As the rain and snow

“David provided great quantities of iron for nails for the doors of the gates and for clamps, as well as bronze in quantities beyond weighing, and cedar timbers without number… For David said, ‘Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.’ So David provided… before his death.”

“When David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel. David assembled all the leaders and the priests and the Levites.”

“David… also set apart for the service the sons… who prophesied with lyres, harps, and cymbals.”

“David assembled at Jerusalem all the officials… of the tribes, the officers of the divisions that served the king, the commanders of thousands, the commanders of hundreds, the stewards of all the property and livestock.., together with the palace officials, the mighty men and all the seasoned warriors.”

“In addition to all that I have provided for the holy house, I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, and because of my devotion to the house of my God I give it to the house of my God… David blessed the Lord… ‘Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty… We thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

“’But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.'” 1 Chronicles 22:3-5; 23:1-2; 25:1; 28:1; 29:3,10-11,13-14

David spent his time on earth wisely. He was a fastidious, strategic, and thorough doer. He organized people and resources with zeal and efficiency, setting in place all Solomon would need to build the temple and rule Israel effectively after he was gone. Over and through and above all, David was a man after God’s heart, spending himself for his Lord. (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22,36)

Sometimes good works get in the way of what God really asks of us. He wants our hearts. He wants efforts serving His purposes and done in love, works that require us. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

Is it our bent to get up, go, and do without first acknowledging our Maker and offering ourselves? Do we act on what we deem expedient rather than seek the mind and heart of Christ? Do we set priorities by the world’s mantras, or the will of God? (Proverbs 3:5–6; Romans 12:1–2)

What frenetic demands, imposed by others or ourselves, drive our days? From what source do we draw direction and vitality? If daily motive is merely to feel productive and good about ourselves, but is not wholehearted for the higher honor of serving the Lord’s purposes and praise, it is amiss. What time, interest, and prayer are we investing, what treasure sacrificing? How will we realign our daily do-list with God’s desire and desert?

“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Lord, help me give my all generously, with love-filled devotion, to every work after Your heart, unto Your purpose, and for Your glory.

“Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don’t cry.’

“Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, get up!^’ The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

“They were all filled with awe and praised God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said. ‘God has come to help his people.^’ This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.” Luke 7:11-17

A somber delegation accompanied the weeping mother, earlier bereft of her husband, and now her only son. Was there any sorrow like hers? How would she manage the responsibilities, the loneliness? Crowds surrounded her, but the Lord saw her, knew her grief and fears, and spoke. Do not weep. The cause of her tears would immanently be moot, for He was here, wielding compassion, mercy, and power. (Lamentations 1:12)

At the touch and word of Jesus, the dead man sat and spoke. Mouths that grieved now gave glory to this majestic One. God had visited, and they were changed!

We tote many biers in our lives. We rue what once was and is no more, unable to shake both the gold and the ashes of the past. We walk stiffly along with dead emotion, unrequited and now absent love, paralyzed with bitterness. We wail with longing for what might or might not be, unable to be fully present in the now. We bend under the weight of vengeance, crippled by anger and a warped sense of justice. (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19; Philippians 3:13-14)

The only necessary walk with the bier is to be done with these things. Invite Jesus to apply His resurrection touch. Move at His word, arise from the funk, and live again. Exchange grumbling with gratitude, resentment with rejoicing, grief with glory. Jesus our Paraclete lives to intercede for us and impart new life. (Hebrews 7:25)

What weighs heavy this day? What too-long held habits, hurts, or half-efforts are we parading with excuse, or accompanying with distraction? Would we welcome Jesus into our journey, and trust Him to lift, revive, resurrect? How will we expect to glorify Him?

“Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.” ~Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Lord, enter my day, raise me from all that hinders a free, vital, joyful life with and for You.

“Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: It is not you who will build me a house to dwell in… I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be prince over my people Israel, and I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a name, like the name of the great ones of the earth… And I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover, I declare to you that the Lord will build you a house. When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever…

“After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and he took Gath and its villages out of the hand of the Philistines.

“And he defeated Moab, and the Moabites became servants to David and brought tribute.

“David also defeated Hadadezer king of Zobah-Hamath… So David reigned over all Israel, and he administered justice and equity to all his people.” 1 Chronicles 17:4,7-8,10b-12; 18:1-3a,14

David was a man of many talents. His years as a shepherd and the youngest brother of eight taught him much about the majesty of God and the differences of men. He was a vigilant leader, loyal protector, passionate writer, and strategic warrior. He was bold, curious, courageous, creative, and tenacious. He loved his Lord, and wanted to do great things for Him. God had a unique place and special purpose of establishing His kingdom in Israel for this man after His heart. Though David wanted to do more for God, when He narrowed it down to a focused objective for his season as king, David accepted his call with zeal.

