As the rain and snow

“The law… can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.  Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins?  But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.  For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

“Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,

‘Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
    but a body have you prepared for me;
in burnt offerings and sin offerings
    you have taken no pleasure.
I said, “I have come to do your will, O God,
    as it is written of me in the book.”‘

“When he said above, ‘You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings..,’ then he added, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will.’ He does away with the first in order to establish the second.  And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:1-10

It was the messy job of priests to keep the law: select the animal, inspect for blemishes, slay for blood. And repeat. Day in and out, morning and evening sacrifice. But when Jesus came, His perfect body became the final sacrifice, His perfect blood our final atonement. How beautiful the body of Christ! The divine, loving hands that tenderly touched the leper and strongly stayed the storm took the nails in crucifixion. (Mark 1:40-42; 4:35-39)

When we approach Jesus, where do we look? On His dusty, travel-toughened feet that carried Him to teach, celebrate, and console? His carpentry-rough hands that put mud on blind eyes, broke bread, and cooled the fevered brow? His arms that held children and served fish to amazed disciples? His mouth that spoke life-altering truth to everyone who would listen? His eyes that cared with mercy, lamented over Jerusalem, wept with Martha and Mary, looked with compassion on Peter, and loved His mother from the cross?

Let us behold, and love, the beautiful body broken for us!

How beautiful the hands that served
The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth
How beautiful the feet that walked
The long dusty roads and the hill to the cross
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ

How beautiful the heart that bled
That took all my sin and bore it instead
How beautiful the tender eyes
That choose to forgive and never despise
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ

How beautiful the radiant bride
Who waits for her groom with his light in her eyes
How beautiful when humble hearts give
The fruit of pure lives so that others may live
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ

How beautiful the feet that bring
The sound of good news and the love of the King
How beautiful the hands that serve
The wine and the bread and the sons of the Earth
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ.” ~Twila Paris (1999)

Lord, make me willing to lay down my life for You who gave Yours.

“Also to his son Shemaiah were sons born who were rulers in their fathers’ houses, for they were men of great ability… able men qualified for the service… 

“These divisions of the gatekeepers, corresponding to their chief men, had duties,.. ministering in the house of the Lord…

“Of the Levites, Ahijah had charge of the treasuries of the house of God and of the dedicated gifts… 

“Chenaniah and his sons were appointed to external duties for Israel, as officers and judges. Of the Hebronites,.. 1,700 men of ability had the oversight of Israel westward of the Jordan for all the work of the Lord and for the service of the king… King David appointed 2,700 men of ability,.. to have the oversight of the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of the Manassites for everything pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king…

“Over the king’s treasuries was Azmaveth..; over the treasuries in the country, cities, villages, and in the towers, was Jonathan..;  and over those who did the work of the field for tilling the soil was Ezri..;  and over the vineyards was Shimei..; and over the produce of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi… Over the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah was Baal-hanan..; and over the stores of oil was Joash. Over the herds [were] Shitrai [and] Shaphat… Over the camels was Obil..; and over the donkeys was Jehdeiah… Over the flocks was Jaziz…  All these were stewards of King David’s property.

“Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, being a man of understanding and a scribe. He and Jehiel.. attended the king’s sons. Ahithophel was the king’s counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.  Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada.., and Abiathar. Joab was commander of the king’s army.” 1 Chronicles 26:6,8,12,20,29-30,32; 27:25-34

A king whose heart is after God’s sees every industry and task as for Him. The Lord had so imbued David’s mind with a broad, eternal perspective that each assignment he gave for his affairs pertained to God. After all, he was God’s, his role God-given and anointed, his end God’s glory, so everything required for the running of his kingdom should bear his Sovereign’s imprint.

And his kingdom was vast, with many needs: Finance, organization, maintenance, leadership, agriculture, farming, animal husbandry, counsel, communication, military soldiers and commanders, confidantes. The Lord gave David discernment for each area and provided individuals with specific abilities and impeccable character to meet needs with excellence. Indeed, He rules His kingdom this way, gifting and utilizing His creatures to accomplish His purposes in the world and in us individually. His is an efficient and glorious economy.

How do we view our work? Is my career or ministry mine alone to determine, orchestrate, and build? Do I boast intellect and other gifts as my own to dole out my way? What would change if I saw every aspect of my job(s) as pertaining to God? Would I own a more cheerful attitude to housework, more careful stewardship of resources, a looser hold on rights, time schedules, and material goods?

Wasted time and resources offend the generosity of our Master. He will not tolerate laziness and apathy. He expects fruitfulness from the appropriation of His provision. (Luke 12:48; 13:6-9; John 15:16)

Lord, help me diligently go about my assignments, keeping You central to produce much and make the most for Your glorious sake.

