Whom Else?

“Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever…
But for me it is good to be near God;
    I have made the Lord God my refuge,
    that I may tell of all your works.”

“I cry aloud to God,
    aloud to God, and he will hear me.
In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord…
Then I said, ‘I will appeal to this,
    to the years of the right hand of the Most High.’

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
    and meditate on your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy.
    What god is great like our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
    you have made known your might among the peoples.
You with your arm redeemed your people… 

When the waters saw you, O God,
    when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
    indeed, the deep trembled.
The clouds poured out water;
    the skies gave forth thunder…
The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
    your lightnings lighted up the world;
    the earth trembled and shook.
Your way was through the sea,
    your path through the great waters;
    yet your footprints were unseen.
You led your people like a flock.” Psalm 73:25-26,28; 77:1-2a,10-15a,16-17a,18-20a

Rain falls in the predawn gloom, reflecting the stunned and grieving soul. How can we process the shock of devastation, the tremendous, vacuous loss? How can a vibrant life be so quickly snuffed out, a loving friendship cease to exist? What memories and memorabilia can linger when so much has been swept away?

In the swelling sorrow of unexpected, spectacular loss, there is only one place to go, One Person in whom we find calm and comfort. We tuck in close, we cry and He hears, and we are carried. There is nothing like the refuge, the might, the greatness of our Lord. His are the arms of salvation, His the mighty hand, His the way of deliverance and life. (John 6:68)

What burden weighs us down? What foes of choking sorrow or fear loom near? Where do enemy tentacles probe and pester? Remember God’s deeds! Ponder His works! The Most High remains our refuge and strength and good portion forever.

“We rest on thee, our Shield and our Defender!
We go not forth alone against the foe;
strong in thy strength, safe in thy keeping tender,
we rest on thee, and in thy name we go.

Yea, in thy name, O Captain of salvation!
In thy dear name, all other names above:
Jesus our righteousness, our sure foundation,
our Prince of glory and our King of love.

We go in faith, our own great weakness feeling,
and needing more each day thy grace to know:
yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing,
‘We rest on thee, and in thy name we go.’

We rest on thee, our Shield and our Defender!
Thine is the battle, thine shall be the praise;
when passing through the gates of pearly splendor,
victors, we rest with thee, through endless days.” ~Edith Chilling Cherry (1895)

Amen!

Let Me Hear What God Says

“Lord, you were favorable to your land;
    you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
You forgave the iniquity of your people;
    you covered all their sin. 
You withdrew all your wrath;
    you turned from your hot anger.

Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
    and put away your indignation toward us!
Will you be angry with us forever?
    Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
Will you not revive us again,
    that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,
    and grant us your salvation.

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
    for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;
    but let them not turn back to folly.
Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
    that glory may dwell in our land.

Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
    righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs up from the ground,
    and righteousness looks down from the sky.
Yes, the Lord will give what is good,
    and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him
    and make his footsteps a way.” Psalm 85

“And he said, ‘Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.’ And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?'” 1 Kings 19:11-13

“Morning by morning he awakens;
    he awakens my ear
    to hear as those who are taught.” Isaiah 50:4

Myriads of voices pepper with staccato urgency and drone in repetition, taking up the quiet space into which the Lord longs to speak. Easily we get whipped into the frenzy of group think and mantras and fretting. The deeper into the whorl, the more challenging to hear the still small voice. I speak peace to you my saints. You listen only to the wind, the earthquake, the crackling fire, yet I whisper. Focus on who I am and what I have done. Can you hear? Tune in. (1 Kings 19:4-15)

The world attacks with frenzied pellets of what-ifs, vitriol, and dissension. Plausible threats and danger loom. Where do we go? Who actually reigns? Ah, the Lord on high rules over all! His presence offers the harbor of love and faithfulness, the intimacy of all that is right, and peace. He is the home of revival and restoration. He speaks, and He answers when we cry. (Psalm 86:3-8)

In the midst of life’s toil and tumble and roiling turmoil, do we remember His favor and the wonder of His forgiveness? Can we stop our ears to doom and set our hope in His salvation and revival? Would we look with hope to His glory in it all? When we listen for His voice, we can expect to behold His goodness and anticipate His righteous, bountiful way.

