    a man’s enemies are the men of his own house.
But as for me, I will look to the Lord;
    I will wait for the God of my salvation;
    my God will hear me.

Rejoice not over me, O my enemy;
    when I fall, I shall rise;
when I sit in darkness,
    the Lord will be a light to me.
I will bear the indignation of the Lord
    because I have sinned against him,
until he pleads my cause
    and executes judgment for me.
He will bring me out to the light;
    I shall look upon his vindication.

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity
    and passing over transgression?..
He does not retain his anger forever,
    because he delights in steadfast love.
He will again have compassion on us;
    he will tread our iniquities underfoot.
You will cast all our sins
    into the depths of the sea.
You will show faithfulness…
    and steadfast love.” Micah 7:1-9,18-20a

Micah knew enough the evils in Judah to understand and foretell the doom they would incur. From the start of this prophecy, the Sovereign looked down from His holy temple on heavens and earth, treading in judgment the high places of man. He pronounced doom for the wicked, and grace for the humble and contrite. (Micah 1:2-3)

Look around and see evil: violence, crime, disease, death. Look into long-trusted institutions and see pride and corruption. Look at relationships and see distrust, accusation, division. Look inside and see pettiness, prejudice, stubbornness, greed, jealousy. Indeed, woe is me! I shrink and moan, overcome with ungodliness among mankind. There is no flourishing here. But when I fall, I shall rise; in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. Look to Emmanuel, who comes to dispel doom with the glory of His love.

We can halt the complaint and look to the LORD! Gaze above prevalent brokenness and contempt, upward where He reigns and pleads our cause! Take heart, take hope! He sees! He hears! He saves! He redeems! He casts away our sins and delights to show compassion! (Romans 8:27,31-34; Colossians 3:1-3)

Do we grow faint in present darkness, or mount up on eagles’ wings? As for us, where will we look for help? (Psalm 121; Isaiah 40:28-31; Ephesians 6:12-13)

Lord, guard me from dwelling on pervading evils. Help me always look to You in hope, faith, and undying gratitude.

“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.” But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.’” Luke 18:9-14

There are several dichotomies in this parable: a Pharisee, regarded in public as straight laced and righteous, versus a tax collector, seen as a swindling greedy cheat. Both stood before God praying, but one haughtily held his chin up, the other could not lift his eyes to heaven. The Pharisee is strong and stuffed with ‘thanksgiving’ while the tax collector is weak and begging for mercy. Surface perceptions betray a stranger truth. The religious expert, seemingly beckoning God, is actually focused on those around him, his eyes a-glance at the ‘scum’ around and beneath him. With strutting self-acclaim, he boasts for his human audience, not the Lord who hears earnest prayer, elevating himself above the other men by naming why he should be favored and exalted. The tax collector, in contrast, has eyes only for God, and is self-deprecating against His highness and holiness. One expects God to marvel and coo, the other pleads for God’s gracious mercy. One is convinced he deserves God’s applause, the other knows he is an unworthy sinner. And Jesus exalts the humble.

When we live for a worldly audience, we will choose all sorts of costumes for the parade: arrogance, achievement, who we know. But when we live and breathe for Jesus, He fills our vision, captures our imagination, and satisfies our longing soul- both Godward and outward.

How do we approach Almighty God and the opportunities He’s given? Are we flippant, arrogant to boast of good deeds and to strut our stuff? When praying aloud, do we inform or entertain our audience, or acknowledge God’s holy otherness? Would we approach each day on bended knee, fully aware that the throne room is opened only by Jesus’s blood, dependent and grateful for His grace, enthralled with the King of kings? Those who recognize the Holy One and approach in faith, seeking mercy, will be heard and met and lifted by Jesus. (Isaiah 6:1-8; Luke 18:35-43; Hebrews 4:16)

And before what audience do we live our day to day? If our motive is the favor of men, our actions distort with varied applause and shifting fancies. But if we seek first the Lord’s kingdom, and righteousness, and glory, others will see our good works and glorify God. Which will it be? (Matthew 5:16; 6:33; 1 Peter 2:12)

Father God, help me keep You as my audience of one, in all I pray and do. You alone are worthy of my heart, my trust, my praise.

“David said to all the assembly,.. ‘I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able, gold.., silver.., bronze.., iron.., and wood.., besides great quantities of onyx and stones for setting, antimony, colored stones, all sorts of precious stones and marble… for overlaying the walls of the house, and for all the work to be done by craftsmen… Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the Lord?’

 “Then the leaders… made their freewill offerings, as did also… the commanders.., and the officers over the king’s work. They gave… 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze and 100,000 talents of iron. Whoever had precious stones gave them… Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.

“‘Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.” 1 Chronicles 29:1a-2,4b-9,11-13

“Neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor. The former governors laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver… But I did not do so, because of the fear of God.” Nehemiah 5:14-15

Every child of God is tasked with being a role model, and leaders have a particular burden. What is striking about David is that he was so enthralled with his God that his example to those he served came naturally as an overflow of reverence and gratitude for his Sovereign. The same is true for Nehemiah. We get no sense of manipulation, trickery, or prideful motivation in their willingness to sacrifice, only that of joyful devotion to the majestic Lord who had entrusted them with leadership. David’s sacrificial actions prompted similar generosity in his people, for they, too, had whole hearts for the God of Israel. (1 Chronicles 29:17b)

How we handle the stewardship we hold is evident to those observing. We may never know who watches us, but we can know that our actions speak volumes about our view of God and what He’s entrusted to us, and may be used of Him to prompt obedience and joyful service in His children. What heart attitudes do our choices display, and inspire?

Do we live and lead in such a way that others recognize and are attracted to the God for whom we live? Do they see us as servants of self and pleasure, or as joyfully living for something and Someone greater? Do they witness closed fists, or open hands? Safeguarded homes, or warm hospitality? Rigid schedules, or willing availability? If all riches are in and from His hand, would I raise mine in grateful, humble honor?

Lord, may all I do show off, and show forth, the greatness, power, fear, and glory of You.