As the rain and snow

“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’  And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.  These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

“And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:1-7

Once filled with the Spirit, the apostles got to work to change the world. Early persecution scattered them to places God would claim more and more disciples, and the continual guidance and boldness from the Holy Spirit effected widespread and multiplied belief. Through preaching, praying, and serving others the truth was spread. God used His word spoken, pleaded, and practiced to draw His children to passionate obedience and ministry. (Acts 2:1-11; 4:1-4; 5:17-21,40-42)

The wider we look in the world, the more dissension, disenfranchisement, and despair we see. This world needs the word of God. It needs people who are willing to preach with honesty and boldness. It needs people callousing their knees in fervent prayer. It needs the hands and feet of Jesus to provide practical needs in a winsome way to set the gospel’s hospitable table of grace.

Where and how are we participating in God’s mission to the world? We may be called to seasons of preaching, seasons of praying, seasons of serving. Certainly all are integral parts of the Christian life. Are we committed no matter where and what?

Are we ready for both the public and hidden ministries, willing for the glamorous and the menial? How eager are we to follow God’s lead in any assignment, dependent on and filled with His Spirit, so His work, not ours, is accomplished? He’s gifted us for specific works, and appoints us to specific tasks, working into us humility as He works out of us His ends. (Acts 17:24-27; Romans 12:3-8,12; Ephesians 2:10)

“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, keep me fervent and zealous for You wherever You appoint in every season, that Your word, love, and grace might be seen, and that You be loved and honored.

“Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he took him bound in chains along with all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah who were being exiled to Babylon. The captain of the guard took Jeremiah and said to him, ‘The Lord your God pronounced this disaster against this place. The Lord has brought it about, and has done as he said. Because you sinned against the Lord and did not obey his voice, this thing has come upon you. Now, behold, I release you today from the chains on your hands. If it seems good to you to come with me to Babylon, come, and I will look after you well, but if it seems wrong to you to come with me to Babylon, do not come. See, the whole land is before you; go wherever you think it good and right to go. If you remain, then return to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon appointed governor of the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people. Or go wherever you think it right to go.’ So the captain of the guard gave him an allowance of food and a present, and let him go.” Jeremiah 40:2-5

Having been bound for exile along with other Israelites as God had prophesied through him, Jeremiah is released and given a gracious offer from the Babylonian captain of the guard. Acknowledging the accuracy of the prophet’s warning, he allows him a choice of where to live, gives him food and a present, and lets him go. We do not know what that present was, but its mere mention is a reminder of God’s kind, generous above-and-beyond provision for His children. His servant had suffered much over years of faithful obedience, and the Lord had not only not forgotten him, but would supply unexpected blessing.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

And still our Lord does for His own. In our faithfulness to honor Him, He blesses us. In our diligent searching, painful suffering, and unselfish serving, God always returns to us more than we give Him or can ask or imagine. His heavenly abundance reaches every area of life: storehouse, soul, and spirit. (2 Chronicles 9:12)

What unexpected presents has God given along with tenuous circumstances or hardship in our current life? Are we adequately in tune with Him so we recognize His and a present gifts? Have we enjoyed the added favor of another’s encouragement or help, an unanticipated financial provision, a specific physical protection, an insight we would not otherwise have gained, a surprise kindness? However He has given that kiss of more, have we thanked Him for the present and the love behind it?

Are there places we can be God’s hands and heart to supply such surprises to others? Whom do we know in particular circumstances who need something particular, or more than they have? What need beckons our attention, what sadness our balm, what lack a provision? How might we, in gratitude for God’s abundance, be part of His present to them?

Lord, keep me alert to, grateful for, and generous with Your unexpected gifts.

