As the rain and snow

“He makes peace in your borders;
    he fills you with the finest of the wheat.
He sends out his command to the earth;
    his word runs swiftly.
He gives snow like wool;
    he scatters frost like ashes.
He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs;
    who can stand before his cold?
He sends out his word, and melts them;
    he makes his wind blow and the waters flow.
He declares his word to Jacob,
    his statutes and rules to Israel.
He has not dealt thus with any other nation;
    they do not know his rules.
Praise the Lord!” Psalm 147:14-20

Almighty God spoke the world into being, by His word sustains it, and one day will destroy its ancient foe with His breath. His word named the stars and stirs the storms and speaks love over His people. It is exact, and effectual. As it goes, it accomplishes its every intent and purpose determined by God. (Psalm 33:8-9; 147:4; Isaiah 46:10; 55:10-11; Zephaniah 3:17; Colossians 1:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:8)

How well acquainted am I with God’s infallible word? How often and regularly do I immerse myself in the treasure trove it is, seeking out wisdom, digging for insight, opening myself for conviction, submitting to correction? God’s word running swiftly in and throughout my inner being will pierce, refine, and effect an immeasurable difference in my perspective and private attitudes, my demeanor and interactions with others. (Proverbs 2:1-6; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12)

There is a sense of my needing to allow His word’s swift running in me, and to yield to its activity and persuasion. In another sense, I must adjust my gait and tempo to its speed and purpose as I go about my day. Dare not I go against the flow, or speed ahead, or lag behind.

The effect of my use of God’s word has much to do with my welcome receipt of it within. Do I pick and choose the parts I like, or allow it to constantly inform and inspire? When God’s word has me, I can carry it on. Its work and power in me become His kingdom work and power in my home, community, and world.

Will I use words to deceive or enlighten? To hide or disclose? To create or calm storms? To tear down or upbuild? What part will I play in causing God’s word to run swiftly in this land and all lands on earth, to accomplish His will as it is in heaven?

“Have thine own way, Lord! 
Have thine own way! 
Search me and try me, 
Savior today! 
Wash me just now, Lord, 
wash me just now, 
as in thy presence 
humbly I bow. 

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

Lord, run Your word swiftly and efficiently in my life to bring Holy Spirit fire and sanctification, purified desire and righteous ambition. Imprint Your word in my heart and mind to have sway in all I think, do, and say. (Matthew 6:10; Hebrews 8:10)

“When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions, having a very great retinue and camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones… She told him all that was on her mind. And Solomon answered all her questions. There was nothing hidden from Solomon that he could not explain to her. And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, and their clothing, his cupbearers, and their clothing, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her.

“And she said to the king, ‘The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, half the greatness of your wisdom was not told me; you surpass the report that I heard.'” 2 Chronicles 9:1-6

“O Lord, I have heard the report of you,
    and your work, O Lord, do I fear.
In the midst of the years revive it;
    in the midst of the years make it known.” Habakuk 3:2

“The woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?’ They went out of the town and were coming to him…

“Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony… So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word.  They said to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.’” John 4:28-30,39-42

A foreign royal, a prophet, a woman outcast. Seeking or sought out, each considered the words and works of the King and came to discover who He claimed to be. They pursued with effort, lingered in time, and probed with questions until the point of belief, an inextricable bloom of grace and faith.

Hearing about should never replace, but compel, firsthand investigation. When we consider the Lord Jesus, when we peruse His treasures of order, limitless bounty, wisdom, splendor, and providence, we must respond. We can deem Him disingenuous because we cannot reconcile His goodness with the evil in the world, or we can explore why things are not how they were intended to be, and that He alone has made a way through to triumph. We hold Him at bay, or we marvel in belief.

Once we’re hushed before His divinity and trust Him, we will tell. Salvation begets proclamation. Knowing Him, we want to make Him known!

Are we taking time to listen and learn from our Lord? How are we applying what He says and shows? What in our attitudes and actions exhibits His life-transforming power? Whom are we telling so they can have new life too? Passing on truth reinforces our faith and spurs growth in others. (Revelation 1:2-3)

Lord, incline me to know You better and to proclaim Your excellencies with zeal and joy.

“Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed.., ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ...

“These people, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones… Woe to them! For they… are shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.

“It was also about these that Enoch… prophesied, saying, ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.’ These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.

“But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.’ It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt;  save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 3-4,8,11-19

In between contend for the faith and keep yourselves in the love of God is a lot of mess. Godless, perverted, sensual sneaks. Defiled, rebellious blasphemers. Selfish, unmoored, fruitless, vacuous wanderers. Dark, ruthless grumblers. Boasters. All the ungodly with all their deeds of ungodliness. And we live in the midst, surrounded by all this stain and stumbling. How are we to live?

We are to keep ourselves in the world but not of it, in the love of God while not in the fray. But often we gripe and grouse and castigate these we disdain without realizing we’re imitating their malice and subterfuge. Like idol-makers who become like the senseless little gods they craft, we can arrogantly make a religion out of enlightenment and morph into priests of conscience. We set standards as dictators, rule as kings, and judge as judges, blind to our common guilt. (Psalm 115:4-8; 135:18; John 17:15-16)

Are we contending for and build ourselves up in a particular practice or platform, or the faith? Jesus must be primary, His gospel supreme, and God’s love the method. How can these direct and transform our penchant to scoff at scoffers and hate the haters? How will we hone discernment by God’s word, and seek ways to love and show mercy to the unlovable? God is able to keep us from stumbling and lead us!

Father, fill me with love and mercy so in the midst of the world, I glorify You.

“Sing aloud to God our strength;
    shout for joy to the God of Jacob!
Raise a song; sound the tambourine,
    the sweet lyre with the harp.
Blow the trumpet at the new moon,
    at the full moon, on our feast day…
‘I relieved your shoulder of the burden;
    your hands were freed from the basket.
In distress you called, and I delivered you;
    I answered you in the secret place of thunder;
    I tested you at the waters of Meribah. 
Hear, O my people, while I admonish you!
    O Israel, if you would but listen to me!
There shall be no strange god among you;
    you shall not bow down to a foreign god.
I am the Lord your God,
    who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.
    Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

‘But my people did not listen to my voice;
    Israel would not submit to me.
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,
    to follow their own counsels.
Oh, that my people would listen to me,
    that Israel would walk in my ways!'” Psalm 81:1-3,6-13

“You shall have no other gods before me.”

“Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments!” Deuteronomy 5:7,29

Sing aloud! Rejoice! The Lord has done great and amazing things!.. How dare He bring testing after blessing! But in the same love that motivates His graces and favor, God will not let His children flirt with strange gods or forget Him in the secret place. How natural it is in the flesh to settle for the comfy cushy of deliverance and forget the one true God who did the delivering. Relishing relief must never take the place of dependence, nor satisfaction of need the place of praise. God tests us as proof that He loves us, and is jealous for our attentive and whole-hearted devotion in return. (Genesis 22:1-2,15-17; Exodus 16:4; Deuteronomy 8:2; Job 1:6-12)

Too often the happy heart tunes out the voice of God. Strained under trials we cry out, but lifted we go our merry way. Bound by angst and evil and pain we groan, yet freed we forget. Needy we desperately plead, yet helped we flee thankless. And we chafe when distress returns, having settled into I’m finally where I deserve to be. How dare another burden! (Luke 17:12-18)

We must remember what it cost our Lord to redeem us. He bore our burden to relieve us, and was crucified so we could be delivered. He has no guile and is never capricious. He tests us to garner attention away from ease, affections from new little gods, so we revere only Him. He tests us to keep us singing and thanking Him as Savior and Giver of all good gifts. He tests desiring that we pass, and intently listen, keep open wide for Him to fill, and endeavor to walk with in His ways. (John 3:27; 1 Corinthians 4:7; James 1:17; 1 Peter 1:18-19)

Do we take salvation and ongoing heavenly communion for granted? How do we respond to God’s loving tests of our devotion? Do we chafe at conviction that redirects and corrects, or respond to His warnings with renewed adoration? Ongoing thankfulness and appreciation are supreme attitude adjusters that honor Him.

