As the rain and snow

“Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor,.. a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper… A little girl from Israel worked in the service of Naaman’s wife.  She said to her mistress, ‘Would that my lord were with the prophet! He would cure him of his leprosy…’

Elisha the man of God… [said], ‘Let him come now to me…’ So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, ‘Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.’ But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, ‘Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.’… He turned and went away in a rage. But his servants said to him, ‘My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, “Wash, and be clean”?’ So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child. Then he returned to the man of God,.. and said, ‘Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel.'” 2 Kings 5:1-3,8-15

Naaman the Important spent his time looking around instead of looking up. In his puffery he placed too much value on his company and appearances. He wanted pomp and circumstance, but God used humble servants and the potency of their messages to heal him and open his eyes to Himself. Naaman finally recognized the true Powerful One, and that it was he who was His servant (2 Kings 5:17-18)

How often do we close our ears to God’s voice because we do not like the messenger? Because in our superiority we question credentials, manner, or presentation? Do we judge the package and dismiss the gift inside? God’s ways often confound our own, and he uses people that we would not expect to do His divine work. (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)

Where am I more concerned with trappings rather than the truth? What would change if I closed my eyes and considered the real message, and what it was asking of me, if I set aside what others thought, if I answered only to my heavenly Father? How would this change the way I behave, and respond to the Lord’s authority and good intentions for me?

When we allow the Holy Spirit to apply His message to our mind, our heart, and our will, transformation comes, and we recognize it was all of Him in the first place.

Jesus the Servant uses his servants to proclaim His truth and exemplify His life-changing power. Are we serving others in such a way that they hear from Him and recognize His lordship? (Matthew 20:28)

How well are we discerning His voice in all of the messages available to us? Do we act upon only what His word verifies?

Lord, direct me to trust You better than any man, and Your word above theirs. (Psalm 118:8-9)

“Though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

^“For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:2-12

Paul had every reason to hold back and protect himself from the persecution, difficulties, and fatigue that he would encounter spreading the gospel. But the Lord’s word in Him became a burning fire, a message that could not be squelched and had to be told. (Jeremiah 20:9)

Once we have been gripped and changed by the gospel, transformed in mind and direction, passion and pursuit, the gospel of Christ is an outflow of our new life. It goes forth propelled by pure love, deep gratitude, and great expectancy.

How authentically is the gospel going out from me? Is a heart of genuine love spilling over in words that proclaim unadulterated truth at all times, spoken with grace and boldness? Has my identity been so transformed and secured that I care not about flattery or approval, but only about what the good news of Jesus could mean for another? Is my compulsion to share the gospel stoked by wanting someone to change for my benefit or reputation, or by a heartfelt yearning that they know the freedom and joy of forgiveness? (Ephesians 4:15; 6:18-20)

How attractively is the gospel going out from me? Do I speak one thing, and live another? Do gossip, complaining, boasting pepper my speech and thus mar the beauty of the words of life? Does my face reflect self-pity, my eye rolling superiority, or does my countenance exude compassion and invite trust?

How affectionately is the gospel going out from me? Do I prefer only to preach and finger-wag, or am I willing to invest time to connect, listen, answer questions, and pray for a soft heart and spiritual understanding? Is my bent to exhort with harshness and impatience, or am I gentle and honest in sharing my own struggles?

Father, cause Your gospel that I love to go forth from me in love, so others will love and be changed by You.

“We know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,  so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere… You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come... And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10; 2:13

There is irrefutable evidence in the lives of God’s beloved children that the gospel of the Lord has had its way. Paul encourages the Thessalonians church that he sees the effects of God’s word in them. It came not just as a message, but in the Holy Spirit’s power and conviction it had altered their attitude, worship, and priorities. Though they were afflicted, he saw their joy and determination compel them to serve the living and true God and to hope in His coming. This gospel was real, alive, and was to be continually appropriated. (Hebrews 4:12)

We who have received the gospel of truth can continue to receive it, welcoming its fresh work in our dynamic day to day. When we receive God’s word in power and conviction, we repent of our idolatry and put away untoward habits. We come alive to the importance of turning from grudges to forgiveness, from sloth to active service, and our witness is identified by the Spirit’s contagious joy.

