As the rain and snow

“He said to me, ‘Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.’ And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. ‘Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: You shall say to them, “Thus says the Lord God.” And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them. Be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks… And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house. Hear what I say to you. Be not rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.‘

“And he said to me, ‘Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.’ So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat. And he said to me, ‘Feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.’ Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey. And he said to me, ‘Go to the house of Israel and speak with my words to them.'” Ezekiel 2:1-8; 3:1-4

The call of Ezekiel is a call to open wide his mouth, both to feed on and to feed with the word of God. He could not speak until he had digested the word his God would give him. The Lord prepared him that those to whom he carried the message would refuse with their lips and roll their eyes, yet he was to be faithful to his call. Their accountability would come because they had refused to listen to and heed the prophet among them, while his accountability was to his Master alone.

Before we embark on a mission for God, we are to take in His instructions and supply. When He calls us to speak, we must be filled with His word; to love, we must first receive His love; to forgive, we need to understand His mercy and apply His forgiveness. He never asks us to do what He does not enable, and often uses our very preparation or provision to illustrate the specific ministry we will have, always to prove His sufficiency. (2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13; 1 John 4:19)

When am I taking time to listen, and willfully to open myself to the Spirit’s call? How often do I savor His word, soaking in its truth and transforming power in my attitudes, my will, my perspective toward others and current events and the future? Where and how has He filled me for a specific outpouring to others in the Body, and have I remained faithful, even when rejected? (1 Corinthians 2:12-13)

Father, keep my mouth open to receive Your word, and to give it to others. And keep me steadfast, whether they taste and see how good You are, or refuse to listen. (Psalm 34:8)

“And David rose and fled that day from Saul and went to Achish the king of Gath. And the servants of Achish said to him, ‘Is not this David the king of the land?..’ And David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish… David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men…

“Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah.” 1 Samuel 21:10-12; 22:1-2; 23:13

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me
    and delivered me from all my fears…

This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
    and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps
    around those who fear him, and delivers them…

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
    and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
    and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:4,6-7,17-18

David, the anointed yet not-yet king, had fled for his life from the volatile and pursuing King Saul. Uncertain and fearful, he escaped to a hideout to regain grounding in his Lord. And he was followed, not by the bold and beautiful, not by cheerful ‘winners’ who would encourage him, but by four hundred miserable souls. They soon multiplied.

Those who live with a sense of holy purpose are attractive. They may draw admiration and adulation from the secure and famous for their accomplishments, but they will also draw the allegiance of the needy who see in them hope, confidence, and vision. While I might prescribe for David some strong, stable comrades who would shore him up in time of need (and God does provide those too), the Lord intended this time on the run to develop trust and leadership skills in David he would exercise over his imminent forty year reign. (1 Samuel 18:1-5; 20:41-42)

If we spend our efforts seeking followers we prefer, or want to enumerate or define, our attention will be spent on doing just that– shaping our persona to fit a formula. We can exhaust ourselves trying to meet others’ expectations, and lose sight of the One we’re created to serve and glorify. But when we fix our identity in God, and who He’s called us to be, our lives will be permeated with a serenity of Spirit, even when we’re flagging, that draws others to our source of strength. (Isaiah 49:3,5)

Am I more concerned with followers than whom I follow? When those who are weak come alongside, will I invest in them to build them into God’s people, to lead them toward God’s transformation? Would I overlook impossibilities and instead work toward possibilities? Many of these who aligned with David became mighty men who accomplished much for the Lord. (2 Samuel 23:8-39; 1 Thessalonians 5:14)

My Lord and gracious Redeemer, cause me to see the weak as Your beloveds, and to do what I can to spur them to grow as Your people, all for the building of Your kingdom and exaltation of You, the King.

“Am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” Genesis 50:19-20

“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

“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

There is a crater in Canyonlands National Park called Upheaval Dome, which is accessed only by a hike upward along uneven terrain. Geologists continue to research the mystery behind the unusual landform, whether it came from a salt bubble, or a meteorite whose impact caused a crack allowing former oceanic residue to burst forth. Visitors climb with anticipation, and marvel at its magnificent shape and surprise in the reddish Island in the Sky. It is an upheaval to behold and appreciate.

