As the rain and snow

“When the Lord your God cuts off before you the nations whom you go in to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, take care that you be not ensnared to follow them,.. and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods?—that I also may do the same.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way, for every abominable thing that the Lord hates they have done for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods.

“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.

“If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and… he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen… For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. That prophet… has taught rebellion against the Lord your God, who… redeemed you out of the house of slavery, to make you leave the way in which the Lord commanded you to walk. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.

“If your brother,.. or your son or daughter or wife or your friend who is as your own soul entices you secretly, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods,’ which neither you nor your fathers have known, some of the gods of the peoples around you,.. you shall not yield to him or listen to him.” Deuteronomy 12:29-13:7

“I will ponder the way that is blameless…
I will walk with integrity of heart..;
I will not set before my eyes
    anything that is worthless.
I hate the work of those who fall away;
    it shall not cling to me.
A perverse heart shall be far from me;
    I will know nothing of evil.” Psalm 101:2a,3-4

God’s warnings against idolatry were many and stern. His instructions are practical and invite commitment. He requires His people to be serious about both sin and strict adherence to His ways, for their good.

When God regenerates our minds to grasp the gospel and hearts with holy affection, we enter a relationship with Him by faith that is inextricable. But our enemy sullen lurks! He will do everything he can to unsettle our settledness, to sprinkle doubt into our certainty, to disrupt peace and shake loose our trust in the Savior. That’s why God warns again and again against idolatry. That’s why He states first things first: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:2-3)

But over and over we do! We sing the Lord first in our hearts, yet allow swinging passions to woo us away from His supremacy. The tantalizing sparkle and feel-good comforts of lesser gods catch us in their trap of immediate pleasure and temporal emotional satisfaction. How aware are we of the little gods that beckon?

What places, what people, what pleasures lure us from the true God who alone satisfies the soul? How committed are we to spiritual integrity? The Lord honors holy desire.

Father, give me discernment and determination to follow You alone, to Your esteem and praise.

“On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt,.. they came into the wilderness of Sinai…  There Israel encamped before the mountain, while Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, ‘Thus you shall… tell the people of Israel: “You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples..; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation…”‘

“On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire.., and the whole mountain trembled greatly… Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder. The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain… and called Moses.., and Moses went up.” Exodus 19:1-6,16-20

Through Moses His servant the Lord had worked mighty deeds and had them recorded in order to make Himself known. They spoke often of what He had done and would do. If Israel’s faith, obedience, and identity as His people were to grow, they must remember what they had seen and carry the wonder forward. (Exodus 14:19-31; 16:12; 20:20-24)

Considering these holy interactions, are we alert to God’s deeds? The flurry of urgent demands and temporal choices is a constant tease to our senses. Eyes dart and distract from gazing at the wonders God displays. Our busyness can trick us into thinking we are the ones achieving when it is the Almighty who gives talent, opportunity, and supply. He is constantly doing marvelous things! (Psalm 98:1-2)

Do we ask for spiritual sight to recognize His hand? Are we delighting in His faithfulness in the turning days, His light in the rising sun, His power to uphold the stars? Do we look for His creativity in diverse people, His pattern of patience in a budding bloom, His sense of delight at the color and shapes of flora and fauna?

How has He worked deliverance, comfort, enlightenment in our day to day, or over years? Where has He met us in prayer with encouragement to persevere, then answered in a way that brought us to our knees in wonder and praise? What new insight, confidence, or hope has He given for a task or responsibility? How has He enriched our lives by family members, pastors, professors, friends? What has He accomplished in and through us in our assigned work?

As we note these answers, we should be thanking Him, praising Him, finding in Him strength to obey and endure. What we have seen carries us into the unseen with hope and expectation that He constantly works on our behalf according to His will. He does not change like shifting shadows. He is the same yesterday today and forever. He finishes what He’s begun. (Isaiah 14:24; Romans 8:28-31; Philippians 1:6)

Lord, sharpen my spiritual sight to see You in all things, then to praise, trust, and obey.

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

“Even the darkness is not dark to you;
    the night is bright as the day,
    for darkness is as light with you.

