As the rain and snow

“Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

“But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

“Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

Paul took the nurture and development of Christians very seriously. He cared deeply about the churches he had planted, and the individuals who comprised them. It is evident from his heartfelt words that his passion and earnest prayer concern was for his spiritual children, that they would remain true to the Lord and thrive in their faith through hardship.

We come to know the Lord by faith, and spend the rest of our lives grappling with that faith as it pertains to everything else. Challenges buffet and poke, hurt and choke, and our faith is tested constantly. God saved us for His name’s sake, that He might make known His mighty power in every aspect and affliction of our lives. Will we just survive, or thrive? (Psalm 106:8; Ephesians 2:8-10)

Certainly there are seasons where we are grateful just to survive, when storms assail and we can only cling to Jesus our stronghold to carry us. Depleted, we cannot imagine reaching out to nurture another. But in the day to day, He invites us to thrive and to help others thrive by feasting on Him, enjoining His people, bearing much fruit, and serving His purposes. He causes distress, delivers with a blaze of glory, and urges us forward and upward in wisdom, faith, and holy affection. (Psalm 27:1)

Do we feel trapped in a loveless relationship, a hard work situation, too many heavy responsibilities? Are we barely surviving unexpected or long-standing pain, or antagonism, or rejection? The Lord enables us to abound in faith and fruit by His Spirit. (John 15:5)

Lord, inspire me to thrive in faith, whatever the circumstances, and to diligently, lovingly encourage others to do the same.

“The king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. And when they had made a circuitous march of seven days, there was no water for the army or for the animals that followed them…

“[Elisha] said, ‘Thus says the Lord, “I will make this dry streambed full of pools… You shall not see wind or rain, but that streambed shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your livestock, and your animals.” This is a light thing in the sight of the Lord. He will also give the Moabites into your hand,  and you shall attack every fortified city and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree and stop up all springs of water and ruin every good piece of land with stones.’ The next morning,.. behold, water came from the direction of Edom, till the country was filled with water.

“When all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, all who were able to put on armor, from the youngest to the oldest, were called out and were drawn up at the border. And when they rose early in the morning and the sun shone on the water, the Moabites saw the water opposite them as red as blood. And they said, ‘This is blood; the kings have surely fought together and struck one another down. Now then, Moab, to the spoil!’ But when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose and struck the Moabites, till they fled before them. And they went forward, striking the Moabites as they went.  And they overthrew the cities, and on every good piece of land every man threw a stone until it was covered.” 2 Kings 3:9,16-25a

Make a dry streambed run with water? Outwit and defeat a rebel king and his army? ‘Tis a light thing for Almighty God. The Lord knows our thirst, and He knows our battles. He is familiar with every want and enemy, small or large, and takes them all into perfect and measured account in His dominion. The small concerns of my life and the broad issues of world affairs are in the scope of His notice and the reach of His arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27; Jeremiah 32:27; Daniel 2:21)

How kind was the Lord to assuage their thirst first, to show His care and to restore their vitality. Then He turned that very tangible life-giving provision for them into a trompe d’oeil causing death for their enemies. He is creative, efficient, and always purposeful. He teaches us to trust His means as well as His ways, and to marvel in gratitude when He acts on our behalf.

Since these truths are ours for believing and appropriating, and examples abound of God’s faithful intervention and supply, why do we fret? What causes us to divert our eyes from the One who knows us intimately and rules the nations, and twist up inside with worry and obsessive need to control our environment? Relinquishing control is not yielding to disorder, but accepting God’s order, and trusting that He is far more able than we to bring about righteous, good ends.

Lord, keep me marveling at the light things for You that are huge lessons to me. May I trust and praise You for all Your ways.