Lord, attune me to Your voice above all others, staying my mind on You who are worthy to be trusted. (Isaiah 26:3)

Spirit, Speak by Me

“’The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock,
    and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation,
the God who gave me vengeance
    and brought down peoples under me,
who brought me out from my enemies;
    you exalted me above those who rose against me;
    you delivered me from men of violence.

‘For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations,
    and sing praises to your name.
Great salvation he brings to his king,
    and shows steadfast love to his anointed,
    to David and his offspring forever.’

“Now these are the last words of David:

“The oracle of David, the son of Jesse,
    the oracle of the man who was raised on high,
the anointed of the God of Jacob,
    the sweet psalmist of Israel:

‘The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me;
    his word is on my tongue.
The God of Israel has spoken;
    the Rock of Israel has said to me:
When one rules justly over men,
    ruling in the fear of God,
he dawns on them like the morning light,
    like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning,
    like rain[c] that makes grass to sprout from the earth.

‘For does not my house stand so with God?
    For he has made with me an everlasting covenant,
    ordered in all things and secure.
For will he not cause to prosper
    all my help and my desire?” 2 Samuel 22:47-23:5

Shepherd David, servant David, King David was caught up in the bundle of life entrusted and anointed by his Lord. Heart and pen sang constant themes of gladness and exaltation to this Rock of Israel Who was his delight and praise. Any deliverance, every part of salvation, all success could be attributed to Him. This sweet psalmist of Israel spoke by Him and unto Him for the ages. (Acts 13:36)

We serve many roles over the moments and years of life, and have manifold opportunities to speak up and out. What captivates our souls becomes fodder for our words. Awareness of and immersion in the Lord’s great love, faithfulness, and intervention inspires all that issues forth. Continual praise in perspective and attitude translates to blessedness from our tongues.

How rich is our daily experience with God from first awaking? How intent are we on His benevolent involvement in our work and circumstances, how keenly aware of His ways? When do we take time to study His word, and how diligently do we endeavor to keep them? Soaking in His truth by knowledge and practice influences how and what we communicate. Are we a clear and ready conduit for His Spirit to speak? (2 Samuel 22:2-4,17-20,29-32,44)

If we were to compose last words before our purpose on earth is complete, who would be their focus? We must see all we have and are and have done as wholly from and to our Christ. When we do, our spoken words will be bright as the sun and refreshing as rain, and He will be lifted high. How can we adjust our daily outlook to keep Him at the fore? (Acts 17:24-26; Galatians 6:14; Colossians 1:15-17)

Lord, so empty me of self and fill me with Your Spirit that all I speak exalts You with the honor and praise You deserve.

In the Flood, Revival

“Save me, O God!
For the waters have come up to my neck.
sink in deep mire,
where there is no foothold;
I have come into deep waters,
and the flood sweeps over me.
am weary with my crying out;
my throat is parched.
My eyes grow dim
with waiting for my God.

More in number than the hairs of my head
are those who hate me without cause;
mighty are those who would destroy me,
those who attack me with lies.
What I did not steal
must I now restore?..

For zeal for your house has consumed me,
and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me…

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord.
At an acceptable time, O God,
in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.
Deliver me
from sinking in the mire;
let me be delivered from my enemies
and from the deep waters.
Let not the flood sweep over me,
or the deep swallow me up,
or the pit close its mouth over me.

Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good;
according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.
Hide not your face from your servant,
for I am in distress; make haste to answer me.
Draw near to my soul, redeem me;
ransom me because of my enemies!..

But I am afflicted and in pain;
let your salvation, O God, set me on high!

I will praise the name of God with a song;
I will magnify him with thanksgiving…
You who seek God, let your hearts revive.
For the Lord hears the needy
and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.

Let heaven and earth praise him,
the seas and everything that moves in them.”

“May all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you!
May those who love your salvation
say evermore, ‘God is great!’”

