As the rain and snow

“Do not boast about tomorrow,
    for you do not know what a day may bring.” Proverbs 27:1

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34

“And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’” Luke 12:19-20

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’—  yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:13,14

A sudden loss. Medical diagnosis. Dreaded call. Unexpected announcement. Devastating storm. A happenstance meeting. Birth. Spiritual epiphany. Happy news. Relational breakthrough. In the course of a moment, or 24 hours, any number of occurrences can jolt our senses and plans in ways we never would have imagined. And godly wisdom teaches that we not set fretting or undue curiosity upon them, but keep fixed in joy and trust in the Lord. Emotions and inner turmoil only eclipse the greater purposes He intends.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

We do not know what a day may bring, but we can know Who brings the day. And He who brings days determines with perfection and grace what the days bring. They are full of lurches, surprises, twists and turns, all instruments in His loving hands for the furthering of His plans, our good, and His ultimate glory.

Scripture teaches that we are to settle our times within His care and keeping, and our minds to seeking and developing godly wisdom for each day and circumstance. It is there we know Him best and can fully engage in His kingdom purposes. We are to be invested in the present, not our consternation about what may or may not happen, or stress over what has. When we ask, What am I to learn about God in this, how would He change me or what would He teach me?, we begin to energize that heart of wisdom He tends to so well. (Psalm 90:12)

“He will be the stability of your times,
    abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge;
    the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.” Isaiah 33:6

What tremors or shocks have unsettled a recent day? What do we dread about days to come? Would we choose to settle these in minds staid on the Lord who makes each day and holds it in His faithfulness? How will we surrender anew, and to what promises will we cling, so we daily expect great things from our great God, no matter what transpires? (Isaiah 26:3)

Lord, teach me to receive and handle each day You bring with wisdom, joy, peace, and determination to give You glory.

“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,  though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,  and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.  The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.  But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Paul never saw mercy as being for himself to relish and hoard. Certainly as its undeserving recipient, he knew its strong embrace, tender wash, and secure welcome, and never stopped being astounded, and grateful. But mercy changed him from seeing God’s gifts for himself alone. It opened his eyes to Him: His staggering generosity, compassion, and grace against his depravity, and His divine, wide purpose. It ushered in God’s glory as it would be manifest in his life and ministry and the world He allowed him to effect. Paul’s waste of a wretched life was transformed by mercy so Christ Jesus could be displayed in all His splendor through him. Paul could only give God the glory. (Romans 7:24-25a)

In the flesh our world revolves around us. We see circumstances in light of how they affect our comfort and plans, or what we can do to avoid or take advantage of certain aspects. Our prayers are often concerned with everything in relation to us and our universe of wants and abilities and dreams and loves and schedules.

But in Christ, we gain a loftier perspective on all things, here and above and beyond the now. We learn to see occurrences in light of eternity, and God’s gifts with a view for holy, heavenly purpose. The kingdom of my provincial world becomes the kingdom of the vast, infinite Lord when we orient ourselves around Him. (Revelation 11:15)

How does the rich fresh mercy of God affect us? Have we received its pursuing attention and cleansing unto salvation? If so, have we stopped there, relieved, complacent to rest, immune to its Spirit sway? Or do we daily recognize that but for the overflowing grace of God we would be lost and without hope, and therefore must respond to so lavish a love? If we truly understand the far-reaching power of Christ’s mercy to us, we will respond in wholehearted humility, gratitude, and surrender. We who have been captured for eternal life will want nothing more than to proclaim and exhibit that life in its splendid, Christ-like fullness for others to share.

How can we recenter our lives around Jesus? What priorities of time, affection, and focus can we allow Him to reestablish so in everything, everything, His character and beauty are displayed?

Lord, identify the places I have failed to reflect You, and reorder them by Your mercy unto Your renown, exaltation, and glory.

“Do not toil to acquire wealth;
    be discerning enough to desist.
When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
    for suddenly it sprouts wings,
    flying like an eagle toward heaven.” Proverbs 23:4-5

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…

“Do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:19-21,31-33

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” Luke 16:10-11

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

The images God uses to describe the transience of wealth are vivid and germain to everyday living. Like an eagle toward heaven. Rusted and moth-eaten. Disappearing. Indeed, the fleeting things of man pale in comparison to the eternal treasures of God. What man accumulates for himself is self-serving, what man amasses and implements for God’s eternal kingdom is God-honoring.