There are moments, situations, and seasons in our lives we might define as upheavals, and they are not usually welcome. Unexpected events can jar our sense of calm, thwart our plans, upend our dreams, or tear a hole in our hearts, leaving us bereft of direction and hope. We can spend much effort making our way toward our desired ends, only to find that God has prepared something else that makes no sense to our finite thinking. But God designs these upheavals to be times of hushed wonder at His loving care and unshakeable might, and places of marveling at His mysterious ways, His power to redeem the worst of circumstances.

How willing are we to look at these with fresh eyes? To contemplate the mystery of the why and understand what we can about God’s sovereignty? To relax rather than resist, and look for lessons we may never have learned otherwise?

And what might our upheavals bring forth? Deeper gratitude and greater spiritual anticipation? What will they change about the way we live and look forward? What might they cause us to leave behind–salt and beauty for others’ lives? How we handle these upheavals can cause others to cringe at the mess, or behold the beauty of our God. (Matthew 5:13-16)

Father, help we welcome the upheavals You bring into my life, receiving them eager to learn of You and be changed. May I learn to see the facets of Your character so beautifully revealed in all You orchestrate, and to reflect Your glory to those around me.

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” Psalm 8:3-4

“Samuel… anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward… And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer... And whenever the harmful spirit was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed...

“David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem... Jesse said to David his son, ‘Take for your brothers an ephah of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to your brothers, [and] these ten cheeses to the commander. See if your brothers are well.’ Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 

“And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. David ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers. As he talked with them, Goliath came up out of the ranks and spoke as before... David said, ‘Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?‘ 1 Samuel 16:13,21,23; 17:15,17-20,22-23,26

The youngest-in-the-family shepherd boy, who, when gazing at night stars, wondered at his own significance, lived his life before God from one step to the next. Whether tending sheep or playing the harp for the king, carrying nourishment to the battlefield for his brothers or taking on a threatening giant, David obediently went about each day as God bid him. Taking thought for his Lord rather than himself, expending his vitality for God’s glory not his own, freed him to do the next right thing. (1 Samuel 18:23)

And by this steadfastness, God would form David’s heart after His And train him to do even greater things. No magical potion, no spectacle of initiation, no famous announcement, simply a steady plodding under the Spirit’s anointing along the right path each day. (Acts 13:22)

When overwhelmed with many responsibilities, needs unmet, tasks undone, will we take one at a time and do just the next right thing? If we carry the enormity of all burdens at once, we can bend under pressure and become paralyzed.

Do we prefer the popular, the dazzling, the sexy, the noticeable show of service? Or are we willing to do the next right thing, whether mundane, menial, or magnificent? If our desire is for notoriety, we will necessarily miss out on what God has for us, and on showing Him off to others. But when we do all in His name and for His fame, He receives the glory, and matures our character. (1 Samuel 17:46-47; Romans 12:11,16)

Lord God, align my energies and determination with Your plan for each day. Keep me faithfully doing Your assigned next right thing, for Your praise and honor.

“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
 O my God, in you I trust;
    let me not be put to shame;
    let not my enemies exult over me.
Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
    they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
    teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are the God of my salvation;
    for you I wait all the day long…

Good and upright is the Lord;
    therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right,
    and teaches the humble his way.
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
    for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

For your name’s sake, O Lord,
    pardon my guilt, for it is great…
My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
    for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    for I am lonely and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
    bring me out of my distresses.
Consider my affliction and my trouble,
    and forgive all my sins.

Consider how many are my foes,
    and with what violent hatred they hate me.
Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!
    Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
    for I wait for you.

Redeem Israel, O God,
    out of all his troubles.” Psalm 25:1-5,8-11,15-22

So often when we face affliction and opposition at the hands, or words, of another, our impulse is to ask for judgment to rain on them, for freedom from their tyranny of unfairness, for vindication for ourselves. If questioned about our pointing fingers, we could justify our vengeance with a list of our miseries and their fault. The psalmist shows us another way.

It seems David was equally tempted to incriminate his opponents, as he peppers this song with requests for deliverance from shame, guilt, and sin, seemingly doing so every time such an urge struck. Yet, using his affliction as an opportunity to come clean before God, he asks for forgiveness himself. Rather than heft the blame on his opponents and whine in pity, from the trample of his foes he lifts his soul to the Lord. He aligns himself with God’s truth, not his attacker’s lies.

