As the rain and snow

“The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” Mark 4:26-29

Jesus teaches often about the kingdom of God, referring to His unseen but very real realm of activity on earth. His is a supernatural domain that divinely supersedes yet coincides with our earthly one in ways we cannot fully know or understand. He suggests that man both scatters and sows the seed of His word, and He makes that seed sprout, take root, and grow. Man is responsible for the practical and willful, He for the spiritual, mysterious, and hidden that makes flourishing possible. (Mark 4:3-9,14-20; 1 Corinthians 3:6)

When we are startled by an unexpected turn of events, or jolted to a new harsh and alarming reality, we might wonder at God’s purpose, or whether He’s involved at all. What we know and see makes little sense. Yet, like comprehending that a seed germinates and takes root in dark soil below the surface, we can trust His design, plan, reasons, love, timing, and ordering of all things well. There are many things we do not and cannot know, but we can know that the King of the universe does, and works everything for good and eternal purposes. (Psalm 119:68; Mark 7:37; Romans 8:28)

What current circumstance has us wondering what God is doing, how He can possibly be working, how He can redeem? Is there unsettledness at work, conflict in a relationship, insecurity about an uncertain future? Have the hypothetical questions begun to pepper our minds, and tension or fear or doubt settled in?

Would we trust and welcome God at the helm to stir up the soil of our hearts and habits, fertilize our character, do what’ it takes’s needed to conform us to His image? Meditating on His unchanging nature will help us trust the Who when questions persist. Praise be to God for His conviction of sin, purposeful sanctification, and unseen but palpable guidance, inspiration, and comfort! (John 16:8; Romans 8:29; 2 Timothy 1:12)

“I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.

I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.

I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.

I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.

But, I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.” ~Daniel Whittle (1883)

Lord, help me in every situation where I know not how, what, where, or why, to know You and make You known.

“To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17

And amen.

“And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching.  And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.  And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out,  ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.’  But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’  And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.  And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.” Mark 1:21-28

The words and works of the carpenter from Nazareth confounded the learned religious leaders and the curious crowds. What they could not understand they observed, and recognized as other-worldly. What He said and did emanated from His divine, flawless character and effused with indescribable authority, unnerving their minds and moving their souls. He could speak an effectual call. He could heal bodies. His presence evoked reaction. He was at once engaging and repulsive, compassionate and stern. His authority was too all-encompassing to be ignored or denied. (Mark 1:16-20,30-31,40-42; 2:14)

Authority: power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior; the moral or legal right or ability to control.

In this world, man toys with authority with push and pull. It is often self-defined and easily abused. It is seized or conferred or manufactured. It is manipulated for ill or exercised for good or resisted in stubborn pride. It can be misdirected by greed or managed in compassion and benevolence. We innately want it, imperfectly wield it, and chafe against the idea of submitting to it.

So different is the authority of our Lord and His word. God always exercises authority without caprice and in perfection. He is just, all-knowing, and redemptive. His word is perfect and abiding, inerrant, pure, and powerful to change lives. When we yield ourselves to live under His authority, we are protected and directed, yet too often we want to make our own rules and play at being our own ruler. (Psalm 18:30; 19:7-9; 119:89; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)

What causes me to resist God’s authority? Am I convinced I know best? Do I just like my sin? Do I deem His pattern for living obsolete? Am I flippant with His word, choosing to esteem and obey only the parts that soothe my soul or align with my lifestyle, and dismiss the others I don’t like?

Would I take thoughtful time to discern my motives in decision-making, review daily habits and interactions, and assess how often I command the throne and attempt to control? If I claim Jesus as Lord, am I willingly submitting to His authority in speech, entertainment, indulgence, every area of public and private life? What needs be confessed or changed in order to come under the righteous authority of our God?

Lord, may all I say and represent reflect You and the gracious, immutable authority of Your word.

