As the rain and snow

“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.

“Wisdom cries aloud in the street,
    in the markets she raises her voice;
at the head of the noisy streets she cries out;
    at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
‘How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
    and fools hate knowledge?
If you turn at my reproof,
behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;
    I will make my words known to you.
Because I have called and you refused to listen,
    have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,
because you have ignored all my counsel
    and would have none of my reproof,
I also will laugh at your calamity;
    I will mock when terror strikes you,
when terror strikes you like a storm
    and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
    when distress and anguish come upon you.
Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
    they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
Because they hated knowledge
    and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
would have none of my counsel
    and despised all my reproof,
therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,
    and have their fill of their own devices.
For the simple are killed by their turning away,
    and the complacency of fools destroys them;
but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
    and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.'” Proverbs 1:20-33

“The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.  His invisible attributes, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Claiming to be wise, they became fools.” Romans 1:18-22

God’s truth is apparent to all who would see, and empowering to those who embrace it. Wise Solomon describes wisdom as a pursuing, willing, and available companion, and Paul echoes the king’s sentiments about the calamity and distress of wisdom scorned. Refusal to heed her call and to accept the clear revelation of God in creation instills a callous of the heart that hardens over time, ruining character, motive, and morals. (Romans 1:24-32)

Wisdom beckons those who need her most, identifying the simple and foolish who try to make their own way in the world. She promises rich counsel and comfort in the Spirit, answering every need of mind and emotion. But willful sinners rebuff her advances, foolishly choosing to worship created things, and surrendering self-control to unchecked lusts. Resulting anguish, fear, and varied due penalties of their choices often builds resentment instead of prompting repentance.

Do I heed Wisdom’s cry as a willing listener, eager to heed her instruction? Or am I slothful, ignoring her words and ways until it’s too late? What can I do today to set aside worldly wisdom for the real thing, applying myself to the study and implementation of Scripture, relevant for every home, work, and relational situation? (1 Timothy 4:13-15; 2 Peter 1:10)

Lord, help me honor You by embracing and applying Your wisdom to my days.

“While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus drew near and went with them.  But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.  He said to them, ‘What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?’ They stood still, looking sad… He said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!  Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself…

“When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.  And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.  They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?’ And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those with them gathered together…

“As they were talking about these things, Jesus stood among them, and said, ‘Peace to you!..’

“He led them out [to] Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.” Luke 24:15-17,25-27,30-33,36,50

Jesus’s resurrection changed everything: confusion to clarity, trouble to peace, fear to joy, paralysis to purpose. Stunned at His cruel, seemingly senseless death, the disciples who’d walked regularly with Jesus were bereft, bewildered, sad. Until they weren’t. They could not see far with downcast eyes, but one by one, encounter by encounter, they were confronted with the risen Lord. Their sights lifted, their hearts spiritually awakened, and with fresh impetus their risen Lord gave them benediction to begin life anew in His pending absence.

We get accustomed to what we’ve always known, or at least what we’ve made our routine. From places of ease and familiar, change is unsettling, loss almost unbearable. When unexpected or life-churning events take place, we are jolted and cannot always understand the way forward. But in His good providence, God interjects divine disruptions to harken us awake from spiritual sloth and transform us. He would not have us grow idle, nor our spiritual vigor wane, nor our faith decay. (2 Peter 1:3-10; 3:18)

The Lord knows what’s come behind and how we’re wired to process current realities, and prepares us for what lies ahead. His ways are always purposeful, and what may seem a shock or conundrum is often the very means of His determination and applied grace on our journey. He intends to lift our eyes from circumstances to Him, to awaken faith in the unseen and eternal. He comes alongside to probe our understanding and challenge us to think and grow and consider Him. He enters our mundane to teach us of greater things, reminding us in the breaking of bread of His many past faithfulnesses and provisions.

How do we walk with Him? Are we confused, closed to possibilities, or dense at comprehending His high purposes in our present situation? What if we take Him into our confidence and ask His help and wisdom, if we gazed above our circumstances and opened our hearts to His fire? How might His personal presence and blessing redirect emotions, mindset, and efforts for eternity?

