As the rain and snow

“Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, and told them to seek mercy from God concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven:

“‘You have given me wisdom and might,
    and have now made known to me what we asked of you.'” Daniel 2:17-19,23

“‘If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?’ Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai,  ‘Go, gather all the Jews.., and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.’ Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.” Esther 4:14-17

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:13b

The Lord God had placed certain people in strategic positions for particular and far-reaching work. He could do anything by His power alone, yet had them enlist others to beseech Him for favor, revelation, and ultimately His honor. The support of these special people encouraged Daniel and Esther to proceed with confidence in otherwise tenuous situations, and enabled many to praise God for His clear answers.

There is nothing quite like the sense of being upheld by another’s prayers, buoyed inexplicably yet palpably knowing another is undertaking for us when we have an assignment to fulfill. Our finite selves can handle one thing at a time, yet the infinite God combines all efforts into His glorious one for divine outcomes. Taking part in His kingdom work through obedience and prayer is expected and thrilling. (Psalm 102:16-17; Matthew 6:10; Ephesians 3:14-19; Colossians 1:9-11)

When we’re asked to do something challenging or risky, do we try to go it alone, smugly thinking our smarts and strength are enough? Do pride or false humility keep us from procuring others to pray on our behalf? Or do we recognize that the Lord works in and through those who pray, and has lessons for, and ways of being glorified through, the many? (Ephesians 6:18-20)

How willing and eager are we to undergird others in pivotal positions or dangerous situations? Do we resort to judging motives or methods, or humbly seek God’s will and mercy upon their efforts? Do our own ‘important’ issues crowd out taking up for others in the Body? (Hebrews 10:24-25; James 5:13-16)

Those reluctant to seek prayer support or get involved in praying for others deprive themselves of God’s rich blessing. What busyness or apathy is preventing humble dependence and specific intercession? How will we better engage and undergird those around us in prayer that releases God’s marvelous flow of grace and power?

Lord, may I pray as You welcome and direct to buttress Your children and exalt Your glory.

“We ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more… For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter,.. as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

“Now… you have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands,..  so that you may walk properly before outsiders.”

“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.  For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1,3-8,9-12; 5:6b-8

“The fruit of the Spirit is… self-control.” Galatians 5:23

Paul loved the churches, and longed for their holiness. His letters were primers on the process of sanctification: a unique, mysterious, and powerful blend of the Holy Spirit at work and human body, mind, and spirit cooperating in surrender, discipline, and obedience. He urged specific abstinences and behaviors while reminding them they were indwelt and helped by God’s Spirit. Self-control in all matters and interactions was a call and commandment that required commitment and constant dependence.

Most people like to control external surroundings and schedules, and might do a decent job if no one interrupts or makes demands. But self-control, the measuring and keeping of temper and passions in line with the holy, honorable will of God, is a different discipline. It requires an intention to please the Lord God instead of ourselves, a determination that contradicts natural impulses and emotion. Our very flesh desires that burn are contrary to the pure inclinations of God, so the struggle for control is real.

And it is demanded of children of light! Self-control is an integral fruit of the Spirit, evidence and expression of His presence within. How is it manifested in our lives? Where is it missing? The One who calls us to holiness will enable us as we work with and abide in Him. Christ took on the penalty of our sin so we can shake off its power in our day to day. (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

In what areas- of temper, lust, language, indulgence- is self-control clearly lacking? Do we acknowledge these transgressions are an affront to God and harm others? Where and how can we begin to implement a quiet heart surrendered to the Lord’s sway, a shielding of faith, compassion, love, and hope that guards against errant desires, actions, and reactions? How will we cooperate more fully, and gladly, with God’s sanctifying Spirit?

Lord, keep me in constant synch with Your Spirit, under His control, to Your glory.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is… Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry… In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator… 

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:1-5,7-10,12-17

Paul brought the truth of salvation to practical application for the Colossian church. They were growing with individuals who were indeed new creations, yet former practices clung. He saw it necessary to name their habits that keep them from living fully for Christ and unity with each other. Every garment listed to put off is fashioned to please self, while every one listed to put on necessitates preferring others. They needed a new wardrobe.

Revamping the wardrobe begins with revamping the mind. In our selfie-crazed culture, so much of life is focused on self: self-promotion, self-protection, self-care, self-esteem, self-defense. We live and breathe for our passions and preferences within our parameters by our power. But life in Christ is an exchanged life. He frees us to no longer dwell on ourselves but be captivated with Him and His kingdom. He enables us to insert ‘others’ for every ‘self’-absorption, training us to upbuild, protect, care for, esteem, and defend those around us. By grace, He daily transforms and renews our minds in truth. (Romans 12:2-18)

If I have been hidden in Christ in salvation, my actions and character should reflect His. Would that the cameras of our souls refocused others! Would that we did everything in the name of the Lord!