“Then Job answered and said:

“I have heard many such things;
    miserable comforters are you all.
Shall windy words have an end?
    Or what provokes you that you answer?
I also could speak as you do,
    if you were in my place;
I could join words together against you
    and shake my head at you.
I could strengthen you with my mouth,
    and the solace of my lips would assuage your pain…

“Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven,
    and he who testifies for me is on high.
My friends scorn me;
    my eye pours out tears to God,
that he would argue the case of a man with God,
    as a son of man does with his neighbor.” Job 16:1-5,19-21

“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 8:31-34

Job in his misery found comfort on earth elusive. His children were dead, his wife told him to ‘curse God and die,’ and his friends so far had blamed him for his misfortune and suffering. Finding no consolation in their windy words nor anyone to defend him, Job turned to the only true Advocate he knew. His God would count and hold and understand his tears, He would tend to his plea. He was on Job’s side and ever would be. This righteous man may have felt alone on earth, but he had a sure heavenly witness and comrade. (Job 1:13-22; 2:9; Psalm 56:8)

There are times we’re tempted to puddle in self-pity, unable to stop the downward spiral of rue and woe. Mesmerized with painful circumstances, grief’s gravity can take us to angry haunts and bitterness. Personal hardships become everybody’s bane when my countenance and language whine.

A small adjustment fixing our vision on the Victor makes a significant difference in reaction to a harsh and punishing world. Retaliation and lamentation turn to praise in Christ’s plea. Will we exchange woe is me for worthy is He? Nobody’s with me for God is for me..? The Lord our divine Defense stands with us, speaks for us, and guards us from condemnation. Will we sorrow or sing?

“When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow,
for I will be with you in trouble to bless,
and sanctify to you your deepest distress.

“When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace all-sufficient shall be your supply;
the flame shall not hurt you; I only design
your dross to consume and your gold to refine.

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

Heavenly Advocate, help me take hope that every trial refines as gold because You live and act on my behalf for Your glorious purposes. (Job 23:10; 42:2,5)

“The Lord sent Nathan to David. He said to him, ‘There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor.  The rich man had very many flocks and herds, but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb… He brought it up, and it grew up with him and his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms… Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it…’ Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, ‘The man who has done this deserves to die, and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and had no pity.’

“Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man! Thus says the Lord.., “I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah… Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife… Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me…”’ David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.'” 2 Samuel 12:1-10,13

Emotions pull and tension builds as the prophet Nathan unfolds the poignant story, and just as instantly as David reacts in just anger, he is convicted to the core of his depraved being upon realizing he was the man. Again as instantly, the Lord God forgives him the agonizing sin that had worked such painful destruction. What he could not undo and would be haunted by in time to come his Lord declared undone by grace, and permanently. (2 Samuel 18:33; Psalm 51:3-12)

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
    whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
    and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” Psalm 32:1-2

There are times deeds done produce indescribable agony and unbearable regret. When we cannot undo what we’ve done or has been done to us, cannot exact justice the way we think deserving or untangle the whys, we can fall on God’s mercy. Christ bore all past, present, and future pain on Calvary, and offers us- the undeserving- His balm. He undid our sin and its fallout by putting its power to death, and in exquisite love applies the forgiveness, cleansing, and peace of reconciliation to us. (Psalm 65:2-4a; Romans 5:1-2,11; 2 Corinthians 7:10)

Do we live in this freedom and joy? What in our beliefs and willingness to extend grace to others indicates full acceptance of Christ’s forgiveness? Claiming we cannot forgive ourselves is a slap in the face to our It is finished Savior. What ‘dones’ need we leave at His cross once for all? How will we go forth differently? (John 19:30)

Father, keep me rejoicing in Your gift of undoing my sin and the hope that one day all regret and struggle will be untrue forever.

“Both prophet and priest are ungodly;
    even in my house I have found their evil,
declares the Lord…
They commit adultery and walk in lies..,
    so that no one turns from his evil…

“Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. They say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, ‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.’

“For who among them has stood in the council of the Lord
    to see and to hear his word,
    or who has paid attention to his word and listened?..

