As the rain and snow

“For with you is the fountain of life;
    in your light do we see light.” Psalm 36:9

“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
    but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” Proverbs 10:11

“The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
    that one may turn away from the snares of death.” Proverbs 13:14

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life.” Proverbs 14:27

“Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it,
    but the instruction of fools is folly.” Proverbs 16:22

“Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” This he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive.” John 4:14; 7:37-39

Fountain: the source from which something proceeds or is supplied; a natural spring of water, especially the source of a stream.

With the Lord Jesus comes unending supply and refreshment of all anyone ever needs. With Him is the fountain of life! When we plunge and partake by faith we are forever tapped into Christ’s divine source of all things good. The fear of the Lord flows as natural mindset, the intellect is refreshed with good sense, the mouth is washed and filled with righteousness and wisdom. The ever-flowing fountain guards against sin snares and folly. (Romans 8:32)

Our world lures with many a promise to satiate an array of appetites. Society parades numberless objects and ideas that consume attention and affection. Visually and emotionally attractive cisterns are but disguised distractions to true living water. There is only one Fountain worthy of our love and able to satisfy. (Proverbs 5:1-16)

Where are we taken up with false promises that pull us away from truth? How often are we heeding voices and participating in activities that impede our way to the Good Source? What wrong thinking have we absorbed from our present age and its mantras? What meaningless involvements have immersed soul and mind into all that excludes or turns us from the Lord? Are there habits, companions, or disciplined practices that deter us from truth and righteousness? What will we do about our waywardness?

How can we begin to saturate ourselves in the genuine fountain of life? What need we give up in order to have necessary time in God’s word to avail ourselves of the wisdom and light it offers? When will we plunge into Christ in deep repentance, and rise forgiven and free of shame? How often do we drink in His living water to slake emotional thirst and longings, to find inspiration and energy for work, trust for next steps?

“Fountain of life that flows for me 
Out of the depths of a boundless sea; 
Let me come back to Thy arms and home,
Never again from Thy love to roam.

Fountain of life flowing for me 
All the day long I have sighed for Thee.” ~Fanny Crosby (1921)

Lord, keep me drawing from Your blessed fountain so, contented and joyful, I can flow as a life-giving fountain for others. (Proverbs 5:13)

“I… urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:1-2

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,  so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” Colossians 1:9-11

“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 1:11-12

“Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
    and apply your heart to my knowledge…
That your trust may be in the Lord,
    I have made them known to you today, even to you…
to make you know what is right and true.” Proverbs 22:17,19,21

God, having created man in His image, is inimitably worthy of His children’s obedience and reflection of that perfect image and character. Many admonitions throughout the scriptures command them to do what it takes to walk worthy of this high calling, in order to bring Him the honor He deserves. With every command comes the enabling, by God’s power and grace. (Genesis 1:26-27; 18:19; Deuteronomy 6:24-25; Romans 11:29; Philippians 1:6; 2 Peter 1:3-4)

We start our days with mental lists of responsibilities, demands on energy and effort that serve many secular purposes. Tasks to complete, miles to travel, conversations to engage in, disciplines to enact, all demand and tax our limited mental and physical resources. The key to worldly living that honors the divine calling is aligning the duties and activities of the temporal with eternal truth and purpose. Is the work I am doing, and the way I am doing it, honoring my Lord? How might I adjust it to do so?

We’re planted here for a time with shallow roots, as God’s own, groaning for completion of our salvation. Our work is a gift intended to fulfill and express individual personality as a part of God’s kingdom. Often the way is rocky or steep, intended by God to teach trust, knowledge, strength, and endurance. He designs many a circumstance to give opportunity to emulate and express facets of His character. (Genesis 2:7-8,15; Romans 8:20-27)

How intentionally do we work to know His will and walk by His power? What progress have we made in conforming to His character along our daily way? What challenges has He used to refine us? How are we implementing God’s mannerisms, patience, compassion, and graces in our speech, work, and relationships with others? How would those close to us describe the ‘worthiness’ of our walk?

Faithful Lord, establish my heart in every good work and word. Distinguish me by Your steadfast love and graces, so Your glory and worthy name are praised. (Psalm 17:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; 3:3,5)

“You will say in that day:
‘I will give thanks to you, O Lord,
    for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away,
    that you might comfort me.

