As the rain and snow

“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.” John 17:15-19

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,

“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God… For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; 7:1; 10:3-5

There are many prepositions involved in God’s positioning of His people. He places us in the world to be a blessing and shine His light to the world, to live for the sake of the world, yet not to become part of the world in our thinking, affections, actions, or gods. The secret of our understanding our position and purpose is to live apart from the world, be continually transformed by renewing our minds, fixed above, on Him and His true principles, our wills reliant upon His leading and strength. (Matthew 5:14-16; Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:1-2)

And all this maneuvering is by His grace! It is He who quickens us unto regeneration and life, who redirects our loves and bolsters our efforts with courage. We face relentless opposition by the enemy and his unseen but vile and vicious forces in the heavenly realms, yet our weapons are superior and our Defense greater! (Ephesians 6:10-18)

“We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender;
  We go not forth alone against the foe;
Strong in Thy strength, safe in Thy keeping tender.
  We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.  

We go in faith, our own great weakness feeling,
  And needing more each day Thy grace to know:
Yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing;
  We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.” ~Edith Gilling Cherry (1872-1897)

How will we go into the world each day and make a difference?

Lord, as Your child, may I walk distinctly in the light, with You my light, spreading light for Your sake and honor. (1 John 1:7) 

“All the people were arguing throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, ‘The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies and saved us from the Philistines, and now he has fled out of the land from Absalom. But Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?..’

They sent word to the king, ‘Return, both you and your servants.’ So the king came back to the Jordan, and Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and to bring the king over the Jordan... Then all the men of Israel came to the king and said, ‘Why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away and brought the king and his household over the Jordan, and all David’s men with him?’ All the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, ‘Because the king is our close relative. Why then are you angry over this matter?.. Has he given us any gift?’ And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, ‘We have ten shares in the king, and in David also we have more than you. Why then did you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?’ But the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.” 2 Samuel 19:9-10,14-15,41-43

“The Lord hates… haughty eyes,.. a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil,
a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16-19

“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” Romans 16:17

It all started when one of his sons raped a half-sister, one of his daughters, and he did nothing. That inaction may have stemmed from having child favorites and multiple wives, or from his own guilt from sexual sin, and he was disinclined to reprimand another. Dissension fomented among siblings, heat grew in silence, and misunderstanding flamed disloyalties; David was banished and his disruptive son killed. The poison of family disunity spread into the kingdom, with strife manifesting in disagreement and argument among its leaders and people. (2 Samuel 11:2-17; 15:1-31; Psalm 51:3-5)

Sin’s rope takes us captive and keeps us knotted, twisting tendencies into a tangle of discord in our souls, and in relationships. The issues that enflamed Israel are issues that stoke ire and conflict today: disagreements, prejudice, greed, unfairness, and who is our rightful leader.

What are we, as Christians, to do? How can we infuse calm and love into the fray, kindness into the vitriol? What will we do to help untangle the messes that mean words, hasty conclusions, and guilt’s paralysis cause? What rights might we yield to assuage the frenzy of fierce?

First, we must check our own motives and actions. Guarding against insincerity and sin ourselves, we must proclaim salvation, untangle truth, and restore in the Lord what has been broken. God uses willing emissaries as His agents of reconciliation. (Matthew 7:3-5; 2 Corinthians 5:14-20; Galatians 6:1)

Lord, embolden me as Your ambassador not to sin, or sow discord, but only love. May I contribute to the peace only You can give in this world. (John 14:27)

“Then David arose, and all the people who were with him, and they crossed the Jordan… When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans and lentils, honey and curds and sheep and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat, for they said, ‘The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness…’

“Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim, and he went on with the king to the Jordan, to escort him over the Jordan. Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. He had provided the king with food while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man. And the king said to Barzillai, ‘Come over with me, and I will provide for you with me in Jerusalem.’ But Barzillai said to the king, ‘How many years have I still to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?  I am this day eighty years old. Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or what he drinks? Can I still listen to the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? Your servant will go a little way over the Jordan with the king… Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him go over with my lord the king…’ Then all the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over. And the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own home.” 2 Samuel 17:22,27-29; 19:31-37,39

