September 1

Stories of the legendry white jaguar are prevalent among the indigenous tribes of the Amazon. Extraordinarily rare, jaguars with a condition known as leucism lose pigmentation creating their white appearance. The appearance of this creature is believed by the native tribes to be a supernatural sign. This creature is understood to be the guardian of the rainforest and the indigenous people that live here that is revealed to restore the harmony of the natural world. Jeremiah spoke of the rarity of a sinner changing his ways as being as impossible as such a leopard changing its spots. Conversion of the heart is indicated by the scriptures as being a miraculous sign of the regeneration of the Holy Spirit within them. Iniquity is not merely a façade of paint and makeup covering up the righteous soul. Sin is inextricably connected to the inner being and saturated into the nature of the unregenerate. The hearts of men are accustomed to evil and crave after darkness and abhor the light of exposure to the truth. The people of Israel had fallen into desolation and were exposed to the reality of their own filthiness, yet they still refused to come the fountain of life to be made clean. When a lost world begins experiencing the full weight of degradation and destruction the Lord speaks these words clearly to every heart, “Will you still not be made clean?” (Jeremiah 13:27) The fallen condition of men though inalterable by any works of men is redeemable by the power of God. This question is impregnated with hope. The Lord has a plan to cleanse and redeem His people from their sin and to regenerate the heart of mankind. Though a leopard may not be able to change its spots, the Lord can transform the nature of the heart from one dominated by sin to one that is compelled by love towards righteousness. The deceived nations may still come to the knowledge of the truth, those who have forgotten the Lord may still return. By the miraculous intervention of the Holy Spirit such a radical transformation is made possible. Conversion required the crushing of the cross, for us sinners must come to the understanding of the grievousness of our iniquity and fully acknowledge the suffering of Christ on our behalf to be redeemed. Personal transgressions required a personal Savior suffering in our place. Salvation comes by Christ’s miraculous revelation of Himself through the gospel which has transformed our nature to be aligned with His will.

Daily Prayer

Transformer of my depraved heart,
my nature has been corrupted beyond any natural means of reformation. The spiritual life you have birthed in me is no less miraculous than Lazarus’ corpse walking out of the grave by the word of your power. Cleanse and redeem me from my state of fallenness that I may walk
with you in alignment with your revealed will. Change in me all that remains of the old man into the new nature of Christ which you are forming in me.

Known as the Earth’s green lungs the Amazon rainforest is the most biological diverse region on earth. Ten percent of all known plant species on earth are found in this region. These plants are some of the most beautiful examples of God’s creative beauty in the world while also providing powerful healing properties. Nearly twenty-five percent of all pharmaceuticals produced today are sourced from plants the majority of which originate in the Amazon rainforest. One of these medicinal plants that has been used by indigenous people for centuries that is outstanding for its beauty is the passionflower. Spanish missionaries called the flower, “Las Flor de las Cinco Llagas” meaning, “The Flower With the Five Wounds.” The three stigmas at the top of the flower representing the three nails of the cross, the corona filaments his crown of thorns, and the five anthers representing his five wounds including the spear that was driven through his side. The Passion of Jesus Christ represented in His willingness to suffer and die in our place is the pinnacle of the expression of the beauty of God’s character. The redemption and the forgiveness that has come to us through His passionate love has unveiled to us the multifaceted demonstration of God’s goodness and glory that can never be exhausted in our appreciation. As we explore the majestic mysteries of creation, we are reminded of the goodness of our God that has made all of these things and our hearts are evoked to worship and sing, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!" (Isaiah 6:3) The Holy Spirit has shone this glory in our hearts through the illumination of the suffering of Christ on the cross. We now perceive the holiness and goodness of our God that was once shrouded from our understanding in darkness. As we observe the intricate wonders of God’s creation this month let us also perceive with greater clarity the glory of Christ in His suffering. Unmatched is the splendor revealed to us in Christ’s work of redemption through the cross. May God open our eyes to perceive His worthiness of our love and devotion by the power of the blood He shed for our salvation and the washing regeneration of the Holy Spirit’s work within us.

Daily Prayer

Passionate lover of my soul,
heinous sins which I have committed have rightfully deserved the curse of sin and death which has inflicted my race. The severity of the curse of sin is revealed by the wrath
of God that you bore for me in full at the cross. The enormity of my guilt you have met with the immensity of your compassion. Maladies of sin which have dominated my life are only disposed by the power of your blood shed upon the cross for my salvation. Evoke every affection of my soul to worship you in the beauty of your holiness in response to the passion that drove you to suffer such painful humiliation in my place.

August 31

Tupac Amaru the final Inca king was taken captive and was sentenced to death at Cusco Peru. He was charged with inciting rebellion against the king of Spain and for the murder of a Spanish missionary. He was executed by beheading publicly to discourage any future rebellions. His final words were reported as, “witness how my enemies shed my blood.”1 Instead of becoming an example of shame his death was memorialized and he became a martyr for the people in their battle against injustice. The cry of the martyrs will reach a deafening pitch in the ears of the Lord at the end of this age. David cried out many times as he waited for vindication praying, “How long oh Lord?” (Psalm 13:1) Peter has given us this answer to comfort our dismay, “the Lord is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Earnest cries for justice are tempered by the appeal of His love and mercy. Consolation is provided for us in the promise that the day of wrath will come in perfect timing and in perfect measure. Jesus encouraged us that when we are hated by all for His name's sake to wait on Him, “By your patience possess your souls.” (Luke 21:19) Our soul’s wait for Him, more than the watchmen for the morning. (Psalm 130:5-6) We desire to haste the day of vindication, but we must consider that those who are our enemies may still be saved. Righteousness pleads for judgment to come, yet we can’t forget that mercy has triumphed over judgment. Souls waiting for justice in heaven receive this response, “it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.” (Revelation 6:11) We are messengers of mercy called to be intercessors for a guilty world who seek after their redemption and salvation not their destruction. Christ pleaded for mercy for those who mocked and abused Him asking His Father to forgive them. His office was that of an advocate and an intercessor. Are we not called to the same ministry? We are called to be messengers of reconciliation, not to administer wrath and punishment. A time is coming when Christ will tread the winepress of the fierceness of God’s wrath and execute perfect justice. (Revelation 19:15) Until that day we are called to live as Christ lived by remaining in a posture of intercession on behalf of a rebellious world and to seek after their salvation even if it leads to our own death.