Father, lift my eyes and ignite my desire to know, serve, and glorify You.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich…For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have… Your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.”

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work…

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 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, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.  Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 8:9,12,14; 9:6-8,10-15

“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…

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

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap… And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:7,9

Economics run on numbers and balance sheets, assets and liabilities. But God’s economy works differently, in unmeasured amounts, matters of heart, and invisible values. The Savior who was rich in every intangible way became poor to make us rich eternally. Once so filled, we have the inestimable privilege of sowing bountifully and giving cheerfully, receiving not only all sufficiency and joy and surpassing grace, but prompting praise and thanksgiving to Him.

We live in abundance, all things given to us with Christ. Do we regularly thank Him for His grand and gracious multiplication of gifts? Would we take time to do so now?

How involved are we in sharing of our bounty to bless others with words and kindness, to supply resources, encouragement, a listening ear, faithful prayers, or practical help? Do we hoard our time, energy, resources for selfish means, or release them to the Lord for His rich blessing? In what areas are we sparing, or reluctant, and will we turn those over to be transformed into unfettered, joyful generosity? (Romans 8:32; Ephesians 1:3)

Father, overwhelm me with Your abounding grace that I will gladly spend and be spent in Your name, and for Your sake and glory. (2 Corinthians 12:15)

“We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit…

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;  always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.  For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you... For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,  as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 3:18; 4:6-12,15-18

Paul was all about God’s glory. It was his hope, joy, and end. His gospel ministry was compelled by the mercy he’d received, for the eternal salvation of others, all unto the glory of his Savior. Every affliction gave way to surpassing power, every impossible hardship to possibility, every threat of death to the glorious life of Christ Jesus that could be manifest. When all was lived for His sake, every temporal grief and attack was seen in the light of His grace and eternity.

There is much that can crack the jars of clay that we are: health challenges, unbearable heartaches, financial threats, strained relationships. In ourselves we can stay strong only so long, and we break. But that is when Jesus breaks through, and out. Our cracks in independence or veneer or self-sufficiency make marvelous way for His explosive light to permeate us and shine through. Treasure of Him within becomes the treasure of His magnificence exposed and proclaimed.

Are we immediately frustrated at a sour turn of events, or are we willing to welcome cracks to status quo and comfort as a means to rely on Him? What is our current blow, suffering, lack? Do we pause long enough from immediate pain, anger, or frustration to ask what He is trying to teach and reveal, where is His glory in the hurt or transition or desperation? What past faithfulness, what promises, will we claim presently as our own? How quick are we to announce when Jesus has shown up to bring relief, specific wisdom, comfort, or a way forward? (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Good Father, help me welcome the cracks life causes, and look to see Your glory shine through them so others are encouraged and You are magnified.

“They seek me daily
    and delight to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that did righteousness
    and did not forsake the judgment of their God;
they ask of me righteous judgments…
‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not?
    Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’
In the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure,
    and oppress all your workers.
You fast only to quarrel and fight
    …with a wicked fist.
Fasting like yours this day
    will not make your voice to be heard on high.
Is such the fast that I choose,
    a day for a person to humble himself?
Is it to bow down his head like a reed,
    and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him?
Will you call this a fast,
    and a day acceptable to the Lord?

“Is not this the fast that I choose:
    to loose the bonds of wickedness,
    to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
    and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
    and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
    and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
    and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
    the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
    you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’
If you take away the yoke from your midst,
    the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
if you pour yourself out for the hungry
    and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
    and your gloom be as the noonday...