In your book were written, every one of them,
    the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:1-4,12,16

“Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Ephesians 6:13-18

The examples in Scripture of God’s people secure in Him and His unchanging, benevolent character is a boon to the struggling soul. Our confidence for the future can be fixed in Him, not certainty about what will take place but in the Who designing it according to His good will. It’s a stabilizing truth that we are known, our days are numbered and held by the Almighty, and His Spirit abides. Nothing surprises Him. He constantly works for our good and sanctification. (Romans 8:28-31)

In the face of a sudden shock, unimaginable loss, excruciating temptation, or indescribable sorrow, emotions are taxed by the strain of inability to have prepared. Questions of if only punctuate saturated sensations, and unchecked, can swamp us in despair. Even if there’s been a niggling suspicion or long decline, the stark reality of a startling occurrence or pressure or end still stops us in our tracks. The choking surprise renders us helpless to grasp this is really happening, and imagine life going forward so drastically changed. Where is our help? What is our foundation or plumb line? How can we actually be ready for what we cannot know and feel incapable to plan?

Do we know His word well enough to be grounded, completely sure of the Lord? What promises can we take as guarantees today? With what truth and faith will we prepare for what only God knows? (Deuteronomy 31:6; John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 10:13)

 “Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.” ~George Keith (1787)

Lord, keep my soul fixed in the solace of Your perfect ways, plans, and glory.

“Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. She came to Jerusalem… [and] told him all that was on her mind. And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her.” 1 Kings 10:1-5

The queen in all her pomp and royal authority could not out-splendor nor out-wise God’s king. Having heard about his vast wealth and wisdom, she came to see Solomon for herself, and realized immediately there was no equal between regals. All she wondered, he surpassed. All she asked, he gave more. Her inquiries and gifts were infinitesimal compared to his vast wisdom and resources. And so are we when coming to our King, measureless in compassion and love, infinite in resources. (1 Kings 10:13; Psalm 103:5-13; Ephesians 3:20)

Consider a few of the many small prayers in Scripture:

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable in your sight,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting!” Psalm 19:14; 139:23-24

“O Lord,.. give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” “Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads… Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight.” “Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.” “Remember me, O my God, for good.” Nehemiah 1:11; 4:4-5; 5:19; 13:31

People of God who know Him through saving grace and ongoing communion converse with Him about everything. We know how to voice immediate needs, and the longings of the soul. We cry for wisdom, favor, self-control. Praying words convey both confidence and dependence. Do these describe us?

The key to big asking is marveling at the capacity and largesse of the Grantor. It is acknowledging our smallness before His greatness, our insufficiency before His vast resources, our need before His delight to answer. He’s concerned with all that concerns us. (Psalm 138:8; Matthew 7:7-8; 1 Peter 5:7)

We focus on the small things of life because they require immediate attention. When we take time to bring these cares before the Lord and pray over specific detail, God answers within His wider purposes. His providence encompasses both small and great.

What requests do I have of God today? What needs for perspective and tangible help? If my words and meditations need tethering to the Rock, my actions need skill or success, my heart needs correction or cleansing, ask largely!

I am coming to a King, I can ask Him anything!

Lord, keep me diligent in small specific prayer, trusting the greatness of Your plans, power, and glory. (Job 42:2)

“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

“I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

Paul was a passionate, pulsating example of one sold out to Christ. The Lord’s grace broke into and upturned the former rebel’s life and set it on a gospel trajectory. Paul was intent on spending every ounce of grace received to make the good news known so others could also be transformed for eternity.

The most crucial understanding of grace comes from Jesus, who freely gave Himself for our everlasting benefit. We receive heavenly riches at His expense for no merit of our own. When was the last time we thanked Him for His exquisite, undeserved, lavish expression of love? 

Comprehending the vastness of God’s grace to us in Christ sharpens our perception to recognize daily graces. His gifts are wide and many, seen by eyes that have beheld Him and savored by hearts touched by His mercy. How intent are we to behold and praise His grace? Whom are we telling about their beauties and transforming power? With whom can we share the effect Christ’s grace has on stubbornness, despair, broken relationships?

What generosity from the Lord through others have we recently observed? Are we aware of our pastors’ investment of time and prayer? Do we recognize and acknowledge the contributions of others to our practical livelihood and spiritual wellbeing? How and how often do we express gratitude to them, and the Sovereign Source from whom all blessings flow? How have we been inspired to extend grace forward?

If we struggle to want to be gracious, due to personal selfishness or another’s wanton lack of desert, would we admit that and ask God for the desire? Where has the Lord prompted us to extend a grace, by word, service, forgiveness, donation? What impulse to do or give has not been completed? Why not? When will we follow through? (2 Corinthians 8:10-12,16)

How will we endeavor to know grace better? How might our expression of generous grace awaken faith and delight in others to give? How might it multiply praise to God as He delights in His people? (2 Corinthians 9;6-12)

Lord God, may I sow Your love and grace generously, to the reaping of Your glory and praise.

“Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,  and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ They answered, ‘We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, “You will become free”?’

“Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.  The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.'” John 8:31-36

“In the same way we, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son,.. to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

“Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?” Galatians 4:3-9

Because of Adam, man is born enslaved to sin. We cannot not sin. Common grace alerts us to right and wrong, and by grace the Lord plants within a conscience. When the Holy Spirit regenerates our spirits, we see with new eyes, recognize our captivity, feel the weight and sting of sin’s chains, and cry in desperation, Set us free!

Because of the pressures of the world and pervasive biblical illiteracy, we can live for years not knowing the truth that sets free. Long-held bitterness at God or someone else, habitual sins of flesh and mind, hold us captive. Why do we put up with this, make excuses, and remain miserable and ineffective?

Are we incessant with catty condemnation of others while neglecting self-inspection? What sins and errors long ago confessed are we unwilling to forgive? Whom do we keep shackled in the dungeon of heart or mind, captive to malice or hatred, cancelled from light? Unconfessed sins and hidden prisoners prevent us being free to love and serve as Christ intends. (Matthew 7:3-5)

What keeps us from clear, honest confession? Would we claim Christ’s power to break our bonds and render sin’s enslavement inoperable? His wondrous, just cancellation of our debt sets us free indeed. (John 8:36; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 5:1; 1 John 1:9)

“Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!” ~Charles Wesley (1738)

Lord Jesus, cut open every chain of guilt and condemnation so I live freely, wholly for Your glory, and gladly spread Your gospel to those enslaved in the world.

“Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. Everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp. Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would rise up, and each would stand at his tent door, and watch Moses until he had gone into the tent. When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses.  When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door. Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend…

“Moses said to the Lord, ‘See, you say to me, “Bring up this people,” but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, “I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.” Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.’ And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ And he said to him, ‘If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.  For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?’

“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.’ Moses said, ‘Please show me your glory.'” Exodus 33:7-11a,12-18

The tent of Meeting, designed as a movable place for spiritual rituals and representing the presence of God through Israel’s journeys, was also a place for Moses to meet with God in personal communion. Through Moses’s description and divine inspiration, we are brought behind the curtains to observe an intimate encounter. Friend to friend, Moses expressed his need for assurance of God’s favor and abiding presence if he was to lead Israel, and the Lord met his desire. (Exodus 40:18-38)

Anyone hidden inside a fort or under a tent knows the special security of being tucked away in a private little haven. Sharing it with another invites secret confidences and personal vulnerability. Getting away with the Lord to commune about our fears and needs and heart desires deepens friendship with our Savior, and makes space for Him to remind and refresh us in His promises.

Do we long to understand His ways so we can know Him? When do we voice directly to Him our utter dependence on His presence for wisdom, grace, and strength to obey? How keenly do we rely on His power and favor to distinguish us in the world? Regular tent talk enriches ongoing communion.

Lord, may I ever seek Your face, ways, and glory to know and follow You better.

“‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor… So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,  just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.” “[Love] does not insist on its own way.” 1 Corinthians 10:23-24,31-33; 13:5

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

Paul makes clear that although many behaviors were allowed by law or license, not all of them were good or beneficial. His example was instructive, and likely convicting. His parameters for making choices took into account what was constructive and helpful, the possible offense to others, and the advantage of many toward salvation. Around and above these considerations was that of God’s glory. Nothing was to be insisted or acted upon without love and the Lord at the fore. His was a challenging but important calling if his churches were to effectively witness for and honor Jesus.

It is subversive in present culture to live for God or others. Left to our fickle whims, we do not think or act that way. It is not the bent of human nature to serve anyone or anything but self, or to tamper down flesh impulses and say no for others’ sake. Inherited selfishness along with the narcissistic mantras of media and collective education ingrain a ‘me-first’ impulse and ‘best-self’ motive for every decision. If it is allowed, and sometimes even if it is not, but feels right, we push ahead with prideful agency to do our own thing regardless of how it affects others or bears out on the Lord’s reputation. The commands to love God and others before ourselves, and to serve them instead of ourselves, come hard and pierce sharp in a willful heart. (Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:29-31)

When planning or tending to an agenda, the one whose good and glory we seek gets priority. What do my calendar and expenditures reveal of true priorities?For whom am I living? I may say for the Lord, but the how and why of my choices tell more about what really matters to me. If I am fudging on commitments because of convenience, or indulging in something that trips up another or makes me late and so dishonors others, I am preferring myself.

