As the rain and snow

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?..
Who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk,
    or who laid its cornerstone?

“Or who shut in the sea with doors
    when it burst out from the womb,
when I made clouds its garment..,
and prescribed limits for it…
and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
    and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?

“Have you commanded the morning since your days began,
    and caused the dawn to know its place?

“Have you entered into the springs of the sea,
    or walked in the recesses of the deep?..
Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth?

“Where is the way to the dwelling of light,
    and where is the place of darkness,
that you may take it to its territory
    and that you may discern the paths to its home?” Job 38:4-6,8-12,16,18-20

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways…
You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me…

Where shall I go from your Spirit?
    Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me,
    and the light about me be night,’
even the darkness is not dark to you;
    the night is bright as the day,
    for darkness is as light with you.

For you formed my inward parts…
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret…
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written…
    the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:1-3,5,7-13,15-16

God’s questioning jolts His children into their place by revealing His sovereign power and intricate knowledge. Sometimes He uses an overwhelming experience of wonder and beauty, an impossibly difficult situation without easy answer or solution, or an unbearable weight of sorrow, to cause us to acknowledge His vast and constant presence among us. His care, love, and light are inescapable.

Morning breaks,
Light awakes,
From a peek,
To a hint,
To full blaze;
Birds sing cheer,
Renewal’s here,
Seize the day (PEB)

What begins with hope doesn’t always continue that way. When confusion or anguish are too deep for words, the Lord is near in the gloom, upholding His boundaries, containing the pressure. When we feel lost, alone, untethered in the wide chaotic world, the Lord is close. When life’s sky is so distant we feel rudderless, directionless, meaningless, He is nigh, encompassing, sustaining, filling the space and ordering every unseen.

Where do I question His abiding presence out of anger, sadness, or confusion? Would I believe and rest in it today?

“Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lake,
From the hills,
from the sky;
All is well,
Safely rest,
God is nigh” ~Gen. Daniel Butterfield (1862)

Lord, in every circumstance, help me seek and rejoice in Your presence and glory.

“Will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you!” 1 Kings 8:27

“He bowed the heavens and came down.” Psalm 18:9

“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
    And who shall stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart…
He will receive blessing from the Lord
    and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” Psalm 24:3-5

“I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” John 6:38

“You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9

“In saying, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.” Ephesians 4:10

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11

The transcendent God displays His supremacy at all times, in all places. By nature above and beyond and more brilliant than man’s comprehension, in Christ He descended to earth, condescending from glory until He would ascend back to glory, so that the descendent of Adam might be saved. (John 20:17; Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 1:2-4)

In the natural pomp within which we operate, it becomes our default to consider God a larger, higher, superior version of man. We confuse the myriad of little gods we worship with the One true surpassing God, whose excellence and preeminence defy comparison. When was the last time I contemplated God’s transcendence to the point of feeling small? (Psalm 8:3-5; 19:1)

Committing attention to read the Word exposes us to His luster shining brilliantly through it. When did we last hush ourselves to bow before the Holy One’s dazzling splendor and listen to Him speak? (Psalm 36:9; 119:105; Matthew 17:5)

The Savior who condescended in submission to the Father, lowering Himself so we could be raised victorious over sin and death, calls us to similar humility. What privilege or right need I surrender for the greater dignity of bearing Christ’s name? (Romans 8:15; Galatians 3:29; Hebrews 2:10-11)

“The love of God is greater far
than tongue or pen can ever tell;
it goes beyond the highest star,
and reaches to the lowest hell.
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win.
The erring child He reconciled,
and pardoned from his sin.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
the saints’ and angels’ song.” ~Frederick Lehman (1917)

Resplendent Lord, inspire increasing crescendo in my worship and submission before You who are forever high and lifted up. (Isaiah 6:1-8)

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.  For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,  and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

“And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,  he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him.” Colossians 1:15-22

Some portray God as a thundering Judge out to make miserable those who dwell on His earth. Whether out of fear, or bitterness, it is certainly out of ignorance of what He delights to do. When God sent Jesus, He was pleased to do so. He announced His good pleasure with Him at His baptism by his cousin John. And here we are told God was pleased not only to dwell in Him, but to reconcile sinners through Him. This is a lofty, lovely truth that should awaken stout praise, not castigation. (Matthew 3:13-17)

What makes His pleasure all the more intriguing, and almost unbelievable, is who we were when He expressed His delight. Alienated and hostile- unwelcoming and rebellious and resistant, YET He was pleased to dwell among us to reconcile us to God. Alleluia! His pleasure comes by doing His Father’s will and living out His perfect nature of love and mercy. How does this encourage and motivate us? (John 1:14; 6:38; Romans 5:6-11)

