As the rain and snow

“Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness. But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.’ Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.  So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:14-16,19,21-26

The Christian life is an ongoing expedition of fleeing and flying, escaping from the tangled web of temptation to press to Jesus. When we face the daily pull of the devil’s snares, the Lord provides the gumption to flee, and to fly to Him for power and direction on what to do instead, what not to do, where to go. The Scriptures name some of our most challenging predicaments, and as the inspired word of all-knowing God, give practical alternatives that replace what was natural with the old self with practice of our new nature. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

When we overhear or are barraged with quarreling about words or irreverent babble, are we prepared to rightly, kindly, gently handle God’s truth and shamelessly speak His name? Are there dishonorable habits that render us useless or unavailable from which we need separate in order to serve more robustly? What passions steal my passion for Jesus? Is there any love, any pet interest, jealousy, resentment, that is hindering an unfettered pursuit of righteousness, faith, love, and peace among others? What selfish claims on my own time and pleasure diminish my fruitfulness for God’s kingdom?

The shorebird intrigued with tiny critters in the sand does not see the larger possibilities beyond the petty. But once he looks up, and takes off, freedom lifts him to heights of fresh strength as he soars on new wind. When we flee iniquity, we need fly toward our Lord. To stop one practice requires replacing it with another. If I turn from offering myself to unrighteousness, sloth, conceit, self-consciousness, I present myself instead to the One Who died to redeem me from those worthless practices and begin to speak His new language in tongue and deed, and bear the Spirit’s fruit.  (Galatians 5:22-23; Hebrews 12:1-3)

Lord on high, make me keenly aware of what I need to flee; turn and lift me to fly to, and with, and for, You.

 

“Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, began to reign. And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not like David his father… But the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. He struck down ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and took Sela by storm, and called it Joktheel, which is its name to this day.

“Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, king of Israel, saying, ‘Come, let us look one another in the face.’ And Jehoash king of Israel sent word to Amaziah king of Judah,.. ‘You have indeed struck down Edom, and your heart has lifted you up. Be content with your glory, and stay at home, for why should you provoke trouble so that you fall, you and Judah with you?’ But Amaziah would not listen. So Jehoash king of Israel went up, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced one another in battle at Beth-shemesh, which belongs to Judah. And Judah was defeated by Israel, and every man fled to his home. And Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, at Beth-shemesh, and came to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem for four hundred cubits, from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate. And he seized all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the Lord and in the treasuries of the king’s house, also hostages, and he returned to Samaria.” 2 Kings 14:1,3-4,7-14

When once we set our feet atop the pinnacle of pride, and all the world seems rosy with me at the helm, any small step can become the first on a slippery slope downward. Here is king Amaziah, whose heart was almost ‘all in’ with God, yet one military victory with God’s help tantalized him with the taste of winning, and the seed of pride took root and tickled his fancy enough that he flirted with false gods, shunned God’s prophets, and provoked one who should have been an ally. The heathen Jehoash even warned him for his protection, yet pride had plugged his ears, and he would have nothing of stopping his hunger for just a little more. Disaster befell him; he lived at least fifteen years more with no noted significance. His own people conspired against him and put him to death. (2 Chronicles 25:2,7-16,27)

Beware the provocation of pride! The temporary luster of success can blind us to reality, sap us of reason, and distort our view of our own prowess to the point that we make false assumptions and foolish decisions. Scriptures warn us not to think too highly of ourselves, but pride tempts inflated assessment. When we think we can share God’s rightful throne, or try to push Him off altogether, we are doomed to fail. He is King, and will always overrule our attempts at sovereignty. (Romans 12:3; 1 Timothy 6:15)

Lord of lords, give me eyes to see You as the only high and holy One, and myself in light of Your light. Expose my half-heartedness and make me wholly devoted to You. (Psalm 36:9; Isaiah 6:1-5)

“Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works. I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies! The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. Give me understanding according to your word!” “There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land… My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; you have rejected knowledge,.. you have forgotten the law of your God… A people without understanding shall come to ruin.” “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.” “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you… When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” Psalm 119:27,125,130,169; Hosea 4:1,6,14; Matthew 22:29; John 14:26; 16:13; 2 Timothy 2:7

Much is emphasized today about our feelings, and they are a masterful gift from God in His creating the whole person. But danger arises when we allow feelings to trump, or dismiss, or neglect, thinking. A ready knowledge and understanding of Scriptures lays a foundation for our souls that is both guide and stay, an immovable standard that stands as security and light for our way. The truth of God’s word in the foreground gives us His perspective and comprehension of all that lies beyond.

