As the rain and snow

“Forever, O Lord, your word
    is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations…

Long have I known from your testimonies
    that you have founded them forever.” Psalm 119:89-90a,152

“The grass withers, the flower fades,
    but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8 

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Luke 21:33

“’All flesh is like grass
    and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
    and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord remains forever.’

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.” 1 Peter 1:24-25

Within an hour, the morning sky morphs from thick and dark, split with weeping rain, to broken open blue and bright with fast moving puff clouds. Within minutes more, it is a thick rough grey again, ominous and weeping. It constantly changes, its brightness in daily cycles, its hues and patterns by moments, sprinkles, gusts, and temperature changes. Yet behind and above and beyond in the unseen is the unchanging, sure Word, firmly fixed, established, standing fast and ruling forever.

I can count on His Word. Whether I look up or my eyes are cast down, God’s Word is fixed as a sentry, its truth an unshakable foundation, its purposes ruling all providence and never thwarted. Winds blow and the skies may change, but His Word is fixed in the heavenlies sure and steadfast. Cultures shift, opinions morph, expertise that is gospel one moment is anathema another, but God’s Word is unchanging and true and absolutely trustworthy. (Job 42:2; Psalm 33:11; Isaiah 14:24,27)

Do I know it? Am I daily studying and learning it? When I hear its instruction am I willfully, courageously putting it into practice? Am I hiding it in my heart to keep me from sin, and to prepare me with answers? Where has it convicted, corrected, or redirected me? Is it my own sword and lamp? (Psalm 119:11,105; Isaiah 50:4; Ephesians 6:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 3:15)

When I set aside time for study, would I pray that the Lord will anoint and bless my concentration on the Word, and enlighten me to its treasures, assurances, promises, and power? In the whirl and storms of ever-changing times and tumult, what steps will I take today to make God’s Word my own? (Ephesians 1:17-19)

“How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!
What more can he say than to you he has said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

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

Holy God, fix my heart and mind on Your Word that stands forever. Open my eyes to see wonderful things in it, and to know You better by it. Cause it to fill and direct my thoughts, control the impulses of my loves, and permeate all I say and do, that You be both magnified and glorified. (Psalm 119:18)

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her,
    and bring her into the wilderness,
    and speak tenderly to her.
And there I will give her her vineyards
    and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.
And there she shall answer as in the days of her youth,
    as at the time when she came out of the land of Egypt.

“And in that day, declares the Lord, you will call me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer ‘My Baal.’ For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be remembered by name no more. And I will make for them a covenant on that day… And I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land, and I will make you lie down in safety. And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord.” Hosea 2:14-20

The alluring promises of our Lord woo even the hardest, most resistant hearts. What stubborn rebel is not moved by tender words? What forlorn or betrayed soul is not quickened by a Sovereign-backed pledge of faithfulness, safety, and hope in the valley? What reckless sinner is not softened by unmerited mercy? God reaches His beloveds with a strong, steadfast love that is both unimaginable and irresistible.

This is an amazing love promise only He can offer, and back. Man is too fickle, too weak, too capricious, to be faithful forever and perfectly love. We are too selfish to give the full vineyard, too bereft to guarantee an eternal dowry. It is only a perfect Father who can know and disarm the erring prodigal child, only a unique Deity who can vanquish all lesser gods.

What are we to make of this sure hope and intimate knowing He pledges? What need we eschew to accept His proposal? Why do we dance around His invitations, and flirt with false lovers? Sometimes we are unwilling to release the control we think we have over idols of our own making. Sometimes we’re consumed with our unworthiness instead of relying on Christ’s worthiness. Sometimes we can’t shake a shameful identity we loathe, to take on His new name.

But our Lord woos us still, longing to enfold us in His grace and favor. The great Redeemer is the true Lover of our souls.

“Jesus, lover of my soul, 
let me to thy bosom fly, 
while the nearer waters roll, 
while the tempest still is high; 
hide me, O my Savior, hide, 
till the storm of life is past; 
safe into the haven guide, 
O receive my soul at last! 

Other refuge have I none; 
hangs my helpless soul on thee; 
leave, ah! leave me not alone, 
still support and comfort me. 
All my trust on thee is stayed, 
all my help from thee I bring; 
cover my defenseless head 
with the shadow of thy wing. 