“O let your soul now be filled with gladness, 
Your heart redeemed, rejoice indeed! 
O may the thought banish all your sadness, 
That in His blood you have been freed, 
That God’s unfailing love is yours, 
That you the only Son were given, 
That by His death He has opened heaven, 
That you are ransomed as you are.

If you seem empty of any feeling, 
Rejoice, you are His ransomed bride! 
If those you cherish seem not to love you,
And dark assails from every side; 
Still yours the promise, come what may,
In loss and triumph, in laughter, crying; 
In want and riches, in living dying, 
That you are purchased as you are.

It is a good, every good transcending, 
That Christ has died for you and me! 
It is a gladness that has no ending 
There in God’s wondrous love to see! 
Praise be to Him the spotless Lamb, 
Who through the desert my soul is leading 
To that fair city of joy exceeding, 
For which He bought me as I am!” ~Peter Jonsson Aschan (1726-1813)

What difference is the gospel making in us today?

Lord, come, and come again. Apply Your gospel to me so I increase and abound in love for others. Establish my heart in holiness and glad preparation for Your glorious coming. (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13)

“When the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed feasts, he who enters by the north gate to worship shall go out by the south gate, and he who enters by the south gate shall go out by the north gate: no one shall return by way of the gate by which he entered, but each shall go out straight ahead. When they enter, the prince shall enter with them, and when they go out, he shall go out.” Ezekiel 46:9-10

Moses’ face altered in appearance with its heavenly glow. David was renewed with strength for battle with sin and soldier. Nehemiah gained clear direction for what to do next. Daniel and John had visions of their majestic God and His kingdom plans. Once before their Lord, these men of God never returned or saw the same way, but went ahead with Him in new understanding, passion, and power. (Exodus 34:29,34-35; Nehemiah 1:4-11; Psalm 32:3-5; Daniel 2:19-23; Revelation 1:10-11; 4:1-11)

Every time we come before the Lord, we have opportunity to retreat unaltered the same way we entered, or to go out different. Spending meaningful time with the Prince of Peace, the King of kings, the Ruler of the universe, changes us, and this is our holy God’s intention.

When we go before our Lord in devotion, what is our desire and expectation? If our hearts are not malleable, and our ears deaf to all but our own voice, we will miss the opportunity for God to have His way. Are we checking the “Quiet Time” box off our list, or are we seeking genuine worship and communion? Do we bring a list of requests we’ve tallied, or ask Him to search our hearts and speak to us with conviction and instruction? Do we allot a hurried amount of time, or converse, and wait, until He is finished with us? (Genesis 17:22; 18:33)

Do we approach the feast He has prepared and sup in such a way that when we enter weary, we leave refreshed? When we enter bitter and angry, do we leave cleansed and emboldened to forgive? If we enter confused over relationships, decisions, finances, future plans, do we leave trusting the Spirit to guide one step at a time?

What has God revealed about Himself and His manner of work in individuals, the church, and the world, in recent time together? How has He reshaped our thinking, or assuaged our fears? What niggling sins has He removed, what new resolve has He prodded, what changed attitudes and transformed affections has He created?

When we want much from Him, He will never disappoint. Our prayers may not be answered how and when we desire, but Almighty God will not fail to bring about His intentions for us and for His kingdom. (Isaiah 46:9-10)

Father, create proper expectation for my time at Your table. Feed and nourish my spirit so I am daily changed and growing, to the praise of Your glorious grace and purpose.

“Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
    praise the name of the Lord!

Blessed be the name of the Lord
    from this time forth and forevermore!
From the rising of the sun to its setting,
    the name of the Lord is to be praised!

