As the rain and snow

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:1-8

We were in trespasses and sins, and are now in Christ. We followed the course and prince of the world, and are now raised and seated with Christ. We were children of wrath, and are now children of God. We were led to disobedience, but are now loved in the heavenly places. We were enemies, and are now reconciled friends. We were slaves to sin, and are now free, rescued for eternal life. We were dead, and are now alive. How can this be? (John 15:15; Romans 5:1,8-10; 6:20,22) 

All this spinning around and trading in is because of and completely dependent on our God who is rich in mercy, great in love, and particular in grace. Hallelujah! Only He can transform the inner man, awaken the spirit, and change a heart of stone to a heart of flesh. The winds of His intent blow with divine power to accomplish it according to His plan. What hope this truth supplies for our present days! (Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26; Jeremiah 31:33; 1 Peter 2:10)

Are there stickling spurs in my attitude toward my practical, work, or relational responsibilities? God in His mercy can remove them. Are there long-held hurts that I use as excuses not to love or forgive, or even make contact? God in His mercy can heal them. Has unreasonable fear or fretting blurred my sight of Jesus’s promises and power? God in His mercy can assuage my anxieties and correct my vision. By His grace, He does for us what we cannot do ourselves. Would we trust Him?

Are there uncertainties that loom before us, unsettling plans we long to make, and keep? Omniscient God goes ahead of us, leading our way. What questions go unanswered, what needs unmet? Omnipotent God hears our prayers and meets all our needs. Where is our world disordered, our normal disheveled, our communion with others strained? Sovereign God brings order and peace to our hearts and His wider domain. What cultural and national situations seem impossible and beyond redemption? Providential God is working all things for His eternal good, and will never forsake His own. By mercy, He does all things well. (Genesis 50:20; Deuteronomy 31:8; John 14:27; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 2:14; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Peter 3:12)

Father, by Your mercy, keep spinning my face to things above, where You reign in grace and glory. (Colossians 3:1-2)

“Then he brought me to the door of the temple, and behold, water was issuing from below the threshold toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar... Going on eastward with a measuring line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water, and it was ankle-deep.  Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was waist-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through…

“And he said to me, ‘This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and enters the sea; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh.  And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. Fishermen will stand beside the sea. From Engedi to Eneglaim it will be a place for the spreading of nets. Its fish will be of very many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea... And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.’” Ezekiel 47:1,3-5,8-10,12

The River of Christ’s living water is vital, active, and makes a lasting difference. It is life-cleansing and life-giving. Whether in our individual lives, or our communities, water that flows from God’s temple is powerful and always makes and has its wondrous way. (John 4:14)

Personally, the Spirit leads me to dip, wade, walk, and swim in Him, with Him. All that flows from the temple of Jesus’s presence, and my presence there, shapes a conduit for His life in me. I begin, I learn, I grow as I keep going deeper with Him. The farther I go, the more I’m filled with His life.

How deep am I willing to be led in the river of God’s delights? Do I stop at first damp or douse and get on my way, or take time to get soaked and filled? It takes vulnerability and surrender to Him, attention away from other pursuits and distractions to concentrate on His words and attributes, and allow them to sweeten me and prepare me for fruit.

Living water issuing from Christ in His people has great effect on the world, invigorating and soothing, drawing others to its power, satisfying many with its fresh supply. As His vessels, how effectively are we growing and offering the fruit His Spirit? Where and to whom are we pouring His words of life, His balm of mercy and forgiveness? (John 7:37-39; Galatians 5:22-23)

Lord Jesus, take me deep with You. Flow into and through me as the truest of refreshment in a thirsty world.

“Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.’ And the word of the Lord came to him: ‘Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.’ So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.  And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him, ‘Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.’” 1 Kings 17:1-9 Elijah followed God’s commands, proclaiming His word as prophets do, and going where He said to go, and his God took care of him every step. Though he had his weak moments of discouragement and fear, Elijah would learn by experience that the Lord would never ask him to do anything for which He was not enough. Repeatedly, His adequacy came forth out of lack and impossibility, and that is where it best shines. (1 Kings 17:11-16; 18:32-39)

