As the rain and snow

“Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. At the end of three days the officers went through the camp and commanded the people, ‘As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place and follow it. Yet there shall be a distance between you and it… Do not come near it, in order that you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.’ Then Joshua said to the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.’ Joshua said to the priests, ‘Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on before the people.’ So they took up the ark and went before the people.

“The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. And as for you, command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, “When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.”’” Joshua 3:1-8

The Lord was about to do a wondrous work for Joshua and Israel. He had installed Joshua as Moses’ successor, anointed him with His Spirit and distinct promises, and bolstered him with courage and His good commands. He had vowed His presence to guard and guide, the people received him with favor and allegiance, and the spies’ reconnaissance prepared their way to enter the land. And then, when all seemed ready, there was a three-day wait. (Joshua 1:1-9; 2:1,8-11,22-24)

We do not know details about these 72 hours, but can imagine the anticipation, buzz, excitement, restlessness, maybe even gathering fear. Why a delay? What was God doing? Had they heard Him right? Did He mean what He said? Would His promise ever come to pass? We know that Joshua was intent on obedience, and assume this was instructive for him always to give God time and space to do all He intended His way.

How do we react when we have received God’s clear guidance, have in hand His sure promises, consider ourselves armed and ready, and then are put in a position of waiting, with no word when it will be over? While it may be natural to begin to agitate with anxiety and doubt, what is God showing us about ourselves, and Himself? Have we trusted our own sufficiency, and failed to consecrate ourselves to Him for cleansing and readiness? Are we relying on our strength, expertise, and strategy rather than His perfect plan and timing? Have we, even unwittingly, set as a banner our personal order for success instead of God’s presence and truth?

The culmination came in a word to look for and follow the ark, and for the priests to step into the river in faith that God would make His marvelous way. Everything was set to loosen self-trust and bring all glory to God. (Joshua 3:11,14-17)

Lord, loosen my grip to give You time and space to do Your ineffable work, that You alone be praised.

“Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, the Negeb, and… the Valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. And the Lord said, ‘This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, “I will give it to your offspring.” I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.’ So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab… Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated… (There has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face) Deuteronomy 34:1-5,7,10

“On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
    the Lord loves the gates of Zion
    more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
Glorious things of you are spoken,
    O city of God.” Psalm 87:1-3

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going…  For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God… [Moses] considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible… These, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better.” Hebrews 11:8,10,26-27,39-40a

“The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb… And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” Revelation 21:14,22-23

The description of Moses’ death, at old age and full vigor, gives motivation to keep our eyes clear and focused on the land of our future. This great man of God lived by the unwavering faith of his fathers, settling in and traversing earth’s land, but always with an eye for his heavenly home. Yes, a great part of his life here was spent leading Israel toward Canaan, but those years taught him that this world was not his home, and the city with faith’s foundation, whose architect and builder was God, was his true Promised Land.

What seems to us an aborted dream and grave disappointment for Moses is really an illustration of our glimpse here of heavenly hope. Here we work and strive for better and best, but never is our longing fully satisfied this side of heaven. Now we see dimly, then face to face. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

As we trek the plains of task and travel, will we pause earthly endeavors to climb the slopes of worship, to partake of heavenly vision, to stimulate faith in our unseen God and His promises? How are we building eternal anticipation in our temporal world?

Father, keep my eyes undimmed and my vigor unabated for Thee. Help me live daily in heavenly hope.

“This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death. He said,

‘The Lord came from Sinai
and dawned upon us;
he shone forth from Mount Paran;
he came from the ten thousands of holy ones,
with flaming fire at his right hand.
Yes, he loved his people,
all his holy ones were in his hand…

‘Give to Levi your Thummim,
    and your Urim to your godly one…
They shall teach Jacob your rules
    and Israel your law;
they shall put incense before you
    and whole burnt offerings on your altar.
Bless, O Lord, his substance,
    and accept the work of his hands…’

Of Benjamin he said,

‘The beloved of the Lord dwells in safety.
The High God surrounds him all day long,
    and dwells between his shoulders.’

