As the rain and snow

“And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, ‘Do you see anything?’  And he looked up and said, ‘I see people, but they look like trees, walking.’  Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly…

“And Jesus went on with his disciples… he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they told him, ‘John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.’ He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Christ…’ 

“And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again.  And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.’

“And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'” Mark 8:22-25,27-29,31-34

Jesus worked a miracle to give the blind man sight, gradually. A taste, then full vision. He worked the same with Peter’s faith, working in this impetuous disciple a gradual and increasing recognition of who He was and why He had come. Peter was zealous from the start, but could not fully see on his own. The Lord saw who he would become over time, and kept after him to follow. (Matthew 4:18-20; John 1:41-42)

There are many lessons to be learned along the way to maturity. Jesus always performs His miracles in His way and at His pace to bring the best and planned effect. Indeed we are new creatures when we are saved by Christ, but the new then has a long way to go to glory. The miracle worked in God’s economy does not always match our impatient wants, but the gradual journey is a divinely-measured way that God uses to fulfill His every intent. (2 Corinthians 3:18; 5:17)

Where have we grown impatient waiting for the Lord to act in or dramatically change a situation? Do we get frustrated when we can’t understand the why and how of daily assignments right away? What have we gleaned from incremental learning that a hurried result or immediate answer would never have accomplished?

Is there a circumstance, an unanswered prayer, a challenge at work or in a relationship where God seems to be taking His time? What is He teaching, what aspect of my character honing, along the way? What new and clearer vision is He giving as I proceed in faith?

Lord, grant me patience and steadfastness as I learn to see You more clearly and grow to love You more.

“Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands… Then he knelt on his knees in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, ‘O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart, who have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day. Now therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father what you have promised him, saying, “You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk in my law as you have walked before me.” Now therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David.

“’But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built! Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God… that your eyes may be open day and night toward this house, the place where you have promised to set your name… And listen to the pleas of your servant and your people Israel… from heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.” 2 Chronicles 6:12,13b-21

From the start, Solomon was aware of his special anointing by God. Not the king’s firstborn, nor even the son of David’s first wife, he was chosen by God to rule Israel and carry the Redeemer’s seed of promise. He’d asked the Lord for wisdom and received much more. And now, he’d overseen the building of the temple and experienced God’s faithfulness in manifold ways. Indeed, there was no God like his. (1 Chronicles 3:1-8; 17:10-14; 22:9-10; 2 Chronicles 1:10-12)

So on this basis of the Almighty’s unique favor and blessing, His kindness, attention to detail, and ample provision, His gloriously manifested presence, His personal attention and love, Solomon could approach in utter certainty that he would be heard and answered. Because no other god so loved, led, kept, and undertook, He was the One this king would approach, serve and obey. According to who He was and all He’d done, this God could therefore be trusted to keep His word. (Habakkuk 2:18-20)

Sadly, Solomon fell away in errant affection, but even then, no other God but his would remain faithful to fulfill His promise. Only He convicts and pursues with redeeming mercy. Only He forgives and restores, and loves with everlasting love. (1 John 1:9)

Will we trust this One? Will we cast our lot in with Him, our needs, dreams, plans for the future? Will we reckon His promises as trustworthy and behave as though we do? Will we come regularly to Him in praise and prayer and pleading? There is no God like Him, none other worthy of our full devotion, submission, and obedience.

O God, may I fear You, rejoice in Your goodness, and walk in Your ways every day, exalting Your worth and glory. (2 Chronicles 6:31)

“Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.’ We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:6-14

Hearing about another’s foibles and failures can bring a bit of satisfaction to the self-righteous who compare, even some gloating over their deserved consequences. But being told that these accounts are warnings, that we might also be so foolish, is not what most want to hear. The honesty of Scripture forms a solid foundation for understanding our sin, our sad estate, and our Savior. Its beautiful story is that while Christ finished with our sin’s penalty, our own story is not finished, and can be daily helped by knowing and applying the Word. (John 19:30)

“What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet…’ So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” Romans 7:7,12

A list of warnings and prohibitions can be a ready turn-off for any normal individual. Restrictions and requirements imposed by another chafe when any authority other than self is imposed. Many eschew the Bible as old-fashioned, restrictive, and unenlightened by modern norms. But ignorance of its contents leads to misunderstanding about its relevance and redemptive intent. The holy scriptures give instructions meant for our good, to identify sin so we might recognize and not desire evil, but rather be able to escape and endure. The truth indeed sets free. (John 8:31-32)

What keeps the flesh from resisting temptation, from saying No, from wanting help? Its very flesh-ness! But when we take seriously the consequences God metes out on rebels, and grasp how God’s Spirit convicts and helps in real time, enabling us to resist, we learn to reprogram our desires. With every way out we take, faith muscles strengthen. And muscle memory is a great thing when the next temptation arises. (John 16:8; James 4:7)

How do we view Scripture’s practical warnings? How well do we even know them? What safeguards do we have, or need, in place to guide and guard our decisions? When we have fallen, would we quickly respond to God’s mercy in humble confession? (1 John 1:9)

Father, may I take Your word seriously at all times, and apply it unto righteous living that honors You.