What natural practices need I exchange for Christ-like ones that serve His will? How can I honor Him by favoring others in His name? In Christ, who calls us to live not for ourselves but for the good of others and God’s glory, we are enabled. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:3-10,12-17)

As we prefer others over ourselves we exercise and illuminate the selflessness of Christ who gave His all for us. This magnifies His attributes and brings Him glory.

Lord, may I consistently seek other’s good in my heart, prayers, and choices, and act intentionally, in Your grace and power, for their sake and Your glory.

“What man, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one, does not leave the ninety-nine… and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?.. Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?..

“A man had two sons. The younger said, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them… The younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living…

“But when he came to himself,.. he arose and came to his father… [who] saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. The son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The father said,.. ‘Let us celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found…’” Luke 15:4,8,11-13,17a,20-24

The story of the prodigal son often focuses on the change of heart and return of the wayward man, yet Jesus who tells the parable precedes it with two others about lost objects that highlight the individual who does the finding. The One orchestrating the search, pursuing, the Rescuer, is the One to be trusted and praised. By very definition of the word, none is found who has not been sought. Being found is never of man’s own doing.

Man’s volition is a gift exercised under God’s sovereignty. The mystery of divine pursuit and free will exercised is reconciled within the majesty of grace. Sheep wander, coins roll, and man left to himself makes a waste of life. Our inherited penchant to sin is irreversibly ingrained. But God. The Lord Almighty focuses the heavenly eye, sets affection, woos the heart, awakens conviction. He who created senses brings man to his own. Any response of faith is His gracious gift too, all praise to Him. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

We might boast of good choices and robust faith, but we cannot brag about being found. No positioning or effort of ours attracts the Lord to us and wins His heart. It is despite our enemy nature, against our rebellion, that He moves toward us. Love is His majestic essence, redeeming pursuit His merciful initiative, salvation His wondrous gift. Shall we not bow? (Romans 5:6-11; Ephesians 2:1-7)

Do we think too highly of ourselves and too little of the Lord Jesus? How do we speak and behave as though we are equals, each contributing our part to achieve salvation? Would we take time to meditate on I was dead and am alive, was lost and am found, and worship? How will I live out, with word and deed, my identity as Christ’s beloved, rejoiced-over, saved child, as an example to others? (Romans 12:3; 1 Peter 1:18-21)

“Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee.

Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!” ~Charles Wesley (1738)

Good Father, keep me grateful always that You found me, and humble before Your amazing love and grace.

“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain… We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed;  as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

“We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections.” 2 Corinthians 6:1,3-12

In the rough and tumble of ministry and life, Paul and his cohorts kept on for the gospel. The good news of salvation in Christ drove them, fueled them, motivated them, sustained them. Whatever they faced or endured shaped their character, sharpened their focus, fed their resolve, and fortified their faith. In everything, as servants of Christ, their affection was wrapped in Him and His, to His kingdom ends. For this all-encompassing passion for Christ they were commended, and by it their hearts were open to the needy world.

Are we so sold out for Jesus? Consider the difficulties of our everyday: pressure from work, strain in laborious relationships, the challenge of unanswered questions, stress over unsolved problems. We are constantly inundated by the prepositions of with and without, by and under, over and through. We have every reason in the flesh to give up, or at least put on hold, any efforts for the kingdom when our own kingdom is under strain or in jeopardy. (2 Corinthians 4:7-11)

We cannot escape, but we can endure facing a new conundrum or affliction with certainty and hope. We can, persisting in the Spirit, commendably behave and honor the God who triumphs through us. Rather than freeze, retreat, cower, fear, or despair, will can press on. (2 Corinthians 2:14; 6:16)

What tests currently pepper my duties and plans, and how am I responding? How diligently am I seeking His good will when facing a new conundrum or affliction? Will I proceed with zeal and confidence, and persevere in His power and grace?

How can I align my affections with the Lord’s? When have I bowed and relented under pressure? Where am I neglecting proper action, failing to uphold His charge? We will one day see God and give account, and must adjust our will and ways if we are to be commended. How can we work together with Him so that specific attitudes and actions would please the Lord this day? (2 Corinthians 5:10; 7:1)

“So shall no part of day or night
from sacredness be free,
but all my life, in ev’ry step,
be fellowship with thee.” ~Horatius Bonar (1866)

Father, keep me hopeful, faithful, and joy-filled through every circumstance, to Your glory.