Of Joseph he said,

‘Blessed by the Lord be his land,
    with the choicest gifts of heaven above,
    and of the deep that crouches beneath,
with the choicest fruits of the sun
    and the rich yield of the months,
with the finest produce of the ancient mountains
    and the abundance of the everlasting hills,
with the best gifts of the earth and its fullness
    and the favor of him who dwells in the bush.
May these rest on the head of Joseph…’

Of Zebulun he said,

‘Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out,
    and Issachar, in your tents…
draw from the abundance of the seas
    and the hidden treasures of the sand.’

Of Naphtali he said,

‘O Naphtali, sated with favor,
    and full of the blessing of the Lord,
    possess the lake and the south.’

Of Asher he said,

‘Most blessed of sons be Asher…
   as your days, so shall your strength be.’

‘There is none like God, O Jeshurun,
    who rides through the heavens to your help,
    through the skies in his majesty.
The eternal God is your dwelling place,
    and underneath are the everlasting arms…
So Israel lived in safety,..
in a land of grain and wine,
    whose heavens drop down dew.
Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you,
    a people saved by the Lord,
the shield of your help,
    and the sword of your triumph!’” Deuteronomy 33:1-3,8-12,16,18-19,23-24,26-29

The God of all power and splendor loves His people beyond imagining, and blesses us in magnificent ways that fulfill His eternal purpose and glory. The abundance He bestows sates us in indescribable ways. Though His bounty is beyond measure, through Moses He distills it into words that help us grasp just a smidgen, and be filled with thanks.

Work that is meaningful and spiritually effective, His constant presence to protect and comfort, rich provision and the favor of man, treasure in our going out and coming in, abundant strength to match our days, happiness, help, and victory. The matchless God who loves us infinitely gives all good gifts. (James 1:17)

Who is like His people, blessed beyond measure? Why do we clamor for satisfaction elsewhere?

Whom can we bless today? Upon who will we pronounce the benediction of Christ, whom can we bolster with the promises of His Word? Whom will we take the time to look in the eye and tell that they are treasured by their Maker, have great purpose in His kingdom, and can make a difference by His power?

Father, satisfy me daily with Your unfailing love, and cause me to bless others from Your bounty. (Psalm 90:14)

“Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshua the son of Nun. And when Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them, ‘Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.’” Deuteronomy 32:44-47

“’And as for me, this is my covenant with them,’ says the Lord: ‘My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring,’ says the Lord, ‘from this time forth and forevermore.’” Isaiah 59:21

Imagine Moses, nearing the end of his vigorous life, clear-eyed and -minded. What could he include in the unique baton he would soon pass on to his successor? What was the summary of his providential life’s existence, the history he had implemented, his intimate knowledge of Almighty God, his deliverance and power and deeds? It was His word, spoken face to face, inscribed on stone, heart, and mind. (Deuteronomy 34:7,10-12)

Imagine Joshua, faithful assistant over many miles and long months, approaching the time he would step into the position Moses had carried for decades. He had the model of Moses’s humility, steadfastness, close walk with God, and ongoing communion in prayer. He’d seen skills of delegation and discipline and patience develop, and how Moses remained true to his call when criticized and rejected. Yet, what was the one advice Moses made paramount? Take to heart the word. It is your very life. Above all else, undergirding every plan, guiding every decision, fueling every effort, must be this word. It is not empty, futile, irrelevant, or distant; it is your very life.

What is our legacy? How do we desire and plan to gift those who come behind us? We live and speak example, we provide for practical needs, but how can we pass along very life? Do we love others well, sacrificially and generously as Jesus does? Do we know the Word well enough to speak it in resolving conflict, to call upon it for guidance, to implement it in discipline and admonishment and decisions? How can we instill in others fortitude, encouragement, or wisdom directly from the Bible? When we are immersed in it, and trained by it, God’s truth becomes our natural default, and the drive behind our words to those around us. It fuels what we impart, touching everything we do and say.