The Lord often gives in abundance because He desires His people learn His same motives, lavish freedom, joy, and generosity. He expects us to employ the gifts He bestows. What is important is where our eyes light and what and whom we love. Those with the gift of giving generously set sights on possibilities and love God’s mission in the world. They take great delight in making money and gathering resources because they are able to connect them to vision and need with vibrant mind and open hands. (Romans 12:3,6-8)

What is my honest assessment of wealth? Do I value temporal goods of the world more than the spiritual riches I have been entrusted with in Christ? Are my dreams, desires, and plans more tethered to goods of this world or treasures in the next? What do my weekly expenditures tell of my monetary priorities? Am I inspired by generous donors, or jealous of their lifestyle and ability to give? (Romans 8:32; Ephesians 1:3)

What are some steps we can take to develop faithfulness with the wealth we have? Where can we spend less on ourselves, and more to bless and help others and advance God’s kingdom? When will we take time to pray thoughtfully about our spending habits and stewardship perspective, confessing greed and stinginess, and asking for Christ’s impulses to control our desire and actions? How can we turn wistful wealth to that used in worthy, God-honoring ways?

Lord, help me handle the abundant riches You give with lavish, selfless, joyful generosity for Your kingdom’s sake and the glory of your grace.

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

“The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:

‘Do not be afraid, Abram.
    I am your shield,
    your very great reward.'” Genesis 15:1

“My shield is with God,
    who saves the upright in heart.” Psalm 7:10

“The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
    and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 27:7

“Our soul waits for the Lord;
    he is our help and our shield.” Psalm 33:20

“You are my hiding place and my shield;
    I hope in your word.” Psalm 119:14

Shield: A broad piece of armor made of rigid material and strapped to the arm or carried in the hand for protection against hurled or thrusted weapons; A person or thing that provides protection.

The psalmist describing the Lord as his shield presupposes God’s promise to his forefather Abraham centuries before. He understood the practical and eternal protection of God on His people. He believed that the Lord had indeed guarded His word to him and the Israelite nation, and provided His shield of fire and cloud as they wandered through the wilderness and in battle as they conquered the promised land. This same God was his daily shield of heart, soul, and body in every onslaught he faced, tangible and intangible.

We can sing with this same confidence. The Lord is also our shield for spirit and life. Daily we face enemies we may not even be aware of or recognize, yet the Lord stands sentry over our souls, guaranteeing our sure salvation. He is ready to withstand every fiery dart, guarding against despair, fatigue of zeal, doubt, and fear. Praising Him as such reminds us and fortifies daily resolve to stand firm in Him. (Ephesians 1:13-14; 6:10-17)

“O worship the King all-glorious above,
O gratefully sing his power and his love:
our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.” ~Robert Grant (1833)

What form and force of foe are we facing today, seen or unseen? Do we have to interact with antagonizing, irritating, or unpredictable individuals? Are we dealing with uncertainties, disruptions, or dread over things we cannot control? Do we believe God’s pledge to encircle and protect us, and therefore remain, with eyes lifted, at peace? How will we take up His shield against specific threatening thoughts, temptations, and circumstances?

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

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

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

No matter what barrage are we facing, our Shield is sufficient and strong.

Lord, keep me hidden unafraid and rejoicing in all You ordain to transpire, and bold to go forth within the shield that is Your might and glory.

“Then Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them, and he came down from offering the sin offering and the burnt offering and the peace offerings.  And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, and when they came out they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people.  And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.

“Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said to Aaron, ‘This is what the Lord has said: “Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.”’ And Aaron held his peace.” Leviticus 9:22-10:3

Blaze of holy acceptance. Burning of feverish passion. Consuming flames of judgment. Fire from God and within the heart of man takes different forms and performs different functions, but always leaves its irreversible mark. The fire God created for both good and harm must be discerned.

And how do we accomplish that? Emotion swells at the completion of a great feat, or under the glow of satisfaction at receiving approval of it. Passions and impulse ignite when euphoria summons, ofttimes leading to rash decisions. The shocking blow of sudden change or death can arrest our most joy-filled intentions, and leave us paralyzed. In order to test the fire of God and utilize it for His purposes, we must discern according to His righteous standard.

It’s vital we consecrate ourselves to rid of preconceptions and unhealthy or godless motives. Coming clean before the holy God issues clear sight and a pure heart to know His ways and will. What fascinations, selfish interest, or prurient dabbling are tainting our ability to determine what is of God and what is not? Is there some tug of temptation, or stain of long-held sin habit, that needs be cut off or out? Are there loose emotions that we unwisely give sway to control (and contort) our decision-making? When the Lord inspires and leads, He does so with order, reason, and mutual spiritual testifying. (Leviticus 10:10-11; 11:44; Romans 8:16; 1 Corinthians 14:33; James 3:17)

We can rejoice in God’s flames. He is faithful to bless and direct. He is kind to separate and consume worthless dross. And He is as loving to check unholy desire as He is to ignite holy fire to be used for His redemptive ends.