What is earthly in me? What motives drive the choices I make? Identifying and confessing particular pride, prurience, and wayward passions will prepare me to don new and holy garments. Where can I exchange idolatry for preferring another in love, anger for meekness, malice for forgiveness, greed for generosity, dishonesty for truth? Taking account of my daily wardrobe, clearing out and fitting on Christ-like adornment, promotes sanctification and blesses the church.

“Changed from glory into glory
Till in Heav’n we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise!” ~Charles Wesley (1747)

So be it, Lord. Amen.

“As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith,.. abounding in thanksgiving.

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,  and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In him also you were circumcised… by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,  by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.  He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” Colossians 2:6-15

Paul emphasizes to the Colossian church that receiving Christ is just the beginning. It is an act of grace by God that elicits faith, gratitude, and trust. It involves a circumcision of the heart and burial of the old life, being born again and indwelt with the Spirit. This miraculous act initiates and demands transformed living that is put into motion every day by walking, established in faith, being built and growing to maturity. The old life and the enemy’s power have been disarmed, and new life is expected. Having been raised with Christ, both perspective and practice are to reflect His triumphant dominion. (Colossians 2:19; 3:1-3,5-10,12-17; 4:5-6)

The same faith, trust, and gratitude that are indicative in salvation are to be the fuel for regular Christian living. Time on earth is a journey that abounds in adventure and adversity, joy and jostling, steady climbs and harrowing descents. Being rooted in Christ and steady in faith do much to guard our steps and guide our decisions along the way.

Renewed in the mind of Christ, we are able to discern errant philosophies. Strengthened in His conquering Spirit, we are able to put off displeasing and harmful practices and put on righteous ones. Having been forgiven and made alive, we are free from shame and fear to bear fruit in newness of life. Are we seeing to these things? (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:16)

As we have received Christ, are we progressing in Him? Would we define our walk as hesitant, faltering, wayward, or steady? Would others agree? Which prohibition commands from Colossians 3 regarding moving on in Christ-likeness are particularly hard to put away? Immorality, impurity, idolatry, obscenity, anger? What default reactions and habits need forgiveness and replacement? How will I begin to realign my attitudes and behavior to grateful obedience by putting on holiness, humility, righteousness, and love?

“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.

May I run the race before me,
strong and brave to face the foe,
looking only unto Jesus
as I onward go.” ~Kate Barclay Wilkinson (1925)

Lord, help we walk in steady, long obedience that honors Your character and Name.

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
    to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
    and your faithfulness by night,
to the music of the lute and the harp,
    to the melody of the lyre.
For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
    at the works of your hands I sing for joy.

How great are your works, O Lord!
    Your thoughts are very deep!..
You, O Lord, are on high forever…

But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox;
    you have poured over me fresh oil…

The righteous flourish like the palm tree
    and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
They are planted in the house of the Lord;
    they flourish in the courts of our God.
They still bear fruit in old age;
    they are ever full of sap and green,
to declare that the Lord is upright;
    he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” Psalm 92:1-5,8,10,12-15

The psalmist knew what was good, what lifted the heart, made crisp daily vision, and filled the mind for what would transpire. He knew what brought gladness and joy to the soul and delight to the Lord. Songs of praise and thanksgiving would be his rhythm and theme through his hours because life was full and God was worthy.

It is good. It is good to give thanks, to praise God, to recount and declare His love and faithfulness throughout the day.

It is good for us because it forms thinking and shapes attitude. It is good because it necessarily puts self aside and keeps us focused on the Lord and fills our souls with wonder at His greatness, thoughts, and righteousness. It is good because these practices keep us rejoicing, shining, and conform us to His image. It is good because it makes us more pleasant. (Colossians 3:1-3)

It is good for others that we sing of God and His works all the day because it brings holy music and truths to their ears, to consider in their hearts. It is good because they see our dependence, gratitude, absolute delight and fulfillment in the One who reigns on high. It is good because it spreads beauty and light to the dark clamor of the world yearning for loftiness and satisfaction.

It is good to sing in our homes and workplaces because it settles a foundation and atmosphere for spiritual curiosity, awakening, and growth. It is good because it drives the dark of doubts away and invites laughter and shared joy. It is good because it demonstrates that no matter our circumstances or difficulties, God is unchanging, on our side, and worthy of thanks.

And it is good for the Lord to be lifted high and worshiped for all He is and does because it is fitting. He is worthy. Do I participate in the glad song of the ages?

How committed am I to exalting my Lord? How intentionally do I speak of His faithfulness and what He has done for me? Who needs a melody of hope or encouragement, a reminder of God’s ability, advocacy, marvelous deeds? How can I bring the joy-filled song of life to those who know not Jesus and are desperate for meaning? Taking the effort and time to bring music to another is transformative and honors God.