“Your testimonies are wonderful;
    therefore my soul keeps them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it imparts understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant,
    because I long for your commandments...

Your promise is well tried,
    and your servant loves it…
Your testimonies are righteous forever;
    give me understanding that I may live.” Psalm 119:129-131,140,144

And so help me pass this along, my Lord and Living Word. Amen.

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.  Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.” Matthew 5:21-26

Note that anger and conflict in life are expected. We are sinners all, and will certainly be confronted with ugly behavior and hurt feelings, and even inflict them ourselves. Our Lord knows this, and gives practical advice for our good, that we might further and exemplify His gifts of uprightness and reconciliation.

We often construct fences, attempting to separate ourselves from those whose actions we deplore, barricading ourselves from those who chafe, and holding boundaries against those who do us offense or harm. It is easy to see the other as the culprit and ourselves as victim. But storm clouds of dissension still hover, and weeds of bitterness still pop their ugly heads when we refuse to uncover the roots of harmful interaction. The Lord commands that we get to the cause of conflict, hatred, and sinful responses, and promptly do what we can to correct them.

Procrastination only exacerbates the issues, and risks greater, more destructive fallout. Putting off breeds the ugly spread of wrong thinking: hurt feelings bruise deeply, suspicions grow, judgments harden, and darkness of response and behavior spreads.

We must never put up with sin, but acknowledge and confess it. We must keep short accounts with those with whom we have friction. We must make it a priority to go to our offended or offending brother or sister, and deal truthfully with kindness and compassion. When we make right of our many wrongs, we honor the One who made right for all of our wrongs on the cross. He did not shuffle them underfoot, but bore every one to its full penalty, that we might be freed from the constant eating away of sin and irritation of its tentacles. (Isaiah 53:4-6; Luke 17:3-4; Ephesians 4:32; 1 John 1:9)

What will we do to deconstruct the fences we have built? When one is removed, will we tackle the next? Not until they are gone will we be able to see clearly to enjoy a free flow of love and fellowship. Our goal is that communion be restored, but agreeing to disagree may be the viable and upright solution. There are times that ongoing sin separates as an unavoidable or necessary consequence, but that settlement can still be wrought peaceably and honorably. (Acts 15:36-41)

Lord, guard me from stewing in any sin that perpetuates its growth. Help me settle quickly with You and others to the glory of Your gospel.

“For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.

“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” Deuteronomy 30:11-20

I can’t. It’s too hard. That’s impossible. These may be reasons we whine regarding God’s precepts, but they are no excuse. Not only is God’s word available and full of encouragement, but God’s regenerating and enervating Spirit who dwells within gives desire and strength to follow. (Psalm 19:7-11; John 14:16-17)

Every day we set priorities and make choices. Our loves and our beliefs dictate both. If we want above all else to get ahead in life, to succeed materially, to be recognized or amass likes or get applauded, our energy will be spent in specific directions. We’ll set our course and run, disregarding anyone and anything that hinders our achieving those goals.

But if the Lord has instilled spiritual hunger for Him, His kingdom and word and righteousness, we will choose to seek first those things, and tailor our days to do so. We will deliberately set our minds on things above and take delight in His truth. We will commune with Him and bring every decision to prayer and under the scope of the Word. (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-2)

What excuses do we make that are really veiled admissions of spiritual apathy, sloth, or prurient desires? In what areas are we given to wayward affections that trump righteous desire, and what will we do to reverse that? How can we soak anew in the powerful and good word of God so our minds are renewed and appetites transformed? (Romans 12:1-2)

Oh Father, help me seize Your possible, determined to keep Your word and so bring You the honor You deserve.