Plenteous grace with thee is found, 
grace to cover all my sin; 
let the healing streams abound; 
make and keep me pure within. 
Thou of life the fountain art; 
freely let me take of thee; 
spring thou up within my heart, 
rise to all eternity.” ~Charles Wesley (1740)

Faithful God, forgive my unfaithfulness. May I, as Your beloved, honor Your name forever. (Song of Solomon 6:3)

“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

“Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.  Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:6-16a

Paul encourages Timothy with the rhythm of a train: clack-a-chug clack-a-chug down the track, train and serve, toil and strive, command and teach, devote and watch, practice and persist. A good servant never lets up, can’t let up, won’t let up, always presses on, with hope set on the living God. (Philippians 3:13-14)

This rhythm takes commitment and perseverance, which the Spirit supplies as we turn our desires and days over to Him. Silly myths will not go away, nor will temptations to spiritual sloth and embracing false doctrine. Since the competition for our fidelity is constant and ruthless, it is vital that we keep being trained, and train, in truth and good doctrine, that we continually are taught, and teach, the Scriptures. Constant familiarity with and practice of the Word make for right handling, and persistence, and progress. (2 Timothy 2:15)

We cling to the Vine, and through Christ we bear much fruit. We submit to His discipline, He brings about holiness. We get in step with the Spirit, He keeps us from yielding to and gratifying the flesh. We commit to the gospel, He guards us from fear and makes bold our words. But we cannot let up or give up. We cannot give in to excuses or give over our attention to the myriad of pulls and forces vying for it. (John 15:5; Romans 1:16; Galatians 5:16-17,25; Ephesians 6:18-20; Hebrews 12:1-13)

Have we grown stale on things of God? Complacent about genuine consecration? Flabby in faith and study? Do we spend the same zeal and energy in spiritual exercise that we do in physical, or vocational, or social? Do we believe that training in godliness is of premium importance for this life and next? If so, what evidence is there of such devotion in our routines?

Good Father, may I never let up pursuing You. Make me bold to teach and humble to be taught, consistently training in and practicing Your holy word. Keep my hope set on You, and my aim on seeing others set their hope in You too.

“If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions,  and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain….

“O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called ‘knowledge,’ for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.” 1 Timothy 6:3-5,20-21

“Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.  But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene… upsetting the faith of some…

“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.  And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2:14-18,22-26

The troubles of irreverent babble are many and far-reaching. They begin with its source of a prideful, or misguided, or cantankerous, or malicious (or all of the above) heart. They spread as the words go out disrupting, deceiving, and polluting, the babble stirring up menace and confusion and division, even upsetting faith. They are hard to stop because babble once spilled is babble spread and uncontained. And so, we must do all we can to avoid or put a stop to the babble.

A slippery tongue, fueled by wayward thought or ignorance, gets us into trouble and causes friction. The fruit of the Spirit is self-control, and Jesus has called us to bear much fruit, so we are responsible for taking control of the words we produce. Don’t crave controversy, flee immaturity, have nothing to do with foolishness. (John 15:16; Galatians 5:22-23)

Instead, take hold of sound words, godly teaching, and righteousness among like-minded friends. Through loving behavior we can earn the trust of those who are misguided. Be alert to contradictions to truth, depravity, or controversy. With kindness and patience, ably teach and gently correct. When tempted to react or stir up, hold the tongue and breathe out peace.

Does the company we keep promote lofty ideas, uplifting conversation, or irreverent babble? Are we contentious in conversation, unyielding in opinion, or loose with our chatter? Where do we need specific discipline with our tongues, and how will we exercise both necessary restraint and bold edification? What can we do to call on the Lord from a pure heart ourselves, and with others?

Lord, help me avoid and stem the flow of irreverent babble. Fill me to overflow with what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable, that You might be known and revered. (Philippians 4:8)

“In the way of your testimonies I delight
    as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
    and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
    I will not forget your word.

The law of your mouth is better to me
    than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

How sweet are your words to my taste,
    sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:14-16,72,103,105

“The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11

So many things vie for our attention today. Enticements, trinkets, soundbites, opinion experts, influencers. The charms of this world are innumerable, and can be overwhelming, leaving us frenzied with choices, and depleted. But God holds out one greatest delight, one treasure worth more that all riches, one supreme jewel above all. By it we are enlightened, in it we are satisfied, through it we are energized and fortified.

What causes us to resist this sweetest of offerings? What keeps us neglecting a treasure so accessible? The enemy does all he can to prevent us from study, to distract from meditation and cause us to question, yet our Lord’s word stands solid and unchanged, alive and powerful. Which route will we daily take? Where will we fix our attention? We make excuses, we whine, we bemoan clouded purpose and lack of understanding, but fail to act. We must ask God to change our inclination. (Hebrews 4:12)

Who does not need revival of mindset, vitality, and vision? Partake of the word! Where do we not need wisdom for decisions and direction and the appropriate word? Savor the word! What filthy thoughts and attitudes cry for cleansing? Ingest the word! What taxing responsibilities, course of study, or pressure of industry needs refreshment? Feast on the word! What a difference would come from a daily dose of the sweetest dessert!