Considering Christ’s pleasure in fulfilling His Father’s will for us, do we delight in the same for Him? If it is not an honest confession that we delight to do His will, what are we choosing instead, and what satisfaction is it bringing? Would we ask to be willing to be made willing to have our affections reordered? How can we begin to take joy in putting off our rebel bent, in obedience, in growing spiritually, in meaningful fellowship and service of the saints? (Psalm 40:8)

The Lord who is pleased to save us dwells among us to chide and strengthen, correct and direct. He convicts of sin, prunes for fruitfulness, and rejoices in our ongoing sanctification. He cheers us on to persevere, and when we keep faith. What selfishness needs be put away, what changes in my mindset made, for me to wholeheartedly desire to please God above myself or others? What do my attitude, choices, and actions toward others reveal about the object of my heart’s pleasure?

If God was so pleased to send His Son, and the Son is pleased to reconcile me, how will I please my Lord by offering myself so many can know the delights of salvation?

Father, may I so live and love that many see You dwelling in me and desire reconciliation.

“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
    And who shall stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not lift up his soul to what is false
    and does not swear deceitfully.
He will receive blessing from the Lord
    and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek the face of the God of Jacob.”

“My eyes are ever toward the Lord.”

“One thing have I asked of the Lord,
    that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
    and to inquire in his temple.

For he will hide me in his shelter
    in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
    he will lift me high upon a rock.

And now my head shall be lifted up
    above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
    sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
    be gracious to me and answer me!
You have said, ‘Seek my face.’
My heart says to you,
    ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.’
    Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
    O you who have been my help…

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living!” Psalm 24:3-6; 25:15a; 27:4-9a,13

One of David’s resounding themes in both passion and word is seeking the face of the Lord. His practice in desire and practical outworking is fueled by love for his God. He yearned to behold Him in His resplendent beauty and holiness as a result of mercy received, and to continually seek Him through life, exemplifying that mercy applied. He longed to behold the One who looked in loving favor and grace on him.

Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? Those who seek Him, who make the trek in will and wonder. What are our eyes ever toward? When have we paused our busyness, urgencies, selfish wants and strange attractions to gaze upon His beauty? Where are we satisfied? What recalcitrance or apathy dismisses the Spirit’s allure to lift our heads above earthly delights and concerns?

Consider what His face would reveal and say to our every whim. His mouth would sing over us with rejoicing and speak love over furrowed fainting souls. His healed brow would soften in mercy, His gleaming eyes sparkle with delight and cheer. Seek His face, O hurting, disappointed, yearning, needy child! (Zephaniah 3:17)

“Lord Jesus Christ, we seek Thy face;
Within the veil we bow the knee;
O let Thy glory fill the place!
And bless us while we wait on Thee.

We thank Thee for the precious blood
That purged our sins and brought us nigh;
All cleansed and sanctified to God,
Thy holy name to magnify.

Shut in with Thee far, far, above
The restless world that wars below;
We seek to learn and prove Thy love,
Thy wisdom and Thy grace to know.

The brow that once with thorns was bound,
Thy hands, Thy side, we fain would see;
Draw near, Lord Jesus, glory crowned,
And bless us while we wait on Thee.” ~Alexander Stewart (1843-1923)

Lord, adjust my sights to see You in Your fullness, love, power, and majesty.

“This is the service of the clans of the Gershonites, in serving and bearing burdens: they shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle and the tent of meeting with its covering and the covering of goatskin that is on top of it and the screen for the entrance of the tent of meeting and the hangings of the court and the screen for the entrance of the gate of the court that is around the tabernacle and the altar, and their cords and all the equipment for their service. And they shall do all that needs to be done with regard to them. All the service of the sons of the Gershonites shall be at the command of Aaron and his sons, in all that they are to carry and in all that they have to do… 

“And this is what they are charged to carry, as the whole of their service in the tent of meeting: the frames of the tabernacle, with its bars, pillars, and bases, and the pillars around the court with their bases, pegs, and cords, with all their equipment and all their accessories. And you shall list by name the objects that they are required to carry. This is… the whole of their service in the tent of meeting, under… the priest.”

“All those who were listed of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the chiefs of Israel listed, by their clans and their fathers’ houses, from thirty years old up to fifty years old, everyone who could come to do the service of ministry and the service of bearing burdens in the tent of meeting, those listed were 8,580. According to the commandment of the Lord through Moses they were listed, each one with his task of serving or carrying.” Numbers 4:24-27,31-33,46-49

The tasks commanded of the clans of priests for the mobile tabernacle were many and detailed. To take them on took serious attention, determination and will, and commitment to God’s greater calling to lead in His service. And the breadth of this obedience also presupposed a unique strength. It takes heartiness, both physical and spiritual, to bear such burdens.