Daily Prayer

Retributor of equitable justice,
my soul desires to haste the day of your vengeance yet your Spirit calls me to patient longsuffering. My heart is crying out for vindication while your love is pleading for me to forgive and pursue reconciliation. Sanctify my heart as I wait upon you to rectify this
present broken world and bring resolution to my soul’s injuries. Remind my heart of your mercy that has triumphed over judgment.

August 30

The murder of Manco Inca Yupanqui ushered in the final days of the Inca empire. Tupac Amaru later took up the mantle of leadership for this final chapter of the Inca dynasty. He led the Inca resistance in their last vestige of control at the city of Vilcabamba. Spanish forces launched the siege against the city and were able to capture Tupac. The Spanish brought him back to the capital city of Cusco as their prisoner for trial. At his execution it is written that he raised his hands to silent the crowds and it was written that with his gesture he, “silenced the crowd... as if no soul was born in that entire city.”1 Though he faced insurmountable odds, Tupac led his people in dignified defiance. In the end we all must face the reality of our own mortality honestly. It is far more foolish to compromise our convictions in order to placate our enemies and live a few more years than to lay down our lives standing for what is right. Temptations to compromise to the enemy will come in many forms, yet there will come a time when we must choose whom we will serve. If our convictions hold enough weight of glory, we will gladly lay down our lives for them. Remember it is the cowardly and unbelieving who are first listed as having their place in eternity ascribed in a lake of fire and shame. (Revelation 21:8) Cowards that back down to the pressing influences of iniquity reveal they truly don’t believe the glorious truths that Christ has conveyed to us. Faithful is the man named in the John Bunyan’s book The Pilgrim’s Progress who passed through Vanity Fair unwilling to participate in the revelries of sinful compromise and was put to trial. He was tortured and died for his beliefs. Christ’s followers will all be tested against temptations to compromise. Those who have shown the resolve of the faithful will be approved. Faithful was said to have immediately been taken up on angel’s wings to the Celestial City and received great honor and eternal joy. The first martyr of the Church Stephen is our example who in the end raised his eyes and saw the glory of the Lord as he was stoned to death for defending the truth of the gospel. Surrounded by enemies we must choose between compromise or crucifixion, eternal regret or eternal glory. Choose this day whom you will serve, for the illusion of the neutral ground is quickly disappearing. Those who love the Lord will courageously stand for the truth and will lay down their lives for it revealing their fitness to wear the promised crown of eternal life.

Daily Prayer

Faithful defender of the truth,
you chose dignified defiance in death over a compromised life. You alone have faced the onslaught of temptation without sinning. Form in me a courageous heart that is willing to lay down my life for the weight of glory you have promised to those who love you. Save me from the tempting offers of comfort that compromise offers me. My comfort and assurance is found in knowing you and living a life that faithfully testifies to your truth.

August 29

The Inca King Manco Inca Yupanqui succeeded in establishing a stronghold for the Inca against the Spanish invaders. He was able to repel several expeditions and attacks that the Spanish had sent against him until a group of renegade Spanish soldiers were offered mercy by the Inca King. Manco graciously took them under the protection within the city of Vilcabamba. These Spaniards after receiving such great mercy eventually conspired against the King and stabbed him to death. The Inca captured all of these betrayers and mercilessly put them to death in gruesome forms of execution. Fleeing from the abusive tyranny of sin we have found a new life under a new jurisdiction. This land is under the dominion of Him who embodies grace and truth who rules with total authority while offering us true liberty from sin. He will rid His people’s sins driving them out of us with the same zeal that He drove the money changers out of the temple. It is this same King who offered the adulterous woman these words, “neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.” (John 8:11) Christ is a righteous and gracious King. Under His dominion true freedom is experienced for this is a liberty that ceases to act independently from the divine design and perfectly aligns with the purpose of our existence. Christ promised us that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Becoming submissive citizens, we offer ourselves over to the most benevolent and worthy form of governance and become a part of the most free and just citizenry. Democracy is completely un-necessary in His Kingdom, for the collective hearts of men could never replace the perfect righteous judgments and ordinances of God Himself. Having partaken of the abundance of peace and joy under His reign and having tasted the sweetness of the fellowship of those who have entered under the dominion of His grace, will we now reject His Lordship stabbing the One in the back who is the source of all these blessings we have enjoyed? Though the carnal nature abhors the yoke of righteousness, the Spiritual nature embraces it as the only passport to true freedom. Christ alone is worthy of such universal dominion, and we joyfully accept the low position of His bondservants. Abiding as willing slaves of righteousness, He has offered us the greater grace of calling us His own sons and daughters. Prodigals return expecting the lowest form of servanthood, yet they are greeted with honor and are clothed in robes of sonship. Estranged foreigners expecting second class citizenship find the blessed grace of royal favor. Flee the oppression of the sinful betrayers and embrace your new life under Christ’s dominion of grace and truth.

