As the rain and snow

“O God, the nations have come into your inheritance;
    they have defiled your holy temple…
They have given the bodies of your servants
    to the birds of the heavens for food,
    the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth.
They have poured out their blood like water
    all around Jerusalem…
We have become a taunt to our neighbors,
    mocked and derided by those around us.

How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever?
    Will your jealousy burn like fire?
Pour out your anger on the nations
    that do not know you,..
    that do not call upon your name!..
Help us, O God of our salvation,
    for the glory of your name;
deliver us,.. for your name’s sake!
Why should the nations say,
    ‘Where is their God?..’
But we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
    will give thanks to you forever;
    from generation to generation we will recount your praise.”

“O God, do not keep silence..!
For behold, your enemies make an uproar;
    those who hate you have raised their heads.
They lay crafty plans against your people;
    they consult together against your treasured ones.
They say, ‘Come, let us wipe them out!..’

O my God, make them like whirling dust,
    like chaff before the wind…
that they may know that you alone,
    whose name is the Lord,
    are the Most High over all the earth.” Psalm 79:1-6,9-10a,13; 83:1-4,13,18

“Though our iniquities testify against us,
    act, O Lord, for your name’s sake…
O you hope of Israel,
    its savior in time of trouble…
You, O Lord, are in the midst of us,
    and we are called by your name;
    do not leave us…

We acknowledge our wickedness, O Lord,
    and the iniquity of our fathers,
    for we have sinned against you.
Do not spurn us, for your name’s sake;
    do not dishonor your glorious throne;
    remember and do not break your covenant with us.
Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain?
    Or can the heavens give showers?
Are you not he, O Lord our God?
    We set our hope on you,
    for you do all these things.” Jeremiah 14:7-8a,9,20-22

Though his misery and angst are tied to the rebellious, ruthless nations attacking Israel, the Psalmist is concerned mostly with his Lord’s name and honor. God’s reputation, His renown, His identity are what he longs to see upheld, and he pleads accordingly. His petition is less for relief and justice than for God’s name to be glorified. His claim is to God’s mercy and ownership, his plea is that the enemy would recognize His highness.

It’s natural in a self-centered existence to be focused on how I come across, what I am suffering, who is to blame and what retribution they deserve. But when the Lord takes center stage, His glory covers all. Intent on Him, we begin to look for and relish manifestations of His work in our conundrums, His kindnesses and wise purposes that reach beyond present miseries and help us endure.

What place does God’s name and honor hold in our daily concerns? Are we more interested in self-promotion than in seeing the Lord’s name exalted? How differently might we pray if we filled our minds with God’s greatness, power, grace, and glory when we first bow the knee? When we lift high His name, we will see it magnified in every challenge.

Lord, may my thoughts, words, and deeds be consumed with and extol Your name, that You be glorified.

“His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands…  From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field… The Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison… Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.” Genesis 39:3,5,21; 40:23

“The flood continued forty days on the earth. The waters increased and bore up the ark, and it rose high above the earth.  The waters prevailed and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the face of the waters…  all the high mountains under the whole heaven were covered.  The waters prevailed above the mountains… And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, livestock, beasts, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and all mankind.  Everything on the dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life died.  He blotted out every living thing that was on the face of the ground, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens… Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ark.  And the waters prevailed on the earth 150 days.

“But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided.” Genesis 7:17-8:1

“Can a woman forget her nursing child,
    that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
    yet I will not forget you.
Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:15-16

Joseph had been mistreated and sold into slavery by his contriving, jealous brothers. He’d been seduced by Potiphar’s wife and falsely accused of succumbing. Now he was in prison where no one with any power to change his situation knew or recalled his righteousness. But God. God’s eye was on persistent, loving, providential watch. Though his brothers did all they could to put him out of their minds, and the restored prisoner forgot him, his Lord remembered. (Genesis 37:18-28; 40:1-4,9-15,20-23)

In the weariness of ministry and work, we might think no one notices all we do. As we change roles or age, we wonder if anyone remembers how we served or what we taught or accomplished. When the focus is on me, self-pity and pride rear their ugly heads, but when we turn to the Lord, we know we are known.

The Lord God always remembers His own. We are in His constant keeping and care; His remembering is active, involved, a dynamic never-forgetting and constant thoughtfulness. Nothing that transpires is a surprise to Him who has dominion over heaven and earth. He promises never to leave or forsake His children. (Exodus 2:23-25; Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 139:2-3; Hebrews 6:10)

Where have we slipped into woe-is-me thinking? In what situations do we feel neglected, discarded, forgotten? What comfort and joy is ours when we remember God’s promises and presence!