“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
    and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,
until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,
    and her salvation as a burning torch.
The nations shall see your righteousness,
    and all the kings your glory,
and you shall be called by a new name
    that the mouth of the Lord will give.
You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
    and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
You shall no more be termed Forsaken,
    and your land shall no more be termed Desolate,
but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,
    and your land Married;
for the Lord delights in you,
    and your land shall be married.
For as a young man marries a young woman,
    so shall your sons marry you,
and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
    so shall your God rejoice over you…

“Go through, go through the gates;
    prepare the way for the people;
build up, build up the highway;
    clear it of stones;
    lift up a signal over the peoples.
Behold, the Lord has proclaimed
    to the end of the earth:
Say to the daughter of Zion,
    ‘Behold, your salvation comes;
behold, his reward is with him,
    and his recompense before him.’
And they shall be called The Holy People,
    The Redeemed of the Lord;
and you shall be called Sought Out,
    A City Not Forsaken.” Isaiah 62:1-5,10-12

Much is made of names in the Bible, with new names and lists and genealogies identifying individuals, all important to God. Today, many children’s names are drawn from preference and honor, nicknames are born in idiosyncrasies and silliness, but God’s names for us are rooted in His love and spiritual truth. What He bestows both humbles and secures, and can be worn with dignity and confidence. (Genesis 2:23; 17:5; 29:31-30:24; Matthew 10:2-4)

Once forsaken and desolate as enemies of Christ, we are raised up by our merciful God as a crown of beauty in His hand, royal children of the King, holy people redeemed of the Lord. He has sought us out and delights over us with singing, never to forsake. What wondrous love is this? (Zephaniah 3:17; Romans 5:8-11)

What old identities need shedding, what stones of soul to be cleared? Can I say the Lord delights in my private loves, as well as the way I treat loved ones? What unholy sins of heart- resentment, covetousness, or ingratitude- need repenting? To which habits do I act as though I’m still enslaved, although the Lord has freed me from them?

Are there areas of mind and action I try to hide, deceiving myself to think the Lord does not seek me out? He loves too much to let us stray. Would I return in confession and embrace His comfort, with confidence that He’ll always welcome and never forsake? (Psalm 139:7-12; Matthew 10:26; Hebrews 4:14-16; 13:5)

If I believe all His words true, how accurately, graciously, honestly, and robustly am I living out the new names He has bestowed? What action adorns their promise, what behaviors their blessing?

Good and Blessed Redeemer, may I live all You have named me with the glory and honor due You, whose name exceeds all others. (Philippians 2:10)

“Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it… [He] commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring [to the land of Shinar]… youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans… But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank… God gave Daniel favor and compassion…

“The king was angry and very furious, and commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed… They sought Daniel and his companions, to kill them. Then Daniel replied with prudence and discretion to the captain of the king’s guard… The mystery was revealed to Daniel… [who] blessed the God of heaven..:

‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
    to whom belong wisdom and might.
He changes times and seasons;
    he removes and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to those who have understanding;
 he reveals deep and hidden things;
    he knows what is in the darkness,
    and the light dwells with him...’

“‘Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble…'”

“When Daniel knew that the document [that whoever makes petition to any god or man except to the king shall be cast into the den of lions] had been signed, he went to his house.., got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously…

“The king cried out in anguish… ‘O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?’ Daniel said, ‘O king, live forever!’.. Then King Darius wrote… ‘I decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel,

for he is the living God,
    enduring forever…
    and his dominion shall be to the end.
 He delivers and rescues;
    he works signs and wonders…
he who has saved Daniel
    from the power of the lions.’” Daniel 1:1,3-4,8a,9; 2:12-14a,19-22; 4:37; 6:7,10,20-21,25-27

Who would think that a teenager captive in an enemy country would be able to make a lasting difference on godless kings? Yet, from the beginning of his exile in Babylon, Daniel determined to honor his God. This early decision and unwavering, fearless commitment kept him undefiled amid the new world’s enticements, and a brilliant witness for God in a heathen land. Through his steady example, and consistent dependence on the Lord rather than himself, Daniel was used to open the eyes of two pagan kings to the beauties and sovereignty of Almighty God, and transform them forever.

As the Lord used Daniel’s natural gifts and spiritual devotion to affect kingdoms, He gives us daily opportunities to influence our worlds. In workplaces, communities, and even families, we make distinct choices whether to bow to a godless status quo or not. We may never know who is watching, or listening, but the Lord wastes nothing offered in earnest to Him. His Spirit guides and guards our fidelity when we entrust ourselves to His providence. (Romans 12:1-2)

Where has God ordained that we witness to His greatness and glory?

