As the rain and snow

“Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’  But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'”

“Someone said to him, ‘Lord, will those who are saved be few?’ He said,.. ‘Many will seek to enter and will not be able.  Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, “Sir, open the door for us.” Then you will say, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” But he will say, “I do not know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!”’” Luke 10:38-43; 13:23-27

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ Then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me.’” Matthew 7:21-23

The disciples grew more and more acquainted with Jesus as they spent time with Him, moving over their short years together from curiosity through confusion to, after His death, resurrection, ascension, and Pentecost, unfettered commitment. Knowing about became an intimate knowing of Him by the work of Spirit and faith. God came in flesh so His children could know Him personally.

Trouble with spiritual intimacy stems from misunderstanding and barriers. Much of our earthly lives revolves around information, familiarity, and interactions that never move below the surface. We accrue knowledge and expertise without fully engaging and being transparent with others. We grow accustomed to siloed thinking, planning, and doing, eschewing closeness that would require accountability, or appropriating another’s preferences. It’s simpler and safer to live for ourselves and skirt vulnerability and full investment.

But the world’s thinking is the enemy’s ruse. We’re not called to conform to individualism and selfishness, but to be transformed to the self-sacrificial nature of Christ. (John 13:34; 15:13; Romans 12:1 –2)

Have we grown proud in shallow acquaintances, a plethora of topics and people we know about? What keeps us from genuine intimacy? What shame do we coddle, what secrets do we guard, that prevent sincerity and closeness with the Lord Jesus? To what frenetic activity are we addicted that prevents unhurried contemplation of the holy One? Where have we settled for cursory activity, soundbites, and attendance with no heart investment or application? What will we do about it? When we cry Lord, Lord, are we only in need, or in love? To really know God is to choose the good portion of the time He allots.

Lord, increase my passion to know You. Please help me every day to keep You before my face, first in my heart and mind, so You are exalted and glorified. (Exodus 33:13,18)

“One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table.  And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment,  and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.  Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.’ And Jesus answering said to him, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ And he answered, ‘Say it, Teacher.’

“’A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.  When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?’  Simon answered, ‘The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.’ And he said to him, ‘You have judged rightly.’ Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.  You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet.  You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.  Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.’ And he said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’” Luke 7:36-48

From the eyes of the legalistic Pharisee, this woman was of the sinning sort: unclean, flawed, unworthy to touch Jesus. Simon critically measured people by the standard of his man-made rules. But from Jesus’s perspective, she was humble, bold, selfless, and generous, touched by His love and mercy. The woman’s actions displayed an eagerness to be near and honor Jesus no matter the cost or criticism. Man’s eyes, informed by his view of the world, see one sort, when divine eyes see the heart.

What sort am I? Do I measure behavior by persnickety standards set by preference and prejudice? Am I the sort who castigates another’s appearance with an air of superiority, or behavior with malice, while making excuses for personal language and choices that dishonor my Lord and others? Am I the sort who condemns others sins while justifying my own?

Jesus’s love and forgiveness shaped a sinful woman into a grateful, lavish worshiper. His insight and patience with Simon turned his wrong judgment into a right one by presenting a parable. What callousness or arrogance do I need the Lord to change in me? Will I ask Him to replace shame with thankfulness, a critical spirit with mercy and kindness that reflect His character?

Lord, make me the sort of person who sees with pure and grateful eyes, and spreads love and light to others, to Your honor.

“The taskmasters and foremen went out and said to the people, ‘Thus says Pharaoh, “I will not give you straw. Go and get your straw yourselves wherever you can find it, but your work will not be reduced in the least.”’  So the people were scattered throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw. The taskmasters were urgent, saying, ‘Complete your work, your daily task each day, as when there was straw.’ And the foremen of the people of Israel, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and were asked, ‘Why have you not done all your task of making bricks today and yesterday, as in the past?..’

“Then Moses turned to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me?  For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.’

“But the Lord said to Moses, ‘Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.’