“That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever!” ~Martin Luther (1529)

If we believe these things to be true, yet lack the impetus to make the word our own and apply it to every lack and priority, it is not too late to change our behavior and habits. Begin with bites, schedule time and open the Book, and ask the Lord to give insight and understanding. Trust His Spirit to help, instruct, inspire, and lead, and go forth changed. His word will, a bit at a time, captivate and change the willing heart. (John 14:26)

Father, capture my whole desire and delight with Your sweetest, best Word.

“O God, we have heard with our ears,
    our fathers have told us,
what deeds you performed in their days,
    in the days of old:
you with your own hand drove out the nations,
    but them you planted;
you afflicted the peoples,
    but them you set free;
for not by their own sword did they win the land,
    nor did their own arm save them,
but your right hand and your arm,
    and the light of your face,
    for you delighted in them.

You are my King, O God;
    ordain salvation for Jacob!
Through you we push down our foes;
    through your name we tread down those who rise up against us.
For not in my bow do I trust,
    nor can my sword save me.
But you have saved us from our foes
    and have put to shame those who hate us.
In God we have boasted continually,
    and we will give thanks to your name forever.” Psalm 44:1-8

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

“I will save them by the Lord their God. I will not save them by bow or by sword or by war or by horses or by horsemen.” Hosea 1:7

We love to be winners. Of the match, the contract, the job, the race, even someone’s notice, affection, or favor. And we hate to be losers, particularly in public, or with something in which we take great pride. But God’s view of winning and losing convolutes ours. His victory, that seems all but, makes way for the only winning worth living for.

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30

“’Death is swallowed up in victory.’
‘O death, where is your victory?
    O death, where is your sting?’

“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:54-55,57

Jesus, whose stupendous victory was won through horrendous death, vanquished sin and doom. By His generous mercy, He imparts to us salvation over our foes. We can partake of God’s great performance in Christ when we sidle to the cross and rest in the light of His face. When many rise against us, He is taller and stronger still. Trusting His might becomes our strength, song, and very triumph. (Exodus 15:2)

What enemies taunt, and threaten to undo us? Do we quake in fear of weak helplessness and tremble at their terror, or grip God’s hand that rescues and disperses, plants and sets free?

“A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God’s own choosing.
You ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same;
and he must win the battle.” ~Martin Luther (1529)

Lord, may I trust and boast in You alone, for You have won and always do.

“And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:16-18

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?” Psalm 8:2-3

“O Lord, how manifold are your works!
    In wisdom have you made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures.
Here is the sea, great and wide,
    which teems with creatures innumerable,
    living things both small and great.” Psalm 104:24-25

A starlit sanctuary with vaulted sky welcomed me early, when little else was visible. Those white sparkle-dots of splendor glistened and twinkled, the Hunter and Big Dipper among celestial companions overseeing the break of another magnificent dawn. Then day pulled back its curtain to display dozens more stars, strewn on the beach. A word, a shape, a myriad of images in mind, more exquisite jewels from the Creator’s hands. Hallelujah, Bright Morning Star. (Revelation 22:16)

Many exquisites small and great we miss when we get preoccupied with lesser things. We feel the burden of great responsibilities, but miss the greatness of God’s faithfulness, His amazing works through history based on goodness and love that He continues today. We get fixated on minutae and obsess to be perfect in picky details, yet fail to see God’s intricacies in the beauty of starfish bumps, to distinguish a bird’s lusty melody, to squeeze for a long, loving moment that precious small child. We let loose a poison temper, caustic criticism, and bitter huffiness, yet savor not the scent of sweet honeysuckle or the pungent taste of fresh basil or the liquid slaking of cool fresh water.

What will it take for us to look? What need we adjust in thoughtless habit to give enough attention to see? Is our sight too thick with cataracts of ho hum, lusterless living, where we expect nothing supernatural and glorious? He who has low or no expectations is never disappointed- but oh, what bliss is afforded when our Heavenly Father exceeds tiptoe expectations for all He is and does! Many beauties does He constantly display, many intricacies of His craft, whimsy, love, and power. He sprinkles our path, and our days, with stars to behold, and it is up to us to look and wonder.

“All things bright and beautiful, 
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful, 
the Lord God made them all.

God gave us eyes to see them, 
and lips that we might tell
how great is God Almighty,
who has made all things well.” ~Cecil Frances Alexander (1848)

Lord, open my eyes, ears, heart, and mind to Your exquisite gifts each day, that my moments be littered with praise and gladness.

“Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, ‘Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?’  Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number.  Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, ‘This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!’” John 6:5-14

Multiplication begins with Jesus. Start with a small group, add need, times hundreds more people and skepticism and supernatural power, and wonder abounds. Start with one test question, add doubt and figuring and commiseration, plus measured instruction, and chaos turns to order. Start with five barley loaves and two fish, add thankful hands raised, multiply by many hands distributing, and fullness with leftovers results. Jesus does all things well.