The Lord is high above all nations,
    and his glory above the heavens!
Who is like the Lord our God,
    who is seated on high,
who looks far down
    on the heavens and the earth?” Psalm 113:1-6

The wind has strong arms this morning, swaying palm fronds with pronounced grace, deep bows and curtsies before their unseen King. Wind chimes ring melodically over a background of high pitched crickets. A lone star shines white in the midnight blue sky, reminding me that in God there is no darkness, even in the cloudiest times. I feel His wind today. What He’s blowing I do not know, but I know it is from Him. (Psalm 112:4,7-8; 1 John 1:5)

So as the sun ascends, lift my sail I must. There is a sense, a palpable knowing from the Holy Spirit, of an unseen battle, a swashbuckling fight in the invisible realm. And though the feeling is ominous, I know who wins, and do not fear. I know the One who blows these winds with greater force to the end that we bow before Him. Trust Him I do, and will. (Ephesians 6:12; Philippians 2:9-11)

So Lord, this day, blow me to prayer, to that place of stillness before Your awesomeness. To kneel before Your throne that is far above the heavens, a position I cannot fathom, a place You cannot be contained. To cast my cares on You, and place absolute trust in You, whose throne cannot be shaken. (1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 57:5; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7)

And Spirit, blow me to action. Compel me to redeem my time. Direct my steps. Every moment and through the hours cause my plans, endeavors, and works to honor You, exalt Your excellence and beauty, and bring You praise. (Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 5:15-16; 1 Peter 2:12)

Would we daily secure ourselves under God’s wing? How deliberately do we cling to Him, so no matter what structures of culture sway, or tempests of emotion blow, we will not be shaken? Our Victor has already carried the worst for us. He’s on our side, sailing by our side, to the end. (Psalm 46:1-3; 91:4-6; Romans 8:31-39; 1 Corinthians 15:55-57; Revelation 21:4)

“I feel the winds of God today; 
today my sail I lift,
though heavy oft with drenching spray
and torn with many a rift;
if hope but light the water’s crest, 
and Christ my bark will use,
I’ll seek the seas at his behest, 
and brave another cruise.

It is the wind of God that dries 
my vain regretful tears,
until with braver thoughts shall rise 
the purer, brighter years;
if cast on shores of selfish ease 
or pleasure I should be,
O let me feel your freshening breeze, 
and I’ll put back to sea.

If ever I forget your love 
and how that love was shown,
lift high the blood-red flag above; 
it bears your name alone.
Great pilot of my onward way, 
you will not let me drift;
I feel the winds of God today,
today my sail I lift.” ~Jessie Adams (1863-1954)

Lord Jesus, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, mightily blow Your Spirit to comfort our hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

“I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ,  in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge...

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh,.. having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.” Colossians 2:1-3,6-13

As we received Christ– how was that? By faith, a gift from our pursuing Father (Ephesians 2:8-10). With joyful, humble recognition of His relentless love and redeeming grace. With gratitude for what was impossible in myself. With full knowledge that without Him I am nothing and have no hope. With confidence that He can be trusted. This is how we are now to walk.

I am forgiven, so playing the martyr as a victim or one unable to forgive myself has no place at the cross. Jesus bore my condemnation- it is finished- and living by faith is living in that freedom from sin and guilt. (Psalm 32:1-2; John 19:30; Romans 8:1)

I have new life, so clinging to old habits and mindset is a refusal to wear my new clothes. Since I am rooted and grounded in Christ, the truth of the gospel infiltrates my thinking, my desires; and continuously filled with Him, I follow my captain’s lead in priorities and choices. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:1-15; 1 Peter 2:24)

How persistently am I pursuing a deeper knowledge of God? Am I walking at such a pace that I continually discover new spiritual and scriptural treasures? Am I in stride with my Lord’s view of history and creation, or the most ‘liked’ trends in humanistic philosophy? What evidence is there in my words, my mien, my gait, that I am vibrantly walking step by step with Him?