“’Behold, God is my salvation;
    I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
    and he has become my salvation.’

“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day:

“’Give thanks to the Lord,
    call upon his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples,
    proclaim that his name is exalted.

“’Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;
    let this be made known in all the earth.
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
    for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.'” Isaiah 12:1-6

“Fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…
For I, the Lord your God,
    hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not,
    I am the one who helps you.'” Isaiah 41:10,13

“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.” Psalm 46:5

“I will not execute my burning anger;
    I will not again destroy Ephraim;
for I am God and not a man,
    the Holy One in your midst,
    and I will not come in wrath.” Hosea 11:9

The Lord comforted His people by reminding them often of His presence in their midst. He was always nigh, His presence palpable, never to leave or forsake His children no matter their situation. Present, and great. Great in stature. Great in knowledge and wisdom. Great in strength to save. Great in supply of joy. Great in justice, and mercy. Great in might and deed. Great in help. He was and always would be their great God.

Man in the flesh has distorted views of greatness. Great can morph into great for me: comfortable, easy, without friction, successful, famous, important. But the Lord’s greatness transcends circumstance. It is embodied in His immutable and perfect character, established in truth and uprightness. It does not change like shifting shadows, nor depend on events or emotions or opinions. He is great because that is His nature, and every facet of His character, never to be dissuaded or altered. And this God, the personal all-loving, all-good God, is among us! (Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 95:3; James 1:17)

How aware are we of God’s interest and involvement in the details of our lives? What difference does His greatness in our midst make for every day? Is there a difference it should be making that we have resisted, or ignored?

Are there conundrums we allow to contort our thinking and upend emotions, when looking to the greatness of God would bring peace? Where are we exhausted spending ourselves to the limits and not looking to God for help? What involvements and entertainments do we choose without taking His holy presence into account, not considering how His greatness is offended, and could be accessed to resist temptation? Welcoming and embracing the great abiding presence of God affords sustenance and joy at all times.

Lord God, teach me to relish, rely on, and praise Your greatness in my midst always.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5

“One of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, ‘Which commandment is the most important of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The most important is,… “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.'” Mark 12:28-31

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant  or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

“Love never ends.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

God’s love for His people is evident from the beginning of time when He designed creation as their home and them in His image for a full and fulfilling relationship with the triune Divine. The love emanating from His bountiful, perfect character was always intended to be mutual with the crown of His creation. Once they’re in a love relationship with the Savior, His love fills and spills from His children, scattering love drops to be received and savored wherever they go. (Genesis 1)

To love the Lord is not only the first command, but the first necessity if we are to love others. Heart, mind, soul, and strength are to pulse for the One who made us, seeking Him, spending time with Him, learning His ways. His love perfected in us frees us to express it in lavish, rich, and meaningful bounty. How deeply do we love Him? (1 John 4:15-20)

“Spirit of God, who dwells within my heart, 
wean it from sin, through all its pulses move. 
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as you are, 
and make me love you as I ought to love.” ~George Croly (1854)

When we love God first, then are desires shaped, affections rightly ordered, and manners refined to have compassion and generosity toward others along our path. Our nature translates to His. Patience, kindness, and grace abound in every interaction.

Where are we spreading love? How does the Lord’s light and affection emanate from our countenance, care, service among others? Where can we, by word, expression, or deed, leave a mark of Christ’s effusive, sacrificial, unconditional, life-giving gospel love today?

“Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.” ~Henry Van Dyke (1907)

Lord, inspire me to leave Your love with passion and purity wherever I go.

“O Lord, make me know my end
    and what is the measure of my days;
    let me know how fleeting I am!
Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
    and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! 
    Surely a man goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;
    man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!

And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
    My hope is in you…
For I am a sojourner with you,
    a guest, like all my fathers.” Psalm 39:4-7,12b

“By the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” Romans 12:3

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,  making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

David was acutely aware of his flesh, its folly and weaknesses as well as its limitations and certain end. His prayer life recorded in the Psalms echoes his constant dependence on the Lord for perspective all the days of his earthly sojourn. The breaths that composed his breadth of lifespan were numbered, and he wanted them to count. (Psalm 39:1-3,8)

We must see our time on earth in the context of eternity in heaven: we are guest travelers here bound for a promised forever there. All we’ve been entrusted with for now- health and wealth and opportunities- is limited, guaranteed depleted at God’s appointed time. Each person, allotted a number of days by the Creator, is accountable to Him for his investment and expenditure. (Psalm 139:16; Proverbs 23:4-5)

Do we take seriously the reality of limits and limited commodities? How do we adjust dreams and plans in light of God’s accounting? What lessons has the Lord taught from times of drought, and success? What are we investing, by seeking God in His word, Christian community, and service, to gain a heart of wisdom? How will we spend that heart for Jesus’s sake?