Daily Prayer

Merciful and gracious King,
under the dominion of your grace I have found true peace and joy. The sinful nature within me continues to wage a conspiracy of betrayal against your righteousness and goodness. Subdue my desires for sin and cause my heart to fully surrender to your Lordship over all the dominions of my life. Form in me the humility of Peter who found reconciliation with you even after he fell into the temptations of betrayal.

August 28

The Great Inca Rebellion was led by Manco Inca Yupanqui against the Spanish at the city of Cusco, who later established the city of Vilcabamba deep in the Andean mountains concealed in the jungle. This city became the new capital of the Inca resistance. For thirty-five years the Inca were able to successfully maintain a Neo-Inca State reigning from this city. Due to its remote location and rugged terrain the Spanish struggled to conquer this last bastion of Inca independence. Its location was so remote that for centuries its location was unknown which earned Vilcabamba the title of the lost city. The story of the resilience of this city against their stronger invaders has become an enduring symbol of strength that has inspired generations of Andean people. The scripture clearly exalts to us this value of leaving a legacy of faithfulness to those who come behind us. God’s people are building this legacy through their life of faith in Christ. We must resist the temptation to be lulled into capitulation by the modern culture’s doctrines of cowardice. Joy fills the heart of those who know that their life will leave a legacy that will be a testimony of truth of the gospel to future generations. A greater blessing will be received in a gospel believing heart by seeing their children prospering than experiencing that prosperity in their own lives. Indeed, God has ordained it to be so that the sacrificial life of parenthood expresses the closest thing to divine privilege in this life, for God has called Himself our Father and us His children. Paul the Apostle, being celibate himself, called those believers he discipled his spiritual children. (1 Corinthians 4:14-15) Mature believers in Christ will never be childless. Like healthy trees they will always reproduce through the fruit of their life. God’s directive to us is that we become deeply concerned with cultivating and nurturing the faith of the young. Peter once restored by Christ was challenged that if He loved Christ that He would become thoroughly committed in the husbandry of Christ’s flock. Engage your attention in the sculpting of the pillars of your progeny by enriching the lives of those whom Christ has called you to develop into faithful disciples. Your heart will be truly gratified by knowing the good fruit that will be produced by these cultivated vines for generations to come.

Daily Prayer

Conserver of my spiritual heritage,
testimonies of your grace have been faithfully preserved from previous generations. The lives of your redeemed people have established firm foundations for us to build upon. Your paternal care has inspired me to follow you and become more like you. Establish my life as a clear testimony of your grace and truth for those who will come after me. Focus my life upon the spiritual work of investing in the formation of faith in future generations for your glory.

August 27

Manco Inca Yupanqui was established by the Spanish as a puppet ruler over the Inca empire, but he soon began to realize that the Spanish would not allow any Inca sovereignty of their territory. He decided to organize what came to be known as the Great Inca Rebellion. He led thousands of Inca warriors in a ten-month siege against the Spanish held city of Cusco. Yupanqui eventually retreated deep into the mountains and dense jungle to continue their resistance. Yupanqui was moved by the injustice he faced, and it forced him to take dramatic action. Dispensation of justice is often relegated in our mind to the future. By offering deference to the final judgment of God we can skirt our own obligations to righting the wrongs that we have the power to address here and now. The word of God pleads with us to rectify the brokenness we are experiencing now this very morning. Be utterly resolved to challenge the injustice that is being presented to your conscience quickly. Your tarrying may not only lead to the injustice worsening and others being injured, but may bring more severe consequences upon yourself from the divine hand. Is it possible that we ourselves are blind to the cries of the oppressed in our midst? We must not abdicate responsibility as the first man and woman established as an example of pointing to others while hiding under their own fig leaves of excuses. These fig leaves are a symbol of our guilt of erecting insurmountable walls in our hearts separating us from the Eden of true repentance and reconciliation with God. The Holy Spirit leads us to true and honest confession of our indifference and inaction. The Spirit of God destroys these walls and empowers us to intercede for the oppressed. With the boldness of a lion men of courage have often successfully pushed back the tides of injustice in this world. Obedience to the divine command may lead us into conflict and times of obscurity, but such is the necessary outworking of surrendering to the Spirit’s working in the lives of those who are called to wage warfare against the injustices of the world. In our midst unborn innocents are being slaughtered, refugees are taken advantage of, inequities abound. Christ’s people are called to stand up against the forces of oppression. Let us be sensitive to the Spirit as He works to tear down the walls of apathy in our hearts.

Daily Prayer

Instigator of my pursuit of justice,
brokenness so abounds around me that I’m prone to become jaded with a toxic form of hopeless fatalism. Teach me the difference between the acceptance of your will and
a cowardice that chains me with complacency. Inspire my courage to believe that justice can flow like a river through my life. Call me out of my grave of indifference to wage warfare against the spiritual oppressors of my age.