“I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
‘Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.’

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” ~Johnson Oatman, Jr.

Amen, and amen!

“It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account. Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him… He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” Daniel 6:1-4,10

“Pick out from among you men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to [serve tables].’ And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit… And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people… But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking… And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel...

^“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him… And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 6:2-3,5,8,10,15; 7:54-60

A life yielded to and filled with the Spirit of God stands apart from the world, and stands out in it. Even though some may not be able to identify Him, and might resist His influence, they cannot disregard His power. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Leaders and servants, citizens and exiles, young and old, learned and simple, all who know Jesus are indwelt with His Spirit, our present help and guarantee of future hope. Living in us, He distinguishes our intellectual stances, our habits, our zeal, our industry, our demeanor, our countenance, our soul peace. When the onlooking world cannot explain excellence in wisdom, cannot fathom unruffled faithfulness, nor understand serenity and joy in the midst of turmoil, they are confronted with the Spirit’s exquisite manifestation in humanity, and will either be drawn or repulsed. How will we make a difference? (John 14:16; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14)

Where am I lacking His sway? He gives courage in fear, calm in trouble, steadfastness in spiritual disciplines, strength against temptation and opposition, boldness to proclaim truth and suffer for His name. Are there specific areas where I have refused to surrender to His ministry? (Isaiah 41:10; Ephesians 6:10-19; Hebrews 4:15)

Lord, distinguish me in my places of influence by Your Spirit. Do what is needed in my heart for You to take complete precedence and obvious residence, that others see the glory of Jesus and are irresistibly attracted.

“Praise the Lord!
Great are the works of the Lord,
    studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work…
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
    the Lord is gracious and merciful…
He has shown his people the power of his works…
The works of his hands are faithful and just…
    Holy and awesome is his name!” Psalm 111:1-4,6-7,9

“How great are your works, O Lord!
    Your thoughts are very deep!” Psalm 92:1-5

“O Lord, how manifold are your works!
    In wisdom have you made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures.” Psalm 104:24

“And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, ‘Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!'” Revelation 15:13

Purple clouds hatch the dark sky, leaving criss-cross scars as a reminder of the hand that etched them there. Yet another divine signature to behold and savor as day begins, awakening desire to keep looking, and expectancy to find and see.

Do we attribute wisdom and righteousness in leadership, prosperity and order in possessions, and happiness of spirit to human effort and accomplishment, or the Sovereign of all things? Is there notice we crave for our efforts, credit we clamor to take for the work of our hands? Or do we acknowledge that everything comes from God, who is the Source of every good gift and is bounteous toward His children? (1 Kings 10:1-9; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13; 1 Corinthians 4:7; James 1:17)

When the sun rises and we awaken to a new dawn, and the sun sets on course to finish that day with a blaze of color that takes our breath away, thank God for His faithfulness and steady hand. When the breeze plays wind chimes in a doleful toll, when birds take flight in graceful dark vees against pale sky, when the scent of unseen jasmine blooms turn our heads in delight, all causing unbidden memories to appear, and the heart to squeeze and sing, His splendor and handiwork be praised. Indeed, His signature is the beauty of things.

When a dreaded conversation is woven with grace, a reasonable, creative solution comes to mind, a conundrum resolves with new understanding, thank God for His guidance and answered prayer. When our minds are cross-hatched with new ideas, alerted to new insights, enlightened to grasp a new word in context or concept not before grasped, and then bathed in peace so we deeply sleep, be grateful for His intellectual artistry.

As our senses come to life and our energies meet a clean slate of calendar and clock, will we pause to behold God’s handiwork? As we make our plans and go about our day, will we look for His signature in what and whom we encounter? Tracing His hand through color and shape and idea and pathos ignites wonder and thankfulness, and enriches our zeal for life. It broadens our perspective toward eternity and more significant meaning for the present. It reveals the grace, creativity, humor, and intellect of our Creator.