There are many pressures, events, and messages today that by nature or intention cause fear, unrest, worry, even panic. But this is never the response dictated by our Lord. “Fear not,” “Come to Me,” He beckons. He is on our side as the perfect Advocate, His strength perfected in our weakness. What keeps us fretting in the fray rather than relying on His sufficient grace and power? Why, when He shows us again and again its futility, do we try to rely on our own smarts, strength, and success? (Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 11:28; Romans 8:31-34; 2 Corinthians 12:9) When we are confronted with angry opponents, or suddenly altered plans, or a crippling diagnosis, would we turn our grip from the terrible impossible and open it to the One who makes His grace abound?  It is in these very hard circumstances that His enough is the most welcome, satisfying, and glorious, showing forth the bounty of His nature toward us. (2 Corinthians 9:8) Where has He met us in drought of spirit, dearth of energy and will, lack of vision and hope, to revive, fill, and empower? What He has done before He can and will again. He knows both present hardship and future threat, and guides us faithfully to His gracious enough every step along our way. Would we trust the ravens and poor widows He assigns to supply- the sources we may not have sought- because we trust Him, and His ample and glorious riches? (1 Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 4:19) Good Father, help me never dwell on the tumult that surrounds me, nor my inadequacy to meet it and respond appropriately. Teach me to rely fully on Your great sufficiency. May Your every supply to me show forth Your greatness and love to those I encounter, so they long to know You too.

 

Unaddressed sin is a burden. We drag it behind us and its weight impedes our growth and slows our progress in faith. Its poison seeps down into attitudes and bones, often inhibiting our ability to love, forgive, sleep, even be kind. It taints our view of and reactions to others, smudging them with criticism, revenge, covetousness, malice, and blame. Its tentacles can manifest themselves in misery, irritability, anxiety, anger, and depression. 

There may be some pretty good glossing over, make-up that conceals some of the hurt and pain, colorful masks that hide what we never want to reveal, but there is no beauty in sin’s baggage, and no blessing in trying to cover it up.

The good news is that Jesus bore the burden of our sin, and all its attending effects and fall-out, for us on the cross. Trusting in Him to forgive and save releases us from its onerous weight and entanglements, and sets us free to flourish, unencumbered. The light and color we radiate as His redeemed children reflects His purity and splendor. (1 Peter 2:24)

What ungodly attitudes, what fears and worries, what disdain for others, have we accepted as part of our wiring and been unwilling to deal with before God? What grudge or bitter baggage are we holding on to and pretending to justify? What indulgences of our flesh do we sequester, or disguise, or excuse, and where are we experiencing their detrimental effects?

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Would we come to Jesus to be cleaned, and loosed from all that would drag us down and hold us back from pressing on to know and be filled with our Savior?

Father, uncover and reveal the root of any anxiety and tumult in my soul. Cleanse me from sin, and release me from baggage so I am free to live and serve and glorify You. (Psalm 139:23-24; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7)

“So I went to Jerusalem and was there three days. Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode. I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire.” Nehemiah 2:11-13

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

…a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
…a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” Ecclesiastes 3:1,6,7

When Nehemiah was released by King Artaxerxes to return and repair the Jerusalem wall, he experienced remarkable permission and protection for the journey by the grace of his God, in answer to his prayer. Yet once he arrived, he needed to take time again to refocus on this faithful Lord to understand his next steps. Before jumping in to help with the trouble and destruction of his city, he took three days to hear from Him how to proceed. It was vital for him to be still before taking action, and that he did at measured pace. This instilled practice served him well then, and in challenging times to come. (Nehemiah 1:4-2:8; 5:6-10)

Watching shore birds as I walked, my attention was drawn to those that stood, for long moments, facing the wind and the loud waves it folded like thick liquid batter onto the sand, over and over. ‘Be still,’ seemed their morning mantra. ‘Be still and take it all in.’ Then, as though called by an inaudible voice, they turned and tittered off, leaving an imprint of their time at rest.

Am I still long enough to leave an imprint on my space of quiet, and have the Lord leave His on me? The time of focused devotion, of taking it all in-Christ’s living water, soul-delight in my Savior, the wind of His Spirit’s voice and leading- is what compels me forward with His mindset, poise, and countenance. It equips me to leave tracks through my days, sweet love prints by way of encouragement, kindness, a smile, a truth spoken, among friends and acquaintances. There is a time for both the stopping and the going, and there must be. (Isaiah 61:10; John 7:37-39)

How willing are we to stop our natural momentum and give some structure to staying still before the Lord? What specific urges, bents, items on the agenda need we set aside, or delay, so we can spend long moments taking in our Savior, His wisdom, His love? Would we fix our souls in Him before getting along our way, or do we drag Him behind as a magic charm, a quick check off the list, a token name-drop, with no real connection?

Because of my time in quiet with my Lord, what print might I leave on another’s heart, hope, or attitude by spoken concern, loving interest, willingness to offer God’s balm for their hurt, or blessing for their efforts?