“I did not send the prophets,
    yet they ran;
I did not speak to them,
    yet they prophesied.
But if they had stood in my council,
    then they would have proclaimed my words to my people,
and they would have turned them from their evil way,
    and from the evil of their deeds.

“Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name… Let him who has my word speak my word faithfully… Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, declares the Lord, who steal my words from one another.., who use their tongues and declare, ‘declares the Lord…’ I am against those who prophesy lying dreams, declares the Lord, and who tell them and lead my people astray by their lies and their recklessness, when I did not send them or charge them. So they do not profit this people at all.” Jeremiah 23:11,16-18,21-25a,28b,30-32

With hard message after sober judgment followed by more of the same, Jeremiah spoke stinging words for lying prophets who led God’s people astray. He would hold them accountable for the ungodly, evil course they espoused, forth told, and condoned. If they despised God’s true word and avoided standing in His council, He would despise them and the fallout of their wicked counsel. (Psalm 1:1-6)

It is one thing to determine and give counsel from a gathered popular line of thought, according to feelings and preferences, or that benefit personal ends. It is a stark quite another to take counsel in the council of God and be prepared with His wisdom and words. Our lives generally follow one course or the other. The danger with the selfish secular way is deception into idolatry and wrong thinking about God that results in separation, fear, and bitterness. The triumph of God’s way is freedom in the knowledge and application of truth that results in security and peace.

Before deciding on counsel, either to take or give, where do we look? What is our foundation, our filter? Taking time in the council of God, we observe His ways and glean from His mind. His Spirit can help us know what course would be best. If we seek those who avoid biblical truth or controversy, or prophesy for selfish profit, we’ll find them a detriment. When and how will I search the true word?

Lord, give me discernment to know and understand Your word, and to declare it for others’ good and Your renown.

“Then Moses said to God, ‘If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask me, “What is his name?” what shall I say to them?’ God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am… Say this to the people of Israel: “I am has sent me to you… The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.” This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.'” Exodus 3:13-15

“We give thanks to you, O God;
    we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.” Psalm 75:1

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

God’s name is the embodiment and proclamation of who and all He is, above all others and uncontainable. This high, matchless, excellent name of the transcendent God and Savior is to be revered, feared, adored, and trusted. He is near His children, His name at their ready call: Rock, Fortress, Shield, Deliverer, Counselor, Father, Peace. (1 Kings 8:27; Philippians 2:9-11)

In the flesh and through our lives, man seeks to make a name for himself, to be noticed and known. Yet often he sees no tie to God, even choosing to go by first name only without thought for or interest in heritage or legacy, no connection to the eternal. Defining ourselves we sever ties to others and our Maker.

Contrast this with the everlasting name of God, by whom He lives and works on our behalf and by whom we as His own are identified. By nature the Lord God is relational. Not only is His great name near us to draw and shape and keep, but upon salvation He imprints His name on us to identify us as His forever.

We give thanks, for your name is near.

How well do we know His names? How often recount and praise them? If at hand, they can be called upon, crawled into, clutched, claimed. Do we keep it in close proximity to our inner struggles, motives, impulses, and senses?

We give thanks, for your name is near.

Where His name is near, His power is available. His righteousness adorns us, His grace infuses us, His love washes us and fills us to overflow. He hears us, keeps us, guide us, inspires us. How are we manifesting that name at home and abroad? When someone does not bring out the best in me, would I trust the Lord to bring out His best in me?

We give thanks, for your name is near.

“Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart,
come quickly from above;
write thy new name upon my heart,
thy new best name of Love.” ~Charles Wesley (1742)

Lord, keep me so near Your name that it is imprinted on my character, demeanor, and actions and exhibited in all I say and do, to Your exaltation and glory.

We give thanks, for your name is near.