When leading for Christ in our corner of the world, we must be strong. We can strategize, make lists, and tend to particulars, but we must also be able to handle the weight of every dimension of what is required. The bearing of emotional strain, the physical rigor of energetic service, the intellectual capacity for discernment, and the spiritual fortitude to be humble and steadfast in prayer all take consideration and must be fueled by the Holy Spirit.

How do we ready ourselves for God’s call? How attentive are we in caring for body, mind, and soul so we are vigorous and able to handle varied aspects of each task? Where are we lacking? Do we take time to rest, to exercise the body, to draw strength and wisdom from His word, to be energized and trained by the encouragement of fellowship and corporate worship?

What disciplines do we need to incorporate into daily rhythms that will fit us for bearing the burdens of our Lord’s service? How have we seen His enabling come to fruition? Whom can we help to strengthen their fitness?

Lord, train me so I’m prepared and eager for every assignment, for Your kingdom’s sake and glory.

“O Lord, in your strength the king rejoices,
    and in your salvation how greatly he exults!
You have given him his heart’s desire
    and have not withheld the request of his lips. 
For you meet him with rich blessings;
    you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
He asked life of you; you gave it to him,
    length of days forever and ever.
His glory is great through your salvation;
    splendor and majesty you bestow on him.
For you make him most blessed forever;
    you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
For the king trusts in the Lord,
    and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.” Psalm 21:1-7

“David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. David said: ‘Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.  Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.  And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

“‘But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are strangers before you and sojourners… Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided… comes from your hand and is all your own.’” 1 Chronicles 29:10-16

David’s intimacy with his Lord was so real, so pronounced, that any benefit and blessing he owned and enjoyed he knew was from the Lord. Though he was not perfect, he continually acknowledged that it was God‘s grace and favor that made him great in the world. Written song and bold proclamation were the rhythm of his soul and kept pride in check.

We can so easily slip into thinking too highly of ourselves, or too much about ourselves. Success and achievement inflame arrogance, but so can troubles and busyness. They press us into inflated importance and a prideful disregard of others.

But gaze at God, and practice singing praise to Him, and He changes our whole perspective. When God gets in the way, we move from all-about-me to all-about Thee. Sights filled with His greatness and majesty and glory and splendor see ourselves only in light of Him. And there we are small. Loved, of immeasurable value, but under His benevolent authority and pleasure.

Where have we become puffed up? Do we talk more about what we have done or need to do than we genuinely care and listen to others? When was the last time we bowed our knees before God Almighty, and praised Him with psalms? He delights to hear His word. What changes in our perspective might He make that bear out in more humble, generous, gracious living?

Father, fill my thoughts of self with all of You, so You are extolled.

“Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior…

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you…

“We ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life… Grace be with you all.” Titus 1:4b; 2:11-15; 3:3-7,15b

Paul’s letter to Titus began and ended with grace, progressing through its admonitions and instruction dependent on and laced with that same grace. Grace had greeted them into salvation, and would keep them steadfast and pure. Eventually it would close their lives here on earth and usher them into eternity.

For every Christian, God’s grace in Christ saves and seals us, and takes us home. In between it abides and guards, convicts and quickens, sanctifies and fortifies. It is gritty getting into and uncovering our mess, and gracious in its grating to fit us for full life in Christ. By God’s Spirit grace convinces of sin, gives strength to renounce it and choose right, and inspires holiness and praise.

Tracing God’s grace through our spiritual journey makes note of the ways and places He applies it. By its nature it shows up, unsought and unearned, to make alive our sin-dead souls. The Lord graciously sprinkles undeserved love into hated and hating sinners, saving us out of death unto life, foolishness unto wisdom, meaninglessness unto purpose. (Ephesians 2:1-5)

Where have we seen God’s grace work in the past, and how are we living differently? In what areas is it working now, teaching, refining, restoring? In what relationships do we need an infusion of grace? Are there grudges we hold, or judgments we nurse? If by grace we’ve been saved, it will see us through to put off these besetting sins. Where will we yield to God’s ministry of grace today? How and on whom will we lavish as Christ has on us, that they might share our hope?

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

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come:
’tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.” ~John Newton (1779)

Lord, may I ever sing of Your grace, and live out my gratitude by responding to its inner work and extending its outer glories.

“If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Your threshing shall last to the time of the grape harvest, and the grape harvest shall last to the time for sowing. And you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land securely. I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. And I will remove harmful beasts from the land, and the sword shall not go through your land. You shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand, and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. I will turn to you and make you fruitful and multiply you and will confirm my covenant with you. You shall eat old store long kept, and you shall clear out the old to make way for the new.  I will make my dwelling among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.” Leviticus 26:3-12

The Almighty God set seasons in place to prepare for man, the crown jewel of His creation. His promises to His people intertwined the rhythm of blessings He’d designed with their receptivity to His statutes. All He ordained was for their good according to His order. (Genesis 1:14; Jeremiah 29:11)

Walking in truth we learn the ways of God, and to see His gracious and supernatural provision through every season. We learn to accept rains of confusion, pain, even despair as intending and enabling fruit and fruitfulness. Knowing His steadfastness and unchanging character, we learn constancy and unwavering faith through waiting and change we cannot control. Knowing the love behind His plans and the necessity of variation, we learn to trust that darkness and rest give way to light and energy, that fallowness and sowing are necessary for reaping and harvest.