“Be to me a rock of refuge,
to which I may continually come;
you have given the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress…
For you, O Lord, are my hope,
my trust, O Lord, from my youth.” Psalm 69:1-4,9,13-18,29-30,32b-34; 70:4; 71:3,5

Flood waters rise, suffering, reproach, injury, loss, and injustice threaten life and hope. In the choking deluge, David cries for salvation, waits with weeping for the heavenly answer. He knows where to turn and Who can revive heart and hope, and to Him he is tethered.

Praying redirects focus. Singing dispels angst. Praising God turns the heart away from troubles and fills it with rejoicing. How to revive the weary, parched, hopeless soul? Enjoin it with the Lord of Life and Light in constant prayer.

Are we sinking in the mire of disaster, grief, worry? What unease or threat in circumstances is causing us to slip into depression, exhaustion, or exasperation? Where are we parched in zeal or energy, inspiration or confidence? The Lord knows each pang, hears each cry. In Him we have sure solace and promise.

Will we trust the true rock for steadiness? Will we rejoice in His unchanging love? What will be our new song of thanks?

Good Father, no matter the storm, revive my heart, hope, and praise in You and for Your name alone. (Psalm 71:14-16)

“I Am Old and You Have Seen”

“When the Lord had given rest to Israel from their surrounding enemies, and Joshua was old and well advanced in years, Joshua summoned all Israel… and said, ‘I am now old… And you have seen all that the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake, for it is the Lord your God who has fought for you. Behold, I have allotted to you as an inheritance… those nations that remain, along with all the nations already cut off… The Lord your God will push them back before you and drive them out of your sight. And you shall possess their land, just as the Lord promised. Therefore, be very strong to keep and do all that is written in the Book of the Law, turning aside from it neither to the right nor to the left, that you may not mix with these nations remaining among you or mention the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them, but you shall cling to the Lord your God… For the Lord has driven out before you great and strong nations… No man has been able to stand before you to this day.., since it is the Lord your God who fights for you, just as he promised. Be very careful, therefore, to love the Lord your God. For if you turn back… to the remnant of these nations… and make marriages with them,.. they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes…

“I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls,.. that not one word has failed of all the good things the Lord promised… All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.” Joshua 23:1-14

Joshua was straightforward in his charge to Israel. You have seen what God has done in my life, His faithfulness in conquest and to fulfill promises. You’ve seen what happens when we don’t obey. And you’ve seen the good land He’s entrusted to you. Be good stewards. Cling to, follow, obey, and love Him.

What we’ve seen God do excites faith in powerful ways. What we’ve seen and alongside whom we’ve experienced life shapes decisions, outlook, and direction going forward. The Lord intends we process all He feeds our spiritual eyes to influence our devotion and resolve.

Through my years, what have I seen that’s compelled and steered me in work or ministry? How has God shone His countenance into my fears, heartache, confusion, emotional turmoil? Which of His divine interventions on my behalf have changed the way I next trusted or set direction?

In turn, what do I display of my amazing God and His ways? Can others see His selflessness, might, order, or victory in my every day? Through my handling of circumstances and interactions, where do they observe His graciousness, kindness, wisdom, and love? In troubles and suffering, what joy and peace? The more we see of the Almighty, the more we’ll obey and display. (Numbers 6:24-26; Galatians 5:22-23)

Lord, in every day I grow older, may I see You more clearly, and may others see and be drawn to You through me.

Because He Wholly Followed

“The people of Judah came to Joshua at Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh said to him, ‘You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of God… concerning you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought him word as it was in my heart. But my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the Lord my God. And Moses swore on that day, saying, “Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.” And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.’

“Then Joshua blessed him, and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord, the God of Israel…

“[Caleb’s daughter] said to him, ‘Give me a blessing. Since you have given me the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water.’ And he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.” Joshua 14:6-14;15:19

At age 40, because he wholly followed the Lord his God, Caleb saw the land for what it was. His heart did not melt in fear as did his fellow spies’, but throbbed with faith and zeal. Now, 45 years later, he and his passion for the Lord and His promises were as strong as ever. He was eager and ready to receive his land, and receive it he did.