“Will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you!” 1 Kings 8:27

“You, O Lord, are a shield about me,
    my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3

“O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens…

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?” Psalm 8:1,3-4

“The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
    and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
    whose voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.” Psalm 19:1-4

“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..” Psalm 121:1-2

“Lift up your hands to the holy place
    and bless the Lord!” Psalm 134:2

Creation shouts the glory of God, heavenly lights and skies draw sights upward beyond the world to imagine eternity beyond. There is something about the dwelling place of God that begs us to consider eternity and that there is much more to life than we can see and know here below. There is something about the highness of God that lifts heart, mind, soul, and hands as an expression of will. Beholding the heavens magnifies our smallness and God’s immeasurable greatness.

There is much that hums and buzzes and grinds in the course of days bumped and shoved by necessity, distraction, and interruption. We tangle ourselves in various affairs of people and places and problems, ofttimes never stopping to look up. To pause the controls, come up for air, and gulp in the view above is a healthy and meaningful exercise. The heaviness of life and cares are but wisps to the great I AM, the confusion and miscommunication that unsettle us are strokes in the Artist’s hands to illustrate His beauty and perfection. The depth of our angst and sorrow and disappointment gets swallowed in the vast eternity of space, upheld by the Almighty. (Colossians 1:16-17)

Where are we crushed by cares, bent by circumstances? What conundrums consume our mental energy and steal our near-sighted focus? Are we too often hunched over devices and absorbed in the world into which they suck us? Straighten the neck, tilt it back, and look up! Behold the works of the Creator’s fingers! Hear the declaration of His glories! Take in the expanse of His wide and deep love, His vast mercies, His unlimited knowledge! Exalt Him! He is more than enough and beyond our imagining! (Ephesians 3:14-21)

What is the Lord on high bidding us set aside or leave behind in order to look up? What disagreements, resentments, regrets, and past hurts keep being revisited, dunking us down? When will we let them go and raise empty, open hands? How different life looks when we lift up our eyes, how lovely the world when we sing His praise!

Lord, give me the magical blend of bowing my will and lifting my eyes and hands, in surrendered dependence and exalted, infinite praise.

“Wisdom is with the aged,
    and understanding in length of days.” Job 12:12

“I have been young, and now am old,
    yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
    or his children begging for bread.”

“The years of our life are seventy,
    or even by reason of strength eighty;
yet their span is but toil and trouble;
    they are soon gone, and we fly away…

So teach us to number our days
    that we may get a heart of wisdom…
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
    that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
    and for as many years as we have seen evil..”

“The righteous flourish like the palm tree
    and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
They are planted in the house of the Lord;
    they flourish in the courts of our God.
They still bear fruit in old age;
    they are ever full of sap and green.” Psalm 37:25; 90:10,12,14-15; 92:12-14

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise.”

“Train up a child in the way he should go;
    even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 13:20; 22:6

“Listen to me,..
who have been borne by me from before your birth,
    carried from the womb;
even to your old age I am he,
    and to gray hairs I will carry you.
I have made, and I will bear;
    I will carry and will save.” Isaiah 46:3-4

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

God ordains years for each life, and through them enriches days with growing wisdom, experiences of His faithfulness, and meaningful industry. Time instructs, refines, fortifies. From the dawn to dusk of each day, and life, we can rejoice and be thankful and flourish. (Psalm 139:16)

Different perspectives by culture or mindset see aging as either resisted or revered. Some eschew wrinkles on skin and breakdown in ability and mobility, while others boast wisdom spots, smile lines, and more opportunities to be still, listen better, and pray. The impetus behind resistance or acceptance is our view of God and His order of things.