“‘I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them.  I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan,.. in which they lived as sojourners. Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant.  Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians,.. deliver you from slavery, and redeem you with an outstretched arm and great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’” Exodus 5:10-14,22-23; 6:1-7

The Lord had made Moses a promise, then orchestrated events that seem to put its fulfillment in jeopardy. Every but portrays the mental tension with which Moses wrestled. What he deemed an impossible roadblock, the Lord used to prepare the most glorious fulfillment. In orchestrating their miraculous deliverance from Egypt through the Red Sea, God would reveal Himself to Israel as their covenant LORD.

So often in our limited vision, we think God is not at work, that He does not answer our pleas or come through on His promises. We give a nod to His Word, but don’t see it fulfilled because we’ve set our own parameters or wrong rigid expectations. Our everyday frenetic tempo does not allow for contemplation of God’s broader unseen activity. But when we claim the Word and look to the One who gave it, we begin to see how He works in ways we had not imagined to bring about greater and higher ends.

Are there current situations where we doubt earlier decisions that led us here, and that God is present at all? Where are we at an impasse in a relationship, or ministry effort, and any way forward seems impossible? What has God promised, and when will we claim that spoken truth? How has God revealed Himself anew when we have chosen the way of faith?

Lord, in every conundrum, help me see You, at work, and glorified.

“Moses answered, ‘Behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, they will say, “The Lord did not appear to you.”’ The Lord said.., ‘Throw [your staff] on the ground.’ So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it. But the Lord said, ‘Put out your hand and catch it by the tail’—so he caught it, and it became a staff in his hand— ‘that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers.., has appeared to you…’

“But Moses said, ‘Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.’  The Lord said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?  Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.’ But he said, ‘Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.'” Exodus 4:1-5,10-13

From birth through a providentially royal upbringing and education, God had brought him to this time and place. When Moses first saw the burning bush, He’d spoken to him by name. On holy ground, He’d issued a high call, pledging His self-existent presence, and confirming it by miraculous signs. Yet Moses wavered. He still had doubts. He was not eloquent. He was afraid. Please send someone else. Had Moses ignored all of God’s goodness and protection? He relinquished the role of spokesperson, but God did not relinquish him. Over years of patient training and ongoing communion, the Lord developed His remarkable leader and friend. (Exodus 2:1-14; 15:1-3; 33:13-19; 34:29; Numbers 12:3; Deuteronomy 34:10-12; Hebrews 11:23-27)

It’s easy to criticize another who fails to take the Lord at His word. What were they thinking? We profess to believe Him unreservedly, yet, when faith is tested, we too can waver and doubt. Would God really come through? Must I do that? Does He understand my situation? Surely He wouldn’t ask me to go that far?!

What are we thinking? Facing a new path or call issued, do we focus on ourselves and our inadequacies? Do we fixate on full schedules and limited resources? Or do we remember God’s steady faithfulness and love over years, the many ways He has proved Himself and His word? Do we think about who God is and what He might be doing? How seriously do we take God at His word?

Where have we missed opportunities to show forth God’s might and glory because we think more about ourselves, or rebuffing his commands, or arguing about our skill or lack thereof? When He presents a new responsibility or role, would we trust His ability and anticipate wonders He’ll perform? The more we yield to the Lord and seize what He offers, and the further we proceed in faith, the greater will He be magnified in our daily lives.

“‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, 
and to take him at his word; 
just to rest upon his promise, 
and to know, ‘Thus saith the Lord.’ 
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him! 
How I’ve proved him o’er and o’er! 
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! 
O for grace to trust him more!” ~Louisa Stead (1882)

Father, help me think rightly, and so obey in faith and for Your glory.

“I am a laughingstock to my friends;
    I, who called to God and he answered me,
    a just and blameless man, am a laughingstock…
Who among all these does not know
    that the hand of the Lord has done this?
In his hand is the life of every living thing
    and the breath of all mankind…
Wisdom is with the aged,
    and understanding in length of days.

