As the rain and snow

“Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel. He rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had broken down, and he erected altars to the Baals, and made Asheroth, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them. And he burned his sons as an offering, and used fortune-telling and omens and sorcery, and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil. Manasseh led Judah astray, to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord [had] destroyed. 

^“The Lord spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they paid no attention. Therefore the Lord brought upon them the army of Assyria, who captured Manasseh with hooks and bound him with chains of bronze and brought him to Babylon. And when he was in distress, he entreated the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. He prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God. And he took away the foreign gods from the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had built. He restored the altar of the Lord and offered on it sacrifices of peace offerings and thanksgiving, and he commanded Judah to serve the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 33:1-3,6,9-13,15-16

Imagine a half-century regime that promoted rampant idol worship, child sacrifice, and sorcery, and what it would do to its monarch and the fabric of his country. Manasseh was proud and wicked through and through, over years and decades. Yet, the LORD pursued him, and the appointed time came when he cried out and humbly entreated Him. God transformed his heart. His outlook. His inclinations and motivations. His life’s drive and purpose. Manasseh abolished all that had drawn his affection from the true God, and reestablished proper worship after a lifetime of running in the opposite direction.

The Almighty can bring this kind of transformation in anyone. We may struggle with besetting sins, and bemoan we will never have victory, never rise beyond our weak flesh in certain areas. But God is able! He who conquered the grave breaks the chains of sin and gives resurrection power to demolish strongholds in our lives. Entreat Him! (Romans 7:15,18-25; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 10:3-6; Jude 24)

There may be loved ones for whom we despair, who have charted a course of destruction or rebellion and seem beyond repair. Take heart! Pray without ceasing!  Expect God to pursue, save, and transform! (Ephesians 3:20; Hebrews 7:25)

“His love my heart has captive made,
His captive would I be,
For He was bound, and scourged and died,
My captive soul to free.

He breaks the power of canceled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean;
His blood availed for me.”  ~Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Heavenly Father, guard me against complacency and discouragement with self, and lethargy or hopelessness in prayer for others. Fix my trust in You Who can do all things, and do all things well to the praise of Your glory. (Mark 7:37)

“After these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. [Hezekiah said,] ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.’ And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

“After this, Sennacherib sent his servants to Jerusalem to Hezekiah and to all the people, saying, ‘On what are you trusting, that you endure the siege in Jerusalem?  Is not Hezekiah misleading you, when he tells you, “The Lord our God will deliver us from the hand of the king of Assyria”? Has not this same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars? Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the peoples of other lands? Who among all the gods of those nations was able to deliver his people from my hand, that your God should be able to deliver you from my hand? No god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand. How much less will your God deliver you out of my hand!’ And his servants said still more against the Lord God and Hezekiah. And he wrote letters to cast contempt on the Lord, and to speak against him.  And they shouted it with a loud voice to frighten and terrify them. And they spoke of the God of Jerusalem as they spoke of the gods of the peoples of the earth, which are the work of men’s hands.

“Then Hezekiah the king and Isaiah the prophet prayed because of this and cried to heaven. And the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and he provided for them on every side.” 2 Chronicles 32:1,7-20,22

Hezekiah had led righteously and wisely, yet encountered a formidable foe in Assyria’s heathen king, whose first swipe was to undermineJudah’s faith and slander his God. As with all who know not God, Sennacherib underestimated the Almighty and His people. Hezekiah’s godly response? Direct attention to the LORD, and pray!

When faced with spiritual slander, are we so bold? We might be tempted to stew in the injustice of attacks, or allow our minds to run trails of fear and doubt, but these play right into the devil’s conniving hand. He is wily in his lies and trickery, and does all he can to sabotage truth, confuse our beliefs, distort reason, and spread spiritual poison. Rather than yield to his deceit, would we remind ourselves that our God rules above all gods, and enlist spiritual confidantes to pray expectantly together? The One who is ‘great with us’ is never surprised or flustered, but prays for us, provides Spirit-filled friends to come alongside, and protects our souls. (John 8:44; 17:15; Revelation 12:9-10)

We may not experience the remarkable deliverance Hezekiah did, but we will know the spiritual victory of trusting the only trustworthy One, and knowing Him better.

One and Only, let me never stop reinforcing my defenses against the enemy’s slander. Keep strong my convictions and generous my encouragement of others’ faith, trusting Your outcomes.

