As the rain and snow

” He [will] come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:10-12

“My heart is steadfast, O God!
    I will sing and make melody with all my being!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
    I will awake the dawn!I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
    I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is great above the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” Psalm 108:1-4

Time away from the norm— as a dear friend said, ‘a change of pace, place, and face’— is always good for the soul. And God’s word is alive wherever we are, never-changing but always speaking and altering us afresh. This morning, ready to move on to our final and 18th ‘residence’ over the last month (with the 19th being an airplane), 2 Thessalonians inspires me with new resolve. (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)

Like our Savior, Paul was constantly on the road, about his Master’s business. He was driven by motivation and calling far higher than we humans usually consider. His chief goal and highest delight was to see God “marveled at,” known and made known by others. He was compelled to spend his life for Christ, to bring the power of the gospel to God’s people, to love increasingly, to be a conduit for God’s glory. What lofty aims! What fuel for living! Joy abounded in this one sold out to His Savior, as it always does when we are in the flow of God’s good and redemptive purposes. (John 4:34; 17:4)

My resolve? Marvel at my great Savior. Rejoice and be thankful in all things. Love and laugh more, listen better, let go of small things, look up. Less of me, more of Christ.

Father, each day may my food be to do Your will, for the glory of Your beautiful name.

“I will make with them a covenant of peace and banish wild beasts from the land, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing. And the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase, and they shall be secure in their land, and none shall make them afraid. And I will provide for them. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God with them, and that they are my people, declares the Lord God. And you are my sheep, human sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Lord God.” Ezekiel 34:25-27,28,31

The Shepherd Who seeks and saves is He Who settles and satisfies. When in Him we live and move and have our being, the places we live and work and go are affected. He showers us with blessing so we can be a blessing- light unto light, rest unto peace, healing unto reconciliation and unity, strength unto encouragement, satisfaction unto nourishment for others. He gives in season- incrementally- for the need, always appropriate and enough, and we bear fruit for seasons and situations where He places us. (Acts 17:28)

Good Shepherd, You have given so much. May I, out of overflow of thankfulness, be a shower of blessing to all I encounter, that they may know You are the Lord God.

“For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak.” Ezekiel 34:11-16

What comfort there is in the truth that God seeks His sheep to rescue them, to gather them to Himself! His land is one of freedom and satisfaction. He Who loves and cares enough to bring them in then fully supplies nourishment for every need, physical and spiritual: grazing for the hungry; rest from self-effort, long-held resentments, discontent; healing from injury of broken relationships, sins’ consequences, deep sorrow; and strength for the weak and weary.

As I watch sheep, they eat, and eat, slowly ambling across the grass without direction, often unaware of other sheep, sometimes wedged in at the fence corner trying for those fat green blades under the wire, but very skittish at strangers. The good shepherd sees all, and always leads his flock in at night.

How like the sheep we can be, going about our merry way, satisfying self without taking notice of others, surprised at interruptions. Where have I wandered off? And for whom do I long, and pray, to return? The Good Shepherd searches and pursues, and with strong, outstretched arms, gathers His own. He can be trusted.

“I was lost in utter darkness til You came and rescued me;

I was bound by all my sin when your love came and set me free.

Jesus sought me when a stranger wandering from the fold of God,

He, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.

O, to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be;

Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee!

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;

He’s my heart, o take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.”

~ Robert Robinson (1758)/ Ron Kean (2006)

Great Shepherd, gather me to You. And please go after and rescue, in Your perfect way, those beloved sheep who are lost in utter darkness.

“All my springs are in you.” Psalm 87:7

Our room today, with full glass wall, looks out on a great grey rock face lined with dozens of white waterfalls, rushing out of the mountain falling with beauty beyond description. The vertical stone seems softened in spots where trees cling like moss, damp clouds hover along, and the falls keep rushing, down, down, tiered liquid and foam in exultant spray. Oh God, my immovable, unchanging Rock of Ages, You pour forth springs of living water, Your bountiful Spirit, with lavish abandon for all who thirst!

What is it I lack today? All my springs are in Him! Where do I need wisdom, hope, desire, stamina, a song? All my springs are in Him! In what area am I confounded, or distressed, or disappointed, or spent? All my springs are in Him! And the water Jesus gives never stops flowing, but wells up in me to eternal life. (John 4:14)

My God, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Keep me partaking of You consistently that I may keep on in Your will, and may overflow to others. (Psalm 61:2)

“Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, ‘How do you advise me to answer this people?’ And they said to him, ‘If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.’ But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him, [who] said, ‘Say to them, “My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs. Whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.”’” 1 Kings 12:7-8,10-11

If Rehoboam had read How to Win Friends and Influence People, he forgot everything it said, or at least pompously chose to abandon its advice when he came into power. The young sovereign didn’t warm to the idea of serving his minions, so he sought advice that was more palatable to his liking, that would affirm his preference to lead with swagger and fear. The new king’s attitude toward Israel assured their rebellion, and instigated civil discord that would never resolve.