“With God are wisdom and might;
    he has counsel and understanding.
If he tears down, none can rebuild;
    if he shuts a man in, none can open.
If he withholds the waters, they dry up;
    if he sends them out, they overwhelm the land.
With him are strength and sound wisdom…
He uncovers the deeps out of darkness
    and brings deep darkness to light.”

“Behold, my eye has seen all this,
    my ear has heard and understood it…
But I would speak to the Almighty,
    and I desire to argue my case with God…
Hear now my argument
    and listen to the pleadings of my lips…
Though he slay me, I will hope in him;
    yet I will argue my ways to his face…
Keep listening to my words…
I have prepared my case;
    I know that I shall be in the right.
Who is there who will contend with me?
    For then I would be silent and die.
Only grant me two things,
    then I will not hide myself from your face:
withdraw your hand far from me,
    and let not dread of you terrify me.
Then call, and I will answer;
    or let me speak, and you reply to me.
How many are my iniquities and my sins?
    Make me know my transgression and my sin.
Why do you hide your face
    and count me as your enemy?”

“I know that my Redeemer lives,
    and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been destroyed,
    in my flesh I shall see God,
whom I shall see for myself,
    my eyes shall behold.” Job 12:4,9-10,12-16a,22; 13:1,3,6,15,17-24; 19:25-27

Job was suffering, physically and emotionally, and his ‘friends’ accused him of unrepentant sin as the cause. Destitute and loathing his life, Job clings to his Lord as the only hope available. He believed in his Sovereign’s wisdom and might and perfect knowledge, and relied on His lovingkindness in order to argue his cause and angst. His hope in God’s sure goodness was foundational to their honest communion, however agonizing. Job grasped enough of God’s ‘otherness’ to put his absolute trust in Him. (Job 8:1-6; 11:1-6)

Man has trouble with preconceptions of how God works, or opinions about how He should. We have a stilted view of life and think we deserve what makes us comfortable and happy. The Lord, though, is in the business of making us holy. He’s concerned with how we respond to His high and deep ways with man, and teaching how He’s glorified in the midst, and often out of hardship. Our concerns are fleshy and temporal, His are unseen and eternal.

How honest are we with God? Do we believe enough in His goodness and purposes to argue and express complaint with hope? Where will we look to Him and trust His answers?

Lord, keep me unshaken in hope and honest in complaint, trusting You above all earthly struggles to show Yourself gloriously sovereign and good.

“Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
    his praise in the assembly of the godly!
Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
    let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
Let them praise his name with dancing,
    making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.
Let the godly exult in glory;
    let them sing for joy on their beds.
Let the high praises of God be in their throats
    and two-edged swords in their hands.” Psalm 149:1-6

“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator…

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:8-10,12-14

The psalmist describes the beautiful sounds and sight of the people God adorns with salvation, his song a lovely piece of joy, movement, and praise. Paul describes the same new self in more practical terms, logically enumerating what the humble and holy must put off and put on. The Lord on high cares how His people present themselves to reflect His graces and excellencies here on earth.

In choosing our daily dress, heavenly adornment is the way to go. Since the Lord has clothed me with righteousness and salvation, my accessories are praise, joy, and song. Beginning the day with psalms sets us thinking aright, and fits us with garb worthy of our Maker, Savior, and King.

There are certain behaviors unbecoming of our Sovereign and His children we must not just softly shrug, but shake off definitively, if we are to be adorned with glory. By God’s Spirit we can put away, forever, unchecked emotions that torque attitudes and trip up our tongues in unfiltered chatter. We must say no to practices that offend God’s holiness, ruin our witness, and unsettle our resolve and desire and keep us enslaved to sin. Instead of conforming to the world, daily renewing our minds in God’s word reorders our thoughts, which translates to refurbished vocabulary and habits. (Romans 12:1-2)

Identifying what dishonors the Lord and is a blatant disobedience to His word is key to dressing rightly. What godless emotions, reactions, and practices are necessary to strip out of my life? Am I willing to do so? In order to remain faithful as God’s chosen one, what will I put on instead? Where and with whom can I intentionally exercise compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience? To whom has God asked me to extend forgiveness and love? A daily ritual of praising God, renewing my mind in His word, and clothing myself with His character refines the image of the Creator.