Good Father, please sharpen my senses to be aware of Your ubiquitous presence, in every moment, every loveliness, every interaction. And when I see Your signature, may my heart swell with joyful song and praise, to the magnification of Your glory on earth.

“Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. [He] did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him. And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam, he took for his wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him. He erected an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he built.  And Ahab made an Asherah. Ahab did more to provoke the Lord to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him...

“A prophet came to Ahab and said, ‘Thus says the Lord, Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will give it into your hand this day, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’ And Ahab said,.. ‘Who shall begin the battle?’ He answered, ‘You…’ Thus says the Lord, ‘Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall be for his life, and your people for his people.’ And the king of Israel went to his house vexed and sullen…

“After this Ahab said to Naboth, ‘Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near my house, and I will give you a better vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in money.’ But Naboth said to Ahab, ‘The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.’ And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth had said… And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food.” 1 Kings 16:29-33; 20:13-14;42-43; 21:2-4

Ahab was no saint. Against all deserts, God in His grace gave him numerous opportunities to experience His power over nature and in battle, and sent him prophets to convey His word that he might turn to Him. Ahab’s hard heart only calcified further, resisting every display of mercy, every command that offered true freedom. (1 Kings 18:31-39,41-45; 20:28-29,38-42)

Ahab started bad, and would not get over himself. He married a wicked, conniving woman who condoned his capriciousness and spoiled insistence on his own way, and with unspeakable cruelty ‘solved’ his self-pity and pout. One sin begat the next, pride begat avarice begat deception, until the slide down the decline greased with self-importance was impossible to reverse. But God would not, and will not, be mocked. (1 Kings 21:5-15)

A stubborn, resistant heart deadens to the Lord over seasons and years of selfish living. Determining who is on our throne is our vital start, and will determine the course of our spiritual walk. To elevate ourself and ignore or refuse His lordship sets us on a trajectory of idolatry, foolish self-promotion, skewed thinking, and ultimate destruction. Our rejection of Christ portends His of us, a sobering reality for those who choose to be their own king. (1 Kings 21:20-22)

Are there places in my heart I want the Spirit not to go, idols I refuse to relinquish, self-justifications I hide from scripture’s searchlight? In what ways have I slid into thinking I’m a bit more important, deserving, free to indulge my flesh? God welcomes, with fresh mercy, the worst of sinners who humbles himself. (1 Kings 21:25-29; Lamentations 3:22-23; 1 John 1:9)

My God, check NOW any tendency to replace Your highness with my own.

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth… And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” Colossians 1:3-6,9-11

When, by God’s grace, the word is planted in our hearts, good and glorious things happen. The church at Colossae had demonstrated how faith and love for the saints grew from hope fixed in the gospel of truth, and while Paul gave thanks for this beautiful display, he earnestly prayed it would grow further. The Christian life is never static.

Either we are growing and bearing fruit in our walk or we are not. Dormancy has no place for the faithful. If there is no hunger for deeper understanding of God’s word, no growing love for the saints, no increased spiritual wisdom applied in hard situations nor display of selfless generosity and kindness, we should question whether we have truly understood “the grace of God in truth.” Christ’s death on the cross for me should leave such an imprint that I’m forever changed and spurred to increasingly higher thought and exercised faith.

“Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.  As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” Matthew 13:18-23

The enemy will always oppose and do what he can to impede our spiritual progress. He uses exasperation and confusion stemming from biblical illiteracy, difficulties that shake our endurance, and the deception of worldly allures and ‘more urgents’ to deter us from pressing on. Committed perseverance in walk and work, against his wiles, multiplies substantial and glorious fruit.

How robust, how lush, how flavorful do we want our garden of faith to grow?

Lord, sow Your light and joy in me through Your word. May I increasingly grow and flourish in Your kingdom for Your great name and glory. (Psalm 97:11)