Lord, I claim this song as mine for You all the day.

“Elijah… said to Ahab, ‘As the Lord lives,.. there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word…’ The Lord [said]: ‘Depart from here, turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith… You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.’ So he went… And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and the evening, and he drank from the brook. After a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land.

“Then the Lord [said], ‘Arise, go to Zarephath… I have commanded a widow there to feed you.’ So he went… And when he came to the gate.., a widow was there… ‘Bring me a little water, that I may drink… Bring me a morsel of bread.’ ¹² She said, ‘As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.’ Elijah said, ‘Do not fear… First make me a little cake.., and afterward something for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord,.. “The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’ She went and did as Elijah said. She and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty.” 1 Kings 17:1-16

Faithful Elijah was stretched and spent as God’s truth-teller. When pointed prophecy meets wicked royalty, the water is stirred and harsh winds blow, and fear can easily set in. But God. The Lord proved Himself over and over as Guide, Protector, and Provider to His servant, never failing to undertake for his every need. Mile by mile, morning by evening, bite by drop, Elijah experienced his Lord’s exquisite sufficiency. (1 Kings 16:29-34)

In the churl and press of daily demands, activities and uncertainties can deplete us. Unsettled by foreboding media reports, undone by challenging circumstances, we can let worldly noise block out God’s voice and starve ourselves of divine nourishment. Yet as we look and listen for Him, and steadily follow His directions, we’ll find Him wholly trustworthy and enough. Step by step He leads, providing in marvelous ways that show forth His loving care and might. (Psalm 112:6-7)

Sometimes it takes our undoing to be able to recognize God’s doing, our being spent to see how He spends Himself for us. Our impossible situations and emptiness are perfect ground for His possibilities and supply. The key is to do what He says whether we know the next step or understand the how and why. His words always prove true. (Genesis 22:7-8; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Philippians 4:19)

What present circumstances have left us depleted, hungry, fretting about not having enough time, money, energy, rest, wisdom? Are we seeking the Lord’s will each day, and following as He guides? If not, how will we correct our priorities? If so, would we expect Him to show up, and rejoice in His provision? Heeding His voice and trusting His provision never fails His children.

Lord, keep me at my end so I spend every moment sustained by and living for You.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: I will save my people from the east country and from the west country, and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.

“Let your hands be strong… For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. As you have been a byword of cursing among the nations,.. so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.

“As I purposed to bring disaster to you when your fathers provoked me to wrath, and I did not relent,.. so again have I purposed in these days to bring good to Jerusalem…

“The fast[s] shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace.

“Peoples shall yet come,.. of many cities. The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the Lord and to seek the Lord of hosts; I myself am going.’ Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts and to entreat the favor of the Lord… In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” Zechariah 8:7-9a, 12-15,19-23

Chosen. Saved. Disciplined. Restored. To be a blessing. God’s people had known the calling of God to be His own, divine deliverance from slavery, the help of the Lord through wandering, the hope of promise in settling in the land, the angst of rebellion and pain of judgment. By grace and in much mercy, the Lord pledged once again to return them from scattered exile and renew them with goodness and abounding joy. God had intended from the start that they bring blessing to the nations, and He would see that initiative through. (Genesis 12:1-3)

From the beginning, God’s children have been caught up in the flow of His kingdom design. He has placed us on this earth- in our homes, workplaces, communities, and churches- not simply to pass days as a byword, but to be a blessing. He’s made us to build. Be. Possess. Produce. To be a blessing. He’s called us to speak. Judge. Rejoice. Love. To be a blessing. In faithfulness and righteousness, His purpose for us is in all aspects of life is to bless His world with goodness, peace, joy, and righteousness. (Acts 20:35; Romans 14:7; Colossians 3:23-24)

Yet, seasons include hardship, antagonism, persecution, and scattering. These may seem the antithesis to what we are to build. God in grace enriches us through stresses, sorrow, and challenges to equip us to enrich others. Can we own this perspective, and appreciate meaning in difficulties and depth in our dependence on and communion with God?

How have God’s promises given hope and illumined our way in hard times? How have we been able to bless others enduring similar trials? Whom might we bless today with encouragement, wisdom, and truth, pointing them to Christ? (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

Lord, may I so bless others that they recognize and love You.