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29

“The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him,
    and he makes known to them his covenant.” Psalm 25:14

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15

“It is written,

‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
    nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him’—

these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God… ‘For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’” “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10,16a; 13:12

It seems in life that as soon as we figure out one situation, another arises that is shrouded in mystery. The tension of not knowing, and not sure we really want to know, keeps us in constant suspension. For man, we can chafe at the complication being unable to anticipate and organize and plan, but for God, this is His marvelous method of keeping us- who were made for eternity- in wonder at His ways, and of teaching us to trust. While we may be impatient, there is no question that God is not, but is marvelously unfolding our days and history as He intends and in His time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

God keeps secrets that will one day be revealed, and reveals to us all we need to know for today. His secrecy evokes our sense of His divine attributes and unsearchable ways, which strum our heart strings in awed praise for what we know is higher than our comprehension, but infinitely good. It also directs us to what is important for us to tend to now while He is tending to what is to come. He handles way more than we can imagine, and supplies for us to handle what is necessary. (Matthew 6:34; Romans 11:33)

We believe in and love Him now by faith, and one day will see Him face to face. We want answers now, and He says, ‘I know, and that is enough.’ Trusting Him at His word strengthens our faith and inspires us to know Him better, not just details and situations. All this is part of our ongoing sanctification. Our hope and trust in what is to come purifies our confidence in Him who holds that future. (1 Peter 1:8-9; 1 John 3:2-3)

Are we taking spiritual and practical advantage of all our Lord has revealed to us, relishing our communion with Him and obeying His spoken Word? How willing are we to leave the future and unknown to Him, believing He is preparing all things with perfection?

Lord, keep me delighting in all Your Spirit unfolds and makes clear. Continually whet my appetite for more of You. Help me live by what You have made known, and trust what You have yet to reveal.

“Now Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, ‘Keep the whole commandment that I command you today.  And on the day you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster. And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you cross over to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you. And when you have crossed over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, concerning which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster. And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. You shall wield no iron tool on them;  you shall build an altar to the Lord your God of uncut stones. And you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God,  and you shall sacrifice peace offerings and shall eat there, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God. And you shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly.’” Deuteronomy 27:1-8

Much is made by God for the preeminence of an altar. On the day you cross over– this must be your established priority, your constant reminder, your identity, your goad to surrender, obey, and rejoice. Your altar shall hold and portray My word, your altar shall be for Me, your altar is our place of communion.

Today, we erect many altars and neglect the Lord in most, if not all. We arrive at days and places that flow with figurative milk and honey, and erect monuments to ourselves. We make choices that enhance our image, collect objects and experiences that boost our public personae. We relish (and flaunt) all the blessings from God and behave as though they flowed from our efforts and expertise.

But God calls us to a deeper way of living. He commands us to put Him first in a fixed and permanent way. When all our efforts, work, dreams, and plans are offered to Him, He brings blessings of peace and provision. When we take delight in the worship of Him, He bestows rejoicing and gladness on all that concerns us. When His word is our guide and light and hope, we have strength and wisdom for today and hope for tomorrow.

What is it exactly that I worship? To whom or what do I offer myself, and surrender my passion and affections? What do I prize? What is my aim, my standard, and my banner? What needs to change and be yielded for my primary altar to stand erect for the Lord of all?

“Spirit of God, who dwells within my heart,
wean it from sin, through all its pulses move.
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as you are,
and make me love you as I ought to love.

Teach me to love you as your angels love,
one holy passion filling all my frame:
the fullness of the heaven-descended Dove;
my heart an altar, and your love the flame.” ~George Croly (1780-1860)

Oh Lord, keep my walk steadfast and blameless. May I daily put You first, seek and honor You at the altar of my whole heart. (Psalm 119:1-5)

“Your hands have made and fashioned me;
    give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
    because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
    and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Let your steadfast love comfort me
    according to your promise to your servant.
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
    for your law is my delight.
Let the insolent be put to shame,
    because they have wronged me with falsehood;
    as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
Let those who fear you turn to me,
    that they may know your testimonies.
May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
    that I may not be put to shame!