Do we? With so many choices before us, and varied opportunities to busy ourselves with work and service, we may find we’re stretched thin, doing many things with mediocrity and few things well. We can’t set realistic priorities because our focus is too wide and we try to do too much. We jump to fill needs that arise, but find that when it comes to our niche, we have draining energy. How well do we know the narrow way the Lord would have us walk and put to best use our gifts?

The key to fruitful living in the center of God’s will is ongoing communion with Him who made us. He planted us in our specific time and place for eternal reasons. While many may share some abilities, likely we have certain gifts that He intends we exercise exactly where we are. The Lord promises to direct our paths, and teaches us to say ‘no’ to what would distract us from the kingdom needs meant for us. (Esther 4:14; Isaiah 30:21; 49:1-3; Acts 17:26)

Where has God planted us? What family, workplace, neighborhood, church body? Among which needy individuals, for which roles, in what relationships and conversations? Would we seek His priorities each morning for the hours He’s ordered ahead? (Proverbs 3:5-6; 4:25)

Father, keep my ears keen to listen and my feet swift to go as You call, that I might further Your purposes to Your goodness and glory.

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

‘God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.^’

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:1-10

Passion is a gift, but human passions are gritty, ofttimes askew, deceiving, or detrimental rather than productive. God’s passion is for our purity and wisdom, humility and growth. His passions are always benevolent, redemptive, and backed and motivated by His love for us.

Many flesh passions get us in trouble, all of which we must beware. The enemy constantly lures us to strange affections and to surrender fear of God over to feelings, eternal satisfaction over to immediate gratification. With deleterious intent he whips the winds of temptation into every area of life. Gusts of immorality, salaciousness, lust, worry, greed, envy, and temper can all disrupt, distract, and throw us off course and balance. Without whole passion for God, we are undone. Only a guarded heart fixed on Jesus and His truth, order, and power is safe from Satan’s wicked, wily blows. (Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; 1 Peter 5:8)

It helps to know an unseen war rages, and where lies the root of temper, covetousness, and persnickety attitudes. It also helps to know that the Lord is ready to help, strengthen, and deliver. He implanted in the crown of His creation the capacity for lovely, strong, and righteous passion, and saves us from its sin-stain since Eden. He provides needed endurance and escape. (Romans 7:18-25; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 6:12; Hebrews 4:16-16)

In what particular situations are we given to wayward, uncontrolled passions? What triggers to anger, gluttony, or immorality should we replace, or avoid altogether? Are there conversations, places, entertainment, or topics we must not visit? (1 Peter 1:14-16)

Is our heartbeat in rhythm with the Lord’s? When do we regularly renew our minds in God’s truth so we think rightly and behave in the fruit of His Spirit? How will we develop and exercise proper, godly, life-giving passions? (Psalm 1:1-3; John 4:34; Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:16-17,19-25)

Lord, keep my passions in divine check and sway, that my life passion always beats with purity and zeal for the good of Your people and praise of Your glory.

“We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Romans 8:23

“For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling.” 2 Corinthians 5:2

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you… If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” 1 Peter 4:12-14,16

“But he knows the way that I take;
    when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” Job 23:10

The sky is frothed with grey, veiling the long moments before dawn. Almost imperceptibly, the flocked puffs begin to blush a fanfare of welcome for the Queen of coming day, then blaze red momentarily with anticipation, then as just as quickly fade back to monotone. You have to watch to see the glory.

We must look up to develop a grateful heart. We must lift focus away from troubles, painful circumstance, and clouded moods to see His grace-tinge. It takes determined and patient watching, waiting with expectation, lifting sights from heavy self, to see His glory in life’s clouds. He always shows up. And even then, He displays just a hint of the promise of eternal glory to come.