“He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,  to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,  until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,  so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.  Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,  from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love…

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor…  Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,  and give no opportunity to the devil… Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear… Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you…  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.  And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking,.. but instead let there be thanksgiving… for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord… The fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true…

“Be filled with the Spirit,  addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,  giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-16,25-27,29,31-32; 5:1-2,4,8-10,18b-20

Paul is a man of many words, but important, well-thought-through and carefully-chosen ones. From prison with time to process, he’s concerned for the Ephesian church, and writes specific truth for their protection and edification. His is no extraneous ministry.

While truth-telling is an important mark of a Christian, it should be issued with certain parameters and ends. We’re not to spout off irrelevant babble, nor talk to tear down, nor gossip by confessing others’ sins behind their back, nor boast. Our words spoken are to upbuild, promote growth and unity in Christ, foster friendship and solve problems, and extend and encourage grace.

How committed am I to speaking truth? Are there topics and personal areas where I tend to skimp on truth or exaggerate facts? When I do speak truth, is it pinched with pride, jealousy, or anger, or delivered with grace and love? Am I careful to check motive before speaking: to puff up self, or build up another? To pontificate on my opinion and vast knowledge, or to promote someone else’s gifts and maturity? How will I today voice God’s truth to enhance conversation and encourage discovery, refinement, and growth?

Lord, may I speak only words of truth that build up others and bless Your name.

“Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
    bind them around your neck;
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good success
    in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
    and refreshment to your bones.

Honor the Lord with your wealth
    and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
then your barns will be filled with plenty,
    and your vats will be bursting with wine.

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline
    or be weary of his reproof,
for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
    as a father the son in whom he delights.

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
    and the one who gets understanding,
for the gain from her is better than gain from silver
    and her profit better than gold.
She is more precious than jewels,
    and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
    in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
    and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
    those who hold her fast are called blessed.

The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;
    by understanding he established the heavens;
by his knowledge the deeps broke open,
    and the clouds drop down the dew.” Proverbs 3:3-20

Solomon knew well the value and joys of wisdom, as well as the sorrows when it was ignored or overshadowed. His words to his son enumerated reminders when weighing choices and the rewards of making wise ones. Crooked paths, evil, greed, and discounting God’s reproof would not yield the order, gain, understanding, peace, and overall blessedness that wisdom would. Choose God’s ways for fullness and pleasantness of life!

There is much in every corner of the world that can bring consternation, stress, and sadness. Cities are rife with risk and streets are in ruin. Tribal violence escalates, divisions widen, dreams fade, and hopes decay. In any consideration and conflict, there is the heavy, the wrong, the ominous, the down side. Closer to home, relationships can be fraught with dissension or bitterness, work and responsibilities with hard toil, pressure, and confusion.

But wisdom displays her wares in all these places. She pursues us in every conundrum and temptation that we might avail ourselves of her goodness and treasure. She offers pleasantness amidst life’s pain from being rooted in truth and the steadfastness of an unchanging God. Do we respond to her appeals and take advantage of her better, refreshing, life-giving ways? Are we willing to search amidst our mess to find her favors? When are we seeking her source in Scripture? (Proverbs 1:20-23; 2:1-15)

When we have enjoyed the gain of wisdom, and begin to breathe her graces and practice her rhythms, what fruit are we bearing in the places we influence? How readily do we share wisdom learned through hardship or long obedience? With whom can we delight in God’s faithful provision in challenging decisions? Where can we pass along the treasure and gain God has so graciously given?

Father, make me wise, and generous with wisdom’s gifts to spread pleasantness in harsh and needy places.

“God spoke to Moses and said to him, ‘I am the LORD.  I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them.  I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners.  Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant.  Say therefore to the people of Israel, “I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.  I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.  I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD.”’”

“Then Moses said to God, ‘If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask me, “What is his name?” what shall I say to them?’  God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM… Say this to the people of Israel: “I AM has sent me to you.”’” Exodus 6:2-8; 3:13-14

Moses enjoyed ongoing communication with the Lord, often a gentle volley of questions and answers. Moses was honest with his uncertainties, and the Lord responded with His certainties. Every concern of his chosen leader was met by all God was, had done, and promised to do.

I am… the never-changing self-existent One, from everlasting to everlasting God, whose name represents My power and glory. (Psalm 90:1-2)

I have... appeared to your forefathers as the all-sufficient God Almighty. I’ve established an everlasting covenant with my people. I’ve heard their groaning, and as a compassionate God, I cannot hear without being moved. I’ve remembered my covenant with them, My pledge backed by My character and word so it cannot be broken. (Psalm 86:15; 103:8; 145:8)

I will.. remove you from all idols and wayward passions and fears and affections that hold you captive. I will redeem you, your regretted years, your failures, your brokenness. (Jeremiah 15:21; Joel 2:25)

Because I AM.