Lord, keep my heart always praising, fearing, loving, and obeying You as the only One worthy.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.’

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
    and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
    nor the destruction that wastes at noonday…

Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
    the Most High, who is my refuge—
no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
    no plague come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
    lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the adder;
    the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

‘Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
    I will protect him, because he knows my name.
When he calls to me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble;
    I will rescue him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.’” Psalm 91:1-6,9-16

Shelters protect, and shadows are on the safe side of light. The Lord stands tall and hovers close in this song, guarding not against, but within, the troubles. He goes before, surrounds, delivers. He bears up, protects, and rescues. The bigness of God is fixed against every foe, and His shadow covers all who take refuge in Him. Any taunting terror, any invading pestilence of body or soul, any pesky doubts or suffocating darkness, is small against the fortress that is God Almighty.

We face daily enemies of temptation, irritation, or despair, yet the Lord sees and is concerned with all our ways. We fear the unknown, or the threats and prognoses we do know, yet the Lord is trustworthy. He commands His angels to guard mind and emotion. They bear us up to keep us from falling. The promises of protection are for all who abide in the Lord.

Where do we run for shelter? We might say God’s our chap, skirt around His word, and skim by in wishful prayer, but never take entry into His riven side and dwell in His salvation. What keeps us resisting, fretting, trying our own defenses? When will we choose the incomparable comfort, security, and hope of putting our trust in God?

“A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

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;
Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same;
and he must win the battle.” ~Martin Luther (1529)

Most High, help me hold fast to you in love and live under Your shadow so I can know better and make known Your mighty name.

“Then we set out from Horeb and went through all that great and terrifying wilderness… And we came to Kadesh-barnea. And I said to you, ‘You have come to the hill country of the Amorites, which the Lord our God is giving us.  See, the Lord your God has set the land before you. Go up, take possession, as the Lord has told you. Do not fear or be dismayed…’ I took twelve men [and] they went up… and spied it out… and brought us word and said, ‘It is a good land that the Lord our God is giving us.’

“Yet you would not go up, but rebelled… And you murmured in your tents and said,.. ‘Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying, “The people are greater and taller than we. The cities are great and fortified up to heaven. And we have seen the sons of the Anakim there.”’  Then I said to you, ‘Do not be in dread or afraid of them.  The Lord your God who goes before you will himself fight for you… You have seen how the Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way that you went until you came to this place.’ Yet in spite of this word you did not believe the Lord.” Deuteronomy 1:19-21,23-32

It might be supposed that after years of suffering at the hands of the Egyptians, and having been miraculously delivered through the Red Sea on dry ground, the Israelites’ hearts had grown stout and strong. But in fact, they were soft, easily shaken and taken captive by fear and dread. The people too easily turned from what was known about God to magnify in their minds what-could-be about their enemies, and melted.

And aren’t we so prone? We know what we have read and experienced, and can say we believe that God is almighty and ever-present, yet we encounter any great and terrifying wildernesses of uncertainty or pain, and courage dissolves. When we see circumstances and foes as too large and impossibly ominous, our hearts melt. But when we fill our sights to see God as great, unlike any other and supreme in power, circumstances melt, at least in perception. Challenges still vie for attention and emotional investment, but we can keep their stronghold at bay by faith in the One who is greater. When will we lay these truths to heart as buttress and brace? (Deuteronomy 3:24; 4:39; 1 John 4:4)

Since attacks and trouble never wholly cease in this life, we must keep filled our storehouse of God’s deeds to shore up daily confidence. Identifying what occurrences or worries or doubts start the heart quaking can steer us to counter characteristics of the Lord. Keeping account of answered prayer, reciting His names, singing songs describing His nature and works will reinforce a high view of Him. Holding to the promises of scripture increases expectation of His providence in our circumstances.

What attributes of God are stanchions to our faith and perspective? How has this knowledge about God grown into knowing Him better as confidant, Helper, and faithful friend? What can we do to fortify our hearts in light of looming troubles? What good have we enjoyed by trusting His word, and how can we encourage someone else to do the same?