Graciously, the Lord offers glimpses of beauty to remind us He is at work, He will one day make all new, this world is not our home, and this body is merely a tent awaiting redemption. Our pangs here, whether in agony of hurt or longing at the breathless exquisite, are a longing for His glory that will be fully revealed. (Isaiah 40:5; Revelation 21:5)

He brings a friend with the phone call, the kind hug, the knowing look, the savored message. He ministers through His personal, living word. He brings palpable balm through the fellowship of the saints. His Spirit testifies with ours that we belong to Him, are the apple of His eye, and He is on our side. He speaks the still small voice at the edges of the storm. He rejoices over us and holds us in forever promises. Yes! His glory shines bright in the clouds! (1 Kings 19:11-13; Psalm 17:8; Zephaniah 3:15-17:; Zechariah 2:8; Romans 8:16,31)

Have we set our hearts above? Is our hope daily dashed here on earth, when it could be grounded in heaven? Are we looking for and expecting Him to appear with mercy, love, and grace? (Psalm 146:3-7; Colossians 3:2; 1 Timothy 6:17)

When we are still long enough to behold, how do we respond? DO we bow in humble gratitude? How will we tuft our days with praise, pausing to acknowledge the Lord’s hand and beauty before others and in specific thanks? And how will we be agents of His glory in dark times to those we love?

Lord, in all life’s clouds, help me look for, behold, and rejoice in the splendors of Your glory.

“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’

Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’

“When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

“When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!^’ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

“Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.^’ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” Luke 5:1-11

Jesus had His eye on Simon Peter. He knew the fisherman’s personality and what He intended to refine and develop in him as an apostle and eventual church leader. He chose his boat, and spoke to him directly to bring him to the point of commitment. Peter had already washed his nets from a night of fruitless fishing, so the Teacher’s command seemed unnecessary, even ridiculous. But out of respect, he let them down again.

When Jesus speaks, He means deeper business than we assume on the surface. Peter, having acknowledged his own failure, now fell before his Lord. Astonished at the divine haul of fish, he was humbled in his human limitations of capability and imagination. This Master was worth following.

The Lord has a majestic way of revealing our failure at flesh fruitfulness and bringing us to our knees. His design for us to follow Him begins with our acknowledgement of personal helplessness and destitution and desperate dependence on Him alone. We can’t wholly follow until we’ve failed, and fallen before Him. Time and again the scriptures tell this gospel message. (Luke 5:12-13; Acts 6:26-33; Romans 3:23)

Do we go about our days with zealous purpose in our own efforts? Are we satisfied checking off lists, but lacking significant spiritual fruit? Where have we toiled with little to show, but seen great results when done for Christ? For what specific areas of work, interactions, ministry, decision-making, future planning will we seek the Lord’s direction and blessing? What deeper lessons and motivations is He enjoining us to incorporate into all we do?

Lord, keep me honest and earnest in every effort, that I willingly follow You, act at Your behest, and always expect Your glory in the results.

“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 when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘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.’  And 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 to him, ‘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.”’

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

Jesus’ earthly ministry was about to commence, and God the Father set His approval on His Son in baptism. At this point, we might expect that being filled with the Holy Spirit and led by God Himself He’d display a grand flourish of fame. Instead, He’s led away from people and popularity into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. His triumph was a resounding victory and an encouragement for all who would follow Him. (Matthew 3:13-17)

We might have great plans for all we want to do for God when He has very different plans for what He wants to do in us. God’s children are promised eternal security and the guardian of the Holy Spirit, but not ease or absence of trouble. In fact, in order to understand all we have in Christ and all He wants from us we are often led into the wilderness of pain, temptation, chafed relationships, and heartache. It is here we are tested and can test the Lord’s promises, power, and ongoing petitions for us. (Romans 8:31-34; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Timothy 3:12; Hebrews 4:16)

Is there something we sense the Lord has equipped us to do, yet we keep hitting obstacles? Where has He led us in unknown paths, only to take us through experiences that train us for later ministry? How open and alert are we to the Spirit’s sway? Do we daily avail ourselves of all He has provided, trusting His leading? The Lord works into us what He desires to work through and out of us over time. (Isaiah 42:16; Philippians 2:13)

Lord, keep me attuned to Your filling and leading so I act and respond to every temptation according to Your righteousness and word.

“David consulted with the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, with every leader. And David said to all the assembly of Israel, ‘If it seems good to you and from the Lord our God, let us send abroad to our brothers who remain in all the lands of Israel, as well as to the priests and Levites in the cities that have pasturelands, that they may be gathered to us. Then let us bring again the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul.’ All the assembly agreed to do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

“So David assembled all Israel from the Nile of Egypt to Lebo-hamath... And David and all Israel went up… to Kiriath-jearim that belongs to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord who sits enthroned above the cherubim. And they carried the ark of God on a new cart, from the house of Abinadab, and Uzzah and Ahio were driving the cart. And David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.

“And when they came to the threshing floor.., Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled.  And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God.  And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah… And David was afraid of God that day.” 1 Chronicles 13:1-12a

His heart meant well, really well. Gather the people, return the ark, rejoice in the Lord’s presence! But if it seems muddied the way of upright attention to God’s details. Intention and emotion adorned with horizontal human consultation drove David’s effort; vertical inquiry of God’s direction was omitted. What is right in the eyes of the people may not be right in the eyes of God. A swift and holy intervention would remind David who was the true King.