“If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath,
    from doing your pleasure on my holy day,
and call the Sabbath a delight
    and the holy day of the Lord honorable;
if you honor it, not going your own ways,
    or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly;
then you shall take delight in the Lord,
    and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth.” Isaiah 58:2-10,13-14

Fasting was prescribed on the Day of Atonement, and was also practiced for seeking God’s specific will, guidance, or protection. It always released from self unto an ‘other’ end: consecration for service, direction for the good of others. It was intended as a means to further the Lord’s work and glory, not an adornment that feigned personal holiness. Isaiah eschewed the false, hypocritical fasting Israel pretended would win them favor with God for their own wants and comforts. (Leviticus 23:27-31; 2 Chronicles 20:3; Ezra 8:21-23; Esther 4:16; Daniel 9:3; Matthew 6:16-18)

God despises the fake offering of empty lip service and insincerity. True, honorable fasting is expressed in relinquishment of personal desires and preferences for the love and genuine good of others. It is a mindset of sacrifice lived out in palpable kindness, selfless generosity, and humble servanthood. It flows from commitment to God’s word and daily applying its truth and power. (Psalm 119:111-112)

From what attitudes and indulgences need we fast this day in order to honor the worthy One?

Lord, may I fast from self and delight in You for others’ good and Your glory.

“The scribes and chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people.  So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor.  So they asked him, ‘Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God.  Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?’  But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them,  ‘Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?’ They said, ‘Caesar’s.’  He said to them, ‘Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’  And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.” Luke 20:19-26

Time and again the religious leaders exposed their bias against Jesus. They flattered and sweetened questions, but betrayed their insincerity with every attempted trick. They meant not to get truth but to elicit answers they could twist to attack Him. They were bent on catching Him, not the life-changing meaning of what He said. (Luke 20:1-8,27-40)

Selfishly-held rights and hard hearts can cause the same in us. We really prefer to believe and behave as we want, so we look to Jesus to bless our choices and activities rather than sincerely seeking His input or correction. We keep intimacy at bay because getting to close to Him might cause conviction or needed correction. We engineer inquiries in hopes He’ll approve of our current course of action.

Have we allowed self-importance and independence to condition us against God’s authority in any area? Where are we guilty of searching scriptures to find a phrase that might support our misguided decisions or be retooled from context to justify certain behaviors? Do we look for loopholes, exceptions, and excuses, rather than seek, accept, and surrender to truth? Where do we attempt to trick God, foolishly thinking we can convince or deceive the all-knowing One?

It would make a great difference in our reception of all the Lord would teach us if we approached Him with open minds and a willingness to be challenged. How and when will we release stubbornness and preconceptions, and come clean about deceptive motives? Would we then draw near with honest confession and desire to catch all He says and means?

“Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidd’st me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.” ~Charlotte Elliot (1789-1871)

Lord, purify my motives to welcome and apply Your truth every day.

“The whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness,  and said to them, ‘Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger…’

“So Moses and Aaron said to all the people, ‘At evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt,  and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against the Lord. For what are we, that you grumble against us? When the Lord gives you in the evening meat to eat and in the morning bread to the full, because the Lord has heard your grumbling that you grumble against him—what are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the Lord…’

“All the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages,.. and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.  Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, ‘Give us water to drink.’ And Moses said, ‘Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?’” Exodus 16:2-3,6-8; 17:1-2

The fickle Israelites had limited vision. Almost immediately after God’s amazing deliverance through the Red Sea they grumbled at the difficulties they faced. They failed to connect that this same God would continue to work miraculously for them as they exercised growing faith in Him. Concerned only with present comfort and immediate gratification, they complained, whined, and blamed, blindly disregarding it was they who were accountable to the God of their salvation. (Exodus 14:21-31; 15:22-27)

This tendency, even with biblical examples proving the opposite, continues with God’s people through the centuries. In Jesus’s time, the worldly mindset failed to see human interactions as relating to Christ. Even today, only those who embrace their image-bearing and do all as unto Jesus grasp every aspect of life in reference to Him. (Matthew 25:34-45)

Are we in this habit of marginalizing Christ in our post-Sunday living? What do habits of complaining, criticism, and snippy, impatient, graceless treatment of others reflect about our attitude toward God? Do we comprehend that as His representatives here on earth, everything we do is done for or against Him? Are we so narrow and selfishly-focused that we don’t consider how our decisions affect or reflect Him? How will we insert the Lord and His glory into the equation of our everyday interactions and choices? What will we do to permeate our mindset and motivations with His greatness and worth? How will we adjust our motivations to align with Christ’s and His delight? (Luke 11:23; Colossians 3:23-24)

“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.

Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside;
so enchained my spirit’s vision,
looking at the Crucified.” ~Mary D. James (1810-1883)

Lord, redirect my thinking and desire to hold high Your worth and worthiness.

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness  for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days… [and] he was hungry.  The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.’  And Jesus answered, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone.”’  And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, ‘To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will.  If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’  Jesus answered him, ‘It is written,

“You shall worship the Lord your God,
    and him only shall you serve.”’

“And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here,  for it is written,

“He will command his angels concerning you,
    to guard you,”

and

“On their hands they will bear you up,
    lest you strike your foot against a stone.”’

“Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”’  When the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.” Luke 4:1-13

Satan attacked the hungry Jesus in what he deemed His vulnerable places, but in exquisite defense, Jesus proved He had none. Both knew scripture: the devil quoted it for trickery, while Jesus held it as His sword of defense and correction. The devil attempted word manipulation for his own ends; Jesus spoke it as the end itself. Every temptation touched on an area piqued by pride, and the humble Son of God turned each back to confront the pompous deceiver in his plotting. His enticements turned to instruction for all. (Ephesians 6:13-17; 2 Timothy 3:16)

The devil pants and plots to undo us, taking every opportunity to attack our sense of importance and self-sufficiency. Our best offense against his onslaught is a strong defense, and the strongest defense is the word of God. Christ Jesus used biblical truth as a potent counterattack on the devil’s twisted usage. Unless we are stung in the ego and cave to arrogance, we can wield the word to put him in his defeated place.

Do we know the Word well enough? Do we trust God’s Spirit to bring appropriate truths to mind? What are we doing by way of scripture memorization and bold prayer to arm ourselves against the enemy’s relentless attacks? (Luke 21:15; John 8:44; 14:26; 1 Peter 5:8)

“And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever!” ~Martin Luther (1529)

Lord, fortify me in Your word, for Your victorious renown.

“He entered Jericho and was passing through.  And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich.  And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature.  So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.’ So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.  And when they saw it, they all grumbled, ‘He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.’  And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’  And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'” Luke 19:1-10

He’d heard He was coming and scrambled toward Him. The crowd was too great so he ran to the tree. Quickly, no time to slip, he climbed to his perch, didn’t want to miss a glimpse, a word. He had to see who He was. The One who would be his Savior knew the urgency in his heart to come, to see, to believe. So He beckoned him to hurry down as quickly as he’d made his way up, to converse with Him who could change his life. I’m coming into your house, your world, your heart, today.

With Jesus it’s in or out, yes or no. When God gives the opportunity and eagerness, He supplies the joy to receive all He has to give. The longer we hesitate or linger in doubt, the more excuses we make. The longer we procrastinate, the greater the distractions and reasons to put off decisions. When we hurry toward His appearing and invite Him into our home and mess and business, there is much in store.

Are we all in for Jesus, zealous to know who He is and see Him work? Are we too full of self and busy with mundane living to acknowledge our limited stature before His majesty? Will we make our way out of the crowd of ordinary toward the best and extraordinary change-agent?

How quickly do we respond when God does call, or convict, no matter how difficult the assignment? How promptly do we answer His nudging to reach out, make things right, lend a service? We do not know how long we will have to serve Him on earth, but we do know the Lord has given this day for His purposes. Are we open to all He wants to rearrange in our priorities? How are we investing our moments for His kingdom’s sake? (Genesis 22:1-3; Luke 12:20; James 4:14)

Lord, may I make haste to seek You every day, and eagerly prepare You room to fill and overflow from my life, to the benefit of others and Your resounding praise.