Life is fleeting. Will we flaunt it, or fully invest in the One who entrusted it to us? We can spend ourselves doing what will not last, or offer ourselves for God’s forever kingdom and glory. He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.*

“Time! what an empty vapour ’tis!
And days how swift they are!
I welcome hours that quickly pass,
See heaven from afar.

O mighty God! these fleeting days
Thy lasting favours share;
May I be faithful to thy grace,
Through every rolling year.

‘Tis sovereign mercy finds us food,
Clothes us with strength and love;
Every rich gift is ours to use
To serve Your plans above.” ~Isaac Watts (1806); PEB

“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” ~C. T. Studd

Lord, every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ keep me pliable in Your hands, persuaded by Your word, and invigorated for Your work. Help me expend myself to further Your gospel, build Your kingdom, and praise Your glory. (Hebrews 3:13-15)

*Jim Elliot (1949)

“I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber…
The Lord will keep
    your going out and your coming in
    from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 121:1-3,8

“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
    my glory, and the lifter of my head.”

“Cast your burden on the Lord,
    and he will sustain you.” Psalm 3:3; 55:22

“Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
    his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
    and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
    and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God..,  casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

Weighted. Anxious. Heavy laden with cares, to-dos, unknowns, what-ifs. There are days and seasons that press in and upon seemingly holding us under, unable to get a breath. Fatigued, distracted, overwhelmed. No space for a gaze at reordering, a gulp of energy, a moment of respite. Pressure is relentless, shadows loom.

In a situations where ‘our’ time may not be our own, we must remember it is the Lord’s. We may feel spent, but God abounds with life. We may be in turmoil, but with a breath God speaks Peace, be still. We may be bowed with pressure, but He carries us on His shoulders. There is no care that doesn’t concern Him, no weight too heavy for His strong arm. (Deuteronomy 33:12; Isaiah 59:1; Mark 4:39; Romans 11:36; Philippians 4:19)

Every moment we have a choice: to fretting or step in faith. Will we rely on our own wherewithal, or the Lord and His word? Will we skirt the real issues He’s addressing in our spiritual journey, buzz ahead in busyness ignoring deeper lessons He would teach? How can we honor the Lord in every responsibility and demand by trusting His sufficiency? Which promises will we take for our own today?

Father, keep my sights and heart lifted above my cares to see You high and lifted up, and worship. (Isaiah 6:1-5)

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.  For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,  in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.  For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace… 

“But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:1-6,10-11

The reality of sin is that it is condemnable, and God not only in love wants to lift that condemnation from His people, but in righteousness and holiness is solely able to bear it and do so. Indeed, He is merciful, faithful, and just. Condemnation deserved by fallible man is condemnation dealt with by the perfect Lamb. In Christ, the only debt we carry is to live out the freedom and love His Spirit imparts. (John 1:29; Romans 8:12-16; 13:8; 1 John 1:9)

The problem with Christians is we live our days condemning ourselves, hauling around a weight we are not intended, and no longer qualified, to carry. We’ve been granted full freedom yet remain enslaved. We chafe and wrestle with the flesh, unable to shake its heaviness and squirming under the weight of its taunting guilt. We have trouble applying what it true, that the Lord Jesus has carried our fetid burden and put it to death and triumphed over its consumption. We claim we cannot forgive ourselves, contorting and refusing the truth of Christ’s finished work. (Romans 6:17-18,22; Galatians 5:1)

What pride, or shame, or self-loathing, or outright avoidance of Jesus’s death and grace causes us to keep on in condemnation? Do we think we must contribute, do more good, clean ourselves in order to be redeemed? If so, we will never escape the condemnation the devil would deceive us into making our home. It takes genuine belief in Christ’s condemnation of all sin’s penalty and power on Calvary to be able to life in the freedom He won for us. Will we turn from self to Him?