My soul longs for your salvation;
    I hope in your word…

Forever, O Lord, your word
    is firmly fixed in the heavens.
 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
    you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
By your appointment they stand this day,
    for all things are your servants.
If your law had not been my delight,
    I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
    for by them you have given me life.
I am yours; save me.” Psalm 119:73-81,89-94a

Pray I will cling. This request came from a beloved suffering friend, a cry of a soul desire in the midst of unthinkable affliction. Ah, clinging… holding on to the high and holy One we know and love, and gripping what is true. Grasping His promises, holding fast to hope, drawing strength from His presence. Of course, clinging is taking hold of the lifeline offered us, the way to calm and peace in the most tortuous and unlikely places.

In every trial, would we turn our trust from all that is transient and take refuge in Him, our home? Would we humble ourselves to be revived there? Would we cling, unswervingly, with every ounce of faith and strength, to our Lord and His sure and steadfast hope? Would we hold so tightly we hear His breath and feel His heartbeat, and there take comfort that He has us? (Isaiah 57:13,15; Hebrews 10:23)

When we are buffeted by cruelties of the present and uncertainties of the future, He is our sure Rock and unshakable foundation. When all is aswirl in emotion and events, threatening the stability of relationships, economies, and health, God our King is in full control. What need we release to take hold of Him?

“Jesus, I am resting, resting
in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
of thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee,
as thy beauty fills my soul,
for by thy transforming power,
thou hast made me whole.

Simply trusting thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold thee as thou art,
and thy love, so pure, so changeless,
satisfies my heart;
satisfies its deepest longings,
meets, supplies its ev’ry need,
compasseth me round with blessings:
thine is love indeed.

Ever lift thy face upon me
as I work and wait for thee;
resting ‘neath thy smile, Lord Jesus,
earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory,
sunshine of my Father’s face,
keep me ever trusting, resting,
fill me with thy grace.” ~Jean Sophia Pigott (1876)

Lord, fix my hope in You as Your word is fixed in heaven, stable and sure.

“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
    and give me life in your ways.” Psalm 119:37

“When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
    observe carefully what is before you,
and put a knife to your throat
    if you are given to appetite.
Do not desire his delicacies,
    for they are deceptive food.
Do not toil to acquire wealth;
    be discerning enough to desist.
When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
    for suddenly it sprouts wings,
    flying like an eagle toward heaven.” Proverbs 23:1-5

“Come, everyone who thirsts,
    come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
    and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
    and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
    hear, that your soul may live.” Isaiah 55:1-3a

“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you… I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:27,35

We were made to eat, food being the fuel for our bodies to subsist and thrive. There are also material goods vital to meeting basic needs and functions for a healthy, productive life. But the Lord gives clear caution against upending these priorities out of balance, and elevating the status of important things to ultimate things.

One distinction is who we seek as the Source- self, or Jehovah Jireh. We can puff ourselves into self-dependence and indispensability, yet He is the One who provides for our every need (and want). We must guard against thinking it is only in our power and grit to amass things, and beware taking credit for favors and success we’ve received. When we take charge, we are subject to pride and self-importance, diminishing our high view of God and reducing Him to a Dispenser of blessing on our efforts. Is this our temptation and tendency? Would we transform our thinking by dwelling on what is true of Him? (Genesis 22:8,14; Deuteronomy 8:10-19; Philippians 4:19; James 1:17)

Another distinction is the value we place on material goods and earthly treasures. Have they become ends, and thus idols, in themselves? What is our drive and goal? Have we allowed our enjoyment of food to morph into gluttony, opened the love spigot on money, or erected heart shrines to performance, accolades, education? Where have we unbridled our affections to run wild and wayward or inordinate? What’s occurred in our souls that we seek the gifts over the Giver? (1 Corinthians 6:13; 1 Timothy 6:10)

Seeking the Lord Jesus first satisfies in itself, and keeps all else in right perspective and place. Would we exchange the worthless things of this earth for the worthwhile that never passes away? (Matthew 6:19-21,24-33)

Good Father, purify my every appetite. Help me always be a steward of Your goodness and graces, serving You with joyfulness and gladness of heart because of Your abundance. (Deuteronomy 28:47)