He learned his lesson. Anger and fear worked their necessary corrections. His heart after noble desire returned to follow after his Lord. The humbled regent brought ensuing challenges and brilliant ideas directly to Him, who answered with clear instructions, and he heeded his prophet’s words from God. When God directs and we obey, we cannot go wrong, and He gets the glory for the results. (1 Chronicles 14:8-11,13-16; 15:1-4,12-15; 17:1-20)

In those who love Jesus and His people, desires and ideas bloom from benevolence and gratitude, and are often inspired by the Holy Spirit. Yet with every idea we’re warned not to lean on our own understanding but to seek His will and guidance. Consulting trusted others is a help but God’s word should have final say. Sometimes He urges us to complete our intention with action, sometimes He commends our desire but has different, broader plans. (Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Corinthians 8:5,11-12; 1 John 3:18)

In what situations are we prone to run ahead of the Lord? What plans are we currently making that need pause, and prayer? Would we pay attention to His instructions, timing, and best?

Lord, purify my every motive, impulse, thought, and action that Your will be done and Your glory exalted.

“I will extol you, my God and King,
    and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you
    and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall commend your works to another,
    and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
    and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
    and I will declare your greatness.
They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
    and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and merciful,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all,
    and his mercy is over all that he has made.

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
    and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
    and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord is faithful in all his words
    and kind in all his works.
The Lord upholds all who are falling
    and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
    and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand;
    you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways
    and kind in all his works.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth…
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
    and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.” Psalm 145:1-18,21

A song of praise voiced is a song that can stick. Melodies and words soak in and hang around the heart and mind, fingering and fine-tuning both attitude and outlook. Everyday blessing is every day passed on when praise writes the music.

Taking time apart from the hustle of life, be it long moments, Sabbath hours, or short seasons, allows God’s people to remember who He is and recount His goodnesses toward us. Focusing on His character brings to mind specific attributes we can relish and rest in. Speaking His name and particular praise fills the soul with wonder and brings sunlight to its deepest darkest recesses. Accounting for His mercies, faithfulness, and deeds on our behalf instills glad expectation for more.

Then we bubble over. Our demeanor and language cannot help but express gratitude and praise. The palpable joy invites others in and envelops those who come around and follow. Is there any who would not be attracted to unsearchable greatness, glorious splendor, abounding love?

What influence are we leaving for the next generation: complaint, self-righteousness, and arrogant boasting, or humble, vibrant, memorable praise of the gracious, mighty King and what He has done? What part do the psalms have in the routine of our days? How often, and how robustly, do we sing and extol the Lord? Are we speaking to make Him clear, and pouring forth His fame so it is sought and oft repeated?

Splendid Lord, may I sing Your praises through each days hours, passing along the wonder that You are and the glory You deserve.

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen… By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household…

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise… For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God…

“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar.” Hebrews 11:1,3,5-7a,8-9a,10,13a

“By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

“Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works… You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.” James 2:18b,22

The definition of faith calls the mind to higher realities than can be seen. Its exercise involves the unseen, and hope, and the mysterious work of the Spirit. Faith is very real, yet untouchable by human hand, effort, or will. It is God’s gift that by intent and nature must be received and put to use to complete its design. The invisible gift imparted by the Spirit is evidenced in responsive visible action. (John 3:8)

Faith that saves is faith that serves. When it is given it has to give. There is no such thing as impotent, passive faith. What the Lord bestows with grace-filled affection carries His life pulse and must respond in kind.

Where do we see examples of faith in action, and how are we inspired? Has another’s lavish generosity, selfless patience, persistent prayer, difficult forgiveness, or steadfast plodding, when all feel impossible, prompted us to go and do likewise? Where we are lacking, would we ask?

How has God met me in faith-prompted giving of myself and my resources? When has He out-given and out-blessed the meager I offer? What have I learned about His nature, bounty, and invisible power through stepping out in faith and trusting Him? Whom have I told about it? (Proverbs 11:25; Luke 6:38; Hebrews 10:35-36)

Where is the Lord calling me to test Him by putting His gifted faith to a new use? How willing am I to change directions, put away long-held resentment, forgive the unforgivable, move in a new direction, or give more than I think I can afford of time or riches? He is faithful, and will match desire to live by faith with supernatural provision. (Malachi 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Father, help me trust Your unseen and by faith give much unto Your glory.