“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, grant discernment for Your holy fire, and set my heart aflame with an acceptable offering of praise and glory.

“Concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves 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… We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you… See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10; 5:12-13a,15

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13

“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.  But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?  Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ” 1 John 3:16-18; 4:10-11

Love as Christ loves. Lay down your life for your friends. Love your enemies and pray for them. Be patient and humble and kind. These are tall orders for the child of God, but expected heavenly standards. They do not come naturally, but by the word’s instruction and Spirit’s enabling, the vital and required become reality. (Matthew 5:44)

The old commandment for God’s people rang in the early church and still tolls today. The call and example of Christ remind us that only in laying down our lives and all the passions that drive us can we make wise choices conducive to God’s free flowing love. He helps us discern misplaced affections, identify weaknesses, and steels the will to denounce them and do the right thing. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; 1 John 2:5-7; Leviticus 19:18)

How actively do we practice the specific attitudes and actions God lists within our relationships? Where are we getting deterred by worldly comparisons or personal preferences, and need to gaze at the cross for realignment? Whom is God teaching us to love more, and better? ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; 1 John 2:15-16)

“Spirit of God, who dwells within my heart, 
wean it from sin, through all its pulses move. 
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as you are, 
and make me love you as I ought to love. 

Did you not bid us love you, God and King, 
love you with all our heart and strength and mind? 
I see the cross— there teach my heart to cling. 
O let me seek you and O let me find! 

“Teach me to love you as your angels love, 
one holy passion filling all my frame: 
the fullness of the heaven-descended Dove; 
my heart an altar, and your love the flame.” ~George Croly (1854)

Lord, ever direct my heart to the love of God and steadfastness of Christ in loving others in Your name and for Your sake and glory. (2 Thessalonians 3:5)

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;
    another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
    and one who waters will himself be watered…

“The righteous will flourish like a green leaf…
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life…

“A good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways…
Blessed is he who is generous to the poor…

“The cheerful of heart has a continual feast.”

“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,
    for he shares his bread with the poor.” Proverbs 11:24-25,28,30a; 14:14b, 21b; 15:15b; 22:9

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.  By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others.” 2 Corinthians 9:11-13

There is great return in letting go when God is in the mix and motive. Sticky fingers indicate stingy hearts, but hands opened wide to give are those empty to receive. What the world deems fiscally prudent is inside out in the eyes of the all-bountiful Lord. God’s economy is mysterious and supernatural, and worth the investment to know and utilize.

How can it be true that the freer the generosity, the richer the return? Because as the Lord works, the bounty He pours out flows from the Spirit-inspired bounty given and reaches supernaturally beyond what we can see or measure. Bless others, welcome with grace and hospitality, spread cheer, and the watering and growing and flourishing with joy from God comes back in abounding ways. When others notice, the Lord receives multiplied thanksgiving and praise.

We’ll never know what we’ve missed when we hold too tightly to what’s been entrusted to us. If we hoard income and goods and time, we will not experience the deep sense of God’s taking care of us by supplying for every need, tangible and intangible. When we decide to give part away to meet others’ needs or for kingdom purposes or simply for Jesus’s sake, we learn firsthand the exquisite blessing of joy the free heart affords. (Ecclesiastes 11:1; Philippians 4:19)

What needs have we observed around us but done nothing about? How might we be part of the answer to specific prayers of the lonely, lacking, or suffering? What are we gripping so tightly the promptings of the Lord cannot loosen free? Where might He be asking us to let go control of time, schedule, resources, so His glory can abound through marvelous, supernatural display? How can we contribute to the thanksgiving and praise of the One who has given us all things? (Romans 8:31-32)

Lord, teach me to let go of all You identify for the better return of all You want to give.