While it is difficult to ache physically, give up long-loved activities, and lose certain familiarities, in the course of life God intends joy as we age. As years and seasons pass, He will continue to present opportunities for us to grow, serve, and honor Him, even though they look and feel different from what we’ve always known. Taking care to remain agile and productive is good stewardship, while denying age and relentlessly combating what naturally occurs with unnatural means can skew focus. How can we make life more about Him and less about us? What has the Lord prescribed for now, and how are seizing the moments and new life stages? (Psalm 1:1-3; John 3:30)

Will we accept the changes and new occasions that come with age with open-hearted expectancy of new people, understanding, activities? How willingly and well do we embrace new seasons the Lord ordains? What have we learned about Him and ourselves in the transitions?

Lord, may I run every day of life’s race with wisdom, zeal, and joy in Your way, on Your time, accomplishing Your purposes, for Your glory. (Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 4:7)

“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.’

“Fear not..!
I am the one who helps you, declares the Lord;
    your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

“When the poor and needy seek water,
    and there is none,
    and their tongue is parched with thirst,
I the Lord will answer them;
    I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
I will open rivers on the bare heights,
    and fountains in the midst of the valleys.
I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
    and the dry land springs of water.
I will put in the wilderness the cedar,
    the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive.
I will set in the desert the cypress,
    the plane and the pine together,
that they may see and know,
    may consider and understand together,
that the hand of the Lord has done this,
    the Holy One of Israel has created it.” Isaiah 41:13-14,17-20

Words of comfort bathe Israel in hope. In all their trouble, God their helper is nigh, holding their right hand, standing near to reassure, to redeem. His promises are given to dissolve their fear, wash away the crustiness of angst and despair, and reawaken slumbering vitality. Where they thirsted for purpose and fruitfulness, He would slake with answers and meaning. Where they were lacking, He would satisfy. He would exchange barrenness with fertile growth, their wilderness of soul with joy and gladness. Their very drought and want made way for them to see the Creator exercise His power, that only His hand could refresh, deliver, create, satisfy.

God meets us in hard places. Do we have eyes willing to see the movement of His almighty, generous hand? A piece of shocking news arrives, a sobering medical result is received, an impossible hurt is ground deeper, a sorrow lingers, a fire or flood destroys. Can we trace His love in every bereavement? When we do, the only response is to bow and acknowledge the hand of the Lord has done this.

What are we seeking, fearing, wanting? Would we believe and look for God’s hand to redeem parched places, water arid hearts, revive spirits, and support us in the waiting? How do His sure promises help and give hope?

God alone grants endurance to triumph and smooths balm in grief. He measures each gift- and they are gifts- to display His compassion and care. In laughter, in tears, He breaks through so that we see and know, and may consider and understand, that it has been His hand all along the way. We can always trust His good and redemptive purposes, His perfect sanctifying. (Psalm 30:5; James 1:2-4)

“Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth;
shelters thee under his wings, and so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thy desires e’er have been
granted in what he ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord, who will prosper thy work and defend thee;
surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
if with his love he befriends thee.” ~Joachim Neander (1680)

Loving Lord, teach me to look for Your hand, trusting You to work in such a way I know You have done it.

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.  As it is written,

‘He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor…’

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.  By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,  while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.  Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

The point is this: the bounty that flows from bountiful living is immeasurable and inexpressible. All abundance flows from the Giver of every good and perfect gift, and is entrusted to us for a season to be sown and spread abroad for others’ good and His glory. As Paul encourages cheerful, joy-filled giving, he points to the One who gave all for us and is able to provide abundantly more than we can ever give ourselves. (Ephesians 3:20-21; James 1:17)

How well do we know our abundance in Christ? If we meditated on the list, and savored each gift, we would know we’re amply supplied to abound to others. Do we fear scarcity? Where are we greedy or tight-fisted? Where can we, with grace and goods, in faith and generous joy, turn meager into bountiful? Begin, and watch sufficiency and thanksgiving multiply! (Ephesians 1:3-14; Philippians 4:19)

“Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone;
As you have sought, so let me seek
Your erring children, lost and lone.

Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet;
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Your hung’ring ones with manna sweet.

Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things that you impart,
And wing my words, that I may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

Oh, grant my spirit to renew,
That I may speak with soothing pow’r
A word in season, as from you,
To weary ones in needful hour.