August 26

Sinakara valley in Peru is a place of yearly pilgrimage because of its link with the legend of the Snow Star. The story is told of how a shepherd boy here named Mariano Mayta met a shining white boy here that gave him special blessings whose name was Qoyllur Rit’i meaning Snow Star. The authorities became aware of this relationship and when they went to investigate this young boy, he vanished leaving the image of Christ upon a rock. Mariano Mayta was so heart broken by the loss of his friend the legend says he fell down and died. The people here believe this was an appearance of Christ and come to this place yearly to worship. The scripture speaks to us of our relationship with God based upon the sacrifice of Christ, “walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." (Ephesians 5:2) God created us to take pleasure in His love and enjoy Him even in the most difficult seasons of life. If we begin to seek after the gifts of God rather than pursuing the spiritual pleasure that is only found in God Himself we will be utterly disappointed. Carnal pleasures are superseded by spiritual pleasure when we symbolically pick up our cross of self-sacrifice and follow Jesus in obedience. Observing the light of Christ’s glory has caused us to believe that we will receive greater joy in our fellowship with Him even through pain than in the false comfort of material blessings. Self-denial can never be ultimate, for we only deny ourselves certain things in order to gain what is better and more desirable. Epicureanism philosophy teaches that we should avoid pain for our deepest fulfillment, Christ has shown us the most valuable treasure is found in being willing to suffer in order to obtain and that which is supremely worthy. Worldly indulgence is entirely inadequate because our heart was made to find exceeding pleasure in God Himself who has promised us pleasures forevermore at His right hand. Through sacrificial suffering our purest love and devotion for the Lord is displayed as a light to the world of the truth of Christ’s worthiness. Hearts that endure in love for their Savior have experienced the true value of the excellence of the knowledge of Christ.

Daily Prayer

Devoted friend of the recluse,
your light has appeared to all men teaching us to deny our ungodly lusts in pursuit of a deeper more satisfying relationship with You. To depart from your presence is to strip my heart of its
joy and to hollow out my life of its meaning. You are the supreme desire which sustains my obedience through all of the mountains of pain and discouragement I must climb. Convince my heart to never exchange the infinite value of your friendship for any temporal pleasure.

August 25

Ukukus is the native word used for the men who wear bear-like costumes during the yearly pilgrimage to the Auzangate mountain in Peru. These men are tasked with climbing to the top of the mountain and retrieving sacred ice from the glacier at the summit that is believed to have special healing properties. The water from the ice is used in many rituals. The people sprinkle it over their crops to bring divine blessing on their agricultural fertility. The ice in the mountains holds this spiritual significance to these people, but it also is vital for the thriving of the ecology of the Andes. During the dry seasons these regions receive little rain. The melted runoff from these mountains supplies the rivers which nourish the people throughout the seasons of drought. If these glaciers did not exist, the essential streams of life would cease flowing. In the past few decades some of these ancient glaciers have reduced significantly in size and some have disappeared completely. Glaciers that had been taken for granted are now being understood as vital for the life of millions of people that are threatened by their disappearance. Ancient ancestors in this region recognized how sacred and important these glaciers were to their sustenance and offered reverence for this gift. Christ has gone before us as our representative to ascend to heights that we could never have ascended in our own strength to procure for us a healing substance for our souls. The substance of our healing is found in the gospel that He has given us that nourishes and strengthens us throughout the seasons of drought and despair. This glacier of provision is quickly receding in the West due to the climate change of secularism. It should be no surprise when the life-giving glacier of the gospel is no longer present in the hearts of the people that the streams of God’s gracious provision and blessing is cut off. Thank God that He has sent for us an advocate in Jesus Christ to supply us with the ever-flowing resource of living water to our souls through the driest seasons of our lives. “whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life”. (John 4:14) The breath of God’s Spirit has breathed upon His people restoring the solid glaciers of His truth in our hearts that continually supplies us with nourishment for our souls. Christ calls us to come to Him to be refreshed, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.” (John 7:38)

Daily Prayer

Nourisher of my arid soul,
in drought you have been the ever-flowing stream of my sustenance. You have procured for me the most precious substance of blessing in the gospel. My thirsty soul can only be quenched by this assuring stream of Your enduring love and mercy. Breathe the refreshing breeze of your Holy Spirit upon my parched heart. Revitalize my hope in your ability to ascend above my sin
to restore the streams of your blessedness to my life.

August 24

Ayni is the concept of reciprocity taught by the Incas. It reflects their belief in the giving and receiving of gifts not only between people, but in their spirituality as well. By bringing their offerings to the deities of the mountains they are taught that the spirits will reciprocate their gifts with their blessings and protection. Pilgrims come to trek the circuit around the Seven Lakes of Auzangate as an act of Ayni offering coco leaves in the lakes to beseech the spirits for their help. Christ’s people have been taught that God loves a cheerful giver who joyfully gives of their resources with a heart free from the desire of reciprocity. Our gifts should not come from obligatory compulsion or the desire for being repaid, “when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:13-14) From the overflowing abundance of love that we have received from the Lord we are called to give without thought of what we will receive in return in this life, “Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) In Christ we have experienced the gift of His undeserved generosity as an example. We will receive something far greater than earthly reciprocity by our gifts, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.” (Luke 6:38) Observe Him who was anointed with the oil of gladness more than any of His companions, who had nothing in this world yet gave everything He had to bless us. In pursuit of happiness, we accumulate possessions and leverage our positions, but all our riches are corrupted, moth eaten, and powerless to offer us the abundant life of joy that Christ offers us. The miracle of God’s love that gave His only begotten Son invades the heart of His people depositing joy that was un-obtainable by any earthly possession. There is inexplicable joy in surrendering to God’s work of grace and allowing Him to use us to extend His love and provision to others. Disobeying the Spirit’s drawing us toward charitable giving restrains us from enjoying the fullness of the blessed life. Out of their depth of poverty the believers in Macedonia found a resource in Christ’s love that was greater than their lacking. From this dependence and trust in Christ there is an inexhaustible wellspring of joy that inspires all our acts of charity.