What burden of condemnation need I leave at the cross? What faith will I reckon? How will I love and serve anew in the freedom Christ affords?

“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.” ~Charles Wesley (1738)

Lord, with unending gratitude for the burden You bore for me, may I love freely to Your praise and glory.

“Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured before them,  and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.  And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses,.. talking with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.’  For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, ‘This is my beloved Son; listen to him.’ And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.

“As they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean.” Mark 9:2-10

When Peter saw the transfiguration of Jesus, he could not be still. Always the impetuous, not knowing what to say, he blurted out anyway what he intended to do because he had to do something. However James and John reacted to the marvelous sight of Jesus in gleaming white, it seems silent and thoughtful, but Peter needed some loud instruction. This is my beloved son; listen to him. Look at him only. And keep quiet, hold this experience inside for a while. Peter needed a reordering of his natural bent so the Lord could use him as He planned.

Human nature pushes us to question, to respond, to act. We are wired with impulses that electrify in response to input. Our Creator shapes and refines who we are and how we behave over the course of time, and teaches us from biblical examples the prudence or folly of choices.

What distractions and busyness need we relinquish? In what areas will we hush, gaze at Jesus only, and ponder? How do we regularly listen to Him?

“Crown him with many crowns,
the Lamb upon his throne.
Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns
all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing
of him who died for thee,
and hail him as thy matchless king
through all eternity.

Crown him the Lord of life,
who triumphed o’er the grave,
and rose victorious in the strife
for those he came to save;
his glories now we sing
who died and rose on high,
who died eternal life to bring,
and lives that death may die.

Crown him the Lord of love;
behold his hands and side,
rich wounds, yet visible above,
in beauty glorified;
no angels in the sky
can fully bear that sight,
but downward bends their burning eye
at mysteries so bright.

Crown him the Lord of peace;
whose power a scepter sways,
from pole to pole that wars may cease,
and all be prayer and praise;
his reign shall know no end
and round his pierced feet,
fair flowers of paradise extend
their fragrance ever sweet.

Crown him the Lord of years,
the potentate of time,
creator of the rolling spheres,
ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail!
for thou hast died for me;
thy praise shall never, never fail
throughout eternity.” ~Matthew Bridges (1851)

Lord, so captivate me with You that my only response is praise.

“All we like sheep have gone astray;
    we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36-38

“The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out… He goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice…

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep… I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” John 10:3-4,11,14

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24-25

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
  He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
   He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.” Psalm 23

Lord, attune my ears and heart to listen and follow closely and so always identify with my Shepherd.

“You are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” “ For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” “He will set you in praise and in fame and in honor high above all nations that he has made, and… you shall be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised.” Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2; 26:19

“You shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation… You shall be consecrated to me.” Exodus 19:6; 22:31

“You only have I known
    of all the families of the earth.” Amos 3:2

“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

The call is distinguished, the identity drastic, the enabling divine. When God called Abraham to become the father of His people Israel, He had in His mind a people set apart for Himself. As Moses approached the burning bush to receive God’s call to lead Israel, the Lord identified holy ground. His meeting with men is always wrapped in the sacred and marked with His holy anointing. God’s children have been named and marked as holy, and are to take on and express that identity by reflecting and proclaiming His excellencies in every area of life. (Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 3:1-6)

Imperfect man holy? What is impossible with man, when originated, orchestrated, and commanded by the Almighty, is wholly possible, and exquisite. The feat is accomplished by the very Holy One who calls for it as His Spirit works in and through us His children. (Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17; Zechariah 4:6; Matthew 19:26; Philippians 4:13)

Christians are identified, chosen, and called into a covenant relationship. We are saved by the blood of Christ which, by remission of sin, pronounces us holy and righteous. We’re then sealed by the Covenant Keeper, who installs His Spirit to guarantee His outcome, our holiness and escort to life eternal. Along with His He shalls we cooperate with our you shalls to bring about His purpose and fulfill His design. (Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:13-14)

How seriously do I take God’s command to be holy? What habits and pleasures have I withheld from His sanctifying touch? Where will I surrender anew today?

“Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.” ~William Longstaff (1882)

Faithful LORD, who from the beginning has called, complete in me all You’ve begun, to the glory of Your name and magnification of Your excellencies. (Isaiah 41:4,8-10,13; Philippians 1:6)