Barzillai the Gittite aged over his many years, lost his sense of hearing and taste, but he never retired. He never stopped delighting in serving his king. He who had received much gave much. Grateful for all he had been enabled to do and have, even in old age he abounded in loyalty and steadfast love toward his sovereign, supplying particular blessing in a particularly challenging time. (Deuteronomy 8:18; 1 Kings 2:7; Isaiah 42:1,6-7; Luke 12:48)

Do we see our wealth of ability, resources, energy, the same way? Is our vision limited by a self-motivated ‘bucket list’ of what we want to spend on, or inspired by the vastness of our Lord and what He might have for us to give? Will we take time and attention to pray for sensitivity to needs around us, for ways to serve, provide, and be a blessing to others, therefore spreading abroad the love and light of Christ? How are we supporting, encouraging, helping to meet the needs of God’s children?

Whether food, sweet fellowship, practical help, or kind affection, to the end of our days, God delights in our offerings that provide for His own.

Lord, may I redeem the time You have given me here. Give me sensitivity to seen and unseen needs of others. Compel me to spend and be spent for the sake of Your name and people, to serve as You have served me. (Mark 10:45; 2 Corinthians 12:15; Ephesians 5:15-16)

“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also…  For 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… We carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-7,9,19 “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work… They will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution.., while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.” 2 Corinthians 9:8,13-14 The God who saves us by grace is the God who keeps us by grace, supplying all sufficiency for our good works as He works among His people. Amazing, abounding grace, active through His own, is poured out from beginning to end that He be trusted, shared, and glorified. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Only God’s grace puts a severe test of affliction in the same sentence as abundant joy, extreme poverty with overflowing generosity, and every variety of individual within His church. God initiates the grace of needs, followed by the graces of dependence on Him, desire to give, ability to give, and joyful gratitude in having needs met. When we give ourselves first to the Lord, we get bound up in His grace that shapes and sanctifies us, that teaches us we exist to honor Him, whether in need, or in the position to relieve that need. (Philippians 4:11-20)

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;  it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

“Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away… When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully… So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-8,11-13

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

Love is the distinguishing mark of a Christian. It shines brilliant and pure in a dark world, and calls attention to the One who is love, whether recognized as such or not. In these days of unrest, anger, and barricading sides with no crossing-over, love is at a premium. In a season of physical isolation and the misunderstandings, suspicions, fear, and loneliness that can ensue, love is a true balm that permeates all that is harsh. In a culture where people are easily affronted, offended, or publicly nurse wounds, love brings supernatural healing power. Into vocal vitriol, fury, and angst, love spoken and sung calms with its disarming, unexpected, sweet melody. (1 John 4:7,16)

But when we have not love in our hearts, our words, our exercised talents, our invested time, our wisdom, our every deed, are for naught. They count for nothing but noise, activity, or flamboyance, and add not a morsel of sweetness to the sour and bitter around us. They punctuate only dissonant decibels into the raucous clamor of the world, leaving unclear their motivation. It behooves us, as God’s children, to fuel every effort with the compelling love of Christ, and allow it to distinguish our contribution to our surroundings. (2 Corinthians 5:14)

Does our tone of voice cause others to cringe, or does it inject warmth, appreciation, and joy into conversation? Do our actions call attention to us, or exalt Jesus and spread His fragrance of life unto life? What difference has the love of Christ made in how we view ourselves and our purpose here? If we understand and receive it, love will flow through us in holy affection for Him and others. (Matthew 6:1-4; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16)

Lord Jesus, may You always be first and most to me. Keep me so enthralled with Your love that I cannot help but lavish it on others, so they recognize You.