Father, help me remember You as completely as You remember me, always for good and for Your praise and glory.

“Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ He said, ‘But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.’” Exodus 3:11-12

“King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, ‘Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?  And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord God. You have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come..!  And what more can David say to you?'” 2 Samuel 7:18-20

“As he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.  You know the commandments: “Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.”’  And he said to him, ‘Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.’  And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.'” Mark 10:17-21

“As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth.  His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’  Jesus answered, ‘It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” John 9:1-3

Life is full of questions, many we seek to answer by questioning and discovery, many that go unanswered. When it comes to our relationship with our Lord, He invites our questions and often replies in unexpected ways. He may cause us to ponder and wonder toward answers ourselves, may withhold a specific response or unveil it after we watch a while, and may redirect our thinking altogether. Always we can come, and always He listens. (John 9:4-7)

What do we wonder about? What presently confuses or challenges us? Do we ask hypotheticals to other people and grow impatient for answers? Do we stew in consternation, allowing fear or anger to simmer, or do we express our concerns to the Lord? There is great benefit to approaching Him in time of need, and He’s always ready to help. We learn to cast our burdens on Him and grow faith muscles as we wait and listen and trust over time. We learn to transfer anxieties to the altar of thankful prayer, and experience the peace He infuses into heart and mind. Will we today experience His compassion, comfort, and care as we confide and commune? (Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 4:16; 1 Peter 5:7)

“What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!” ~Joseph Medlicott Scriven (1855)

Lord, keep me coming to You with every question, trusting Your answers and goodness.

“Jesus began to say to them, ‘See that no one leads you astray….  And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

“’But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them…  And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved…

“‘Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.  It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake.  Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.  And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.’” Mark 13:5-9,13,33-37

“[Jesus] came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour?  Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:37-38

“You are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.  So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6

The Lord Jesus carefully prepared His disciples for what was to come, telling them many details they would only later understand. He repeatedly warned them to stay awake, be on guard. Vigilance coincides with alert sobriety of spirit and mind. Alarming events and painful tribulations would occur, and their ability to endure would come from being alert and aware, staying awake, and pre-praying their reactions. (John 14:26)

It can be our bent to make every worldly preparation for coming storms in material ways, but to neglect spiritual attention. A threatening weather forecast, a tenuous or volatile relationship, or ongoing financial uncertainty might force us to take immediate cover, but then we fall asleep and never prep our souls. In the Christian life, troubles and opposition never stop, so it is vital we remain awake to what is occurring now and what will come as far as we can know, and fortify our spirits in readiness. (Ephesians 6:10-18; Philippians 4:6-8; 1 Peter 3:15)

Where have we grown slothful by relying on past attempts at remedy or defenses, and failed to know the condition of our flocks today? Are we weak in commitment or resolve? How are we preparing daily by way of study and rigorous fellowship to nurture and strengthen mind and spirit in the truth? Keen attention makes for careful, bold living. (Proverbs 27:23)

Lord, expose and extricate any spiritual grogginess, malaise, or laxity, and awaken all my being to engage whatever You bring with humble confidence.

“‘Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.  And you know the way to where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’  Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.'” John 14:1-7

Jesus has drawn nigh for final intimate moments with His inner circle of disciples. Preparing them for His imminent death and all they could not yet imagine, He lovingly, firmly commanded what not and what to do. Let not your hearts be troubled. It’s up to you- you are the gatekeeper of your emotions and responses, and you’re not to allow your hearts to go to a place of turmoil, fretting, and fear. And His command included the how and why in the all-sufficient antidote: Believe in God, and also in Me. We are your peace, your hope, your reason. Knowing Him was enough defense against all that would transpire. (Joshua 1:9; John 16:33)

And so troubled our hearts can be! What if I fail? What will my medical report say? How can I ever forgive her? What do they think of me? Why didn’t he call? How will I manage? What if I lose my job? We do not know the specific answers to these questions, and most often the Lord does not intend that we do. He wants us to know His answer: Believe in God, believe in Jesus.

In order to ‘let not,’ we need to let go of our earthly thinking about things. We weigh and compare, fuss and what-if, and we get all tangled in the indescribables and undecipherable of the here and now. But the Lord on high wants to elevate our mental meanderings. He turns us from the immediate to the eternal, the uncertain to the sure, the mortal to the immortal and divine. What keeps us from taking His way?

His way to peace and unlearned fear is that He is the Way. The truth we need to cling to is that He is the Truth. The life we struggle with here below is actually eternal life He’s implanted at our moment of belief, and sanctified- His Life within. In what ways are we by choice failing to live as we say we believe?