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.  He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world…

“And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ… I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said.’

“‘I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie…’ 

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!  This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me…” For this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel…  And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” John 1:6-9,19-20,23,26-27,29-31,34

As famous as John the Baptist was for his message, lifestyle, and dress code, he wanted only to be known for the One he represented. He was a herald, a preparer. When asked who he was, his answer was all about Jesus. It was the Worthy One who was to be anticipated, and beheld. John’s words and presence were merely to reflect the Son of God he announced and honored. (Matthew 3:4)

Many cultures draw attention to individuals visually, publicizing them as heroes or villains, famous or ordinary, important or inferior. We make and post selfies to portray success and happiness and to promote a certain glossy, air-brushed image. Our identities are what people see. But in God’s universe, He’s made us to be conformed to Him. Our identity created by Him is to be hidden in Him, so we draw attention to His character and excellencies rather than ourselves. (Colossians 3:1-3)

We are to reflect His image and bear His countenance. We are to adorn ourselves not outwardly but inwardly, with mindsets shaped by His word and spirits daily filled that in every expression proclaim the truth about Him. And while this is anathema to a modern mindset, it’s a life habit God’s children must and can form. (Numbers 6:25-26; Romans 8:29-30; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:4)

How well do we know our Lord, and what are we investing to know Him better and experience Him more personally? How do we describe Him with our words and actions? What do we convey through work and service that informs others who He is and what He means to us? How are we definitively expressing the worthiness and importance of Christ to those we encounter? What can and will we do, give, or arrange that the recipient will feel ministered to by Jesus, and that they now desire to know Him better?

Concerning me, if others could only hear, who would they hear? If they could only see, who would they see? O Lord, let it be Jesus in me!

“David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul…

‘The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
    my stronghold and my refuge,
    my savior; you save me from violence.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
    and I am saved from my enemies.

‘For the waves of death encompassed me,
    the torrents of destruction assailed me;
the cords of Sheol entangled me;
    the snares of death confronted me.

‘In my distress I called upon the Lord;
    to my God I called.
From his temple he heard my voice,
    and my cry came to his ears.

‘Then the earth reeled and rocked;
    the foundations of the heavens trembled
    and quaked, because he was angry.
Smoke went up from his nostrils,
    and devouring fire from his mouth;
    glowing coals flamed forth from him.
He bowed the heavens and came down;
    thick darkness was under his feet.
He rode on a cherub and flew;
    he was seen on the wings of the wind.
He made darkness around him his canopy,
    thick clouds, a gathering of water.
Out of the brightness before him
    coals of fire flamed forth.
The Lord thundered from heaven,
    and the Most High uttered his voice.
And he sent out arrows and scattered them;
    lightning, and routed them.
Then the channels of the sea were seen;
    the foundations of the world were laid bare,
at the rebuke of the Lord,
    at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.

‘He sent from on high, he took me;
    he drew me out of many waters.
He rescued me from my strong enemy,
    from those who hated me,
    for they were too mighty for me.
They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
    but the Lord was my support.
He brought me out into a broad place;
    he rescued me, because he delighted in me.” 2 Samuel 22:1-20

David did not need to imagine opposition that encompassed, assailed, confronted, and entangled. He experienced it firsthand from the king of the land. He knew desperation. But even better, he knew his God. The greater and stronger the onslaught against him, the greater and stronger did his Savior perform.

How well do we know God compared to our enemies seen and unseen? When we trust Him implicitly and practically as our Shield and Deliverer, He floods our darkness with light, weakness with strength, despair with hope, anxiety with praise. He is greater than any opposition, stronger than any formidable foe. (2 Samuel 22:29-32,34-37,40,47,50-51; 1 John 4:4)

Is my battle fierce? God my Defender is fiercer still. Is temptation strong? God the Victor is stronger still. Do circumstances press in? God the Shield round about is closer still. Would I react to these earthly pressures reckoning these truths true? Would I lift weighty pain onto His mighty shoulders, frail attempts into His loving hands? The transfer of care is what enables us to know His superiority over all things flesh and heavenly, freeing us to praise Him. (Psalm 3:3; 55:22; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:7)

Lord, in every onslaught, keep my eyes and confidence fixed on Your ability, and my song lifting Your majesty and praise.