Oh, fill me with your fullness, Lord,
Until my very heart o’erflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell, your praise to show.

Oh, use me, Lord, use even me
Just as you will, and when, and where,
Until your blessèd face I see,
Your rest, your joy, your glory share.” ~Frances Ridley Havergal (1872)

Lord, fill me to overflow to abound in every good work, to Your delight and praise.

“They had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.  So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?’  For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.  Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, ‘Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.’ Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.  The governor again said, ‘Which of the two do you want me to release for you?’ And they said, ‘Barabbas.’ Pilate said to them, ‘Then what shall I do with Jesus..?’ They all said, ‘Let him be crucified!’  And he said, ‘Why? What evil has he done?’ But they shouted all the more, ‘Let him be crucified!’

“So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’  And all the people answered, ‘His blood be on us and on our children!’ Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.” Matthew 27:16-26

So much was uttered about the blood: who to release, who to condemn and crucify? Goaded by the religious leaders, the crowds cried for blood. Pilate, aware of the Jews’ jealousy, his wife’s unease, and the crowd’s fomenting belligerence, washed his hands and foolishly declared himself innocent of that blood. By his command Jesus was crucified, and no gubernatorial proclamation could expunge his culpability. The blood-thirsty crowds invited Christ’s blood on them, not realizing that they bore its stain and indeed none could be clean and forgiven apart from His blood. They were blind to the significance of what was transpiring. (Leviticus 17:11; John 12:19)

Political unrest, greed for power, contentious factions, and personal affronts can get the blood boiling. When we give ourselves over to frenzy and emotion, we forget the very gift of life that courses through our veins and the purpose for which God made it flow. I am not innocent of Jesus’s blood. His death is on me because His blood was spilled for me. Would I plunge under it for true life, eternal life?

In what ways am I flippant about Christ’s suffering and sacrifice, casual about the cost to Him on my behalf? How, in my attitudes, entertainment, and remarks, do I make light of His blood? When will I pause to consider the cross and apply its balm? (Isaiah 53:4-6; Matthew 27:27-31)

“There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Immanuel’s veins;
And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,
Lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in his day;
And there may I, though vile as he,
Wash all my sins away.

Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood
Shall never lose its pow’r,
Till all the ransomed Church of God
Be saved, to sin no more.

E’er since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die.” ~William Cowper (1772)

Lord, keep me under Your precious blood, grateful and glad forever.

“Jesus said to his disciples, ‘You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.’

“The chief priests and elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, Caiaphas, and plotted together to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, ‘Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.’

“Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper,  a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. When the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, ‘Why this waste?  This could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.’ But Jesus… said to them, ‘Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. You always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.’

“Then… Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?’ And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him…

“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink of it,.. for this is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins…’ 

“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'” Matthew 26:1-16,26-28,39

Calm acceptance. Cantankerous conniving. Pernicious positioning. Lavish love. Greedy gain. Somber instruction. Anguished resignation. When Jesus announced His pending death the people betrayed their colors. Hurry it on, we must rid of Him. How can I thank You for Your gift to me? What can I get? For Jesus, it was all about preparation, meeting them in their crux of response, finishing His work on earth, and leaving all they would need in His absence. (John 4:34; 17:4)

The life and ministry and words of Jesus compel us to react. How we process and respond to His death- foretold and played out and conquered- reveals our hearts toward His love displayed. We can elude its horror and meaning, try to manage and compartmentalize its conviction, rebuff its invitation to understand its costly grace, or bow in grateful worship. Have we set aside His death as a thing of the past, or would we draw near to learn anew its meaning and application for us?

Are we so comfy in our habits that we squirm when faced with the horrors of Christ’s crucifixion? Do we avoid the confrontation of the cross to take it up and follow? How can we behold its glories anew? What can we give of ourselves in gratitude for His priceless gift? How can we imitate His sacrifice? (Matthew 16:24-25)

Lord, may I embrace and ever be thankful for Your death that has given me life.