In any big decision, from a sizable purchase to a court case that determines a person’s future, from a move to a new locale to the choice of a life partner, understanding is sought. The fuller the information, the better judgment can be made. So how do we go about gaining wisdom for these life issues in order to avoid the ‘ruin and wrong’ that attend ignorance? There are times we are called upon to answer, to act, where we have little background or experience, situations where we are burdened yet know not how to proceed, but our great God does not leave us to ourselves to respond. He promises wisdom and understanding for those who seek Him. He enables us to stand assured with spiritual understanding. His word lights our path, His Spirit, our Paraclete, divinely develops our insight and directs our thinking. (Psalm 32:8; 119:105)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

Have I trained myself to seek Him and His wisdom? When faced with a problem, or responsibility, do I seek Him first for understanding of all facets of the situation, a grasp of personalities and requirements, possible outcomes and the way forward? Do I make the effort to climb the heights alone with Him to see others and issues through His holy filter?

Father, guard my time in Your word, and from it grant me Your understanding for all that comes my way. May all I say and do bear Your imprint and greatness.

 

 

“Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world… But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness… As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:6-7,9-11,17-19

Gain: an increase in wealth or resources; advantage acquired or increased; an increase in amount, magnitude, or degree. In a world of commerce and financial economy, we can narrow our perception of gain to the accumulation of financial wealth and material goods, when God’s view is vastly different. He Who owns all resources and bestows them on us for good pleasure says these are not what bring true life. Our craving, our desire, is to be for godliness, righteousness, the invisible but palpable qualities that are like Christ. With these in growing measure we will know contentment and satisfaction, and from this healthy place we will have the ultimate enjoyment of all God’s gifts.

Pursuing worldly wealth can lead us down a path of disordered love, greed, numbed sensitivity, and the world’s many snares, leaving us empty and wanting, even irreversibly ruined. Pursuing godliness and righteousness brings joy in generosity, and contentment in selfless, fruitful living and giving, and untold treasure that can never ruin, and lasts forever. Earthly riches are uncertain, fleeting, and temporary, while the Lord provides spiritual riches that are based on a firm foundation and last forever. (Matthew 6:19-21,24-25; Ephesians 1:3-4)

Is there evidence in my attitude, my measure of patience, my perception of ownership, that in my heart of hearts, I am nurturing a love for money? What am I accumulating in my mind, my space, my life, that breeds discontent, complaining, comparing, restlessness, a gnawing for more? Are the things in which I invest attached by worry and maintenance to this world, or do I intentionally sow the fruit of the Spirit into my involvement with others and the works of my hands, as an outgrowth of an increasing Christ-likeness God is working in me? Growth in godliness manifests itself in sanctified motivations and increasing contentment in the present age, even as we live and build for the age to come. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Good Father, identify my heart’s premier loves, and purify them. Sow in me deep contentment in knowing, praising, trusting, and loving You. Thank You for Your beautiful, rich gift of true life.

“Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ it shall be said to them, ‘Children of the living God.’ And in that day, declares the Lord, you will call me ‘My Husband.’ I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord… And I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I will say to Not My People, ‘You are my people’; and he shall say, ‘You are my God.’” Hosea 1:10; 2:16,19-20,23

Names, owned by us, are labels we wear for others. Boat names are intriguing for the snippets they reveal about their owners, and while some are mysterious and codified, others are blatant in announcing what drives, describes, or matters to the ones who possess them. What is painted on my boat?