He acknowledges that he, too, is not only capable but culpable of the same treachery, and so asks to be cleansed. He seeks not to be ashamed with his response, but instead to know the Lord’s right way forward in keeping with his salvation. From the depths of being lonely, accosted, and hated, he begs to be guarded and preserved in that pit, and in his reaction, leaving all vengeance to God who is just and good.

What is our first impulse at being mistreated or accused? What self-righteousness or touchiness must we relinquish in order to humbly lift our situations to the Lord, and wait for His righteous resolutions? What guards will we put in place to remain blameless and shameless?

Lord, in every trouble, turn my soul to You. Prevent me from any shameful intent, action, or reaction; rather, keep me patiently trusting Your redemptive ways. Please lift me up to lift You up, and to exalt You as upright and good.

“[Paul] said to [the elders of the church]: ‘You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,  testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.  And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there,  except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God…I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God…   In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak.'” Acts 20:17-24,27,35

Paul’s rigorous travels, complete with all-night teaching sessions, tent-making to support himself, and riots, might leave us exhausted. We can view him as an aberration in commitment and gifting. But how inspiring his example to heed God’s call and not shrink back! Oh, to be like Paul! (Acts 18:3; 19:21-23,28-29; 20:7,11; 2 Thessalonians 3:8)

A sobering mark of Paul’s ministry is that he knew it would be hard, that he would suffer; he knew his teaching about Jesus would be condemned and ridiculed. Yet as large and ominous the threats and troubles and warnings to stop, Paul would not shrink before them, nor from fulfilling his call to preach. He stood tall and fought the good fight. (Acts 9:15-16; 2 Timothy 4:7)

When tensions heat up, when we experience imposed restrictions and changes to how we would structure our work and lives and families, our flesh, feeling small and inadequate, or unwilling to get in the fray, wants to shrink from duty. How do we persevere when life is so hard, when there are roadblocks and detours everywhere? Why even try? Is the opposition and hardship worth it? Why speak up, when giants before us not only disagree and disbelieve, but drown out our voice?

When we are on God’s mission, we need not, must not, shrink. Only He knows how He plans to work, where He is stirring hearts and breaking open seeds to grow, whom we will influence. We’re called to be faithful to do our part of planting or watering, and to trust God with the results. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

Size is nothing to the Lord who fills the earth. What do we view as insurmountable, what fears or threats loom too large for our courage, what opportunities too big for our abilities? Would we bow before the Savior, submitting to His call and filling, and determine by His grace not to shrink from His purpose?

Great Father, equip and embolden me to go forth each day on Your mission, at Your direction, in Your power and love, bearing Your truth and light in my world. All for your glorious amen.

It seems David the psalmist is living in two worlds: in the raucous turmoil of war and trouble, and in the melodious beauty of the heavenlies. To him, these were not incompatible, for no matter that war arose, his confidence, his shelter, his hope, were fixed firmly in his God. These two disparate experiences were united under the cover of his salvation.

This can be our reality today. As Christians, we carry the presence of Almighty God within us. He is indeed Immanuel, our light and salvation, our Defender, Advocate, Redeemer. His face shines on us. And these are true now. In the scuffle of life that is despair, illness, setbacks, vociferous antagonism, doubt, dissension, He lifts our head and is our shelter. (Numbers 6:24-26; Matthew 1:23; John 14:16) “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?.. Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus… is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?.. I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31,33-35,38-39 Will we get overwhelmed in the battle, or begin our days in His house, gazing upon the beauty of the Lord? With heads lifted above the fray, we can keep singing, though wars rage, making joyful melody and offering hope to others. “Our God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home. Under the shadow of your throne your saints have dwelt secure; sufficient is your arm alone, and our defense is sure.”  ~Isaac Watts (1719) Father, in every circumstance, when emotions go awry and impulses stray from Your righteous control, compel me to keep my face beholding Yours, and my shelter in Your lovely temple.

“Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, ‘Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? You shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies’... And Samuel said to all the people, ‘Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen?..’ And all the people shouted, ‘Long live the king!..’ Then Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home.  Saul also went to his home, and with him went men of valor whose hearts God had touched. But some worthless fellows said, ‘How can this man save us?’ And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace.”