Lord, keep me focused on what You’ve promised and who You are so I fear not man but You alone. (Matthew 10:28)

“The people of Israel were assembled with fasting and in sackcloth, and… the Israelites separated themselves and stood and confessed their sins…  And they stood up and read from the Book of the Law… for a quarter of the day; for another quarter of it they made confession and worshiped the Lord their God… They cried with a loud voice to the Lord…

“’You are the Lord, you alone… You are the Lord, the God who chose… Abraham. You found his heart faithful before you… And you have kept your promise, for you are righteous.

“You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt and heard their cry at the Red Sea, and performed signs and wonders… And you made a name for yourself… And you divided the sea… By a pillar of cloud you led them, and by a pillar of fire to light for them the way they should go. You came down on Mount Sinai and… commanded them commandments… You gave bread from heaven for their hunger and brought water out of the rock for their thirst…

“But they acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey… But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them… 

“Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love,.. you have been righteous in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly.” Nehemiah 9:1-4,6-17,31-33

The wall was completed and doors set in place, making room for people to populate Jerusalem again. But when the Book of the Law was read, conviction descended. The more the people heard and saw of the Lord, the more clearly they recognized their errant ways that had dictated much of their recent history. Their only reprieve and consolation was God’s mercy. (Nehemiah 7:1-5; 8:18-9:3)

Consumed with self, we harden to the Lord’s truth. We either think too much and highly of ourselves, or turn inward with similar preoccupation to shame and loathing. Both are all about me. On the contrary, focusing on You– the holy God Almighty- compels the heart to make a U-turn. His light invades, His grace convicts, His mercy makes tender, His love cleanses.

Often, consumed with personal activities and agendas, we don’t take time for God’s word at all. We’ve relegated it as obsolete or unimportant. We evade its probing light. We justify long-ago study as sufficient, or we presently opt for pressing and preferred things. We might fear accountability, or choose lazy and make inane excuses when asked or encouraged. (Proverbs 26:14)

In order to make a U-turn in relationships, habits, or behaviors, we must first take that turn to the word. It is powerful for teaching and correcting, and will have its good way with us once we open ourselves to its living truths. Will we make it a priority this day, this week? (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)

Where has God identified that we need a change in priority, attitude, or behavior? In what areas or practices is His truth convicting, and what will we do about it? How has the light and cleansing water of His word transformed outlook, desire, and practice?

Father, turn and keep me on Your right road, always looking toward and learning from the true north of Your word, to Your glory.

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

“I consider the days of old,
    the years long ago.
I said, ‘Let me remember my song in the night;
    let me meditate in my heart.’
    Then my spirit made a diligent search…

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.”

“Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
    incline your ears to the words of my mouth!
I will open my mouth in a parable;
    I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known,
    that our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children,
    but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
    and the wonders that he has done.

He established a testimony in Jacob
    and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers
    to teach to their children,
that the next generation might know them,
    the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,
    so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God.”

“But we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
    will give thanks to you forever;
    from generation to generation we will recount your praise.” Psalm 75:1; 77:5-6,10-15a; 78:1-7; 79:13

God is a God of numbers and wonders. Along with all things, He created counting, and our ability to recount His manifold works, deliverances, and graces. He does all things well and intends that we recall those things and the goodness behind them with wonder. He calls us to continue the telling of His might and kindness to tie the past to present and future over years and generations. Recounting in mind and with lips readjusts focus, fills with hope, and assuages fear and frustration. It rewards the soul with gratitude and anticipation, and bolsters the sense of God’s nearness, guidance, guarding, and glory. (Mark 7:37)

When we recount the works of God’s hand and strong arm we give reward to others by increasing awareness of the divine, awakening faith and thankfulness, and prompting praise. Our marveling can be contagious as others behold His greatness, intervention, and care.

How has recounting what the Lord has done changed our attitude toward hard things? Lifted our expectations? Elevated our conversations? Has it pulled us above earthly wrangling, petty complaining, and fruitless fretting? Is it turning talk about ourselves to praise of His name and renown?

In what venues are we raising hope and wonder? How can we make a difference for the weary and discouraged, the downcast and broken-hearted? What are we proclaiming and modeling to bolster the next generation in faith and hope in the Lord? Personal inclination toward the Lord and recounting His wonders inspires others and exalts our Christ.