Lord, keep me undeterred in faithfulness that the godless around me might exalt You. (Matthew 5:14-16)

“Truly God is good to Israel,
    to those who are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
    my steps had nearly slipped.
For I was envious of the arrogant
    when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

For they have no pangs until death;
    their bodies are fat and sleek.
They are not in trouble as others are;
    they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.
Therefore pride is their necklace;
    violence covers them as a garment.
Their eyes swell out through fatness;
    their hearts overflow with follies.
They scoff and speak with malice;
    loftily they threaten oppression.
They set their mouths against the heavens,
    and their tongue struts through the earth.
Therefore his people turn back to them,
    and find no fault in them.
And they say, ‘How can God know?
    Is there knowledge in the Most High?’
Behold, these are the wicked;
    always at ease, they increase in riches.
All in vain have I kept my heart clean
    and washed my hands in innocence.
For all the day long I have been stricken
    and rebuked every morning.
If I had said, ‘I will speak thus,’
    I would have betrayed the generation of your children.

But when I thought how to understand this,
    it seemed to me a wearisome task,
until I went into the sanctuary of God;
    then I discerned their end.

Truly you set them in slippery places;
    you make them fall to ruin…
When my soul was embittered,
    when I was pricked in heart,
I was brutish and ignorant;
    I was like a beast toward you.

Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
    you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
    you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God;
    I have made the Lord God my refuge,
    that I may tell of all your works.” Psalm 73:1-18,21-28

When the wicked prosper and tongues strut, we roil with envy and anger. Why do nations rage, the arrogant succeed, and the righteous suffer? When eyes linger on the world, we can slip into self-righteous cattiness and lash out in vociferous condemnation, not realizing we’ve fallen prey to the same behavior we abhor. It is a prideful heart that pities the pride of others.

But God mercifully interjects to redirect our focus and correct our affections. When I thought how– stop! Think! Discern! When I went into the sanctuary– go! Flee to Jesus! Sieze His perspective! While it’s wearisome to swim upstream when downstream runs fast and strong, it’s godly, right, and worth it. The Lord’s counsel loosens chains of bitterness and misery, clears our vision, and renews heart strength with divine blood. His portion satisfies like no earthly riches can.

Where are we boasting against others and a brute before God? What keeps us from entering God’s sanctuary and taking His hand?

Lord, when other tongues strut, cause mine to praise You.

“Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said:

“‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
    to whom belong wisdom and might.
He changes times and seasons;
    he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to those who have understanding;
he reveals deep and hidden things;
    he knows what is in the darkness,
    and the light dwells with him.
 To you, O God of my fathers,
    I give thanks and praise,
for you have given me wisdom and might,
    and have now made known to me what we asked of you,
    for you have made known to us the king’s matter.’” Daniel 2:17-23

The time was short for Daniel and his friends. A capricious, unreasonable, hot-headed king Nebuchadnezzar had ordered the death of all his best advisers because they could not uncover and interpret his troubling dreams. What did this mature man of God do? He enlisted the prayer support of his comrades. He knew that the prayer of a righteous man avails much, and that God alone, who had been faithful to them thus far, was able to reveal mysteries. (Daniel 2:28,45; James 5:16b)

As his friends exercised their faith muscles in prayer, the Lord directed Daniel what to tell the vitriolic king. He would relay the truth about what was to come. Just as with Esther, who enlisted her uncle and all the Jews to pray for her pressured situation, the Lord delighted to translate these requests of the saints to His favor, unveiling, and clear guidance of His people in response. (Esther 4:15-17)

Do we make it a regular practice not only to pray, but to enjoin others in beseeching the Almighty? By opening up about specific needs, and taking time to kneel together, we give many the privilege of support, mutual encouragement, and growing faith. It awakens expectancy for those praying and waiting on tiptoe, and hope and confidence in those observing. It swells the gratitude that ultimately goes to God, and magnifies Him when He’s praised for His answers.

And for whom am I a regular prayer support? We aren’t meant to live the Christian life alone, but to support one another in love, confidence, and prayer. For whom could I offer this scaffolding as they struggle in making their way, crumble in defeat, or face a difficult circumstance? Would I ask the Lord to show me those He would have me undergird? (Matthew 26:41; Romans 14:7)

As we support one another within the body, we are building up the temple of God. What part will we play today in either offering, or procuring, prayer support? And would we faithfully, with one voice, praise the Lord for His gracious answers? (Psalm 34:3; 1 Peter 2:4-5)

Lord, help me be, and enlist, a scaffold of prayer, that Your church be built and Your great name glorified.