“All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:8-10

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'” Matthew 28:18-20

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15

Jesus’s figures of speech gave ready illustration to keen listeners. He was indeed the way to be saved: near and available, yet inviting initiative to enter. Whosoever will may come. To pass through Jesus one way was to enter life, and the other way was to go out in the security that I have known you since the foundation of the world. One way was to enter eternal salvation, the other was to share that message of salvation while being spiritually sustained in the pasture of that world. Who would not make Him their chosen gateway through which to thrive in abundant life? (John 14:6; Acts 2:21; Ephesians 1:4; Revelation 22:17)

Yet, harnessed in self-will and determination, we craft our own doors. We skirt or dismiss God’s right way. We test wrong paths. We forge selfish paths. We think we know best. We’re enticed by the world’s offerings. Choices abound for the ways to success in a myriad of ‘vital’ areas: health, finance, mental peace, relational fulfillment. Enticements lure us into a variety of entertainments and occupations of mind and body, and out into a wild array of sensory and intellectual experiences. But only the gospel door will truly fulfill. Only Jesus knows us inside out and offers the way to abundant life and full joy. (John 15:11; Philippians 2:2-4)

His way is narrow, and often difficult. It goes against the world’s crowd and flow of popularity. It requires fixing the will and saying no to outside avenues and frivolities. We must open that door, and in doing so reject others. Are we willing? Is this our desire? (Matthew 7:13-14)

What keeps us putting off the decision to follow Jesus with no turning back, to enter once and for all? If we know that these truths set us truly free, why are we unwilling to turn the handle? What allures of this life do we pretend are greater than the treasure of knowing Christ and the soul-satisfying joy He gives? We begin to understand the worth of knowing Jesus when we accept that everything hinges on Him. (John 8:36; Philippians 3:8-9)

Lord, my gracious Door, keep me ever close and always eager to invite others in to know You too.

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

“To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

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

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,  always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,  because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.  It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.  For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:1-8

Paul, held in the love of Christ, burned with Christ’s love for His church. He was thankful for them and their partnership in the gospel and fellowship of grace because he held them in his heart. The Lord had changed what he valued, and this new treasure captivated his affections and focus. Because he held the Philippians, whose church was strengthened by a converted jailer at his testimony, close in love and prayer, he could not help but rejoice, and desire God’s best for them. (Acts 16:25-34)

The world has many offerings for our hands and hearts to seize. It might be the profane or prurient, but more likely it is the urgent and material. What we hold in our hearts determines our life motivations and goals. If we cling tightly to material things, we will soon find them illusive. (Matthew 6:19-21)

If we hold the things of God and certain people at a distance, replacing them with the immediate and inane, we will likely never foster fondness for them. If we take time to ponder the ways and character and word of God, we will find Him attractive. Familiarity with such graciousness and purity will breed affection. If we sincerely pray for those with whom we struggle, our attitudes will soften and warm to their worth in God’s eyes. (Matthew 5:43-44)

Have we taken an honest look at what we treasure? If worldly success, or control and ability to have all we want in our time and way, there our ambition will be directed. If the deep treasure of knowing God, there we’ll plant our pursuit.

What and whom are we holding in our hearts? Angst at circumstances? Anger, resentment, or a thirst for revenge against someone who’s betrayed or hurt us? Disappointment at unfulfilled dreams, expectations, or rights we claim? Things and fame and success we do not have, rather than all God by grace has given?

What do we pray for? Comfort, ease, more goods? Whom do we pray for? Only those we love and find appealing? What do these indicate about what we value most?

If our treasure truly is in heaven, then our affections will be Godward and our prayers expressions of humble gratitude and worship.

Lord, help me release anything that doesn’t draw me closer to or make me more like You.

“We ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,  so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;  being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;  giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” Colossians 1:9-12

“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 3:16-17

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

“Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,  and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8

When the word dwells richly, filling the heart with thanksgiving and the mouth with praise, all that follows is marked expressly with Christ’s name. Permeated with the word, our walk will be worthy of Him, every word and deed good, honest, and true. Soaked in the word, we will exude grace and insight. Taking full root, the word will grow and spread its light through every tendril of thought, and bloom bright and lovely in every decision and expression.

Prayer for wisdom and understanding initiates increasing thirst for the word, and vibrant spiritual changes upon taking it in. Conviction and cleansing are effected by the blade’s clarifying edge, along with honing of habit and character. As the dwelling is enriched by willingness and humility, fruit of the Spirit will be evident and lavish, attractive to a watching and needy world. (Galatians 5:22-23)

What are we doing to enrich the word’s nourishment of our souls and attending behavior? What specific evidence does our countenance, response to stress, attitude toward hardship, or interactions with others display of the word dwelling and growing within? If there are some areas we flourish and others we keep hidden away in refusal to change, how will we address our self-deception?

Where in our thinking, concessions, or indulgences is God calling us to let His word take up full habitation? How dedicated are we to increasing understanding, adding to faith, and implementing the power of biblical truth unto obvious, abundant expression?

“Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty
Teach me faith and duty.
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.” ~Philip P. Bliss (1874)

Lord, keep Your word my highest delight and joy, that it may grow richly, speed ahead in glorious display, and be honored. (2 Thessalonians 3:1)