“Josiah kept a Passover to the Lord in Jerusalem. He appointed the priests to their offices and encouraged them in the service of the house of the Lord. And he said to the Levites who taught all Israel and who were holy to the Lord, ‘Put the holy ark in the house that Solomon built… Now serve the Lord your God and his people Israel. Prepare yourselves according to your fathers’ houses by your divisions, as prescribed. And stand in the Holy Place according to the groupings of the fathers’ houses of your brothers, and according to the division of the Levites by fathers’ household. And slaughter the Passover lamb, and consecrate yourselves, and prepare for your brothers, to do according to the word of the Lord’… 

“When the service had been prepared for, the priests stood in their place, and the Levites in their divisions according to the king’s command. And they slaughtered the Passover lamb… And afterward they prepared for themselves and for the priests, because the priests were offering the burnt offerings; so the Levites prepared for themselves and for the priests, the sons of Aaron. The singers, the sons of Asaph, were in their place; and the gatekeepers were at each gate. They did not need to depart from their service, for their brothers the Levites prepared for them. So all the service of the Lord was prepared that day, to keep the Passover and to offer burnt offerings on the altar of the Lord. And the people of Israel who were present kept the Passover at that time… None of the kings of Israel had kept such a Passover as was kept by Josiah, and the priests and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.” 2 Chronicles 35:1-6,10-11,14-18

Josiah’s reinstitution of the Passover in Judah did not just happen. From an early age, he set his heart to seek God. This regular communion led him to purge Judah of idolatry, repair the temple, respond to the Book of the Law, inquire of the LORD, and determine to keep His word. Every step in pursuing God with humility was a step forward in earnest obedience, and none just occurred without thought and deliberation. His careful preparation helped all Israel to serve and exalt their God.

And so it is with us. Worship does not just happen. Walking in the Spirit does not come naturally, or even easily. Following our Lord and bearing spiritual fruit are not the default behavior of sinful man. We might desire to live righteously and please the Savior we love, but unless we take care to prepare diligently for every day and occasion, it will not simply occur.

When am I taking time to worship my Lord, to proclaim and delight in His attributes? Where have I scheduled a block of time in my day to read God’s word, meditate on it, specifically and expectantly pray over its instruction and my response to its convictions and warnings? In what situations do I plan to apply its truths and guidance? How do I prepare for difficult conversations, building relationships, wise and effective work, meaningful service to others?

Father, please guide me in consistent, thoughtful preparation to bring holy resolutions to fruition, for Your glory.

“In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the Lord and repaired them. He brought in the priests and the Levites and assembled them in the square on the east and said to them, ‘Hear me, Levites! Now consecrate yourselves, and consecrate the house of the Lord, the God of your fathers, and carry out the filth from the Holy Place. For our fathers have been unfaithful and have done what was evil in the sight of the Lord our God. They have forsaken him and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord and turned their backs. They also shut the doors of the vestibule and put out the lamps and have not burned incense or offered burnt offerings in the Holy Place to the God of Israel… My sons, do not now be negligent, for the Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him and to be his ministers and make offerings to him.’ Then the Levites arose… They gathered their brothers and consecrated themselves and went in as the king had commanded, by the words of the Lord, to cleanse the house of the Lord. The priests went into the inner part of the house of the Lord to cleanse it, and they brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of the Lord into the court of the house of the Lord. And the Levites took it and carried it out to the brook Kidron. They began to consecrate on the first day of the first month, and on the eighth day of the month they came to the vestibule of the Lord. Then for eight days they consecrated the house of the Lord, and on the sixteenth day of the first month they finished.” 2 Chronicles 29:3-7,11-12,15-17

A new king, new reign, new perspective, new mission. Hezekiah would set Israel on the right path by restoring worship in the sanctuary to its rightful place. After the priests had done their cleansing and preparatory work, the new sovereign rose early to bring sacrifices and lead worship with song to the LORD. His leadership and example of humble, joyful adoration of God was contagious, and set a focus of God-centered rejoicing for the nation. (2 Chronicles 22:20,24-31,36)

As we begin a new year, holding all its promise and unknowns, hopes and plans, what will take first priority? As priests of the King of kings entrusted with much, how faithfully will we tend to our first responsibility, that of His sanctuary? Where have disordered wants or affections upended first right things? What self-stroking, what depleting or unfruitful habits, what long-held resentments or prejudices need to be discarded? What will we do in our schedules and our hearts to open wide doors to true, Christ-centered sacrifice and trim the lamps of grateful praise? (1 Peter 2:9)

Sovereign Lord Who bestows my royal priesthood, may I be faithful today, and this year, to maintain pure and glad worship, and to proclaim Your excellencies in all I do and say.

“I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously;
    the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.
The Lord is my strength and my song,
    and he has become my salvation;
this is my God, and I will praise him,
    my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

Your right hand, O Lord, glorious in power,
    your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy.
In the greatness of your majesty you overthrow your adversaries.

Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods?
    Who is like you, majestic in holiness,
    awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?

You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed;
    you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode.

The Lord will reign forever and ever.” Exodus 15:1-2,6-7,11,13,18

“And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those who had conquered.., standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,

Our mighty Lord, Who is the same from first to last, does not change in any facet of His character, any manner of working His perfect will, any fulfillment of His promises. He is exquisite and exact in all He does, never easing in purpose, wavering in love, or waning  in power. He can be trusted, He deserves exaltation. Every moment, every day. (Hebrews 13:8; 1 Peter 1:20; Revelation 22:13)

As one year comes to a close, will I take time to reflect back and trace His glorious deeds in my life, in those I love, in His church, in the world? Will I count displays of His grace, light shed in understanding, new lessons learned, deliverances from habits or sorrow’s choke? Do I recognize He is the Mighty One behind conviction, inspiration, enabling? Will I praise Him for immovable peace in storms, inexplicable songs in the night, bountiful provision in my meager desire, energy, offerings?

Will I choose to close this year with praise that covers all its shocks, losses, wastes, disappointments, regrets, and griefs? Will I gratefully sing of the omniscient, loving hand that gripped mine intractably through them all, and leads forward with hope and promise? The LORD Who has triumphed gloriously will ever do so, forging with us into a future He orchestrates with sovereign favor.

I lift high Your majesty and worth, O God. May I ever marvel and sing at Your glorious deeds.

“And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. He took away the foreign altars and the high places and broke down the pillars and cut down the Asherim and commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, and to keep the law and the commandment. He also took out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the incense altars. And the kingdom had rest under him. He built fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest. He had no war in those years, for the Lord gave him peace… [Then] Zerah the Ethiopian came out against them with an army of a million men and 300 chariots, and came as far as Mareshah. And Asa went out to meet him, and they drew up their lines of battle in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. And Asa cried to the Lord his God, ‘O Lord, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O Lord, you are our God; let not man prevail against you.’ So the Lord defeated the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled. Asa and the people who were with him pursued them as far as Gerar, and the Ethiopians fell until none remained alive, for they were broken before the Lord and his army.” 2 Chronicles 14:2-6,9-13

Asa did everything right as he established his reign, and all was well. Until it was not. Against his world, trouble brewed. Even though he pleased his Lord, still the enemy snorted, pawed the dirt, and came in full aggression. He always does. Asa met his adversary in the best way possible, relying on and fighting in the powerful name of his unique, unassailable, victorious LORD.

When we plan and faithfully build our good kingdom, do we believe we deserve a specific outcome, that our efforts should reap our desired rewards? When formulas have been followed, rules obeyed, and prescriptions filled, do we chafe when God does not keep peace and bring our expected results? Are we subconsciously determining expectations that do not align with His? “In me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” My chosen behavior must be for the Lord, not myself, and my treasure fixed in Him, not any earthly prize. (John 16:33)

“There will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions… who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Conflict in this world is a given, no matter what, but we have divine security and unshakable hope: “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 18-21,24-25)

Let kings and warriors say amen!

“After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him… Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, ‘Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?’ Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number.  Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.” John 6:1-3,5-13

Spending time with Jesus takes us into many situations that to our human eyes look impossible. His way is to teach us of Himself, and to engage us in His supernatural workings. And He always nourishes us by our communion. When He presents an opportunity, and nudges me to accept, I can expect His grace to abound. When He calls me to a new task, I can bring my inadequacies and fears and watch Him replace them with His sufficient provision. He gives so much more than I can imagine.

I have Jesus, abiding with me. I have His voice, His instruction. I have resources He has provided, and His shared passion for people and their spiritual hunger. I have His questions that drive me to discover, to dig, to look around and understand in context and use what is available and thus grow in faith. I have His clear, often specific word. I have the gumption to listen and follow, by His grace. I have the example of those who have gone before, and of how God has worked in the past. I have a God to thank for every good and perfect gift. In His name, I can offer all I have and watch Him multiply and feed, in the green grass of His pasture. And He will give leftovers of sustenance, thankfulness, and joy. (2 Corinthians 9:10; James 1:17)

Will I take up the challenge? What loaves and fish have I to offer for His divine multiplication to the hungry?

Father, You call me to a work that above all is believing in You. Teach me so to feed on You that all I give out is spirit and life, and others see You are the Holy One of God. (John 6:29,63,69)

“And I will put [them] into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’” “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The Father… will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you… Because I live, you also will live… Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Zechariah 13:9; John 14:1,6,16-17,19,27

The celebration is over. All cheerily wrapped promises have been opened, the joy of anticipation resolved in met (and unmet) expectations; tinsel that held luster now dimly whines to be taken down. The brightness and wonder of the Christ child’s birth has somehow faded to stark reality again, and a dampness can set in. But Jesus lives on, and the sun still shines!