“Thus says the Lord,

‘I remember the devotion of your youth,
    your love as a bride,
how you followed me in the wilderness,
    in a land not sown.
Israel was holy to the Lord,
    the firstfruits of his harvest.
All who ate of it incurred guilt;
    disaster came upon them…

‘What wrong did your fathers find in me
    that they went far from me,
and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?
They did not say, “Where is the Lord
    who brought us up from the land of Egypt,
who led us in the wilderness,
    in a land of deserts and pits,
in a land of drought and deep darkness..?”
And I brought you into a plentiful land
    to enjoy its fruits and its good things.
But when you came in, you defiled my land
    and made my heritage an abomination.
The priests did not say, “Where is the Lord?”
    Those who handle the law did not know me;
the shepherds transgressed against me;
    the prophets… went after things that do not profit.

‘Therefore I still contend with you,..
    and with your children’s children I will contend.
For… examine with care;
    see if there has been such a thing.
Has a nation changed its gods,
    even though they are no gods?
But my people have changed their glory
    for that which does not profit.
Be appalled, O heavens, at this;
    be shocked, be utterly desolate,
declares the Lord,
for my people have committed two evils:
they have forsaken me,
    the fountain of living waters,
and hewed out cisterns for themselves,
    broken cisterns that can hold no water…

‘Have you not brought this upon yourself
    by forsaking the Lord your God,
    when he led you in the way?
And now what do you gain by going to Egypt
    to drink the waters of the Nile?
Or what do you gain by going to Assyria
    to drink the waters of the Euphrates?
Your evil will chastise you,
    and your apostasy will reprove you.
Know and see that it is evil and bitter
    for you to forsake the Lord your God;
    the fear of me is not in you,
declares the Lord God of hosts…

‘I planted you a choice vine,
    wholly of pure seed.
How then have you turned degenerate
    and become a wild vine?'” Jeremiah 2:2-3,5-13,17-19,21a

The heavenly Bridegroom recounts His bride Israel’s early loyalty and love, then uncovers their curious betrayal. He’d brought them into a land plentiful with good things, yet their senses grew perverse, their devotion turned to defilement, their adoration to abomination. They failed to remember His miraculous deliverance from slavery and continual care through the wilderness. They neglected to inquire of Him. They had exchanged the true God for changing gods, and the glory of their inheritance for what did not profit. They had deserted their sacred union and would reap the fallout.

How true this still is today! Oh beloved, have we turned our backs on the true God? How have we failed to revere Him by independence and self-righteousness, careless language and casual choices of entertainment? When did we get smug about grace and forget its cost? What strange lovers have captured our devotion and need be eradicated? (Jeremiah 3:12-15,22-23; Romans 6:1-2; Revelation 2:4-5)

In mercy, the Lord will never stop contending to turn back His bride. Intimacy with Him is ours for the yielding- yielding up of idols, and to His loving proposal.

Lord, revive pure devotion as Your betrothed to reflect Your love and faithfulness.

“When they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, ‘Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them…

“‘In this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,  to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’ And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold  and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” Acts 4:24,27-35

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Boldness begat brute opposition begat brave proclamation begat bolder prayer. The disciples were learning life without Jesus in the flesh now fueled by His Spirit within, and their muscles stretched and strengthened with each day. Trust and public tests led to large and confident asking for more, and God answered by shaking. He shook off reluctance and fear, shook awake fire in speech, rich fellowship, and lavish generosity. (Acts 4:5-23)

Prayer that begins with acknowledging Who God is and what He has done sets the mind aright: high view of God, humbled, dependent. Prayer that is based on His character and truth attaches need to His wonders, desire to His will. God responds in palpable power in and among His people. His Spirit equips and emboldens, igniting courage, passion, selflessness, and compassion. Prayer that opens God’s children to His ministry results in significant changes of mindset, habit, and direction. What does my prayer life reveal about my view of and relationship to God Almighty, and my kingdom priorities? If it begins and ends with me, it needs some shaking.