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 

“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling… So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:2,6-9

“And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” Romans 8:23-25

A big birthday or anniversary; the passing of a loved one and with him, a generation; a new debility, or pain; downsizing, saying good-bye, closing a door, letting go– There are many events in our lives that notch our minds with an indelible memory and a sense of turning, that call upon our faith to put into perspective the meaning for the present and vision for forward. Though we groan, we are not alone. For this we were made, with eternity in our hearts and a longing for true shalom, peace, and home. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Today we hear, and may contribute to, much groaning. It is certainly not a new phenomenon for humankind to grumble about circumstances, but Jesus came to transform and invigorate our groaning to a yearning for what was meant and is to be. In this life that we live by faith in that life, we can invest our energy into living for the One who died to make it possible. He gives good courage to spend ourselves for the sake of His kingdom, that many will know the hope to which He calls us. (Exodus 16:2; Numbers 14:2; Ephesians 1:16-18; 2 Corinthians 5:15,18)

Where are we focused, and what do we groan about? If we wallow in feelings and make ourselves the center of life, our groaning will poison our outlook and make miserable those around us. Would we not instead, with hope for eternity, courageously and zealously engage all we are to please our Lord and honor Him before others?

Father, may I live to proclaim Your sure promises. May my groaning for glory in this life stir hope for the next. Keep me fully convinced, by faith, that You are able to fulfill, now and in the future, all Your word. (Romans 4:20-21)

“David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines. And he defeated Moab… David also defeated Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his power at the river Euphrates…  Then David put garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute… And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. Then he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David’s servants. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went.”

“And David said, ‘Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?..’  And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, ‘Mephibosheth!’ And he answered, ‘Behold, I am your servant.’  And David said to him, ‘Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.’” 2 Samuel 8:1-3,6,13-15; 9:1,6-7

David certainly had his weaknesses, but there is something very special about the combination of his remarkable, visionary, successful leadership and his kind compassion for individuals. His fame in battle and on throne did not negate his promise to his friend Jonathan, when he had every natural right to dismiss and even exact revenge on the family of King Saul, who had wronged him. He went out of his way to care and provide for a disabled son of Jonathan’s with generosity, love, and lavish attention.

The secret to this righteous motivation? He always remembered his place before Almighty God. He could have forgotten, and justified that due to his ‘more urgent responsibilities.’ He could have assigned it to one of his ‘inferiors’ to manage. But God had his heart, and he was ever too important to honor his supreme Lord. (Psalm 8:1,3-6)

When we are disciplined to behold God regularly, to humble ourselves before Him and invest time and affection in our relationship with Him, we guard against much pride and prejudice. It is difficult to think too highly of ourselves when we exalt the high, transcendent King of kings, and see ourselves in relation to Him.

Have we grown so accustomed to our important positions or comfortable places that we no longer notice or feel for those less fortunate, or out of our ‘circle’? What lures us away from compassion, sympathy, generosity, giving of our time and focus for others with no expectation for a return? Take time with Jesus. Gaze at Hm on the Cross, and on His throne. The One who is lowly in heart enables us to learn how it beats and pulse with His lifeblood. He gives us eyes to see the small, the mind to recall needs and preferences, the will to do the menial and unnoticed. (Matthew 11:29; Romans 12:3-5,9-11,14-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Good Father, remind me daily of who I am before You. May my efforts in life and service affirm others of their inimitable value, and Your supremacy.

“Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion,
    and to you shall vows be performed.
O you who hear prayer,
    to you shall all flesh come.
When iniquities prevail against me,
    you atone for our transgressions.
Blessed is the one you choose and bring near,
    to dwell in your courts!
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house,
    the holiness of your temple!

By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness,
    O God of our salvation,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
    and of the farthest seas;
the one who by his strength established the mountains,
    being girded with might;
who stills the roaring of the seas,
    the roaring of their waves,
    the tumult of the peoples,
so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs.
You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.” Psalm 65:1-8

Trouble in the cities, and the secret counsels of men. Sins against us, sins enflamed within us; bitter words sting from without, bitter hearts foment within. Rebellion flames in crowds, rages on airways, stirs turmoil in minds and wills. When the world and its ugliness prevail, we can turn to God who is worthy of prayer, praise, and hope. In grace, He chooses to draw us near. His courts are the place of blessing.

We can sing these songs. We can practice praise. We can perform vows of spiritual disciplines that keep us near His heart, His thoughts for the world and for us. Our flesh can rest in His atonement, our spirits find goodness and be satisfied in His holy presence. Let us come!