“‘If I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you…’ And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest...’ Moses said, ‘Please show me your glory.’ And he said, ‘I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name “The Lord.” And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But,’ he said, ‘you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live… Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.’” Exodus 33:13-14,18-23

“You have done evil above all who were before you and have gone and made for yourself other gods and metal images, provoking me to anger, and have cast me behind your back.” 1 Kings 14:9

“Then he brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple, and I looked, and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple of the Lord. And I fell on my face. And the Lord said to me, ‘Son of man, mark well, see with your eyes, and hear with your ears all that I shall tell you.'” Ezekiel 44:4-5

Where we face each day makes a difference. Face the sun, absorb its warmth and light, and be energized and hopeful, taking in all that is exposed by its rays. Turn our back, and shiver in the shadows, away from the influence of light, and under the influence of darkness. Face the Lord in His glory and goodness, and fall face down, humbled, inspired, submitted to His will. Or turn from truth a rebel, and find the path ahead shrouded by the image of man’s cast shadow of self-sufficiency, idolatry, and pride. Which will it be?

We do not always intend to turn our backs on the Lord, but simply do not exert the effort it takes to seek Him. We fail to climb the mount, and fill our time with anything but reading His love-letter-to-us word, and never crave to know Him. We fill our days and shelves and sights with lesser things, and, satisfied enough with their diminished charm, cannot see His glory. When asked, we would not admit to casting Him behind our back, yet every idol, every alien affection, every bit of trust in something else, is an about-face to the wonder He invites us to see and relish.

What is our determination? To check off a quick glance but then shrug an intent Jesus away, because the call of the day is too loud, or the tasks too numerous? If it is to turn from casting Him behind us, and to hold Him before, are there trinkets and idols and notifications that distract us from beholding His glory that would fill our mind and heart?

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.” ~Helen Howarth Lemmel (1922)

Lord, may I ever look to You and be radiant. (Psalm 34:5)

“Ahab did evil in the sight of the Lord… And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam, he took for his wife Jezebel.., and went and served Baal and worshiped him. He erected an altar for Baal… And Ahab made an Asherah. Ahab did more to provoke the Lord to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him…

“Now Elijah said to Ahab, ‘As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.’ And the word of the Lord came to him: ‘Depart and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith… You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.’ So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land.

“Then the word of the Lord came to him, ‘Arise, go to Zarephath… I have commanded a widow there to feed you.'” 1 Kings 16:30-33; 17:1-9

Elijah was sold out to his Lord. What God directed, he did, not because it was easy, or pleasant, or rewarded, but because it was right. When he announced the judgment of a drought, we can only imagine the wicked king’s reaction. What we see is the tender, faithful care of Elijah’s God.

He spoke directly, personally, with clear instructions to His servant. He invited his obedient faith onward, and hid him in safety in a lovely place. He provided miraculously for him morning and evening, displaying His glory and power. He was enough, never forsook him, and continued to lead, step by step, proving His love. (17:10-16,22-24)

He does the same for us when we do the hard and right thing in the face of rejection, evil, or opposition. When the Lord calls us to stand, act, and speak for Him, He is clear about our task, and present for the challenge. He understands every concern and need. (Exodus 3:10-14; 4:10-12; Ezekiel 40:1-4)

Do we make ourselves available for God to use in unexpected ways? Are we even open to standing up, standing out, speaking up, disrupting our lives for His sake? If we set aside our plans, and take time to explore His, we might be surprised at what He enlists us to do. When He calls to some new or bolder service, He will make the way, and bless our obedience beyond imagining.

“When we do his good will, 
he abides with us still, 
and with all who will trust and obey.” ~John H. Sammis (1887)

Would we change praying, ‘Lord, take and bless my schedule,’ to ‘What are your plans today, Lord? Help me obey.’?

“‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, 
and to take him at his word; 
just to rest upon his promise, 
and to know, ‘Thus saith the Lord.’ 
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him! 
How I’ve proved him o’er and o’er! 
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! 
O for grace to trust him more!” ~Louisa M. R. Stead (1882)

Lord, may I boldly keep Your agenda, in Your enabling, for Your glory.