What particular fears- about loved ones, health, finances, the future- can we release into His hands? When anxious or alone, what promises of His presence and constant abiding will we recite as a defense? How can our whole mindset about troubling things be transformed to confident trust in the ever-present One who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow? (Hebrews 13:8)

Lord, give me the will to ‘let not’ all You identify, and glorify You by faith, and as You deserve, instead.

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other… For the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,’ and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself…’ 

“Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.  The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.  Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Romans 13:8-14

“At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light  (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),  and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.  Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Ephesians 5:8-11

“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

The hour has come. With the Lord, time is always of the essence. The creator of sun and moon and days and seasons ordains that we walk as children of the day. His comparisons are perfect- we are no longer children of darkness, and time to do His will is limited, measured by God alone. If the sum of the commands is love, and we’re called to proper, fruitful living, our pathway should be determined by a mind of wisdom and reflect His character at every step. (Psalm 90:12)

For us, day may mean different things. Sun’s up, it’s time to rise and shine and be productive, check off all we see we need to do. Day may mean opportunity, as long as it is day, to tend to these urgencies, these pressing responsibilities and then some, with barely time for a breath. (John 9:4-5)

But God-designed days are for deeper, higher living. He’s brought us from spiritual darkness into light that is heavenly inspiration and power flowing from His word. Tasks and activities come and go, but the Lord is concerned with who we are and what is our gait along the way. (Psalm 119:105)

Are we present enough to acknowledge our calling within the world and to recognize by whom and what we set our tempo? Where have we grown spiritually sleepy and slothful? How willing are we to put off deeds of darkness and words that diminish and indulgences of the flesh, and put on the good and right and true of Christ? How steadfast are we in exemplifying Him in our choice of career, and friendships, and conversations? What attitude or habit specifically needs to be renounced in order for us to please the Lord? Imagine the blessings that will flow within and without when we walk in full light.

Lord, keep me in step with You, reflecting Your graces.

“When Israel was a child, I loved him,
    and out of Egypt I called my son.
The more they were called,
    the more they went away;
they kept sacrificing to the Baals
    and burning offerings to idols.

Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk;
    I took them up by their arms,
    but they did not know that I healed them.
I led them with cords of kindness,
    with the bands of love,
and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws,
    and I bent down to them and fed them...

My people are bent on turning away from me,
    and though they call out to the Most High,
    he shall not raise them up at all.

How can I give you up, O Ephraim?
    How can I hand you over, O Israel?
How can I make you like Admah?
    How can I treat you like Zeboiim?
My heart recoils within me;
    my compassion grows warm and tender.
I will not execute my burning anger;
    I will not again destroy Ephraim;
for I am God and not a man,
    the Holy One in your midst,
    and I will not come in wrath…
I will return them to their homes, declares the Lord.” Hosea 11:1-4,7-9,11c

Could there be a more tender expression of God’s affection for His beloved Israel? This poetic prophesy that follows the real-life example of Hosea pursuing an unworthy, adulterous wife depicts a most merciful, benevolent Savior. He called them, set on Israel His affection when they were enemies of His voice, strangers to His ways, idolaters, thankless, and stubborn. When His holy hands rightfully could have pushed them away in rejection, they gently steadied Israel to walk, drew with cords of kindness, longed to heal, and feed, and satisfy. When in righteous anger He could have destroyed, He mercifully enveloped, and pledged to restore. No man would do this. Only God, who is other, and full of compassion, and perfect. (Hosea 1:2-2:1; 3:1-5)

This same God is still in our midst today, loving sinners. His heart still recoils at wickedness, yet remains afire with grace. His promises are still sure and can be trusted, as can His loving character. Where do we stand as His bride? (Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:1-5)

Have we been unfaithful to our word by claiming allegiance to Christ, yet flirt with other lovers- idols of this world and alien affections? What false sacrifices do we make that get us nowhere but deceived, frustrated, and unfulfilled? In what situations of stress, vengeance, coveting, or anger do we resist His call to Himself? When will we fully surrender to the Lord’s overwhelming love?

“O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
vast, unmeasured, boundless, free,
rolling as a mighty ocean
in its fullness over me.
Underneath me, all around me,
is the current of Thy love;
leading onward, leading homeward
to Thy glorious rest above.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
love of every love the best;
’tis an ocean vast of blessing,
’tis a haven sweet of rest.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
’tis heav’n of heav’ns to me;
and it lifts me up to glory,
for it lifts me up to Thee.” ~S. Trevor Francis (1834-1925)

Father, help me rest in Your lavish love to remain a grateful, faithful bride.