Jesus went about His work with intention and grace, His miraculous signs pointing to the deeper and greater things He came to do for man. We go about so much of our life hungry, and crowded in busyness, and not thinking about soul nourishment. Enter the Savior of the world. He sees us. He knows the longing of our hearts, and He knows- and is able to meet- our every need.

Why do we despair at our meagerness of ability, strength, or understanding when we have Almighty God on our side? Why do we think God is not able to manage our impossibilities? Why do we behave as if He were surprised at our trials? The Lord intentionally and lovingly gives such tests to undo our doubt, reorder our thinking, redirect our possibilities, press us to release what we have to Him, and open our eyes to His marvelous multiplication. (Romans 12:31-32; 1 Peter 4:12-13)

What dearth do we bemoan? Where are we lacking insight, stamina, hours, love for the unlovely, patience, vision, or hope? Would we bring our meager to the Master, and watch Him bless it, make more of it, and provide His plenty?

“O how great thy lovingkindness,
vaster, broader than the sea!
O how marvelous thy goodness
lavished all on me!

Jesus, I am resting, resting,
in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
of thy loving heart.” ~Jean Sophia Pigott (1876)

Lord, may I believe and bless You for Your astounding multiplication of my offering.

“And [the prophet] said to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall be for his life, and your people for his people.”’ And the king of Israel went to his house vexed and sullen and came to Samaria.

“Now Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, beside the palace of Ahab. And after this Ahab said to Naboth, ‘Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near my house, and I will give you a better vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in money.’ But Naboth said to Ahab, ‘The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.’ And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because Naboth… had said, ‘I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.’ He lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food.

“But Jezebel his wife came to him and said, ‘Why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food?’ He said, ‘Because I spoke to Naboth.., “Give me your vineyard…” And he answered, “I will not…”’ Jezebel said to him, ‘Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth.’

“So she wrote letters.., ‘Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth at the head of the people. And set two worthless men opposite him, and let them bring a charge against him, saying, ‘You have cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.’” 1 Kings 20:42-21:7,9-10,25-26

Ahab had no moral or spiritual compass. He swung to and fro on cocky and caprice, whim and greed, fancy and feeling. So when he got chastised and met with rightful judgment, his plans were disrupted, or things didn’t go his way, he grew sullen and vexed. Self-focus and ‘I’m first’ living often lead there, and make for widespread misery. (1 Kings 18:17; 20:34)

Sadly, Ahab’s brooding set in motion the destruction of innocents. His conniving wife took it and ran with its fuel to plot against the only God-fearing man in the story. Sullen and vexed twisted to manipulation and evil, resulting in the cruel death of Naboth. Imagine the horror and grief of his family, at the hand of their national sovereign. (1 Kings 21:12-16).

But, for the perpetrator, indulgence of self, feelings, and power does not happy endings make. Ahab got his immediate wanted result, but imaginably little happiness, and judgment in the end. (1 Kings 21:17-24)

Perhaps we are experiencing misery from past, or long-established present actions? Have we allowed the selfishness of sullen to take root, and used our vexation to manipulate others to meet our ends, only to find ourselves empty, dissatisfied, or alone? It’s hard to stop moody when ‘me’ is indulged. Opening up in genuine confession for Christ’s cleansing will free us from the tyranny of egotistical living to enjoy His abundance. (Psalm 51:1-12; John 10:10; Hebrews 12:15)

Good Father, uproot anything that is making for vexed and sullen in me. Empty me of self, and fill me to walk in step with Your Spirit, for Your name’s sake. (Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 5:18)

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope…

“I thank him who has given me strength, 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 because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 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 for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:1,12-17

In sovereign mercy, God reached into the rebel heart of a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent, and made him an apostle. Saul became Paul. One who had not received mercy became one who had, gloriously. And through that man, his transformation and ensuing ministry, God’s perfect patience and overflowing grace were put on display. (Acts 9:1-5; 13:9; 1 Peter 2:9-10)

We never know who is watching, who might hold past sins and unpleasant behaviors against our reputation, who might need a jolt of encouragement. When the Lord takes hold of our hearts and moves in, He should be visible for all to see. What do my countenance, disciplines, activities, and habits display?

Since the Lord’s grace has overflowed for me in faith and love, how amply are are these graces flowing forth from me? As He sanctifies and changes me with patience and care, am I displaying, in increased measure, His character, wisdom, and mercy to others? What mark do constant thankfulness and exalted praise to God leave on my daily interactions and efforts? What evidence do I leave in a room, a conversation, a business transaction, that I am no longer my own but His, a child who bears Christ’s name and nature? (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Galatians 2:20)

Consecrating ourselves to the Lord allows His beauty, power, and grace to abound in and out of us, so He is seen, desired, and magnified.

“Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise.

Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee.

Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.

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 Ridley Havergal (1874)

O Lord, never to me, but to Your name be the glory, so all I encounter see Your steadfast love and faithfulness. (Psalm 115:1)