“My God in his steadfast love will meet me;
    God will let me look in triumph on my enemies...

Each evening they come back,
    howling like dogs
    and prowling about the city…

I will sing of your strength;
    I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.
For you have been to me a fortress
    and a refuge in the day of my distress.
O my Strength, I will sing praises to you,
    for you, O God, are my fortress,
    the God who shows me steadfast love.”

“Blessed be the Lord, my rock,
    who trains my hands for war,
    and my fingers for battle;
he is my steadfast love and my fortress,
    my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield and he in whom I take refuge,
    who subdues peoples under me.” Psalm 59:10,17; 144:1-2

From the biting bitter, bark, and snarl of battle, it seems at first out of place that David names the Lord alongside as his steadfast love. Love his artillery? His defense? His strategy? His ammunition? There is a sense that David feels so deeply loved, and is so bound in loving back his Lord, that this steadfast love is both stability and modus operandi. It defines and defends him in every distress.

As it did for David, God’s steadfast love meets us in our days of trouble and supplies sustaining power for every earthly challenge. While love may seem inconsistent with war, it actually is what sustains and fuels hope for victory in the midst. It encamps round about us and lifts our heads to love Him back. It is our helmet, by which we plan and proceed. It dictates civil battle, keeping watch over heart motivation and impulse. It uplifts and fortifies when we are weary, and shields us in temptation. It love keeps fear at bay. (Psalm 3:3)

The Lord’s steadfast love holds our hearts stable and strong when pressures and sorrows encroach and all around is crumbling. His love is the best place to position ourselves, the highest place to go, the deepest place to rest. Do we consider how much, and how, He loves? In every fight with our flesh, every pull to immorality, every tease to resentment, every won’t to hate, every allure of empty things, His love prevails. He is nigh, guarding, training, keeping. (Psalm 86:15)

The next time a bullet of criticism chafes, or condemnation pounds, or regret erodes, will we cling to His steadfast love? When a battle of the will or with temptation strangles and pulls, will we remember to find refuge in his steadfast love? When others attack, accosting with doubt or shame or caustic treatment, can we hold high God’s steadfast love, and meet the enemy with arms and words that convey it?

“Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God’s own choosing.
You ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
The Lord of Love his name,
His steadfast love our fame;
and he must win the battle.” ~Martin Luther (1529) (and PEB)

Lord, help me hide in, hold onto, and lift high Your steadfast love in every battle to mark and bring glory to the victory You secure.

“I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

“In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me.., ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you  to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

“Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision…  To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying.” (Acts 26:9-19,22)

Paul’s defense to King Agrippa detailed his spiritual transformation. The bold persecutor for death became brave purveyor of life, the strict Pharisee became preacher of grace, the guilty was declared innocent. All Saul was, when arrested by God, changed, for Him and His kingdom purposes. The Creator recreated His child to exemplify new creation. (Acts 20:18-21,24,26-27; 22:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Man is prone to making excuses for sin, blaming everything we cannot change. My sloth, temper, worry, lying are just the way I am and can’t be helped. But when we renounce it, God saves us, replacing the heart of stone with flesh, beginning the process of sanctification, and calling us to accountability. What we were no longer has a hold on who He’s called us now to be. His Spirit reworks impulses, affections, and ways of thinking, yet as spiritual cowards we coddle what we’ve always known. (Ezekiel 36:26)

What am I blaming for ugly attitudes and behavior? Where am I lazy, frozen in past sinful habit and mindset? What truths about salvation will I claim this day in order to say no to what was, and yes to Christ? (Romans 6:1-7,11-14; Philippians 3:12-15)

“O to grace how great a debtor
daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace now, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
seal it for thy courts above.” ~Robert Robinson (1758)

Lord, help me live out vibrantly, faithfully and effectively my changed life, to Your glory.