How well do we know God- who is He at all times as revealed in His word, and who is He to me personally? Have we studied the Bible enough to know what He has done through the ages, how He has manifested Himself in history? How has He specifically worked and helped and guided us over our years and situations? Do we delight to trace His sovereign hand and recount the goodness of His deeds?

Based on all these, what has He assured me He will do that I can take to heart? Which of God’s promises will I claim today to fortify my faith, comfort my soul, direct my steps? Do I take God’s word as seriously as He speaks it, so there is evidence of my confidence therein?

Lord, keep me trusting who You are, and Your promises backed by Your impeccable character and faithfulness.

“Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples… Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?^’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, ‘Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?’ Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.^’ So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, ‘This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!’” John 6:3,5-14

Jesus regularly tucked His disciples into His teaching and ministry in unconventional ways. While He did instruct and explain along their travels and through their days, He was also a Master of Socratic discovery and personal involvement that engaged them firsthand in far-reaching lessons. Knowing His broad purpose, He challenged assumptions, probed hearts, and stoked faith by making them answer hard questions. He then worked through the answers and possibilities garnered to nurture, reveal His power, and inspire wonder. (Luke 6:1-5; John 5:2-9; 8:2)

In our day, not only are answers readily available at search or click, but questions are pre-formed and prescribed. Impersonal algorithms determine what we’re to ask and how to respond. We can become lazy in both discovery and wonder due to instant information.

But the God who made our minds and works constantly to sanctify and conform us to Himself intends that we interact with Him and our world first-hand. He develops our curiosity, decision- making, problem-solving, and faith by presenting us with practical and spiritual conundrums we must confront. How willing are we to engage with Him? Are we in close enough communion to receive His questions, and committed enough to search for answers?

Where have we grown slothful in study and discovery? In what areas are we complacent to let others tell us how to think and what to do? When is the last time we thought through a concept to its logical conclusion, or imagined a new solution, or birthed a fresh idea on our own? Do we regularly regurgitate what someone else has told us is true, or look to ‘experts’ to form our opinions? Or do we seek the mind of Christ and submit to His transforming and spiritual inspiration? (Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:16)

Lord, keep me stretched and determined in interaction with You so Your ways are known and glory magnified.

“The disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.

“When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said, ‘Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me…’

“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all fall away because of me this night… Peter answered him, ‘Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.’  Jesus said to him, ‘Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.’ Peter said to him, ‘Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!’ And all the disciples said the same.

“Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here, while I go over there and pray.’  And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled.  Then he said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.’  And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’  And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, ‘So, could you not watch with me one hour?  Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’” Matthew 26:19b-21,30-31,33-41

The occasion with Jesus was intimate, and had far deeper meaning than any of the disciples understood at the time: it would be their final meal with their Teacher until the other side of His crucifixion. They brought to the table regular appetite and earthly concerns, and He spoke with spiritual significance. In the garden He issued sober warnings, but Peter, with characteristic impetuosity, exclaimed with bold point! his forever loyalty. Little did he know how weak was his flesh. (Matthew 26:22-29; Luke 22:31-32)

Communion with Jesus is mysterious and wonderful. Our senses mingle with the divine, our spirits garner quickened love and bold faith. But when we mix in the impulses of flesh and an unredeemed personality, we are prone to fail. Passions easily go off course, good intentions turn sour or paralyze altogether. Our exclamation point promises borne of willing spirits hit temptation and fatigue and break under pressure we never saw coming. (Matthew 26:69-75)

What parts of our lives are lived with enthusiastic exclamation? How zealous are we for Jesus, and how well does that zeal fulfill our commitments made? Do we make promises to serve and sacrifice for Him, but renege on steadfastness and faithfulness among worldly concerns, fear, or exhaustion? Where is our resolve weak, and what specific help will we seek from God to strengthen it? (Mark 4:16-19)

“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 Robertson (1758)

Father, keep my passions pure and promises sure that I never stop holding You high.

“For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.  I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters.  For they say, ‘His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.’  Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present.  Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

“But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ.  We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged,  so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence.  ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’  For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” 2 Corinthians 10:8-18

Paul’s strong and effective ministry invited appreciation as well as criticism. He knew he’d been saved for a purpose, and would continue the work God had assigned regardless of others’ comments and challenges. His goal was to finish the work of making Christ known, and he was willing to labor wherever God led to that end. He had no penchant for competition or notoriety, only that the gospel of the cross that saved him would spread and bear fruit. He sought the Lord’s commendation only in that his message of salvation was his sole token of influence.