Compare to Jesus, Who said, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” The way to win hearts is to prefer others, to put them first, to elevate them and make them know they are valuable and their work is worthwhile. I think Jesus as CEO would take time to go to the IT pool and thank everyone for their contribution to the company’s success, would duck into the kitchen to thank the staff and ask how He could help make their job more efficient. I imagine He would share the bounty of profit with all employees, no matter what their title or role, that He would greet each one as they came to work, be concerned for their welfare and needs, and be a good listener. He would leave every room nicer than He found it, and pick up litter, and look to promote those who also do. Though there are no guarantees, servants are more likely to beget servants and loyalty than those who rule with an iron fist. And a unified, others-first atmosphere in any organization, on any committee, in any workplace or small group, is more appealing and conducive to productivity than a harsh, autocratic one. (Romans 12:10,16; Philippians 2:3-4; Matthew 20:28)

O You Who have won my heart by giving Your very life, sow into me a true servant attitude as I go about my days. Cause me to think how I can be like Jesus in laying aside my preferences and serving others, and to be deliberate in doing so. Use my hands and feet, mouth and ears, to win their hearts for You.

“Then he led me to the gate, the gate facing east. And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory. And I fell on my face. As the glory of the LORD entered the temple by the gate facing east, the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple. ‘Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the people of Israel forever. And the house of Israel shall no more defile my name.’” Ezekiel 43:1-5,7

“Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.” “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!” Psalm 96:6;95:6

There is something special to me about facing the east in the mornings. Settling in to worship, to pore over God’s word, to listen and learn and express my thanks, I relish watching the eastern sky for the first hints of dawn, the first tinges of light, the slightest changes of hue announcing the day’s ‘glory,’ the sun. While we have no earthly temple today, the biblical descriptions of God’s glory filling the temple remind us of His powerful, perspective-altering, worship-inspiring presence with us when we meet with Him. His voice through Scripture washes and satisfies us, the light of His countenance and guidance adjusts our perspective on all things earthly, His Spirit elevates ours while bringing us low. When we bow in response with a humbled, undivided heart, defilement flees- the holy and profane cannot coexist. (Psalm 86:11)

Father, captivate me, all of me, when I come; and keep me coming to behold You in all Your splendor and glory. Throughout my days, turn my head again and again to the east to remember the glory You infuse in each hour. May my living reflect Your presence in my midst.

”Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, ‘O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart. But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, “My name shall be there”. Whatever prayer, whatever plea is made by any man or by all your people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart and stretching out his hands toward this house, then hear in heaven your dwelling place and forgive and act and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways (for you, you only, know the hearts of all the children of mankind), that they may fear you all the days that they live in the land.’ On the eighth day he sent the people away, and they blessed the king and went to their homes joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the Lord had shown.” 1 Kings 8:22-23,27-29,38-40,66

What a magnificent scene: the new, resplendent, God-inspired temple completed, the ark of God’s presence carefully placed in the inner sanctuary beneath the cherubim, and Israel’s wise and humble leader standing before the people, then kneeling with arms raised in reverence before almighty God, to beseech Him on behalf of His nation, His heritage. The event itself would bless those witnessing it, and the words of Solomon’s prayer displayed before all what the temple and altar represented: God is present with man, and hears our cries. This Old Testament foreshadow elevates our imaginings and plays our heartstrings for heavenly awe and worship…how can it be that this transcendent God would abide with man of earth? Today we also kneel, and touch heaven through the completed work of Christ on the cross and over the grave, our prayers reaching the highest heaven through the torn veil. Alleluia.

As the quiet still of morning opens to the bustle of day and demands on mind and body, it takes effort to keep in touch with heaven. Sacrifices offered early can be forgotten as activity calls out our attention, energy and affection, but as the people went on their way joyful and glad of heart, we can maintain the contact, the sweetness of communion, wherever we are.