Let us decide to hope! To expect and listen for His answer! To rejoice in His free salvation– salvation from condemnation, despair, fear, insignificance, loneliness! Let us lift our eyes to marvel at His awesome deeds in creation, to consider His vast and exquisite beauty, to delight in His boundless and purposeful creativity, to rejoice in His radiant and glorious splendor, to exalt His unmatched and limitless power! Let us exult in His faithfulness and steadfast, unfailing love with the going out of the morning and evening and His signature in nature of awesome signs! Let us remember and recount His deeds of kindness, guidance, and meeting needs; of comfort, provision of strength and wisdom, peace!

“O worship the King all-glorious above,
O gratefully sing his power and his love:
our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.

O tell of his might and sing of his grace,
whose robe is the light, whose canopy space.
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
and dark is his path on the wings of the storm.

Your bountiful care, what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
it streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.

Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
in you do we trust, nor find you to fail.
Your mercies, how tender, how firm to the end,
our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend!”  ~Robert Grant (1833)

Gracious God, keep me in awe of, and satisfied in, You alone.

“For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”

“For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you… As grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.”

“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work… He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. They will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others… Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 1:8-11; 4:11-12,15; 9:8,10-13,15

Paul was all about his work in response to God’s call to spread the gospel, and sprinkled it throughout with thanksgiving for His continual grace. His passion was that people be saved and grow in their faith, but over all it was that God’s will be done and He be praised. Paul was more than willing to suffer and be spent for the sake of his Lord, in order that thanksgiving abound in great measure to Him. (Philippians 1:3-5; Colossians 1:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3)

There is nothing like impossible situations to set God up for receiving thanksgiving! Whether a challenging work or travel predicament, an arresting medical diagnosis, a disheartening disability in us or a loved one, delay and possible interruption of a set schedule or life plans are opportunities for dependence on the Almighty, and ultimately increased praise to Him.

Our confidence in God to see us through trials reveals His sufficiency to those who are watching, and inspires rejoicing in God. Our prayers with others in difficult afflictions engender praise to God for His protection and deliverance. Our support for His people in the face of suffering awakens gratitude for His salvation and abounding grace. Our generous giving that meets needs multiplies thanksgiving to God from those who receive, and those praying for provision.

Are we intent only on doing, or the ultimate glory of God? Do we serve, express needs, pray specifically, and share answers in such a way that we contribute to thanksgiving to God?

Lord, may my rejoicing, trust, and serving all give thanks to You, who alone are worthy to receive it.

But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord. [He] sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, ‘There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. The rich man had very many flocks and herds, but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him. Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.’ Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, ‘As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.’

Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man! The Lord… anointed you king, delivered you out of the hand of Saul… gave you the house of Israel and of Judah… Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife…’ David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child who is born to you shall die.’” 2 Samuel 11:27-12:9,13-14

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged.” Matthew 7:1-2

With an active, perceptive mind, why is it that we can more readily criticize another’s manner or behavior than recognize in our own what displeases the Lord? Even the self-serving can focus on others when it comes to judgment. But God, who is zealous about our sanctification, in grace holds up mirrors in our lives to reveal and convict us of sin. We may attempt to ignore our misgivings and walk away, but if we honestly look at our reflection in the errors we see in others, the Holy Spirit will reveal and redeem.

Where have we been quick to condemn or castigate someone, thinking ourselves above the possibility of falling into similar sin? Why do we denounce another’s foibles and tarnish them before others rather than consider our own actions and check our attitudes? Where do we smugly think more highly of our righteousness, self-control, and imperviousness to temptation than we ought? (Romans 12:3)

To rectify wrong thinking, a proclivity to judge, and our view of ourselves and others, we must nurture a high view of God. All of us have fallen short of His glory; every bit of our salvation is of His grace. It is in and by that grace He lovingly shows us to ourselves, that we might repent and be restored to Him. (Romans 3:23-24; Ephesians 2:8-9)

Father, make keen my eyesight by the mirrors You hold before me. So sanctify me that I reflect You in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)