Good Father, so imprint my life with Your Spirit’s wind and living water that I leave Christ-shaped prints through my days.

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;
    let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
    let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
For the Lord is a great God,
    and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth;
    the heights of the mountains are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,
    and his hands formed the dry land.

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
    let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
For he is our God,
    and we are the people of his pasture,
    and the sheep of his hand.” Psalm 95:1-7

“Know that the Lord, he is God!
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3

The LORD with a name too holy to be spoken, the immovable rock and foundation of salvation, the King above all gods, guides and guards and feeds us. The Lord who holds- yes holds- the unmeasured weight of the depths of the earth, and the lofty heights of the mountains, holds and supports us. God who made and swirled and put boundaries around the sea, and whose hands crafted and dimpled and smoothed and forested the land, fashioned us fearfully and wonderfully. And He tends us now, watching over us in love. (Genesis 1:9-10; Job 38:8-11; Psalm 139:14; John 10:3-4,14-15)

When we know not which direction to go, we can trust His lead. When we are unsure where to nourish our souls, and with what, He leads us to green pastures of true spiritual food from His word. When we are lost in anger or bitterness we cannot shake, stuck in despair over choking, heart- wrenching circumstances, wandering in sin habits that have a foothold, He searches us out to rescue and cleanse. If I am timid in the noisy crowd, startled and shaken by events around me, lonely for fellowship because I’ve strayed from the fold, hungry for real satisfaction because the world’s fare has left me empty, I must remember, I am a sheep of God Almighty’s. The hands that crafted the heavens, earth, and seas are not too short to save, small to protect, or weak to uphold me. (Psalm 23:1-4; Isaiah 59:1; Matthew 18:12-14; Ephesians 4:27)

In this world’s pastures of grief, disquiet, and confusion, do I intentionally take time to recall what my Shepherd’s hands have made and now sustain, and make my way to rest in them? What difference in my perspective, emotions, and will, does it make knowing that He daily bears me up? Will it change fear to peace, worry to comfort, and transform whine to song? How could singing this psalm affect the rhythm and melody of my day? (Psalm 68:19; Colossians 1:15-17)

My Lord, because of who You are, and because I am the sheep of Your hand, therefore, may I stand firm and full of song in You. (Philippians 4:1)

“Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king. And as soon as Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it, [he] returned from Egypt. And they sent and called him, and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and said to Rehoboam, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.’ He said to them, ‘Go away for three days, then come again to me.’ So the people went away.

“Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, ‘How do you advise me to answer this people?’ And they said to him, ‘If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.’ But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him. ‘What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?’ And the young men… said to him, ‘Thus shall you speak to this people.., “My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs. And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.”‘

“So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day… And the king answered the people harshly, and forsaking the counsel that the old men had given him, he spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, ‘My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’” 1 Kings 12:1-14

Sadly, Rehoboam showed his folly from the start of his reign. His mind was unstable and his goals unclear, so he determined to secure permission that stroked the lowest common denominator of his fleshly hunger for untamed power. Wasn’t that more delicious than being kind? (Proverbs 12:15; 13:20; 18:2; 19:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33; James 1:5-8)

His decision met with animosity, rebellion, and ongoing strife. It stirred suspicion, jealousy, and fear. It resulted in a murder, and ultimately drove his opponent Jeroboam to gross idolatry that led a large portion of Israel astray. Bad advice never gets us forward nor promotes the honor of God. (1 Kings 12:16-19,21,25-31)

In what situations are we tempted to seek out advice we want, rather than need? Recognizing weak areas and self-bent go a long way toward correcting our route, and God can use that conviction to redirect us within the boundaries of His word. What are we doing to develop relationships with those who speak truth in love, who give biblical advice even when it’s hard, who sharpen iron with iron, who motivate us to godliness rather than give permission for the flesh? (Proverbs 27:17; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Timothy 4:3)

God all wise, You give permission for good or evil. Purify my every desire. Please keep me in Your path of wisdom, for the sake of Your kingdom and purposes.

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another… Give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Romans 12:14-18

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear... Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:29,32

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:12-14

There is nothing quite like walking along, keeping up a pace, and being arrested by a single bloom that the breeze picked off a tree and scattered on the grass. Its deep color is almost other-worldly, so distinct on the green carpet. Its perfect thwirl makes me imagine the Creator’s gentle fingers, touching its underneath with a complementary color then twisting its petals to open like sunrise. If God gives us these good gifts, why would we not in turn deliberately sprinkle blossoms along our daily way?