“O worship the King, all glorious above, and gratefully sing His power and His love; My Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise. Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail, in Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail; Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end, our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend.” ~ Robert Grant (1833)

God on high, blessed are You Who maintain our cause and hear our prayers. Draw me near as each day dawns and each day requires, to bless Your high and holy name, to seek Your compassion, to delight in Your good promises, to exalt You alone. Incline my heart to You, and make it wholly true. (1 Kings 8:49-50,52,56-61)

“You must no longer walk in the futility of [your] minds. You learned Christ— and were taught in him, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:17,20-29,31-32

Joint replacement surgery has become a popular and welcome remedy for many who suffer pain and debilitation from age or injury. The old is removed, the new is put in, and healthy function is restored. Recovery is not an easy process and can be painful itself through therapy and relearning, but the surgery is well worth it for those who can enjoy movement again.

Paul gives the Ephesians smart instruction that is a remedy for the pain (often in results or consequences) of futile thinking and worldly behavior, and it involves full replacement of former living with new thinking, new self, new behavior. Pretending, deceiving, any falsehood is to be replaced by speaking truth. How often do I shade straight truth with innuendo or exaggeration? Anger is to be dealt with, sans sinning, and quickly. Do I prefer to stew, keep a record of wrongs, allow anger to take root and take off? Thieves are to work rather that steal, and tongues used to build up and give grace rather than gossip, criticize, complain, and slander. Idleness is a haven for sin of hand and mouth; if I have too much time on my hands, I best get to serving and singing. A renewed mind that is intent on Jesus will manifest itself in outlook and actions that reflect His. New habits take practice, and that can be painful as we replace old ingrained responses and create new default settings, but this is our mandate.

Masterful Surgeon, transform me by renewing my mind. Replace what displeases You with what honors You so there is no room for old practices, and teach me to walk after Your likeness. (Romans 12:1-2)

“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as You would Christ, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man.” “Slaves, obey in everything…with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Ephesians 6:5-7; Colossians 3:22-24

We chafe at the thought of being a servant, and at the command to obey; many cultures promote independence, self-promotion and -sufficiency, achievement. In the west, start-up companies appear like spring flowers, entrepreneurialism is taught as a college major. Individuals get around obedience by being offended, and assert their right to do things their way because all ways are equally valid (and mine is right). But God has included the command to obey all through Scripture, for our good, and here gives a key to how we do so.

If we learn to see ourselves as His servants, created to live for Him, to come under His lead as our Master and to spend our lives in gratitude giving to Him and others for His sake, our obedience takes on a beautiful dimension of love to Christ and passion to bring Him honor. If I begin each day by reverently fearing Him who called me out of slavery to sin unto slavery to righteousness, my heart fills with wonder and gratitude for my new position and the opportunity to serve Him Who gave everything for me. Sincerity and gladness follow as I obey, and my work takes on a robustness, a heartiness that springs from God’s power working in and through me. It is He Who equips me with everything good that I may do His will, He Who works in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ and for His glory. How can we, in proper fear and thankfulness for Him, not submit and obey? (Romans 6:16-18; Hebrews 13:21)

Lord Adonai, my Master, You have declared me, from birth, your servant in whom You will be glorified, and my right is with You. Remind me daily of my purpose and my position, and make me desire to do Your will because Your law is in my heart and You have captured its affection. Bring delight to obey Your good ways, and those people You have set over me, that the world may see the beauties of living for You and not themselves. (Psalm 40:8; Isaiah 49:3-5)

“King Solomon was king over all Israel, and these were his high officials: Azariah the son of Zadok was the priest; Elihoreph and Ahijah the sons of Shisha were secretaries; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;  Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was in command of the army; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;  Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan was priest and king’s friend;  Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram the son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor..” 1 Kings 4:1-6

“He who walks with the wise grows wise. Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisors they succeed.” Proverbs 13:20;15:22

King Solomon, endowed with great wisdom from God, assembled a stellar team around him to help him lead Israel. He was orderly, prudent, and attached men to himself who had strengths that were theirs to complement those that were his. I love especially that Nathan was “priest and king’s friend.” We need godly people who can come alongside us as friends as well as counselors, those who will live out Jesus before us, call us to task, point us heavenward, pray with us, listen and guide and admonish and encourage us.

I heard someone say recently to a young man interested in his daughter, “There are two types of people, those who bring you closer to the Lord and those who drive you farther from Him. Which kind are you?” That was the test he taught his children when they were choosing companions. In life we will encounter all types of individuals, and are called to love and serve them, to be salt and light around them. But in specific endeavors, and for our daily living and growing as God’s people, it is vital we develop friendships that will support and enable us to accomplish the work God has assigned, those with whom we can also fellowship and seek and apply  truth.

Lord, guide me moment by moment, and lead me to healthy relationships where we can honor You together as we grow and serve Your will. Make me a good and worthy friend to others, a helpful teammate who adds strength, insight, comforting companionship, and cheer.