“‘Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you… When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…

“’A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.’ So some of his disciples said to one another, ‘What is this that he says to us, “A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me”; and, “because I am going to the Father”?.. What does he mean by “a little while”? We do not know what he is talking about.’ Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them,.. ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you… Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.'” John 16:7,13a,16-24

Confusion swirled in the Teachers’ faithful disciples. He was going where they could not follow, but would prepare a place for them there? He himself was the way there? Why did He say His soul was troubled, but keep telling them not to be troubled? Much was not understood before the resurrection, then glorification of Jesus and coming of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus explained what they could handle at the time with their limited spiritual capacity. One day soon the Spirit would make these things clear, and jumble would turn to joy. (John 12:27,32-33; 13:36; 14:1-6,27)

The Lord always tells the truth, and always enough of the truth to prepare us for what is coming, but our limited minds cannot always understand His words. This side of the Cross, believers have the benefit of the indwelling Holy Spirit and His discernment, yet still, things we hear and experience do not always easily make sense. The Lord Jesus welcomes our questions and knows those unspoken.

And He has all the answers. He who is from everlasting to everlasting knows beginning from end, and promises to bring resolution. What chaos is stealing space and peace in our hearts? What questions and confusion stir stress or fear? The very act of coming to the Lord soothes the troubled spirit and trains us to set our cares and hope, and joy, in Him.

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” One day, the Lamb will conquer all that opposes and confuses. We can rejoice that we are called and chosen and faithful. (Jeremiah 33:3; Revelation 17:14)

Lord, help me, in every conundrum, to choose Your sovereign lordship and joy.

“If there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.., and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

“Therefore, my beloved,.. work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.” Philippians 2:1-11,12b-16a

Paul was no half-hearted apostle. All in with persecuting Christians before God saved him, he spent himself fully for Christ, His gospel, and His church the rest of his days. His words of persuasion and power were matched by joyful relentlessness and unwavering commitment. What encouragement or comfort in belief the Philippian church had received he stoked to become fully aflame. (Philippians 4:8-9)

In our natural selfishness, life is all about us: my agenda, my difficulties, my time, ME! We chafe at even entertaining the thought of interruption or redirection. But the Lord has mysterious ways of unclenching our desires and freeing us to serve His with abandon. His Spirit pokes and strokes to awaken holy passion, then strives along with us to see it through. Along the way He astounds us with increasing knowledge, growing faith, and conformity to Himself.

What encouragement have I received from Christ or His people and how is it propelling me to serve? What teaching refines my thinking? What comforting fellowship stirs love for others or my ability to relate? What generosity toward me has prompted me to give lavishly? How faithfully am I completing what the Lord initiates?

How fully am I striving to know Christ? What affirmation, what worldliness, will I relinquish to take hold of eternal purpose and riches? How willing am i to be poured out fully for the faith of others, spending time, energy, even health to bring life? In these things we know the Lord, receive untold bounty and blessing, and serve as a shining example for those younger in their walk. (Philippians 2:17,26-27; 3:2-14)

Lord, help me long for and press on to Your upward call and full joy, to Your honor.

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

“The Lord appeared to Solomon a second time,.. and said, ‘I have heard your prayer and your plea. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.  And as for you, if you will walk before me,.. with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you,.. then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised…’”

“Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: women from the nations concerning which the Lord had said, ‘You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.’ Solomon clung to these in love.  He had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. So Solomon… did not wholly follow the Lord… 

“And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away…

“And [Ahijah] said to Jeroboam,.. ‘Behold, I am about to tear the kingdom from Solomon…  because they have forsaken me and worshiped Ashtoreth.., Chemosh.., and Milcom.., and they have not walked in my ways, doing what is right.'” 1 Kings 9:2-5; 11:1-6,9,31b-33

The King and Israel knew the Lord’s decree: Love Me first and most, and alone. Solomon loved the Lord, but he also loved women. And those many women turned his love awry. Divided love is tainted love. There is no whole heart and soul and might when affection is shared with other gods. Entertaining no restraint nor exercising remorse, Solomon would precipitate, and future generations would suffer, the consequences of a divided heart.

God will not be mocked. He is a jealous God who demands complete allegiance and love knowing that is the way to fullness in Christ, a fulfilled personality, and His radiant glory. In kindness He warns, then works to check strange allure to foreigners and bring repentance in order to restore our relationship with Him. He allows consequences to teach us and those observing the folly of turning from Him. Holy and gracious is He! (Exodus 20:5; Romans 2:4; Galatians 6:7)

What goddesses and abominations of heart or mind am I entertaining? What worldly sweets and trinkets tempt my affection from the Lord? From what foreign lands of fame, ease, self-importance, self-indulgence, or immorality am I sharing allegiance with the Lord? How will I correct my priorities? (Revelation 2:4-5)

Where do I focus my desire each morning and spend my love each day? What will I do to align all my desire with the will of God? As we determine to love the Lord first, He fulfills every errant longing as our all in all.

Lord, purify me from all foreign affection, and give me an undivided heart for You, that Your covenant love is manifested, desired, and honored. (Psalm 86:11)