Wholly following the Lord always brings blessing. Sometimes it comes presently, sometimes in the future. Sometimes it is tangible and sometimes intangible, but always it is a place of belonging and security and abundance. When we’re planted in God’s promises and count on His word, we can claim His goods for ourselves and others because of Who backs them and delights to give.

How much of His good land do we know? When are we familiarizing ourselves with the contours of His graces, enabling, wisdom, and sufficiency? How closely do we follow His lead? Do we tread His paths hesitatingly, begrudgingly, or wholeheartedly? And for whom do we advocate for His riches of life? Present enjoyment of God reaps eternal blessing.

Father, may I know Your word and love You so deeply that I wholeheartedly follow You in grateful, joyful response, and make Your limitless blessings known.

All These Things

“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, ‘Ask what I shall give you.‘ Solomon said, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?’

“It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.’

“God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and of Egypt. For he was wiser than all other men.” 1 Kings 3:5,7,9,10-13; 4:29-31

“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

A deep knowledge of God taught Solomon his humble place and that there was much more to know and understand. By grace he started his reign fully in awe of his Sovereign and dependent on Him for the wisdom to lead. In turn, the Lord added many things to Solomon’s heart desire, beyond what had been his imagining. (1 Kings 4:31-34; Ephesians 3:20-21)

God beckons us personally to request what we want. A life flurried with frenzy and a mind with urgencies, responsibilities, even resentments will naturally seek anything to bring help, relief, fulfillment, pleasure. Self-gratifying asks. A mind soaked in the Lord’s kingdom purposes and enthralled with His majesty and highness will recognize how much it needs to do His will with excellence. God-honoring asks.

Our heavenly Benefactor comes to us with open hands. What do we truly want? What do we seek? Devoted prayer avails much when aligned with our Lord’s will and ways. (James 5:16)

How can we adjust our perspective to seek our Father first? How earnestly do we articulate specific needs alongside His purposes? What all these things has He bountifully added unto us?

Lord, teach me to pray according to Your will, and employ Your abundance for Your glory.

Why Were You Not Afraid?

“Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said, ‘Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?’ And the Lord heard it. Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. And suddenly the Lord said to Moses and to Aaron and Miriam, ‘Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting.’ And the three of them came out. And the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward. And he said, ‘Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream.  Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house.  With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?’ And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he departed.” Numbers 12:1-9

Their sibling spite seems like jealousy compounded with a smack of pride and irritation at having to give way to baby brother, but the Lord God set Aaron and Miriam straight. His questions always get to the heart of matters because He cares about and deals with root causes. They were concerned with horizontal recognition and power while God tested their vertical reverence for Him. The two could not coexist. He sought and honored the meek and faithful.

It is right thinking before the Lord that drives right thinking about others. Fearing God fixes a filter that sees everyone, self included, as His creations with specific assignments. It steadies impulses and squashes hubris. What determines our mindset when dealing with others? Do we humbly seek the Holy One’s viewpoint, or boisterously charge ahead with emotionally-driven assessments? (Romans 12:2; 13:14; 1 Corinthians 2:16)

What has made us so callous that we are not afraid to make fun of others, to put down, to complain? Why are we not afraid to saunter in pride or push ahead without Christ as our Guide? Do we have such a low regard for His holiness, righteousness, and purity? Does our self-serving disregard His omniscience and justice? Do we think too highly of ourselves and too little of Him? Do we fear man more than Him? (Romans 12:3)

Have we no sense of whose we are, whose image we bear, and who we represent? Do we think lightly of God’s reputation? How carefully do we check our words, expressions, actions? What are we doing to build up others in the roles God has appointed for them, and to encourage them in their work by doing our part faithfully?

“May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
live in me from day to day,
by His love and pow’r controlling
all I do and say.” ~Kate Barclay Wilkinson (1925)

Lord, help me maintain a proper and loving fear of You in my motivation, words, and deeds, so You are exalted.