“Thus says the Lord God: ‘I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar and will set it out. I will break off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain height of Israel will I plant it, that it may bear branches and produce fruit and become a noble cedar. And under it will dwell every kind of bird; in the shade of its branches birds of every sort will nest. And all the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord; I bring low the high tree, and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it.’” Ezekiel 17:22-24

“The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low and he exalts.” 1 Samuel 2:7

“It is God who executes judgment,
putting down one and lifting up another.” Psalm 75:7

“He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding.” Daniel 2:21

“He has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate.” Luke 1:52

“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-30

God’s infinite, eternal sovereignty is made known in the course of history and nations, angels and men, and even in the trees. His description of the minute is swallowed in the magnificent. Just as He plants and nurtures and makes flourish trees on earth so that all will acknowledge He is Lord, so He raises up and brings low man’s estate to humble us before His unending reign. All things serve Him, the Creator and sustainer. (Psalm 119:91; Hebrews 1:2-3)

It is easy to separate what we perceive as broad and limitless from our minutiae day to day. But God handles everything both large and small for His purposes. We vaunt our importance thinking ourselves grand and influential when the Lord could lop us off or down at any moment. We value wealth and worldly position to our chagrin, while God raises the humble and weak to make them wise. Even the trees are our teachers, would we watch, and listen.

Where have I been strutting around in self-importance, and therefore diminishing others in word or attitude? What might I learn of humility, cooperation, or reverence from acknowledging my smallness in God’s universe? What facet of my ego can I set aside today to learn from the King of kings?

Lord, teach me to remain wholly at Your service, for your ends and glory.

“He determines the number of the stars;
    he gives to all of them their names.” Psalm 147:4

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth…
when the morning stars sang together
    and all the sons of God shouted for joy?..

“Have you commanded the morning since your days began,
    and caused the dawn to know its place?..

“Where is the way to the dwelling of light,
    and where is the place of darkness?..

“What is the way to the place where the light is distributed?..

“Who has cleft a channel for the torrents of rain
    and a way for the thunderbolt,
to bring rain on a land where no man is,..
 to satisfy the waste and desolate land,
    and to make the ground sprout with grass?

“Has the rain a father,
    or who has begotten the drops of dew?
From whose womb did the ice come forth,
    and who has given birth to the frost of heaven?..

“Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades
    or loose the cords of Orion?
Can you lead forth the Mazzaroth in their season,
    or can you guide the Bear with its children?
Do you know the ordinances of the heavens?
    Can you establish their rule on the earth?

“Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
    that a flood of waters may cover you?
Can you send forth lightnings, that they may go
    and say to you, ‘Here we are’?
Who has put wisdom in the inward parts
    or given understanding to the mind?
Who can number the clouds by wisdom?
    Or who can tilt the waterskins of the heavens?” Job 38:4,7,12,19,24-29,31-37

It was as though the sky would burst this morning, hours before dawn… or was it my heart? The black expanse, sprinkled with twinkly stars and bright planets, mesmerized the gazing eye. Orion stood sentry, lighting repeatedly flashed its otherworldly splendor, a shooting star trailed bold and quickly. Silent to the ear save for doleful wind chimes, a vibrant singing feast for sight, the heavens lift and fill the wondering soul. O come let us adore Him!

Who holds the majesty in my daily life? What fills my attention, affection, and devotion? What makes me burst with pride, awe, praise, anticipation? Is it what I know, and expect to keep on knowing and fearing and loving, of my Christ? Whatever captivates also dictates how I think and decide, and what I portray. (Revelation 4:1-11)

If I am to give honor to God, if I am to affirm worth in people, if I am to promote lofty truth and beauty, I must take time to contemplate the loveliness of Jesus. Behold His wondrous works in all He’s made. Look upon His loving eyes, His pierced hands, His throne at God’s right hand. What wells up in me in response?

“Fair is the sunshine, 
fairer still the moonlight, 
and all the twinkling starry host:  
Jesus shines brighter, 
Jesus shines purer 
than all the angels heaven can boast.

Fairest Lord Jesus,
ruler of all nature,
O thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish,
Thee will I honor,
thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.” ~Münster Gesangbuch (1677)

Lord, so fill me with the wonder of You that I daily burst open with joyful praise and magnify Your splendor and glory.

“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… They will glorify God because of… 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 9:6-8,10-15

“He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever;
    his horn is exalted in honor.” Psalm 112:9

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Malachi 3:10

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

Fears of rising prices, failing health, a potential dearth of resources all contribute to insular living and reluctance to contribute. Harsh actions in society can indeed coerce equal and opposite reactions in the human heart. But God’s economy stands in stark contrast to that of the flesh. Cast your bread upon the water, and it shall return to you. When we are sparing in the exercise of all that’s been entrusted to us, we miss the blessing the Lord bestows on the generous. Freely you have received; freely give. (Ecclesiastes 11:1; Matthew 10:8; Romans 12:8)

God in grace supplies what we need to bring increase. He works cheer and desire into the heart, then gives eyes to see needs and the will to follow through with generosity. Blessing others as we’ve been blessed honors Him and spreads His goodness. (Proverbs 11:25)

Have we tried giving in divine portion? Where and how are we contributing to real needs, visible or invisible, of those around us? We cannot receive heavenly bounty if our fists are closed. What changes in mindset and practice need to be made to develop a lavishly generous lifestyle?