There are consequences of loss and upended seasons when we fail to walk with the Lord, when we neglect His truth or rebel against His ways. The God of bounty will not bless the selfish idolater. He is a God who keeps His word and upholds His honor. (Leviticus 26:14-20,23-24,31)

Do we desire spiritual fruitfulness? Do we live to give robust offerings and glad praise that fills the sanctuary? Do we want to bear God’s graces and love around us and make an eternal difference? The Lord ordains the land of our days for varied yield and fullness.

Where do we see rottenness or anemic growth? How are our character and countenance and affections developing? What stubbornness or pride is hindering an upright walk in obedience? Would we confess and put it away today in order to enjoy the blessings of all God’s seasons? God’s presence in us delights to make new. (Leviticus 26:40-42)

Lord, help me rejoice in every season, faithfully walking in Your truth and promises rain or shine, trusting Your good and exalting Your glory.

“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,  I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,  that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,  having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might  that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,  far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Ephesians 1:15-21

For this reason– that you’ve been saved and redeemed unto an everlasting inheritance in Christ according to His eternal and glorious purpose- I pray this for you. Paul longs for the Ephesians to know every spiritual blessing they own securely in Christ, to rejoice in it, and to experience its fullness. Great reason and purpose compels great prayer! This knowing and realizing would be the secret to their perspective and power for ministry life going forward. It would determine action and develop both the individual and church. It would be the source of effective gospel living in every arena. (Ephesians 1:3,7-14)

As God’s adopted children, how well acquainted are we with the vast bounty of spiritual treasure He has given us in Christ? Do we know His eternal purpose for us is to be holy and blameless? Is that our desire also? From personal experience, how familiar are we with the grace He supplies for challenging decisions, relationships, and uncertainties? How have trials heightened the anticipation of what awaits us, and desperation the greatness of His power over our own? In what situations have our eyes been enlightened by His living word, or spirits quickened by His resurrection power? The more these gifts become joyfully ours in daily life, the more we will want others to know them too.

For whom are we in regular, earnest prayer, and what drives those prayers? Do we mumble off rote lists, or repeat empty platitudes seeking ease and happiness, wishing all the hard would go away? Or do we plead for God to unfold these deeper realities for those we love, no matter what it takes? Imagine what glory and growth we would see if God poured out His spirit of wisdom and revelation to those seeking to know Him and His will, or His immense power for the relinquishment of long-held resentment or victory over a sin habit, or His hope for those who suffer or grieve. There is no higher calling or greater gift than to know Jesus.

“I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I’ve committed
unto him against that day.” ~D. W. Whittle (1883)

Lord, from all that You’ve done for me, may I pray with wisdom and boldness for others in the power and for the sake of Your name.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Ephesians 6:10-18

Devil schemes. Rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers over this present darkness. The evil day. All circumstances. All the flaming darts. Paul’s admonition was not to fear, or dread, or cower, or flee, but to stand firm against all of these. He knew them, having endured suffering and hardship beyond most humans’ imagining. But he knew even better the triumph of securing and utilizing the full armor of God. (2 Corinthians 11:24-28)

Not some, but all. Some flaming darts we recognize, others we don’t see, or think impossible. We know the blatant temptations of mind and flesh, the caustic sting of false accusation or gritty criticism, the pesky doubts and haunting fears, the damp of discouragement and darkness of depression. But we can be oblivious to the eating away at resolve, the slow wane of fidelity, or the subtleties of manipulation, niggling tension, or loosening morals. The enemy lures to gradual declines we’re too busy or distracted to notice.

Yet, we must be on the alert and at the ready. His darts pelt our confidence. They puncture security. They inflict burning and pain in plans and relationships. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, so his weapons are intentionally destructive and disabling. He fully intends to dismantle faithfulness, corrupt righteousness, swerve us off course, and undermine commitment. It is vital we prepare each day both to defend and attack. The armor of God meets every wile and protects every target. (John 10:10)

How aware are we of the raging unseen battle? When and how do we secure each peace of armor and take up God’s weapons? Greater is our God than the devil! (1 John 4:4)

“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.

And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.” ~Martin Luther (1529)

My Victor, fix my armor and firm my stand to meet and defeat the enemy’s fiery darts, to Your praise.