Daily Prayer

Unconditional giver of good gifts,
my offerings are all in response to your freely offered new and abundant life I’ve received in Christ. Hoarding selfishly pollutes my soul with discontentment. You gave me the ultimate gift in sending me your Son. Show me the divine unrestrained joy of charity which is the essence of the fountain of my salvation. Deliver me from my impoverished lacking that I may know the gladness of being a cheerful giver that you love.

August 23

Apachitas are stone piles constructed at high elevations in the Andean mountains as offerings to the spirits of the mountains. By adding a stone to these piles the people that travel these mountains seek after a blessing and are honoring those who have come before them by continuing on the path that was blazed by their ancestors. Old traditional cultural landmarks form the skeleton upon which society is held together. If you break the backbones which support society you will cripple the rest of the body. Solid moral objective truth cannot be removed without severe consequences. Historically embraced values that have lasted the test of time should not be so quickly cast off as if they are merely antiquated shackles of the past. Ancient boundaries were set for good reasons, to arrogantly assume that we can suddenly ignore them is foolish beyond reason. What assurances do you have that once you have overthrown the systems you feel are oppressive that you will not unleash something far worse upon yourself and your people? Communist revolutions have preyed upon the foolish desires of ignorant men desiring change, but we have history to show the catastrophic destruction it has brought to all nations that have embraced this deception. Overthrowing the aristocracy and monarchy did not lead Russia and France into a utopian paradise, but into the darkness of far worse merciless oppression. Have the ancient boundaries of Biblical morality seemed a burden to you? Do you find Christ to be a harsh and unagreeable monarch unworthy of your devotion? Whatever false god or worldly philosophy promises you liberty know with the certainty of history that it is a deception crafted with the purpose to steal your freedom and destroy you. The ancient boundaries of Biblical tradition have proven to protect God’s people from these deceptive forces of destruction. Christ promises you true freedom, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36) Jacob served Laban faithfully for many years even when he felt ill-treated. He honored the traditions and in time was blessed with two wives and a family that became a nation of God’s chosen people. Great blessings are to be gained by respecting the ancient traditions, and by faithfully honoring the landmarks God has established for us. Do not be deceived to follow what claims to be progressive but is only leading to the degradation of society. God’s ways are time honored and proven to produce thriving for His people. Do not assume naively that the novel way is better than the customary one. You may avoid wandering in treacherous paths if you will but observe and respect the ancient landmarks that have been established for you.

Daily Prayer

Establisher of the guideposts of my life,
you have designed the infrastructure that yields flourishing for your people.
Ancient landmarks are clearly established to keep me on the path of righteousness. Grant me the perseverance of Jacob who respected the traditions of his fathers and eventually became Israel. Help me see the value in what is customary and not be deceived to follow novel paths that lead away from you.

August 22

Rainbow Mountain known in the local language as Vinicunca, is a popular destination in the Andean mountains in Southern Peru. The Inca believed that the rainbow was a sign of fertility and blessing from the mountain deities. The rainbow checkered flag has become an important symbol of the indigenous people of the region called the Wiphala. This symbol has become a unifying sign of resistance against colonialism as the emblem of remembering and defending indigenous rights and culture. God spoke to Noah concerning this sign of the rainbow, “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I set My rainbow in the cloud.” (Genesis 9:12) We can marvel at the beauty associated with this meteorological event, but through spiritual eyes this sign was given to cause us to remember the Lord’s mercy. No longer will the floods drown the world in perdition. Jesus spoke of His mission coming into the world in these terms, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17) The light of the glory of God has been revealed through the person of Jesus Christ, and in His face, we have perceived the multifaceted splendor of His graciousness. He is the ultimate sign of God’s mercy that is to be forever remembered. Christ is the most precious object of our fascinations, the sweetest theme of our meditation. In resistance to the cultural and political perversions of this world we look to Christ who came to save the world not merely from political and social injustice, but from estrangement and separation from God. The sign of the cross and resurrection of Christ is the final and perfect reflection of God’s kindness and reveals His desire for our reconciliation with Himself, “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared…according to His mercy He saved us.” (Titus 3:5) Look to the past signs that God has revealed through history as enduring testimonies of truth that will inspire your continual struggle against the lies of spiritual oppression. Ask for the Holy Spirit to enlighten your eyes to see the transcendent love and glory of Christ as your only true connection to the divine life.

Daily Prayer

Testifier of enduring mercies,
your glory and goodness is revealed throughout your creation. Open my eyes to see the beauty of your character revealed in every blessing you have poured out in my life. Your love displayed on the cross is the transcendent sign of Your mercy towards us that has inspired my resistance to all forms of culturally perverted degradation. When I’m tempted with hopeless despair bring to my remembrance this most precious sign of your benevolence.

August 21

The Qoyllur Rit’i Festival, meaning the Snow Star, is one of the most significant events in the Andean mountains. People from many regions have gathered at the base of the highest mountain in Southern Peru known as Nevado Auzangate to worship since pre-Columbian times. Jesus once met a woman in Samaria who asked Him this question, “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship." (John 4:20) Christ responded by exalting the spiritual realities over any geographical or topographical location, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father…God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:21-24) The Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost in the form of tongues of fire expressing the language of all the nations. This was a prophetic beginning of the promise that will have its ultimate fulfillment when all tribes, tongues and nations are represented praising God before His throne. Out of Jerusalem the Messiah sent His ambassadors empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring His word to all the nations. Christ has raised the banner of the cross high to signal to all men to come, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” (John 12:32) God’s presence that once was manifested in a physical temple was perfectly abiding in Emmanuel. The notion of God’s limited localization was dispelled when Solomon built the temple when he said, “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!” (1 Kings 8:27) Christ is the embodiment of what the temple only signified. Jesus is drawing all men to Himself to worship God through Him and to learn His ways. His love displayed at Calvary extends an alluring invitation to all men to be reconciled to God, to drink of the living waters and satisfy their thirsty souls. As we come to Jesus and focus our affection on Him in worship, we are spiritually ascending the mountain of the Lord regardless of our physical location. God’s presence has always been boundless. The veils and shadows of the law have been torn apart by Christ Himself so that we now have access to engage in a continual relationship with God. As we walk through the deepest valleys of the shadows of death we may still walk with our God and worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