Father, may those I encounter see my adornment is You, and all that is good and points to You.

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.” Mark 13:32-36

Leading up to His death, Jesus used many parables to prepare His disciples for what was to come. He called for alertness and understanding. Their season of waiting for His promised return and resolution of history as they knew it, difficult in His presence to comprehend, was never to stagnate. They must be vigilant to watch and diligent in work, making the most of every day’s gift.

Wisely, and kindly, God the Father prepares us for the future no one knows. It is not ours to be familiar with the details of how and when, but to be industrious and committed in the what God has assigned and Who we’re serving with our efforts. He alone knows what is to come. He assigns and orders places and situations and responsibilities to work in and through us what will bring about His ends. We have been created by Him and entrusted to serve Him and His intentions with diligence and by faith. We are to be bold in witness, and resisting temptation. How intentional, careful, and faithful are we to this charge? (Mark 14:29-31,37-38; Acts 17:24-28)

In appointed work and ministry, do we apply ourselves to thoroughness and excellence? In relationships at home, in church, in community, are we thoughtful, generous, unselfish? Where is the Lord convicting us to take more deliberation or care, to give attention to attitude, tone of voice, skimping on commitment, finishing tasks?

In order to know and tend to our work well, we must be in the word and the regular flow of God’s will and fellowship. We need accountability, admonition, refining. We must see our work on earth as service to God, and take charge of given responsibilities, seeing them through to completion. Are there times we’re tempted to stop short, cut corners, give in to sloth? How can we refresh a sense of high calling, and what steps can we take to take our service to God more seriously?

“A charge to keep I have, 
a God to glorify, 
a never-dying soul to save, 
and fit it for the sky. 

To serve the present age, 
my calling to fulfill, 
O may it all my pow’rs engage 
to do my Master’s will! 

Arm me with watchful care 
as in Thy sight to live, 
and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare 
a strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,
and still on Thee rely,
O let me not my trust betray,
but press to realms on high.” ~Charles Wesley (1762)

Lord, help me take every charge seriously and sacredly, for Your kingdom’s sake and the praise of Your glory.

“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—  even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

“When Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,  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.” John 13:1-5

Paul thanks God because His grace saves, and enriches His people, and confirms His testimony among them. This work in His people is noted as part of His continual activity in their lives. Since God is eternal, so His keeping and love, and every facet of His character, are constant to the end. Every promise of His is yes and amen in Jesus Christ, forever. From beginning to the end, the Lord sustains His own. God and His Son are always and completely who they are, upholding and fulfilling every aspect of divine personality and intention in the lives of their own. Could we have any better security or surer hope? (Psalm 90:1-2; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Philippians 1:6; Revelation 1:8)

In our temporal throw-away world, we hardly know what everlasting is anymore. Job roles get disrupted, we move places and homes, marriages crumble, storms alter landscapes. We get let down, disappointed, deceived by a barrage of circumstances and individuals. Change is common currency. But in Christ we find a sure constant, the eternal One who does not change like shifting shadows. (Psalm 119:89; James 1:17)

How are we acquainting ourselves with the eternity of God? Do we take concentrated time away from bristle and busy to spend in His timeless word, listing, reciting, and meditating on His varied infinite attributes? Are we familiar enough with His promises to match anxiety-producing temporal cares to His everlastings, and find rest? What do His keeping, and sustaining, and love mean to our ever-changing lives, and any proclivity to fret or fear?

As a reflection of His character, how can we develop deeper, long-lasting commitments in our lives? With whom and what are we truly consistent to the end? Is the word of God sustaining us as daily food? Is His love our lifeline? How does His keeping guard us in confidence and hope? The measureless, constant Sovereign will never falter or fail.