We have many encounters we may not see as opportunities to give a blessing, to add some loveliness and color, to share in a savory treat of kindness. But the Lord who makes the sun rise can illuminate our hearts and open our eyes to recognize them. Would we ask, then expect Him to awaken our sensitivities and embolden our wills?

When I pass or meet those who seem heavy-laden with life, how can I show love? What sparkle of the eye, name acknowledgement, or common ground might I initiate that becomes a conduit for Christ to pronounce their infinite worth? What expression of kindness, generosity, honor, or gratitude might stop one in her one-way track of heartache, worry, or dizzy, and awaken wonder at the goodness and benevolence of her Maker? How am I dispensing the bouquets of blooms the Lord has entrusted to me, of mercy, patience, compassion, and forgiveness, that would spread furthest His graces and glory?

“Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.

Give as ’twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.”  ~Ira Bishop Wilson (1880-1950)

Lord, You have given me so much. Sharpen my sensitivities, open my heart, then direct and compel me to spread abroad Your blooms to those who need them most.

“The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. And he said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ And I answered, ‘O Lord God, you know.’ Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’

“So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.’ So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army… ‘And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live… Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.’” Ezekiel 37:1-10,14

Utah’s Goblin Valley is full of stone creatures: wind- and time-carved, gnome-like and goofy, inanimate. Dry bones. But it’s easy to imagine how an artistic mastermind and technical creator could make them come to life, in a movie. God Almighty can do the same for individuals who have, over years, been worn down by the world and left lifeless in zeal for the Lord.

The bones the prophet Ezekiel saw were those of dead Israelites, and God was promising through him that He would supernaturally restore to the nation life and Spirit to live for Him once again. While this may seem a realistic impossibility, it offers a vivid picture of how our God can revive individuals, and whole nations, by the breath of His omnipotent word, for His renown and glory. (Genesis 2:7)

What in us is languishing, dry, or dead? Our spiritual vitality? The will to get up, to read the Bible, to reach out and serve? Are we so dry we cannot praise, so bereft we cannot hope? Is our independence so ingrained we have no faith, our focus so inward we lack self-awareness and industry that benefits others? When we present our dry bones to the Lord, He adds sinew, flesh, and vitality.

Gracious Lord, revive my dry bones that I might know You better and make You known. May others see Your life in me, and desire You for themselves.

“I relieved your shoulder of the burden;
    your hands were freed from the basket.
In distress you called, and I delivered you;
    I answered you in the secret place of thunder;
    I tested you at Meribah. 
Hear, O my people, while I admonish you!
    O Israel, if you would but listen to me!
There shall be no strange god among you;
    you shall not bow down to a foreign god.
I am the Lord your God,
    who brought you up out of Egypt.
    Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

But my people did not listen to my voice;
    Israel would not submit to me.
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,
    to follow their own counsels.
 Oh, that my people would listen to me,
    that Israel would walk in my ways!
I would soon subdue their enemies
    and turn my hand against their foes…
 But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat,
    and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” Psalm 81:6-14,16

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

Our God is present and powerful, but not an automaton. He communes with us, answering our cries, but He is a gentleman, not prone to bullying us into obedience or forcing Himself into our schedules. With His eye constantly on us, and His heart set upon us in benevolent affection, He tests us to train our devotion. And all too often, we choose to go our on way and forsake the best good He has for us. He offers the finest wheat, and we settle for tasteless fare.

The Lord is intricately involved in our lives for good, and designed us to relate to Him in every occasion. Though He supplies for our daily needs, and displays His glory for us to enjoy with our senses He imagined and made, we often ignore, or stubbornly refuse, His loving pursuit and turn with twisted affection to foreign gods. We have our triggers for calling out in desperate need, but mostly we would rather follow our own counsel than to submit to another’s rules.

God has no pleasure in judgment, or the consequences we bear, but by His holiness He must execute them. He is rightly jealous for us, desiring us to know Him in all His fullness, His mercy and His wrath. He tests us to reveal to us our hearts, that we might recognize our depravity and turn to Him for mercy. He holds out His best for the taking. (Proverbs 17:3; Jeremiah 17:10; Ezekiel 33:11; Galatians 6:7)

Do I hear His invitation as distinct from the world’s enticements? How readily do I respond? A habit of lifting high His glories, recounting His deliverances, and applying His word guards against the allure of strange gods. The sweetest of honey, and daily manna for strength and insight, are ours to savor in His word. His laws are for our good, His discipline for our holiness. Why do we settle for less than His finest wheat? (Exodus 16:4; Psalm 119:103; Hebrews 12:10)

Lord, You alone satisfy. Seal my heart that is prone to wander, and feed me til I want no more.