Daily Prayer

Dweller upon the highest peaks of glory,
your presence is limitless and your glory is boundless. Angels can not cease from singing Holy, holy, holy are you Lord God almighty. The most majestic manifestations of beauty in your creation evoke affections within my soul that are only ultimately satisfied in offering you my full heart and life in true Spirit directed worship. Draw the nations to come and worship Christ who is the most articulate expression of your glory and goodness to mankind.

August 20

Waru Waru refers to the raised beds that were built by the ancient people of the altiplano around Lake Titicaca. This is a large area at a high elevation that is a difficult place to grow crops due to its alkalinity and fluctuating climate. Raised beds with corrugated channels of water have been carved intricately across the landscape in geometric circular designs. Ancient peoples here had discovered that these raised beds surrounded by water created microclimates that allowed crops to survive the harsh climate and created a fertile environment for them to cultivate high yielding crops from what would otherwise be sterile soil. The wisdom of this technique was lost for centuries but has proven to be much more effective than other modern methods of agriculture in this region. The water channels created rich compost which revitalized the soil. They also protected the crops from flooding by diverting water from drowning the crops, and captured water to sustain the plants during drought. The blessed man has constructed a Waru Waru in his own life by his consistent devotion to the Lord. Living waters fill these channels that have been carefully and diligently dug in our lives as we meditate on the word of God. As it is said of the blessed, “his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2) The drought and the floods of tribulation are sure to come, yet the blessed have prepared the soil of their hearts to remain fertile and verdant even amidst the harshest environments. The tree that bears fruit in season is planted on these prepared raised beds close to the flowing waters of life. They have been cultivated in an organized cultivated community that has been painstakingly and purposefully designed to endure our inhospitable climate. The Church has been designed to be this place of thriving where we come to meditate on the word of God to the nourishment of our souls. Abide in the community of Christ’s people and continue in your devotion to the Lord by abiding in His word and as Christ has promised, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7)

Daily Prayer

Developer of fertile environments,
my life would be nothing but a sterile Dead Sea of alkalinity if you had not intervened with the power of your gospel. Lead me in the ancient ways of wisdom in accordance with your law and cultivate my delight in your life bringing truth. Nourish my faith as I abide near the channels of irrigation you have dug for me in the community of your redeemed people.

August 19

The ancient city of Tiwanaku was built long before the Incas. It was at this site that the Inca believed their creator god Viracocha created the first race of people from the stones. This original race of people they believed were giants, but they displeased Viracocha because of their disobedience and refusal to worship him. Viracocha destroyed them in a great flood known to the Inca as the Unu Pachakuti. He then created modern man from the stones and breathed life into them. The glory that was bestowed upon God’s creatures in their creation was originally given that they may express the glory of their God. The twenty-four elders in Revelation express the culmination and purpose of all creation, for God is finally being ascribed the proper glory due Him. These elders in the highest position of creaturely responsibility and position have modeled for all other creatures what is the proper exercise of our rights and authorities. Casting their crowns before the feet of the Lord is not a begrudging act coerced by fear but the overflowing of the heart of adoration and gratitude of the worthiness of the King of Kings. All of Christ’s redeemed people gladly lay their crowns at His feet acknowledging that all glory and honor and power belongs to Him alone forever and ever. The desire of taking glory unto themselves has been thoroughly purged from their hearts. It was a perversion of this truth that originated the war in heaven, as one exalted himself into the highest position withholding honor from the true King. It was this sin that caused the fallenness of mankind. Life in this fallen world has displayed to us the folly of the pursuit of vain glory. The beloved redeemed have a position in God’s Kingdom even higher than that of the angels, for humility has been forged in them through their suffering and death. Many of the angels left their domain and refused to honor their true King. It shall no longer be so with the beloved redeemed Church purchased by Christ’s blood. Christ’s worthiness is forever branded upon our souls, entwined so tightly with our being that it cannot be separated from us. All of heaven has observed the ultimate demonstration of Christ’s death and resurrection and sings, “You are worthy O Lord to receive glory and honor and power for you created all things and by your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:11) Our purpose is fulfilled when we give God the glory due His name. Praise breaks through our prideful silence, overflowing in our hearts the pure love, joy and gladness of adoration of our God and savior. This praise is the euphoric atmosphere of the heavenly Kingdom of Jesus Christ which instills in us a heart of persevering sacrificial worship.

Daily Prayer

Worthy King of all Kings,
shatter my reluctant pride with the euphoric praise of my redemption. Brand upon my soul the truth of your goodness which has no equal. The ultimate purpose of my creation is to glorify You. Teach me the unmatched joy of casting my crown at your feat. Sacrificial worship is the reasonable and acceptable response to the astounding grace you have extended to me in the gospel. It is now my greatest pleasure to offer up my life for your glory forever.