Everlasting Lord, may I mimic, and love, and honor, and praise Thee forever for Your eternal constancy and goodness.

“I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.  For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,  and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,  so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

“Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.  But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-7a

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Paul was both educated and skilled. His intellectual and spiritual acumen had great impact on audiences throughout the cities of the early church. Yet, to him who had been saved and reoriented by Jesus Christ, he knew and wanted to make known only Him. His desire was to demonstrate, in word and deed, the beauties and power of the gospel. (Acts 22:3; Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:23-24; Galatians 1:11-16; Philippians 3:4-9)

Every plan we institute, action we exercise, decision we render, word we speak illustrates what we value and believe. Our efforts may showcase a variety of natural gifts and learned knowledge. Our successes might reveal hard work and a drive for excellence. The messages we espouse communicate what we count as true and want to be known. If we are captivated with the love and mercy of Christ, any natural need for recognition or applause in any of these areas is swallowed by supernatural motivation. When our heart thrums with the heartbeat of Christ, we deflect personal attention and point to Him. We know we are not our own, that we and all things were created for His glory. Does this describe me? (Isaiah 43:7; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

It starts with when we come. Initial decision dictates direction and dogma. If my daily desire and determination are to get out of the way to make Christ known, then everything that ensues will be done by faith in order to substantiate His power.

What is my passion in ministry, and on whose strength and power am I relying to bring it about? Is there temptation to promote myself, or push forward my agenda? Is there any hint of highlighting my experience, opinion, or expertise? If so, would I repent and trust God to purify motive and method?

How might my natural weaknesses, hesitancies, or inabilities be used to prove the moving and magnificence of God’s Spirit? When will I step back and shine the spotlight of which He’s worthy on Christ? How will I uphold and promote God’s glory?

“Have thine own way, Lord! 
Have thine own way! 
Hold o’er my being 
absolute sway. 
Fill with thy Spirit 
till all shall see 
Christ only, always, 
living in me!” ~Adelaide Pollard (1906)

Father, may my every word and effort, every talent and weakness, demonstrate the glories of Your grace and gifts, that You be sought, known, and praised.

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.^‘ For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:1-7

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

How drastically different is scriptural admonition from the mantras of our present age! Please others instead of ourselves? For their good and not our own? Who would dare? May it never be! The world tells us to follow our hearts, tend to self-care, be and do whatever we want, fulfill personal dreams, live at the selfie lens. But Jesus came to upend worldly thinking. He says we are not of this world, and His word calls us to be transformed in our thinking and actions. Pleasing Him takes an altogether different perspective than what the world sells us today. (John 17:14-16; Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 2:15-17)

How do we go about maintaining a godly view and Christ-like mission? The message is for those who are strong. It’s vital we remain strong, working spiritual muscle in devotion, choices, and charity. We must train ourselves to apply hard truths: we will suffer reproach but in doing so share the sufferings of Christ, we will need to endure hardship, we will struggle against but can be victorious over selfish flesh. And, we must simply obey. No procrastination, no excuses. To please God we must do what He says. The more we practice putting others before ourselves, the more natural and satisfying it will be. (Philippians 3:10)

Are there specific areas we are prone to putting self first, no matter what? What habits or indulgences do we guard as ‘no touch’ to the Lord? Where are we refusing His Spirit’s conviction or refining presence? Whom have we relegated to ‘after me’ care and attention? What do our expenditures of time and finances tell about our priorities of affection?

“Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of Heav’n to Earth come down,
Fix in us thy humble dwelling,
All thy faithful mercies crown;
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love thou art;
Visit us with thy salvation,
Enter ev’ry trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit
Into ev’ry troubled breast;
Finish, now, thy new creation,
Make us pure and spotless;
Take away our bent to sinning;
To serve thee as thy host above;
Thee we would be always blessing,
Glory in thy perfect love.” ~Charles Wesley (1747)

Lord, may I daily love and prefer You and others before myself.