What needs such revival and fresh energy in our lives? Is our prayer life limp and anemic, visionless? (Do we even have one?) Have we grown complacent in spiritual growth or service to our church or others? Have we allowed success to numb desperation, or age to diminish effort or passion? As the Lord brings us through changing seasons, He intends and commands constant filling for each such a time. He faithfully determines needs and the means to fulfill them. (Esther 4:14; Ephesians 5:18)

Lord, guard me from dwindling in passion and prayer by shaking me daily to Your call, work, and glory.

“I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring.” Isaiah 44:3

“I will put my Spirit within you.” Ezekiel 36:27

“And it shall come to pass afterward,
    that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…
    in those days I will pour out my Spirit.” Joel 2:28,29

“You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now…. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”Acts 1:5,8

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

“And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, ‘How is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?… We hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.’ And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’” Acts 2:1-4,6-7,11-12

Caught up in the frenzy of recent happenings- the crucifixion, reappearance, and ascension of their leader, and anxious anticipation of what was to come without Him present- the followers of Jesus were bewildered, amazed, and perplexed at the Spirit’s remarkable manifestation. Yes, Jesus Himself had prepared them, and the scriptures had informed them. Luke in hindsight put these messages together, but in their day to day, they’d failed to connect the dots. The tyranny of the urgent had upended perspective and masked the truth God was unfolding.

“You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.” Matthew 22:29

We are similarly caught off guard thru varying reasons and decisions. We choose to pay attention to what we prefer to know. We’re up to date on current news (someone else deems vital), cultural trends, and famous opinions, but don’t understand God’s perspective. We relish sound bites and regurgitate group think while remaining biblically illiterate. We let sorrow, regret, fear, or anger run rampant, and lose hold of our spiritual plumb.

We become dumbfounded by wrongly assuming certain behavior begets perfect marriage and children. We get perplexed when smug claims to rights to advancement, success, or retribution do not come to pass. We question suffering and God’s withholding mercy, yet are ignorant of God’s higher purposes. Of course we’re surprised at unusual events if we never study and stay grounded in God’s ways, warnings, and promises. When did we last seek His view on current circumstances? (Job 23:10; Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 8:28)

With what do we fill our minds first thing? First-hand immersion (not someone else’s take) in the scriptures provides heavenly lenses through which to see and understand life. What do our actions reveal about our priorities? The devil will distract us, but we can ask for the Spirit’s help and desire to make practical changes in His power.

Lord, give me Your mind and ongoing commitment to know, trust, and live Your word.

“Behold, I will gather them from all the countries to which I drove them in my anger and wrath and great indignation. I will bring them back to this place, and I will make them dwell in safety. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul.

“For thus says the Lord: Just as I have brought all this great disaster upon this people, so I will bring upon them all the good that I promise them.” Jeremiah 32:37-42

When God says He will, He means it. His word is fixed, His promises trustworthy. He provides all we need for a life of godliness and choosing Him over any other gods. He does for us so we may in holy fear do for Him. (Psalm 119:89; Titus 2:11-14; 2 Peter 1:3)

This Lord who delivers and makes to dwell safely, who takes us as His own and unites our heart for Him, is worth our fear and following. Yet, we turn. We make light of His promises and commands, we prefer our ways and ideas. We like to play king over our world, and manage decisions and destiny. We fear man more than God, valuing their approval or fearing their reprisal more than His.

What breeds this disloyalty? Insecurity in who we are in Christ? Do we put more weight on personal achievements and others’ affirmation than on the love of Christ written with His blood? If we keep glancing askance between His will and cultural priorities, we will fall. If we fully trust His truth to and about us, we will be firmly established. Which will it be? The Lord issues His covenants to elicit a whole-life response. He delights in us as we take delight in Him.

“Come, thou Fount of every blessing;
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above;
praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
mount of God’s unchanging love!

Here I raise my Ebenezer;
hither by thy help I’m come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure,
safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger,
interposed his precious blood.

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, may I use the freedom You’ve won and given to fear and serve You with my whole heart and soul, to Your honor and praise.