In the Scriptures, names are important, often used by God as prophetic or to illustrate the character of the child given the name. God changed the names of several of His beloved leaders, explaining that they would ‘no longer be/do’ something, and now would ‘be/do’ something else. The beautiful promise to Israel in Hosea is to all who believe in Jesus. (Genesis 17:5; 25:26; 32:28)

There is much talk about identity these days: some are inborn, some chosen. We tend to identify ourselves by our experiences, work, family reputation, upbringing, education, children, political beliefs, religious affiliation (or not). We can identify ourselves by our sin, unable to shake off the tendrils of shame, regret, pain, or memories. But when we become Christ’s, we become members of His family and receive a new identity, a new name. We receive His mercy that transforms who we were into who He has made us to be. We who were enemies, aliens, strangers, captive to judgment, become recipients of lavish mercy, and are renamed God’s own, His people, beloved. (Romans 5:6,8,10; 8:15; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:1-5; Colossians 1:21-22)

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, he who formed you: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine… For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One.., your Savior. You are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you.'” Isaiah 43:1,3-4

How well do I wear my name as Christ’s? With boldness? Grace? Serenity? Confidence? Honor? Humility? Thankfulness? Are there areas in my speech, my habits, my choices of entertainment, my management of resources, my reactions to people and situations, where I dishonor His family name? Would the label others use for me reflect my standing in Christ’s grace?

Faithful Bridegroom, may I never get over that You have called me Your own, and betrothed me to You forever. As You have inscribed my name on Your hands, so may I write Yours on every part of my life, so others see You are my God. (Isaiah 49:16)

 

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord‘s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:1-3,10

This message of healing, liberty, release, justice, and comfort entrusted to Isaiah is indeed good news. Anointed with the Spirit of the Lord, he uses several analogies to describe what God’s favor means: where ashes were spread on the head in time of sorrow or great conviction, they would be replaced with a beautiful headdress. Mourning would be soothed with a gentle pouring of gladness, a depleted and weary spirit cloaked with a garment of hearty praise. Each was a picture of clothing, a covering- not so much a concealing as a display of the loveliness of salvation, the splendor of righteousness, the sparkle of great rejoicing.

When the Lord God has spread His mantle of salvation on us, his bride, we have a message of good and happy news. What He has done in freeing us from captivity to sin’s entanglement and penalty He can do for others, and we have the privilege and holy compulsion of proclaiming it, of taking part in the planting and growth of His children that they spread their arms and lives wide like oaks to proclaim His praise. (2 Corinthians 5:14-20)

Where am I taking time with those who mourn and languish? Have I been deliberate to befriend the poor, needy, lost, faint? Do I reach out to those enslaved to inordinate affections or prickly sin habits? What messages does my tongue bring? If it is more natural to spew condemnation, or chastisement, or dead-end criticism, would I open my mouth to the Lord’s powerful anointing to bring instead freedom-giving truth and transformation? How well do my countenance and words and manner of life exude the hope of the Spirit of the living God, and engender unceasing praise? (John 8:32)

Lovely and loving Savior, I rejoice in the gift of Your redeeming grace, the wonder of Your beautiful headdress of salvation. Adorn my words with Your splendor and truth. May my life reflect and proclaim all You are to a hurting world, that You make a lasting difference, to the praise of Your glory.

“And the mind of the king of Syria was greatly troubled because of this thing, and he called his servants and said to them, ‘Will you not show me who of us is for the king of Israel?’ And one of his servants said, ‘None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.’ And he said, ‘Go and see where he is, that I may send and seize him.’ ..He sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city.

“When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’ He said, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.’ So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:11-17

Elisha was under constant suspicion and intended retribution by foreign leaders, because he spoke truth. He did the right thing, and others did not like it, so they sought to harm him, to stop his message. The king of Assyria suspected a spy was determining his strategies, but was informed that no, it was Elisha the prophet who knew their plans, thus protecting God’s people, so he set out to harm him. Elisha’s servant could see only the vast army threatening, but Elisha prayed God would open his spiritual eyes to higher faith in what was really true. He knew that God was greater than the enemy, that His armies encamp around His beloved, that He would keep His own, and he wanted his companion to know the same. (Psalm 34:7; 139:5; 1 John 4:4)

God is honored when we follow Him no matter what, and He watches over His own, keeping and guarding them in the midst of every seemingly endless volley of attack. When we face an onslaught of poisoned words and accusations, health challenges, grief, financial uncertainty, betrayal, fear over what we cannot control, we can take comfort that the Lord of Hosts is nigh. When we rest in His keeping, others who watch us can see Him.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say‘ to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ ..He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday… For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Ps 91:1-2,4-6,11

My Keeper, grant me spiritual eyes to see You as greater than anything I face here on earth. Keep me close to You.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.