The Places He Rides

“Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
    lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;
his name is the Lord;
    exult before him!..

Blessed be the Lord,
who daily bears us up;
God is our salvation.
Our God is a God of salvation,
and to God, the Lord, belong deliverances from death…

Summon your power, O God,
    the power, O God, by which you have worked for us…

O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God;
sing praises to the Lord,
to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens;
behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.
Ascribe power to God,
whose majesty is over Israel,
and whose power is in the skies.
Awesome is God from his sanctuary;
… the one who gives power and strength to his people.
Blessed be God!” Psalm 68:4,19-20,28,32-35

“There is none like God, O Jeshurun,
    who rides through the heavens to your help,
    through the skies in his majesty.” Deuteronomy 33:26

The poetic picture we get from the psalmist’s description of God’s activity draws upward the soul. The vast aridness of the desert, the eternal expanse of the skies, the mystery of roiling clouds, all stretch the imagination of the watchful Creator’s infiniteness. He is there- in all the stretch of place and atmosphere and experience- and He is here with us. Who can comprehend His limitless power? His benevolent care?

The places of our hearts are deep and secret. We carry longings that are undefinable, yet lingering. The Lord God hovers, and knows, and upholds. We endure deserts of hope, and health, and purpose, and our Lord rides above and close to watch, guide, relieve. We lose our sight in clouds of busyness, fear of the unknown, unanswered questions, uncertain futures, and there God Almighty rides to the known beyond and sings over us and shines His light for the next step. (Zephaniah 3:17)

What keeps us from acknowledging His intimate care and being encouraged by His presence? There is no place so dark, or shameful, or confusing, or personal, that He is not interested and active and close. Are we too stubborn to admit His ‘interference?’ Are we unwilling to accept He wants to involve Himself in our everyday?

Which places yearn for His anointing and inspiration? Where do we need His cleansing and renewal? Into what void of fellowship, fulfillment, or significance can we invite His revelation and power? Where might we see His glory if we would only look?

“O worship the King all-glorious above,
O gratefully sing his power and his love:
our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.

O tell of his might and sing of his grace,
whose robe is the light, whose canopy space.
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
and dark is his path on the wings of the storm.

Your bountiful care, what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
it streams down from heaven in rain from above,
and sweetly sustains in ineffable love.” ~Robert Grant (1833), PEB

Lord, humble me before Your mighty presence, and ride over and in and above and before me always that I would rejoice in and reflect Your glory.

By, To, and With

“Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,

“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

“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 1:1-9

Paul, as affirmation of his standing and authority, states from the start he’s called by God to be and do exactly what he was. His goal was sanctification, Christ-likeness, together with all the others God had named since before the foundation of the world. This was no solo journey. The how that wove all these prepositions together was the grace of God. Grace united them in salvation, and grace abounded in keeping power and benediction. (1 Corinthians 1:17-18; Ephesians 1:3-6)

The Christian life is inaugurated and secured by God’s call. He fulfills His eternal plan by wooing us to the point of trusting Him, and initiating the purpose He has that each saint be serving, growing, and thriving in fellowship with one another as they are conformed to His image. The blessing of His grace and peace, lavish thanksgiving, and mutual edification and encouragement sets the tone for rich living.

Do we know for certain we have been called by God? Chosen to be His child forever, kept in His fold and promise? If so, what evidence is there in our outlook on current and world events, if our future is certain? How would others describe our identity?

Do we understand that we have been called to bear His name and truth, His character and grace? If so, how are we living out that purpose by specific choices through our days? In our speech and interactions, if we have been made new? In our attitude toward stress and suffering, if God uses all things to conform us to Himself? What effort are we making to grow in our knowledge of God’s will? (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

What about the with in the Body of Christ? Do we shy away from others out of insecurity or a fear they will know the real me? Do we avoid mixing with fellow saints so we can just do our own thing without the mess of other personalities and opinions? How can we, knowing that God works through mutual sanctification, invest in and seek the wisdom of others for the good of the whole?

Lord, keep me wholly engaged in Your will and ways for the good of Your church and praise of Your glory.