Lord, establish in and through me a bright, bold testimony of Your great deeds, so that many trust and thank You forever.

“The heart is deceitful above all things,
    and desperately sick;
    who can understand it?
‘I the Lord search the heart
    and test the mind,
to give every man according to his ways,
    according to the fruit of his deeds.’

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
    save me, and I shall be saved,
    for you are my praise.
Behold, they say to me,
    ‘Where is the word of the Lord?
    Let it come!..’

“Thus said the Lord to me: ‘Go and stand in the People’s Gate… and say: “Hear the word of the Lord..: Take care for the sake of your lives…” Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck, that they might not hear and receive instruction.’

“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? declares the Lord.  I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name… How long shall there be lies in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart, who think to make my people forget my name?” Jeremiah 17:9-10,14-15, 19-21,23; 23:23-27

“Where shall I go from your Spirit?
    Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:7-10

God’s prophecy through Jeremiah pierces to divide the soul and spirit of Israel. Its piercing tip points at false prophets who attempted to hide their deception and lies, and stings the core of all who would with stiff neck deceive. God is surely at hand beside every desperately wicked heart, eager to change its incline, able to heal. (Hebrews 4:12)

To people around us, it is fairly easy to present ourselves a pretty package, cleaned up, under control. But to God, who fills heaven and earth and knows us intimately, we cannot keep our sin secret behind smiling façade and neat dress. He sees the filth we try to hide. He is at hand to convict, expose, and cleanse. What a merciful redeemer! (Mark 7:21-23)

And if he is at hand ready to forgive every sin, He is also at hand ready to meet every need. He is an ever present help in trouble, a father to the fatherless, the God of all comfort, our strength in weakness and ever-present advocate and intercessor. (Psalm 46:1; 68:5; 2 Corinthians 1:3; 12:9; Hebrews 7:25)

Why do we worry? Why do we fear? What do we lack? What causes despair? Our loving God is at hand! Hearing our cries! Strong to save! Upholding and undergirding and leading us forward! For those who lie sleepless and fretting, He gives rest! For those who stew in anger or roil with bitterness, He washes clean and transforms hearts! What keeps us from appealing to this gracious God at hand? What cares can we place in His loving mighty hands today? (Ezekiel 36:26; Matthew 11:28)

Lord, keep me alert to Your nearness and Your word foremost so I live to exalt Your name.

“Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father… 

“The anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. As his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

“Now, little children, abide in him.”

“No one who abides in him keeps on sinning… Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. By this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.”

“By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit… Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” 1 John 2:24,27-28; 3:6a,24; 4:13,15-16

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Abide: to remain stable or fixed in a state; to continue in a place; sojourn; to live or stay somewhere; to remain or dwell

John, who began his gospel introducing Jesus as the Word, recorded many words about his Savior so that readers would know Him, and know that they had eternal life in Him. The deeper the word was planted, the longer it remained, the more fruit it would bear. If all that he’d written and they’d read abided in them, it could not help but make a significant, wide difference for the present and forever. (John 1:1-4,14; 20:31; 1 John 5:13)

If one thing abides, no other thing can remain in that same place. When what we hear from the Lord’s word takes up position and possession in our affections, understanding, and motivation, all former voices must be silenced. Every unrighteous desire, errant impulse, and lie we’ve believed need to go or get moved out. Abide in Me, and let my words abide in you. The Lord commands sole custody of our hearts to bring about the beauties of His glory. (Matthew 6:24; John 15:7-8)

What messages do we allow to take up room in our consciences, our outlook, our daily decisions? Do we entertain misconceptions about shame, grace, God’s love, or justice, that we need to replace with solid truth from His word? Would we welcome it to abide in our choices and drive and hopes, to bloom with love and kindness and generosity? God’s word abiding will never return void. (Isaiah 55:10-11)

“Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of your holy word.
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness,..
Cause our faith to rise
Cause our eyes to see,
Your majestic love and authority.
Words of power that can never fail;
Let their truth prevail over unbelief.” ~Stuart Townend and Keith Getty (2005)

Lord, keep Your word abiding in me, bearing beauty for Your glory.