“Be ready by the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to me on the top of the mountain.” “When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” “And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.” “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” “And he said to them,’Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.” Exodus 34:2; Matthew 6:6; 14:23; Mark 1:35; 6:31

I watched a lone dolphin this morning, dipping, gliding, arcing up to gulp air out from his natural abode. He had no companion, appeared unfettered, and seemed to have unlimited time to swim in the clear green water. I have been transfixed at a swan, graceful and calm in a wide deep pond, in solitude watching her reflection. There is something intrinsically beautiful, and alluring, in watching God’s creatures, often in groups, fully alive, serene, peaceful, in their aloneness.

How seldom we get alone. Seldom do we take time to dip and glide and stretch beyond our normal habitat to breathe in holy air. Away from people and screens and man-made noise. Apart from the cacophony of urgencies, information vying for our attention, clutter. Quiet, able to reflect and see what we reflect to others. Alone, with eyes closed, allowing ourselves to review, to consider, to think. How rich is our fare when we do!

What keeps me from taking time alone? It is a discipline that does not come naturally, but must be cultivated. What Charles Hummel coined “the tyranny of the urgent” incessantly competes for our focus and and affection, but why do I so readily yield to its allure? Can I no longer discern between what is distracting and what is important? Have I become addicted to checking off trivialities to the neglect of the significant?  Where am I being deceived and re-routed off a good course that includes quiet to one that hums with busyness?

Am I afraid to see my own reflection, do I fear what I might hear from my Sovereign? Have I become so comfortable with my status quo that I cringe at the thought of God messing with me if I have to be vulnerable with Him? Do I fear getting to know myself more than I fear the God Who made me?

When I do get away with God, is it with my prayer list I want stamped with ready approval, my coins for God’s vending machine, instead of alone, with empty paper, no agenda, open hands and heart?

“My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night.” Psalm 63:5-6

Father, teach me the regular practice of leaving behind my worldly companions and getting alone with You.

“Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, ‘Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.’

“So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, ‘Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.’ But Naaman was angry.., saying, ‘Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.  Are not the rivers of Damascus better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?’ So he turned and went away in a rage. But his servants came near and said to him, ‘My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, “Wash, and be clean”? So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. Then he returned to the man of God,.. and he came and stood before him. And he said, ‘Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel.'” 2 Kings 5:1-3,9-15

Namaan had all the trappings of worldly success, but underneath the decorated uniform of valor, on the surface of his body, was diseased skin. The nameless servant girl had none of the visual finery and public aplomb of her mistress’ husband, but she was adorned with confidence in God’s grace and power; on the interior she was a stalwart of compassion and faith. She lived by assurance in the unseen, the rules of her Sovereign’s supernatural working through His prophet Elisha, and willingly reached into the life of one consumed with notoriety and pomp to introduce her God. How beautiful is God’s clash to unite these two worlds! Only in submitting to the Lord’s prescribed ‘wash,’ prodded on by ‘mere servants,’ was Namaan able to know Him. (Hebrews 11:1)

We care so much for our skin. We fret and fuss over how we appear, how superficial credentials, and what we do, will look to others, often to the neglect of the inner man. Do I spend more attention and time on glossing my exterior than surveying and purifying my interior? Do I consider myself above God’s required Jordans, because they lack my desired social status? Where am I settling for surface when God wants to go deep? (1 Samuel 16:7)

Good Father, plunge through my skin to tend the matters of my heart, that I pulse with Your love, and identify with the praise of Your glory.