August 18

The Uru people have mysterious ancestry and are thought to predate the Inca in the region of Lake Titicaca. During the years of severe war, they discovered a refuge where they could preserve their way of life. Surrounding the lake are robust reeds called totora. The Uru developed an entire way of life that relies on these reeds. By constructing massive wide structures of these reeds they weave floating islands to build their houses upon. They were able to establish a way of life living off the resources of the lake which enabled them to avoid the instability of the region around them. They built boats from the reeds called balsas to navigate the lake and fish for food. The bottom of the reeds are eatable, so they became a source of nutrition for them. The Uru people exist today as a testimony of resilience having survived through all of the conquests and empire changes and wars while still preserving their ancient way of life. Jesus spoke to the crowds of a man who embodied such steadfastness, John the Baptist. He stood against the corruptions of religion and politics of his day as a voice crying in the wilderness preparing the way for the Lord. (Isaiah 40:3) He was unshaken by the intimidations of men and was killed for his defiance against the sin of Herod the puppet ruler of Rome over Judea. Concerning John, Jesus spoke these words, “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist, but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Luke 7:28) John separated himself from the corruptions of the world, and he communicated the truth of God powerfully to the people. John was not isolated in the wilderness, for the people were drawn to his authenticity and resolute preaching. God calls us to live such separate lives from the world around us while also engaging the people with the truth of the gospel. We who are the least in His Kingdom are called greater only because we have discovered a strength in salvation through Christ that empowers us to endure even greater austerity than even John endured. May our hearts be strengthened and settled upon the islands of grace that have been woven for us to dwell upon by gospel of Jesus Christ. May the weaved reeds of truth be a solid bedrock beneath our feet to grow and thrive. As Peter prayed, “may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:10-11)

Daily Prayer

Resolute defender of the truth,
you have established my life upon the unchangeable foundation of your Holy word.
This solid bedrock was weaved by your chosen people who preached your truth and suffered the consequences of persecution. Separate me from the corruptions of this present world.
Preserve the way of life you have established for me in the gospel.

August 17

Lake Titicaca is considered the highest navigable lake on earth in the heart of the Andean mountains. To the Inca this place has deep sacred significance, as they believe their god was birthed here and their original ancestors were created here. This ethereal and peaceful place is a physical representation to their people of the birthplace of mankind, harkening them back to the vision of Edenic fellowship with the divine and a time of innocence. Out of this lake their belief is the first Inca king arose, and eventually established himself as the ruler of the people establishing the city of Cusco. All subsequent rulers of the Inca empire contested their divine right to be guardians of this throne. There is another throne that we are all called to guard, a throne that is the mostly hotly contested in this world, our own hearts. Our task as the guardians of this throne is to only allow Him who has the divine right to rule it. Counterfeit rulers will soon become tyrannical dictators controlling us with fear. Christ’s rule over the heart leads to true peace, for only He who is truly the Prince of Peace can rule with a scepter of love instead of fear. God’s reign over us has brought true peace, for our unity is based on His perfect righteous governance. Beautiful harmony of hearts is produced in those who are joyfully ruled by their beloved King. Under Christ’s rule all of our greatest and most insidious enemies are conquered. The destructive empire of discontentment has finally been overflown when the rightful King has retaken the throne. Thankfulness has naturally overflowed from every heart that is ruled by this wise King. Only one King possesses this wisdom, only one is worthy of such high a place of loyalty and adoration, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17) Why would we desire to take His place on the throne of our own hearts when He alone has the power to rule it so well? The spirit of Absalom knocks on the throne room door of every descendant of Adam seeking to displace the rightful King and to exalt himself to the throne. The same spirit works in all discontented hearts saying, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God”. (Isaiah 14:13) Let Christ alone rule in your heart for He alone is worthy. Enjoy the peace and security that is the privilege of all who abide under the sovereign and gracious rule of His everlasting Kingdom.

Daily Prayer

Rightful ruler of my heart,
peaceable fruit of righteousness is only produced in the heart that
is yielded unto your ordained Lordship.
You are the promised Son of David with the divine destiny to rule
over the hearts of your redeemed people.
Sabotage every Absalom in my life that seeks to usurp your preeminence.
Replace the tyrannical trident of myself, the flesh and the Devil
with the scepter of your perfect peace.

August 15

The Inca strongly believed a prophecy from their astrology that told them they would be subjugated by foreign invaders after twelve kings. Jeremiah spoke a warning concerning receiving false prophecies of peace when God was speaking to His people of the coming destruction. Dreams and visions for the future may come to us that are in themselves the beginning of the materialization of their reality. Self-fulfilling prophecy does not necessitate that those visions were of a divine origin. There is a stark difference between those visions that come by God for His glory and those that proceed from our own hearts. Visions born of the self may appear successful for a time, but in the final account the truth of their origin will be manifested. The true nature of the vision’s origin will only be revealed in the future. Time will allow these seeds to grow, for stems to become blossoms, for blossoms to be pollinated, and fruit to begin growing. Only then will the genus be made known for what sort it is. Though the frost may bite the blossoms for a season those visions planted by the Lord will only grow stronger producing ever greater yields in the following seasons. Visions He has planted may not materialize for years. He continues to water and cultivate them until the day they finally come to fruition. Israel had been given a promise of a returning to the land, but it was not fulfilled for nearly two thousand years. Knowing His impeccable ability to fulfill His plans, we must answer the crucial question. Is the prophetic vision we have been given birthed by God or is it imagination of our own heart? Where the people of God have no vision, they will surely perish but when the vision comes from the imaginations of the heart rather than from the Lord it is equally destructive. Weigh every word against the scales of the word of God, test the spirits by the Holy Spirit. Any prophetic word spoken that originated from the Lord will come with manifested authority, crystal clear clarity and perfect fulfillment. Anything less we must reject as mere imaginations. The vague and constantly positive self-affirming prophetic visions we hear of so often today are surely sourced from the heart of man and are worthless. Resist their scratching words even if you have itching ears and receive the truth of God’s word that will surely be fulfilled.