Jesus came to bring light to the world, not just at Christmas but in Himself, Immanuel, and the glad wonder of Who He is remains to be savored, explored, known as a living breathing part of our every day. Tho fog may cover our outlook for the impending future,  though challenges we faced before the holiday are still a very present trouble or conundrum, though physical or emotional ache still lingers as a part of our very fabric, the Savior is alive and well. He is the way for us to rise every morning and greet the gift of a new day. He is the truth by which we think and process our world and understand the spiritual meaning behind physical roadblocks, political dissension, relational confusion, and emotional chaos. He is the life, the energy and breath and hope of eternity right now, our ‘joie de vivre’ no matter what is going on. (Psalm 46:1; John 1:4-5,9)

Our Lord has made us to thrive, wherever He places us, whatever our limitations, opportunities, or obstacles. He gives us life that we may know full joy– deep, abiding joy that is unshaken by circumstances or troubles. He chose us to bear everlasting fruit, regardless of who attacks us, condemns our every effort, or cheers us on. He gives His word, as our guide and confidence when tested. He abides in us by His Spirit, Who counsels, convicts, reminds, comforts, and gives peace. (Psalm 119:105; John 15:11,16,18,20; 16:1,4,7,13,33)

In other words, every day in the Lord is a holiday, a ‘holy day,’ when lived unto and along with Him. Will we let loose of our flesh fog that creeps and clings? Will we persist in looking for the clear edges of His sun through the fog of disappointment or pain or fear and unknowns?

Lord, strengthen my faith in Your abiding presence, even when I do not feel or see You. Show Yourself glorious through the fog of this world.

“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness… Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. ‘If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you…’ 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.” John 12:46; 13:3-5,14-15,34-35

To look out through a screen across the street on a frigid morning, and see the blaze of a welcoming fire through a front door, does something to the heart. It brings a warm smile. How captivating, how attractive is a flickering glow of flame to the cold and wandering. Come out from behind your protective screens, it beckons. Come in from your cold, it says. Come sit by my warmth and be comforted and know you are loved, the light invites. What a lovely picture of how our lives should be, burning bright with welcoming hospitality and the love of the Savior.

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly… Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Romans 12:10-11,13; 1 Peter 4:8-10

If this is our call, how do we keep the fire stoked, guard against slothfulness and complacency, overcome selfishness, remain earnest and fervent? How do we deal with our desire to manage perfectly, control our surroundings, and keep on our schedule? Are there demands I make that prohibit my welcoming others in, lines the cannot be crossed, tasks I must perform, rules that must be followed? What in the way I order my life is a turnoff to others participating in it? Are there belongings and structures I hold so closely I am closed to those with whom God would disrupt my life?

To serve and show hospitality with genuine love requires a yielding of a lot of what I may hold dear, and actually treasure more than I prefer others. Walls and boundaries that I’ve constructed must be yielded to the Lord Who welcomed me in all my mess, and bids me do the same.

Redeemer, make a difference in me so You can make a difference through me. Stoke Your Spirit’s fire in my heart and life to warmly and irresistibly welcome others who need to see and know You.

My progress through the expedited line at airport security was slow. After being called back twice for beeps of unknown reason, the alarm sounded again for my bag. The culprit? My Bible. The worn gold on the edges of the worn pages had triggered the alarm for metal. Ah, the Word is indeed powerful and active! (Hebrews 4:12)

The pair discussing Jesus’s crucifixion were deep in concern and opinion and suppositions until Jesus opened the Scriptures to them. Even then, though intrigued and attracted, they were too in-the-moment to recognize Him. It was not until at their meal when He blessed and broke the bread, which they had likely seen or heard of before, that they recognized who He was. Sometimes it takes an alarm, or an alarming act, to arrest our attention and point us to the Word. (Mark 6:41; 8:6; 14:22)

Does it always sound an alarm in our hearts? Does it trigger passion? Desire to grow? Does is jolt us in conviction? Devotion? Warning? A hunger for more? When faced with confusion, exasperation, or temptation, do we consult the signals of Scripture?

Is the Living Word so alive in me that others take notice and recognize Him?

Father, may Your golden words ever call to me and awaken me from worldly stupor to hear and see my Savior. Sound Your alarms in the areas of my life that need Your holy touch, keep Your word working in me, and keep my heart burning with whole-hearted devotion for You. (Isaiah 50:4-5; Zechariah 4:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 2:13)