“Elijah said to the people, ‘I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men.'”

“‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He said, ‘I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus… And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place… Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.’” 1 Kings 18:22; 19:13-16,18

Look over the river valley awash with green, scan for that splash of fall, and catch your breath at the brilliant coal-glow of one spot that warms the heart and every sense. Sometimes, it is hard to find. There is only a splash or two, but their individual glow stands out all the more early in the season, and the cool. We yearn for more, we want every one and everywhere, but there are times that solitary color must burn bright and bold, leading the charge, and change.

At times, we’re lonely in our commitment to faith. We feel we are the only one who is holding forth the light, standing true. We are set apart by the toil or preparation required for a specifically called ministry, and perhaps are wistful at being left out, or having to say no to outside enticements. In these times, God calls His beloveds to be strong, to stand up and out and willingly be the only voice, or example, or naysayer. While people tend to measure us against the perceived masses and public opinion, our communities need that lone light and voice and divine beauty to attract them to the Savior who sees the heart, and is pleased. (1 Samuel 16:7; Daniel 3:13-26)

When we are the one looking, it may take our full spiritual concentration to find, and great boldness to cling to, God’s promised beauty in our ordinary. Busy days, hurt feelings, trying circumstances, exhaustion or exasperation may overwhelm our ability to see beyond, but we can keep looking for the glimpse of His glory. So sweet is the find. The Lord is nigh, brings beauty from ashes, and works good in all things. (Isaiah 61:1-3; Romans 8:28)

What causes us to be timid in our witness and shine? Might God use our very uniqueness, or what we are willing to give up, or speak out, to illumine Christ, make a difference, or begin a movement of change? And how keen is my eye to behold His excellencies in my mundane, and in turn rejoice? (1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 1:7)

Lord, prompt me to look for Your scattered beauties in the ordinary, then give You all the praise upon beholding them. And help me to do my part in scattering beauty, and standing out with a bit of Your glory, so others might praise You too.

“I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.  But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift...

“He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13

What a difference it would make in our daily atmosphere if we not just focused on, but rejoiced in, all that unifies us: a glory far beyond ourselves, our opinions, our preferences or political party. We’ve been summoned by a high calling, and can walk in it and fulfill it with humility, gentleness, and patience. The rub comes when we must set aside selfish ambition and the gnawing need to be right. Would that we make peace our ambition! (Romans 12:18; Galatians 3:26-29; Philippians 2:3-4; Hebrews 12:14)

In what ways do I stir disunity among fellow laborers, maybe even unwittingly? Do I gossip by sharing another’s sins behind their back? Do I, by facial expression or audible mention, imply suspicion or disdain, diss an opinion, or betray confidences? Am I argumentative, too ‘odious or touchy’ like ‘Euodia and Syntyche’? Have I loose self-control of a tongue that slanders, grouses, criticizes, and condemns? Maybe I lord it over others, insist on having the last word, or must boisterously make my expertise known? (Philippians 4:2-3)

When will I set aside that spiritual bully, and contribute instead to unity in the body? What comments and reactions need putting off? What default impulses and practices should be replaced, the new infused with love, a goal of harmony, and the rule of peace? How can I bring those with differing experiences, ideas, and tastes into the fold? What opinions and preferences can I set aside to zero in on what actually unites, and matters? How can I steer a conversation to commonalities that bring people together? Thinking through these considerations ahead of time equips us to respond with graciousness and the mind of Christ. (Colossians 3:5-17)

The next time we encounter opposition, or a boiling up of volatility, anger, disagreement, or divisiveness, what ingredients of grace will we inject? How will we stir up all involved to love and value each other, and to bring glory and honor to the God who unites us as His children for His kingdom’s sake? We can soar when we learn to appreciate differences, and do all we can to build up the Body in our common faith. (Hebrews 10:24)

Lord, illuminate my mind, soften my heart, and bring full maturity in my living to help me walk worthy of Your calling. Guide and inspire me to build up Your body in unity that reflects Your holy trinity, to Your honor. (Ephesians 4:15-16,22-24,29-32)