Daily Prayer

Tester of the spirits,
protect my fickle heart from accepting any vision or message
that has not come directly from you.
I am prone to wander and yield unto my own fascinations.
Your word alone provides the solid ground of truth
for me to build my life upon.
Satisfy my soul with the sufficiency of your revealed word that
I may not be taken captive by any form of deception.

August 16

Tribulations to the believing heart should not be viewed as strange anomalies. Trials have been prescribed to us by the necessity of our soul’s condition. Peter clarifies this perspective, “if need be, you have been grieved by various trials” (1 Peter 1:6). Does the plow not make the hard soil plantable, the fires of the blacksmith soften the metal so it may be reformed? Trials that caused our hearts to be afflicted with grief have also caused a holy sobriety that would have been entirely absent from us otherwise. Resilient character is forged in the fires of such affliction, it could not have been brought about by the cool breeze of ease. God delights to bless and draw near to the humble heart and therefore is committed to humiliating the heart that is still entangled with pride. Paul said that the trials were so severe that he died daily, but that Christ’s life is made manifest in him through his suffering. Chosen vessels upon which He has chosen to pour out His grace usually experience the greatest trouble, for these have need of buffeting to remain in the blessed state of meekness. Though trouble surrounds us on every side, Christ is committed to revive our despondent hearts. His Holy Spirit quickens resilience in us by empowering us to arise out of the mire of our morose. Prayers are offered with fervent fire stoked from the bellows of our soul when the smothering swamp of calamity besieges us. The crucifixion of our Savior was necessary for His everlasting life to be made manifest in resurrection. Revival of the heart requires the mortification of all that obscures the revelation of His grace. Seasons of darkness will inevitably envelope you. You must look to your Savior with the faith of the Psalmist knowing surely He will revive you. Death itself has been defeated by Him, He has given you everlasting assurance of restoration. We are the work of His hands, and He will complete the work He has begun in us unto perfection. As the Psalm proclaims, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me” (Psalm 138:8). Take heart that He regards highly the lowly of heart, for He has shared fully in the fellowship of your humiliation. Poverty of spirit that was produced by this famine of your soul has confirmed you are a blessed recipient of the Kingdom of God. Power for this revival comes from God Himself and cannot be in anywise manipulated or wielded by our hand. Look to the God of revival alone to resuscitate your heart strangled in trouble, for He promised to be near to the broken-hearted and save all who have a contrite spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

Daily Prayer

Resuscitator of my hope,
trials that are loathsome to my soul have been necessary to
save me from the swamps of my despondency.
Calamities flood my heart with hopelessness, yet your
Spirit is still quickening me to alertness.
You promised to perfect that which concerns me through humiliations.
Maintain that poverty of spirit within me which you call blessed.
Keep me in a state of meekness without allowing me to
sink into the mires of morose.

August 14

Huayna Capac, the powerful ruler of the Inca Empire had died leaving two of his sons both claiming their right to the throne. This was the cause of the devastating civil war that ravaged the Inca Empire. Sibling rivalry is the cause of immense grief and strife in the lives of those who dwell under the curse of sin. Adam experienced the first fruits of this grievous pain when his beloved son Able was killed by his brother Cain in a jealous rage. In place of the Holy Spirit the children of Adam became filled with a spirit of competition and a desire for superiority. This became an occasion for envy to arise in Cain’s heart when Able’s offering was accepted, and his own was rejected. (Genesis 4:3-5) Contention and jealousy defiled the fellowship of the first brothers and has continued to do so through history. In this crescendo of the Psalms of ascent praise is offered for the extraordinary work of God when He causes brethren to dwell together in unity. Love and harmony between brothers are the indelible works of the Holy Spirit. Enmity with God dominates the discordant heart, it is inevitable that animosity will define its relationships with others. Joseph received the uttermost contempt because of his brother’s jealousy. How is it possible that such severe dissension in their relationship was restored? Joseph’s faith in the providence of God produced in him a love for his brothers that could not be extinguished even by their most despicable treatment of him. Though Christ was a man of sorrows acquainted with grief, despised and rejected by His brethren, He loves them still. Christ offers the world the opportunity for reconciliation with God and calls us to be ambassadors of this reconciliation. How can we be effective in this ministry of reconciliation while strife and contention are afflicting our fellowship with one another? Christ prayed for us, “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us that the world may believe that You sent Me.” (John 17:21) It is apparent in Christ’s prayer that our unity is a necessary testimony of the truth of the gospel. This oneness is the uniquely validating truth that is taught and believed among the fellowship of the redeemed. The fact that Christ prays so vehemently for this unity among His people informs us of how challenging this unity is to be maintained. Dwelling in this unity requires that we pursue peace with our brothers and are willing to humble ourselves. This is the good and pleasant way of unity that Christ has called us to pursue with our brothers and sisters.

Daily Prayer

Peacemaker between brethren,
terrorizing strife and rivalry is the result of my estranged relationship with you.
Jealousy and envy cut the cords that bind our brotherhood together.
By the power of your indwelling Spirit bring peace in my life where
dissentions and animosity dwells.
Your love has reconciled my rebellious heart to yourself.
Fulfill now in my life your prayer by bringing unity between
me and all my brothers and sisters.