The world offers an array of enticements to our flesh desires to be remembered, leave a legacy, or make a difference. A healthy outlook is assured when we are assured of our standing as God’s children bought with Christ’s blood. Gratitude for so great a salvation becomes our motive for widening the borders of our influence in the places God moves or plants us. As faith and love for Jesus increase, and by grace ministry grows, so will the multiplied effect of that ministry. God is magnified as His name is spread and praised.

Have we gratefully accepted where God’s planted us to serve Him and spread His word? Do we chafe at circumstances or fret at comparisons rather than dig in to increase influence where we are, however difficult or unpleasant? What joy, power, and openness to the gospel might be unleashed if we seized our spot and shared only Christ crucified? (1 Chronicles 4:10; John 21:22; Acts 17:25-26)

Lord Jesus, have sway with me in the areas You have assigned, and enlarge my areas of influence as You see fit. May Your cross be lifted high so You are known and glorified.

“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,  which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh  and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,  including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

“To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:

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

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world…

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:1-8,16-17

Paul couldn’t get over the gift of his salvation. His life was hidden in Christ. His heart thrummed with the heartbeat of His Savior, his eyes perceived with His vision, his mind processed with His wisdom, his ministry was planned and compelled by the Spirit’s leading to open doors for the gospel. He prefaced his letter to the Romans with the love, grace, and peace of Christ he knew so well as he set out to boldly speak life-changing truth. His words would be issued from this love, laced with grace, and intending for deep peace as the hearers absorbed their instruction. (Colossians 3:3)

We awaken daily to an array of choices, a number of responsibilities, enticements, and involvements that capture energy and focus. Do we serve them, or our Lord Christ? How seriously do we take our reception of God’s grace and apostleship?

We have been called out of darkness into glorious light to proclaim His excellencies and for the sake of His name among the nations. Is our passion, are our words, and plans, and activities, all for Jesus? How can and will we do what we need to do as His children for the sake of His honor, with compassion for the lost, a grateful heart, and love? (1 Peter 2:9)

“All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed pow’rs,
all my thoughts and words and doings,
all my days and all my hours.

Let my hands perform his bidding,
let my feet run in his ways;
let my eyes see Jesus only,
let my lips speak forth his praise.

Worldlings prize their gems of beauty,
cling to gilded toys of dust,
boast of wealth and fame and pleasure;
only Jesus will I trust.

Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside;
so enchained my spirit’s vision,
looking at the Crucified.

O what wonder! How amazing!
Jesus, glorious King of kings,
deigns to call me his beloved,
lets me rest beneath his wings.” ~Mary D. James (1810-1883)

All for You, Lord. Amen.

“I am eager to preach the gospel to you also… For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:15-16

“For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…

“For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

“I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”

“For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.” 1 Corinthians 1:17-18,22-24; 2:2-5; 4:20

The word of God descended unexpectedly and forcefully on Paul. Disarming his ferocious, godless intentions, it transformed him from fiercest foe to most devoted servant. Knowing firsthand the power of the gospel, as God’s spokesman he was passionately obliged by its force to preach it wherever and to whomever he could. The Spirit of God who now held sway in his heart worked through his limits and flesh to demonstrate and articulate divine wisdom. (Acts 9:1-9,20-22)

As Christians called to ministry, we can be propelled by competition or drive, or slogged down by fear and insecurity. We manipulate, justify, explain away, or make excuses, all residue from too much self-centered thinking. When we are captivated as Paul was, the driving force of life and breath, voice and plans, will be the gospel of Christ proclaimed, exemplified, and known. With varied gifts, opportunities, and resources, this passion will compel us forward to influence God’s kingdom.

How eager are we to preach? If other activities have robbed our affections, would we pray for the Lord to reprioritize our desires, then act in faith that the doing will elicit delight? Whom has the Lord placed before us- at home, work, or in our community- who needs fresh wisdom for these uncertain, trying times? What are some creative ways we can arrange conversation with them?

How do our everyday words in interactions with those around us exhibit God’s power? The truth in itself wields authority to destroy strongholds, refute arguments, and convict of sin. When accompanied by a humble spirit and the force of love and compassion, and adorned with the character and countenance of Christ, it surely will make a mark. What do our daily doings indicate that we have decided to know and make known among others? How does this measure against God’s intent? (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)

Father, may the gospel You’ve worked so powerfully in me manifest itself in and through my words and deeds, to Your glory.