Then Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh-gilead, and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, ‘Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you.’ But Nahash said to them, ‘On this condition I will make a treaty with you, that I gouge out all your right eyes, and thus bring disgrace on all Israel…’ And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled… Then the dread of the Lord fell upon the people, and they came out as one man. When he mustered them at Bezek, the people of Israel were three hundred thousand, and of Judah thirty thousand…

“And the next day Saul put the people in three companies. And they came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch and struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day. And those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together. Then the people said to Samuel, ‘Who is it that said, “Shall Saul reign over us?” Bring the men, that we may put them to death.’ But Saul said, ‘Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has worked salvation in Israel.’ Then Samuel said to the people, ‘Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.’ So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.” 1 Samuel 10:1,24-27; 11:1-2,6-8,11-15

Every king, every leader, has nay-sayers, and Israel’s first was no exception. Though Israel had begged for a king so they could be like other nations, when God had Samuel anoint Saul, there was a rabble who spoke against him. When he led them in a spectacular victory over the Ammonites, those who aligned with him wanted the cynics eliminated. (1 Samuel 8:19-20)

When we are confident God is sovereign, there is no need to cancel our opponents. In fact, He providentially orders them to turn our trust from our standing with men to our security in Him. He tosses us in the fray, tumbles us with antagonists, flushes challenges over us to conform us to Himself, fix our convictions, make us strong, and turn our hope to Him. (Romans 5:3-4; 8:29,35-37; James 1:2-4)

What or whom do we want to cancel? Would we choose softness and everyone- agreeing over exposing our minds to how others think, refining our own beliefs, and learning how better, and humbly, to articulate truth and love?

Father, keep me grounded in You. Give me grace for every foe, and work Your glorious purposes through every contention.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” Romans 8:1-9

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:1-2

Many ideas and passions vie for our mindsets every day, fingering our thoughts to twist and shape them in certain directions. We are bombarded from the moment we awaken with the coming day: responsibilities, opportunities, and the many choices before us of stress, fear, hopeful anticipation, dread. Once we arise, the options multiply, as demands are made on our time, our mental capacity, our energy. How do we develop and maintain a healthy mindset to handle our day to day?

Paul sets a clear regimen before us. Since we are no longer under condemnation because we are now in Christ, we can shake off the temptation to loathe ourselves, to wallow in regret, whining over shortcomings, and self-pity. We can set aside crabbiness at our inconveniences, disdain and even vitriol for those who do not see the way we do, and a sour outlook at things beyond our control. We can say no to anxiety about our many burdens and inner turmoil over what might or might not happen. That is all a flesh-mindset, for which Jesus died and rose in victory.

A mind set on Christ is free from the entanglements of this world, and sees life through the lens of a Risen Savior who has claimed victory, and a great Redeemer who is working all things together for our good. It recites with thanksgiving what is true, noble, right, pure, and lovely. It is full of hope, peace, and joy. (John 19:28-30; Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:8)

So where will I set my mind today? What difference will it make in how I see and love others, and how I go about my duties, when all is from and unto Christ?

Father, please keep my mind stayed on You, and therein find peace when all around is not peace. May my mind be Yours, and its fruit bring honor to You. (Isaiah 26:3; 1 Corinthians 2:16)

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another… This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends... Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one… I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 13:34-35; 15:12-13; 17:11,26

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God…  In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another…God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him… There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear… And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” (1 John 4:7,10-11,16,18,21)

When our lives are distinguished by the love of our Maker on us in salvation, they in turn are distinguished by that love working through us toward others. Once grounded in Him, He tosses us into the world to mirror His affection and care among our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to make much of His love to those who need Him. We are distinct in that we love as Christ does, sacrificially and selflessly, a stark contrast to the fickle, self-serving, conditional love of the world.

For those who don’t know Christ, love is a feeling that is all about me and stroking my ego. For the Christian, love has no smack of pride or self-interest, but rather, emulates the all-for-you love of Christ. He taught, conversed, healed, and suffered all on our behalf, for our sake, and when we love as He does, all is for the other’s good.

Within the Body, we have the privilege of expressing His implanted love by exercising our gifts, encouraging and serving one another, bearing each other’s burdens. Loving thus, we are distinguished by our model of Christ’s intimate, covenantal love to the onlooking world. How clear a picture do they see? And how well do we exhibit Christ’s love to those outside the body through generous serving, compassionate caring, keen listening, conciliatory engaging? (Romans 5:5; 12:6-13; Galatians 6:2-3,10)

“See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.” ~Isaac Watts (1707)

Lord, distinguish my love for others so they know You are the Source. Make a difference through me so those receiving, and those watching, see and love You.