“You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,’
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
    they would outnumber the grains of sand—
    when I awake, I am still with you.” Psalm 139:1-18

The shepherd king and warrior was who he was because of his relationship with his Lord. Primary in the barrage of all David’s knowing – about politics and warfare and jealousy, temptation and failure and leadership- was his knowledge that he was known. Indeed, it was too wonderful for him, and precious.

In this life here below, knowledge comes at us from every side. There is generous and vying repast for every topic, occasion, and curiosity, all ours for the discovering, selecting, and taking. While discernment is important as we detect and come to conclusions about things, there is a supreme knowledge that God intends we prioritize, that of knowing Him and His knowing us. He who foreknew us since before creation knows us perfectly still. (Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1:4)

That God knows the way we take should give comfort and assurance in difficulty. He not only supplies strength and refines in the journey, but brings to glorious end. He knows the depth of every heart pang, and translates them before the Father’s throne. He knows our secret sins, and brings them to light for cleansing. He knows what we need before we ask, yet invites our trust in asking. He knows us, and loves us immeasurably. (Job 23:10; Psalm 19:12; 139:23-24; Matthew 6:8; Romans 8:26-27; 1 Peter 5:10)

How does this knowledge fortify our faith and compel us to trust? How does it humble us and clarify our hope? What deeper love will we express in response?

Lord, help me know You and rejoice in Your omniscience full well, to Your praise.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,  in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.  For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.  For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

“You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you… If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:1-9,11

Accordingly: In a way that is appropriate to particular circumstances; in accordance; correspondingly. So; consequently. Agreeably; suitably; in a manner conformable.

What is true determines all that follows. For a Christian who has passed from death to life, from slavery to freedom, from condemnation to forgiveness, there is much that accordingly should follow. He is to live in such a way that no longer indulges the flesh but honors Christ. No longer tethered to sin’s oppression and allure, he is free to live according to the Spirit, to serve and obey Him rather than self. The challenge is the daily will and decision to do so.

As believers saved and kept by Christ, our lives should be characterized by the Spirit rather than the flesh. By God’s supernatural work, our shame has been replaced with righteousness and belonging, and our weakness has been transformed with resurrection power. We no longer think or behave as unbelievers with doubt and confusion, but with renewed minds conform mindset and actions to the Spirit’s sway. (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:17-32)

What about our status as those saved by Christ? Do we grasp the practical realities of the spiritual work of our Savior? Do we seek to understand the ramifications of our position in Christ, and exercise their outworking? (2 Corinthians 5:17,21)

How does it bear out in our living? What does our salvation mean in daily choices and interactions? How do our decisions reflect that we have our minds set on the Spirit? How do we portray in demeanor, attitudes, and words our freedom from condemnation? Are we self-deprecating and critical, or quick to express gratitude and extend grace? Are we grouchy and vengeful, or eager to share, love, and praise?

Lord, in gratitude for and the power of all You have done, may I live zealously and confidently according to my status in Your grace, to the praise of Your goodness and glory.

“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

“He will render to each one according to his works…

“For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.” Romans 2:1-6,13

Pride and lip service harden many a heart. From knowing the plain truth of God and refusing it for love of self and sin, to indulgence in all manner of dishonor, man has distanced himself from the sweet communion God intends. Still, His mercy comes, beckoning response. Presuming upon repeated forgiveness without genuine repentance makes for precarious standing before the Almighty. (Romans 1:18-21,24,28; 2:7-11)

As sinners saved by grace, we can be tempted to assume the Lord makes light of our ‘occasional faltering.’ Surely as sin rages, grace abounds, but never with the intention of carelessness before the holy Judge. Are we to go on sinning that grace may abound? May it never be! He disdains cocky smugness. (Romans 5:20-6:2; 11:20-22)

Presuming upon God’s rich kindness and forbearance to indulge sloth and carelessness is shortsighted and wrong. It sets self as all-important and sin as unimportant and ignores the supremacy of Christ. He is sovereign, we are not, and we must guard against inverted man-centered thinking. Taking hold of His patient and daily mercies to renounce sin and renew devotion honors His benevolence. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

What if we beheld and received His mercy for the spiritual wealth it bestows? What if we allowed its grace and reordering to seep deep into conscience and will to purify our affections and wandering? What benefit to our outlook and determination could be manifest if we surrendered arrogance and indulgences? From a realistic perspective of self and a high view of God, will we invest His kindness in these actions? (Romans 6:12-14)

“Come, thou Fount of every blessing;
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above;
praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
mount of God’s unchanging love!

O to grace how great a debtor
daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace now, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
seal it for thy courts above.” ~Robert Robinson (1758)

Lord, may I presume upon Your mercies only to inspire wholehearted devotion and worship, and may I honor You with every benefit You bestow.