“Give as ’twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.” ~Ira Bishop Wilson (1909)

Father, work in and out of me generosity that displays Your bounty and magnifies Your glory.

“Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;
his name is the Lord;
exult before him!..

O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God;
sing praises to the Lord,
to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens;
behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.
Ascribe power to God,
whose majesty is over Israel,
and whose power is in the skies.
Awesome is God from his sanctuary;
the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people.
Blessed be God!” Psalm 68:4,32-35

“There is none like God, O Jeshurun,
who rides through the heavens to your help,
through the skies in his majesty.” Deuteronomy 33:26

There is indeed none like God. He is unique and praiseworthy in His transcendence and immanence, His timelessness and ever presence. He rides and hovers, keenly aware and ever moving, far and near, high and low, in deserts and wildernesses, lush places and mountains, all the ancient skies. His riding the wind with mighty voice stirs a heavenly song in the watchful, adoring follower. A song of praise, a song of thanks, a song of trust.

Are we singing? How aware are we of His omnipresence, that He is near… everyone and everywhere? Can I trace His hand of mercy in my buffeting, His protection across my miles, His care over my hours, His guidance through my decisions? Where has He gone ahead to prepare details, and hemmed me in behind in support and protection? (Exodus 19:4; Deuteronomy 32:11-12; Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 139:5)

What difference does God’s riding the heavens make in pressing anxieties, unfettered emotions, situations far from home and beyond my control? Where do we go and fret in spirit when He is already there, and at work? Will we instead trust Him for all of these concerns? His compassion and power are as ubiquitous as His love and glory.

This God gives power and strength. He meets us in every conundrum, every grief, every want. He abides alongside the brokenhearted, He bears up the weak, He lifts the downcast. He is mighty to save and deliver. He rides past, present, and future skies to fulfill His eternal purposes, working all things together for His glorious good in every season, every generation. He moves to grace His own with favor and benediction. (Psalm 34:18; Joel 2:11; Romans 8:28)

Will we with new eyes look for and delight in His movement in the weather and changing seasons? His order, consistency, and power in the rhythmic tides, the rising sun, the constellations? His swift-yet-never-hurried weaving of lives and circumstances together in divine tapestry? What will we do to get more acquainted with the whisper of His voice, the prompting of His Spirit, the strength of His upholding? Truly there is none like Him!

“Praise to the Lord, above all things so wondrously reigning;
sheltering you under his wings, and so gently sustaining!
Have you not seen all that is needful has been
sent by his gracious ordaining?” ~Joachim Neander (1680)

Lord, keep me aware of every place you ride and reside, and as I walk alongside you, may I ever sing your praise.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer…

“For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-6,8b-11

His first letter to the Corinthian church was to urge unity in the body and the exercising of their gifts in love. Now Paul addresses complete dependence on Jesus as they carried out their ministry, which would always be a dynamic combination of learning and teaching. Living out a life of service would be more than didactic. Every pushback, every rejection, every bit of suffering along the way was an integral part of sanctification, for them and those they served. No experience is lost on the Lord, rather explicitly used to change us from glory to glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

It’s not just content we need to learn in our spiritual journey, but the lessons that come with faithful practice of His word. These include a deep walk with Christ and growing faith as we interact with fellow believers. As we learn more about who God is and what to obey, He enables us with the how in practical living.

Restoration from a fall into sin teaches forgiveness and love. Articulation of and even rejection of a testimony confirms the clarity of truth. Buffeting on the outside affirms renewal of the inner spirit. Anguish of body and spirit propels shared compassion and comfort. Godly grief through conviction prompts repentance. Poverty elicits generosity and ultimate thanksgiving for Christ’s sacrifice for us. All of life is purposeful in God’s economy. We work with Christ to accomplish His intentions for us and others. (2 Corinthians 2:5-9,14-16; 4:1-2,5-6,16-18; 6:1-10; 7:5-7,10-11; 8:2-5,9-10)

How richly are we learning about God and life in our day to day? Are we eager to understand reasons and apply new tools? What new insights, practical lessons, and changes of habit have we recently implemented? How are we passing on- by explaining and modeling- what we’ve learned? How zealously do we take advantage of God’s school that is our life?

Gracious Lord, help me thrive and minister in Your sufficiency, for the building up of Your church and the magnification of Your greatness and glory. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6)